April 29, 2008
Obama Seeks Distance From Rev. Wright
Washington Post: As Minister Repeats Controversial Comments, Democratic Candidate Tries To Quiet Fray
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Rev. Wright Strikes Back
Using the podium as his pulpit, Barack Obama's controversial pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright addressed his detractors and defended his stances, which could hurt Obama's campaign. Dean Reynolds reports.
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Rev. Wright Defends Himself
Barack Obama's former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright is speaking out against the criticism he's received, calling it "attack on the black church." Susan Roberts reports.
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Obama's Recurring Problem
Barack Obama is distancing himself once again from comments made by his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Political analyst Joe Trippi talks with Harry Smith about Wright's impact on the campaign.
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Aides to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, left, said Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. had rebuffed their recent offers of public relations assistance. (AP)
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Sen. Barack Obama again sought to distance himself from the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. yesterday after his former pastor capped a weekend media offensive with an appearance in Washington in which he revisited many of his most controversial comments.
"He does not speak for me," the Democratic presidential candidate said as he campaigned across North Carolina. "He does not speak for the campaign."
Obama aides said Wright had rebuffed their recent offers of public relations assistance. They stressed that they had no warning about a media blitz that included an appearance with Bill Moyers on PBS on Friday night, a nationally televised speech to the NAACP in Detroit on Sunday evening and yesterday's appearance at the National Press Club.
Wright, the former pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago who officiated at Obama's wedding and baptized his two daughters, became the center of controversy after clips from some of his most inflammatory sermons hit the airwaves earlier this year. In one sermon, delivered the Sunday after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Wright said that "America's chickens are coming home to roost" for its own acts of "terrorism." In another, he said blacks should sing "God damn America" instead of "God Bless America" to protest centuries of mistreatment.
Speaking before a sold-out gathering that was broadcast live on cable news networks yesterday, Wright told a mostly African American audience that his preaching has been misconstrued by journalists and political pundits who do not understand black religious tradition, which he said was founded amid slavery and racial intolerance and "still is invisible to the dominant culture."
"Maybe now we can begin to take steps to move the black religious tradition from the status of invisible to the status of invaluable, not just for some black people in this country but for all the people in this country."
In his prepared remarks, Wright traced the origins of the African American church in a measured tone and academic language. But during the question-and-answer session that followed, he was defiant.
Queried about his post-Sept. 11 sermon, Wright said: "Well, let me try to respond in a non-bombastic way. If you heard the whole sermon, first of all, you heard that I was quoting the ambassador from Iraq. That's number one. But, number two, to quote the Bible, 'Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatsoever you sow, that you also shall reap.' Jesus said, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' "
Wright continued: "You cannot do terrorism on other people and expect it never to come back on you. Those are biblical principles, not Jeremiah Wright bombastic, divisive principles."
Challenged about his patriotism, the former Marine exclaimed: "I served six years in the military. Does that make me patriotic? How many years did Cheney serve?"
Wright also restated the idea that HIV was invented as a weapon against minority communities, had kind words for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and railed against American imperialism.
The media attention to Wright's recent appearances has created another headache for the Obama campaign. The senator from Illinos is struggling to close out the primary season against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) after losing key races in Ohio and Pennsylvania and seeing new doubts raised about his prospects in a general election against Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the presumptive Republican nominee.
At a hastily called news conference, Obama made clear his displeasure with his former pastor. "I think, certainly, what the last three days indicate is that we're not coordinating with him," Obama said, although he added: "He's obviously free to speak his mind."
"Reverend Wright is speaking for Reverend Wright," said David Axelrod, Obama's senior political adviser. "He's making his own decisions. He's not seeking guidance." Nor is the campaign happy with the results. Axelrod added: "I think it's pretty clear that Reverend Wright is not out there with the intent of helping Senator Obama. He's out there with his own program."
While Obama sought to tamp down the revived controversy, Wright, in turn, aired a note of displeasure with his former congregant. Obama delivered a speech on race in Philadelphia last month that denounced Wright's sharpest remarks and cast the preacher as an older black man whose views had not changed with the times.
"He had to distance himself, because he's a politician, from what the media was saying I had said, which was anti-American. He said I didn't offer any words of hope. How would he know? He never heard the rest of the sermon. You never heard it," Wright said.
He also joked that he was open to serving as Obama's vice president, and he noted that he would be knocking on the White House door if Obama were to win the general election. "I said to Barack Obama last year, 'If you get elected, November the 5th, I'm coming after you, because you'll be representing a government whose policies grind under people.' All right? It's about policy, not the American people."
Clinton passed on the chance to fan the Wright controversy, only reiterating during an appearance in North Carolina that if she were Obama, she would have left Trinity because of Wright's remarks. But she quickly pivoted to Republicans and an inflammatory ad the state GOP is airing that features Wright and attempts to link the state's two Democratic gubernatorial candidates, both of whom have endorsed Obama, to the pastor. "I regret the efforts by the Republicans to politicize this matter," Clinton said.
McCain has denounced the state party ad but has not shied away from addressing Obama's ties to Wright. Over the weekend, he acknowledged what he called the "anger" of some Americans about Wright's comments and called Obama "out of touch" with voters.
But he and his advisers also see risks in playing to racial passions. McCain has said he does not think Obama shares Wright's most controversial views, including his HIV theories and his defense of Farrakhan.
The Rev. Deborah F. Grant, a close friend of Wright's and the pastor of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ga., said the scrutiny of Wright is unfair, because he is being examined through a political lens. "He has not been called to be a politician. He's been called to speak the gospel."
But even his allies wonder how long the controversy will linger. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he watched Wright's NAACP speec twice and thought "he did a very good job of defining himself for anybody who didn't know what he is." On the other hand, Clyburn added, "if you're not interested, or you're looking for some peg, then it may not make any difference to you."
Slevin reported from North Carolina. Staff writers Eli Saslow and Michael D. Shear contributed to this report.
By Shailagh Murray and Peter Slevin
© 2008 The Washington Post Company
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See all 280 CommentsThe Federal Election Commission has just reported that her campaign debt is $15 million and not $10 million as the Clinton camp reported because she failed to list her $5 million loan among the debts.
This means that even after her new surge of fundraising, she is still $5 million in debt; but Hillary is still smiling; why? Because she knows that her $110 million fortune is nice and safe. It%u2019s the ordinary person on the street who is tricked into losing money on a campaign that is doomed to fail.
Mitt Romney put $42 million of his own money into his campaign, why doesn%u2019t Hillary show she has complete confidence in her campaign and put in some of her own millions. Why? Because she knows it%u2019s a lost cause.
Those of you who are fooled into contributing to her campaign ask yourself why she LOANS her own money but wants you to GIVE your money?
But they forget to tell the people that the 50% who LOVE her and will defintiely vote for her.
So if 3 names are on the Ballots, 50% go for her.... the other 50% chooses between McCain and Obama...
Who do you think will win the Electoral Map?
There is no way that we will be voting for Obama, Hillary is truly much more electable, Obama is destroying the Democratic Party.
After the things we''ve heard Wright state, we find him to be the reason that Obama is racist toward his "TYPICALLY WHITE" grandmother and the white race.
Stay in there Hillary, you will get the nomination.
This won''t matter to Hillary''s campaign and all the other racists that are out there.
But they forget to tell the people that the 50% who LOVE her and will definitely vote for her.
So if ALL 3 names are on the Ballots, 50% go for her.... the other 50% chooses between McCain and Obama...
Who do you think will win the Electoral Map?
But they forget to tell the people that the 50% who LOVE her and will defintiely vote for her.
So if 3 names are on the Ballots, 50% go for her.... the other 50% chooses between McCain and Obama...
Who do you think will win the Electoral Map?
Posted by metroduck75 at 10:01 AM : Apr 29, 2008
Her negative rating was 63% - not 50%.
And all three people aren''t on the DNC ballot, and all three won''t be on the general election ballots.
Are you really ignorant as to how America''s electoral process works?
Apparently so is Hillary - she doesn''t understand it either.
Clintons Saved DEM Party. Now, the Elites in DEM party is trying to throw them under the bus.
I think in that case, Hillary should break from DEM and start the NEW Labor Party.
She is well known by her 1st name alone, and faithful Coliation behind her back.
If ALL 3 names on Ballots in NOV, who do you think will win?
If she starts a NEW Labor Party, just like Lincon started Republican party. She can pull off the Victory with the powerful coliation that is behind her back.
Remember, the Clintons saved DEM party, not the other way around.
Forget the Party Line, Hillary''08.
Mr. Obama tells us Rev. Wright is his spiritual MENTOR, that he cannot possibly separate himself from Rev. Wright and the church. Obama honors Rev. Wright''s teachings in his books and markets them.
BUT NOW, he claims Rev. Wright''s values cannot possibly reflect his!
QUIT LYING! Your lying is destroying you!
Hey McCain supporter trapbreak - why aren''t you over in the other forum praising your leader''s health care plan?
Cus I''''m here telling the truth about Barack Hussein.
Posted by trapbreak at 10:41 AM : Apr 29, 2008
LOL!!!!
Yeah, stick with that!!!!
Posted by trapbreak at 10:42 AM : Apr 29, 2008
Because mindless baboons like you, Hillary, and McCain keep questioning it.
backroom meeting with the good Rev. Wingnut
Forget the Party line, Hillary''s 08 ALL the way!!!!
Posted by trapbreak at 10:44 AM : Apr 29, 2008
He never defended Wright!!!!
He denounced those statements, and disassociated himself from the reverend!!!!
Liar!!
But with Rev. Wrong - we have to think GENERAL ELECTION. It will just be impossbile for NOBAMA.
NOBAMA''S BAGGAGE IS WORSE THAN BILLARY''S.
NOW, IS TOO LATE!
He denounced those statements, and disassociated himself from the reverend!!!!
Liar!!
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Posted by hungry1968 at 10:53 AM : Apr 29, 2008
And I quote:
I could never disown Rev. Wright or my church anymore than I could disown my own grandmother....
Unquote.
It is unfair to use snipets out of the Bible like that ! ! !
Obama is taking on a three front assault from McCain and his republican political machine, Clinton, and now Wright. If he can survive to win the presidency he will likely be a tougher and wiser man for it.
It is absurd to question Obama%u2019s patriotism. Obama%u2019s character, integrity and sea mind demonstrated through this whole drama is what exactly this country needs if we stand any chance at all for a more perfect union. Ordinary person would go away, but this is exactly the difference between an ordinary person and an extraordinary leader whom we can count on for making our country a better place for all.
I''m JUST SAYING !!!!
REV. WRIGHT IS DOING JUST THAT REVEALING THE DEEP-INNER-CORE OF BARRACK HUSSEIN NOBAMA AND MICHELLE ''SOCIAL-CLIMBER'' NONBAMA.
REALLY REALLY GROSS !!!!
BECAUSE ....
THEY PERMANENTLY ECLIPSE EACH OTHER !
And if you want somebody to smoke a crack pipe with you can choose Barack Hussein. - trapbreak
If your prone to shooting up meth and blacking out, you''re a Mccain supporter.
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LMAO... Pot meet Kettle. Your lumping of all non-black people clearly exhibits the RACIST one here. Everyone meet the Racist himself CHITOWN.
Jesse, Al, Louis, have all made nice living for themselves alway''s keeping up the hate, now, Rev Buffoon has got a world-wide stage in which to spread his view and contaminate more.
WHY did''nt Obama see this coming?! He wants to give America a lecture on race?! His and his wife''s judgement seem pretty clear, Rev Wright was all-RIGHT for the last twenty yrs when Michelle WAS"NT proud of America but now is. These two are as nuts as their "pastor" and they THINK we are too.
With Hillary I know what I''m getting (healthcare,higher paying jobs,mortgage reform,enviremental protections to help save our planet,BALANCED BUDGET,etc.,etc.,)and also that she is passionate and will absolutely fight to the last man! I could care less about the so-called negatives, her positives far outweigh them.
Obama? We know nothing. nothing. What we do know is not very assuring. Proven experiance vs ???????. I know which way I''m going to vote next Tuesday in NC
Hillary Clinton for President!
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Posted by chitown639 at 11:23 AM : Apr 29, 2008
Sure I would. Put up Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Nutter, even Colin Powell, Henry Cisneros, tho he''s hispanic, give me any good black democratic candidate who won''t lie like a rug every time you ask them a question. Especially one that doesn''t base their campaign on being above politics as usual, which is the biggest laugh of the century!
Where the Dem Rules Really Lead
By Craig Crawford | April 29, 2008 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (97)
The mandatory penalties set forth by the Democratic National Committee%u2019s delegate selection rules call for outlaw states like Florida and Michigan to only lose half of their delegates to the national convention. And yet the DNC went beyond its own rules to add further penalties, stripping those states of all delegates.
The DNC rules also prohibited public appearances and electronic advertising before the polls closed by candidates in states that had jumped the approved primary calendar. Barack Obama made a public appearance in Florida in September 2007, talking to reporters after a fundraiser. His campaign also bought television ads on cable news outlets that ran throughout Florida before its renegade primary.
Strictly speaking, if the DNC rules were tightly construed in this case, Hillary Rodham Clinton would receive half of the Florida delegates she won and Obama would receive none -- the penalty for violating the campaign ban
Come on now and laugh and support Obama!
The fact is that all the money records he has been breaking, receiving in a short time, comes from every organization that wants White America D-A-M-NED.
It%u2019s quite all right for Obama to hang out with these racist bigots because he claims he is not one with them? Go and sit right next to Obama in his racist church and laugh and sing to the videos of us jumping out of the world trade Tower on 911! If this is your means of pleasure go ahead and vote OBAMA? Is this your dream?
I doubt that Wright preached about the US Government or American society every sunday. I think the political statements of Wright are an exception and not the rule. I have been to many black churches and have never heard such rhetoric.
I still think Obama is the most honest candidate who represents true change.
Unless he wants to tour with Wright and Farakahn, Embrace the HATE WHITE PEOPLE PARADE.
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Blind Faith is funny.
Wright never said Blacks are superior to whites or said whites are bad people. He mainly talked about US Government Policies.
Media comments about Wright have nothing to do about the Black Church as I hardly believe that most black churches spew such vial and hateful speach. Now I am white so I am just assuming here, but it is my impression that most black christians want answers on how to be better in the eyes of God, not excuses and not blaming someone else.
Blacks need to rise up against your hateful speach and prove to themselves that they are equally capable of success and living by strong christian values. If there were mort preachers like Wright, there would be more hate.
Still, I, a 72 year old white male, veteran, can make the distinction between Wright and Obama.
Compared to the evil and conniving Hillary and the "more of the same" McCain, Obama would be a breath of fresh air in Washington.
Wright and Obama are working to divide America according to race...and if I were Obama, I would be looking behind my back because his friends in the Establishment--the smiling faces of the elites--they will kill him in a heart beat to create race riots and hard feelings so as to set any struggle as one of a police state trying to restore order to a racially charged nation, instead of one in which the working and mid''ling classes are united without regard for race, color or creed against an evil and corrupt oligarchy.
Set these Demopublicans aside! Vote against the class enemy!
Posted by pboskovich at 12:16 PM : Apr 29, 2008
A real nice plea!
But as Jeremiah put it in his last interview most black congregates in these churches listen to Louis Farahkhan and his racial epitaphs. I have been to about 13 black churches and this is quite true. Blacks want to keep the hate alive because it is related to their self esteem!
No where in their statement is there anything about helping anyone but the black people. In the 10-point vision, number 4 states, "A congregation with a non-negotiable commitment to Africa." Where is their commitment to the United States of America and the World?
Wonder how the press would react to Hillary or McCain attending a church for 20 years with a non-negotiable commitment to England?
I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, I would prefer that my President be committed to the welfare of all Americans, not just black, white or green.
As an old white female, I know I wouldn''t be attending a church with a strong white tradition. I prefer my church to be dedicated to the betterment of the human condition.
When Rev Wright says the government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color - HE IS RACIST
When Rev Wright says The government gives them (BLACKS) the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing ''God Bless America.'' No, no, no, God *** America - HE IS RACIST
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