David,
It is about time that Obama actually explained something! I mean he goes on and on about change and how he wants to make the U.S. better but never goes any further. Yes it’s great that he finally came out and spoke to us as adults but I’d rather him come out and speak to us as adults on the issues and not just on him trying to cover his butt! When will he start doing that!?That is the real question! When he does that then everyone can give him accolades until then he doesn’t deserve any.

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

I very much respect David Gergen’s opinion. I agree there were words in Barack Obama’s speech that have needed to be spoken openly for a long time. Sadly, it took a crushing blow to his campaign to get him to even acknowledge any of them. We will continue to work as a country of individuals to overcome our “racial deadlock” but it has not been helped as much as hurt by Barack Obama’s willingness to sit and listen to this preacher’s racist viewpoint and black only focus for twenty years and then have us believe he would work for the good of all Americans. He will be a cog in the wheel that will get us rolling toward that more perfect union, but he will not be the president.

Did everyone forget that Pastor Wright, gave Louis Farrakhan the “Man of the year award”. Does that mean his followers do not agree with that either?

Let me tell you, I am an American. I have Cherokee Indian, English, Irish, French, German, Italian, Jewish and Scottish in my family history. So does that make me an “English-Cherokee Indian-Irish-French-German-Italian-Jewish-Scottish American”? No it makes me an American.

Stop beating the “race” drum and dividing America and just be a “GD American”. I didn’t think that would offend any of you, as it was meant in a “cultural” context.

After reading the transcript of Obama’s speech today, I feel incredibly heavy-hearted for this self-immolating country of ours. Barack Obama is not a savior or a saint; he is simply a person of deep wisdom, rare intelligence and yes, clear and inspiring vision, who is willing to take on the mantle of responsibility of leading this country if the electorate chooses for him to do so. He is flawed, he is real and he is ready. But, perhaps, we are not. I want to believe otherwise. Once again, our nation will get only the leader that we deserve. We (not all of us, but enough of us) chose the president that has led us into war and economic vulnerability. Until we are ready to be led by our great capacity for love rather than our deeply held fears, we will continue to commit our country’s future to people like Bush, McCain and Clinton. None of them are demons or monsters; they are simply who they are, and they bring to this task all that they truly believe in. And that is the greatest loss of all for this nation.

It was a great emotional and inspiring speech. If you are not with him now, you weren’t with him before. You were never a true supporter. The true supporter would find out the facts for themselves instead of listening to sound bits that the media or the Clinton’s wish for you to hear. That’s how we ended up with Bush and the political mess were are in to now…no one wants to do their own research on the issues and factual belief’s of each candidate.

Now, the Clinton’s initiated this firestorm and watched it explode. They now claim they want no part in playing the race card. They know that there are American’s that will not research the issues for themselves, nor will they look into the facts of a story. They’re stance is that we the American people are so dumb we will listen and react to any negative comment or implication they put forth. And unfortunately those who doubt are playing into their hands. Each of the candidates has had people in their corner who have expressed politically incorrect views, racial or not. Why is it that Obama’s EX pastor holds more weight than the others? Ask yourself this, Are we that gullible (as the Clinton’s think) that we would change our minds based solely on a 10 sec sound bit of a speech NOT given by your selected candidate?

Are the Clinton’s right, when they pull dirty tricks like this to instigate, racial hate (divide), doubt, etc? Are we the American public so ignorant that we would allow someone who is not in the race to take our focus off the REAL issues? I’d hope not!!

This mess with the Media’s help has gone on such a tangent it’s ridiculous. Stick with the issues folks. The Clinton’s don’t seem to care about the Democratic Party or the American People. They seem to be a couple that wishes to win at any and all costs. The Republican’s know this and are using it to their advantage. Have the dems tear each other down to the point of no return so that when we go against them we’ve got it lock, stock, and barrel

Obama talked very eloquently about race as a factor in this election process, but the problem is that he waited until the race factor blew up in his face in order to address the problem.

He can’t have it both ways. He can’t accuse the Clinton campaign…and anyone who’s associated with her…of racism when they merely mention that race is a factor in the campaign when he’s clearly associated with and follows a man who has clear racist ideologies. You can’t have close relationships with someone who has extremist views and not be an extremist yourself. If Obama had a very casual, limited relationship with this man I would have no problem accepting his explanation, but clearly that’s not the case.

So in his speech today when he tried to explain the hows and whys of who he is, to me, means very little. I will judge him by his actions; not his words. Obama’s words are often cluttered with double-speak and rhetoric, neither of which smack of the transparency nor honest communication that he says he is about. His actions, however, speak very loudy of his true character and often overshadows his words.

As far as I am concerned, Obama and his Church have now drawn yet another line in the sand between races. nice going!…. No one person can be a member of a church or organization and not be aware of the views being preached from the pulpit .the videos also expose the members of the church and their reactions to th epreaching. Looks like the member agree with the preacher.
With that said, we can’t risk the leadership and security of our country in the hands of Hypocrites’and Democrats!… oops’ what’s the difference?

I am very impressed with Mr. Obama’s speech and am not surprised at his candor, honesty and forthrightness, all of which are uncommon these days from our officials.

This speech signifies all the parts of America and all it’s races and nationalilities. I’m very proud to be voting for Mr. Obama when the vote comes to Indiana.

His appeal to the nation, I think, is not just his understanding of the Iraq situation, the economy and that general state of defeat in the middle-class, but he brings out the best of our country.

I would be very proud if Mr. Obama were our President. I truly believe he will be just that.

THE ISSUE IS VERY SIMPLE
IF YOU REALLY WANT A CONVERSATION AGAINST HATE
AND YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A CHURCH THAT PREACHES HATE THEN YOU START THE CONVERSATION AT THAT CHURCH
HE DID NOT
HE ONLY SPOKE OUT WHEN HE WAS CAUGHT

That’s what it was a great speech period.You can’t have it both ways,one day he never heard Wright say anything like that and the next day he did hear it , but didn’t agree with him.How can you believe anything Obama say’s from this day on ? What kind of example is this ? He claims to have great judgement,I don’t think so,he sat there for twenty years and speaks up now only because he got outed.

As I read the comments posted by others here I am reminded of the ongoing difficulty we face with our political system that asks us to address ourselves to issues of personality in the candidates based on imperfect understanding.

Rev. Wright, as anyone who wishes to can easily confirm, has in his ministry given over 7,352 sermons in his 20 years as pastor. Until Sen. Obama’s presidential candidacy, no one media outlet, anywhere has made an issue of Rev. Wright. His views were not, as I understand the views here, have not been fully explored, no one has come forward with any substantive list from his writings or other comments on his views.

As the pastor of one of Chicago’s largest churches for more than 20 years is it crediable to think or to suggest had Rev Wright views been so discordant and reprehensible that anyone of the major news or media outlets in Chicago would not have covered it?

Trinity has over 10,000 members, yet not one of them, in 20 years, several of whom have been or are elected officials at federal, state, and city levels, has been asked to explain their relationship, of whatever duration, with Rev. Wright.

Not even one visitor to Trinity, in all that time, heard Rev Wright expound and were so appauld or offended and then chose not to get the local media involved. Was their silence assent to Rev. Wright’s views and opinions as showcased in the clips we have seen.

We are all called to examine ourselves when we evaluate others and to remember that in our lives we all have moments that in isolation indicte and condom us, that would lead any momentary, isolated observation to conclude, as has been done here, that we lack the character or the values or judgment.

To those who say, “But how could he (Obama)…” I ask in response “have you looked at the complete picture or just taken just a glimpse.”

Rev Wright has supported the Clintons (Bill), yet I have not heard Hillary or Bill speak out about or against Rev Wright. Sen. Dick Durbin has a photo in his office of Rev Wright., and has known him for many years, . has he or anyone on his staff been asked why the Sen has not suggested he explain his relationship with him, nor the many years he has worked with Rev Wright.

It is especially noteworthy, that no one, would or could think it fair to render a balanced judgment, about Rev. Wright taking his sermons anyone else taking one indecent speech as emblematic, of Rev. Wright’s ministry, his personal life, his atitudes, or perspectives.

I agree that it was refreshing for a political candidate to talk to us “as mature adults” and I hope the media respects his suggestion that we all move on to the more important issues in our country. Let’s focus on the economy, health care, education, immigation, the war, our national security, and our reputation on the world stage. The next president will be forced to confront serious challenges regardless of race or gender. Let’s have an intelligent debate about those challenges.

And, if the media persists in covering Obama’s former pastor ad nauseum, then please give equal coverage to McCain’s spiritual advisor, Rod Parsley. Parsley is unapologetically anti-Islamic and anti-gay. He has called upon Christians to wage a war against Islam with the aim of destroying it. (Ironically the opposite (yet equally offensive) side of Ahmadinejad’s rants against Israel. Why is one man part of the “Axis of Evil” while the other is part of McCain’s campaign?) Parsley’s been accused of tax fraud, he opposed hate crime legislation, and he promotes violence against his opponents. Why is this acceptable? Where are the calls for McCain to “denounce” Parsley?

Again, I promote moving away from the spiritual advisor issues and focusing on the serious challenges that the next president will face. But if AC360 feels it must continue to cover the statements by Rev. Wright, then at least give equal coverage to the offensive extremists on McCain’s side.

Thanks for your consideration. Cheers, Melissa

AFTER FOLLOWING THIS CAMPAIGN ONLY SHORTLY BEFORE OHIO AND TEXAS, I THINK THESE COMMENTS ARE VERY SERIOUS, I DON’T BELIEVE WHAT THE PASTOR SAID WAS JUST RACIAL. IT WAS ANTI-AMERICAN!!!!!!! HOW CAN A CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BE AFFILIATED WITH SOMEONE WHO PREACHES LIKE THAT? NOT EVEN JUST A PREACHER A MENTOR???
HOW CAN THE DEMOCRATS RALLY AROUND THIS MAN? IT IS VERY EMBARASING, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HILLARYS CHURCH WERE TO CALL OUT OBAMAS NAME ON SUNDAY MORING AND CALL HIM A N…. ?? IT WOULD OF BEEN THE END. ALL OVER.
NOW, WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE SURE HILLARY WILL WIN?

Even if we accept Rev. Wright as a member of Obama’s campaign committee, we still have to address accomplishments.

What has Obama done in the past ten years that puts less emphasis on government and more on personal empowerment? For example, has he vetoed any spending bills to lower our withholding taxes? Has he cut any wasteful government programs? Dont think so.

The trend is what is alarming to me.
His wife thinks we are a mean country.
His minister which is his MENTOR thinks we created AIDS to kill Africans.
He is not willing to disown Wright.
I can’t trust him and his love for this country.

I did not hear the speech, only know what I have read online and I have one question. If blacks in America are American, why do they call themselves African Americans? That alone is racist and divides our country. Are we not all Americans, white, black or otherwise?

It is to CNN s credit that they are active in putting forth the opinions of such a balanced mind as David Gergens for us all to benefit from in refreshing opposition to the trashy media moguls that do a disservice to the intelligent people of America. As for Baracks speech…Im implore those same intelligent Americans to listen carefully to his words..he is my inspiration. For me, (I am White and British), Barack perfectly captures talk of the future I want for my two American children..see, my husband is Black..but my children are not Black…..they are Brown…. and American. They are not just Black, but White also..blended from Nigerian and British heritages…but ultimately -American…not African American even..just American! The sooner we stop calling every person with a hint of Black in them, black..the sooner we can move on and appreciate every person for having wonderful heritages, but moreover for being American.

Last week he said he was never in the pews when Rev. Wright made these speeces, now today he said he has heard these speeches…what is it? Yes or No? Sounds like someone who doesn’t tell the truth to me. He tries to portray himself as this saint, sounds like a kid that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Maybe it’s early PMS, maybe it’s the fact there’s so much pollen flying around in the air and I can’t breathe, maybe it’s the fact that Obama is attacked no matter what he says or does- I don’t know if any of these things have contributed to my bad mood, but I do know that he’s either being accused of being a radical Muslim or now that he shares the beliefs of this seriously demented Pastor simply because he attended a church (a CHRISTIAN one, I might add-so now maybe the Muslim stuff can go away for good). This man is honest and he’s overcome obstacles that many of us have never or will ever encounter. And yet, here he is again, being forced to defend himself over an association that doesn’t prove one thing. AC 360 dissected this thing so much Friday night that I actually changed the channel. So no more tears for Hillary Clinton because the press is harder on her. Obama has her beat with this one.

David,

I’m skeptical about Obama because his wonderful oratorical skills don’t wash with his actions. How can a “unifier” have the most liberal record in the Senate? It says to me that he only votes for the far left agenda and doesn’t ever reach across the aisle. That’s not a unifier in my view.

Bill

This is in response to MW’s comments. The Clintons did not, repeat did not, initiate this firestorm with Reverend Wright. It was the media who exposed the Rev. sermons. If Obama was so worried about the race card, why didn’t he make a major speech after South Carolina when the Clintons were accused of playing the race card. He didn’t because it was to his political advantage and to get the black vote. Now that he was exposed as being associated with the likes of Rev. Wright, he has to make a major speech on race relations in this country. Don’t blame this on the Clintons, he knew over a year ago that the Reverend would be trouble and he probably hoped it would never come up, but it did. This was Obama’s doing, not the Clinton campaign, and it will be his downfall.

Unfortunately, Mr. Obama was pressured into giving his speech today through a serious misjudgement on his own part. Mr. Gergen is wrong to applaud Mr. Obama’s sincerity and adult approach to the problem when the speech was solely devised as a defensive ploy to improve Mr. Obama’s predicament.

BARACK OBAMA TALKS OF CHANGE BUT NEVER DEFINES IT. HE ALSO ATTENDED A BLATANTLY RACIST CHURCH FOR 20 YEARS
AND EMBRACED PASTOR WRIGHTS TEACHINGS-HAVING HIM PERFORM HIS MARRAIGE AND BAPTISE HIS 2 CHILDREN. HIS WIFE IS A RACIST WHEN YOU CONSIDER HER REMARKS THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME ALTHOUGH IN EXCESS OF 45 YEARS OF AGE SHE HAS REAPED THE BENEFIT IN OUR COUNTRY OF SCHOLARSHIPS TO PRINCETON AND HARVARD AND HAS A JOB AS A LAWYER PAYING IN EXECSS OF $200,000. PER YEAR. SHE CERTAINLY SOUNDS LIKE SHE EMBRACES THE REMARKS OF PASTOR WRIGHT. HOW THEN CAN OBAMA CLAIM HE WANTS TO BRING US TOGETHER WHEN THE EVIDENCE CERTAINLY SPEAKS OTHERWISE

OKAY!!! SO OBAMA IS SO NOT RACIAL…..WELL IF HE DOESN’T WIN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE WE WILL PROBABLY BE FACING A WORST RACIAL DIVIDE THEN WE’VE EVER HAD….I PERSONALLY THINK THAT HILLARY IS MUCH MORE QUALIFIED BUT AT THE SAME TIME I DON’T WANT MY GRANDCHILDREN SCARED TO GO ANYWHERE BECAUSE OF THE UPROAR AMONG THE BLACKS IF HE DOESN’T WIN….AND IT WILL HAPPEN……JUST WATCH…

In my experience, the cynical Clinton campaign has convinced idealistic newcomers to politics that they’ll either stay home on election day or vote for McCain. The lady and her surrogates have polluted the waters. Perhaps Obama’s response today will pull some of the newcomers and independents back into the Democratic column.

As someone who would “clarify the moral” direction of the country, Senator Obama should have done so by walking out of a church that preached and applauded black racism. Trinity Church’s attitudes of blame and hatred only serve to destroy the progress that many good hearted people of all colors are trying to achieve between the races. While I am “unashamedly white”, I do not achieve that by denigrating people of other colors. True pride and self-worth does not come from vitriolic hatred of others. You feel really good about yourself when you lift others up, not when you put them down. By being a part of this congregation, I really question Senator Obama’s understanding of unity and how it is achieved.

Great speech, but no plans. I concur with David Gergen that it was larded with standard rhetoric. I wasn’t sure before, but I’m not with him now. He is a compelling young man with no platform Look me up in ten years or so.

I am a mid 30s working class white male and Obama’s got my vote. I do not dislike Hillary but she is just far too representative of the “politics of old” for my taste, and McCain, while I respect him deeply as a veteran, is just going to be more of the same that I am already tired of Bush/Cheney for having thrust upon us. It would be pretty hard for Obama to lose my vote at this stage of the game.

I see Obama’s bloggers are at it again - attempting to explain away his racist minister connection and to sway voters to their candidate.

I hope this campaign will go on much longer and the media will continue to question just who Obama is and what else he is hiding, including more of his dealings with his Chicago pal who contributed at least $250,000 to his campaign and is now on trial.

It isn’t so much that Obama’s ties to this racist pastor prove that he is a racist. But it does undermine his pretense of being non-racial (when trying to appeal to whites). It emphasizes his blackness as a candidate, which he has so far used to his advantage on one hand while denying it (as unimportant) on the other hand. It proves that he isn’t colorblind. And confirms that race matters — at least in his mind.

Do you think that Hillary has a minute to address the “Race issue” in this country? She has proved to be a divider proved by her racial comments since the beginning of the campaign. I will leave it to the American people to decide on how long we have to stomach these issues without proper address.

A comment that Obama made that went under the radar but is crystal clear to many of us in Canada that follow the USA political process was the one he made about exit polls and how divisive they can be.

Exit polls are divisive and in this posters view Americans make way too much out of who votes for who. There is far less racism in Canada and people/voters will not tolerate exit polls that distinguish between races, age and class.

Please just drop out of the race. We don’t need another president who makes so many “bad” or “boneheaded” mistakes. Nor do we need one that has spent 20 years of his listening to such hateful venom spweing out someone’s mouth, in a church of all places.

David, David, David. I had so been in agreement with everything you had to say over the last few days. But not today. This WAS the best speech I have ever heard in my lifetime. I cannot include JFK or MLK, was just a baby then. Obama simply laid it all out on the table on both sides. If you don’t want to come together after that speech I have deep sympathy for you.

Radio hosts and the rest of the naysayers can just keep the negative comments to themselves because Mr. Barack Obama handled this in a very classy, professional and loving manner.

Go Obama!

I think about the 2 wars America is in…soldiers dying, and the tragedy of 9/11 countless lives affected, and an economy in a disaster…then I juxdapose that to Obama’s Preacher and friend of 20 YEARS…saying ” GD AMERICA”…it makes me physically ill…AND VERY ANGRY!!!!!!

Obama speech is too late, nice words and that is all it was, words. For someone to remain under a racist pastor for 20 years says a lot, his church did not teach unity……hidden agenda? There is no chance of him becoming president, we as a nation have not lost our moral grounding.

Shannon from Minnesota is on point. We get the leadership we deserve. And I agree with her, we aren’t ready yet to be leaders. As long as we are content to sit back and be spoon fed pablam, that’s what we’re going to get. As long as we accept what those we elect to represent us confer upon us, it will continue.

The individuals are in their positions to represent we, the people. They are not there for us to do their bidding. Somewhere along the line this has been transformed. And we need to get it back the other way. Our elected representatives are there to do OUR bidding.

Is Obama the person for the task? Quite possibly. Our only other options are 2 individuals who frankly would represent the “same deck just with the chairs arranged differently”. If that is what we want, that is what we’ll get. Come November, I guess we’ll learn if we’re up to the task of being adults or prefer to remain children.

I think this entire incident is embarrassing. Less we forget, racial jabs were not the only comments made in these sermons at Obama’s church. Anti-American comments time and time again were preached to the congregation. Seriously? Are we seriously considering forgiving this man who has looked to such a ’spiritual advisor’ for twenty years to practice good judgment for our country when he can’t even practice good judgment in his choice of ministers? I am disgusted.

a dummy can be sold anything watch all the dummies
this one HILLARY and if not her macain after voting democrate
all my life i will vote macain before i vote racism

I think hid speech was needed, and very well put together. Toall those that said he waited too late, he did not address this at first because he was trying to move beyond race, move beyond divisive rhetoric. But he was dragged into it. It is like people are never happy. (he is being too racial, but then he is not “talking” about it…what more do you want?!?!?)

If you do not vote for him because of his views on his issues, fine, but if oyu base your vote on what he says or feels about race (then what does that make you?)

let’s move on America,

STOP THE HATE, VOTE OBAMA 08!!!!

I for one am genuinely impressed at how Obama has tried to move American beyond race and gender differences, but am amazed at how many Americans are shocked by Reverend Wright’s angry words. I am not yet considered old, but can still recall that in our community blacks were expected to go to the back of the bus, and I lived in sandy hollow while most blacks lived in skunk hollow. Obama is correct that we all need to work together, but I cannot blame a tired old preacher for being angry at injustice, even if times are mostly better for blacks, women and Latinos. I suspect there are still some Native Americans that are angry as well.

It was a deeply moving speech full of honesty, candor, and truth. I can’t imagine any one not being able to relate to at least some element of his speech and be moved by it. Maybe this is the “mirror” Americans needed to look in to see ourselves as we really are and hopefully change those parts of ourselves that don’t reflect who we want to be as a nation.

This thought-provoking speech will have many Americans rethinking their own views/prejudices about their neighbors. It may even have some people revisiting past sermons in their churches where the pastor may have said something they disagreed with.

Its still a long time before the PA primary and hopefully during that time voters will really consider the words Sen. Obama spoke today and put race, gender, religion, etc. aside. Let’s put in office the person who can bring Americans together, someone who doesn’t focus on the problems we face as insurmountable but rather a challenge to overcome.

As for those who say his speech was just more words I say they are missing the point. They were powerful words, honest words and above all, words I would much rather hear than the snipping and negativity of McCain and Clinton who speak from the old world of politics.

Gergen is one of the most mature and unbiased commentators whom I respect. I agree Obama was excellent in addressing the complexities of race in this country and our need to focus upon our similarities and work together to make our country better, not more divided. Obama expertly pointed out that when it comes to race, few if any of us, or our family members or friends have completely clean hands. If we were asked to disassociate ourselves with everyone who says or believes something racially offensive, we would have no associates. It is therefore absurd for the media to continue to hound Obama about leaving his church. He has denounced the remarks of Rev. Wright and Rev Wright has decided to retire this month. So, the media needs to move on or give equal time to analyzing Hillary and John McCain’s associates for racism, sexism, and anti-American comments so that they can enjoy the hot seat just like Obama. In fact, since Obama has been roughed up for at least two weeks, it is only fair and balanced for the media to devote an equal amount of time going after Hillary and McCain. To fail to do so does appear biased and perhaps even racist. Amends should be made to Obama for singling him out. The media and their advertisers should be held accountable by the viewers.

Too little, too late. Obama should have nipped this in the butt before it got this far, but then again how can you justify the fact that you attend a racist and anti-American church?

When was the last time that there was an article about analyzing issues? Its funny, how the tapes of Wright are dated 2007 but they were publicized right after the Geraldine mess? Talk about an agenda.

What CNN is unwilling to ask Obama is what inspired him about this racist ignorent fear mongering preacher rev Wright to write the book entitled, ‘The Audacity of Hope’. Nothing about the man or his preachings could possible be inspring or motivating to me about anything, much less the desire to plagerize Rev Wrights speaches and style in a new book. Which he wrote because he is bored with his junior role in the Senate. If Obama wins, the focus will always be on race, as he is truely a racist, we now know. A black racist, not a white racist. But ya know what? I don’t care about race, I care about the economy stupid!!!

To Illinois..

Hillary still associates with Ferrero. She has not stopped being her friend or adviser. She has dropped from the campaign but that doesnt mean they stopped talking and passing advice back and forth. Get real!!

Everyone in this world has a friend that is not all there where everyone will like them. I grew up and my family was very religious. There was this old man that lived down the road that liked to come over and chat with my dad. He cussed so bad my mom usually kept us kids inside haha. But my dad was friends with him regardless. My grandparents had slaves. (but they were treated well not like some) but regardless you cant just eliminate someone just because they have some issues. Everyone has problems and issues and if we were like that no one would have any friends or family.

Did you know that one of the Beach boys was friends and hung out with Charles Manson? Yet that didnt stop so many buying the beach boy albums. People can be friends with people and not be influenced by them or be co conspirators.

Its time to get real ya know?

excellent assessment Gergen. It was an honest and pointed speech, too bad he’s under the assumption Americans are intellectually informed citizens who aren’t easily persuaded by their own prejudices.

I’ve been an Obama supporter since 2006 and can’t wait to vote for him this year, my first time ever @ the old age of 19.

If we are to judge Obama on his pastor, than by all means few of our presidents would qualify with their endorsement and support of bigoted evangelical ministers and their stupidity of demonizing anyone who isn’t in line with their believe. Perhaps its time for us to separate religious entity from our political platform and candidacy.

THE AUDACITY OF HYPOCRISY
Everyone knows Obama can give a good speech. And he did today. But,for all his lofty words and supposed deeply felt beliefs, one has to yet again wonder: WHERE WAS THE OUTRAGE AGAINST REV. WRIGHT AND HIS DIVISIVE HATE SPEECH DURING THE TWENTY YEARS THAT OBAMA ATTENDED THAT CHURCH? Where is the honesty? Why is it only NOW, that Obama is taking a stand against his church’s bigotry and hatred? Obama LIED when first confronted with evidence of Rev. Wrights anti-American bigotry. Obama has said he had never heard the Rev. speak that way. Now he affirms that he knew about it all along, and we are supposed to trust him? His campaign was the one who tried to tar the Clintons and Geraldine Ferraro and anyone else who was critical of them as RACISTS! Obama wants to have it both ways. He says on one hand we have to understand where the anger Rev. Wrights expresses comes from, and therefor accept it. THERE SHOULD BE NO ACCEPTANCE OF HATRED, AND NO EXCUSE SHOULD BE MADE FOR IT! It goes beyond anger, the Rev. preaches HATRED pure and simple. And Obama sat in that church for TWENTY years and not until now has Obama decided to confront it! And only because it is now a detriment to his goal of winning the election. THAT IS BEYOND HYPOCRITICAL, IT IS OUTRAGEOUS! AND NO AMOUNT OF PRO OBAMA BIAS FROM THE PRESS WILL CHANGE THAT!

Very well put…Illinois!
For Obama, ‘race’ was a dirty word, other politicians used to advance their inferior agenda….but now he talks eloquently about this issue, only because he was forced to the corner from not Clinton’s side, but from his own mentor!
Too bad, he should have been more upfront earlier, and should not have been so uptight when folks talked about the obvious!
He’s hypocritical, and just another politician!
At least Hillary has an agenda and talks about her policies….Obama has nothing but words (which now sound more empty than ever)!

oh and Cindy if you really read the issues and how he plans on changing things on his website you would see. He has more of a solid head on those shoulders than the other two contenders. But that is my opinion and I guess along with the majority so far of voters.

I am a registered democrat and it pains me to see the racial firestorm that the Clinton’s have engineered in their overaching ambition to be the first couple to occupy the white house.

IF HILLARY WINS, I’LL VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN.

Steven Germain its obvious that u didnt even hear or read the speech given. He spoke about the plights of Americans. Not just black but whites also. It’s funny how people can call him racist even though he was raised by a white grandfather and grandmother from Kansas. Sometimes the ignorance of this country tells why we are in the position we are in.

I am an African who came to this country for the “American dream”. Came here for college and like Barack’s father had goals and wanted to achieve those goals. That I did and for that I am truly greatly for the “land of opportunity”. However, it breaks my heart that we, America, will be torn by the same issues that plagued Africa under apartheid - race. Instead of discussing the issues at hand that affect all working Americans we drop the ball to discuss the comments made by a “former ” pastor and judge the candidate for those comments. If my pastor said some dishonerable acts then is it okay to blame all that attend that church? That is sad and I feal that we need to get back to the issues and judge these candidates for what they are, for what the represent and for what they plan to do for the country. God bless America.

It is interesteing to see supporters of any particular candidate defend that candidate by ignoring issues that may be damaging to that candidate. Does anyone really feal Ferarro is a true bigot? She was just stating that she felt Hiliary was more qualified. Her opinion and disagreed by many. I do not feel Pastor Wright speaks for Obama; but when you are an intimant member of a church and have a close relationship w/ your pastor as Barack said he did previously w/ Pastor Wright, it is hard for me to think that Barack did not admire or know Pastor Wright more than he says he does now. Obama has reported repeatedly in the past that he has been inspired by Pastor Wright. Now he is just his former pastor? An ‘uncle’? Is Obama still a member of this church? If he is, why was Pastor Wright made to step down since the church supports him. The new pastor, Pastor Moss and the church defend Pastor Wrights views. Are they different than Pastor Wright’s?

The point is about politics. Politicians distance themselves when something makes them look bad. Hiliary has pointed out that Obama has never had to make the hard decisions. He always tries to ride the fence and appeal to all- liberals, independents, conservatives, etc. Sounds like politics as usual to me. You can’t always make everyone happy.

As for some prev comments by posters about Obama being a great statesmen, I feel most like his oratory style. He impassions people to follow his dream for change. Great men and women have changed history for the good and bad because of their great orating and inspiring speaches. You hear about the good. What about the bad? I’ve heard even Jews who stated Hitler was inspiring and mezmorizing in his speaches. A whole nation followed Hitler to war and genocide. (Disclaimer: This is in no way comparing Obama’s ideals to Hitler)

I appluad Obama on his stance. He said what he needed too. What people seem to miss, and I am referring to white people, that for African americans, life is very different . Obama showed this his speech discussing the racial issues that have and continue to plague this country. And no I am sure not everyone agreed with his pastors decision to give that award to Farrakhan.

Do you know how many times i have sat in a service and heard a Pastor or Minister preach a message, and not agree with it? Plenty. theres an old adage that says, ” chew the meat and spit out the bone”. Which is what most peopel do, every now and then you run across and individuals who can figure it out.

As far as Steven Germains remark that the reactions in the church expose members, well I say this, based on reality what the man said was true. Hillary has never been a black man, she has never had to contend with the issues that African Americans have had to contend with. So what are yo umore upset about? the fact that he said it or the fact that it was true? the experience of Africian Americans is different from that of White Americans. Get real people he sais what the majority of Black America know and have experience. The shame is that we act like these disparities don’t exisit .

I don’t see rhetoric in Obama’s speeches. Maybe its rhetoric to some of you becasue you are afraid to think that maybe once a politician might be able to do what he said he wanted to do. Well as a young American, I’d rather take the guy with “no experience” and the audacity to hope big, then the liars who would set out to oppress us economically and socially. So I’ll take Obama for a $1,000.

When I was in college, we studied Lyndon Johnson’s speeches. They were very well written, although we as a class categorized them as “flowery”. So now we have Obama’s speech today. Not much there. Just more or less saying, “PLEASE PLEASE STILL VOTE FOR ME, even though I went to a church for 20 years with a preacher who hates our country and thinks very little of white folk, a church my own mother and grandmother would never have attended, a church that even open-minded OPRAH decided to leave because of what the pastor stood for.” And I say “PLEASE, OBAMA, PLEASE. Tell your wife you are both dividing the Democratic Party and even the country. THANKS A LOT, OBAMA, THANKS A LOT.”

By the way, in the entire 20 years he’s attended that church and listened to that pastor, has Obama ever invited his mother or grandmother to go too? I would assume not, as they would feel very uncomfortable there. And I ask white Americans: if YOUR priest or minister ever started shouting about how the black Americans have caused all the problems in this country, would YOU keep going to that church??? I WOULD WALK OUT. One single speech would do it. I’d be gone.

Im to believe what is said in words or in action? It is true Dr. King spoke words of wisdom but at the same time he not only spoke them he felt them through being jailed, spit on , humiliated as a man and he picked him self up and walked forward. His words are not just words but living feelings of his troubles and for me to give Sen Obama the same respect I can not. His words are very good but his actions are not true as if they where he would have left a place of such hate a long time ago. As a Mexican maybe thats why I have no trust, its not that Sen Obama can not sell me on his Ideas it the community that continues to drive me away by there actions. My mom has been called the N word by adults not children and because this is the language my neighbors choose to use but once that language was used at my Mother they respect i had for the black community left as did it with my mother. These are things Obama and his followers believe to be right ? Im sorry you are so wrong.

I am a white, 64 year old female. I’m part of the working class. I want hope for my grandchildren. God has sent us messengers in strange forms–Gandi & Jesus as examples and for some reason “we the people” manage to destroy them and then hundreds of years later we put them up on pedastels. Listen to this man’s words–inspiration? I believe so and this country is at a very very direr turning point. Look up Obama’s web site and read what he did with the working class in CHicago. Listen to him. Our children NEED a good public education! Health care! I grew up in the 50’s and sixtys and wish this generation could have what we had–not material things but the all American dream to have a home and educate their children. If we don’t listen to Obama, only the very very wealth will have that kind of opportunity. We, white, black, brown, will become their servants in a new third world.

kojo I’m with you on that.

Keep up the Good work we love you Obama .

The Black church has always been the one stop shopping store of the black people. When there is injustice the fight for right always start there.My dad was wounded in World War two and when he came home he wasn’t allowed to vote for 19 years after VJ day.Still in though when Korea called he went again.When Korea was over he had to wait another 11 years to vote. Was he angry at America for his treatment yes he was but did her love America -yes he did. His sons still went to VietNam and fought for the land where our folks are buried. We are the generation of Dr. Wright. We have and will continue to give all we have to America. Our Home. We just say at times how many ways must we show America we love her before she shows us she loves us just as much. The hurt we feel runs very deep. When we see old people hanging off a roof during Karina. While our sons are fighting and dying in Iraq we cry on the inside. Where else can that anger be vented if not in the black church. The pictures of that old lady’s body in the street in New Orleans cut us to the quick. But never did our sons leave their post In Iraq and stop fighting for the land that we love. it is ludicrous to think anyone group has a monopoly on lovin this country.No greater love is when you give your child to be in harms way for your country. I carry shrapnel in my body where ever i go never tell me of my love for this land. i fought so I have the right to be angry at what I see as injustice.

If Hillary win I will Vote for John Mccain as well.

The Clintons had nothing to do with the revelation of the videos from the Obama’s church. The videos are for SALE. How long did they think it would take before someone posted it on youtube?

I’m glad Mr. Obama is so able to recognize problems in our country, but, every other candidate is doing that also.

What I’d like to see are solutions to the problems. Mr. Obama is no MLK. He’s not going to be able to patch this rift just because he recognizes it’s existance. He lost way to much credibility with me when he said he knew nothing about the message Wright was preaching. The man was there for 20 years. NOW? He wants to make ammends? Maybe if he had stood up 20 years ago and fought against the messages his church spewed, he’s have my vote. Now it’s too late.

DAVID GERGEN, A MAN I GREATLY RESPECT, IS AGAIN QUITE RIGHT ON THIS. THIS IS A SPEECH THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED for many years to come! Sen. Obama rose to the challenge, using the occasion and the current threatening crisis of faith in society as an opportunity to deal with the challenge of race relations in America. He touched all bases. He dealt with all aspects of the problem of race relations head-on–without sounding condescending. He spoke in a true spirit of sincere dialogue and constructive problem solving. His speech indeed is powerful, direct, convincing, and timely. Yet, there would continue to be those who would prefer to exploit the issue of race in America–those who thrill at the opportunity to polarize society for their own specific advantage or psychic satisfaction. No doubt, however, what this country needs, is a uniter, not a divider. For those who would choose to continue to divide us, Obama challenges them insistently to escape from the prison walls of their narrow vision. For WE ARE ALL ONE! Together we can achieve and do much more, great things!!!

I think the bigger issue is that main stream white American are uneducated about black churches. Historically, anytime a major event impact an African American positively or negatively, the preacher will in one way or another add it to his sermon. This is centuries old. What has happened here is a preached added his own personal anger and unacceptable wording to react to what he was seeing in the primaries. The unknowing and misunderstood tends to react in fear.

Regarding the speech.
This is the first time any political figure came close to making a speech like this without fear of absolute polarizing backlash. Barack told it like it was, as much as possible in a small window of time. This is another advantage having Barack as president gives us. We will never see another candidate with his background challenge the racial divide regardless of how much to the point it is. We all have historically clamored for a more positive and trusting political process, and Barack is the closest to it right now. However, as we openly watch Clinton’s campaign violate that same trust…some of us still wish for her to lead us. It took me a while, but aside from the women voters, I think Hillary is getting those Americans who cannot bring themself to trust and vote for an African American…Well, other than perhaps conservative republicans. What a grand species we are

Yes, and every Catholic agrees with everything the Vatican says and with everything the Priests do.

Are you really that naïve?

My feeling is that he didn’t bring up “race” earlier is because he didn’t want that to be the defining focus of his candidacy. Now that it’s been forced to the fore-front, I assume he felt he needed to address it.

I think he did it extremely well.

Rhonda - San Diego

No doubt there were times during Senator Obama’s life in which he was ridiculed by whites for having a black father and by blacks for having a white mother. In his speech this morning, he not only spoke effectively as to the racial divide in America, but has been required by virtue of his very DNA to cross the racial divide. No other presidential hopeful can speak to this particular issue as convincingly as he has; nor can they relate to so many people of differing racial backgrounds as he can. A change is undeniably needed in America in terms of politics, social issues, foreign policy, and yes, even race relations. I believe that Senator Obama has been “divinely” called to the presidency for such time as this, so rather than beat him down let us try lifting him up! Let us give CHANGE a CHANCE … we just might be pleasantly surprised. It is time for the American people to wise up and stop allowing the media to fuel the growing division within The Democratic Party. There are so many important issues facing America and the world today, let us give them ALL the attention they deserve rather than focusing, and encouraging the media to focus, through your viewership, on the single most sensitive issue that threatens to thwart progress between U.S. citizens. Senator Obama continues to have my very strong support, and I am more convinced than ever that when I look at the man, I am looking at the next president of the United States of America! May God continue to bless America and grant his forgiveness for the sins of the past, the sins of today, and the sins of tomorrow.

If Senator Obama wants so badly to eliminate the need discuss race from future campaigns and from future generations - why would he raise his children in a church that proliferates such obvious hate and racism? He never strongly disagreed publicly with Pastor Wright until now, when it became a campaign issue - so there is no courage or leadership displayed now in merely attempting to salvage his political career! If he wanted to show political courage he would have denounced these comments back when they were made, and would not have denied, even just a few days ago, that he had ever heard them in the first place.
Clearly Senator Obama can summon the rhetoric to wrap the race issue around the broader hopes and aspirations that we all share for a better America - I just wish he had done it at a time when it would have seemed more genuine and when he had less to gain politically.

I wish the voice of reason would prevail in your country. Would you know it if it poked you in the eyes? By reading some of the blogs on CNN it makes me wonder about the level of hate in the US. It’s everywhere - politically, racially, religously. Obama speaks of trying to change that yet no one wants it. It’s no wonder the country is in the mess its in.

If Hillary had a agenda it would have been completed the eight yrs she were in the White house. But instead they played house . Why have the same old folks doing same old thing. WAKE UP AMERICA !!

We Don,t Need 4 More years of BILLARY OF BUSHES !

kojo, what are you talking about. The Clintons have nothing to do with this. Its time everyone wake up and see that Obama is a fraud!

Throughout the campaigning by Barak Obama, I kept feeling there was a holding back of something. An undercurrent of emotion not being expressed but there, none the less. I thought at first, it was just his slightly smug, sometimes bordering on arrogant attitude. But what I was picking up on, now I realize, was the apparent disdain Obama has for caucasians. I am not saying that if I were born and raised in this country other than white, that I would not harbor resentments and possibly even hatred of the caucasian race. But I am saying I don’t think a person can hold himself/herself as a candidate to represent all people. let alone an entire country, and follow racist rhetoric for twenty years. Maybe we would have all been happier hearing him say he was Muslim, instead…. David Duke comes to mind.

We can talk about race. It is not to be pushed under the rug. Thank You Obama. Lets stop treating our racial issues like the relative who has gone astray. You know the one that no one ever talks about. Lets talk about it and get past it. Why is Sunday morning the most segregated hour of the week? Lets talk about if God really wants that. My God is colorblind if only America could be we would be unstoppable. We could lead the world in our greatness and hope. Maybe we could ask Dr Wright why is he angry.

…Here we have a senator/potential presidential candidate defending his christian pastor for all unpatriotic , racial statements made against this country and its people. However, if any of these statements were made by muslim priests (imams) they would be in guantanomo bay right now. The double standarads are ridiculous.. The fact of the matter is there can be no voice of dissent here. Anyone who points out to the wrong policies or tries to give an explanation of why the world might be hating America, is already put in that unpatriotic slot. How is it any different from the dictatorship regimes from around the world I wonder. Please Americans think it over…constructive criticism can make you realize where you are going wrong.Face Reality!!. What goes around does come around.!!You all are now a part of this Global village. Stop thinking like the Limbaughs..such people are only trying to bring this great country down.

I think the most ridiculous thing is that all these people (i.e. Illinois) that keep bashing Obama keep saying the same things. “He called Hillary’s campaign racist.” Nope. Find one example of that. He did call Ferraro’s comments “divisive” and “patently absurd”, but not racist.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE people. Do your own research. Everyone takes what some news commentator or someone on the internet said and then just repeats it as if it is fact. It’s amazing in this day and age, with all the information we have access to, that lies and falsities just fly around left and right without anyone batting an eye. Say what you want about the man, but not once did he call Hillary or anyone associated with their campaign racist.

I have a white mother and a hispanic father and was raised on the south side of Chicago in a mostly black neighborhood. I was beat up frequently, called a honkey and a spic, picked on and ridiculed on a daily basis. Even though I am 35 years old today, the same is still true if you are not black and live in a black neighborhood. The idea of continuing to seperate the races by preaching hate and division is ignorant and irresponsible to say the least. America has embrassed african americans and has more than made up for her mistakes in the form of free education, jobs, grants, etc, for the betterment of the black race. Americans have contributed billions of their hard earned dollars and valuable time and admiration toward the success and advancement of blacks like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Tyra Banks, thousands of black sports figures, R & B singers, Soul Singers, Rappers, etc. But even after all of this we are still accused of being racist. Shame on you Mr. Obama for attending a church that condones this type of hatred and ignorance and shame on you for lying to the American people about your true beliefs. It is obvious by your 20 year association with Mr. Wright and your choice of top political advisers, like Jesse Jackson Jr., that you believe in their racist view points. While you are allowed to believe in what ever you like in the United States of America, you should never be President of a country that is made up of thousands of different races and not just black or white as seen by you and the people you CHOOSE to associate yourself with.

True Christians don’t define their faith by their pastor–it’s defined by our relationship with God. I go to church and disagree with most of the political things my pastor says but I listen for the spiritual, faith guidance. In fact my church has invited Mike Huckabee to speak–I won’t be attending!

I appreciate Senator Obama standing up and not playing the old, too familiar political game. Are we all perfect? No, we are an imperfect nation and he is trying to make us better. Yes, I miss the Clinton financial-boom days but I am willing to take a chance on a “mixed”, brilliant guy.

Our race, sex, religion, disability, social class does not define us!

Please everyone, before posting, listen to his speech completely. When you speak out before you understand or even take time to listen and think about what someone is sayiing. You give Mr. Wright the ammunition he needs to make the comments that he does. OPEN YOUR EARS AND LISTEN to what a person is saying before you open your mouth to speak, or place your hands on a keyboard to comment, and maybe we can begin to communicate as a country to help in bringing peace around the world. LISTEN, READ AND THINK, STOP THE IGNORANCE.

AMERICA 08

Extremely well said Shannon from Minnesota. Diddo!

Senator Obama’s speech is splendid. It shows what Senator Obama is: a diverse-self, who understands the problems in all sides very well.
Now it’s time to hear from Pastor Wright himself. I wonder why the media does not track him down and ask him some serious questions.

Anyone who does not recognize that when you dig deep, hit home and draw in sunlight on the constant specific undertones that strike at the heart of our misgivings as a nation, you are going to be hit with a wave of fear that implodes and does everything within its power to keep the status quo.

This is not a people decision but rather a spiritual decision.

And if you think you desire the truth, when faced with it you may recoil, cause it can bring about a part of you that you thought you knew but did not.

It may scare you for just a moment (if you honestly look inside yourself) and you will recoil to what you once knew because you know it therefore you can deal with it. But what is faith? The substance of things hoped for not yet seen. The monumental tasks of overcoming such battles are rare and this is why. It is because it is an arduous task.

Unfortunately the weak minded (in this case) politicians’ tend to prevail. It is far easier to aspire to rely on “it is too big” than to dig deep, accept some uncomfortably for the betterment of the future. I think we are too instilled with fear to do that.

So be careful of what you seek, you just may find it. So when someone comes along with “hope” authentic hope, it is a very heavy burden to carry, let alone realize.

I consciously give my sincerest respect and regard for Senator Obama.

“Materialism will inevitably produce the kind of society where people know the price of everything, but the value of nothing; where people have a great deal to live on, but very little to live for…” - anon.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Wilson

I’m starting to see real deep dialogue on an all encompassing issue.
I find it hopeful to read thoughts from so many critical thinkers.

I was moved to tears by the speech. For many of us our pain is hidden each day as we go to Corporate America to be treated as second class citizens. We use our corporate dialect and smile and pretend it doesn’t hurt because we don’t want to seem radical or ‘angry’. So yes…we do go home and speak to our families about our pain and the injustice. And yes we do hear about the pain of others in our church families. The level of each person’s pain varies and is expressed in many different ways. And yes…it is sometimes radical and over the top. My own 69 year old father’s pain is so deep he can’t even bring himself to support Obama for fear that if elected he would be assassinated. He has no hope! My dear deceased grandmother was afraid, even in the 1980’s before she passed away, to look at a white person in the eyes. It was refreshing to hear Obama speak so courageously about the issue of race. Obama 08!!!!!

I would like to address the notion that words don’t matter.

I believe that people who make this claim are actually saying that Obama’s moral beliefs are not as important as his policy plans. They want more policy and less philosophy.

I want to ask people to consider the question: Don’t we truly need both from our president?

I want to know what our candidates believe, how they think, as well as what policies they have in mind to address the economy, the war, and health care.

We have all seen many times that candidates’ promised policies are seldom implemented by Congress according to the president’s exact specifications. Knowing who the candidate is– what he or she values most, and how he or she thinks– is the best information we have on how the future President will react to a set of unforeseen circumstances.

I thought the speech was great but sadly I believe will not be well received due to the timely of the speech. I don’t believe that he should be held responsible for the 2 bad comments that his pastor made during his 20yr tenure as the pastor. Especially since there are many catholics in my family who do not agree with all of the rules/beliefs (child abuse, abortion, and homosexuality) of their church but they do not abandon their priest.

If Hillary wins, I have not decided if I will vote republican or not at all!!

Here the problem: I don’t know when to believe him anymore. Obama has just reversed himself. Last week he said he did not personally witness divisive things or inflammatory things said in the church by Rev Wright. Now he said he did hear inflammatory things said by Rev. Wright, but disagreed with him. If I ever saw Obama as a different kind of politician it just went up in smoke. His judgment is what he has been leaning on to get around Clinton’s experience, but now he lost that as well. If this is not a lack in judgment I am not sure what is.

I think it is important for all of us to listen carefully to or read the speech with an open mind, and examine the points made in the speech with a sense of refinement and an inclusive frame of mind before commenting and inciting the flames of race. Or else we will end up with a third Bush term with no respect from other nations who are all watching, nor will we have a place at the table with emerging nations who are poised to displace us as a superpower.

If Clinton wins this because of what the former Pastor says then I will vote for John McCain and am done with the hypocracy of judjing Obama on what his former Pastor has said.

Actions speak much louder than words.The kind of racial statements, such as whites gave the HIV virus to blacks to destroy the black race, will not bring people together but will seperate them. Obama has been associated with this church for 20 years. Obama is just smooth talkin politician…thats all.

David, I think you are too liberal by half. I don’t think he is “talking like an adult.” Unless you mean the hypocrite part.

reading some of the comments here on the political blogs on CNN, i have to say i am thoroughly disheartened by the rampant ignorance that’s clearly as pervasive as it has ever been, regarding the touchy and often unbreached subject of race.

it’s shameful that so many people in this enlightened and educated generation have such a small understanding of the vast scope of racism. how it can be as blatant as a klan rally, or as passive and silent as an off color comment, how it can rear its ugly head through hate-violence or simply by fretting that a black Presidential candidate like mr. Obama could possibly be more invested in his own race’s interests than the interests of the entire constituency.

i implore all of you to step outside of your comfort zones, ask yourselves if you really take issue with his readiness and his qualifications, or if you really are fearing the momentous change that’s irrevocably tethered to a president that would be ANYTHING other than white. i can imagine that it’s a scary concept for many of us, white or not. but please don’t let that cloud your judgement. don’t be swayed by what is said in your social circles, or pushed in political advertising, or spun in the media. do your OWN research, read hilary’s book, read obama’s book (which by the way gets very specific on the very things people say he speaks nothing of on his campaign trail) and learn for yourself, make decisions for yourself.

people are regurgitating so much of the same nonsense they hear from the tv and from these politicians, clearly not having any more basis for their claims than obama appears to have in his stump speeches.

an educated voter is a powerful voter. if you are expecting to be fully educated on a candidate by 10 second clips of his or her speeches, or worse yet, by listening to his detractors and his or her political opponents, you haven’t given him a fair shot, and it’s time America admits that.

this race is being driven every way but forward, and i am profoundly sad that it has come to this. i should expect it, but i do not want to.

Obama ‘08.

America is not ready for Obama to be president plain and simple. He is trying to bring us together as one nation and people want to keep the divisions between the races alive. He is not running for President of Black America but for the United States of America. Future generations will laugh and marvel at our ignorance!!!!

The REAL Black Churches Preach from the BIBLE. They preach LOVE and FORGIVENESS. Not Hate. The people saying those sermons are preached in all Black churches are WRONG. So Is Obama. I feel for the young people in that church, the hate they are being taught. He won’t get my vote. If anyone don’t like America for any reason they should leave the country.

All Obama did was prove today was how capable he is of lying to the american people. Over and over again he denied he heard any of
those racist remarks in Wright’s sermons. Today he mumbled that
he had.
He spent more time defending and justifying Rev Wright than he did
denouncing what the racist said. Does it not bother you at all that
he is close to a man who said the U.S. deserved 911.. Remember his
comments about “the chickens have come home to roost”.
The reason he is a great speaker is because he has great speech
writers.
Why do the Clinton’s get blamed for this skeleton coming out of
Obama’s closet.. The Clinton’s didn’t make Rev Wright make his
hateful , anti american , racist sermons.

I appreciated your article in review of Senator Obama’s speech today … However, in reading it, listening to his speech, and seeing the comments from others I must say: While what the preacher said was problematic and of great concern in terms of widening the racial divide and in terms of what some people want to focus on, in looking at Obama’s faith and spiritual beliefs, I actually think that is the wrong focus — the problem is not so much in what he believes (although, believing that America is to blame for 9-11, that whites created the AIDS virus to kill blacks, that blacks who are Republican are lowly creatures that “swim beneath the sea”, is immensely troubling). If we believe Obama can do the job as president, despite his faith, then that shouldn’t be a barrier … what SHOULD be a barrier, is his insistence, right after all of the audio and video came out, that he had not heard his pastor/the reverend speak those kind of words before … can he HONESTLY say that in 20 years of being a member of this man’s church, after having been married by this man, having his kids baptised by this man, and gearing his “Audacity of Hope” book on the guidance he received from this man, that he NEVER heard any of this kind of talk before??? I guess, in an alternate universe that is somewhat possible … My opinion of Obama changed in that moment of denial .. if he had said what he said today, back then, it would have been different, but he didn’t, he denied it, and played the unfairness and media is attacking me card … his campaign has been all about change and honesty and integrity … if he has trouble being honest about something as potentially polarizing as this, what will he do with the bigger issues that this nation faces?

What I think was genius about Obama’s speech was that he not only spoke to the American people about a problem we only read between the lines about to talk about in history classes, he also pointed out a truth about why our country is great. I hope everybody thinks about this point…when we listen to someone expressing thier beliefs, we are not obligated to agree with them, we are obligated to consider them. Obama pointed out that he did not agree then and does not agree now with the statements made by Pastor Wright, however, he listened to them and considered where they come from. It is not enough in our nation just to decide to agree or disagree with a statement, we need to consider the statements made by other people and look at them from many veiwpoints. Americans have become too accustomed to just agreeing or disagreeing rather than THINKING about the statements others make.

It’s amazing to me that some of Mr Obama’s supporters would blame Hillary Clinton for this issue with Rev Wright. In Mr Obama’s supporters eyes, he can do no wrong and any mistakes on his part is part of a great Clinton conspiracy. I think Mr Obama should be very thankful that this issue surfaced now instead of later. Had he become the Democratic nominee and this issue came up in September or October 2008, he would have zero chance of becoming President. Regarding Rev Wright, I’m an African American, attend a large church with a predominantly (over 95%) African American population with a African American pastor, and have never heard anything like that preached in my church. If I heard a message like what Rev Wright preached I would leave immediately because that message has nothing to do with being a Christian and following Christ’s example. I flatly disagree that Rev Wright’s message is part of the African American experience.

i keep hearing about how barack obama has said that he dosent agree with what his minster has said. but i dont believe that these statements were the first time. so if barack has been going to this church for ten plus years these types of comments must have come up many times before. if he truly found these things to be offensive wouldnt he have seeked out another church to attend. its easy to say after the fact i dont agree for the sake of damage control but based on his long term relationship with this man and continously attending this church tells me that he supports this mans views

It appears that many Americans view Obama’s close relationship with the Reverend as indicative of shared values between the two - and I couldn’t agree more. But the question is, which values exactly has kept them together? The Trinity United Church was actively feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and ministering to those in prison. Those were the values that I believe kept the two together.

Should Obama have left to join a church that wasn’t doing those things because the new minister is a lovely fellow? Not if feeding the hungry is important to Obama. And this is my point. It’s values such as these that drive Obama forward as a Presidential candidate - the same values has cemented their relationship. And these are the values I personally would like to see inside the White House at the end of this year.

I have some close friends with whom I share common values. Yet at the very same time, I could not disagree more with them on other, very important issues. It seems to me that the logic of the media right now is: “Close friends share every value in common.” That is an absurd notion.

Real life operates under the 80/20 rule - even when the 20% is as disgustingly wrong as Reverend Wright’s views. But if Reverend Wright truly holds the 80% close to his heart - maybe we all can learn from Barak Obama’s ability to care deeply for his friend’s shortcomings. After all, no one can help a friend grow if they abandon the friendship whenever they strongly disagree.

I agree with what the gentleman Kojo said above. Also adding to it, this is something that has been fuelled by the Clintonians and in mass by the Repubicans. If it continues this way with the ‘RACE’ thing then its John McCain who will be the next President.

People need to get beyond the RACE thing and move forward onto what Obama as a person is capable of doing to an already ailing that country that is in the midst of two wars and the economy in shambles. Can he fix the real issues that this country is facing and not worry about his Preacher’s sermon. It would’ve been a real issue if he had passed such a sermon but fortunately its was his Reverand. So People get off the jolly good race ride, step back and think!!!!

_Ben

Either American will rise above all this rhetoric or they will not. This country is in such dire straights. Even during a time like this, we still focus on race. As much as I love this country, it deserves the pain it will go through in the next decade. Maybe then, will people wake up and stop focusing on race. Sadly, however, history shows that when people are hurting, they don’t come together, they get uglier. So here’s to the next decade, America.

Anyone who believes America has reached a point where race doesn’t really matter and that BLACKS in particular have equal standing with whites, may be deceiving themselves. There is no doubt we have made some advancement but there is a lot we need to do. I am just curious, why is a person of mixed race (black & white), classified black. Is it because the mixture is impure? If so, it is a clear indication we are still far from bridging the racial divide. Has anybody thought about the fact that GOD could be black? Outrageous eh?!

I wish to say that the speech Barrack delivered today was smart, sincere, emotional, honest and above all excellent. He rescued both his candidacy and his Pastor, challenged America and above all inspired each one of us, once again to rise above our divisiveness and come together for the common good. EXCELLENT SPEECH!
RSA

One of the more eloquent and necessary speeches in recent political history. It is what a lot of us decent hearted people have known and felt for a long time and ached to hear from our leaders.

It’s one thing to honestly believe that Clinton may be better experience/qualified, I don’t think that’s an incorrect argument, but the hatred and the bile that many Clinton supporters have towards Obama simply for having the audacity to run against her and do well betrays that there is more to their support of Clinton that a logical evaluation of qualification. I find it disturbing. Many Clinton supporters on these blogs seem so inarticulate and bitter in their remarks that I find it hard to believe there isn’t a lot of racist vote for Hillary going on (take a look at Ohio and Mississippi). They and Clinton have angered and alienated me the way in the way they have thrown the kitchen sink at him, YOU DONT DO THAT TO PEOPLE IN YOUR OWN PARTY, you gotta criticize a little, but you got to make it stuff you can easily back off of if you lose and have to support them later on in the general election (Reagan’s 11th commandment) last time I checked, he was pretty good at winning elections,

Hillary should try to focus on herself and her positive qualifications, if she really is such an over-qualified candidate the negativity and nastiness would not be necessary. Everytime when she or one of her surrogates gets really nasty I think to myself she is not being a good loyal Democrat. It comes off like she is only worried about winning for herself and could give a damn about the party and the country, that probably isn’t %100 true, but it disturbs me deeply and makes me very glad that Obama is so far ahead of her. So far, he has been a much more dignified candidate, even when under fire.

I thought that Obama’s speech was moving and true. We should be more interested in talking about the issues that really hamper us as Americans and stop getting side tracked by all of the distractions. As an Obama supporter I am so moved by his seriousness and eagerness to attack the problems that truly plague us. I get concerned with others who would rather play the political game and search for a reason, any reason, to divert attention away from the real issues, and walk a path that leads nowhere.

I wonder as Americans if we have been conditions to only talk about the real issues in private chalked full of cyncism yet fall for the same song and dance in public. What will it take for the American public to demand more from our public officials as a whole. When will we truly demand change.

As for the Reverend’s words, he is still tortured by America’s past. He is still wounded by the ills of segregation. People need to stop making a big deal out of it and pause for a moment. We need to realize the ills of the past use those ills as ladders to a brighter future, so those words will not be used again by anyone.

Obama is a catalyst for change. We need to break out of our confort zones and try out something new.

We need Obama.

I’m proud to see what a product (person) our great country has produced in Mr. Obama, I believe his courage to state the unspoken truth leaves us all to shame. The kids of the last 40 years are alot wiser than we were. They have the tools and aren’t afraid to use them and aren’t limited as we were. I’m proud of Mr. Obama for standing up to the Clinton’s negitive spins and pray they recieve there COMA.

Here we go after a weekend of how to respond! I believe last week Barrack responded he know nothing about the sermons of his Rev. This was the on the spot response, he had to act like he knew nothing of these racist remarks. Here is a strong political figure in the community, who has been involved with his church for 20 years, saying he knows nothing of his preachers views.

Now after a weekend to think about how to respond on this issue and study how the American’s respond to the breaking news, he does a 180 and says he has known about these views for many years, but he does not agree with them. Yes we all do know that ignorant racist in our family who speaks his ignorant mind. We all know one we work with, meet at a party, or even cross paths with on our way down the street. But if I knew the Preacher of my church had views like this, I’d be wondering to myself why was I trying to get closer to god with a man who speaks such hate!

Just like to not miss the point here though. Why did Obama say one thing when put on the spot and after a weekend to prepare a speech go back on what he just said 4 days earlier? Does he think we are that ignorant as well that we would forget what he said over a week end? Maybe he thought he would go back to his campaign trick, Grandstanding up on a Soapbox hoping to use his Jedi mind tricks!

i agree with most of what David Gergen said here. He is one of the most fair pundits around, and he usually calls what he sees fairly.

I am struck by the beauty of the speech, but not convinced of its sincerity.

If Obama had truly been living these beliefs, perhaps he would have taken his big picture approach about race to his own pastor and church community. But he didn’t. He sat and listened over the years, and kept his message of transcendence to himself until his campaign. Call me cynical, but that is how I see it.

It is incredible to read some of these comments. To say that Barack has been ignoring the issue of race and is only know acknowldging it because he had been “forced” to is quite ignorant. Mr Obama grew up both black AND white. He was raised by his white mother and his white grandparents. He moved to Chicago and worked in predominantly black neighborhoods….and yes, he attended reverend Wright’s Church. Now this is key, attending Wright’s sermons probably gave Barack another view of the race struggle in America…One from an elderly black man who had lived through the injustices and the tensions of the 50s and 60s. Could Barack have known that viewpoint growing up in Hawaii with a white family? Ask yourself this America…what do you know of the black struggle in America? What do you CARE to know? Barack has perspectives from both sides, his white family and the black community. If he had only listened to and accepted his grandmother’s long held view and fear of black people, would so much of white America be in an uproar? Of course not..they aren’t even acknowleging that it happened. They see an angry black man, and Barack listened to him; therefore, Barack hates white people…so by that reasoning he hates his mother and grandparents too. Get real people, look beyond yourselves and look to the truth.

There will always be people in this great country of ours who plays up the race issue. It is really sad that we cannot move beyond this issue. What does it take for Americans not to be judged by the skin color. Obama is not a hypocrite. He is a man with morals and character. He is a man that prefers to stay above the gutter politics that have been thrown at him. He is a uniter. Speaking on the issue of race, come on America, it wasn’t that long ago that there were “white only” signs that hung in restaurants, movie theaters, water fountains, etc. We have made progress in this country but there are always individuals who will have us believe that nothing has been done to rise above the bigotry and hatred that has divided this great nation of ours. Of course, what Reverend Wright said was not right. Have anyone talked about the divisive things that have been said by othe