Roland S. Martin
360° Contributor
www.rolandsmartin.com
DETROIT - The Detroit NAACP has already set a world record for having the largest sit-down annual dinner in the world - I believe it was 10,000 - and this year is no different.
According to the Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the chapter, more than 8,000 people have bought tickets this year, and suffice to say that the room is packed.
To put it in perspective there are six head tables assigned by color - yellow, black and white, green, red and the blue, which is considered the main table.
The stars are also out in full force, including: Hill Harper; Anthony Anderson; Vivica A. Fox; Morris Chestnut; Judge Greg Mathis; Michigan Gov. Jenniger Granholm; Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin; Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick; former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer; and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien.
I’m typing on my BlackBerry, but the photo I’ll send soon will show you the expansive room.
The room is hot because the guest speaker is the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. It has been a busy day for him; earlier he preached two worship services at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, pastored by the Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III.
Well, I’m sitting one seat over from where he’ll be speaking so you’ll get a taste of what he had to say. I also have my Flip Video camera so we hope to have video as well!
Editor’s note: Read other blogs from the 360° team of contributors at cnn.com/360
| Deb Abbey |
April 27th, 2008 8:15 pm ET I’ve been listening to the comments about Reverend Wright’s sermons on CNN and thought many of them justified. Today I’ve been listening to the Reverend’s speech at NAACP and think that many of his comments have been taken out of the context of the African church and out of the context of American society. I can’t imagine any self-respecting black politician in Chicago not attending his church and I’m sure a quick poll would confirm that. Only a racist could hear him speak and not see the humor and respect for the diversity of America. Let’s take a big breath and try to be bigger people than we seem to be at this moment in time. |
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| Suze |
April 27th, 2008 8:28 pm ET This is a first for me. I just changed the channel as I find any thoughts I had of voting for Senator Obama are over. |
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| joannlail |
April 27th, 2008 8:28 pm ET The egomaniac who is now speaking has just ruined any chance of Obama being nominated. Obama needs to get out now, and maybe hold onto a shred of dogmnity. We could see more racial problems than we saw in the 60’s. God help us. |
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| George ATL |
April 27th, 2008 8:30 pm ET Loved the speech man!!! |
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| eddie |
April 27th, 2008 8:32 pm ET I can see how obama adapter his generalizations and boy does pastor wright have sweeping generalizations of white america and black america |
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| Ed |
April 27th, 2008 8:34 pm ET Very educational, informative, and impressive overall. It’s important for America to hear that different doesn’t mean difficient; just different. I believe if more White Americans were accepting of this truth, Mr. Obama would have wrapped up the Democratic nomination long ago. This is, however, not to say that Rev. Wright was alluding to Mr. Obama when he made this statement. |
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| Eric-PA |
April 27th, 2008 8:34 pm ET This guy is scary. I listened to him live via cnn.com and all he kept talking about was change and how he could see change coming. He said he can feel a transformation coming while talking about race. NOW we know what Obama means by change. Let’s hope the superdelegates pick Clinton!! |
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| jamal husain |
April 27th, 2008 8:39 pm ET Fox and CNN among others have cast Rev Wright as a divider and as an unpatriotic preacher. Instead he came across as an intellectual who has struggled to explain differences among people and the historical circumstances that have defined our society. IH |
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| Shocked |
April 27th, 2008 8:39 pm ET I was very surprised at Wright’s speech, particularly arguing that black children learn differently from Europeans. What a jaw dropper. And the other stereotypes about music and cadence was baffling. I don’t think it gave a good impression on whatever it was the NAACP was trying to accomplish, which was not clear. |
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| Al Jackson |
April 27th, 2008 8:40 pm ET CNN, I do not understand the fascination in following this man around and reporting every word that comes out of his mouth. It is as though you are waiting for him to make a slip that embarrasses Senator Obama’s campaign and one you can capitalize on by playing over and over again as you did with his previous comments. Why don’t you give it a rest and stop trying to add fuel to the fire. Rick Sanchez was very bias in his previous reporting of Jeremiah Wright’s controversial words and tonight, his response and body language spoke volumes on how he felt about the address Reverend Wright just gave. Why don’t you work on getting unbias commentators that report the news and let the people watching decide for themselves what their opinion is. Rick Sanchez, Gloria Borger and Lou Dobbs all have issues, to me, in reporting news fairly and openly. Any of these three can feel free to contact me and discuss MY OPINION further. Thank you. |
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| Seattle Sue |
April 27th, 2008 8:47 pm ET I just watched Rev. Wright speak at the NAACP dinner. I thought he bordered on the loony side. How Obama or anyone for that matter sit through twenty years of his sermons is more than I imagine. |
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| Carole |
April 27th, 2008 8:47 pm ET Congrats on broadcasting Rev.Wright’s stirring and inspiring speech! Kudos on an excellent decision!! This is SO much more educational than seeing a 15-30 second loop over and over. Thank you. |
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| Virginia |
April 27th, 2008 9:09 pm ET Just what I needed to see…. this nut on tv again. I am a Black woman who found most of his remarks disgusting and certainly not true of me. Why is he on tv? It’s to be a distraction FROM all that is wrong with Obama. Pay attention my people. You are being BAMBOOZLED! |
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| Fadel Ohio |
April 27th, 2008 9:09 pm ET It was a great speech, but I’m still left with the question–why are we listening and worrying about Obama’s pastor…can we PLEASE PLEASE get to issues…. |
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| Tyrone |
April 27th, 2008 9:10 pm ET After hearing this, I say “Go McCain” |
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| Clinton-Lover |
April 27th, 2008 9:10 pm ET I was originally disturbed by what Wright had to say when I saw those clips. After watching the speech, I realized that there are parts of it that anyone can pick out and distort it to make it seem as if it’s hate speech .More notably when he talks about the different worship styles of White and Black American’s. My new motto is going to be “Different is not Deficient.” |
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| Lee-GA |
April 27th, 2008 9:10 pm ET Please. Rev Wright has never harmed anyone. Just speaking his feelings about the bad side of America. Actions speaks louder than words, and what America is doing overseas is a more serious problem. |
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| Matt |
April 27th, 2008 9:11 pm ET I cannot believe that anyone an call this informative and educactional. He has just finished a diatribe segregating blacks from whites. They learn differently, they think differently, and classical music sucks. Had anyone made the comment that he made about the Irish about a Black American, riots would have started. He is racist, egotistical, and I am extremely shocked that the NAACP consider him the paragon of the typical African American. |
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| Katie |
April 27th, 2008 9:33 pm ET It’s so interesting that so many are offended by this and other of Rev. Wright’s speeches. How many of you realize that recognized clergy of many faiths support this man — even the pastor of Hillary Clinton has spoken very highly of Rev. Wright. Get over it folks — this man is admired and revered by many of your reverends! |
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| Jay |
April 27th, 2008 9:33 pm ET Rev. Wright is a good speaker and he’s not attempting to preach hate. He however, is extremely out of touch with reality in America, and he needs to speak about what whites and blacks have in common, not about how different they are. Black people learning differently is not science, it’s culture and this sort of rhetoric does nothing to solve problems facing blacks today. |
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| Yusuf |
April 27th, 2008 9:33 pm ET Thanks for showing Rev. Wright on CNN - I am not a Christian, but I really admired his speech. I am sick and tired of the soundbytes shown on national Tv - this was the true representation of a Christian scholar, who called for unity instead of divisiveness. Thank you Rich Sanchez. |
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| Michael |
April 27th, 2008 9:34 pm ET After watching the PBS interview and the NAACP speech I’m convinced that the future of this country hinges on whether our corporate media manages to convey a faithful portrait of Rev. Wright to the wider public or gets us all trapped in a soundbite echo chamber. Roland and Anderson, your frustrated and voiceless audience are counting on you. Please keep up the good work! |
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| Mark TO |
April 27th, 2008 9:34 pm ET Thank you for showing him speak for himself. The true message is that being different should be valued… I wish I had a chance to hear more of his perspective… I also reserve the right to disagree with what I don’t agree with.. But there doesn’t seem to be too much so far. |
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| Joe Smith |
April 27th, 2008 9:34 pm ET I am just wondering when these people will join others who call themselves Americans. |
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| Carole |
April 27th, 2008 9:34 pm ET For Eric in PA …..The theme of the conference was “A Change is going to Come” |
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| kati |
April 27th, 2008 9:34 pm ET Rev Wright is a very accomplished man. 2 masters, a doctorate, an egyptologist, a lingusit, a pastor, an author and military Veteran. He has received many prestigious awards from institutions in and out of his fields. |
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| chris |
April 27th, 2008 9:35 pm ET Speak truth to power…but |
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| Miles El |
April 27th, 2008 9:35 pm ET Just watched Wright’s speech and thought it was fantastic. I can see why anyone lacking critical thought and objectivity would not “get it” or perhaps even be fearful. His was a speech mixing intellect, humor, religion and theater. I have never heard anyone dissect the differences between races by using musical time signatures. It was brilliant, funny and, most importantly, very inclusive of all races. If you are one of those who don’t understand the “change” he spoke of or merely wrote him off as a “racist” then you’re quite likely one of the brainwashed, undereducated for whom the lies of the Clintons, George Bush and Karl Rove make complete sense. Both Obama and Rev. Wright rightly see America through complex, multi-layered lens that only the thoughtful would understand and appreciate. It’s unfortunate that America’s racist past and dumbed down modern politrix have made it impossible for some of you to get it. This “enlightenment” is the change that is being spoken of. The world itself has changed (ie China, India, EU). It is time for America to step up and embrace change or go the way of previous empires like Rome and the UK. |
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| Suzanne St. Pete, FL |
April 27th, 2008 9:35 pm ET 30 second sound bites, or an entire speech…this guy is mean-spirited & scary. He is setting race relations back 40 years & not doing his candidate, Obama, any good by keeping his big ego in the spotlight. |
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| Joe, Chicago |
April 27th, 2008 9:35 pm ET Wright’s character has been assassinated by a negligent media; I hope you start to seek truth over a quick and easy sale, at the expense of this man’s life. “Bill Moyer’s Journal” on PBS this week goes into his life history and it is extremely insightful. It provides a necessary context that has been missing. This man is both kind and challenging; direct and inspirational; intelligent and truthful. |
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| Gimme a break! |
April 27th, 2008 9:35 pm ET The tail (politics) is wagging the dog (cnn). Very disappointing. Why couldn’t a good reporter summarize the speech? I don’t understand why CNN devoted air time to this? |
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| Cathy S. |
April 27th, 2008 9:35 pm ET After reading the other posts concerning Dr. Wright’s speech I can see that we all have a lot of work to do in order to learn to respect differences in our fellow citizens. We are a country of different regions, different states, different religions, different races, different politivcal views, and different ideas- it is our greatest strength. Celebrate being an American! As an older white woman who is unfamiliar with the traditions of the African American church I felt that I learned a lot from Dr. Wright’s speech. He is a brilliant man and I welcome his perspective and underlying message that being different is not being deficient. |
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| Christian, Tampa FL |
April 27th, 2008 9:36 pm ET Reverand Wright is inspiring. I would have loved to be at his church, and I’m a white Floridian. I can totally understand why Obama was there for twenty years. Hopefully this speech will take the wind out of the sails of those who constanty reduce a great man to small soundbites. |
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| Sam |
April 27th, 2008 9:36 pm ET I am so happy CNN decided to air the entire speech as well as the introduction. We deserve more than soundbites as viewers. I am glad CNN understands what we viewers expect from them. Great job CNN!!! |
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| Scott C |
April 27th, 2008 9:36 pm ET People act like his sermons are all about race, and politics. He is a pastor, he talks about GOD 97% of the time, and the sermons I have heard that pertain to GOD are beautiful sermons. Don’t make a caricature of the man based on your preconceived ideas about him. Listen to Martin Luther King speeches that aren’t “I have a dream” and you will see some HARSH views of the country. This man has nothing to do with Obama, he went to his church, followed his message of GOD, whatever opinions Wright has aren’t related to Obama. People are afraid of change because they are racists who think change means taking something away from us white people. Makes me sick. |
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| Ron |
April 27th, 2008 9:36 pm ET CNN and the Clinton’s should be ashame of them selves for their attach of Rev Wright. The Clinton’s should now remove themselves for this election. |
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| Rick |
April 27th, 2008 9:36 pm ET Rev Wright gave one of the best speeches I have ever heard. He is a man of integrity and I thank God for him. If only the rest of the country would stop judging him and see him for what he is, a man who loves God who is full of wisdom and grace. Perhaps some people will now open their ears and listen to his message of hope. I can now see why Obama chose him as his pastor. If you do not listen to his entire speech you are missing something special. |
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| Viola Cain |
April 27th, 2008 9:37 pm ET I am sick of your lack of professionalism. Your constant all day commerical for Barack Obama. He reverend wright is an atrocious person! You can’t clean him up by playing his comments. Where is your balance in reporting. Now you’re making the news up as you go along. Your black reporters cannot report on this person. When he makes yet another mistake, they rush to clean it up and restate it. Enough!! I could have watched FOX. |
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| Mrs. Patricia Brito |
April 27th, 2008 9:37 pm ET The news coverage of the total Rev. Wright is: EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT! There is nothing like a complete picture to allow one to form an informed opinion. Thank you for doing that for America. |
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| Julie |
April 27th, 2008 9:38 pm ET Unbeliveable speech. I was stunned at the intensity and message of this man. Thank you for airing it again… I tuned in late and missed part of it the first time up. Change is gonna come! |
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| Jim in Asheville |
April 27th, 2008 9:39 pm ET Interesting speech and broadcasting it was important. However, I do believe he is doing Senator Obama more harm than good, at least with middle American voters. He also is a bit over the top with his racial stereotyping of blacks and whites, but admittedly did it in an almost inoffensive way. I couldn’t sit through an hour or two of his yelling on Sunday mornings–too little biblical theology and too much political diatribe. |
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| Mary Ellen Galloway |
April 27th, 2008 9:39 pm ET To the person who said that “any chances of her voting for Mr. Obama are now over” had NO INTENTION OF VOTING FOR HIM AT ALL, ANYWAY! Stop trying to “posture”; it won’t work - we have seen you(and your kind) before and we know you and what you are about.: hatred and stupidity. Too bad you didn’t listen to Rev. Wright’s message, you might have learned something! |
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| jay boudreaux |
April 27th, 2008 9:39 pm ET How hypocritical. CNN schmoozes over this guy and the reporters complain how he was taken out of context. I’ve listened to enough of this guy to know a racist who toned down his rhetoric. Where were the apologists when Trent Lott was a victim of the soundbite? If you defend Wright and called for Lott’s head, that makes you quite hypocritical. |
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| Streightdope |
April 27th, 2008 9:39 pm ET Kudos to CNN…….. Now I can’t believe that some of you are still trying to judge Obama by this man………Get over it…You have been proved wrong and you are to ignorant to admit it……….Anyone still bashing Rev. Wright is simply a racist and you refuse to accept the truth about yourself and you would not have voted for Obama anyway……….Rev Wright is just your excuse at this point………………….. |
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| Deneen |
April 27th, 2008 9:39 pm ET Kudos to CNN for running the entire speech and allowing viewers the choice to form their own opinion. This was a message about diversity and not politics. |
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| Drew |
April 27th, 2008 9:41 pm ET We have talked about talking about race for years, Now it is happning |
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| Donald L |
April 27th, 2008 9:41 pm ET What a marvelously brilliant speech! I’ve never heard him speak before beyond the soundbites and I was just blown away by his eloquence and wit. Wow! |
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| jorge999 |
April 27th, 2008 9:41 pm ET Great speech. Thank you CNN for covering it. |
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| Davison |
April 27th, 2008 9:41 pm ET Rev. Wright is brilliant! Intelligent! I see him in a completely different light now unlike those brief snippets that ran in rotation on the media outlets. I am so sorry I misjudged him. So glad CNN broadcast his speech in its entirety. Kudos CNN!!! |
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| terri |
April 27th, 2008 9:41 pm ET The people who are criticizing Rev. Wright were probably not going to vote for Senator Obama in the first place. Having grown up with a boring rabbi, I would have loved to have had just one stirring sermon. Rev. Wright is a lot of fun! |
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| rosecoloredglass |
April 27th, 2008 9:41 pm ET Somewhere the spin doctors are meeting; and they’ll be needed. YIKES |
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| Tamara/Stone Mountain |
April 27th, 2008 9:42 pm ET What a joke! Listening to Roland and Soladad pleading Rev Wright’s case is ridiculous. Roland in a dress is even more special. CNN has lost it..I am not sure how much money the Obama campaign is giving them. Rev Wright need to give it up and go disappear for Obama. Talk about EGO. WOW |
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| Ellyn Baumann |
April 27th, 2008 9:42 pm ET Thank you so much, CNN, for running this speech the first time and a second time. It’s well worth seeing at least once and more than once. Wow! Such power in words and truth! Glory to God! |
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| TrthToPowerIn08 |
April 27th, 2008 9:42 pm ET Thank you for taking the time to show us his full speech. He is a very insightful man of God. This is the time for all of us to learn from eachother. We are all created in Gods image. The slogan for 2008 should be Different is not Deficient! |
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| Ali |
April 27th, 2008 9:42 pm ET It seems to me that Rev. Wright showed the world who he really is - a dynamic, intellegent pastor who tells the truth. It saddens me that many White Americans will not get, will not want to get, or just doesn’t understand what he is trying to say. Like Rev. Wright said, “We’re not difficient, we’re different.” I say to some White Americans, “You don’t want to get it, you don’t want to understand the struggle of non-White Americans, and you (may) believe that ignorance is bliss… but my my, a CHANGE is coming!” |
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| Jewel Thomas |
April 27th, 2008 9:42 pm ET I am so proud of CNN for airing this speech. This demonstrates CNN’s resolve to provide fair and non-discriminatory reporting. This was the first time I have been able to see a balanced presentation of Rev. Wright which now enables me to have a balanced opinion of him. I applaud your network and will now continue to be a supportive viewer. I was just about to stop watching all cable news because of what I perceived to be targeted biased journalism. You have just changed my opinion. THANK YOU! |
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| Sue |
April 27th, 2008 9:42 pm ET I just spent the last 1/2 hour listening to Rev. Wright’s “stirring and inspiring” speech–if you would call it that. The man is scary and potential political suicide for any candidate. I realize he is a learned man, with his degrees and the languages he speaks….but poking fun at the some of the past leaders we have had was classless and very bigoted. Just goes to show you can’t teach a man anything! |
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| Chris |
April 27th, 2008 9:43 pm ET I think the media owes this man an apology for what was done to him. The media would rather report on what “sells” rather then reporting the truth no matter who is getting hurt. This speech given by Wright today was so impressive and well thought out. It shows us once again what America is all about, we are all different and that it is ok to be different. |
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| Curt |
April 27th, 2008 9:44 pm ET For what earthly reason is CNN wasting all of this time, giving coverage to this racist hate mongering hypocrite ? Rehab perhaps? I think it’s a little too late. The cat is out of the bag and this guy is worse than a cancer. |
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| Fatou |
April 27th, 2008 9:44 pm ET I am so inspired by what i have seen on CNN a few moments ago… the words of Jeremiah Wright. It is a speech that everyone can benefit from whatever your race, religion or creed. I have never heard anything this inspirational in my entire life on TV. I have only been here in the US for a week and it is only now that i fully understand why Obama would be inspired by a man like this. Wow…thumps up for CNN for covering this in its entirety. Go Sanchez, it is going be a long night!!! |
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| Bill |
April 27th, 2008 9:44 pm ET I heard his speech and felt he is a total racist. I hope people can see through all this trash. We need people to take to responsibility for their actions ,not excuses because we are different. We know we are different. That is why I won’t vote for Obama. |
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| Janet J - WV |
April 27th, 2008 9:44 pm ET WOW! What a powerful commentary by an extremely well read, well educated individual. Not only did he back his comments by documented studies from top education and linguistic research/professors, historical data relating to the white and black race, he backed his comments by those of the Bible. Why is it that so many people are threatened by an extraordinary person of color? He is truly a powerful orator who is consice and articulate in his delivery of message. I just completed a graduate course where many of the points Rev. Dr. Wright made were the common theme in two of the course textbooks. It is a fact that everything has been measured by the Euro-American standard and anything that is different from that measurement is considered abnormal or deficient. Previous commentors that have referred to Dr. Wright as a “looney,” or “crazy,” you need to pick up a book and read about the foundations of culture and diversity as it relates to the formation of this country. Information that is still relevant today. Thank you Dr. Wright for clarifying that different is not deficient, just simply different. Let’s learn to embrace, celebrate, enjoy, and learn from the diversity of this great country. Thank you CNN for your decision to bring this broadcast live to your viewers. |
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| Juliana Franklin |
April 27th, 2008 9:45 pm ET Great speech!! Very educational. I would attend his sermons more than 20 years. !! (I am white with jewish origins),He speaks about respect to each other, about developing mutual understanding . I believe in these concepts. |
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| Larry |
April 27th, 2008 9:45 pm ET If you listened to Rev. Wright with an opinion firmly planted in your mind that the man is raciest and a loon, than you probably heard exactly what you already knew. Your opinion has been firmly planted, and you will have listened with ears tainted by endless loops of media and talk-show hosts telling you what you want to hear. However, if you approached this event with an honest, well-thought bent of mind, you would have heard a man who is firmly grounded in the love of Christ, and with a very realistic view of the our great nation’s diversity, and the challenges we all face. Perhaps it is painful to examine our own hearts, and our own motives. That’s a hard thing to do for anyone. Yet, hopefully Americans can rise above our own fixations, and see that Wright is not a demon. Can we move beyond a house divided against itself, and learn to honor and respect views and opinions that do not fit with our own? |
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| Chuck Gerber |
April 27th, 2008 9:45 pm ET Thank you for reporting the complete speech of The Rev.Jeremiah Wright instead of those completely unfair soundbites we have seen thus far. |
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| Donna |
April 27th, 2008 9:46 pm ET WHO CARES!!!!!! |
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| cynthia |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET Maybe some American’s are afraid to hear the truth. People are more open to talk about the difference in races and how the world is changing. This change may be new but it is wat’s needed. Those that turn the channel may be afraid to hear the truth & that the world is changing. For those that attend black churches, he is not crazy & looney. As Rev Wright said, ” all people do not learn in the same way.” this is the black churches way to communicate to their people. Go to a black church one Sunday & open your mind to other cultures. Everyone has their own way of getting their point across and this is Rev. Wrights. |
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| Diane Villeneuve |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET OK, we now know that Rev Wright is not a hater and anti-American. But what he preached is not that helpful–in a Euro-American society, the majority of black people ARE deficient; that is, they can’t survive well in the environment, just as I would be completely deficient if I tried to live in sub-Saharan Africa. If you’re going to live and thrive here, regardless of color, you need to study and become literate and stay out of jail and raise your children without violence. It’s all about social skills, not race. |
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| Katheryn |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET What a wonderful speech by the Reverend Wright. at the NAACP. I am impressed by his education and entertainment. He is a very smart person. Maybe this will put to rest about the Black church and Barack Obama. I am voting for Barack for sure. |
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| joel |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET Thank you for posting the speech in its entirety. I don’t know if I was more moved by the introduction or by the speech — both were highly valuable to balance out the “snipet” approach. The white isolation from the black church is exactly the problem that most of the negative response to Wright has come from. From earlier comments I can see that exposure doesn’t bring affection — but at least it allows for a fairer tone (even if much response remains racist). |
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| Wes |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET GREAT Speech . If we heard the whole speech which was played on you tube this wouldn’t have been such a big deal. |
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| Vig |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET Rev. Wright’s histronics and theatrical stage presence eclipses any substantive message he may want to imprint. I also find it ironic that he did not speak to the killings in his own back yard this past week whose victims and victimizers are mostly Black. While he builds his multimillion mansion, how many Blacks live in poverty and dispair? I have more respect for someone like Bill Cosby who imparts a social message and seems genuinely bothered by the violence perpetrated by Blacks and the high drop out rates. Someone who doesn’t need a pulpit to aggrandize himself. Obama and Wright have more of a stage presence then an advocacy message. |
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| Ann |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET I am appalled that CNN is going to make such a stir over this man’s speech. I listened to the entire thing and could hear the hate all through it. If this is the man Obama has considered his “spiritual advisor” for the last 20 years…that is SCARY! And if Americans do not read between the lines, they may just get a change,,,,and one they were not counting on! |
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| Marjorie |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET This white woman from a small southern town–was moved to tears. |
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| Divine |
April 27th, 2008 9:47 pm ET Listening to Wright, I’d see why Obama “sat there for 20 years”. I will sit “there” for the next 20 years, if he were here in Rochester, N.Y. |
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| bettyVA |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET I’m impressed with this CNN broadcast. But it has not taken Rev. Wright to convience me a change is coming. How will BO make a change? Will he and Dean change the face of congress by making red states purple and electing new people in the Congress? Folks a liberal change like no one has ever seen is on the way if were not careful with our vote, and let this campaine go on so that we can learn more about BO. The congressmen that are supporting BO should take another look at this young man. I sure would like to see his Pass Port. |
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| Keith |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET As a lifelong Catholic, I am very surprised at the justification by your correspondents for Rev. Wright’s outrageous behavior. Making jokes this weekend about a black woman in the white house ‘legally’ for the first time….come on. Most of America, and I imagine Sen. Obama, is cringing. |
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| dana marie |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET Thank you for airing Rev. Wright’s entire speech. It was abundantly clear that he was not the man he was made out to be by others. It was a fantastic speech and I was highly energized by his enthusiasm and hope for our future as a united people. |
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| 1st American in Minneapolis |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET CNN, with your decision to broadcast much of Rev. Wright’s speech tonight live on air, you’ve finally distanced yourself from Inside Edition, TMZ, Extra, The Insider, ET, etc. that you’ve been becoming harder and harder to distinguish yourself from as of late. A very inspiring speech from Rev. Wright and a inside look at the Christian experience for many African Americans in this country. As a American Indian, I found the speech full of hope and truths that we’ve long felt and known to be true. However, in this racialized American society, overdue for true reconcilliation, it will scare the crap out of most Americans not descendants of the historically victimized and oppressed. As a society less than a generation removed from state sponsored segregation, forced integration, forced assimilation, etc. there are are hard truths out there that most people would rather not hear. Truth hurts and it is easy for most to turn away and put their heads in the sand, or lash out and decry the supposed offender and call for sanctioning or banishment. In the era of modern day politics, these truths often are twisted for the benefit of the fear mongering, status quo that government has become. While Rev. Wright’s speech will resonate with those who truly understand it, the upcoming reactions will speak to the sorry state of race relations in this country when it’s contents will inevitably be turned into political fodder while others will have their knee jerk reactions to it and move to condemn. Once again, congratulations to CNN for finally getting their objectivity and journalistic instincts back by airing his speech live. |
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| martha washington |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET One man’s desire for his 15 minutes of fame, what a shame … congratulations hillary ! |
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| C. Jenkins |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET Kudos to Rev. Wright |
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| Jean Majury |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET SOMETIMES WE FORGET THAT AFRICAN-AMERICANS PREDATE BLUE-COLLAR WORKERS. THEY WERE THE FIRST LABORERS, WORKING IN THE FIELDS, HARVESTING COTTON, AND OTHER PRODUCE AND PRODUCTS FOR THEIR MASTERS. AKA CORPORATIONS AND THEIR LABORERS. SO WHY NOT HEAR THEIR VOICE? WHY NOT PAY ATTENTION TO IT? WHY BE SO READY TO DISMISS, DERIDE, DENIGRATE, DISMISS? SUPPOSEDLY WE’RE A MELTING POT. LET’S SHOW IT BY LISTENING AND LEARNING, WHETHER IT BE JEREMIAH WRIGHT, WHO SERVED HIS COUNTRY HONORABLY OR ANY OTHER DESCENDANT OF EARLY AMERICA. |
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| Drew |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET Great Speech, congarats Rev. Wright you did great!!! |
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| Robert Wiseman |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET No matter what anyone says at this point, it is revisionist with respect to the Rev. Wright’s sermons and the parts of those sermons that have been publicized to date. There is no doubt that there is much that is wrong with this world, but those who profess to Christian beliefs and don’t also have a strong political agenda don’t speak in the phrases and tone used by Rev. Wright. As worthwhile as some of his message and actions are, there is much in what he preaches that promotes division. |
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| Wendy |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET Looking at some of these comments, this is why this country will remain the same. Instead of listening to the words some was listening to how they were delivered. Instead of trying to understand a culture its being described as loony. He is a animated african american pastor which they all are at some point and those were some of the differences he was trying to point out. This is a man who served this country for 6 years as a marine. He didn’t go on leave and not return like your current president. If you had listened to the words of the speech it was about a change where all religions, cultures, races would get to know each instead of passing judgement because one culture or race is different. For those of you saying your not going to vote for Obama because of this man, you were probably never going to vote for him anyway. More than likely your reasoning for not voting for him is something different from what you are willing to say on this blog. |
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| Judy |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET I did not find Dr. Wright or Dr. Anthony to be humble or godly in any form that is taught in the “Holy Bible”. |
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| Paul in Oregon |
April 27th, 2008 9:48 pm ET Any one that slams Rev. Wright, must see being different as being deficient. Here is a man that served his country, was educated and ministered to the poor. I am from the United Church of Christ and as a White, I would be so very proud to have attended his Church. This guy is scary because he asks us to look with in and realize that being black is not dificient, rather different. He is not loony rather he shows humor and insight. Yes this is scary because he asks us to look within and understand difference is not bad. He sees a change and thank God that the change will be us seeing that we are all part of GOD’s kingdom and it isn’t just a White perspective, a Black perspective, but GOD’s perspective. And I am not some wild eyed liberal or some uneducated person. I am a rather conservative economist and I was inspired. Oh and we should be scared of him because he believe that we as a human race can change for the better. Now that is a horrible thing …. Isn’t it???? Billary’s followers will hate him because he is educated, speaks 5 languages, and oh my served this country. I am sick of people that think being educated and speaking with eloquence as being eletist. |
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| Reality Check |
April 27th, 2008 9:49 pm ET Good, the more people that hear this hate-mongering lunatic speak the better. The more people that hear this anti-Semite imply that Obama is just saying what Obama needs to say to get elected the better. The more people that realize just off off-the-wall this racist manipulator is, and just how big an impact he had on Obama’s young life the more people will see why Hillary Clinton leads the popular vote of Democrats and Independents in America. Hillary in ‘08 - the only candidate who cares what ALL Americans have to say. |
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| AZ |
April 27th, 2008 9:49 pm ET Okay. I think it is amazing that this guy has become the “voice” and “face” of what the African-American church is. First, to focus on the development of one race (which he does) is highly offensive. Well, white Americans have done it. What is more shocking, is that he doesn’t mind saying it. I respect the idea that he wants to justify who he is and uphold his legacy. He talked on different means different and not deficient. Then why can’t he understand that being White is different, so why criticize those who learn on the left side of the brain. He is ultra critical of the white-race because he wears 1960 on his shoulder. He thinks in some way that by electing Obama kind of makes amends for the wrong in which whites have done. “A Change Is Gonna Come” is all about electing a Black president, not so much about Black people or the uniting of all people. I respect Rev. Wright and I will always see him as preacher and teacher of GOd’s word, which he does very well. But his statements on race and justice are far from the truth. The more so represent this “Progressive Black” agenda that promotes African Americans over everything else. Not as equal, but as better. It seems if BLacks can’t be on top, then there must be something wrong. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood….. |
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| Geraldine Goodson |
April 27th, 2008 9:49 pm ET Excellent decision to air the full speech. Let every man make his/her decision and move on. As for me, I new from the outset that Rev. Wright was on point with his message. Thank you for airing this speech !!!!!! |
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| bill |
April 27th, 2008 9:49 pm ET wow, that was enlighteneing |
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| Tell It Like It Is |
April 27th, 2008 9:49 pm ET Rev. Wright is fullly aware of the varying opinions people have of him based on the excerpts from his recorded sermons. His pleas of unfairness are now answered by himself. He has done little to ease the contradictions of his profession with his messages. I am not obligated to look any further into his heart or make exceptions for him because of his past experience or ethnicity. He has spoken with great notoriety and exposure. This man has contempt in his message and intends to exact a measure of retribution from those that will allow. He has succeeded with many. |
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| Marilyn |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET I can relate to Rev. Wright’s speech about the differences in black and white cultures. In 1965, I was the only black in a racist white school in South Carolina. It was very difficult for me to adapt to the white culture. We two races are different in culture but not as people. We blacks were talk to survive and the white race was taught to strive. We have always kept the beat on 2 and 4 and the whites 1 and 3. But, it doesn’t matter because if you put all the beats together we are whole. 4/4 beats equal a whole. We need to come together as one as Dr. Wright said. There is nothing wrong with either culture we just learn from each other and teach our children to get along. In the church, there is a difference, but there is only one God and what Wright is say, it doen’t matter what religion, we serve the same God. Religion wasn’t an issuse in past presidential campaign until Obama looks like he is about to be nominated and because he is black. White preachers were never looked at when the White candidate was running for this high office. A person’s religion shouldn’t matter because there is only one God. I enjoyed the speech and hope that the speech is not turned around into something negative but positive. Many religious leaders and people of faith are given a vision of what God is going to do for them. That is what Wright is saying when there is going to be a change. God has spoken to him and there is nothing scary about that. God gave Wright and other preachers the responsibility to teach his flock the word and through him he is able to delivery the word from God to the people. So Wright is just passing this information to the world from God to let them know that there will be a change. It could be for the good or it could be for the bad. Only God knows what this change is going to be. Can we accept change? If we can, there is a lot to do to get to that point and that takes pulling together as a race and family. |
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| Danielle Clarke Phila Pa burbs |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET Wow Rev wright should be the nations spritual leader. the spinners can’t spin his education and abilities but oh how they will try yet they will fall flat on their faces.. REV WRIGHT i say amen amen amen A CHANGE IS GONNA COME |
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| DLF in Wisconsin |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET FINALLY! Thank you CNN for having the courage to cover the Reverend Dr. Wright’s speech in it’s entirety. The NAACP has fulfilled it’s role and provided an opportunity and venue for Rev. Wright to respond to the shameful coverage that has portrayed him as a hate-monger and without substance. CNN has fulfilled it’s role by covering, rather than making, the news. |
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| dti |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET The man seems to be a bit hypocritical when talking about the fight against desegredation and then turning around and complaining that black children aren’t supposed to be taught like white children because they are different. And saying it is acceptable for black children to jump up on their desks because that is just the way they are wired. |
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| kim, pa |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET i pray every remaining superdelegate goes to Clinton. i can not imagine anyone who has been under his influence to be anything but focused on this agenda of diversity. Obama has little experience and its become a campaign to free the slaves of discrimination. I thought that did happen already, but Wright still jumps around and damns our nation???? For sure, McCain will win if Clinton doesn’t get in and the Democrats will have failed our country. |
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| Gregory Carter |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET I was thoroughly impressed with the message giving by both Rev. Anthony and then Rev. J. Wright. I thought that he was teaching those of us had forgotten out roots a refresher course and those who never knew our past or even their own, he was giving them a modern day course. I truly believe that a change is going to come. It is time that we put old things away and become new. We must come to an understanding that eventhough we are different, we are not deficient |
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| Dante |
April 27th, 2008 9:50 pm ET After watching Rev. Wright’s speech and then reading the comments on this blog I find it interesting that people focused on his humor and not his message. This is a problem in our country. When you don’t want to hear what a person has to say you look for any reason to degrade them. Call the man loony or crazy if you want, but if calling for all races, religions, genders, and classes to fight on the same side to insure a just and equal world for our children is loony or crazy then this is not the country for sane minded people like myself. I guess others were too busy mocking Rev. Wright’s humor to hear that part of the message. Or perhaps they just didn’t understand all those “BIG WORDS” he used. |
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| MJ |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET Fantastic how the people who “hated the speech” commented here early enough to demonstrate they listened to none of it. The soundbite culture that produced the Wright controversy to begin with was made for, and by, people like that. |
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| Y |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET Rev. Wright is a Genius! Wow. He is educating America. I pray we all have ears to hear and a heart to receive. This is a very exciting time in American History. |
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| Joyce |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET Uplifting speech. Thank you CNN for broadcasting Rev. Wright’s entire speech. This is what CNN does best! |
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| Bill |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET This man is a racist. If a Caucasian man mocked the way African Americans spoke, danced and clapped their hands there would be warcrys. I’m ashamed that people find this acceptable. I was also suprised he referred to Native Americans as “Indians” as well… Bad Form… |
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| Sharon, Seattle |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET I’m white, I’m not religious but I sure do admire and respect Reverend Wright! It was a wonderful speech, a wonderful message but sadly, I see that some weren’t paying attention. The talk of change was the theme for the NAACP dinner yet some here chose to believe it to be some sort of secret takeover of the political process. They are the ones who believe those 30 second sound bites and no matter what they hear after, it just won’t change their minds. Thank you CNN for showing the whole speech and for your continuing coverage of it this evening. I sure didn’t expect to see that. |
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| Pat |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET Rev. Wright speech was great!!! People should stop trying to find any reason to said that they will not vote for Obama was not vote for him anyway . It is strange that some people cannot understand the African-American pastor; Would anybody be interested in Rev. Wright if Obama was not running for POTUS. His speech was for the NAACP not for people who are looking for a reason to demonized Obama |
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| Tina Simms |
April 27th, 2008 9:51 pm ET I was glad to hear Rev. Wright…..now that I have heard him speak I consider him to be very entertaining, well-informed, and passionate about his beliefs. |
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| R.J. Stewart |
April 27th, 2008 10:30 pm ET Of course the republican strategist want to put it out that Rev Wright’s speec will hurt Obama. They are dead wrong. People who listened carefully will now know the “real” Rev. Wright and can think outside the box and see the background of his messages and have an analytical conclusion not provided by snipets that were taken out of context. It is prayerful that many more americans can now see more clearly the inside of the Black Church. It is not divisive, it is different. |
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| W. A. Hedge |
April 27th, 2008 10:30 pm ET First, I want commend CNN for having the courage to broadcast the speech of the Dr. Reverend Jeremiah Wright at the annual Freedom Fund banquet of the NAACP. I do not know your intent, but, what may have been thought of to be negative, turn out as positive. Because of your coverage of this meesage, the world will see Reverend Wright as a Christian preacher of Jesus Christ. CNN has set a new standard for television journalism. |
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| Mrs. V. Davenport |
April 27th, 2008 10:30 pm ET It is amazing that Ms. Shari Jacobus is so blind to truth. African Americans have know for a long time that we do learn in different ways. I can’t see how an intelligent woman can be so confused when truth is relayed with factual substance. I further note that this is not the Obama Camp speaking to us, it is Rev. Jeremiah Wright! |
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| tws |
April 27th, 2008 10:30 pm ET Why are so many offended and hoping the remaining super delegates go to Clinton..this was not a political speech…he said he was there to discuss the NAACP’s theme for 2008…”A Change is Going to Come”…if u changed your channel or no longer like Obama due to a speech then so be it…you obviously were not listening and had formed an opinion before the speech started…open your eyes people…a change is coming. |
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| Eugenie T. |
April 27th, 2008 10:30 pm ET The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is brilliant. Barack Obama should be credited for knowing where to find insightful messages about our culture. |
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| Mary S. Lewis |
April 27th, 2008 10:31 pm ET Tonight’s broadcast of all of Jeremiah Wright’s speech shows just how important it is to here the whole thing and not just sound bites. While I didn’t agree with everything he said, I found his speech inspiring and believe I understand him better. This is the sort of thing that cable news should do, especially CNN. But why did you bring in Cheri Jacobus, for heavens sake? Thank God for Soledad and Roland! |
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| Pat in phoenix |
April 27th, 2008 10:37 pm ET absolutely awesome |
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| MW Georgia |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET Why can’t people understand what this speech was all about. Did you not listen to the man. He is not some off the wall commentator. He was brilliant. I just hope all the negative people on this blog are not teaching your kids to hate so much. |
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| Barbara Gammon |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET I am grateful, at least that CNN alone, chose to show Rev. Wright’s address to the Detroit NAACP dinner tonight. However, it would have been much more admirable if we had been allowed to hear the entire speech without constant breaks by Rick Sanchez with commentarty by Solidad O’Brien and Roland Martin. I think it would have been more appropriate to have such comments AFTER the conclusion of Rev. Wright’s speech. But the speech was brilliant and I hope viewers, despite their political preference, will see it as such. |
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| Carol memphis |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET I don’t think it was terribly classy for Wright to mock 2 former presidents’ manner of speaking……. doesn’t seem like he is following his own mantra of “difference not dificient” by making fun of JFK & LBJ. Any white person that got up & publicly made fun of black leaders in this capacity would be run out of town on a rail. He almost had a good message started but is such a hateful person he couldn’t help himself…… would always slip back into his nasty, mean-spirited way of taunting. Obama must be beating his head against a brick wall tonight, wishing that he had thrown this idiot under the bus when he had the chance. |
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| Elaine |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET Thank you CNN for allowing the ENTIRE speech to be heard. As for the many bloggers who are offended and are denouncing the words of Rev. Wright, you’ve confirmed your true identity. You simply don’t get it and probably weren’t going to support Senator Obama in the first place. Additionally its absolutely LUDICROUS and IGNORANT to define Senator Obama by someone else. You’d rather a BOLD LIAR like Senator Clinton over someone who is trying to help give back to YOU some semblance of control of your government. You’d rather the real ELITISTs like Senator Clinton (remember her houshold is the one reporting earnings in the hundreds of millions) over someone who can truly identify with the struggles of the average American. But its people like you who make this country the diverse melting pot that it has become. I’ll pray for you anyway!! |
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| Evan Fowler |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET What the Rev. just presented to the nation made a mockery of the CNN news station, nearly everything he said had nothing to back it up and was false. Not only is this speech extremely racist to any white who watched it, it makes a mockery of the black race as well. I am a staunch Democrat, Obama sat through 20 years of this morons extremely racist false statements, and has confessed that this man is his mentor, anybody who votes for Obama is voting for the beliefs of this moron. Thus, anyone who votes Obama, is anti-White, anti-reality, and anti-America. I will now vote McCain over Obama. |
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| Cindy |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET Americans are too smart to form our opinions on sound bites. I think it is smart of anyone to listen or read a story fully before forming a judgement. Please going forward, do yourself a favour listen fully, think about it before you conclude. DO NOT ALLOW THE PRESS TO SHAPE YOUR OPINION ON SOUND BITES. BE SMART. CINDY- VERY INDEPENDENT WHITE |
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| Brandon |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET Great speech? One cannot argue that Rev. Wright is articulate, educated and a fantastic orator. But if we take everything Rev. Wright said tonight as fact. That whites and blacks are biologically different. That whites are left brained and blacks are right brained. What does he propose as a solution? That African Americans should be schooled differently? I think we had that before. It was called Segregation. People wake up! |
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| Gloria A. Ramirez |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET Rev. Wright won me over with his speech at the NAACP banquet. He noted that “Todos somos inmigrantes.” (We are all immigrants.) He pointed out that black children, [indeed, all children of color,] have different learning styles. He stressed that Arabic is not a religion but a language. He added that the only people that were not immigrants to this country are Native Americans. He had many things to say that resonated with me, a Chicana with Native roots in this country and an educator of young children. I know he spoke from a place of power, the power of truth. He challenged Americans of all ilks to reach beyond themselves and preconceived notions of citizenship and American ideals to embrace and understand differences so that we can all create the change that is needed in this country. I happen to be for Hillary Clinton and will support Obama if he is the democratic candidate. It is time for change but only we can create it! |
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| Johnette |
April 27th, 2008 10:40 pm ET My husband and I feel that this speech was a setback for blacks and for Obama. It portrays blacks as clowns who dance and sing on “stage” with their bad diction and brains that learn differently. The tone is racist, though the semantics urge unification. This speech sounds false. My husband is embarrassed to go to work, afraid that nonblacks will view him as a dancing clown whose kids climb on furniture and have special learning needs. Some points Wright made were intelligent, but overall it was hamming it up for the “world stage” CNN gave him. Barack was probably ringing his cell phone during the speech, trying to shut him up. I’m a college educated black, but I voted for Hillary in Pennsylvania. Thank God I did! P.S. Roland Martin and Soledad O’Brien did not provide objective reporting! |
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| J.E. Brown |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET How could anyone not think that Dr. Wright didn’t deliver a great speak. I didn’t think he said anything that would upset anyone unless they have an agenda & try to twist his words. I, also, respect this man & I like him! He shares with all of us his beliefs & has the courage to say it how it is….most of the time. |
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| Clarence |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET I watched the speech and found it very impressive. I feel his approach with all the world watching was very tactical. I found nothing in his speech that was alarming, or controversial. I do not feel he has done any damage to Sen. Obama to be honest I think this actually helps clear up some off the false media reports about Rev. Wright. I have reviewed all of the comments posted and I am surprised that some people are still trying to find something negative. People we must understand that others have views, values and beliefs that are different and that is okay. That is what divesity is all about. We must embrace change NOW |
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| Dcdotcom |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET Rick Sanchez and now I see CNN is going to make this story more political than it should be. The problem with the way CNN is covering this story is that it is difficult to understand when the truth is spoken. As to whether it hurt or helps Barak Obama really dosen’t matter anymore. That is what white America does not understand, it doesn’t matter………………….! |
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| Carol Horn |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET OH MY GOD - you couldn’t get me to vote for Obama now after hearing that self-serving pastor of his with his big mouth. And CNN with that stupid girl — Soledad O’Brien (a real loon) Hillary is a lier and McCain is an old jerk!! Bush is a dummy– The press in this country is getting ridiculous and of late if very, very slanted and unfair in its reporting. Maybe this time I’ll vote for Ralph Nadar. God, help our poor children – |
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| Shelly |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET Thank you Rick Sanchez and CNN for running the entirety of Rev. Wright’s inspiring speech to the NAACP. You have risen above the endless, shallow “commentary” of the pundits. Not only is Rev. Wright a former marine who proudly served his country, but he doesn’t fear speaking truth to power–the most patriotic thing that Americans who love their country can do. He preaches tolerance among different races, different religions, different cultures, different socio-economic groups, different levels of education and styles of learning. The only intolerance I see in this good and intelligent man is an intolerance for injustice. He asks all of us to not to look on others as inferior, but to appreciate and celebrate our differences, to rejoice in our wonderfully diverse but common humanity, and to realize that each of us can make a committment to making this planet a better place for everyone. I could easily sit in a pew every Sunday for 20 years to listen to this man (I’m a middle-aged, white suburban woman, by the way). The media in general owe a huge apology to Rev. Wright and Senator Barack Obama for their unfair, shallow, lazy, and biased coverage of the “Wright controversy” in recent weeks. |
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| Jennie |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET I was very moved by Reverend Wright’s speech. If you’ve never attended a house of worship different than the one you grew up in, you might have a hard time appreciating his knowledge of other faiths, and his solid grounding in Christianity. He is also highly erudite, has truly served his nation and community, and has received death threats because of sound bytes. At least he is able to craft a message in his own terms, not through the back door of some campaign strategist’s violation of a candidates religious boundaries. I dare say, you might be equally offended by the sermons other candidates have listened to in their churches. But you won’t hear them, because they are safe from having their boundaries violated that way by a political strategist who is working for the corporate shill. Thank you for at least providing a chance for the Reverend Wright to speak more fulsomely than carefully selected soundbytes. He was completely trashed before this speech, so many minds were prepared to encounter him negatively and will only see what they have been told to see, and hear what they have been told they should hear. That is the whole purpose of punditry. |
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| barbara Williams |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET Leave Rev. Wright alone.. you seem petty, devisive and racist. We, Black people who understand liberation theology, understand exactly what he is saying and it does not mean we/he hate America .. he just points out the “warts” and we can’t fix what we don’t acknowledge Listen.. learn… change what is wrong so we all can benefit and have a “more perfect union”. Obama! now! |
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| Dianne Niemann |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET My husband and I don’t ordinarily watch your channel at this time, but a friend called and alerted us. Thank you for showing this insightful view into Rev. Wright’s analysis of the state of race relations in My husband and I have been teachers for over 30 years and are well acquainted with the work of Howard Gardner concerning individual learning styles. Having just returned from Maui we are priveieged to know that Cirque de Soleil on the Hawaiian Islands expresses itself differently than it does in France. or even Las Vegas. Vive la Difference. Thank you for letting this spirit express itself. I will continue to watch and support those sponsers whose products we can afford. |
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| J Stewart |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET I hope this shows people how unacceptable the treatment of Rev. Wright has been in the media. Seeing the brilliance of Rev. Wright must silence as well as chasten all those who have so viciously villified him based on distorted information. |
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| Dennis Fischer |
April 27th, 2008 10:41 pm ET As a caucasian American and registered Republican, I was greatly impressed with Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s speech in Detroit. His theme of African-American culture being different and not deficient was most excellent and relevent. Dennis Fischer |
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| J. Harper |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET I was invigorated, encouraged and charged to hear Rev. Wright’s talk on CNN. It is about time we in this country recognized that we are all different and as such we deserve to be respected for those differences. As a white female teacher, I agree with a lot of what Rev. Wright said. He finally got to speak for himself. And I will vote for Obama if he is nominated by the Democratic party. |
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| Rachel |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET In addition, as an educator, it is well documented that African-American children learn differently than white. Girls tend to assimilate easier than boys, which is one reason why many black males do not complete high school. But if you’re not in it - you wouldn’t know that. Just a fact. And another fact is that if the model of education changed, then urban youth of color would probably excel further. |
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| David. Los Angeles |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET It’s about time for someone to speak for the African American churches of America and the Christian religion |
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| ElliotNC |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET Soledad should be toast. For over an hour, she spun and spun, calling the speech “hilarious” and “LOL funny” at least 15 times. Roland was stretching, but Soledad was shameful. When a guest with some actual credentials gets on the line, finally, Soledad played the interrupt game like O’Reilly, to add, once again, “it was hilarious.” Disgusting |
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| Brenda Alston |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET Isn’t it amazing how quick some folks are to critizize and assume. |
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| Theresa |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET Thank you CNN for your complete coverage of the magnificent introduction by Rev. Anthony and heartfelt, humorus, down to earth message of Dr. Rev. Jeriamah Wright. His speech was very enlightening and enjoyable. Yes, America a change is coming its inevitable. Listen to the messege and not the messeger if you are discontented of this intelligent, charismatic and eloquent Man of the clergy. To Thine Own Self Be True. |
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| dian |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET Rowland, Rev. Wright’s speech was excellent! I am an educator and Jocobus is wrong. We are aware of how important it is to differentiate instruction because children learn differently. It took a while for educators to realize this, we now know children have different learning strengths and, we are now learning how to meet the instructional needs of all children. Learning styles are different not deficient! The instruction that was being delivered to children was deficient. Our motto: Not one method fits all! I really enjoyed listening to Rev. Wright. It’s obvious that he is a brilliant, humorous,gifted man of God! This should not hurt Barack Obama. |
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| paula |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET REV.WRIGHT speech was a very true speech.I understood everything he was saying .I am a white american and Rev.Wright spoke the truth. |
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| gomez |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET Why does Rev. Wright have to mock the way people speak in order to |
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| Micahel Guinn Ventura,CA |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET I watched the NAACP honor Rev. Wright tonight, then LISTENED to him speak. In a word, AMAZING! I have a much different view of him since I took the time to listen. |
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| Allen |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET The tragedy with our society today is that we have a compliant church, black ,brown or white. What Dr Wright just said is not good for people whose eyes do not see or imagine heaven . People who are not devoted Christians will surely not recognize that God owns the earth and all in the universe. Therefore those people will assume that Rev. Wright is wrong in telling the world that if “America thinks she is God”, then let America be damned by God. Unfortunately, that is true Biblically and God will mete out his justice to all who do not follow his commandments. |
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| Karen Las Vegas |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET I wish Rev. Wright were here in Las Vegas. He is one of the first preachers I have heard who is not afraid to speak the truth! We all want to believe that there is separation of Church and State in this country of ours. Remember that this came not so much the Church controlling the State but from the State controlling the Church. And that is what has been happening here. As soon as the Clinton campaign made the Wright sound bytes public, the State, through it’s corporate media, has been trying to control the Church, via Rev. Wright. If you polled all religious leaders in this country, I am sure it would show that most do not approve of the way Rev. Wright has been treated. None of them want to be controlled and told what to say behind their pulpit. Many of us are living in this country because our ancesters were escaping religious persecution. If we continue to allow the persecution here, a country founded on freedom of speech and religion, where can we possibly go to be free from harm. |
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| eileen |
April 27th, 2008 10:42 pm ET I thought his speech was good until I heard his very quiet little jab at the irish, right after he said “are you listening O’reilly? I was. |
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| cj |
April 27th, 2008 10:43 pm ET Rev. Wright is not running for President! |
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| Carla Ontario Canada |
April 27th, 2008 10:43 pm ET So are we going to spend the next week dissecting rev wright’s speech? I hope not. Just free publicly for him and his book. |
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| Fiona Reid |
April 27th, 2008 10:43 pm ET Great speech! Finally we’ve been given the opportunity to see a three dimensional view of Reverend Wright vs the one dimensional clips that have been aired over the past weeks and you know what? He’s not scary - he makes good sense and says things we should all pay attention to by appreciating difference instead of thinking of “other” as deficient. I think this will help people understand why Obama held the Reverend Wright in such high regard. |
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| Eddie |
April 27th, 2008 10:43 pm ET Looking for a hockey game and accidentally went to CNN. I had a good laugh and enjoyed the uninterrupted chance to get to know the Reverend. My Sundays would be exciting in his church. Thanks CNN! I’ll see the hockey highlights tomorrow! |
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| Jean |
April 27th, 2008 10:43 pm ET REMEMBER REV. WRIGHT SAID REMINDED THAT HE IS NOT RUNNING FOR ANY OFFICE, AND THAT HE WAS ADDRESSING A |
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| Beverly, Utah |
April 27th, 2008 10:43 pm ET Thank you, thank you, thank you for airing the speech in its entirety. I found Rev. Wright to be articulate, clearly well educated, funny, and dead on target in many of his points. I hope all Americans are able to look within, and make the changes he talked about. It’s the only way we are going to survive as a nation. |
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| Em |
April 27th, 2008 10:44 pm ET As a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 8, I think Wright’s speech was great and it’s about time that we have heard from him in his own words! My children and grandchildren will learn from him. I am 64 and white and an Obama delegate and I respect both of these men. I do not see them as identical and can tell them apart. All whites do not agree on every single detail of how they experience and view life and I do not expect all blacks to share the exact same viewpoint. Let each of these men express himself. |
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| Robert |
April 27th, 2008 10:44 pm ET Wendy, He was preaching togetherness, he was preachers divisiveness. That is the issue. He feels the power alright, but it isnt coming from heaven. He’s thinking white house. well you can kiss that goodbye. |
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| trina |
April 27th, 2008 10:44 pm ET thank you cnn for airing the full message of rev. wright. |
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| Patrick |
April 27th, 2008 10:44 pm ET Simply put: Great speech. I must say it changed my opinion of the man. Thank you CNN! |
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