Good evening Erica and bloggees. Hope everyone had a good Tuesday (although I seriously keep thinking it is Wednesday....what a let down)

Looking forward to a great show tonight. It is great to see Anderson is down in NOLA!!!

Hey guys, hope everyone had a good tuesday, one day til hump day!

-Is AC going to have any new information about those rebuilding their homes who have to return their money? Hope so...that is so wrong.

Since ac360 is in New Orleans, I hope we get to hear what's going on there and in Mississippi. Hopefully Rev Wright won't fill the whole hour.

Good evening Erica and all bloggers!

I am very glad that Anderson will be live in New Orleans tonight keeping them honest.

A while back on 360 Anderson had a segment with a woman who, along with her husband, quit her job and relocated to New Orleans in order to start St. Hubert's, a non profit group with volunteers from all over the world. This group built (or rebuilt) over 1000 homes for the displaced residents. I learned last week that many of these homes have been (or are in the process of being demolished) in order for the government to rebuild middle class housing in it's place.

Finally, the healing of America begins. Thanks CNN it takes a lot of guts to lead the modern press on the Wright issue. I can hardly wait for CNN presents "Black in America".

Good Evening Bloggers!
Anderson is in New Orleans right now

Good evening, Anderson, Erica, and all!

Greetings bloggers. Well Obama finally denounces Wright. Only 20 years late.

Hi Erica and everyone!

I'm glad Barack Obama is finally speaking out about Wright.

Strong words from Obama. I'm glad O. said what he said about this megalomaniacal pastor. Wright didn't serve him well...so selfish!

Did anyone notice that Obama seemed to echo exactly what Roland Martin said last night – Roland said Obama should say that Wright is not the man he knew for the last twenty years and that he should get mad about it and denounce him – looks like Obama took Roland's advice today

Love the "Obama's Outrage" graphic....lol...He's just so calm all the time...

Hi, everyone - good to have you here!

Michael, there will be an update on the NOLA folks now being asked to return money...an unbelievable story.

Good evening Anderson,

Kudos to Barack Obama. I'm hoping Barack will be able to pull off a victory in Indiana and be our President.

Yes Mike,
You're right. I agree with you......

Senator Obama did the right thing today even though it must have be extremely hard on him. It is never easy to cut ties with someone who has been in your life for that long, no matter how big or small an influence they played in your life

Obama has yet to answer why he remained with Rev. Wright for 20 years. It is hard to beleive he had no inkling that Wright held these controversial views.

While I'm not an Obama supporter – I find it somewhat saddening that someone once close to him has caused so much damage to his campaign. I think that predominantly black churches in general do not share Wrights views....

Hi everyone.

I'm thinking too little too late on this one. Wright sounds a lot like he has in past speeches. Give me a break that he suddenly changed for the worst. Maybe because he's hurting the campaign Obama has suddenly seen the light.

Mike from Syracuse NY> I feel the same way. I think the word "outraged" should have been used a long while back when Wright's story first made headlines. It feels very wishy washy going from standing by him to now being almost forced to denounce him.

I can't even believe Wright thinks the government would have to do with spreading AIDS. Wow... amazing.

I have to feel for Obama. Rev. Wright really shot Obama in the foot yesterday. I'm a Clinton supporter but I feel Obama has gotten a raw deal on this whole matter.

Thanks Erica, thats what I have been hoping to hear for a while. I just hope he can get us some good answers.
-Megan-thanks for that.

You have to feel for Obama. No matter what we think, he was hurt by Wright's words. A friendship ending is always hurtful in some ways.

Ok, really cynical thought. What if Wright's National Press Club performance was staged to give Obama a chance to denounce him?

It's good to see Anderson back in NOLA again.

Obama had some strong words against Reverend Wright, but I'm not sure if it will be enough to end the controversy and he's going to have to be prepared to deal with it as the campaign goes on–it's not going to let up and Wright probably won't stop talking.

Jacqui Chan the group is the St Bernard Project.

Obama's outrage today doesn't sit well with me – Obama denounced Wright for his statements yesterday before the National Press Club – but these are the same statements that Wright has been saying for years – what's new? The superdelegates are worried that Wright will hurt them in down-ticket races – and the Repubs have started using Wright in their ads – suddenly, Obama is outraged,... like Wright said, Obama is a politician saying what a politician has to say

May just be too little too late....

Anderson, you got that right about "Rev. Wright poisoning Obama's campaign". I really wonder why Obama allowed Rev. Wright to use his campaign as a forum to spout off?

In my opinion, the handslap issued to Wright today not only looks staged, but it is also "too little, too late".

Well, I guess for the first time in her adult life, Michelle Obama is not really proud of Reverand Wright...

I don't think it was staged. Obama seemed really hurt and upset about this. I would be too. For someone that is a man of God, I felt he really stabbed Obama in the back.

Obama does look devastated! Obama looks like he'd just been stabbed in the back by a family member. I'm glad he finally formally distanced himself from Wright. It's upsetting that it had to come this far for that to happen though.
The saddest part I think is voters that will take Wright's original statements as Obama's opinion and not examine Obama's true views on it.

Dan n Bama,
I agree with you too, I am not fan of Barack Obama either. I am not support him too.

I am glad Obama finally answered some questions about his relationship with Wright and denounced him. It clearly was a difficult and personal decision, very emotional, for him. As it would be for anyone (and most especially for a Presidential candidate) who has a religious connection that has to be broken.

Brian>To put it in perspective, I have to think how I would publicly distance myself from someone as prominent as a Rev Wright, or how 'bout how you would distance yourself from a close relative (in a positive way) w/o making the rest of the family really angry or distraught.

I think Obama is the best choice for President. I hope this is not to late.

Hello everyone! I am glad Obama has finally expressed some outrage and decided to distance himself from Rvd. Wright. However, I think it is about 20 years too late. I also noticed that his speech seemed to follow the theme that Roland Martin outlined last night. I have to wonder if his main reason for this outrage is the fact that Wright basically outted him as a politician who will say what it takes to get elected. For a politician who tried to paint himself as a "new" kind of politician, he seems to be just as much a politician as any other.

As much as I'm sure the Senator would like it, he's not going to be able to put this issue in a box at the back of the closet and walk away.

People have to know the facts, the facts show that barack obama will be the dems nominee..... people have tried to spin the end results of this race. He will be leading in delegates at the end of this campaign no matter what. The dems need to get behind him to sharpen the fight for our country. Barack Obama is a unifier, and an honest man who practices what he preaches. He shows he really is a christian and we see that by how he runs his campaign....suprised some chistians have'nt noticed!!

It's great to see Anderson back in New Orleans. Too bad the majority of the coverage is going to be about Wright.

Seems like everyone has forgotten that 6 weeks ago in Philly Obama said during his speech on race that Rev Wright has been like "family" to him.

Barack had no right to turn on Rev. Wright. All he did was diss the man who has been the spiritual leader of his family for near on twenty years. I guess that Obama's political aspirations mean more than his aderence to his faith and the man who was there to help him see the way.

OK, looks like we've got a conspiracy theory forming here.

Why do I not believe Barack Obama? First he says that he and Jermiah Wright have been close for about 20 years, talking on a personal level. Then he says that this is not the Rev. Wright that he knows. Barack is not handling this well. He is not showing the leadership and I believe that he indeed shares the views of Jeremiah Wright. They shared personal prayers, Rev. Wright married the Obamas and helped raise Barack's children. I would love to hear from other members of his church.

Man-Obama can't really get a break. Yes, it stinks that he has been in relation with Wright for over 20 years, but he can't take that back now and we should move on. I am not an Obama supporter, but there is no more he can do now.

Mike of Syracuse: I wouldn't be surprised at all! Oh let's start those conspiracy theories.....

Mike in NC,
You're kindly welcome!

Barack and Michelle Obama went to the church for 20 years. Please, he was married by the man, his children were baptized by the man and it is a far stretch of the imagination to believe that he did not hear what Rev. Wright preached for all those 20 years. Did anybody hear Barack Obama answer questions after the speech to-day? Really people, the president?

@ Genevieve M, TX
This is not staged at all-you could see the anguish on Obama's face!
BARACK OBAMA IN 08

One can be Democrat, Republican, independent, liberal or conservative but I believe we can all agree Wright is just "too full of himself". What a sorry "spectacle" and we, including the media, create the attention, so undeserved.

Obama's run for the Presidency has always been a high wire act – - a balancing game upon a very high and very long wire. He can recover from one or two mistakes, yet when there continuously comes one after another, after another . . . then sooner or later the great artist must fall.

You can't simply sit under a minister's teaching for that long and try in one speech to dissassociate yourself from the man's beliefs and teachings...... I'm certain OB is correct in that his relationship has changed......the question is – has it changed only becuase OB is a polititician – or has it changed because the Rev is clearly in error in his beliefs?

This man has been abandoned by his father mother now Rev Wright.

Please America give him a fair go. If he wins or loses be it by his own

ability.

Sorry Obama...hope is not a plan for America!

Chuck>I fear you are absolutely right about not being able to get away from this so succinctly (especially when we finally learn Rev Wright is on the Clinton campaign payroll!).

BTW, welcome to my corner of the world AC360.

Maybe you can't attribute Wright's thoughts to you, Obama, but they influenced you just like sitting in Roman Catholicism for almost 40 years influenced me (and not for the best, either).

I find it puzzling why Senator Obama says that the Jeremiah Wright he knew 20 years ago is not the one he heard in the last few days. He didn't leave the church 20 years ago – in fact he didn't leave the church at all. The outrage should have come weeks ago.

Crowley mentioned how emotional Obama was today...I honestly don't see it. It seems just like every other one of his speeches both in tone and mannerisms. I have to give Obama credit for being so stoic though.

You know Obama is damned if he does and he is damend if he doesn't. Nothing that Jeremiah Wright has said has change my opinion of Barack Obama.....I still support him and I hope the American people get it right and vote Senator Obama as the next president of the USA

Obama only distanced himself from Rev Wright because he
hurt his feelings by saying that Obama is a politician and
he'll say what he has to get elected. In other words he believes
in everything I preach about.
He didn't feel upset by his comments for twenty years, not
until it started to hurt his campaign. Obama proved Rev.
Wright to be correct in what he said about saying anything.
He set a trap for him publicly and Obama walked right into
it head first.

Man, People! No matter what Barack Obama does, he will never make some of you happy... How about some compassion and empathy?

today he said wright was never his mentor of spirtual advisor but i also remember him saying that and that he was his sounding board.

I think now that Obama denounced Wright he will be forgiven immediately by everyone. He seems to get away with everything.. deserved or not..

As Glen Beck said, did Obama ever even go to church?? To say you had no idea of the feelings of someone you felt close enough to call an uncle for 20 years is just preposterous.

Rev. Wright has crowed one too many times, and Obama's chickens have come home to roost.

I agree Genevieve...too little, too late.

I can not for the life of me, understand why it took this long (20 years) to make a better judgement about Rev. Wright.

Obama proved he knew this man was poisonous when he mad sure Wright was not a part of his presidential run announcement last year!!!!

Barack, DO NOT insult my intelligence!

If Obama denounced Wright's words earlier, then it might not have gone this far- in this case, hindsight is 20/20.

Erica>Do you or Anderson (or any of the producers, etc.) go back and review the blog after the broadcast, for consistent comments, ideas, etc? When Anderson is out of the studio, does he review this at all (after the fact)?

So true Tammy! Excellent point! 1 to 25 years of Catholicism to me and I was out of there.

Barack doesn't come off as being one who stomps on others to get ahead. That is leadership. Why on earth would you guys want to start a conspiracy theory on something that is not true.

Does anyone find it ironic that he says he didnt "vett" his pastor very well? I think that has been one of the most curious things about his press for all of this time...he hasnt been vetted either and that is a concern to many.

Senator Obama is attempting to move folks to a new space a new paradigm. He wants a nation for all the people. I think Rev Wright is probably stuck in the past to some degree.

Obama had plenty of time to say this a long time ago. This wasn't some sudden change in Wright's character. He was the same person at the NAACP dinner that he was in those sermons. Does Obama really expect anyone to believe that he did not know Wright harbored this type of racist attitude and hate for the government when he not only sat in that church for twenty years, but he was a close friend of his Now Obama claims that Wright was not his mentor or spiritual advisor. It is just incredible.

David Gergen is always the voice of reason....I love David Gergen!!!!!

I feel Obama spoke the truth, but it didn't come off too well. People like his wonderful speeches, not what we see in these stuttering sound bites, which sound more like his debate answers where he doesn't seem to do as well.

David G. said he smacked him between the eyes, but his tone sounded like a tap, not a punch.

i think Obama did exactly what he had to do.
He needs to try and move on .......if the media permits!!

I am a little confused, didn't Obama say his first book was based on or spirtually written due to Wright? Hasn't he said through out this campaign that Wright has been his spirtual adviser for 20 years? If I'm not mistaken I find this VERY hard to believe that he is JUST now figuring out what Rev. Wright is all about. I think Obama is too little to late.

I am sickened by Wright's views, and equally sickened by the media playing this out. Senator Obama has been unequivocal in his condemnation, rightly expressing outrage at the imbecile views of this narcissistic 'man of God' – for heaven's sake, quit dissecting this debacle and let us move forward.

Today was staged...

"If Barack gets past the primary, he might have to publicly distance himself from me," Wright told The New York Times with a shrug. "I said it to Barack personally, and he said 'yeah, that might have to happen.'"

Last night David Gergen said Obama needed to disown and get angry about Reverend Wright. Obama did exactly that. I do not see how any one can find it sincere after al this time... He is only doing what he had to. In my heart and mind I know that Obama shares the feelings that Reverend Wright is talking about. He is not fooling the majority of us. Obama is ruined.

Yesterday Wright said the same things that he has been saying for years. Where was Obama's outrage before today? I don't believe for one minute that Obama had not heard this things before.

I think the choice for Obama is clear: He must choose between leadership and loyalty. He must decide is he going to be a leader or is going to be loyal. It is time for him to step up, fully cut his ties with Wright, and go after winning the nomination.

Roland stated earlier that his radio audience had split 50/50 over this new developement. Some blacks were for Wright's comments and some were not.

Wish Obama was more emotional in his speech.
I know he is a cool guy but he needed to have 'cursed' him a little.
Wright is just an attention seeker. He has hurt this one brother of his. too sad.

i think Obama did a good job defending him self its time to move on ..

I strongly believe that we need to focus on the issue at hand in this country which is that we need someone who will be able to help us out our present condition.

First Obama attempts to hide Wright on the day he announced his presidential bid. He then spins what we all saw on videos, as snippets being misinterpreted. All along Obama was close with Wright and the church for 20 years. Only fools would believe he didn't know Wright's positions and views. Even after the videos, he couldn't break ties with him in his special speech on race. Now it looks like good cop, bad cop, but way too late. This is a political no brainer now, and to think he is totally a non-believer of Wright and the church' beliefs is juvenile.

I have to agree with David Gergan. The way Barack handled the Rev. Wright situation today was great! I like that fact that Barack is still able to keep a cool head... just what we need in a president.

You would be surpried what happens with pastors. I belong to a church who had one pastor embezzle 200,000 and another fired for online pornography and going to prositutues. I thought I was close to both. AND I did not leave the church because of them. Pastors as well as politicians ARE human after all. I choose to believe that Obama is sincere.

Casey, I'm not sure if Anderson looks back at the evening's blog, but I know many folks on the show do.

We talk about what you are saying, your thoughts on the show...

While I am glad that Barack has taken an extra step in terms of responding back to Rev Wright's latest comments, I am still disturbed by the double standard of the major media outlets. While the focus has been on Barack's FORMER pastor, Hillary's FORMER pastor was just convicted for sexual child abuse. While the media was quick to jump on Barack about Rezko, there has been no mention of the Clinton's trial in California re: Paul vs Clinton, in which the court has allowed Hillary to give her deposition after the November election!!!

Kelly, Until recently, the media drew most of what they new about Obama from books he wrote about himself.

Hey Bob L, what do you think he should do that he hasn't already done? He has to save his campaign. Especially if he's going to be the deomcratic nominee

I have to agree with David Gergen. Rev. Wright cares more about himself than anyone else. Not a good attitude to have when you're a Pastor.

I support Reverend Wright's right to defend himself and thought he did just that with the Moyer's interview and the NAACP speech. That said, the PC Q&A session was not defending but fighting and he did himself, people who supported him and Senator Obama a great disservice.

Reverend Wright through his actions rejected Obama – Obama had no choice. I would feel betrayed the relationship would be over for me as well.

Thanks Angel!
I agree with you too

Regardless of support in this current primary, my question is this: how can it take Senator Obama so long to divorce himself from Rev. Wright? Is it logical that after being part of his ministry for twenty years he had absolutely no idea of his views? That I find simply illogical.

I can't help but wonder if Mr. Obama, with his political ambitions, didn't join Rev. Wright's church to connect with the African-American community. Now that the church has served its purpose, it's time to distance himself, because the liberation theology might be offensive to white, blue collar workers. Mr. Obama is feeling like politics as usual.

He responded too slowly to this whole thing. It seems like he is very arrogant himself about this whole thing. He has shielded this guy from the beginning. Wright has been offending people for a while now and only when it was hurting Obama did he react and finally say something. He obviously is not as sensitive to others as he would have us believe. He is talking out of two sides of his mouth.

Lolzy, I agree 100%. People are expecting too much out of this "separation" between Rev. Wright and Barack Obama. They want Obama to say this, they want him to say that, they want Rev. Wright to do this and that. Just let it be!!

I'm pround of Obama for throwing Rev. Wright under the bus. What Rev. Wright did Monday was the upmost performance of disrespect. How could a "Pastor" so call man of God do something like this. What a loser and piece of trash. I hope the bus runs over him.

@ Mike: He's my conspiracy theory here. This comes from husband so I will give him credit. Clinton wins and Wright gets a high ranking government position. Ambassadorship? Just thinking.

I feel pretty bad for Barack. First his dad deserts him. Then his father figure is a narcissistic megalomaniac who throws him under the bus.

I think that this is a big hit for Obama, one that he may not recover from.
Four more years of Republicans – thanks Rev. Wright.

How can Obama now say he is outraged about Wright's words yesterday?These are the same words he has been spewing for the past weeks.

So much for Obama's judgement!!!!!

Obama saw his numbers falling and the press was not giving a pass this time.He is just another politician.

What else his he hiding?

Hooray for Barack Obama – He showed fortitude and strength and has what it takes to be a leader of this nation. Why does CNN always focus so much of Jeremiah Wright and downplay gaffs by Senator Clinton. She remarked that Senator Obama could have left his church would she leave her husband for his opposing views views on trade or his infidelity?

he used Mr. write till he needed him. To day Obama campan is in problem he though way Mr. Write as some one took out fly from tea.

I think Obama has been a little mad all along, but when he said that Obama said what he needs to get elected, it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Obama will feel a great weight lifted off of his shoulder. Sure, he may be sad about a friendship ending, but he's denounced him, that SHOULD be it.
Here's hoping Wright is quiet now.

This was not easy for Obama....... Older African Americans will see this as disrespect, but it's time for a new generation of African Americans to rise in America.

Minou. You're probably Wright. Obama will get a pass now.

The more this racist in-fighting goes on, the more McCain and Clinton look presidential.

Lisa-–I have had similar experiences with pastors and I as well did not leave my church. The church is more then just the pastor, it is the people who come together to worship

I think Mary's diss/disrespect point is completely correct. This is a back-and-forth game between Obama and Wright. As Mary pointed out, the stakes are much higher for Obama – way higher!

Respect and disrespect seem to be buzz words these days... I wonder if this couldnt have been solved better if the two just spoke to one another directly, rather than through soundbites.

I love Ms. Berry. Can we see more of her, please? She always manages to elevate the debate.

I think Obama did what he had to do and now we need to move on with the real issues. I am sure this was not an easy decision after all I think he did look at him as a father figure that he really never had.

In the Black church when you stay home people don't call you and tell you what the pastor said. Really in the black church you don't go up to the pastor after a sermon and tell him his sermon was whack. In the black church the pastor is king and as you know you never tell the emperor he has no clothes.

I know I vet my ministers with whom I associate. I take my religious endeavors very seriously and whoever is leading the congregation is important to know on many levels, and to be reserached before one commits to that church. I just don't believe Obama didn't know what Wright was preaching, even on the Sundays he was not in attendance. Didn't he ever talk to the other congregants?

Since Wright has been Obama's spiritual guidance for 20 years, I do believe he's only distancing himself from him to be forgiven by the people who are upset about Wright's words. I wish Obama meant it, though. But I've grown cynical when it comes to politicians.

I wonder if that's true Erica. Although with Wright on his little tour, who knows where he is any given day? When do we all expect a book to come out??

Such a sad sad man Wright is. He better start praying alright.

If Wright continues to come out and make statements and it's all covered by the media, Obama is not going to have much of an opportunity to get his message back on track–he's going to always be on the defensive and any other issues that he may want to address will be overshadowed by this controversy.

HAHAHA...Love the "Scuba Pup" picture.

It appears to me that at least Rev. Wright has NOT changed his beliefs, he has stuck to what he has said/believes in speaking out. The same thing can NOT be said for Obama. He states one thing when it suits him, then turns and does a 360,, no pun intended Anderson *S*,

mike frim syracuse.....I have to admit, the skeptic in me is thinking the same thing. Knowing the egomaniac thst Wright appears to be, I can't imagine him not retaliating in some fashion; if he doesn't , I think we will have our answer! It was a political setup designed to give O cover. Shame on them if that is the case!

Like Lisa from Lauderdale said above: "Obama is outraged,… like Wright said, Obama is a politician saying what a politician has to say. I think Obama DOES subscribe to black liberation theology.

OMG I want that diving suit for my pomeranian! Maybe then she'll go out in the rain?

Do any church-going voters, African-American or White, Democrats or Republicans actually believe that they could regularly attend a church for 20 years and NOT KNOW or NOT HEAR the real thoughts and words of their pastor? I realize that Obama had no choice but to come out strongly against Reverend Wright today (as strongly as he defended Wright a few weeks ago), but how does his coalition reconcile the contradiction? Senator Obama is in a real jam.

Obama was well aware long ago that his pastor held controversial views. That is why on the eve of his announcement that he would be a presidential candidate, Wright was not invited. He was kept under wraps and quietly added to Obama's campaign. Lies, lies and more political lies. Just another politician. But in this case he is trying to pretend that he isn't.

I felt bad for Barack Obama today.
I love beat 360! dog is so funny!! LOL!

Let us not forget that Barack Obama is a survivor and will be standing at the end of this mess with Rev Wright! Go Obama!!

I think Obama has made his point very clear. I would not be surprised if he from this point on just ignored anything having to do with Wright.
Erica I honestly do not believe they were talking that much before this weekend and monday. I got the impression that possibly Rev Wright was a bit put out and was lashing back at Obama in his own way.

Right on Target, Erica

i have to say i'm done with Mr. Wright.. I have started to turn the channel whenever he is on.. how many more days will it go on and on and on??

I agree with JoAnn in Ohio that Obama's outrage is too little too late. And I agree with those who are doubting his sincereity–just couldn't get that feeling from him. I am glad Anderson is in NO–maybe he can shed some more light on the housing & other continuing problems.

What does that lady mean by this a a respect/disrespect game???
What Wright said was repulsive and genuinely genuinely divisive. So if it wasn't for the political season Obama wouldn't care at all and would not speak out on it?? I find that more disturbing. This is not a silly game of 'well who do you think you are?". I would really like her to explain more, does she even disagree with what he's said?

Anderson, it was politics, politics, politics. If there was any outrage it wasn't because Obama disagrees with what Wright said, it was that he won't keep his mouth shut and let this blow over.

Re: Rev. Wright, makes me wonder if he is not working for the other side? To keep the focus off Obama's campagin and keep him busy answering these foolish questions on his stand behind someone that should be preaching Jesus and not Politics.

@linda: In my opinion Wright has been more honest than Obama. Obama is doing just what Wright said that he does; he says what he needs to say in order to get the nomination.

I agree Liz... Well said.

I agree with some of the bloggers that noticed that Obama looked upset as he was speaking today. Thank you once again, David, and the other contributors, for speaking out on what Obama needed to do; he obviously listened.

Yes! Minou!
I agree with you! I need that too!

Even on this blog, we are cemented in our views. Listening to differences and really hearing another's point of view, is as important as having opinions.

"He doesn't know me very well?"

After 20 years and over $50,000.00 in contributions to the church?

I'm sure they know each other very well, yet, Wright has decided to use his new found celebrity to push his own agenda at the cost of Mr. Obama's campaign.

I would like for the same people who ask the question "Did Obama do enough?" answer for me what else can he do!!! He has dis-owned the comments, gave a unifying speech and distanced himself from the man himself. How else can he prove to the nay-sayers that he doesn't agree with Rev. Wright, nor, does he share his views?

As Obama distances himself from Wright, the more I distance myself from Obama.

It seems all the pastors have troubles. Curiously, Rev Wright is getting all the attention. Kevin thanks for sharing the point about Senator Clinton's pastor. I think Senator Clinton will use the "just human" excuse (smiles). Yep, there is a double standard. I am not interested in what Rev Wright is saying or any of the pastors for that matter. We're off point and need to get back to the issues.

So many of you are asking why Obama has waited so long to denounce Rev. Wright. Why did it take Rev. Wright so long to speak out himself. He chose to go on vacation rather than defend himself so was it really that important?

Barack Obama has shown his strength in denouncing Reverend Wright. I can't imagine denouncing my favorite pastor. It is a tragedy that he was put in this position by his pastor. I know Obama does not feel the way that Reverend Wright does, he would like to unify this country. Why would he try to be President of a country if he believed the way Wright does. It takes a lot more patriotism to run for President than that.

Let's all hope that Rev. Wright will keep his mouth closed and we can move on. The subject is getting a little old.

Steve McCain said:

"In the black church the pastor is king and as you know you never tell the emperor he has no clothes."

Steve, THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!!! Obama's running for PRESIDENT, he should be able to speak the truth any "emperor!"

A strong leader is never in knee jerk mode. Obama metered his responses to match the actions of Rev. Wright. This is a very wise way to handle controversy. It shows that he has strength in the midst of adversity.

It would be easier for Obama to just not go to church and catch up on some sleep Sunday morning.

Wright is a man with a mega ego, (and not much vision), and Obama has shown a lack of judgement equal to that seen in a Greek drama.
How sad for all.

I wonder what Rev. Wright is going to say tomorrow? This is not finished.

Thank God – Barack finally put this guy to rest – I had feelings from the beginning that he never meant Barack any good. Now we can move on to the real issues.

Erica, have Obama & Wright actually TALKED? I don't think I have heard anything substantial about that happening. You are right. If they had, maybe this would not have happened, or at least been less damaging.

Obama has not satisfied anyone but his supporters. To me, he's simply done the politically expedient thing. Until the latest polls, Obama believed he would be able to weather the Wright controversy. That's gotta be the reason he disowned the very person he said he could not disown. This is such a blatantly political move by Obama and confirms Wright's statement that Obama is acting and speaking based on his political self interest.

Deborah, from everything I have found, no, they have not spoken...and I have to wonder why.

Erica,
six tornadoes, I think it will be F2 or F3 can damage more than F1. I remember 3 tornadoes touchdown in Virginia State and now add more 3 tornadoes.

They will all trash Wright now and deservingly so for political power. But if Obama becomes President they will then have a Champaign toast at the white house, with Wright, "right" there

I think Obama is not trustworthy! I voted for him, but he has told so many different versions of this pastorgate!

Is Rev. Wright some petulant child that he felt/feels he has to retaliate?? I view Obama as much bigger than that and I'm very disappointed in the pastor. Even Roland who usually seems to defend him or at least sits in the middle isn't doing so tonight.

But what exactly can Wright be getting out of this? I wouldn't buy any book he wrote and now I think he's a nut case.

Ok, I want to respectful to you all but some of you are missing the point. Over twenty years of being a part of Wrights church he never heard him say anything that might be offensive? Leaves me to wonder how many times in twenty years he went to church?

Sorry Chris, but i believe Obama.

Obama is showing he is just another politician. He's also showing he's not very good at it either. If he's fooled by his pastor for 20 years, how will he handle the leaders of Iran, North Korea, China, and the rest of our fan club?

Yes, Claire, the subject is getting old & there are a lot more really important issues to discuss. But interesting things just keep popping up–and start a person thinking. After all, this is for the Presidency.

Given Obama's lead over Clinton – she needs a 70% win of the remaining 9 contests to surpass his lead – that this mess with Wright will be old news by the time of the DNC convention, and ultimately not hurts his chances of being our Democratic nominee.

I truly respect Candy and believe her when she said the Barack was truly emotional and saddened by Wright's conduct. I watched all three of Wright's appearances and was totally shocked with his "performance" at the press club...it was almost like another personality.

I believe Obama from the speeches and town hall meetings as well as jhis past.

I just dont think Obama and Wrights relationship will ever be the same. Obama is going to move on and do what he feels is right for his family and this country.

Ed Rollins is right. The appearance of this story completely blindsided the Obama campaign. It came out of nowhere and has given Obama no say as to what he truly believes and how he plans to rebound.

Erica, Con-Men have an expession "A Tell". Disinviting Wright at his announcement and attempting to hide him, was and is still "A Tell",
Obama has been exposed.

Tanya, it might not hurt his chances of being the Democrat nominee, but it sure does hurt his chances of winning in the general election.

it's too late erica. as people yes, obviously they had some relationship, and I am sure it hurts, but come on, how could a man who is running for President not see this coming?

Politically, he will not recover. maybe in 8 years but not now

I am outraged that a person like Rev. Wright has tried to gain fame at the expense. Obama was never going to lose my support. I sat in church, the same church, for over 40 years and I could not tell you what my minister is saying. Ministers are not God. I read my bible. If this makes Obama lose I think the American people are not as smart as I know they are.

If Wright = wrong, then what does wrong = ?

Is it Wright's beliefs or is it simply that he is speaking out at the wrong time ?

I believe Rev Wright will have some more choice words in reguard to Barack Obama and may even produce proof that Obama is being "Just a Politition" something like verfing that he was in church when these statements were made........

Can someone please explain to me what Obama's relationship with Wright has to do with running the country?

Yes, Erica, thank you for the information. I, too, am wondering why, if they are so close.

So what will happen to the baby that was just born? Will it be allowed to stay with it's mother or foster care too? Such a sad way to start life. It has to improve for it's sake.

I cannot believe that Obama's remarks today will bring him any new supporters, especially not the ones he now needs; White blue collar workers. At this point I think that he is just trying to hang on to those that he already has.

For the rest of his given days, Wright will be known as "Obama's Pastor."

I agree lynn, could not have said it better. I watched his speach and you could see the hurt in his eyes, this was a very troubling and difficult thing for him to do today, but he did what was right.

I don't see Obama and Wright ever having a relationship again. I think they are both angry and believe they are right. I personally think Obama did the right thing and I seriously doubt it was an easy decision to break ties with someone that was a friend, especially in such a public way. I give him the benefit of the doubt.

Is it possible that Wright just got carried away because he felt under attack by the media? Are there any Obama supporters tonight who would've liked to hear him be defended instead? Obama could have not taken it personally. How would that have played politically?

Thanks goodness the people of New Orleans never give up hope!! These people are definitely survivors!

the US governement is so insane sometimes. I would have gone balistic too if I got that letter

Stacy> The fact that he respected and supported this flawed pastor for over 20 years might just make some voters suspicious about Obama's views.

Those New Orleans contractors should have known the media would be all over that story. Silly contractors.

I glad Obama denounced the Rev. Wright but I think it is many years to late. There is to much history between these to men for us to believe Obama suddenly became aware of the desenting views of America that Rev. Wright has proclaimed. I'm sorry but we must move past Obama and elect Hillary Clinton a person who can win in November.

Why should these NOLA residents have to pay for someone else's mistake? Haven't they suffered enough down there–this is ridiculous.

The idea that the government wants to take this money back is ridiculous. They made the mistake and I bet that these homes probably needed this money to completely refurnish their homes. It is rude an disgraceful.

Demanding the money back does not seem legal to me. It's not the people's fault that somebody else "overestimated" the cost of the damage! Outrageous!

The people of New Orleans should not have to return any money for their home repairs! That's terrible! Glad you're keeping them honest. Someone has to do it.

Haven't these people suffered enough?

Good evening Erica and bloggees.
what a great show tonight!

Our govt is joke, what do they mean we over-estimated ...... They should point out FEMA spent money on trailers that made people sick. 3 years later NO is struggling to revive it self.

Did anyone notice that Barack confirmed that he and his family did Pray with Rev Wright in the basement before he announced he was running for President last year? For me Senator Obama has a few problems with his creditibility.

AC360 ROCKS!!!!!! Keep 'em honest. How dare they take advantage of the people of NOLA. This is an "outrage".

Haven't those people in NOLA been through enough all ready? I can't believe that the government expects them to pay that money back.

I wish the case in New Orleans were broadcasted more; it is too big to mention just in a few minutes. I hope AC360 continues this issue.

Wow, that is a very ugly game going on in New Orleans. Erica is anything ever going to be done to put that city back together by the Federal Government. It sure has taken a long time to basically do very little to rebuild that city.

I used to live in Lousiana (Baton Rouge specifically) and was there for Katrina. For the state to honestly try and recapture funds from people so completely devastated by the storm is beyond belief. Jindal, the new governor, is so busy trying to prove his merit with republicans that he is willing to sell out the citizens of the New Orleans, an overwhelmingly democratic city. In my personal and honest opinion!

All of this money that these people are being ordered to give back is probably the straw that will break the camels back for some of these survivors. They have been through so much, if ICF really did make a mistake, I think they should just have them keep them money as an offering. They deserve it.

I think that they should let those people keep that money as compensation for all their pain and suffering.

why would families in new orleans be held responsible when they had no input in preparing the quotes for repairs? that's ridiculous!! this sounds like another wal-mart story!

If they made mistakes overpaying some...they must have made as many mistakes underpaying others. Do you think there are cheques in the mail for any underpayments?

To think of all the people who LEFT after Katrina.. and then you see the ones who STAYED and yet they are the ones that lose in the end.. or so it seems.. so sad..

It's the governments fault for hiring workers who cannot appropriately estimate the amount of grant money that the people affected by Hurricane Katrina actually need. Any error is their fault, not that of the homeowners.

You have got to be kidding!! How can they come back and ask for the money back–as long as they used the money to fix up their houses–what is the problem??!!

If the people in New Orleans are anything like the people in Ohio (especially w/the economy the way it is) – those contractors won't be seeing much money back in their hands anytime soon.

The government should be asking the Bush Administration for the billions of dollars back that were wasted each month in Iraq. Not for those poor people in the horribly botched response to Katrina victims.

And those billions should go to build new homes for our men and war fighting an unneccesary war.

You would think with all the raw material price increases and economy issues, their overestimating wouldn't have been so off. However, I thought there was a clause in the contracts that they would have to pay back the money if overestimated. I wonder how many of them knew of the clause.

Erica, Have any of the women and men from the polygamy sect shared any understanding of why this is happening? Why their children are in state's custody?

Obama has done just what he should have done now its up to the american people

I think it is outrages to ask for money to be returned from NOLA, will they stop at nothing? What will the political figure heads do to resolve this issue?

I absolutely disagree with Wright and his views, but, He will continue to speak again and again every time Obama stands up and tries to throw him under the bus for Obama's choices. He is and will be absolutely right to do so. For once he is stating a fact that Obama has and will continue to be dishonest.

There are tons of minors giving birth in my neighborhood... only nobody talks about that! (East Harlem)

Our current govt did it's favorite thing....it OUTSOURCED our tax dollars to a private company instead of handling it themselves. The people of New Orleans should get to keep the money and the company who made the error should pay back the government instead. Unfortunately, it is always the people who get stuck with the bill when the goverment makes a mistake.

Good night bloggers! Thanks Anderson, Erica, et al!

Amen to that Bob from Philly!

Bob L from Philadelphia, PA> I like the way you think!

I agree with you guys.........
Thanks Guys.

I want someone to talk about how these mothers LIED blatantly in their interviews when saying that these girls were not impregnated when underage. They WERE pregnant and had children.

NVMD...anderson just did.

I think it is strange how the FLDS members keep spinning out lies about the goings-on at their ranch. Don't they realize that people already know what is going on?

I wonder how all these pregnancies are taken care of inside the compound..

Goodnight Erica, Anderson – Have a good time in New Orleans!

minou: so true, BUT... are any of the babies' fathers 50 yr. old? In NYC if that happened and was reported, the man would be a rapist and pedophile.

Great show tonight Erica.. really enjoyed spending the past hour with you all.

I would like to know if those mothers who handed their underage daughters over to those old guys can be held responsible.

Good night all!

Thanks to all the bloggers for an exceltional debate this evening (albeit quietly and on our respective computers...LOL). I am so glad I decided to enter the discussion as you are all bright and thoughtful people who express your views extremely well. Thanks to all.!

Great discussion bloggers! Cute Chihuahua photo! Nite all.

What a cute little bear. He's so sleepy, that's funny and cute!

Good night Erica,
Congrats Erica beat 360! Cool caption!
Oh That shot is so funny! I love bear!

I live about 90 miles north of New Orleans and there are 1000's of new FEMA trailers still sitting just off of I59. There is a costly mistake that sould be looked into.

Good night Anderson, Gary, and all! Interesting mix tonight!

Oh...How cute the bear is!

Awww..the bear...cuteee....

Good conversation tonight guys, it has been real. Have a good hump day, looking forward to 10 oclock tomorrow. Cute bear.

Sleepy little bear...night all