Comments on: Race in the Race for the Presidency: How Media Pundits Gloss Over Race and Feed Racism http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Michelle http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-5/#comment-137797 Michelle Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:42:41 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137797 I feel a new kind of energy for change in this country. People of all colors are rallying around a candidate who has few obligatory ties to big business and isn't politically dirty enough to have anyone pulling his leash. In response, The People are once again rising to demand this country clean up it's act and start acting like the democracy we push around the world. But there is an opposing energy…an energy that seeks chaos, division and repression. Consider who would want to break Obama's growing Rainbow coalition by creating chaos and spread misinformation? Who would stoop to pretend to be irate black bloggers raising the threat of black riots? Who would turn friend against friend? Who would want to fracture the black community by inciting infighting now that they are coming together and affirming their political relevance? Who would be threatened by the poor of this country… a growing number of citizens who have started to demand equal health care and economic rights in the richest country in the world? Who ignores the failing public school system…a system that has been an acknowledged pipeline into the penal system for many disadvantaged students? Who would want to divide and conquer the American people and lead us back into a frightened, somatic state of antipathy and hopelessness? If you are someone who wants change do not become discouraged! Shed your tears and then get back in the fight. Now is the time for change. Our ears and eyes are open. The youth of this country are leading the way. They are crying out for our help. Do not miss this opportunity for change. We must go through this birthing process to enter the 21st century. The human race must make a sociological transition and take global action now or we will perish. Like any birthing process there is pain as well as joy. There are many who are afraid of the future and would prefer to isolate themselves in the comfort of delusion, cronyism and hedonistic distraction. However, we must have the courage to examine our acculturated prejudices. Those of us in the white community often do not even recognize the ways we discount people of race. I have made many biased statements this year and did not recognize them as such. As Mr. Wise states, there have been MANY instances in the media this year when I have been appalled by insensitive "racial" or "biased" statements and statistics that discount the black vote. The fact that no one called foul before now is astonishing. In most instances, the white commentators were not even aware their view or comments are biased. And I'm not "too sensitive" about comments...the comments I am referring to were obvious enough to get my attention as a teacher who has been trained to promote equity in the classroom. Fascinating! It's all part of the birthing process. Will we all act responsibility and examine the biased views we may hold? Will we start a dialogue about "that other stuff" some politicians and citizens would like to ignore? Will we care enough about our neighbors to choose not to offend? Be the change you want to see - Gandhi Obama 2008 I feel a new kind of energy for change in this country. People of all colors are rallying around a candidate who has few obligatory ties to big business and isn't politically dirty enough to have anyone pulling his leash. In response, The People are once again rising to demand this country clean up it's act and start acting like the democracy we push around the world.

But there is an opposing energy…an energy that seeks chaos, division and repression. Consider who would want to break Obama's growing Rainbow coalition by creating chaos and spread misinformation? Who would stoop to pretend to be irate black bloggers raising the threat of black riots? Who would turn friend against friend? Who would want to fracture the black community by inciting infighting now that they are coming together and affirming their political relevance? Who would be threatened by the poor of this country… a growing number of citizens who have started to demand equal health care and economic rights in the richest country in the world? Who ignores the failing public school system…a system that has been an acknowledged pipeline into the penal system for many disadvantaged students? Who would want to divide and conquer the American people and lead us back into a frightened, somatic state of antipathy and hopelessness?

If you are someone who wants change do not become discouraged! Shed your tears and then get back in the fight. Now is the time for change. Our ears and eyes are open. The youth of this country are leading the way. They are crying out for our help. Do not miss this opportunity for change. We must go through this birthing process to enter the 21st century. The human race must make a sociological transition and take global action now or we will perish.

Like any birthing process there is pain as well as joy. There are many who are afraid of the future and would prefer to isolate themselves in the comfort of delusion, cronyism and hedonistic distraction. However, we must have the courage to examine our acculturated prejudices. Those of us in the white community often do not even recognize the ways we discount people of race. I have made many biased statements this year and did not recognize them as such. As Mr. Wise states, there have been MANY instances in the media this year when I have been appalled by insensitive "racial" or "biased" statements and statistics that discount the black vote. The fact that no one called foul before now is astonishing. In most instances, the white commentators were not even aware their view or comments are biased. And I'm not "too sensitive" about comments...the comments I am referring to were obvious enough to get my attention as a teacher who has been trained to promote equity in the classroom. Fascinating! It's all part of the birthing process.

Will we all act responsibility and examine the biased views we may hold? Will we start a dialogue about "that other stuff" some politicians and citizens would like to ignore? Will we care enough about our neighbors to choose not to offend?

Be the change you want to see – Gandhi

Obama 2008

]]> By: Tracy http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-5/#comment-137614 Tracy Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:56:23 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137614 The unfortunate thing is the two are tied together. I am disappointed that the pator would decide to open his mouth at such a critical time in BOs campaign. I am not 100% aware of what he has said/feelings/who said what --- however, a lot of his comments, I felt, were of a typical fashion. I hate to say this and may be way off base; situations like this exemplify the classic crab in the barrel syndrome. Black America is always striving for "equality and acceptance". Sometimes I feel like LOUDLY shouting DROP IT, move forward, and focus on tomorrow. You do not hear other races continuously harping on what has held them down, why they are owed, and an excuse why they arent moving forward. Either they move forward or THEY DONT! Drop it! I am an interracial American; black and white. The unfortunate thing is the two are tied together. I am disappointed that the pator would decide to open his mouth at such a critical time in BOs campaign. I am not 100% aware of what he has said/feelings/who said what - however, a lot of his comments, I felt, were of a typical fashion.
I hate to say this and may be way off base; situations like this exemplify the classic crab in the barrel syndrome. Black America is always striving for "equality and acceptance". Sometimes I feel like LOUDLY shouting DROP IT, move forward, and focus on tomorrow. You do not hear other races continuously harping on what has held them down, why they are owed, and an excuse why they arent moving forward. Either they move forward or THEY DONT! Drop it!
I am an interracial American; black and white.

]]> By: Robert http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-5/#comment-137610 Robert Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:54:06 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137610 Beverly: That is not what I was trying to get at; I'm afraid it's possible there will be a racist backlash against blacks if Obama wins the nomination. This country still has people who will go to extremes to keep a black man from being President of the United States. I hope to hell I'm wrong, but I've seen and heard some terrible things, and I'm assuming it's just the tip of the iceberg. Beverly:

That is not what I was trying to get at; I'm afraid it's possible there will be a racist backlash against blacks if Obama wins the nomination. This country still has people who will go to extremes to keep a black man from being President of the United States. I hope to hell I'm wrong, but I've seen and heard some terrible things, and I'm assuming it's just the tip of the iceberg.

]]> By: A Khristin http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-5/#comment-137549 A Khristin Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:44:17 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137549 I think the preacher had some issues to address after being used as a target of reflection. Pastor Wright is an educated man. He had to give a response to the negative commentary regarding his surmon. He said his church is supportive to helping the community. His church has a positive congregation fighting for issues that affect the community at large. Wright wanted to express how he felt about being called a racist when he is addressing issues that are being targeted in the black community. He led on to say his church like the NAACP is not racist in that they help people of many races and ethinicities around the globe. His speech wanted to share that these things needed to be into consideration of promoting positive changes addressing the nation. I do not think he intended to cause any harm. It is not what he said it is how he said it. Like do you disagree in what I said, what you thought I said or what you wanted him to say. Men of liturgy are spokesman for religeoun. They have a congregation to run. Obama can not be held accountable for what Revern Wright said. Not everyone going to church agrees what the ulogy is saying all the time. I think the preacher had some issues to address after being used as a target of reflection. Pastor Wright is an educated man. He had to give a response to the negative commentary regarding his surmon. He said his church is supportive to helping the community. His church has a positive congregation fighting for issues that affect the community at large. Wright wanted to express how he felt about being called a racist when he is addressing issues that are being targeted in the black community. He led on to say his church like the NAACP is not racist in that they help people of many races and ethinicities around the globe. His speech wanted to share that these things needed to be into consideration of promoting positive changes addressing the nation. I do not think he intended to cause any harm. It is not what he said it is how he said it. Like do you disagree in what I said, what you thought I said or what you wanted him to say. Men of liturgy are spokesman for religeoun. They have a congregation to run. Obama can not be held accountable for what Revern Wright said. Not everyone going to church agrees what the ulogy is saying all the time.

]]> By: jacqueline http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137538 jacqueline Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:22:25 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137538 In my opinion, Obama's excuse that while attending Rev.Wright's church for 20 years and being his friend but never heard his racist and divisive views is ridiculous. It astonishes me that anyone would believe this!! His wife's comment about never being proud of her country until now, and his failure to wear or salute the flag are telling. He is lying to the American public about his belief system. If he did not agree with Rev.Wright's views he would have attended another church. It is that simple. To overlook this would be irresponsible. In my opinion, Obama's excuse that while attending Rev.Wright's church for 20 years and being his friend but never heard his racist and divisive views is ridiculous. It astonishes me that anyone would believe this!! His wife's comment about never being proud of her country until now, and his failure to wear or salute the flag are telling. He is lying to the American public about his belief system. If he did not agree with Rev.Wright's views he would have attended another church. It is that simple. To overlook this would be irresponsible.

]]> By: Debbie, NJ http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137524 Debbie, NJ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:33:55 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137524 I think in order to clear this whole thing up and get a full perspective of racism in Politics and America, Hillary and McCain need to address the voters on race as a forum just like Obama had to do. This is the only way for this country to now move on. Rev. Wright nor the media should be given this much power over the voters decision. Neither are running for office. I say shut up the media and Rev. Wright about the racial issue and let Clinton and McCain now speak since race has become part of this campaign. I think in order to clear this whole thing up and get a full perspective of racism in Politics and America, Hillary and McCain need to address the voters on race as a forum just like Obama had to do. This is the only way for this country to now move on. Rev. Wright nor the media should be given this much power over the voters decision. Neither are running for office. I say shut up the media and Rev. Wright about the racial issue and let Clinton and McCain now speak since race has become part of this campaign.

]]> By: ekwus, Australia http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137520 ekwus, Australia Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:20:49 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137520 I went to church 3days ago(sunday) and frankly I dont remember a word of what the priest said. It amazes me that the right wing press is pinning Obama to Rev Wright to the extent that they are asking Rev Wright (whom they dont believe and have labelled a megalomaniac) to tell them who Obama is and seemingly dont believe Obama to say who he is. Tells me that there is only one agenda!! Chelsea Clinton says dont vote for her Mum based on what her father is or has done and here we are talking about Obama pinned down to explain what his pastor-on-sundays-for-twenty-years said or did not say because somehow he may have believed him. Obama is cast as a simpleton who is bathed and scrubbed by Rev Wright everyday because he is mentally retarded or else he worships the pastor . At the end of the day, its simply about Obama being the underdog, his audacity to be the front-runner against the established Clinton Machine. Only the comedian has the audacity to ask the question the fear-mongers are all alluding to but do not have the courage to ask- he asked Obama whether he was going to enslave the whole white race. The genuine and spontanous laughter put this issue to where it belongs-a joke!! But the fear-mongers have turned a joke to fear and reduced America to Rwanda where the tutsis and Hutsies are in mortal fear of each other. American shame!! Every 3rd world despot who rigs elections in his country now refers to Al Gore/ Bush as an excuse. Tell me what happens after Obama is not elected as POTUS. What will America tell the World about democracy!! I went to church 3days ago(sunday) and frankly I dont remember a word of what the priest said.
It amazes me that the right wing press is pinning Obama to Rev Wright to the extent that they are asking Rev Wright (whom they dont believe and have labelled a megalomaniac) to tell them who Obama is and seemingly dont believe Obama to say who he is.
Tells me that there is only one agenda!!
Chelsea Clinton says dont vote for her Mum based on what her father is or has done and here we are talking about Obama pinned down to explain what his pastor-on-sundays-for-twenty-years said or did not say because somehow he may have believed him. Obama is cast as a simpleton who is bathed and scrubbed by Rev Wright everyday because he is mentally retarded or else he worships the pastor .
At the end of the day, its simply about Obama being the underdog, his audacity to be the front-runner against the established Clinton Machine.
Only the comedian has the audacity to ask the question the fear-mongers are all alluding to but do not have the courage to ask- he asked Obama whether he was going to enslave the whole white race.
The genuine and spontanous laughter put this issue to where it belongs-a joke!!
But the fear-mongers have turned a joke to fear and reduced America to Rwanda where the tutsis and Hutsies are in mortal fear of each other. American shame!!
Every 3rd world despot who rigs elections in his country now refers to Al Gore/ Bush as an excuse. Tell me what happens after Obama is not elected as POTUS. What will America tell the World about democracy!!

]]> By: DL http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137483 DL Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:34:22 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137483 I think Rev.Wright has more character than Obama on this whole controversy. The Rev. has defended for himself and his followers, has spoken consistently about his opinions. Unlike Sen.Obama, his speeches are inconsistent and unjustifiable. Maybe Wright is right: Obama is a politician. Wright get my sympathy on the issue I think Rev.Wright has more character than Obama on this whole controversy. The Rev. has defended for himself and his followers, has spoken consistently about his opinions.

Unlike Sen.Obama, his speeches are inconsistent and unjustifiable. Maybe Wright is right: Obama is a politician. Wright get my sympathy on the issue

]]> By: Chris http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137479 Chris Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:31:24 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137479 Since most of the comments on here are concerning the Wright incident, I might as well say a few things about it. I'm sure Obama feels like he's d*mned if he does and d*mned if he doesn't. If he doesn't denounce his pastor people are upset. If he does, people still complain. I hope he realizes that the people complaining the most about this were people who had no intentions of voting for him before the reverend wright controversy. I respect Obama because his message has not changed since DAY 1 last year. It was a powerful message that had America flocking to him. American were so moved by his words and motivated by them. Nobody had any question in their mind of his patriotism as they broke into tears listening to what he had to say about this country. But as he got closer to winning and the lame attacks started to fly, America has been distracted from that message. He still speaks that same message everyday out on the stump. But the American people have been misdirected by the slide of hand trick into focusing on what Wright and anybody else around Obama without coming close to piercing the armor of the candidate himself. I sympathize with Obama. He was making a bet on the American people that they were hungry for change in the way that politics are run in this country. While the bickering was quiet America said yes we want change. But once the politics as usual started up, America did not realize that it's not just the responsibility of the candidates to change their retoric. But the responsibility of the citizens to not get absorbed into the rhetoric. Since most of the comments on here are concerning the Wright incident, I might as well say a few things about it. I'm sure Obama feels like he's d*mned if he does and d*mned if he doesn't. If he doesn't denounce his pastor people are upset. If he does, people still complain. I hope he realizes that the people complaining the most about this were people who had no intentions of voting for him before the reverend wright controversy.

I respect Obama because his message has not changed since DAY 1 last year. It was a powerful message that had America flocking to him. American were so moved by his words and motivated by them. Nobody had any question in their mind of his patriotism as they broke into tears listening to what he had to say about this country. But as he got closer to winning and the lame attacks started to fly, America has been distracted from that message. He still speaks that same message everyday out on the stump. But the American people have been misdirected by the slide of hand trick into focusing on what Wright and anybody else around Obama without coming close to piercing the armor of the candidate himself.

I sympathize with Obama. He was making a bet on the American people that they were hungry for change in the way that politics are run in this country. While the bickering was quiet America said yes we want change. But once the politics as usual started up, America did not realize that it's not just the responsibility of the candidates to change their retoric. But the responsibility of the citizens to not get absorbed into the rhetoric.

]]> By: Chris http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137477 Chris Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:20:35 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137477 As a black man, I nominate Anderson Cooper as the next black leader of America since his view tends to represent my views better than any of the other so called "black leaders." As a black man, I nominate Anderson Cooper as the next black leader of America since his view tends to represent my views better than any of the other so called "black leaders."

]]> By: garychapelhill http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137474 garychapelhill Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:09:07 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137474 This is a very facile and insulting take on race. It is columns like this one that are the very roadblocks to really discussing race in this country. You are nothing but an apologist for Obama once again using race as a tool to shame otherwise decent people into second guessing themselves. Shame on you, and how dare you once again insinuate that Hillary Clinton is the one behind the very devisive racial politics which you yourself are injecting into the dialogue. Absolute trash. This is a very facile and insulting take on race. It is columns like this one that are the very roadblocks to really discussing race in this country. You are nothing but an apologist for Obama once again using race as a tool to shame otherwise decent people into second guessing themselves. Shame on you, and how dare you once again insinuate that Hillary Clinton is the one behind the very devisive racial politics which you yourself are injecting into the dialogue. Absolute trash.

]]> By: Monica in Florida http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137467 Monica in Florida Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:09:01 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137467 I am annoyed by this idea that there is a "black church" and Rev. Wright speaks for it. There is no more a "black church'' than there is a "white church." The idea that there is a "black church" presupposes that all black people think alike. Rev. Wright speaks for himself. He does not speak for Senator Obama. And please, let us give the man the respect that he is due given the office he holds – Senator – rather than referring to him as just “Obama.” Rev. Wright is not Senator Obama's child. He does not have legal liability for his conduct. Likewise, Senator Obama should have no political liability for Rev. Wright's conduct. Since there exists an overwhelming concern for accountability, let's hold Pat Buchanan accountable for his March 21, 2008, "Brief for Whitey." If Rev. Wright needs to be held accountable for his words, let's hold this former presidential speech writer and candidate accountable for his racist tirade. I am annoyed by this idea that there is a "black church" and Rev. Wright speaks for it. There is no more a "black church" than there is a "white church." The idea that there is a "black church" presupposes that all black people think alike. Rev. Wright speaks for himself. He does not speak for Senator Obama. And please, let us give the man the respect that he is due given the office he holds – Senator – rather than referring to him as just “Obama.” Rev. Wright is not Senator Obama's child. He does not have legal liability for his conduct. Likewise, Senator Obama should have no political liability for Rev. Wright's conduct.
Since there exists an overwhelming concern for accountability, let's hold Pat Buchanan accountable for his March 21, 2008, "Brief for Whitey." If Rev. Wright needs to be held accountable for his words, let's hold this former presidential speech writer and candidate accountable for his racist tirade.

]]> By: Marie http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137451 Marie Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:20:40 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137451 i am a female Cameroonian and i have been following the elections up very seriously, considering they are never clear in my own country. it was always exciting for me from the beginning to think a woman could be the president of the most important nation in the world..oh yes, thats the United States but that doesnt mean there are uneducated people there, criminals and racist. this simply means we are all human beings. if i immigrate to the US i ùay end up at "black church" but that doesnt mean i am racist its just a sort of culturals comfort i begin to wonder if the Rev Wright as elloquent and educated as he is, if he isnt trying to set up Obama. believe me Americans i am just a foreigner who follows up your electiosn: if Obama doesnt winthe nomination the demacratic party is in for lots of probs bc i beleive Mrs Clinton fights so mean she might lead u guys to war one day just my humble opinion i am a female Cameroonian and i have been following the elections up very seriously, considering they are never clear in my own country.

it was always exciting for me from the beginning to think a woman could be the president of the most important nation in the world..oh yes, thats the United States but that doesnt mean there are uneducated people there, criminals and racist. this simply means we are all human beings. if i immigrate to the US i ùay end up at "black church" but that doesnt mean i am racist its just a sort of culturals comfort

i begin to wonder if the Rev Wright as elloquent and educated as he is, if he isnt trying to set up Obama. believe me Americans i am just a foreigner who follows up your electiosn: if Obama doesnt winthe nomination the demacratic party is in for lots of probs bc i beleive Mrs Clinton fights so mean she might lead u guys to war one day

just my humble opinion

]]> By: Renee http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137449 Renee Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:19:38 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137449 Casey, We all (or those of us that attend church) go to churches where we may not agree with what our pastor's are saying sometimes. That is reality. No person sees eye to eye ALL the time with any person. Obama, most likely, really loves his pastor and is probably at this point very hurt that he has to distance himself, but that does not mean he agrees with those particular comments. I attend a large church in Houston, and sometimes I go to church, enjoy church, love my pastor but may not agree with something he said on that particular day that. That does not mean he's a bad person or that his comments are unwarranted. His comments are a based on his experience and I may not understand that experience. It's the same with Rev. Wright. Barack can totally have attended a church for 20 years and NOT agree with those particular comments. To help you understand I'll give this example - if you are married, you don't always agree with everything your spouse says but that does not mean you leave (at least you don't if you're wise). Barack is doing more to distance himself now because he thought this story would die down in time, but it was revived with pastor Wright's recent speeches. Barack is not being fickle. He's just doing the best he can to stay afloat in a nation where ALL odds are still, sadly to say, against him. Casey,
We all (or those of us that attend church) go to churches where we may not agree with what our pastor's are saying sometimes. That is reality. No person sees eye to eye ALL the time with any person. Obama, most likely, really loves his pastor and is probably at this point very hurt that he has to distance himself, but that does not mean he agrees with those particular comments. I attend a large church in Houston, and sometimes I go to church, enjoy church, love my pastor but may not agree with something he said on that particular day that. That does not mean he's a bad person or that his comments are unwarranted. His comments are a based on his experience and I may not understand that experience. It's the same with Rev. Wright. Barack can totally have attended a church for 20 years and NOT agree with those particular comments. To help you understand I'll give this example – if you are married, you don't always agree with everything your spouse says but that does not mean you leave (at least you don't if you're wise). Barack is doing more to distance himself now because he thought this story would die down in time, but it was revived with pastor Wright's recent speeches. Barack is not being fickle. He's just doing the best he can to stay afloat in a nation where ALL odds are still, sadly to say, against him.

]]> By: Mike http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137448 Mike Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:12:11 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137448 The problem Obama has is that it appears that he was a member of this church and stuck with it for so long to curry political favor with his constituency in Chicago...to 'prove' he is black enough. Now, it appears he is denouncing his pastor for political reasons, in order to be acceptable to his (hoped for) new constituency...to 'prove' he is not racist. But, he *does* appear to be political. And one of his main appeals was that he was different, a change from the usual politicians we have all grown so tired of. Now, he just looks like another one of those politicians, willing to do or say whatever gets him elected. Doesn't make him any worse than the alternative white candidates, but the problem is, many people hoped he was better than that. The problem Obama has is that it appears that he was a member of this church and stuck with it for so long to curry political favor with his constituency in Chicago...to 'prove' he is black enough. Now, it appears he is denouncing his pastor for political reasons, in order to be acceptable to his (hoped for) new constituency...to 'prove' he is not racist.

But, he *does* appear to be political. And one of his main appeals was that he was different, a change from the usual politicians we have all grown so tired of. Now, he just looks like another one of those politicians, willing to do or say whatever gets him elected. Doesn't make him any worse than the alternative white candidates, but the problem is, many people hoped he was better than that.

]]> By: Edith http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137444 Edith Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:52:27 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137444 It is not true to say Black are this frustrated. I am a Black woman and I do not allow myself to be a victim. Blacks should stop using anger and the past as an excuse for anything but positive movements to improving themselves in the US and the wider world. America is NOT the only country in the world. What about the image and plight of Blacks living in places like Europe (where I am based now after living in America most of my life), Africa and other places. Being Black is not just about skin colour but character, faith and integrity. Black Americans need to stop the "I was wronged tape"....and start fresh. Find positive ways to impact society. I refused to put the fate of my life in the hands of anyone and my destiny is not tied to Whites, Blacks or any one person or thing. It is my faith the transcends me and what I hope everyone into ONE race....human. It is not true to say Black are this frustrated. I am a Black woman and I do not allow myself to be a victim. Blacks should stop using anger and the past as an excuse for anything but positive movements to improving themselves in the US and the wider world.

America is NOT the only country in the world. What about the image and plight of Blacks living in places like Europe (where I am based now after living in America most of my life), Africa and other places. Being Black is not just about skin colour but character, faith and integrity.

Black Americans need to stop the "I was wronged tape"....and start fresh. Find positive ways to impact society.

I refused to put the fate of my life in the hands of anyone and my destiny is not tied to Whites, Blacks or any one person or thing. It is my faith the transcends me and what I hope everyone into ONE race....human.

]]> By: HP http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137441 HP Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:40:27 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137441 I perplexed as to how the media became the issue when it's Rev. Wright's comments that bubbled the issue to the surface. Why is there no outcry from others besides Obama in the black community over Rev. Wright's against whites and America in general? Is this what they truly believe? I perplexed as to how the media became the issue when it's Rev. Wright's comments that bubbled the issue to the surface. Why is there no outcry from others besides Obama in the black community over Rev. Wright's against whites and America in general? Is this what they truly believe?

]]> By: Richard Kahn http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137440 Richard Kahn Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:39:41 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137440 I grew up in the inner city and respect people of all race and color. I always thought that the Federals Union white Civil War soldiers who fought and died to free the black slaves, provided a tangible loss of life behind the gift of freedom. More whites died in that war than ALL wars combined. Of the 2.7 million Union fighters, a HUGE percentage of the population in the 1860's, over 360,000 lost their lives for the cause. In 4 major battles alone, some 10-17,000 Federals were killed in EACH. Not to mention the enormous wounded. And in those days, they just cut off limbs of wounded. I would think that in honor of those who lost their lives, and the myriad of families whose loss was a tremendous sacrifice, that mention of this historic fact whenever any descendent of any slave makes accusations of inequity... should be a requirement of thankfullness. Those white sacrifices earned their recognition in the blood of death, dimemberment and familial loss. As We deserve some credit for that, and at least "honorable mention". I grew up in the inner city and respect people of all race and color. I always thought that the Federals Union white Civil War soldiers who fought and died to free the black slaves, provided a tangible loss of life behind the gift of freedom. More whites died in that war than ALL wars combined. Of the 2.7 million Union fighters, a HUGE percentage of the population in the 1860's, over 360,000 lost their lives for the cause. In 4 major battles alone, some 10-17,000 Federals were killed in EACH. Not to mention the enormous wounded. And in those days, they just cut off limbs of wounded. I would think that in honor of those who lost their lives, and the myriad of families whose loss was a tremendous sacrifice, that mention of this historic fact whenever any descendent of any slave makes accusations of inequity... should be a requirement of thankfullness. Those white sacrifices earned their recognition in the blood of death, dimemberment and familial loss. As We deserve some credit for that, and at least "honorable mention".

]]> By: stepehn yong http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137438 stepehn yong Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:24:06 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137438 Subject Obama's speech to a lie detector test because I don't think he is being truthful re Rev Wright. He has known him for over 20 maybe 30 years and doesn't know "him"?? Subject Obama's speech to a lie detector test because I don't think he is being truthful re Rev Wright. He has known him for over 20 maybe 30 years and doesn't know "him"??

]]> By: Adam C http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/29/race-in-the-race-for-the-presidency-how-media-pundits-gloss-over-race-and-feed-racism/comment-page-4/#comment-137431 Adam C Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:53:31 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=798#comment-137431 speaking as a white, working class male, with all the privilege that i automatically am given in this country can i just use that privilege for a second to say that its about time someone in the mainstream media actually had something intelligent to say about the current racial divisions in our country. bravo. speaking as a white, working class male, with all the privilege that i automatically am given in this country can i just use that privilege for a second to say that its about time someone in the mainstream media actually had something intelligent to say about the current racial divisions in our country. bravo.

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