Lanny Davis: Better Now Than Later
I have tried to get over my unease surrounding Senator Barack Obama's response to the sermons and writings of his pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. But the unanswered questions remain.
I am a strong supporter of and substantial fund-raiser for Senator Clinton for president (though in this column I speak only for myself). I still believe she should and will be the Democratic nominee. But if Senator Obama wins the nomination, he needs to understand this issue goes well beyond Clinton partisans. Now is the time to address these questions, not later.
Clearly Senator Obama does not share the extremist views of Rev. Wright. He is a tolerant and honorable person. But that is not the issue. The questions remain: Why did he stay a member of the congregation? Why didn't he speak up earlier? And why did he reward Rev. Wright with a campaign position even after knowing of his comments?
My concerns were re-triggered when I read for the first time three excerpts from Rev. Wright's sermons published several weeks ago in a national news magazine:
"We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye. We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."
- September 16, 2001 (the first Sunday after the 9/11)
"The government ...wants us to sing God Bless America. No, no, no. God damn America; that's in the bible, for killing innocent people. God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human."
–2003"The United States of White America."
–July 22, 2007
As I read and re-read these words, I keep thinking: If my Rabbi ever uttered such hateful words from the pulpit about America and declared all Palestinians to be terrorists, I have no doubt I would have withdrawn immediately from his congregation.
In his eloquent Philadelphia speech, Senator Obama likened Rev. Wright to a beloved, but politically extremist, family member with whom one profoundly disagrees but whose rage one understands.
But this comparison just doesn't work for me. I don't get a chance to choose my family members. I do get a chance to choose my spiritual or religious leader and my congregation. And I do not have to remain silent or, more importantly, expose my children to the spiritual leader of my congregation who spews hate that offends my conscience.
Senator Obama made a choice to join the church and to ask Rev. Wright to marry him and his bride. He said for the first time a few weeks ago that had Rev. Wright not recently resigned as pastor of the church, he would have withdrawn. But that only re-raised the same questions: Why didn't he act before the Reverend's resignation?
If he did not want to withdraw from the church – and I truly try to understand his personal difficulty doing so – then why not at least speak out publicly and say, in the famous phrase of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: "No –This is unacceptable."
Furthermore, after knowing about some of these sermons and having serious problems with some of their messages, why did Senator Obama still decide to appoint Rev. Wright to his official presidential campaign religious advisory committee?
* * * * * *
Some have suggested that any Clinton supporters who continue to raise this issue are "playing the race card" or taking the "low" road. When I said on CNN recently that concerns about the Wright – Obama issue were "appropriate" to continue to be discussed, my friend Joe Klein of Time Magazine said, "Lanny, Lanny, you're spreading the poison right now" and that an "honorable person" would "stay away from this stuff."
Attacking the motives of those who feel this discomfort about Senator Obama's response or non-response to Reverend Wright's concerns is not just unfair and wrong. It also misses the important electoral point about winning the general election in November: this issue is not going away. If many loyal, progressive Democrats remain troubled by this issue such as myself and many others like me, then there must be even more unease among key swing voters - soft "Reagan Democrats," independents, and moderate Republicans – who will decide the 2008 election.
One thing is for sure: if Senator Obama doesn't show a willingness to try to answer all the questions now, Senator McCain and the Republican attack machine will not waste a minute pressuring him to do so if he is the Democratic Party's choice in the fall.
But by then, it may be too late.
– Lanny J. Davis, former Clinton Lawyer
Editor's Note: Lanny J. Davis, a Washington attorney, is a supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
On Twitter
We are a Christian nation with Christian values. One of which we read and subscribe to the precepts of the bible. The bible teaches that all mankind descended from Adam and Eve, this makes us brothers and sisters. Our physical attributes and differences evolved predicated on which region of the world our ancestors migrated to. Maybe God was trying to remind us of this when he made the color of all human blood red. Maybe God was reaffirming this fact by giving us the ability to donate blood to each other when needed. While I am mentioning the bible why don’t we read 1st. Corinthians Chapter 13, I am sure it will help us understand how God wants his children to act toward each other.
God bless America and all of it’s citizens.
If loyal, progressive Democrats are now making decisions as to what a future presidential candidate, or anyone should hear, and what his Pastor can say in church, what are the Republicans deciding to subject us to? At least Rev. Wright thought enough of the USA to serve as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy. That is much more than many of Barack Obama's critics have done. What gives anyone the right to deny another of freedom to choose his place of worship, freedom to listen to whatever one wishes. I have always thought of the Democratic Party as a supporter of one's choices to speak, listen, worship, protest. If one has to leave a controversial Pastor, or church because he , or she might want to run for President someday . Have we reached the point where we must deny our freedoms to win the Presidency?
I appreciated Obama's speech on race, but he did not answer the questions about why he remained in that chuch for 20 years. Let it go? I don't think so. It's the core values of a person that matter. We have heard Obama never heard those extreme views, we have heard he associated with Wright for all of the years of his marriage. I can't make sense of that. The pro-Obama press would be all over Hillary if she was attending such a controversial church.
I am a 45 year old woman that was raised in rural Alaska and brought up by parents who had some harsh views on many of the topics coming to the forefront of this election. As an independent thinker I had to find my own resolve to issues of race, religion and political views. I bring this up because of the most recent comments that have ignited in the news regarding Obama's statements that some American's in rural areas are bitter. I know from my own life experience that many degree's of bitterness exist and if we as independent thinks look at our own lives and the lives of others that have been apart of our shaping as adults now, we know with certainty that views that Obama described are present in America.
Open your eyes, confronting issues (demons) is the only way to overcome the things that hold us back from the real change most of us hope and dream of in a better America.
Straight out of the gate, Senator Clinton "voted for the Iraq War"... She attempted to qualify this early on by saying "I did not read the entire Intelligence Report." It was her job to read the Report, she took an oath to honorably serve the people of our nation, obviously she failed and there's no excuse or acceptable exoplanation she could offer. Our nations citizens are economically pressed against the wall, forclosures by the millions, a failing dollar on world markets, Wall Street reeling and unable to recover, a trade deficit that's balooning and borrowing from China to cover the expense of the Iraq war. Our nations credibility is at its lowest point in over a century, all because our Republican president decided to illegally – by international law and our own constitution. Every European ally, except Britain, pleaded with G. W. Bush and company to not invade the country. When Clinton, and others, speak of "experience" they're really speaking covertly of racism... "us against them." If anyone cares to open their minds, our nation is on a downward spiral that cannot be stopped without "real Change." It is not good enough to stick our heads in the sand and pretend that what's happening today did not have its roots in yesterday. Hillary and the media, wish making an issue of Senator Obama's comments regarding the state of Pennsylvania, that his use of the word "bitter" in describing the citizens mood, was talking down to them. Well, guess what... I know Pennsylvania, its economic condition has been dire since the late seventies when it's steel and coal industries failed. Drinking and crime are issues within the state, but such is documentated in any area when the economies fail – Ohio is another state with similar issues.. I take pride in the openess with which Senator Obama confronts issues which other politicians refuse confronting. He's speaking truth "to and for the people."
It seems odd to me that no one has the connection yet. The wife decides where the family goes to chuch and it's evident that Michelle agrees with Wright. You noticed they got her off of the campaign really quick when her racism started showing. People think Bill is a drag on Hillary, just let Michelle talk for awhile and Barrack won't stand a chance
If Davis and the other talking heads who can't get off the Rev. Wright had any courage, they'd just come right out and say that they're questioning Obama's patriotism. Then we ask them about whether or not they're McCarthyites doing the 21st-Century version of Red baiting.
Lanny Davis you should be ashamed of yourself. I always thought you were an intelligent man. For you to come out with this all this time later is just ignorant. Sure I dont mind you bringing up the subject now because hopefully after Obama wins the nomination everyone will be sick and tired of the story and when the republicans use it most people wont even care. As of now everyone has pretty much made up their mind, but then you come out here with this editorial like it has been just the heaviest thing on your mind and that is what I find insulting. Obama has been a member of this church for years and usually there are about 52 Sundays in a year and you have three comments, all in a different year and you are trying to say that he listened to this for over 20 years, that is unbelieveable. To just try and say that Reverend Wright preached hate every Sunday is crazy. This preacher Im sure has done wonderful things for the members of his church and the community that he served, and to demean this man should be beneath you Lanny.
CNN should seriously consider reining in Lanny Davis. He may be an excellent lawyer or advisor... but he belongs on FOX not CNN. I can tell by his ramblings that he has never seriously listened to Reverend Wright's sermons from which the snippets are taken. I am atheist and have so listened. I would not have left the church!!!
Barack Obama in his speeches, in his books, in interviews demonstrates and defines HIS position and his personal views. To continue that those of Wright (snippets) map onto Obama is simply (well, FOX network).
To continue this barage is simply Propagandizing. CNN has been a network that deserves an ear. Lanny Davis should be asked to take a back seat. He casts a long shadow upon the whole of political reporting done.
And, his name has besmirched mine.
Lanny Ross North
Lanny: It is your option to support Hillary. But this country is Democratic & this time we want to bring in the best of the best, that is Barrack. We do not want to do the same stupid mistake as we have done in the last 2 elections. People like you voted for GW. Also remember that in this country we have freedom of speech. Rev. Wright was a little bit overly excited & making it known his frustrations about this country. He is right in some aspects. He is opening the eyes of the people like you who cannot see things right. Like people who elected GW. You are the kind of people who would blame MLK. Give people of other ethnic origin a break. We americans can no longer allow the business as usual. Barrack will be our next President. You can vote for Hillary, I am not. By the way I am neither black or white or a Republican. Good luck to you & Hillary.
Sure Lanny, and while we are at it we can ask Sen. Clinton to expand upon her claims that she mispoke when speaking of her experiences with snipers and such in Bosnia! Her handling of the fallout from that tall tale was far less forthcoming than Obama's speech about Rev. Wright. As I recall she said she mispoke, made a mistake and then rather coldly added that she is human despite what some people think. Sen. Obama handled the Rev. Wright issue positively!
When I go to church, it is not about the priest, but it is about the message. Rev. Wright's message was most destructive and racist and by stating he disagrees with it, Obama has admitted he knew about it – FOR 20 YEARS. There is no explanation for that – I conclude he agrees with the man and the message! It will be a bigger issue if he is the nominee and I do NOT think he can overcome it. If he is the nominee, the Republicans will make this the issue to win on. We can NOT afford BUSH III. Please Democratic leadership, make the hard decisions and get us a winning ticket.
I agree with this article. Rev. Write has radical, unpatriotic views that are racist to boot. While Obama may not share these views, why did he sit in the pews for so long? Why did he not speak up? Why did he not bring to the forefront that he was a member of a church with a reverend that has radical political views?
I just can't shake my feelings of comfortableness with the association of Obama with a radical reverend. This reverend not only voiced his radical views during sermons, he also circulated newsletters from the church to members with the same material.
Are we really that dense to think that such leaders do not lead followers into deviance? If so, then why are we so concerned about the polygamous ranch in Texas?
Any skeletons in either candidates closet are better coming out now and dealt with than later by the GOP – that is too late and could cost the party the White House Whether it be Clinton or Obama's skeletons we as voters need to know about them now while we still have a chance to determine the nominee.
Obama is always talking about the Iraq war and how he alone of the candidates had the good judgment to be against it from the start. As a parent I question his judgment since he took his young impressionable children to Reverend Wright's church since birth. If he thought that what Rev Wright was saying was ok, why has he now disavowed Rev. Wright and his association with him?
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL
this is an interesting set of questions that you are posing, actually there is one question that you bare asking, "Why did a man go to a church, and consider himself to be a member of that community for twenty years while a pastor preached every Sunday?"
Why do you go to your synagogue services? Is it about your Rabbi or is it about your G_d? Perhaps, the reason Mr. Obama went to church is because he was able to feel the presence of God, perhaps he was able to find love and acceptance within a community and perhaps he was able to develop some long lasting relationships with diverse peoples that all helped him to develop into the person he is. Gave him a faith to stand on and grow his own faith. Perhaps hearing the shocking words of his pastor forced him to grow spiritually, rather just swallowing what was spoon fed to him, he may have been forced to find his own relationship with a Higher Power. Perhaps that is why he went to a church for twenty years. Why else would a man go to a church?
It's funny how republicans and clintoneers alike want to downplay statements that they ACTUALLY said, but then want to castigate Obama for what somebody else said. I'll answer the question as to why Obama did not leave his church. #1 In any true church, it's not just about the pastor. After 20 years, one will have forged relationships with many people there besides the pastor that would be difficult to abandon. #2 We have heard a 30 second sound byte of things that were said and were not put in its context. I will be the first to admit that when I heard the sound bytes, I was wondering why he didn't leave, but after listening to the complete sermons in their context, I have to admit that while potentially explosive, I understood where Rev. Wright was coming from. #3 Rev. Wright has been preaching for 30 years. He is well known to white and black scholars, white and black politians. Of those 30 years and after thousands of speeches, sermons and the like, people can only come up with 3 or 4 instances where he said things that were offensive. I don't agree with what he said, but I'm sure someone would have verified by now if Obama was in church at the time some of these things were said. #4 What's good for Obama is good for everybody else. If you have friends or family that have said overly critical comments about the policies of this country or have made offensive ethnic comments in private that would be damaging to them if made public, then I hope you are in the process of getting rid of those ties, like you expect Obama to get rid of his. Frederick Douglas once said that "the true patriot is one who loves his country, but also speaks out against the sins perpetrated by his country."
A few months back, I was a Clinton supporter, though I had always had the feeling that her ambitions were a bit too personal. As her campaign has progressed, my suspicions were comfirmed by the disgraceful way she and her staff have run the campaign. She does not deserve the nomination. What our country needs now is Obama, and she is too selfish to see that. Goodbye, Hillary. Thank you for your service...now GO HOME.
Obama can not say he never heard him say controversial things. and if he did hear that sort of stuff from rev. wright why did he continue to attend that church. who would take their children to a church if they disagreed with what the rev. was preaching.
I agree because he lost me when his wife came out proclaiming that this is the first time she is proud of our country. How racist is that so the Rev Wright incident which only reinforced that belief. He sat in that church 20 yrs and had to know the type of discussions that took place. The thought of him being president really scares me on many levels.
Mr Davis, I think the speech given by Obama covered much of this and it certainly appears that the American people are trying to move forward from this. Why can't you let it go? The continuous revival of this story by the Clinton campaign and Clinton supporters/friends is turning off many Americans. Hillary Clinton would be much better served if she focused positively on her own strengths in her efforts to win the nomination rather than making an effort to win by tearing down her opponent. I think these tactics are just going to backfire. Focus on the issues facing Americans!
Lanny, Obama's silence and inaction for 20 years in the face of such obvious hateful, anti-American and racist doctrines is nothing more than his acceptance of those doctrines. Not only has he sat and listened for 20 years he is allowing his children to be indoctrinated.
What many people believe is that Senator Obama only went public after the snipets of some of Rev. Wright's sermons were televised. They fail to see that the timeline involved gave Obama ample opportunities to disassociate himself from Rev. Wright.
December 2007 - Wright honors Louis Farrakhan with Lifetime Achievement Trumpeter Award.
Jan. 17, 2008 - Newsmax breaks the story regarding the award.
Jan 18, 2008 - Richard Cohen of Washington Post writes about this. Obama immediately disagreed with Rev. Wright's choice of award recipients and issues the following statement, "I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan. I assume that Trumpet Magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree with." Problem is that Trumpet Magazine never mentions Farrakhan's efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, nor does Obama use this opportunity to disassociate himself from Rev. Wright's point of view.
Feb. 24, 2008 - While meeting with Jewish leaders in Cleveland, Obama descirbed Rev. Wright as being like "an old uncle who sometimes will say things I don't agree with." Problem is Obama doesn't really mention the points of disagreement. Obama did go on to explain that Wright's anti-Zionist statements as being rooted in his anger over the Jewish State's support for South Africa under its previous policy of apartheid.
Feb. 26, 2008 - Ohio democratic debate, Obama denounces and rejects Louis Farrakhan. Nothing is said regarding his disagreements with any of Rev. Wright's denouncements of America.
Week of March 10, 2008 - Parts of Rev. Wright's sermons are televised. Obama immediately issues a statement, "Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue."
Obama also admitted he first became aware of these statements at the beginning of his presidential campaign which was February 2007.
Senator Obama had more than ample opportunity to address the inflammatory statements Rev. Wright had included in several of his sermons, but he elected to remain silent until more people became aware of them. And so far, this has only worked to his advantage.
Sadly, it is impossible to know what might have happened if in January 2008 Obama had been more forthright regarding Rev. Wright's viewpoints and sermons. It is also impossible to know what might happen if Obama does become the democratic presidential nominee and faces the republican attack machine. But one thing is for sure, Obama is very careful at choosing his words and diverting attention elsewhere.
Why are we afraid of a person exercising his right to free speech? George Carlin and Borat said worst than this pastor about the USA and we pay to see those two. We supported Bush and now most Americans say bad things about him. Does this mean we are not patriotic? If this is the only thing you have against Obama, then he is really going to win.
Well i disagree wholeheartly... Obama has done exactly what he should
have done.. Besides the Rev Wright is not a bad person, he speaks from his heart in a way that we white americans just dont quite understand.
Besides he is not the churchs minister now anyway
I HAVE been following the blogs the last two days and i see where the
Clinton puppets are going to throw the whole kitchen and the living room
suite along with it at him.
I would say to the Clinton puppets-- get over it
Pennsylvania voters dont take kindly to liars...
Especially the white and blue collar workkers.
NAFTA IS PART OF THE CLINTONS AND THERE IS NO DENYING IT.
U Clinton supporters have enough to do to cover up Hilarys lies, why bother anymore trying to cover them up with lies about Obama
I like Rev. Wright. He makes Obama look good. Now we know he's been in a good Christian Church for 20 years. My Republican Evangelical colleagues are impressed. This episode gives him a chunk of the prophetic evangelical vote.
Religion and politics are separate entities, and should remain separate at all costs. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, though entitled to his opinions, should not confuse his pulpit with a forum to openly discuss politics. As a spiritual leader, he should inspire faith, hope, love, and unity. By denouncing American foreign policy, however, he is accomplishing the complete opposite. That is, creating a sense of disillusionment with the American government. On the same token, Senator Obama is now being scrutinized for making the choice not to withdraw from the congregation. However, does Senator Obama share Rev. Wright’s attitudes simply because he is a member of the congregation? Hardly. Although I agree that Senator Obama should be accountable for his actions, we should have faith in his vision and commitment to change.
I 100% agree with you Lanny. Not talking about it now is what the republicans want because they are perserving it's heat for the general election. If Obama were to win the nomination, they will definately bring up the Rev. Wright issue over and over and over again. This issue is definately a walking time bomb that is waiting to explode in the general election.
If you're going to be president, you must be clear and straight forward about what you stand for. How can a LEADER still associate with people like Rev. Wright and expect people to take him seriously if he were to "denounce" other foreign dictators that use the same hateful rhetoric. You can't face the world and say, "Rev Wright has done much good and was just expressing his fusturation about the past"and then face evil dictators that have done some good for their people and tell them that the U.S. refuses to support them because of their divisive comments. Hate speech is hate speech.
Mr. Davis,
Thank you for your post, quite surprised to see it on CNN , Obama headquarters, they are hell bent on getting him elected, bias aside, I'm astounded at how politically naive voters can be , this candidate is grossly underqualified to serve for the highest position of America, He sat there sermon after sermon listening to his Rev , his theology , was he wearing ear plugs? If you attend this church year after year it's because you do so by choice and because you share in the message that is being taught and preached, How could you possible and most importantly serve with nobility a country that stands for the opposite of the hate that is at the core of it's message , time and time again he heard what was being said, this is of great concern. It should be even more noteworthy to the voters . Thanks again for your post.
Maritza.
Lanny:
Why! Why! Why! I think you are being a might partisan ( not a bad thing). Are these questions meant to cast doubt on Senator Obama's judgement? I believe that your former boss was never asked, nor did he ever communicate in public WHY! WHY! WHY! he did what he did. He was in my mind a great president. I think that you should give Senator Obama that same consideration. The WHY does not matter.
Susan
Phoenixville,PA
I understand that Republicans will press on this issue later when Senator Obama becomes the Democratic nominee. What I don't understand is why anyone in this country, especially a Democrat, seems to think that Rev. Wright's comments are so wrong. Are we really so intellectually narrow that we refuse to acknowledge that what the public got were soundbites from speeches made by someone who has contributed enormously to his community? That if you take away the harsh tone and language of those soundbites, the critiques of American society and foreign policy still stand?
WHAT I FIND MOST DISTURBING ABOUT OBAMA IS HIS INSISTENCE AND REPEATED PLAN TO MEET WITH FOREIGN LEADERS OF COUNTRIES LIKE IRAN WHOSE LEADER'S RANTS AGAINST ISRAEL TROUBLE ME BECAUSE IRAN IS BENT ON DEVELOPING OR ACQUIRING NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
OBAMA IS LARGELY AN UNKNOWN QUANTITY WITH ABSOLUTELY NO DIPLOMATIC OR FOREIGN EXPERIENCE.
UNLIKE SEN. CLINTON, OBAMA HAS NOT MET A LOT OF WORLD LEADERS NOR TALKED TO THEM PERSONALLY. HE HAS NOT TRAVELLED EXTENSIBLY LIKE CLINTON. OBAMA'S EXPERIENCE IS LARGELY RHETORICAL.
I find no fault in this man. He is a prophet of God who loves America. History has shown us that the powers that be tend to stone the Prophet when they speak out the truth and say it like it is. The unease you're feeling is called the conviction of truth. Often when truth is spoken it makes us uncomfortable. I pray that one day we can all be comfortable living in the Truth.
If Obama is considered unpatriotic and un-American by not disassociating himself from his pastor and cannot continue to honor him for his numerous services to his community and America because of a few choice words, then every photo in the White House of our forefathers who had slaves, condoned slavery and injustice to blacks would have to be removed. We would not be able to celebrate Martin Luther King because he said some choice words too. The story has no legs. It�s time to get over it. Senator Obama has been attending one of the largest African American churches in Chicago with a well-respected (now retired) Pastor, former U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman (attending to LBJ), and he is also a friend of the Clintons. This is a church most of us would consider attending. If the Clintons had attended that church for 20 years, they would be praised for attending a predominately black church. I�m almost certain that when we look back at this time a few years from now, Rev. Wright will be considered Right.
. . .Us poor Pennsylvanian workers are learning about NAFTA, and
exactly who is responsible for it (And it sure as heck isn't Rev. Wright).
Lanny should stop beating that dead horse before we are forced to look
at the entire speech and find out that what Wright is saying just may
hold water.
Mr. Davis: You took the words right out of my mouth. Any kind of criticism about Obama has people screaming the race issue! I wish the media would do more "reporting" on the negatives of Obama, like they do Hillary, instead of what an inspirational speaker he is. He still has little substance to be elected President and is not the answer to this country's many, many problems.
Bev Cortese, Town of Tonawanda
The Clinton people just appear more and more desperate when they continue to bring up the subject of Rev. Wright.
It's OVER – let it go. I think David Gergen said 'Rev. Wright was his pastor, not his choice for Vice President', and I agree. The polls have shown people don't care.
I always find it funny whenever something comes out about Clinton, like the sniper story for example, the Clinton supporters always say 'We need to focus on the ISSUES, let's not talk about these other things'. But when they can find anything about Obama they will not let it die.
She's done – and this negative, mud-slinging, smoke and mirrors, and deceitful type of campaigning is what brought her down. But her supporters refuse to learn and continue to use these same tactics.
I understand where you coming from with the Rev. Wright comments. However, I feel enough has been made of this and personally I feel
it is time for everyone to move on to more things. Since you are a Clinton supporter I understand how you want to keep this going. But, enough is enough on the matter.