Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 4/29/08
Tonight, Wright is wrong. That’s what Sen. Barack Obama said at a press conference today. The candidate distanced himself from his former pastor and criticized his appearances over the past few days calling them “objectionable and offensive.” You’ll hear Sen. Obama in his own words and we will dig deeper with the best political team on television. David Mattingly also looks at the relationship between Obama and Wright and how difficult it must have been for the Senator say what he did.
Gary Tuchman has the latest on the polygamous sect down in Texas. One of the teenaged girls removed from the ranch gave birth to a baby boy today. We don’t know how old she is exactly but she is considered a minor.
Anderson is anchoring from New Orleans tonight and won’t be able to comment but Erica Hill will be blogging away. Check her out on our web camera. LINK TO THE BLOG CAMERA
We’ll start posting comments at 10p ET and stop at 11p ET.
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It would be easier for Obama to just not go to church and catch up on some sleep Sunday morning.
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.
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!"
Let's all hope that Rev. Wright will keep his mouth closed and we can move on. The subject is getting a little old.
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.
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?
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.
As Obama distances himself from Wright, the more I distance myself from Obama.
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?
"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.
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.
Yes! Minou!
I agree with you! I need that too! 🙂
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.
I agree Liz... Well said.
@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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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??
Right on Target, Erica
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.
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 felt bad for Barack Obama today.
I love beat 360! dog is so funny!! LOL!
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.
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.
OMG I want that diving suit for my pomeranian! Maybe then she'll go out in the rain?
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.
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!
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*,
HAHAHA...Love the "Scuba Pup" picture.
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.
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.
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 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?
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 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.
I love Ms. Berry. Can we see more of her, please? She always manages to elevate the debate.
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 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!
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
The more this racist in-fighting goes on, the more McCain and Clinton look presidential.
Minou. You're probably Wright. Obama will get a pass 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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
@ 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.