Who is Barack Obama? What does he really believe?
Jason Rae
Democratic superdelegate supporting Barack Obama's presidential candidacy, and student at Marquette University in Wisconsin
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GOP strategist Ed Rollins raises some important questions about Senator Barack Obama, writing in an earlier blog on this site: Who is Barack Obama ? What does he really believe?
Ed is completely correct that Senator Obama is extremely articulate and extremely ambitious. He is extremely bright. But what Ed doesn’t tell you is just how much Senator Obama cares about this country.
Instead of getting a high-paying job after law school, like his classmates, Senator Obama returned to his home of Chicago and worked as a community organizer. He helped communities struggling in a weakening economy. He helped families who need extra assistance. Sure, he could have been out in the courtroom making millions, but instead he focused on helping people, something he will do as president. That is why he has already proposed the “Making Work Pay” tax credit of up to $500 for American workers, and $1,000 for working families. This will cut taxes for 150 million Americans. Senator Obama is committed to fighting for working class families.
But in case Ed isn’t satisified with knowing that, there are other things that Senator Obama has done during his distinguished career. He has repeatedly brought Democrats and Republicans together to make progress on important issues, like healthcare. Thanks to Senator Obama’s leadership we were able to expand health care coverage for 150,000 families. Thanks to Senator Obama’s leadership we were able to cut taxes for working families by $100 million dollars. And thanks to Senator Obama, Congress enacted the farthest-reaching ethics reform in Washington since Watergate. If that doesn’t tell you that he stands for working families, Ed, then I don’t know what will.
There are some who suggest that he cannot win this nomination and to those I say he already has. Senator Obama is ahead in the pledged delegate count, having putting important new states into play for Democrats like Colorado, North Dakota, Iowa, and Montana. He is narrowing his gap in terms of superdelegate endorsements, showing that leaders and party activists in Washington and around the country support his judgment and character.
This latest round of polling shows that Senator Obama is maintaining—if not improving—his position against Senator Clinton. Sure, she has done well in large states like California and New York, but those are states that are going to go Democratic in November regardless of who the nominee is. Senator Obama meanwhile is showing strength in America’s heartland and in other places where Democrats haven’t competed in years.
The race for the nomination is tight, as is the general election matchup, and the fact that Senator Obama is holding his ground while coming under attack shows just what a durable and competitive nominee he’ll be. Senator Obama has repeatedly denounced the remarks of Reverend Wright and has vehemently stated that those comments stand in direct opposition to everything he believes in and has spent his life fighting for. Certainly the remarks by Reverend Wright make for great television, but they don’t speak for Senator Obama. The media may continue to focus on these controversial comments – but I don’t think the American people will be distracted by them. I think we have already seen Senator Obama’s lead grow in national polls since this remarks and I think it is a sign that he is someone who is committed to moving beyond this racial divide and moving this country forward.
So, I guess Ed, I hope that helps answer your question about who Senator Obama is. He is someone who came from nothing, who gave his life to making this country a better place, and he is going to be the next President of the United States.
On Twitter
i think this race has become unfair for obama. hes leading in delegates and hillary dont know when to quit, and now we have a situation where we have john mcain and hillary running ads against obama. this is what gonna make hillary seem stronger at the end
as to the question of who Mr. Obama is I think it should be pointed out that if you believe in the free speech that we say we do ,then to express an opinion, weather you agree or not ,is still a, ,fundamental right of ours ,,and to dismiss the opinions of others without inteligent debate, robs everyone of the good that honest exchange does us all. Rev. Wright has pointed out the most hatefull crime of the modern era and because it was politcaly unpopular, mr Obama distanced himself instead of addressing the issue .If White America wants Black America to stop believing that HIV was intentionally introduced into the human population. Then you should tell White supreamists in this country to stop Bragging about it.
I know Obama has been a rising star for a long time (i caught an intersting segment on one of those nighttime news shows about 10 years ago). He is a good presidential material. But what is his agenda? that's why I prefer Hillary as she's clear about and with her agenda.
The problem is that, when it comes down to it, and given the free ride the news media gave Sen. Obama for the biggest part of the campaign, we do not know enough about him to elect him President of the United States. He seems a decent, smart man, but it was his choice to run in a presidential campaign too soon. He's not ready. On the other hand, In Sen. Clinton, we have someone with a proven work ethic and insight into the issues. In her candidacy, we have a rare window of opportunity to elect a woman who will probably be the most capable president in our history. Given the serious problems left to us by the Bush administration, we surely need her.
Hello
Hillary and Bill claimed they had never met or heard of Rev. Wright. If that is the case, why did President Bill Clinton send Rev. Wright a thank you note, dated 10/28/1998 thanking him for his support and many prayers during the Monica Lewinsky Scandal. During that same time, President Clinton invited Rev Wright to attend a Whitehouse Breakfast and took a picture with him. This too was during the Rev. "Monica Lewinsky Scandal."
It is sad that those folks who are talking about Obama being in church and was influence by Wright are playing judges and devil advocate. Why are you all speculating? The church has a lot of social programs in the community. Those you are speculating either don't go to church or they go to church only to listen to the sermons. You are behaving as though all Obama did was sit in church and listen to Rev Wright. Do you have any proof to back up your claims. Do you know how often Obama went to chuch? All that is speculation. I have not seen anything or have i heard anyone who have known him or work with him in the Senate or other wise support your belief the Obama would some how be influence by Rev Wright. Some of the most respectable Senator's who have worked with him have endorsed him. It is sad that some you have never even had a conversation with Obama, but you talking about Wright influence. You don't have a case that could stand up in any court of law. Most of you a just displaying ignorance and other qualities that I refuse to name. Shame on you all!
I have to ask this question of Obama. How will he change washington? because he record shows he is just another politician.
Take this latest on the Gas Tax Holiday. In 2000 Obama voted three times for a gas tax holiday when gas prices were less than $2.00 a gallon, now that it $3.62 a gallon it's not a good idea. Maybe it's not a good idea because chairing his Indiana campaign is an energy lobbyist.
Sen. Clinton reached across and said McCain idea on a gas holiday is a good idea and came up with a way to pay for it. The oil companys have made a record killing 10 billion for just one of the companys. I think a win fall tax on them is a good idea. Clinton has a record of reaching across and working with the Rep. on a number of issues. This is how we change Washington. Working with both sides. The far left which has endorsed Obama will not let him work with the right because he owe them a lot.!!!
As far as the Obama/Wright connection, it seems to me that there are two possibilities: Obama holds to the militant views of Wright or he doesn't. If he does, then he's being disingenuous, and Americans should be very wary. If he doesn't, then we have to wonder why he's been a member of that church for so long. Did he join this large, popular African-American church to engraciate himself to his local constintuency? Is all this controversy the fallout of 20 years of political pandering? Either way, he has a lot to explain, and we have a lot to think about.
Actually, all of the right wing radio shows like Rush Windbag and Scars Larson, and Bill O'Reilly ALL SPIN Zone are telling the right to vote for Hillary.
This is why:
McCain can beat Hillary but he cannot beat Barack Obama.
I am progressively independent and whomever is nominated will have to EARN my vote.
If you buy into the fear mongering Republican argument then vote for the status quo.
I don't understand why we are so much obsessed with Wright's remarks which are already denounced by Obama. I think Wright has given the media a sensational subject to American media as Diana still does after more then 10 yrs of death. It is shame some people believe what is told them time and again. Lets be little critical and seize an opportunity to throw the stale and gloomy yesterday into bright tomorrow. Obama represents high hope and the bright future.
Obama is the leader who can steer the transformation of life of Americans for better. I hope he wins this nomination and defeats republican warmongerers in the fall. He represents the vision, hope and change that will give America a moral leadership in the world.
Mai,
Barack Obama does not believe all of the Black Liberation Theology espoused by Reverend Wright. Those were brief soundbites taken out of a 30 year ministry. Barack told us back in March that he didn't believe in all the things Wright had said from the pulpit; and he hadn't even heard the more controversial sermons.
Listen to the man, he hasn't and does not lie to the American people. If he thinks something controversial he will take a stand and justify it. Take his attitude on the gas tax holiday. He looks at the situation realistically and makes is position known based on facts not looking to make people 'feel' good.
Give the man some credit he could be and should be our next President.
Obama will really bring all americans together !
Enough with old politics in Washington. This a guy who worked and sacrificed hard for the poor for so long –
He will be the President this country needs in this crucial times !!
Go Obama, Go !!!!!!!!!!!!
Isn't it odd that a lot of Americans are so quick to believe Obama's beliefs were shaped by ONE person. Following such thinking, shouldn't we then believe that the sexual abuse of childrenis is OK with Catholics, especially news media types, who remain Catholics (and DON"T leave their Church) regardless of the Priest sex scandals. Sounds ludicrous doesn't it? What about all the Congressional persons, including Clinton, that Obama has associated with the past few years, wouldn't he have retained any ideas from them? AND, how many Congressman return to their home city EVERY weekend?? So continually saying Obama was there for 20 years is so-o-o misleading. How about just leveling the playing field and NOT use a double standard. Examine also the Clintons's associations when just starting out in politics – compare apples to apples! 50-60 years ago we lynched Black Americans with ropes, covert racism does it now with words, over and over again.
Despite the un-balanced reporting and un-fair attacks he has maintained his composure, not been disrespectful, tries to run a positive campaign (until backed in a corner). This man is in the contest of his life and still manages to bring class to this primary season. When other candidates make a statement or denounce something the press let it go but the same is not true for Sen. Obama, it’s like the republicans, the Clinton camp and supporters, and MSM all receive the same email with the TALKING POINTS OF THE DAY ALL AIMED AT BRING DOWN SEN. OBAMA. Regardless of the out come of this election season primary/general Sen. Obama has earned the respect of so many people because of who he is DESPITE what MSM and his opponents have tried to make him out to be when they themselves don’t even come close to his character.
OBAMA ‘08
YES WE CAN
As the saying goes, "Democrats never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity." Barack Obama comes across as a weak, meek, inexperienced follower. He first followed his wife to Rev. Wright, then followed Rev. Wright for twenty years. I'd ask him if he feels if Wright's messages are good for his children and the children of our country; it's hilarious to see the people that we have running for office, currently running our nation and those running corporate America; let's play the 20,000 Dollar Pyramid; George Bush; Alan Greenspan; Wall Street Executives; Angelo Mozillo; Bank of America (for offering to buy Countrywide); Barack Obama; Michelle Obama; Rev. Wright; Hillary Clinton; John McCain; aah, aah, people that know nothing about everything? Ding, ding, ding.
I wish CNN would run clips along side everything he said before and now denies saying. Just like the anti Mc Cain ad
You know what I mean , Rev Wright is my spiratual advisor , I took my
inspiration from his sermons for the title of my book. No he isn't and
never has been my spiratual advisor.
I never heard his sermons . ok i did hear the sermons but I don't
agree with them.. then again after the press club fiasco , no I didn't
hear the sermons.
His campaign advisors say Hilary is dishonest, Boy she can't hold
a candle to him .
He never gives one idea for a solution to anything, he just excels
at criticizing everyone elses solutions.
I left my church because I felt pressured by my pastor and Sunday school members to support George Bush in 2000. I had a gut feeling that he was everything that time has proven him to be.
I have the same feeling about Obama. If I could disassociate myself from my church, which was not easy, I think Obama could have. No doubt he is above average intelligence but he let pandering influence him more. Just that alone should show his true color to ANYONE of any race, gender, persuassion, etc.
First of all, people still sit in the Catholic church and I know they don't believe in the molestation of kids. Obama had been searching for his identity when he ran into Rev. Wright. I would think that especially when his father left then his mother left also that he needed someone to identify with. Being a mixed racial child, growing up with a white mom and grandparents, I'm sure Obama wanted to know a little more about his black roots. He definitely wasn't going to learn it in school, nor was it a topic of conversation around the dinner table when he was growing up. I can imagine Obama listening to Wright and hearing his opinion, but in the process getting to know Christ , being able to function in his passion, which was helping people and persuing his political career. What we do know about Obama just from campaigning is that he is able to see the good even in bad situations. And because Obama's experience as a black man was different from Wright, Wright couldn't influence who he was.
If you don't know who Obama is by now – you are just ignorant! WHy would you put some crap like this on your blog other than to TRY and start some mess. CNN, GET OVER IT!
Unfortuntely, all the media outlets who build Barak Obama up in the media are the same machine who will take him down. No one never thought including the media outlets that a smart and Bi-Racial American might win the presidency. Now the media outlets are scared to death that a mixed race man might become president. Our society is very twisted.
Rahni, Connecticut
Sen. Obama's position on Rev. Wright has turned 180 degrees in just a few weeks.
Before his videos surfaced on the Internet and the Media, Obama praised him several times quoting him as an important figure in his development, his mentor, a person forged who he is now.
Now, Obama completely rejects him and says he is just a person who married him an baptized his kids but she does not share his beliefs.
Well, this sounds to me like flip-flopping and proving what the Rev. said when he stated Obama is a politician that will say anything to get elected.
One of the biggest reason Sen. Kerry lost his presidential campaign was the flip-flopping issue and I can predict the Republicans will have a repeat humiliation of the Democratic candidate if the candidate is Obama.
One way or the other, these events marked Sen. Obama as he either was too naive not to recognize his Reverend's view during the 20 plus years they related or he is lying when he says he was not aware and trying to disassociate from him just to get elected.
Either way it does not make him a leader who I would follow. A leader who states he is different from anyone else.
But what makes me angry is when Sen. Obama keeps saying that this is an "american" problem that "we" need to face. This is not an americam issue, this is his issue, where he exercised poor judgment in bringing his little kids to hear that kind of ideas. It is a problem that he needs to face and not pass the bucket by blaming America.
Sen. Obama, a real leader takes responsibility and is the last one to leave the boat when it is sinking. A real leader don't ask everyone to saty in the sinking boat with him.
i do not think that obama is what he is saying he is at all. in my opinion he and rev. wright planned this whole deal for them to do away with each other at the right time. if he should somehow win the presidency i'm sure it won't take them long to show how wrong the media was. they will both be running our government and then we can all be like wright and say government lies.
It amazes me that we can’t get off the whole “20 year membership” discussion. Exactly what was Obama doing those 20 years? Was he present every Sunday for each sermon? Was he holding revivals for Rev. Wright? Was he on the ursher board, singing in the choir, attending Sunday school or participating in church pot luck dinners? Yeah, 20 years is a long time. But give me a break, there are people who have gone to church even longer who may not fully embrace the gospel and let alone every sermon from the pulpit. There were times I walked out of church enlighten from the day’s message and times when I was just as confused wondering what in the world the pastor was talking about. That doesn’t mean I’m in total agreement with the message nor does that mean I stop going to church. It may just mean there are still questions.
I’m sorry, but what one truly gets out of going church is his or her business and should not have to answer to anyone but God. To question someone’s spiritual belief is wrong. For many of us, it’s a journey that will not be complete till the end of our day. But let’s face it, this is exactly what we are demanding from Obama and, as consequence, all those who attended Trinity for ‘lo those many years.
If people are concern of whether Rev. Wright was leading some type of cult, I say examine the church and it’s community. Has anyone heard of folks from Trinity holding “government trashing” street parties or rallies with members singing “I don’t care what the white man say”? Most of what I heard were people praising the Trinity for all the good they have done in the community. I figure that was what brought Obama to the church and encouraged him to be a member.
Why are you trying to make this a race issue! I was sitting here looking at the life of the two candidates. You really painted Hillary as this perfect white woman and Obama life was cut short by Rev Wright. You the media is part of the problem as to why we can't come together as one. The fact is Obama will win the nomination and all this negative press will only open the door for the Republicans. The truth is Obama has a vision for this country and people like you are only concern with how many whites are voting for Obama. What a same! Why are you not taking about the Paul vs Clinton law suite? Things like this is going to cause the election. The baggage Hillary that is yet to be opened.
How many times tonight did you show a clip from Wright’s unfortunate speech? It seems that you are desperately trying to keep this story alive?Sign of desperation: doing a story on whether black and white children learn differently, giving you an opportunity to show Wright once again. And just before the primaries.
Wow!!!!
Such bias!!!!
What a bunch of stupid statements. Obama could not have sat in a church for 20 years and now have heard some of Wrights comments.
Who is he trying to fool?? Young, naive voters who he is trying to impress!. Don't we all in every corner of the world want peace and Hope!!! Americans are smarter than to believe such fake person and I am only for ME (Obama) ambition.
To all my Brothers and sisters out there... Do you wonder why the other white Pastors such as Hagee and Ron Parsley(he called the US Govt Murderers of black babies) both of whom are spiritual advisors of McCain have not been posted all over the media like that of Rev. Wright? Let's think about this for a moment. Hillary is a methodist and does not believe everything in the methodist doctrine such as Gay is sin and there's no place for them in heaven Also, one of Hillary's spiritual advisors was recently charged with Sexual molestation. The catholic church does very little about Priests who sexually abuse young childern, yet many Catholics still have not abandoned their Catholic faith. Hagee is very controversial and called catholic whores and blamed Katrina Hurricane on the sins of the residents. Should I go on? Are we that naive to not see the biased media reporting here?
Let's evaluate all Pastors and see what the'ye saying and not saying...
Also, How many times does Obama have to say he does not believe in everythig his Pastor says? We all go to church for various reasons. I go to church to fellowship with my bible study group, thus missing several sermons throughout the year.
Furthermore, what does Wright have to do with the economy, the gas prices, jobs etc. Let's ask the media to focus on what's more important here....i.e. our Pockets, healthcare, retirement, and security
Mr obama dealt with the wright scandel like a true leader. If people were giulty by asociation then every one would be giulty.
How many of you at 27-28 years of age didn't know what you believed? Se. Obama was that age when he first started going to Rev. Wright's church. I know that at that age I was a mother and was pretty much sure about what I believed. I'm sure a smart man like Sen. Obama could not be swayed by the likes of Wright. This man is almost 50, he's not someones puppet.
Barack Obama is a man who believes that America has the opportunity to become the nation it believes itself to be. Robert Burns, the famous Scots poet said "Wid some power the giftie gae us..to see oorselves as ithers see us." (Scottish vernacular for those who think I can't spell) Think about this, Bill Clinton had experience but no morals...George Bush had morals but no brains....Hillary may have experience, but she has limited judgement and most certainly no intuition, or she would have at least have been SUSPICIOUS of her husband's numerous affairs! That does not bode well for America's future if she manages to win the nomination. By the way, did you know that the Rev Wright was invited to the Clinton Whitehouse to give "spiritual conselling" at the height of the Monica debacle?? I suppose you did, but talking about it would show how hypocritical the Clinton's are and we can't have that now, can we? However, the bottom line is this, those who are racist will not vote for Obama, those who are sexist will not vote for Clinton, those who love "kicking ass" and support the war not vote for either, and the rest will make an informed and educated decision based on what they truly believe to be the best thing for the country. May the best person win.
Well written Jason. It's funny ,now that a half black man is running for President, Blacks have suddenly become racist.
This is cheap reverse psychology –what else will SOME white racist do to keep down black people?
For years, Rev Wright has been preaching and saying whatever he wants to say and it has NEVER been a factor , WHY NOW?
Did Blacks start racism? Did Blacks start slavery?
Was it Blacks who implemented segregation?
What is wrong with a leader saying what is true and not what is politically correct?
It's digusting to see some people hiding behind so-called patriotism when it is really racism.
I wish you would leave the name Rev. Wright completely out of your comments and program. Barrack Obama has had enough to deal with concerning this topic.
Obama has the same beleive that Jeremiah Wright has. You do not be around a person for over twenty years and not beleive in their philosophy. It just does not happen. I was in the military for over twenty and the military has a lot of influence over me. Obama has to say what he said to please the voters. Obama is human just like anyone else he is no truthful then Hillary. They both are politicians they all say thing to please the voters. If he says he do not yhen he is a liar.
I wish the liberal media was not so in favor of Obama, I wish the liberal media would let the democratic process take place, and let us Democrats elect our next presidential candidate.
Who needs the Republicans when we have the upper class elite and their liberal media telling us who to elect this coming election year?
I think obama is the right man for president we had the clinton era and bush era it's time for a change. I just want to know what people are afraid of? I think it's a good thing he wants to bring people together, improve health care, create new jobs, improve the way we live. rev wright isn't an issue to me he never was, i'm not doing guilt by association because if i do then all the canidates would be in the same boat. YOU BEEN KNOWING YOUR FRIEND FOR 20YRS THEN HE ROBS A STORE AND WAS CAUGHT ARE YOU GUILTY BECAUSE HE WAS CAUGHT????
He most certainly leads in pledged delegates and popular vote. My gut tells me that Senator Obama has a great heart, is sincere and definitely has integrity which is sorely missing in politics. The pandering being done in this election by some of the other candidates we don't need. I would rather they tell the truth about the issues and let people be prepared.
Most of my comments get put in moderation so I will just have to wait and see if it shows up.
Seeing is believing. After 20 years, Obama and his campaign advisors saw the Press Club moments of Rev. Wright, which caused Obama to engage in political expediency and throw his campaign’s former spiritual advisor under the bus with his white grandmother. I’m not sure if the DNC wants to keep cleaning up after the bus goes by. Personally, I am tired of Obama’s attacks without providing real solutions.
The gas tax holiday will lower costs for the consumer and the businesses including transportation components responsible for the rising food prices. Reducing taxes is good for business and will have substantial positive on our economy for the summer. Not to mention, the businesses that will benefit in the travel industry. Obama’s campaign needs to think about their own economic policies before they criticize others. Just think Obama’s bus costs will be reduced while he is throwing everybody he knows under it.
If Obama wins the nomination, McCain will be the next president.
Obama will not win due to his radical associates and very questionable background. He joined this church to start his political career – and now has divorced the church for his political future.
Rev Wright is very radical and racist – Mr. & Mrs. Obama must believe some of these teachings – or – they would of left and not stayed for 20 Yrs hearing the same message – everyone else in Chicago knows what the church teaches – it is even on the web-site – so he had to know.
Well said Jason!!!
Technically Obama has not won the nomination – he doesn't have the delegate count yet. Don't count your chickens before the hatch or you might end up with egg on your face
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL
I sincerely believes Obama believes the same Black Liberation Theology as Rev. Wright preached. The reason for this is because his first political supporters and campaign workers were from that church and a large percentage of the voters were Black. This belief of Senator Obama did not come into play until he began campaigning as the presidential candidate. The remarks from Michelle Obama backs up this belief.
A rational person would not sit in a church for nearly 20 years listening to teachings he does not believe in. To break from the Rev. Wright was strickly a political move to save his candidancy.