Obama on Pastor: Stay Tuned for Speech on Race

There is joy in Hillaryville.

ch: I agree with you 100%. Obama is definately unelectable against McCain. Through his involvement with this lunetic racist Rev. Wright, Obama is now toast.
His speach about race is a day late and a dollar short. He is simply trying to change the subject into a larger national problem.
Sinct McCain is already the GOP nominee, all my friends in Scranton PA have registered as a Democrat and will be voting for Hillary.
Shame on you Obama!

Just hope he announces that he is stepping down.
It is time for obama to do the right thing: stop lying, stop being so arrogant, stop being so condescending and stop being so contemptuous.
Stop thinking that the US citizen is stupid and believes completely in your lies.
Step down obama

The Spin Doctor is in.

The realtor involved in the Obama-Rezko land deal is a self-claimed “Hillary girl”. She said this about Obama: I have been there. It is just like a hot date with a cool man. You just don’t what to ask too many questions to kill the dream”. Obama supporters, ask yourself: Are you trying to keep that Dream by suppressing any inkling of your doubts?
Nobody is accusing Obama of being a racist, or having done things illegal. The issue here is his entire platform he has built to make him so high and so above the rest of the political contenders is collapsing.
1. Honesty: he was not honest when he answered questions about Rezko and Wright. His story kept changing. There is more to come. I am 100% sure by Nov. there will be a tape surfacing out showing him nodding with Wright when those hateful words were said.
2. Ethics: he shows no ethical concerns when he entered the land deal with Rezko. Also look at his earmarks from the senate, to the hospital where his wife was VP; to things associated with his biggest donor.
3. Good judgment: Obama chose to be associated with Rezko and Wright intentionally. This is not just bad judgment, there is more than that. I have the suspect that deep in his heart, Obama is a completely different person. All he is saying in the campaign is carefully calculated “positioning”.
4. Iraq: the only thing Obama can talk about as reflecting his good judgment. The NYT had an article about him recently. It turned out, except his 2002 speech, Obama did nothing to change the Iraq course, he even voted against troop withdrawal. His tones and strategies changed AFTER he started his pres. bid.

In announcing the upcoming speech and then in covering it all day tomorrow and into the evening… guess what? more and more and more replays of Jeremiah Wright…Wright’s words speak for themselves

Stacy- How can you say Obama is a racist when he was raised by a white mother and white grandparents?? All Obama talks to his pastor about is his relationship with God. He does not consult with him on political matters. Obama has said he does not agree with Wrights remarks. So get over it!

I mean the race issue..not HILLARY

obama gets undone by his own words tomorrow watch

Ok, let’s for a minute ask a rational question: if someone you know, look up to and admire says something or does something controversial, does that mean you agree and support them?
Let’s for instance say that if your brother or sister or mother or father or even your friend commits a crime, do you stop caring about them or become a criminal yourself if you do still support them.?
Let’s say that your husband or wife cheats on you numerous times and you decide to stay with them. Does that mean you are somehow saying that unfaithful people are OK and that you condone such behavior?
All of you who have decided to deride Obama based on his pastor, or Rezko or his race or his speeches or his supporters, have you ever had anything associated with you or your family that may be controversial?
I hesitate to bring this up, but in the interest of debate, who among you can safely judge a person on sound-bites and blog stories?
This is not the defense of a candidate…it is the defense of a man who has dedicated himself to public service for the poor and needy and who is trying to bring those values to the Presidency. We should want that…not be afraid of prospect.
In the most basic terms, Hillary Clinton does not have a chance to win the general election with the certainty that Obama has/had. It was her “experience” that has doomed her to the status of “polarizing figure”. Obama can at least bring Democrats, Republicans and Independents together, where Independents will make the difference in any election.
Stop the hatred please and let’s focus on who is going to get things done, unless you are afraid to admit the truth.

Now we have a Clinton supporter lecturing us (Obama supporters) about honest and integrity?
Please give me a break. How can you people be so stupid.
Hillary is a liar and a thief and will do anything to get elected. She learned it from her husband. She is more ruthless than he is!

Will it be some more “words”, just words this time? Will he use preacher Wright’s words, then spin them to tell us what Wright really meant to say? He is a talker, alright. He can let a good American like Geraldine Ferraro hang in the wind when he knew she was not being racist. That has been the strategy thus far, to use anyone’s words, misinterpret them, then use them as a wedge to gain sympathy and votes. The Clintons did not inject race into this campaign; Obama’s campaign did at every turn. What is Axelrod’s strategy now? More of the same? Or just a different spin?

Obama said he, along with the African American community, believes his pastor has been unfairly characterized in the media. Are you kidding me???
I better pinch myself to wake up am sure I was not looking and listening to some other anti American, racist video. So how would Obama like me along with several other people take these sermons where this kind of hatred for America and whites were shouted out over and over?
I would really love to understand exactly what it is in these sermons that anyone can defend, and I would really love for Obama to tell the public just what in there is he defending and saying is true.

Jackt51,
I sincerely second your remarks.

I really don’t see what he has to tell the country about race at this moment, the only thing he should be doing is apologizing to the victims of 9/11, Bill, the Holloway family, and all of us that care about this country for damming America.

Repubs (and some dems) are denegrating Obama for what was said by another man. Doesn’t make much sense to me. Wright has his own opinions and can say whatever he feels. No one has to agree with any of it. Also, note that Wright, because of his age, has probably been through a lot of racial turmoil during his lifetime, as has most black people. Actions by a bigoted whites have shaped his viewpoints regarding America and that is unfortunate. However, Obama should not be ridiculed because he is not overly upset by Wright’s statement as some white folks have shown. He has denounced the statements and thats all that needs to be done. If you don’t like the issues he stands for, thats another thing.

pastor obama preaches to america on why pastor wright is right & every one else wrong!

to begin with, a 20 year relationship with you pastor and claim that you don’t know or agree with what is being stated, is far-fetched!!!! Where’s the good judgement in that? or the Rezko relationship. And, its race and ethics that you want to attack Hillary with?

Given the fact that Barack Obama is both black and white, I am sure that he has a real insight into the issue of race. Let’s listen and contemplate what he has to say, it may be enlightening !

why not let pastor wright explain his words!

“Humm. People love to give speeches” With half eyes closed, Winnie the Pooh would says “Towards the end of the speeches I always forget what was it about”

Yeah, Hillary is ethical!! She is ethical to have her Seante race campaign treasurer be indicted for fraud, she has her brothers ask Bill for pardons for their criminal friends and then takes their campaign contributions. Bill Clinton pardons Marc Rich and Denise Rich gives 400,000 to the Clinton library. His library is also supported by the Saudis and Kazakhi oil people (Will we ever get a good energy policy this way?).
What are the Clintons hiding?
Bill Clinton’s cancidacy run was not derailed by Gennifer Flowers, “I didn’t inhale”, draft dodging so I don’t think one crazy pastor is going to cut it.
McCain is old and just wants to fight wars. Obama is still the best choice, if he can fight his way out of this one.

Jinanjoan | Mar 17, 2008 4:34:42 PM
Yeah, we don’t need a racist president, and that’s why we don’t need the Clintons in the White House.

MY problem with this is where was Mr. Obama when they were putting the screws to Ferraro about her statement. Where was the understanding of the black community? Why did they not put it into context of her entire political life. No she was labeled a racist and forced off Hillary’s campaign. What I find so insulting is that Mr. Obama continues to make excuses for this man who has spewed his vial and hate filled remarks. He does not even ask the man himself to answer for his own hate speech no he seeks to put it into some kind of historical context that I am sure will include slavery and the domination of the white man. How can he say he represents a new kind of politics that transends race and gender when he fails to make the pastor take responsibility for his own statements and continues with the same old excuses. Why does Mr. Obama have to answer for Rev. Wright can’t he answer for himself? The only thing I want Mr. Obama to answer is why did it take you so long?

I suggest all of you to look at his empty face and look into his eyes tomorrow to judge by yourself how much Obama really believes in what he preaches.
To me, this is not about race. It is about truth, honesty and judgment! So Obama, you can just forget about the speech tomorrow. You are not going to change my mind.
Just words! Just words!

This will be interesting. Either this could bring about a meaningful dialogue of race and gender, or this will be a fluffy bio filled with his inward struggles on race and the battling duality of his inner bi-racial soul. He better not even think of mentioning “I have a dream”.
Good luck to him.

So is Wright going to do the press conference tomorrow? Are we going to see some gyrations this time…or a real-performance with Wright and Pelosi with Obama doing the “speech”?

I really don’t know what he could possible say to justify this relationship and it’s deep nature. For him to say he didn’t know means he is either ignorant, stupid, or a liar. To say he knew but doesn’t think it’s a fair assessment of Wright’s character is just plain crazy and assumes WE the public are stupid. Either way, I don’t want a President who is ignorant, stupid, a liar, OR crazy. Most of all I don’t want a President who is racist or unpatriotic. In recent weeks this is how Obama has appeared. Obama is done in my eyes and I was actually considering voting for him. There is absolutely NOTHING he can say to justify this.

Just as the lapel issue, Mrs. Obama’s thesis paper, Obama’s a muslim hogwash, Rezko, of which all cynics are hoping and losing sleep at night to see if something comes out of it………NOTHING. It all blowed over because rhetoric can only stand up for a week at best.
However, with Clinton attempting to drop smoke screens, she’ll only make the inevitable for her hit harder than ever. The truth behind her taxes and earmarks is going to hit like a Mack Truck running over a roach. SPLATTT!
Americans are now informed more than ever and if there’s no news, spinning your own news will only stress out Hillary’s campaign staff to levels unseen. ARE THEY DONE YET? They soon will be. Just ask the QUEEN BEE NANCY PELOSI.
Now that’s REAL EXPERIENCE that Hillary can’t even think of challenging.

Gorgon-Perhaps you should read Obama in his own words before giving him Messiah status. Quote; “The emotions between the races could never be pure; even love was tarnished by the desire to find in the other some element that was missing in ourselves. Whether we sought out our demons or salvation, the other race would always remain just that: menacing, alien, and apart.”

He must not have any answers. Speeches are the “cure all” for this candidate. Talk is cheap. And we’re getting plenty of it from Obama.

Few of us would want to be defined by everything our parents, our siblings, our children, much less our priests, ministers and rabbis say or think. Caucasians disturbed by Rev. Wright’s inflammatory pulpit pounding are clueless of what goes on in many African American churches every Sunday.
Nothing Obama has spoken or written suggests that he agrees with his pastor on everything. On the contrary, Obama appears to have moved in the opposite direction. Obama has renounced Farrakhan, he has renounced Wright’s overheated rhetoric. What more must he do to put this issue behind us? Does anyone seriously believe his campaign is about fanning the flames of racism? How tragic it would be if Obama, who supports healing and unity, were defeated by words taken out of context from speeches by his pastor, who compels us to explore more closely the wrongheaded xenophobia of those who believe: “My country right or wrong, but my country.”
The Bathrobe Sage

KP-Perhaps Obama’s own words can do what a Clinton supporter can’t. “The emotions between the races could never be pure; even love was tarnished by the desire to find in the other some element that was missing in ourselves. Whether we sought out our demons or salvation, the other race would always remain just that: menacing, alien, and apart.”

Dogsoldier:
he meant something that you might not be ready to admit to. that race can hold everybody back.
It’s up to us whether we use our feelings about race and identity to divide us, or bring us together: “Whether we sought out our demons or salvation”.
But race has and continue to be a temptation for people to be pitted against another. That’s what happens when part of your identity is painted on your skin.

Mike..doesnt have an answer for Obama campaign going after Ferraro….poor Mike…was sleeping through the briefing on how to control the rut.

MattOhio, russel: again with the spin.
Nobody in the Obama camp said she was a racist. They decried her remarks, and expressed the insult many felt. Indeed, to claim that it might have been HARDER for Obama to win if he was white strikes of ignorance.
Instead she went on TV and repeated them over and over again. For a whole week.
Anybody that claims Ferraro is/was a racist is WRONG. Both her and Rev. Wright are misunderstood. The fights they have had to fight have left hard feelings.
The question is, are we ready to move past them?

What I do not understand is what is going to be the central thesis of his speech tommorrow? He has already said that he is as surprised as the rest of us at the disgusting nature of Rev. Wrights sermons. He states that he never new about them and was never present when they were delivered. He says that he condems them. If we accept what he has said so far then why does he feel it incumbant on him to justify Rev. Wrights statements and further clarify them. Rev. Wright is a smart man with good communication skills why does he allow Mr. Obama to carry his burden. If he is such a good friend and mentor why does he not come foward and appologize to america for what he has said and put it into any perspective that he wishes. We are in the midst of holy week where we are reminded that key to Jesus’s life was that of foregiveness. But if one does not admit ones sins how can he be forgiven? America is a forgiving country and wants to forgive and if Rev Wright admits that at least some of what he said was wrong then I will forgive him and we can go on with this campaign and talk about what brings us together rather than what divides us.

Memoryaid: What about the forgiveness which you and others are now seeking for Rev. Wright? Forgiveness and understanding is a two way street. Jesus said forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us!

BarbJC:
Regarding tax returns: all of Obama’s tax returns have been released. If you heard otherwise, you’re uninformed.
Sen. Clinton released all of her tax returns prior to 2003.
In 2003, their net worth (they file jointly) was $2 million. In 2006, it’s up to $35 million.
Aren’t you curious how that happened?
She has released no tax returns after 2003. And she seems unwilling to do so. I understand April 15 is the tax date for 2007 (tho many people do it early), but what about 2004, 2005, 2006?

Anyone with an objective bone in their body can look at the facts of this campaign and see that Obama’s vision and message are 180 degrees from the sound bites that have been used to associate him with racial and class division. He cannot be defined by a social gospel preacher from the past. This race is about the future, the youth, and a better way for all people. The right-wing hacks are giddy about this, but you’ll never get this kind of national discussion from the Republicans. It may look messy but this is where we get to face our problems head on. This is healing in progress. Barack Obama will emerge stronger from this catharsis, and so will America. Let’s roll.

Memoryaid: Sorry for any confusion my faliure to read the entire post! I quess that my frustration is that although Ferraro statement was in Obama’s words “boneheaded” I and many others do not think that it was racist,and I certaintly don’t think that it rises to the level of hate and racism expressed by Rev. Wright. I will accept the fact that I am not looking at these remarks as a black man because I can’t I am a white male so maybe I am not able to fully understand and put everything he said into context. Given all of that I don’t see how much of what we have seen and heard can be defended. I voted for Jesse Jackson once beause he showed solidarity with union miners when white democratic politicians were walking away. I found him to be concerened with working class families and what they go through and he championed their cause not what color they were. Later he made comments about Jewish religion that offended me but I knew that he was not ant-semetic. He took responsibility for his own words and said that they were wrong and I think that the Jewish community for the most part has accepted his apology. So maybe we are not that far apart but if Rev. Wright fails to take responsibility then I think this wound for Mr. Obama will never heal!

whoseyourdaddy: “How could anyone sit there for 20 years and listen to this type of crap and say that is not how I feel Come on people use you heads for something besides a hat rack.”
If you’re going to make a blanket assertion like that, the burden is on you to offer some evidence of how much of “this type of crap” has been part of that 20 years. How much? 5%? 10%? 25%? 100%? 1%? Let’s talk about what we know.

I think it took too long for Obama’s team to write this speech for him. It is too late to change any mind.
Obama said the media is portraying Wright inaccurately. I thought Obama said he was not present at those Wright’s sermons. How can he make any comments like that? Please have a new conference after the speech and answer some questions with your own words. I am so tired of just words.

collins: let me see, you wanted Obama to walk out of the Senate, forgo all of his plans, and stop talking about anything else, to do what?
He was asked to repudiate those comments. he went on TV on CNN, NBC, even FOX, and did just that. He had a long “inquisition session” on H&C even.
But nobody was satisfied. Just like nobody was satisfied when he answered questions on Rezko. Everybody wants there to be more to it.
So he’ll give a speech tomorrow. Are you dying to wait one day?
Guess what, things take time. You, and the media, has put him on trial. Now he is not allowed to prepare his case?
When he delivers that speech, you as a voter should listen to what he has to say. He won’t be able to win over those that aren’t ready. But I would bet that being a black boy growing up with a white mother, he has some insight and perspective on race. You might even have something to learn from him.

memoryaid: the only thing I’d like to hear from Obama is to tell the truth that he was present at those sermons.

russell: sorry for the misunderstanding. i’m not saying he was right to say anything. i’m saying that people are characterizing him to be a racist and unpatriotic, based on a 30 second clip, while totally disregarding his record and the rest of his preaching. Like I said, the comments are to be repudiated, and Obama did just that. But he also knows the man, and the church, and says they haven’t been represented fairly.
it looks like, for some people, Wright has to be a racist, because obama has to be guilty by association, otherwise we have no reason to hate him.
collins: if you know what happened already (??!?), why does Obama need to say anything? Why don’t we assume he must have lied, because otherwise your hate doesn’t make sense? you’re only giving two choices: either he lied, or he’s a racist. there’s no way you will listen.

russell: i don’t know where he is, on vacation by all accounts. but would you actually listen to him?
he gave an interview with hannity last year, and wasn’t allowed to say a single word. i can’t blame him if he doesn’t want to talk to the media again after that.

memoryaid: He is a smart man and he has seen the H&C show and he knew they were not going to be a receptive audience. It is incombant on him to face the media just as Mr. Obama is doing and take the tough questions. Notice that Mr. Obama is giving a speech and not a full blown news conference. How can you say that the media has been unfair to Mr. Obama so far? How can you say that he will be treated unfairly therefore he should not come forward. Instead of vacation I think he is in hiding and that only creates greater problems for Mr. Obama.

As a 50 something white female, I’m surprised the Reverend Wright’s comments were not harsher. I grew up in the 50′s and 60′s and if I had been treated the way I saw blacks treated in those days, in Wisconsin, no less (not in the deep south),, and by some of my own relatives, I would be at least as angry as the Reverend Wright. What amazes me and what give me hope is that Barack Obama seems to have seen through the uselessness of hatred and anger What’s more, it seems to me, the Reverend Wright’s way of “preaching” could act as a safety valve for the black community in that with his words he is acknowledging the kind of pressures that must surely exist within a group of people who have been discriminated against in subtle and not so subtle ways every day of their lives. I would hope white Americans have enough imagination to imagine what it must have been like for blacks of Reverend Wright’s age to grow up in America. Maybe then we might be less critical and more understanding that it is ourselves we should be angry with, not Reverend Wright or Barack Obama

here is the only thing obama can say that will convince me his heart is now where it should be and is no longer a liar: i am sorry for all my lies to the american people. i hereby announce that i am immediately withdrawing from the race for president and resigning my senate seat.

We’ll see how it flies. He better be honest because lies will catch up with him and the truth will set him free.

An honest open discussion of race to tear down the walls of prejudice from all sides of the color spectrum that have been built over the years of our country’s past. A discussion long past due and done with eloquence and truthfulness. Senator Obama thank you for your candid answers and your ability to help our country heal at last.