Obama suggests he would have left his Chicago church if Wright kept preaching

[TacticalPeek]

Source: AP


Obama suggests he would have left his Chicago church if Wright kept preaching

The Associated Press
Published: March 28, 2008


WASHINGTON: White House hopeful Barack Obama suggests he would have left his Chicago church had his longtime pastor, whose fiery anti-American comments about U.S. foreign policy and race relations threatened Obama's campaign, not stepped down.

"Had the reverend not retired, and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws, then I wouldn't have felt comfortable staying at the church," Obama said Thursday during a taping of the ABC talk show, "The View." The interview will be broadcast Friday.

In his sermons over the years, Wright has railed against the United States and accused it of bringing on the Sept. 11 attacks by spreading terrorism. He also has said the government invented AIDS to destroy "people of color" and has shouted "God damn America" for its treatment of minorities.

snip

Obama said Wednesday he has spoken with Wright, who retired from Trinity United Church of Christ last month but remains as a senior pastor.




Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/28/america/NA-POL-US-Obama-Wright.php

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Drip, drip, drip . . .

[Middle finga]

1. The rats in the media still wont be satisfied

[MNDemNY]

3. ?? This just opens him up to yet more questions .

Quite a gaffe.

[amandabeech]

5. Too little, too late, I'm afraid.

Oprah left discreetly years ago. Maybe she should start giving Obama more political advice.

[noel711]

52. Oprah left Trinity UCC

not because of Wright,
but because whenever she showed up for worship,
a 'circus' ensured. It made worship for the rest
of the community very uncomfortable,
and she didn't want that to continue.

[MADem]

7. Well, it was that VIEW show--those ladies probably cornered him!

:rofl:

[MNDemNY]

12. They are known for being "hard-hitting" interviewers.

But they got a good one here.

[mac2]

37. Ya why have the Reverend part of his campaign?

Oh yes...for votes from the black community and the RWers who bring religion into every political race.

[lumpy]

40. Obama can't gloss over the fact that he said he was not aware

that the good reverand was spouted anti-American/whites invectives. Yet he had Wright working on his campaign.

[wordpix]

53. Barack should just tell MSM he's already made a statement on Wright & has nothing more to say

geesh, just leave it at that. :eyes: The MSM and esp. Fixed Noise will stop at nothing to get him.

[MNDemNY]

2. ???Rev. Wright was not all that controversial. ?????

:shrug:

[TankLV]

27. more denial...

dig deeper obama - you're hole is has a lot more to go...!

[lark]

42. Disagree totally

and so do lots of other folks. The thing about AIDS alone is such a lie, has nothing at all to do with historical facts, is total race baiting and fear mongering. Plus, God Damn America? While I've hated a lot of our leaders and the RWF, I love my country and don't appreciate a pastor asking God to damn me because I live here and have mostly white ancestors.

[mac2]

48. Or the evil of leaders in our government.

It was not approved of by the people themselves.You can't condemn a whole country using god's judgment. Condemn the few people in that society who broke the laws.

African countries have black leaders who are tyrants and murderers. Look at China? It's not just a "white" thing nor all the people of those countries who approved. It's abuse of power by the few leaders.

It's like blaming Afghanistan (with vast gas and oil reserves to be had via a pipeline) for Bin Laden. They have been attacked and their country in chaos for many years. The French, British, and Russians all there waging wars before us. Blame the Engery Robber Barons and Empire Builders.

[MADem]

4. Rev Wright

....acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws,....

Who knew? That might please the garlic nose Italian lynch mob....

Is that tape up on YouTube? I missed it....!

[LakeSamish706]

6. You know this Wright crap just seems to keep hanging around... Why is that?

I'm sure that one pile of shit can be dredged up on HRC but what the hells the point in doing that? This campaign is as much about being able to attract new voters as it is about what the candidate will do with respect to changing this country to something that all classes can live with. I firmly believe that Barack is the person that will bring that change. There is no doubt that he has one hell of a job ahead of him, but he is up for it.

[MNDemNY]

10. This statement sure did not help to squelch it, at all.

[LakeSamish706]

14. And that would be your opinon... So why do I care about that? n/t

[MNDemNY]

20. Oh, your "one of those"

[amandabeech]

17. Sometimes mud sticks because politicians make mistakes.

Obama may have made a political mistake in staying with that church.

Those clips, although not troubling to many DUers, are TV dynamite and may be selling advertisements.

And some of that stuff may be troubling to moderate voters. There are some things in there that I'm not happy with, it won't cause me to vote Puke, but it may cause others to do so.

It's politics. It's rough. And Obama has a problem here that probably isn't going away for good. It doesn't matter what Obama supporters think. It's what non-Obama supporters think that keeps this going.

[mac2]

47. Or those concerned over separation of church and state?

[Rageneau]

31. Hillary has had three days of non-stop accusations of lying because...

she misremembered a trip to Bosnia over a decade ago.

How do I she misremembered it instead of lying about it? Because she's not stupid. She absolutely, certainly, for sure, no doubt knew there was existing video of her arrival.

That means that she really DID "rememeber" a threat of snipers. Otherwise, she'd never be stupid enough to claim she was under fire when the media, in three seconds, could and certainly WOULD prove that she wasn't. She was NOT lying, yet the attacks on her for 'lying' continue unabated.

So Obama getting a week or so of heat because his preacher says, "God damn America!" isn't all that bad, considering.

[tularetom]

8. Don't do that Obama

Stand up for the guy. You know he's being crucified.

[TankLV]

28. you mean that ASSHOLE preacher"!

still TRYING to defend the INDEFENSIBLE...

[claypigeonb]

9. Disappointment.

For the record: I'm old, white and female.

Barack is the only Democratic candidate left that I would be willing to vote for.

But if he keeps this up, he will lose me. Integrity! That's what I look for in a candidate.
I understand that it is not up to him to defend his pastor's preaching style. But if he can't bring himself to defend the his pastor's right to freedom of speech (in his own pulpit) and his own right to worship where and as he pleases (presupposing he won't start acting like the nation's private chaplain, the way Bush does,) then he's just another politician whose ambition has outrun his principles.

I'll vote for McKinney! (Presuming there is an election.)

[jefferson_dem]

13. No need to be concerned.

Nobody is challenging the Pastor's freedom of speech. And he has defended Pastor Wright the man, while steadfastly condemning many of the most controversial remarks.

Welcome to DU...

[MADem]

18. The pastor can say what he wants. And Obama can worship where he pleases.

And voters have the right to note the language the pastor uses, and note Obama's continued association with said pastor, and draw conclusions about his judgment from his conduct.

[mac2]

38. But if any candidate is to run for President a clergy

of any kind does not belong in his campaign. That is the real issue in my mind not that the Rev. Wright said something wrong which is his right or that Obama did this or that about what he said.

It shows bad judgement to bring religious clergy or their agenda into a public campaign period.

[MADem]

39. What? Clergy have to give up their rights under the Constitution to make you happy? No way.

Military personnel are proscribed from affiliating themselves with campaigns, or engaging in any active support of a candidate, or campaigning in uniform. But they can as a private citizen.

Clergy aren't allowed to tout from the pulpit, else they lose their tax-exempt status. Of course, if they have no church, or they're doing it as a private citizen and not as a church representative, they can do what they want.

Clergy are simply an interest group--like lobbyists, like union representatives. They bring their 'posse' of believers with them, and a lot of stupid people will jump out a window if their pastor does.

Where Obama showed poor judgment is in associating with a guy who calls the crucifixion of Christ a "Lynching, Italian style" by a bunch of garlic nose mafiosi, to say nothing of all that other inflammatory nonsense. And then, on the Barbara Walters gabfest today, he said that Wright had "acknowledged" the error of his ways....I don't know about you, but I sure as hell haven't seen THAT tape; and I've seen every other one. He keeps stepping in it, again and again. It's almost as though he's hoping he can beat it to death NOW, assuming that he's going to get the nomination, and the GOP will be too "polite" to bring it up again. He's dreaming if that's his strategy...

[mac2]

46. Rev. Wright is part of the campaign to bring in votes from the

Obama's black religious community. Obama's Faith Based Charity agenda is one of his most important goals. He wants more tax dollars to be spent on it.

This program has been funded without citizen approval. Bush just takes what he wants out of the treasury for certain religious groups. It's a violation since Congress controls the "purse" and it is religious funding in violation of our Constitution. Only "Bush" favored religious groups get that money. There is no accountability as to how they use it either.

Many of these clergy since Faith Based Funding are very comfortable in their lifestyle and benefits. Where did they get the money?

Many citizens don't want tax payers dollars to go to clergy since they don't trust that money will go to the poor, etc. That's what tax exempt status is for in the first place.

I disapprove of any candidate speaking in a church. It shows favoritism toward that religious group and not the others. Should another candidate bring in Rev. Moon, Pope, Billy Graham to support his campaign and speak in their behalf?

Rev. Wright has his Constitutional right to vote for anyone he wants (and a right to his opinions). But to be the center of any candidates run for office is a violation and smacks of "religious cronyism". He's not just an ordinary citizen. That's my opinion anyway.

So many of Congress (Obama not the only one)flock to get votes by pandering to religious groups (to make themselves look "holy"). That is different than speaking at a union, etc. since most people there are of different religious or none affiliation.

Why is separation important regarding government and religion? Our founders didn't want those religious wars and tyranny. The largest religious group would rule in America (in our case...Catholics).

"When Fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Sinclair Lewis

[noel711]

54. I politely beg to differ with you...

MADem,

Clergy might not be allowed to endorse political candidates
from the pulpit, but We clergy can and should speak truth
to power, as prophets, to critic the culture in which we live.

Clergy as interest group? I never saw myself as that.
I'm not a lobbyist.. Nor to I bring MY believers with me..
Because my flock isn't MINE.... they are part of a community
of faith... but don't belong to ME>
They belong to someone greater, and I am simply their
elected leader, and encourager.

Jump out a window? Not the people I serve.
They are a whole lot smarter than that.

You seem to have a very simple view of clergy;
you need to get out more, and meet more of us.
We are a very diverse group,
and most of us are very well educated,
and very progressive.
We try not to paint people with broad brush strokes,
and we try not condemn people, especially those we
don't know much about.

Your comments about WRight's sermon are perplexing.
Did you read it? Or did you take the comments out of
context like the press is doing in their attempts
to blame and poison the well.

[jefferson_dem]

11. I admire Obama's principle and consistency.

He's handled this silly issue masterfully.

[TankLV]

29. for Clinton!

he just keep digging his hole deeper and deeper...

and with every new utterance he's sounding more like bush*...

[mac2]

50. Separation of church and state is not a "silly issue".

The founders felt it so important they put it in the Constitution.

[gorbal]

15. That's cold

I have heard some good things about Wright; wish he could just leave it where it is.

[Mags]

16. OH, MY gosh, What a joke

he's been there 20 years and now he is saying this stuff. What a fake and joke. Butttttttttttt. his fans will fall for this stuff and everything will be ok., not problem, wow. he will do or say anything to win and so will his folks.

[RBInMaine]

23. You're a SLICK HILLY fan and saying this?? Unreal !

[mitchtv]

30. Hook, line and sinker

Gravel, now that he's running, someone I like is running.

[hwmnbn]

19. Oh shit!!..

not a good thing.

I wish Obama would stick to his guns on this one. The wingnuts will never be satisfied. This attempt to satiate the redneck masses will only drive up their blood-lust. Now we'll get to see him portrayed as a fair weather friend, who would throw his pastor under the bus.

Stupid move.

FUCK!! :grr:

[madrchsod]

24. those who you speak of will never be satisfied

i think i know why he did this and why wright must have agreed with obama`s decision. i am not going to judge what i have no right to judge ...it is between these two men.

..let the those who have no faith speak into the wind...

[madrchsod]

21. the "kid" who`s running the show now is more in tune

with the changing dynamic of the church. he`s going to be a force in his church and his community because he brings a new spirit into the church. when he dropped "gangster`s paradise" into his sermon i knew he`s going to be something..

it was time for wright to step down whether or not obama was running for president. i`m sure that wright knew he had to for several reasons and takes no offense to what obama has said.

it is between wright and obama..and no one else

[RBInMaine]

22. CONTEXT?? How was the question to Obama phrased? Calm down here folks.

If he was asked something like, "Having now heard the controversial statements, and if Rev. Wright was still the church pastor, would you remain with the church?" You see, we are talking about time issues here.
You must ALWAYS look at the context of the statement and just how the question was asked. With the qualifiers and considering the timing, I don't see a whole lot inconsistent here. Obama has already repeatedly said that GIVEN that Wright has now retired from the church, he is maintaining his affiliation with it. And he has ALREADY taken Wright off of his role in the campaign, and THAT is not inconsistent. OBVIOUSLY, given the nature of Wright's controversial statements and the flap it has caused, Obama as a presidential candidate and potential POTUS could not stay in the church unless the conditions Obama stated were met. He was being very honest, realistic, fair, and consistent here I think. In fact, ANY such candidate would have said the same thing being honest. It doesn't mean he would be disowning the man. It would mean he would be removing himself and his candidacy from such a controversy, much as he has already done by denouncing the statements and taking Wright off the campaign.

[MNDemNY]

25. The MSM will put it in "context" for the masses.

[TankLV]

26. Much too little - MUCH too LATE...

a day late and a dollar short - as usual...

[tidy_bowl]

32. What Obama needs to do...

....is to immediately come out and say he is sorry for deceiving America, that his ex-pastor was a bigot and disparaged America wrongly and that he is disowning him and the church. To continue to protect this bigot and call him his friend and mentor he tells us ultimately that he really agrees with him. And that comment, "typical white person" didn't help at all no matter what the context. I mean what is up with that? If Hillary said the same thing (substitute 'black'), she would have been vilified and rightly so. Barack must leave that church and disown the pastor or he haven't a chance to win in November.

[mac2]

49. Obama needs to admit he should not have any clergy

as an important part of his campaign. It smacks of "religious cronyism".

[treestar]

55. How absurd

One can only be friends with those one agrees with 100%? No one would have any friends.

[scot]

33. Twenty years is OK.

Twenty one would be way too much. I'm buying it.

[AmericanUnity]

34. and accused it of bringing on the Sept. 11 attacks by spreading terrorism??

Why don't more people know Wright was reading verbatim from a transcript of a previous day's appearance on FoxNews by Ambassador Edward Peck - a 32 year Diplomatic Corp veteran?

[Llewlladdwr]

35. Anyone got a link?

"...and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country..."

Any link to anywhere that Wright says this? Audio, video, text, anything? I seem to have missed it.

[mac2]

36. Especially telling the truth about 911.

[LiberalFighter]

41. How long has Wright been making statements like these? Just since 9/11

Were there any other statements that are considered inappropriate prior to 9/11 and if so what were they?

When did Obama first know?

When did Wright resign?

How often did Obama attend this church?

[truebrit71]

43. Well I would have left my wife if Salma Hayek had returned my calls...

...but she didn't...

[RBInMaine]

44. Now we have CONTEXT and his ANSWER on this was FINE.

Great Obama appearance on THE VIEW. A real class act. Next, HillFANS have attacked him on the thing about "I would probably leave the church if Wright was still there." First, he AGAIN puts his entire relationship with Wright in proper context and AGAIN asks people to be thoughtful and try to understand that complex context. Next, and what the papers AREN'T saying is that he was ASKED by Barbara Walters if he would remain in the church knowing what he now knows with regard to Wright's inflammatory statements, and he answered honestly with the appropriate qualifiers. He said that if Wright was still there and did not apologize and answer to the statements then he would feel uncomfortable staying in the church. That was still NOT to impugn a church which does so much good for so many, nor to entirely disown Wright. It means he would have to rightly distance himself from this to make a point of principal and unity and to be distanced from such a controversy. Obama was ASKED this question, and he gave a fair, honest, appropriate answer consistent with his other statements and actions in this complex matter. He has told Wright of his feelings with regard to the bad statements. He has removed Wright from his role in the campaign. These actions, also, are entirely appropriate and consistent. He is not disowning this man on a private and personal level nor entirely condemning him. Indeed, in this interview he AGAIN talks about Wright's many good qualities and actions. But at the same time he is rightfully expressing strong disagreement with Wright on certain statements and views and rightly removing himself from them.

[pajjr]

45. Sounds like a lie to me

does anyone believe this . politics as usual

[DemVet]

51. This guy will say anything to get elected. n/t