Reverand Wright is being a selfish jerk -this is not the time for his side show to air.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

he is deliberately fanning the flames and drawing attention to himself.

As someone who lives in North Carolina, he is not doing Obama any favors here.

What an asshat.

Now is not the time to run the Jeremeiah Wright show.

President McCain, anyone?

[Nitrogenica]

1. Sorry I disagree. This humanizes this fine American.

Let him define who he is for once.

[chelsea0011]

4. Amen to you.

He is right that this an attack on the black church.

[leftofcool]

8. Maybe but I don't think making fun of JFK's accent helped

He could have made his point without that.

[IsItJustMe]

22. I always thought New Englanders talk funny. As I am sure that they think the same of me. You are

just to serious for my taste.

[leftofcool]

28. No doubt, but how will mainstream America

view making fun of a beloved dead president?

[Texas Hill Country]

38. well, it was inappropriate, but the point he was making was a false comparison

the New Englander accent is not a distinct language from American English.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

59. Wright will increase turnout of racist party switchers in NC - see WaPo Article:

Democrats Registering In Record Numbers
1 Million New Voters For Last 7 Primaries

By Eli Saslow Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, April 28, 2008; Page A01

<snip>

'Not Going to Sit at Home'

Al Landsberg, 66, approached the counter of the voter registration office at 4 p.m., an hour before deadline. Hefty, with a hint of sweat on his white mustache, he looked as drained as the employees behind the counter who rested their heads in their hands. Voting exhausted him. Ever since he cast a ballot for Ronald Reagan, Landsberg has always felt as though he was trying to choose the lesser of two evils.

For this election, though, he decided he had no choice but to vote. A lifelong Republican, he planned to switch his party affiliation so he could vote in the Democratic primary. That Hillary Clinton wasn't great, he said, but she was just as good as presumptive GOP nominee John McCain and a heck of a lot better than that other guy, "you know, uh, Embowa. He'd take this country right down the tubes."

Landsberg's wife, Evelyn, collects porcelain dolls, and her co-collectors send the Landsbergs frequent political e-mails, most of them critical of Obama. "From what I can tell, if he becomes president he will refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and we will leave Iraq unprepared," Landsberg said. "I'm not going to sit at home and let that happen."

He needed something to do, anyway. He recently retired after five-plus years in the Marine Corps and 40 years in the printing business, and Evelyn still works at an electrical supplier. Their three children moved out long ago. The Landsbergs save what extra money they have for three or four annual trips to Las Vegas, where they can find a cheap hotel room, play the dollar slots and smoke -- indoors and in peace.

They never travel outside the United States, save the occasional Caribbean cruise. "Anything you want to see, you can see it right here," Evelyn said. Plus, they prefer to spend their tourist money at home, just as they buy only American-made cars. Not enough people look out for America these days, Landsberg said.

Like McCain, with his free-and-easy stance on immigration, which seems almost identical to Clinton's. Landsberg's father had come from Germany, first jumping ship illegally and then, after a few years and some English classes, through Ellis Island. He met Landsberg's mother during the legal immigration process.

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/27/AR2008042702272_3.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2008042702368

There's plenty more racist where he came from, and Wright will bring them out of the woodwork.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

63. Here is WaPo article formatted, with racist comments by NC party switcher highlighted

The WAPO has a 4 page article about the high voter registration numbers in North Carolina, and interviews a few of the new voters and some party switchers. Its clear that some GOP turned DEM/or independent are voting based on their racism. This is an example of why Rev Wright's latest grab for publicity will greatly harm Obama

Democrats Registering In Record Numbers - 1 Million New Voters For Last 7 Primaries

By Eli Saslow Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, April 28, 2008; Page A01

<snip>

'Not Going to Sit at Home'

Al Landsberg, 66, approached the counter of the voter registration office at 4 p.m., an hour before deadline. Hefty, with a hint of sweat on his white mustache, he looked as drained as the employees behind the counter who rested their heads in their hands. Voting exhausted him. Ever since he cast a ballot for Ronald Reagan, Landsberg has always felt as though he was trying to choose the lesser of two evils.

For this election, though, he decided he had no choice but to vote. A lifelong Republican, he planned to switch his party affiliation so he could vote in the Democratic primary. That Hillary Clinton wasn't great, he said, but she was just as good as presumptive GOP nominee John McCain and a heck of a lot better than that other guy, "you know, uh, Embowa. He'd take this country right down the tubes."

Landsberg's wife, Evelyn, collects porcelain dolls, and her co-collectors send the Landsbergs frequent political e-mails, most of them critical of Obama. "From what I can tell, if he becomes president he will refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and we will leave Iraq unprepared," Landsberg said. "I'm not going to sit at home and let that happen."

He needed something to do, anyway. He recently retired after five-plus years in the Marine Corps and 40 years in the printing business, and Evelyn still works at an electrical supplier. Their three children moved out long ago. The Landsbergs save what extra money they have for three or four annual trips to Las Vegas, where they can find a cheap hotel room, play the dollar slots and smoke -- indoors and in peace.

They never travel outside the United States, save the occasional Caribbean cruise. "Anything you want to see, you can see it right here," Evelyn said. Plus, they prefer to spend their tourist money at home, just as they buy only American-made cars. Not enough people look out for America these days, Landsberg said.

Like McCain, with his free-and-easy stance on immigration, which seems almost identical to Clinton's. Landsberg's father had come from Germany, first jumping ship illegally and then, after a few years and some English classes, through Ellis Island. He met Landsberg's mother during the legal immigration process.

<snip>

...more at the link

There's plenty more racists where he came from in North Carolina, and Rev Wright's "publicity tour" in the media will bring them out of the woodwork.

[Tyler Durden]

67. Then let's play "Ebonics" shall we?

No, we won't, because it's racist and rude.

Well then, let's just start comparing and contrasting Obama's Stump speech to his "Black Church Accent?"

No, we won't do that either, as it's also racist and rude.

Just as an aside, Do you know what AA people call fellow AA people who normally speak in one fashion, but play up the accent and patter for effect?

"Hood Hogs."

[CTyankee]

18. The problem is that he has already been "defined" in the media.

A sad, sad fact we need to realistically face. The man has a perfect right to speak up about his beliefs and he sees a platform for those beliefs. The media is picking up everything he is saying. So from his perspective, it is a good thing that this happened. It adds to the political speech going on in this country today. Free speech is a hallmark of our democracy.

However, we need to be very realistic and confront the fact that the other side, through a willing and lazy media, has their "free" speech. We need to not be surprised when the media distorts everything Wright says. We call it a sideshow, they'll just call it "free" speech and press. I think we've seen how this show ends...

[Nitrogenica]

64. So we treat this by hiding him away, like we did with issues in 2004?

[CTyankee]

69. No, we can't even if we wanted to. I am only asking for people here to

look at this realistically. Let's stop with the circular firing squad and concentrate on how to defeat McCain in the GE. Let's talk about the issues and hammer away at the differences between either of our candidates and McLame.

It is a waste of our time and creativity to keep arguing about Rev. Wright. What you are saying is true. AND it is also true that the media will distort and confuse. That's the reality.

So if we're going to rant, let's rant about McSame.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

20. I have defended him many times, many many many

he is selfish and wrong in what he is doing and it DOES hurt Obama.

If I am wrong, I will apologize later.

This is hurting Obama politically.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

33. not to undecided voters - 10% and not to independent voters 20%

it will greatly hurt Obama's numbers in NC.

I have already heard from some racist GOPs who switched to independent to vote for
Hillary in the Dem primary.

Wright helps to paint the African American as a characature.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

39. I will not defend Wright again - he's marginalizing Obama as "black" candidate not the DEM Candidate

this is only good for Wright and his book sales.

It won't help Obama gain votes and it will cost him votes, especially in my state of NC.

Obama needed the independent and undecided.

[Nitrogenica]

65. "Book Sales"...that right wing talking point pundits use ALL THE TIME!!!

Outrageous!

Now you pissed me off pal. Bye Bye to you and your ignorant, disgusting ass.

[Mr. Hawk]

2. you're missing the point

this is why we should all support HRC. she's been battle tested and vented.

The Rev. Wright will be an albatross around BHO's neck and will sink him in November. This issue ain't gonna magically disappear.

[cali]

7. no. she is not battle tested and "vented"

she's losing the battle for the nomination and she has NOT been vetted since the 90s,

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

21. exactly, the media is completely silent on her serious negatives

they aren't saying a thing right now, they are holding back.

[KittyWampus]

and Hillary isn't going to magically increase her delegate count, "Mr. Hawk".

[LakeSamish706]

10. Wrong of course, but what else is new.... We can have both a Barack Obama and...

a Rev. Wright in America. One as maybe one of the greatest Presidents that this country has ever seen and one as one of the greatest religious people ever witnessed.

[IDemo]

15. That's good to hear

Because she really needed some "venting" before something blew.

[LakeSamish706]

3. So you think because our infamous MSM chooses to spin Rev. Wright...

as some nutty black preacher that he should put his life on hold? Sorry but my opinion differs from yours on this. It's about time Americans woke up and realized that the country is not just about the white folk. This man is so intelligent he makes many look less than normal.

If Rev. Wright is that much of a threat to Obama's winning the GE then I guess America deserves what it gets come November.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

23. so I think that Wright chose to go to the press club knowing it would generate a shit storm

The media didn't seek the story, Wright sought the story by holding a press conference,
by inviting them.

HE IS MILKING THE PUBLICITY AT OBAMA'S EXPENSE.

At great expense.

[LakeSamish706]

24. If Obama doesn't have a problem with this, I think you should get over it. n/t

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

43. you aren't paying attention. the media on this will wound Obama

I keep up with the daily news, and create an Obama Supporters Daily News Thread each day.

Been doing that for some time now. I know how this will play out.

The timing is horrible for Obama.

This will make him seem more different from most people, instead of more like.

Voters vote for someone they think is like them. Not someone controversial.

Wright is making Obama more controversial by association, its a fact, whether you
think it fair or right.

[LakeSamish706]

51. I say again, if Obama doesn't have a problem with this you better get over it....

If it takes something like this to jeopardize Obama's Presidential ambitions then the American people deserve what comes next... End of story.

[GodlessBiker]

5. If he doesn't speak now he will not be heard. Once the race is over the media will move on.

[oviedodem]

6. He is only the focus because of who he is linked to and the race of the individuals if it was not

then Hagee would be on CNN, Falwell, and the rest of the republican pastors through the decades and today.

[Cornus]

9. He speaks the TRUTH.

Listen.

[Saturday]

11. Why, oh why now Rev Wright? You are sinking your candidate

for your own selfish reasons. I do not support your candidate but I do not want him tombstoned because of you either.

[Mezzo]

12. I think he is doing OBama considerable damage. More than Hillary could ever do. nt

[UALRBSofL]

13. This is the Rev. Wright's rehab redux

And is on the media trail to a build-up to promote his book that is to come out in the next year. It's all about promoting his book. Nothing more.

[Armstead]

16. His book is coming out later this year -- That's worse

The timing will bring it out closer to the election.

[bunnies]

14. How can you fault this guy for sticking up for himself?

I mean really... he's been ripped apart by the media constantly. I dont blame him one bit. Whats he supposed to do? Put his life on hold? Its not HIS fault the media is obessed.

[UALRBSofL]

26. I don't fault him for his sticking up for himself, however

I believe he is merely doing this to promote his book. Just because he is a Reverand doesn't disclude him from what most people do when they write a book.

[bunnies]

46. That could very well be.

Is is the American way after all! :)

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

27. you're right, his reputation is more important that Obama winning the presidency

its fine to divide and destroy the democratic party, which is what will happen if
McCain is elected, thanks to shit like Wright is generating.

Oh well, I guess I can move to a country that has universal health care, since ourse
won't ever see that.

Oh and convert all dollars to euros before the total collapse.

[bunnies]

45. Did you even watch the speech he just gave?

Wright is not going to cost Obama the election. This is a camp Hillary talking point and its sad to see it seeping into the Obama community.

And on the issue of dollars, we may well end up with AmerEuros anyway if HRC is president. But thats a whole other conversation.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

52. I'm watching what the massive media coverage is doing with it

thats how Dean lost the primary in 2004, the media spinned it.

Doesn't matter if Wright is God's gift to explaning race or not, his timing is selfish and wrong.

The media will take every minute, every word, and spin it against Obama.

You thought those 30 second sound bites were bad, he's giving them 3 hours of 30 second sound bites.

He's a gift to the Clinton/McCain campaign.

Oh well, doesn't matter if we agree, I wish I could stop the media -but no one can,
and they now have piles of ammo to use against Obama.

Enjoy your Wrightness.

[bunnies]

60. As Obama supporters...

We shouldnt be repeating those talking points, however. Whether Wright vanished last week or not it would still be an issue in November. The damage is already done - so we need to find a way to counter it.

Obama is not Rev. Wright.

[KaryninMiami]

17. Laura- I invite you to LISTEN to his words-- he's not fanning any flames- he's diffusing them

but the MSM is not allowing him to do this by playing the sound bites (starting with the Moyers interview last week)that make him sound like an angry, black preacher thereby feeding the racist, fear frenzy (and motivating Dems to reconsider Hillary- the "safe, white woman" or more importantly-giving McShame (who is directly connected with a pastor that is truly a racist, homophobic monster) a free rid.

If you listen- really listen to what he is saying carefully you'll see that he thoughtful, insightful, inspiring and also- factual. Please--- anyone who is buying the media shit that Rev. Wright is destroying Obama- I beg you- stop for a minute and see what is going on here.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

29. bullshit. The media is having a field day with this - nows not the time to feed his ego

the guy is selfish and is only hurting Obama.

Watch the media, they are making it worse by giving him ungodly amounts
of air time.

This will hurt Obama in North Carolina, I guarantee you that.

[Armstead]

19. "Selfish jerk" is a bit strong -- But he's sure not being a friend to Obama

[mattclearing]

25. You jump on your soapbox as he does his. Is this not a free country anymore? n/t

[kid a]

30. Can you elaborate on "not doing him any favors here?"

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

35. look at the negative press this is giving Obama - turn on your tv, thats where most people get views

watch CNN, MSNBC, etc - this is hurting Obama.

More shit for him to have to explain. MORE.

Thanks selfish Wright who has a book to sell.

I defend the man no more.

[kid a]

41. I disagree. The more Wright is out there on his own..the more it distances Obama

What are they going to ask Obama now?
What will be the presses first question to Obama about the current Wright rhetoric?
There is nothing inflammatory about it?

"Mr Obama....do you agree that Rev Wright is out there speaking?"

How is the MSM gonna spin this against Obama?

WHO HAS NOT SEEN THE YOUTUBE CLIPS????

This smothers that!

[EffieBlack]

31. Yes, little Jeremaiah. Be a good boy and just sit down, be quiet and don't interrupt the white folks

while they discuss you amongst themselves. They'll let you know when you can say something.

[MeDeMax]

36. amen !

that is exactly what Fox News is demanding Jeremiah do.

[rucky]

32. The NAACP disagrees...

from the intro he received, Wright was doing exactly what he was invited to do. And there was nothing divisive about his message of unity. If the media chooses to twist it, and there are political implications, fuck it - it just shows everybody who actually listened to the speech how wrong the media is.

[MeDeMax]

34. I disagree

Jeremiah kept quiet so as not to fan flames that would hurt Obama, and guess what happened in Ohio, Texas & Pennsylvania ?

White blue-collar voters went for Hillary 72% to 28%.

I have a few simple questions, guess who went to the inner city Chicago and helped organize displaced blue-collar workers ? and guess who helped pass NAFTA and a bunch of other trade agreements since ?

One candidate dives into the trenches and helps uplift the affected, the other candidate accelerates the fall of the blue-collar class and these voters overwhelmingly voted for Hillary.

I think it is high time that an educated black leader like Jeremiah stand up and speak and explain himself. Until now, the media, especially fox with their "GD america" slogan, has been defining him.

When you bring whispers and rumors from the shadows into light, people see the truth.

[JoFerret]

37. He has a right to defend himself but now it has

it is time to move on all round.
Enough of Rev. Wright already.

It's unfair but there it is. this does not help any of us for this nonsensical "contoversy" to continue to occupy the air waves and the public discourse.

[EffieBlack]

40. They've been vilifying this man for the past 7 weeks, he spoke up for the first time on Friday

and it's already time for him to shut up?

Do you REALLY think that if he shuts up, the controversy will go away? Of course it won't - it would just go back to be a one-sided trashfest of a great man.

[JoFerret]

55. I know - it's unfair

but I don't think this serves Obama.
Prolonging this just has people drilling down into the details.

But whatever - nothing you or I can do about it anyway.
The media has its meat and it will feed. Too bad.
It is a terrible distraction that will only bring out the worst in everybody.

[Texas Hill Country]

42. i agree. he is doing it to increase his recognition and stature, and doing a disservice to Obama

he could have waited 6 months.

[JoFerret]

61. Well - it certainly does not help right now.

Is it possible he is angry with Obama?

[OzarkDem]

44. Its a red herring

A deliberate distraction from discussing critical issues in the campaign.

[graycem]

47. But

some of the talking heads this morning have actually been presenting him in a different light.

[marshall]

48. What does he owe Obama?

I support Obama, but really what does Wright owe him? He has to live his own life, do his own thing. Obama had no problem renouncing him, so he is a free agent now.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

53. He is USING Obama for self promotion

either his judgement is very poor, or he just cares about selling his book.

This is the worst possible thing he could do when Obama needs every vote he can get.

[faithfulcitizen]

58. nothing. But, is he trying to HURT Obama? If so, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

[Swamp Rat]

49. The audacity!

[MyNameGoesHere]

50. I agree.

I did not see the point in it. Why did he give this interview? It is clear that pro-Obama supporters are going to applaud it no matter what. So why did he do it? To win the right? Well he has a strange way of winning people over and he is lighting up the RW boards but i am afraid not in a positive light. So why? I just cannot figure it out. He said those things in the past. You feel the way about it and the interviews are not really changing many minds. i would much more interested in an interview with Obama's sequestered grandmother. Now that would be a little more telling. But alas she seems indisposed.

[ladjf]

54. Many are attracted to spotlights. Rev.Wright appears to be one

of them. It would probably be better for Obama if he would pipe down, at least until the election is over.

[rodeodance]

56. I do feel he gives the Repugs ammno and can not be good for the Dems.

[faithfulcitizen]

57. As a hoosier Obama supporter- I TOTALLY agree! Sorry guys, this could NOT be worse for Obama.

He is truly a selfish, ego-driven person, and in MY opinion, not a "man of God". I don't believe Obama shares these qualities of this man, but I am well-informed. This could give Hillary a big win in Indiana. I feel so sorry for this poor woman trying to ask questions. THIS JUST SUCKS! WHY COULDN'T HE WAIT A FEW MORE WEEKS!?

[IsItJustMe]

62. Spin that turd.

[MadBadger]

66. Only one person sounds like an asshat, and I'm sorry that its you.

[Catherina]

68. Rev Wright is fighting back against ignorant hatred of our Churches

Deal with it.

If White hatred and ignorance bring 4 or 8 years of John McCain, America deserves it for 200 years of throwing Black people under the bus. Grow up and join the 21st century.

[madfloridian]

70. I totally disagree. The Clintons and the media are out to get him...

they are using a man of God as politics. He should defend himself.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/2039