Obama Condemns Pastor’s ‘Incendiary Language’ But Explains and Defends Continued Relationship
Tuesday: Barack Obama gives a speech in Philadelphia on race, politics and national unity. (AP Photo)
Barack Obama roundly condemned the remarks of his controversial pastor on Tuesday but also took several steps to explain why the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.’s incendiary rhetoric is still valid.
Going to great lengths and several times repeating his reason for his continued association to Wright and his membership at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Obama said the pastor introduced him to his Christian faith and continues to perform God’s work on Earth.
“As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. … I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother,” Obama told an audience at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
Hoping to thread a tough needle, Obama is seeking to return his campaign to the place it was until about a week ago, before his image was tarnished by the details of his relationship to Wright, who has been Obama’s spiritual adviser for 20 years.
Obama has tried to mold himself as a transcendent American political figure not viewed uniquely as an African-American running for the presidency but rather a candidate who is African-American and uniting the country behind him.
In a speech billed as one on race, politics and unifying America, Obama described his interracial background — a white American mother and black African father — as well as his wife’s ancestral history of slavery. He credited the United States for allowing the freedom that enabled him to enjoy such a mix.
“I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents. And for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible. … It is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts — that out of many, we are truly one,” he said.
Defining the freedoms that this nation’s inhabitants enjoy, Obama said he did not excuse some of the anti-American statements made by the pastor, though he acknowledged that he knew Wright to be a fierce and vocal critic of U.S. policy.
“Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely — just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed,” he said.
He also defended some of Wright’s remarks in a historical context, saying to ignore them might be politically expedient but it would be the same as ignoring this nation’s history of prejudice and racial struggle.
“We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue … but race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America: to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.
“The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through — a part of our union that we have yet to perfect,” he said. “And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.”
Obama described Wright as a product of the segregation and disparities “passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.”
He said segregated schools and “legalized discrimination” of 50 years ago in housing, education and the workforce have perpetuated “the wealth and income gap between black and white.” The Illinois senator also blamed lack of basic services for the urban blight and denigration of the black family.
“For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politicians own failings.
“And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning,” he said.
Obama said that anger may be counterproductive, but it is real.
“To simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races,” he said, adding that the anger is one that also transcends race and exists among middle and low-income white workers who “don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race.”
Blaming politicians and conservative talk show hosts for a racially infused cycle of hate, Obama said fear has been bred in whites who have seen affirmative action programs take jobs and educational opportunities away. Obama said those fears have been “routinely exploited” but rather than focusing on the “real culprits,” a “racial stalemate” has resulted, in part from Washington corruption.
“Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism,” he said. “Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze — a corporate culture rife with inside-dealing, questionable accounting practices and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many.”
He said that if he heard Wright only in the context of the “endless loop on the television and YouTube,” then he too may have reacted in the same way.
“But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man,” he said, adding that Americans of all stripes would benefit by following the conservative philosophy of self-help found in Wright’s sermons. However, he lamented that Wright’s language shows the preacher is stuck in the same pattern that has trapped many Americans.
“The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made. … But what we know — what we have seen — is that America can change.”
Obama urged Americans to follow the Scripture and “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” He pleaded with his audience to ignore comments like Wright’s that continue to see division and conflict as inescapable.
“We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. … We can do that. But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change. That is one option.
“Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, ‘Not this time,’ ” he said.
“This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generatio — the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.”
it’s sad how he threw his white grandmother for the racist remarks she said under the bus… but not mr wright’s racist remarks ….Obama is a racist ….no obama
When it comes to Senator Obama’s speech on racism I am very much torn with it and what it stands for and what it was meant to do. Politically it is something that he had to do and address, but it is something that he should have done early on at the beginning when he made his announcement or even before leading up to his announcement of running for President of the United States. While I can sympathize with the gentleman as to why he can not denounce the man who made such hateful and hurtful remarks since he is like family. My problem is with the fact that a grandmother that raised him and who is a blood member of his family that he tried to compare her fear and racial remarks (that were probably said in private) to that of his preacher who spoke to a congregation of up to a hundred people or more. His grandmother is also a member of the same generation as this pastor and not once did he acknowledge her fears and why she made the comments that she had. As much as people do not like to talk about it race is alive in this country and will not go away by some speech that a person running for the presidency makes. After listening to the remarks of the pastor and people of the black community trying to defend him it frustrates me. As a white person who had grew up learning the sins of the past and being taught tolerance and taught to empathize and understand what the black person has gone through. Why is it that in the black community tolerance is not taught against the white population, it may have taken time but we have made progress as a country as much as some would like us to think we haven’t to keep their own agendas alive. But when listening to the remarks of this pastor and letting his people leave his church after a sermon such as those we have heard there is no wonder why there is still racism in the black community against the white people. I am tired of feeling guilty for sins of people who were not even my ancestors, tired of listening to the likes of Rev Wright and Rev Al Sharpton and their racist comments but are not held accountable, but we are as whites are urged to understand were it came from. And what about the countless white Americans who gave their lives for their freedom, I never hear that addressed or how grateful they are. I did not grow up a privileged white person, quite the contrary; I grew up poor and in a rural area of the northern mid west, but my parents both worked hard and provided for their family without complaining and expecting the government to help them out at every turn. Many black people have taken what services and help that have been given them and used it to their advantage, these people are doing well for themselves and not dwelling on the past but trying to bridge a gap that other black people will not let happen. Senator Obamas speech as honorable has it seemed was nothing more than self serving.
It was a nicely written speech. Two things really stand out as being
negative. First, On Friday’s interview Obama claimed he did not hear
these hateful sermons but in the speech he gave on Tuesday he says he did
hear them Very concerning, in addition to the Rezko and NAFTA this does
not look good to me. It clearly destroys his credibility clean politics
and good judgment.
Obama claims he has problems with some of Wright’s views. OK, let’s try
and heal these wounds, lets try and talk with Wright and do this
transcending as he so wants to claim. Why did Obama turn his back on
talking with his pastor, mentor and not try to resolve these problems with
his mentor? If Obama can’t make progress in his own church how can he
possible tackle these issues nationally?
My conclusions, Obama tried hard to reduce as much as possible the damaged
caused by Wright’s sermons. He failed in my opinion; he has shown poor
judgment and poor character. His platform of change and hope is nothing
more then a phony attempt to draw on the publics desire for hope and
change.
This man is so honest and sincere. THe news media goes out of their way to make it sound like America is no longer Prejudice. Look at Refugees coming from around the world except Hatians are turned away, New Orleans, Clinton playing the race card for the sake of his wife. Rodney King beat un mercifully, Some of us saw is as cruel and inhumane. other races saw it as He should of stayed down. Missing Whites are all over Amber Alerts Nationwide are Black Children NO!!! The Girl that disappeared on vacation all over the News had it been a Black student I think not.
America is still a very Black and White State.
Thank You Mr. Obama
I also posted a comment almost 24 hours ago and still nothing!! My voice isn’t good enough for Fox News I guess!
How have we, as Americans, lifted this man up to become the President of our great country? He hates America!
The speech of Senator Barack Obama is powerful. Remember, word is sharper than sword. Yes, we can’t ignore race. as along all American should unite and work together either what kind race you belong, it’s one America.
Same political rhetoric by someone who has “charmed” the masses into believing that he is the savior of America. When in fact he, his wife and their associates are advocating the destruction (change) of America, and are giving Barack Hussein Obama , his wife, and his radical preacher the social, financial, and currently the “star” status that they and their misguided supporters are seeking to effect the “change”. Why would they want to change from the preferential treatment opportunities (such as affirmative action) that they now enjoy? They only seek to take over the government and they are getting support from the likes of Ted Kennedy et al. Where else in the world could they blaspheme their God, and their government and retain support of the misguided democrats and white “dogooders” who want to “make a statement” that they are racially promiscuous; and, still have an opportunity to become the president of the United States of America–and more freighting, the commander-in-chief of the greatest military in the world? Why would they want CHANGE to downgrade America from the BEST country in the world?
OBAMA STANDS BEHIND SPIRITAL ADVISOR WRIGHT!
“Wright is like an uncle you love and respect”
IT’S WAY TOO LATE OBAMA, NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR YOUR LIES AND EXCUSES OR A SPEECH SOMEONE WROTE OR STOLE FOR YOU! YOU HAVE CLAIMED TO BE A MEMBER FOR 20 YEARS, YOU KNOW FULL WELL WHAT THIS RACIST ANTI-AMERICAN PREACHES EACH WEEK, YOU CAN BUY THE DVDS ON THE WEBSITE, and THIS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU’RE RASING YOUR YOUNG DAUGHTERS? YOU ARE MOST CERTINALLY NOT THE LEADER FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY! No one says Obama can’t attend any church he wants, or practice Muslim religion, he can be as racist as his “not proud of America” wife Michelle, or even the anti- American as Wright and his churches “man of the year award” Farrakhan! The problems he is running to be President for ALL people of the U.S. not just white American haters! He is not fit to be in public service! He should have disowned Wright & Farrakhan before this week or left that church years ago if he didn’t agree with his anti-American, anti white preaching. He is teaching his daughters the same type of anti American racism by attending that church and continuing to support and follow his spiritual advisor Rev Wright! Obama can’t persuade his way out of this one with that extremely lame speech!
IT’S TIME OBAMA GET OUT OF THE RACE!!! DROP OUT! WE DO NOT NEED OR WANT YOUR CHANGE BACK THE RACIAL DIVIDE OF THE 60′S…SHAME ON YOU OBAMA!
How does Obama consider someone a Mentor and friend for 20 years and not know their hateful racist values and character? Obama said he had no plans to leave the South Side church. Wright is like an uncle you love and respect! he highly respects the opinions of Rev. Wright said Obama, who brings hope to many and agrees with giving the man of year award to the notorious Louis Farrakhan. Nation of Islam Minister who said we are witnessing the phenomenal rise of a man of color in a country that has persecuted us! Obama hasn’t distanced himself from Farraklhan as he wants the media to believe. A number of Jewish and pro-Israel voters have concerns and raised questions about Barack Obama. In case you haven’t followed this ongoing issue, here’s a brief summary of the complaints:Obama has called for engaging Iran. Daniel Ayalon, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States, told the New York Sun he is concerned Obama would want to negotiate with a “Hitler-like” regime. Some of Obama’s policy advisors of various stripes, such as Samantha Power, Robert Malley, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, have come under attack for their views on Israel. World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder fears, it’s only a matter of time before the president becomes anti-Israel Howard Friedman, the president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, said the leading presidential candidate are all interested in continuing close ties with Israel. Obama in traditional muslim garb brought these questions back to the fore Obama is a closet Muslim. Obama hasn’t distanced himself from Farraklhan as he wants the media to believe, Obamas and his church said Farrakhan “epitomized greatness. For Americans, Farrakhan epitomizes racism, particularly in the form of anti-Semitism. Over the years, he has compiled an awesome record of offensive statements, even denigrating the Holocaust by falsely attributing it to Jewish cooperation with Hitler “They helped him get the Third Reich on the road.” His history is a rancid stew of lies. Any praise of Farrakhan heightens the prestige of the leader of the Nation of Islam. His anti-Semitism and particularly his false insistence that Jews have played an inordinate role in victimizing African Americans. Farrakhan’s dream has vilified whites and singled out Jews to blame for crimes large and small. He talks of Jewish conspiracies to set a media line for the whole nation. He has reviled Jews in a manner that brings Hitler to mind. And yet Obama and Rev Wright heaped praise on Farrakhan. He applauds his “depth of analysis when it comes to the racial ills of this nation.” He praised “his integrity and honesty.” He called him “an unforgettable force, a catalyst for change and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and his purpose.” These words of the black man who touts change and claims to be a uniter of all people? DO NOT VOTE FOR OBAMANATION!
It’s been 24 hours since I posted a comment on this topic and it still has not appeared. Tsk Tsk FoxNews - you’re just like the media you propose to hate.