Obama Seeks to Stop Wright Coverage ‘Loop’
Tuesday: Barack Obama delivers a speech in Philadelphia on race, politics and unifying the country. (AP Photo)
As Barack Obama wrapped up his ambitious speech on race, politics and the historical origin of his longtime pastor’s heated sermons Tuesday, advisers questioned whether he had achieved a simple and practical objective: halting the “loop.”
The “loop” is the barrage of anti-American invective from Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. that has saturated national television for the past week.
Obama has vigorously disavowed Wright’s inflammatory remarks, but in Tuesday’s speech refused to disavow the pastor himself or the 20-year relationship he’s had with him. Some political observers say the Illinois senator still has some more mending to do.
“I think it goes on,” National Public Radio national correspondent Juan Williams said of the controversy.
Williams, a FOX News analyst, questioned why Obama allowed himself to remain publicly associated with Wright. He said Obama did not address the “judgment and character” issues that he’s running on.
“I think he had to take responsibility … and that’s what he didn’t do,” Williams said.
But CitizenJane.com Editor Patricia Murphy said it’s too late for Obama to try to divorce himself completely from Wright.
“There’s no way he didn’t know the nature of that church. He knows what goes on there, both good and bad. If he were to denounce this church and leave this church right now, it would look like nothing more than political gamesmanship, and for somebody who is selling himself as an honest broker and trying to paint Hillary Clinton as someone cold and calculating, that will be totally unproductive,” Murphy said. “The horse has left the barn on that.”
GOP strategist Fred McClure praised the speech but said it’s no antidote for Obama’s pastor problems.
“The winds are going to keep swirling around Senator Obama as this campaign goes forward, even though he, I think, very strongly denounced the words of Reverend Wright,” he said.
For a solid week, Wright’s comments have been in heavy rotation, with sermon highlights showing Wright blaming the United States for HIV and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, rejecting the Clintons as anathema to the welfare of American blacks and portraying the country as institutionally racist.
Obama’s association with Wright, who officiated his wedding, baptized his children and served as his spiritual adviser, was developing as a potentially damaging credibility problem for his campaign of hope and change. The direct political effects of the relationship remain unclear, but some telling clues showed Obama had a pastor problem.
A Rasmussen survey taken from March 14-16 of 1,200 likely voters showed 56 percent of those interviewed were less likely to vote for Obama because of Wright’s comments.
Other national polls continue to show Obama and Hillary Clinton flirting with the lead in their ongoing fight to become the Democratic presidential candidate.
Seeking the quell the outcry, Obama condemned Wright’s statements on Friday, Saturday and again on Tuesday. But he walked a fine line, using his address to explain and give context to his pastor’s commentary.
“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.
He later added: “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.”
Crisis management consultant Mike Paul told FOX News that Obama needs to go a step further.
“Any time you are dealing with a crisis, you have to go to the root of the problem. The root here is the pastor. As those comments continue, the crisis will continue. Unfortunately, the rhetoric of the speech will not solve that,” he said.
Paul suggested Obama sit down with Wright and try to “melt his heart” and change his way of thinking. He said Obama needs to offer the public a “solution” to the controversy Wright has caused.
“That’s something that Barack Obama should be able to do as a potential president,” Paul said. “You’ve got to have a changed man come out.”
But Rev. Jesse Jackson told FOX News he thought the speech was effective.
“I thought he bared his soul today,” Jackson said, urging the candidates to return to the issues. “This campaign is ultimately about candidates, not surrogates and not about supporters.”
Obama is making a clear attempt to move back to issues, announcing what the campaign billed as back-to-back “major speeches” over the next two days on Iraq and the economy. He plans to speak on Wednesday in North Carolina and Thursday in West Virginia.
For her part, Clinton has not drawn attention to Wright’s sermons. On Tuesday, she said she didn’t hear Obama’s speech.
“I did not get a chance to see or read Senator Obama’s speech, but I’m very glad that he gave it,” she said in Philadelphia.
“It’s an important topic. Issues of race and gender in America have been complicated throughout our history,” Clinton said. “But we should remember that this is an historic moment for the Democratic Party and for our country. We will be nominating the first African-American or woman for the presidency of the United States, and that is something that all Americans can and should celebrate.”
Democratic strategist Tanya Acker, an Obama supporter, said she had no idea whether the speech would put the controversy to rest, but she downplayed the fact that Obama never explicitly disavowed Wright.
“What he tried to do is explain that some of those statements … he was really addressing a bitterness in the African-American community,” she said. “That may make other people feel uncomfortable, but it is truly there.”
FOX News’ Aaron Bruns and Major Garrett contributed to this report.
KARNAK, hello. I’ve tried to reply to you about 3 times, I’m not sure why the moderator didn’t let me in. I just want to say you make a valid point about media coverage of Obama — news of Wright was the first break with the honeymoon. But I ended up liking Obama’s reply because it seemed (to me) to not be a lot of hot air and slogans.
I think he’s actually trying to get across what race means these days. Obviously there’s no slavery or segregation laws –- racism now has more to do with assumptions, & angry suspicions (like Mike Conti’s here), & upsetting statistics, & misunderstandings between individuals. Of course most of this you can’t make go away with more laws, but if Obama tries to address it honestly, and we all try to do the same, then maybe that helps move the ball forward. I think race ends up being not just about the color of our skin but also about the beliefs we hold about ourselves and about other people. And if this speech isn’t totally irrefutable on all points –- actually I’m starting to appreciate that more & more, because the more I think about it, the more complicated it seems.
Take me, and my religion (Catholic). There’s a lot in the Catholic Church I don’t agree with — so should I quit it? Well, when I almost did quit a few years ago (to go Episcopalian), to my surprise it felt too much like leaving something like family. My relationship with it is not as simple as either agreeing & staying or disagreeing & leaving. So — do I deserve to be pilloried for the next 20 years that I sit in the pews while the Church continues to promote some things I completely disagree with? Maybe – but I hope not.
In the end, Obama’s religion will inform his morality and therefore his decisions. But based on much of what he has said & done, I don’t think he’s a slave to Wright any more than I am to the Catholic Church. It informs my thinking on a lot of points — but is not the final word over my decisions. That’s still mine, and I still disagree with it on major points.
Anyway, hope that makes sense and relates back in your eyes.
KARNAK, hello. Thanks for replying. Valid point about media coverage of Obama — news of Wright was the first break with the honeymoon.
But I ended up liking Obama’s reply because it seemed (to me) to not be a lot of hot air and slogans. I think he’s actually trying to get across what race means these days. Obviously there’s no slavery or segregation laws — but there’s other problems, and part of that is how we see each other — and how a black man with a white mother had to figure out how to see himself, because that’s not as obvious as just being black or white. And if his own mother complicated that by feeling scared when she saw black men — it’s worth wondering why, right? Crime statistics, media portrayals, history, the mother’s upbringing maybe — a lot of things go into the mix, so racism isn’t as obvious as laws/slavery these days. It has more to do with assumptions, & suspicions (like Mike Conti’s here), & statistics & misunderstandings between individuals. Now you can’t make this go away with more laws, but if Obama tries to address it honestly, maybe that helps move the ball forward. And if his speech isn’t totally irrefutable on all points — I’m starting to really appreciate that, actually, more than I think I would if he flat-out denounced Wright or coughed up a shorter but sweeter speech, because the more I think about it the more complicated it seems.
So, all yesterday I thought about this and related it to my own religion (Catholicism). There’s a lot in the Catholic Church I don’t agree with — so should I quit it? In fact I can tell you exactly what I disagree with, while the things I like about being Catholic are not as straightforward — so it seems I should quit. But, when I almost did quit a few years ago (to go Episcopalian), to my surprise it felt too much like leaving something like family. My relationship with it is not simple. So — do I deserve to be pilloried for the next 20 years I sit in the pews while the Church continues to preach & embody things I completely disagree with?
In the end, any candidate’s religion will inform his morality and therefore his decisions. But based on much of what Obama has said & done, I don’t think he’s been much more indoctrinated by Wright than I have been by the Roman Catholic Church. It informs my thinking on a lot of points — but is not the final word over my decisions. That’s still mine, and I still disagree with it on major points. Hope that makes sense and relates back in your eyes.
GOD BLESS AMERICA–I HAVE BEEN PROUD OF THIS COUNTRY ‘MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE’!!!!
IF I HAVE TO LISTEN TO ONE MORE RACIST UGLY RAT INFESTED RANT FROM JESSE JACKSON, AL SHARPTON OR NOW–THIS UGLY SCUM BAG (SO CALLED PREACHER) I THINK THAT I WILL ABSOLUTELY THROW UP.
THIS HATEFUL PREACHER AND THIS LYING CANDIDATE HAVE MANAGED TO SUCK US INTO THIS REDICULOUS DISCUSSION ON RACE WHEN THERE ARE OTHER EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED AND RESOLVED.
WE ARE ALLOWING THESE TWO PEOPLE–THIS HATEFUL RACIST PREACHER AND THIS INEXPERIENCED, NAIVE AND (WHO KNOWS WHAT) CANDIDATE TO DICTATE WHAT ISSUES WILL OR WILL NOT BE DISCUSSED.
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD SEE ANYTHING MORE EARTH-SHATTERING THAN 9/11 IN MY LIFETIME–I WAS WRONG. I AM NOW WITNESSING SOMETHING EVEN MORE DISGUSTING AND MIND -BLOWING! IT IS THE SPECTACLE OF THIS TOTALLY INEPT AND NAIVE AND INEXPERIENCED CANDIDATE VYING FOR THE PRESEDENCY OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY.
IF THE SCENERIO STOPPED THERE, IT WOULD BE SCARY ENOUGH BUT IT DOESN’T. THIS MAN AT ‘SOME’ LEVEL HAS AT THE VERY LEAST–A DEEP ‘DARK’ DISDAIN FOR HIS OWN COUNTRY AND AT THE VERY WORST–A DEEP ‘DARK’ HATRED FOR HIS COUNTRY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA–I HAVE BEEN PROUD OF THIS COUNTRY ‘MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE’
Of course Obama wants to stop looping his “Spiritual Advisor” video. It shows the belief system that Obama has listened to, endorsed, and believed for the past 20 years. Barack openly admits that he will not distance himself from this radically racist “Reverend”.
We have watched Obama refuse to salute the American flag, refuse to wear the American flag on his lapel, and defend his wife (wanna-be first lady) as she declares that she is proud of our country for the first time in her life. Our first lady must declare a life long pride and loyalty to the country she represents.
Please keep looping this speech, and while your at it, Obama’s defense of such hateful remarks. I vote they take their radical beliefs right out of this polical arena.
How do they attend this type of church service, then call themselves CHRISTIANS?
I like what Kathleen said. These “Black Power and Black Theology” churches teach hatred to their kids. No different then the white supremacists (who also refer to the bible). Please explain to me what the little kids sitting there at the sermon grow up to believe after years and years of being taught this hate mongering. Why would Obama listen to this for 20 years? Obama’s speech did nothing except change the subject and allow him to avoid explaining how he goes to a church where hatred is taught. Where is Oprah’s comment on this? I wonder why she has no comment for the church she was a member of for a few years but she (wisely, perhaps) chose to leave.
Your vote is your choice, but please understand who you are voting for and vote for the right reasons.
Try to see past what the media paints as a “historical speech” and realize it is only political rhetoric covering up who he really is.
Hey Wallace,
The United Church of Christ has 1.2 million members so to condemn them all as racist is just as bad as what Rev. Wright did/said; is it not? What is it that old saying about those who are without sin should cast the first stone? Are you reallt that perfect?
Also, what do you know about Rev. John Thomas of the UCC? He is dedicated Christian and a man who has dedicated his life toot his church and the word of God. To call upon people to condemn when you know so little about him or his organization based upon these statements is a bit much don’t you think?
I happen to be a proud member of the United Church of Christ and a white woman, who is not racist thank you very much. I am proud of Obama for not denouncing the United Church of Christ or his pastor. We cannot judge a whole congregation or religious denomination because of a few words of one pastor. The United Church of Christ and Trinity church in Chicago have had a long history of helping their community and the world. The United Church of Christ is a welcoming, inclusive, denomination who has had a long history fighting for justice and equality for ALL people.
Why don’t you come to one of our worship services in a town near you? Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. Go to a worship service then feel free to form an opinion…until then…spare us.
Barrack and his Racist Friend
This is where the party ends
I can’t stand here listening to Barrack
And his racist friend
I know politics bore him
But I feel like a hypocrite talking to Barrack
And his racist friend
It was the loveliest speech that I’ve ever attended
If anything was said I’m sure it could be mended
But my head can’t tolerate this bobbing and pretending
Listening to some hatemonger and the madness that he’s saying
This is where the party ends
I’ll just sit here wondering how Barrack
Can stand by his racist friend
I know politics bore him
But I feel like a hypocrite talking to Barrack
And his racist friend
Out from the kitchen to the bedroom to the hallway
Barrack apologizes; he could see it my way
He let the contents of his pastor do the thinking
Can’t shake the devil’s hand and say you’re only kidding!
(With apologies to They Might Be Giants)
If you think about it there are no issues that are “black” likewise there are no issues that are “white” and any attempt to split people along those lines (which is the Democratic Party Platform) is racist.
Watching and listening to many of the comments, both in the blogs and the news “aka ratings” media, saddens and infuriates me. Most of the editorials, both liberal and conservative, completely miss the opportunity that is being offered to us. For the first time in my 20 years of voting, we have a candidate who is not willing to simplify their view to a 15 second sound bite, but is actually able to articulate their opinions and explore controversies.
I do not agree with all of Senator Obama’s views, but he is the only national politician I have seen who has shown the willingness to both ask and confront the tough question; and our country has many tough questions to ask itself.
Can Clinton do this, McCain, Bush, Kerry, the other Clinton, Dole, the other Bush…. For too long we have had “leaders” who either ask the public what they want and then try to appease the masses, or decide the proper course and then adjust the facts to fit that decision, regardless of the ramifications. We have been forced to choose among these sanitized crowd-pleasers and stoic plodders for over a generation, but now we have a different option.
A President, or leader of any large organization, should not be looked upon to supply all the answers; there are simply too many questions and details for one person to consider. They need to be capable and willing to ask the hard questions and assembly the right cabinets to create debate and drive the search for the right answers. Then they need to be able to take that solution to the public and convince them why it was right. If there is not true debate, uncomfortable words, and difficult conversations we will not make progress. Our current president is not capable of these skills and our country suffers because of it.
There is only one candidate who has shown that they are able to engage in these discussions. I will not vote for Senator Obama because I believe he has all the answers, that is a foolish reason to choose a leader of a country as large and wondrously varied as ours. I will vote for him because he has shown himself as the one candidate in recent memory that will ask the right questions, the hard questions, and will pursue them to their end, not truncate them to fill a sound bite on Air America or Hannity and Colmes.
Kathleen wrote:
“How sad, to think that if we are not black we are racist, yet being black one can express all kinds of derogatory remarks about non blacks”
I don’t recall saying anyone IS racist, just that if logic is supposed to hold up that Obama is now racist because his PASTOR said something ignorant, then we are all guily of that as we haven’t denounced our own family and friends that have said some outrageous comments. Mccain should apologize for having someone he called a “spirtual guide” (parsley) be a man that said ignorant comments. He did denounce his statements and that’s all MCcain can do. We shouldn’t expect more, but on the same level Barack denounced what his pastor said and wasn’t even there and now he is the Anti-christ. However, your comments were gracious and seem to call out for everyone to act in a christian way.
Todd; face it, you were never going to vote for Obama or Clinton. All that are espousing this hatred were never on the fence about who was going to get their vote so don’t act like anything said or done was going to change that. You are using all the “20 year”, “guilt by association”, “he should have left the church” talking points that Hannity and Limbaugh gave you.
Again, I ask who will be the first to cast out their family or friends for ignorant comments? Silence on that issue, but you want us to believe you have a different belief from Wright? I’m sure you do in public but look how you are in the anonymous world of the internet, the true colors shine through.