After weeks of staying out of the public eye while critics lambasted his sermons, Wright made three public appearances in four days to defend himself. The former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago has been combative, providing colorful commentary and feeding the story Obama had hoped was dying down.
On Monday, Wright criticized the U.S. government as imperialist and stood by his suggestion that the United States invented the HIV virus as a means of genocide against minorities. "Based on this Tuskegee experiment and based on what has happened to Africans in this country, I believe our government is capable of doing anything," he said.
And perhaps even worse for Obama, Wright suggested that the church congregant secretly concurs.
"If Senator Obama did not say what he said, he would never get elected," Wright said. "Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls."
Obama stated flatly that he doesn't share the views of the man who officiated at his wedding, baptized his two daughters and been his pastor for 20 years. The title of Obama's second book, "The Audacity of Hope," came from a Wright sermon.
"What became clear to me is that he was presenting a world view that contradicts who I am and what I stand for," Obama said. "And what I think particularly angered me was his suggestion somehow that my previous denunciation of his remarks were somehow political posturing. Anybody who knows me and anybody who knows what I'm about knows that I am about trying to bridge gaps and I see the commonality in all people."
In a highly publicized speech last month, Obama sharply condemned Wright's remarks. But he did not leave the church or repudiate the minister himself, who he said was like a family member.
On Tuesday, Obama sought to distance himself further from Wright.
"Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God" -Thomas Jefferson
"The tree of freedom must be nurtured from time to time with the blood of its patriots" -Thomas Jefferson
"When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty; When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 4455 | Location: Reggio di Calabria, Italy / New York United States | Registered: July 12, 2007
Get over it. This is like suggesting that all catholics are representative of the views of the pope. We still go to church and say he's a great guy even if we don't agree with everything he says.
---------------------------------
Some people see the glass half full. Others see it half empty. I see a glass that's twice as big as it needs to be.
Just because someone's opinion is different than yours, doesn't make them wrong.
A man who WILL NOT to reason is a bigot, A man who CANNOT reason is a fool, A man who DARES NOT reason is a slave
Originally posted by appa69: Get over it. This is like suggesting that all catholics are representative of the views of the pope. We still go to church and say he's a great guy even if we don't agree with everything he says.
The pope isn't an anti-American bigot.
Posts: 2015 | Location: WI | Registered: November 16, 2007
Originally posted by appa69: Get over it. This is like suggesting that all catholics are representative of the views of the pope. We still go to church and say he's a great guy even if we don't agree with everything he says.
I often find myself telling the pope his politics are pure crap--when he comes over to my house for dinner every sunday night.
What disturbes me is the fact that Wright is mixing religion with politics, something that I am highly against. So, yes, I'm sure the government has treated the blacks less than equally for a long time, do they still do that? I'm not sure, but that is not the point of going to church, that is not the point of God. God is not about politics, there is no good in politics, only the lesser of two evil. Wright tries way too hard to make a political point when he should be concerning himself with things that are higher. He has missed the whole point of being a Pastor, that is to preach the word of God. Wright is making a fool out of himself with his preachings, I'm sure those who feel like they are treated less than equal will agree with him, but regardless, church is not a place for political statements.
"Is that a Churchill cigar in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
I found this question; from a radio talk show I listen to; interesting.
"I wonder if Rev. Wright has taken "contributions" from Hillary's campaign?
If so (or even if he didn't) I think it will have the same effect on his attempt to get into the White House.
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam
Posts: 1045 | Location: New England | Registered: August 03, 2007
The American public can now watch and verify for themselves how far the Democratic Party has indeed fallen. Obama may be the nominee, however, to think he will win the general election is wishful at best. Clinton could still win the nomination, however, she is tarnished as well. She has lied and pandered to the extent that almost 50% of Pennsylvanians who voted for her stated that they "did not trust her". For Obama, it is all over. He wanted to transcend race, however, how can you transcend race when the person you call your "mentor" is such a bigot, and an antisemite? Obama wanted to lead, but how can he lead this country if he does not have the judgement to get out of a church that has a pastor that speaks and preaches in such a blasphemous way? It's clear to those who are of sound mind, the dems are through. If it weren't for the media propping them up as well as the ineptness of the McCain Campaign to exploit all of these opportunities. Dear America, please wake the hell up and see who you are allowing to run our country.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." Ronald Reagan
Originally posted by Presley: The American public can now watch and verify for themselves how far the Democratic Party has indeed fallen. Obama may be the nominee, however, to think he will win the general election is wishful at best. Clinton could still win the nomination, however, she is tarnished as well. She has lied and pandered to the extent that almost 50% of Pennsylvanians who voted for her stated that they "did not trust her". For Obama, it is all over. He wanted to transcend race, however, how can you transcend race when the person you call your "mentor" is such a bigot, and an antisemite? Obama wanted to lead, but how can he lead this country if he does not have the judgement to get out of a church that has a pastor that speaks and preaches in such a blasphemous way? It's clear to those who are of sound mind, the dems are through. If it weren't for the media propping them up as well as the ineptness of the McCain Campaign to exploit all of these opportunities. Dear America, please wake the hell up and see who you are allowing to run our country.
I couldnt have said it better myself. You dont sit and listen to something for 20 years, and not believe it. Obama, is down for the count.
Posts: 190 | Location: U.S.A. | Registered: March 27, 2008
I am so embarrassed for our beautiful country right now. These people obviously aren’t the best we’ve got, so why are they the ones running?
It is time to adjust out political system, and it is time to find new paths to our presidency. I think that the last two decades have plainly shown that modern politicians are not fit for this role.
I am all for change right about now.
-aphexafx
"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." - Douglas Adams
Perhaps "Change we can believe in"? What a joke. I don't know who to blame more, the idiots that voted for Obama without doing any research or the idiots in the media that did not do their job. We could have elected this guy President, and if it were up to the media, he would be President. The sad thing is that most liberals see nothing wrong in all of this. They will still support him. "Yes we can" (elect an anti-semite, bigot following, bludering politician).
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." Ronald Reagan
Glad Obama denounced him and wants no part of this guy. Imagine if he was George Bush's friend - oh my god that would do him in for sure!
quote:
Originally posted by SHEEPSHEAD BAY: After weeks of staying out of the public eye while critics lambasted his sermons, Wright made three public appearances in four days to defend himself. The former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago has been combative, providing colorful commentary and feeding the story Obama had hoped was dying down.
On Monday, Wright criticized the U.S. government as imperialist and stood by his suggestion that the United States invented the HIV virus as a means of genocide against minorities. "Based on this Tuskegee experiment and based on what has happened to Africans in this country, I believe our government is capable of doing anything," he said.
And perhaps even worse for Obama, Wright suggested that the church congregant secretly concurs.
"If Senator Obama did not say what he said, he would never get elected," Wright said. "Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls."
Obama stated flatly that he doesn't share the views of the man who officiated at his wedding, baptized his two daughters and been his pastor for 20 years. The title of Obama's second book, "The Audacity of Hope," came from a Wright sermon.
"What became clear to me is that he was presenting a world view that contradicts who I am and what I stand for," Obama said. "And what I think particularly angered me was his suggestion somehow that my previous denunciation of his remarks were somehow political posturing. Anybody who knows me and anybody who knows what I'm about knows that I am about trying to bridge gaps and I see the commonality in all people."
In a highly publicized speech last month, Obama sharply condemned Wright's remarks. But he did not leave the church or repudiate the minister himself, who he said was like a family member.
On Tuesday, Obama sought to distance himself further from Wright.
One nutball preacher and the Dems are through? That is hysterical. After the incompetent and corrupt Bush Administration any Dem could win this year. The Republicans are the ones who are finished. They have been for a few years now. Thank god I don't have to tell people I voted for those losers. But if I did, I would denouce them now and admit is was foolish and made a HUGE mistake voting for Bush.
quote:
Originally posted by allforcigars:
quote:
Originally posted by Presley: The American public can now watch and verify for themselves how far the Democratic Party has indeed fallen. Obama may be the nominee, however, to think he will win the general election is wishful at best. Clinton could still win the nomination, however, she is tarnished as well. She has lied and pandered to the extent that almost 50% of Pennsylvanians who voted for her stated that they "did not trust her". For Obama, it is all over. He wanted to transcend race, however, how can you transcend race when the person you call your "mentor" is such a bigot, and an antisemite? Obama wanted to lead, but how can he lead this country if he does not have the judgement to get out of a church that has a pastor that speaks and preaches in such a blasphemous way? It's clear to those who are of sound mind, the dems are through. If it weren't for the media propping them up as well as the ineptness of the McCain Campaign to exploit all of these opportunities. Dear America, please wake the hell up and see who you are allowing to run our country.
I couldnt have said it better myself. You dont sit and listen to something for 20 years, and not believe it. Obama, is down for the count.
Originally posted by A Work Of Art, Inc.: One nutball preacher and the Dems are through? That is hysterical. After the incompetent and corrupt Bush Administration any Dem could win this year. The Republicans are the ones who are finished. They have been for a few years now. Thank god I don't have to tell people I voted for those losers. But if I did, I would denouce them now and admit is was foolish and made a HUGE mistake voting for Bush.
What an insightful contribution. Your knowledge of politics continues to astound me.
Ignorance is bliss.
Posts: 2015 | Location: WI | Registered: November 16, 2007
Originally posted by Presley: The American public can now watch and verify for themselves how far the Democratic Party has indeed fallen. Obama may be the nominee, however, to think he will win the general election is wishful at best. Clinton could still win the nomination, however, she is tarnished as well. She has lied and pandered to the extent that almost 50% of Pennsylvanians who voted for her stated that they "did not trust her". For Obama, it is all over. He wanted to transcend race, however, how can you transcend race when the person you call your "mentor" is such a bigot, and an antisemite? Obama wanted to lead, but how can he lead this country if he does not have the judgement to get out of a church that has a pastor that speaks and preaches in such a blasphemous way? It's clear to those who are of sound mind, the dems are through. If it weren't for the media propping them up as well as the ineptness of the McCain Campaign to exploit all of these opportunities. Dear America, please wake the hell up and see who you are allowing to run our country.
I couldnt have said it better myself. You dont sit and listen to something for 20 years, and not believe it. Obama, is down for the count.
Agreed. Obama is showing that he is a coward for not walking out on this guy in the past.
Posts: 2015 | Location: WI | Registered: November 16, 2007
Originally posted by aphexafx: These people obviously aren’t the best we’ve got, so why are they the ones running?
This presidential race looks like Atlas Shrugged in real life - I am not a big Ayn Rand fan, but I do like that book.
I am afraid Wright gilded the lily on poor Obama - it seems so preposterous and ridiculous the events seem planned, and I wouldn't put it past Clinton. She will do ANYTHING to win, which is scary in itself.
The public's collective memory is rather short, but with this much salt in the wound and red meat to chew on, the issue has become the 2008 version of Dukakis' tank ride. I no longer believe Obama will be the nominee.
I believe Clinton/Obama would be a big ticket, would probably win, and would go far toward helping Obama win in 2016. He should step aside, support Hillary, and galvanize his party.
If it appears that the establishment and the senators hand-picked Clinton over Obama, many people would just stay home and McCain would go in easily, I believe. If Obama acts from a position of strength, and makes a humble move out of not fear and pressure, but out of strength, he can keep people excited, in my opinion.
Somebody needs to put a muzzle on Wright.
_____________________________________ The journey of a thousand miles sometimes ends very, very badly.
No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. -H. L. Mencken
Posts: 1329 | Location: Bugtussle, MS | Registered: August 24, 2006
if mr wright had any sense he would lay low and keep a low profile. you would think he was either on hillary,s payroll or john mccain,s. the more he opens his mouth the more obama can kiss the white house goodbye.
Rev. Wright is without a doubt unraveling Obama's campaign. Obama's association and friendship with the Rev. Wright, for over 20 years, implies that he condones Wright's mantra of racism and hate. You can not conveniently pick and choose what you like from a religious, maniacal leader. You must take the good and bad and we the voting public must believe that Obama has been infected by this demagogue.
Rev. Wright let me ask you one question.
What would Jesus do?
--“I'm mad as HELL and I'm NOT gonna take it anymore!” --Peter Finch, Network [1976]
Posts: 289 | Location: O H I O | Registered: February 18, 2006
I believe Clinton/Obama would be a big ticket, would probably win, and would go far toward helping Obama win in 2016.
______________________________________________
Nine months ago, Clinton/Obama was the Democrats' "dream ticket". Now, it's the Reublicans' best hope and the Dems have only themselves to blame. This election has always been the Dems' to lose and they appear to be doing their best to accomplish just that.
The election is still six months away. I could be wrong, but I predict -- predict, not guarantee -- by the time the conventions are over and we head into fall, it won't be an issue any more. A lot of moderate, mainstream black clergy are going to begin to demonstrate strong public support for Obama over the next several weeks, and I think it'll help.
Based on his reaction to the GOP attack ad in North Carolina, I don't think McCain will try to keep it alive as an issue in the general election. But I suppose that could have just been posturing on his part.
'Question authority. Think for yourself. Filter out the spin. Engage elected officials critically. Make them defend what they're doing in your name. Derive the truth. Speak truth to power.'
Posts: 3596 | Location: Boston | Registered: April 16, 2005
