Is Obama Being Unfairly Criticized for His Wright Relationship?

With the uproar over the comments of Senator Obama's pastor, friend and adviser the Reverend Wright, the minister of Trinity United Christian Church, some are beginning to question whether the media is engaged in 'Obama bashing'.

There is little doubt that the reverend Wright story has dominated the news. This is especially true of cable news networks who are hungry to fill the airwaves with news 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The coverage has been so widespread and growing in intensity that Senator Obama has been forced to respond in a speech explaining his relationship with reverend Wright.

While CNN, MSNBC and Fox news network all seem to update this story in daily reports FOX News seems obsessed with it. Since the video of Reverend Wright's rants against America and rich white people first appeared on You-tube FOX news has run and re-run the video constantly. Beginning with the early morning FOX and Friends show and on into the night to include FOX news with Sheppard Smith, Bill O'Reilly, Hannity and Combs and Greta Sustrin the tape is shown in an almost continuous loop.

This constant barrage apparently wore thin even on FOX employees as Thursday morning during a brief appearance on FOX and Friends political reporter Chris Wallace benignly suggested that enough is enough. Chris stated that he had been watching the FOX morning show since six AM and had seen the tape run again and again prior to his appearance on the cable show at 8:00 AM. He questioned the morning show hosts by asking 'what is the point, when is enough enough?'

It is easy to agree with Chris. We have all seen the rants of Reverend Wright and most (not all) of us are offended by them. The constant replaying of these tapes serves no purpose other than to fill air time.

One question being raised is whether the playing of the tapes and the linking of Senator Obama to the Reverend Wright is unfair to the Senator. Does this result in Obama bashing?

One could argue either side of this question. Certainly Senator Obama has received a great deal of criticism and bad press. He and his campaign have been forced to spent much time, energy, and attention to addressing an issue they would rather not address. It has taken time away from campaigning in the key primary states remaining while he remains locked in a close contest with Senator Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

There is also little question as to whether this issue has affected Senator Obama's popularity by reducing his 'favorable' rating and at the same time increasing the 'favorable' rating of Senator Clinton.

But, considering all of the above is this Obama bashing?

While it may seem unfair to give so much attention to this relationship it is not uncommon or unfair to place the front running candidate in a high profile national campaign under the spotlight of close public scrutiny. Senator Obama has demonstrated a unique speaking ability. He is articulate and speaks from the heart about issues people care about. He is personable and likable as he melts into crowds of supporters with a winning smile and a warm handshake.

He is the perfect image of a man we all can like and admire.

The question is, other than the persona we have seen on the podium, in front of tele-prompters and giving beautifully written and well rehearsed speeches
how much does the public really know about the man and what is important to and what drives him. The public and the media have been so enamored by 'the man" we see on the public stage we have failed to look for what makes up 'the man'

The public has caught a small glimpse of the agenda in Reverend Wright's church. Most of the public disagrees with this agenda and sees it as divisive and harmful to race relations and to unity. As Senator Obama and his wife have attended this church for twenty + years the question arises whether the Senator is supportive of these views and the public (the electorate) has begun to question whether this relationship provides a window into understanding what drives Senator Obama.

For the first time voters are beginning to look beyond the image and the well articulated speeches and are examining 'the man'. This is not being unfair to Senator Obama. It eventually happens in every campaign and to every candidate for national election. There are plenty of examples:

Governor Romney spent far too much of his campaign having to explain his religion.

John Kerry battled swift boat accusations.

Gary Hart had to withdraw from a promising run for the presidency because of an affair.

Eliot Spitzer?

Bill Clinton's affairs, and accusations of draft dodging.

George Bush's national guard questions.

While it is easy to agree that the constant showing of the racist rants of Reverend Wright is overdone and unnecessary it is not unfair to question Senator Obama's alliance with Reverend Wright. Senator Obama is not guilty by association, but if the senator shares or supports the bigoted opinions offered by the senator's mentor and adviser the public has every right to know that.

Bashing? I don't think so....Close examination?...Yes.