Will Jeremiah Wright Prove a Political Liability for Barack Obama?
Barack Obama has been riding an incredible wave of popularity in his bid for the U.S. presidency. He has received endorsements from such Democratic royalty as Ted Kennedy and John F. Kennedy's family. As primary results come in, Obama gives the aura of being unstoppable.
Though Obama's own aides concede that Jeremiah Wright has a history of inflammatory rhetoric, Obama likens Wright's rhetoric to that of an old uncle who sometimes makes disagreeable statements. Obama's evolution as a person and politician is so closely tied to Wright that any formal separation seems unlikely if not impossible. As Wright is now retired, Obama says he likes to focus on the good works that Wright has done.
The situation was further complicated when Wright's world view seemed to emanate from Obama's wife, Michelle Obama. During a campaign stop, Mrs. Obama stated that for the first time she was "proud" of her country. The OpinionJournal.com also reports that Mrs. Obama has characterized her country as "downright mean" and "driven by fear". It appears the crazy uncle has gotten through to some family members.
Will Obama's characterization of Wright as a controversial yet well-meaning figure in his life succeed? In short, Obama has quite a bit to overcome. In addition to visiting such U.S. pariahs as Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, Wright has blamed the U.S. for the 9/11 attacks stating that U.S. sponsored terrorism was responsible. Wright also stated that the intended target of the 9/11 attacks was "white America".
Wright's greatest fury is focused on the U.S. government's treatment of black Americans: "The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law." He continues "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."
Can the public tolerate these views it they are held by the mentor of the next President of the United States? One anonymous blog post summarized the controversy well: "I can't choose my crazy uncle; I can choose where I go to church."
Brian Ross, "Obama's Pastor: God Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11", ABC News
Dorothy Rabinowitz, "Obama on Offense", The OpinionJournal.com
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9 Comments
Post a CommentHere's my issue: If we're going to hold reverends accountable for presidential elections, then shouldn't we be eyeing McCain too? McCain's friend, late Rev. Jerry Falwell, who said 9/11 was retribution from God, and Rev. John Hagee who said the Catholic Church "thirsted for the blood of the Jewish people" thoughout its history and that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans to prevent a gay pride march? Do Obama naysayers hate him for his disrespect for homosexuality and translationof September 11th too? (By the way, WorldFusion Radio, you are a breath of fresh air.)
It is appalling that we would capitalize on the ravings and rantings of a clearly misguided minister. I am a minister and I think what Pastor Wright said is only offensive if you believe it. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. That will never change. He is a man speaking his mind..whose report will YOU believe? If Sen. Obama believes in God, then he shall direct this country in the proper manner. I'm not an avid politician but I love God..Pastor Wright misrepresented himself and himself alone! He has what all people have, Americans or otherwise, an opinion. It is just that! HIS OPINION!!!! I will personally cast my vote for Barack Obama. The more dirt you throw, the more I'll pray for the success of his campaign and his Presidency! If he fails, it won't be because he didn't try. Don't let the issues get clouded. The US needs a strong man of God to help pull it out of the muck and mire. What does it matter if the strong man of God is black? Senator Obama and family, if
I have read the Rev. Wright's transcript and he connects his message with the war in Iraq. He makes the connection between the behavior of historical and biblical leaders, seeking peace through violence. His exact quote is: "War does not make for peace," he said. "Fighting for peace is like raping for virginity." Were you to play the entire sermon, his words would be providential.
However, this is not the issue. The issue is that news coverage seeks to influence thought and then ask questions to assess the success of that influence on the public. How can an intelligent and informed public provide an informed commentary on a subject of which they are not informed? Unless people take time to hear and talk to one another, limited news coverage will continue to keep people ignorant.
It is almost humorous to ask people to overcome their prejudices, fears and judgments or to have a crash course in Black Liberation or anything for that matter, and take your pop quiz.
More disturbing is Rev. Wright embracing Louis Farrakhan, a known racist with a vision of destroying the United States and those of European descent, and anyone Jewish. That, coupled with his sermons, makes you pardon how, or if, Obama, was asleep in church, or nodding his head in agreement.
Obama's speech was a political move to throw water on the firestorm surrounding Rev. Wright. Obama tried to compare him with any pastor who's comments you may "disagree" with, even his own grandmother!
Obama cozied up to this church and its pastor to get ahead in inner-city Chicago politics. He's half white, half black, educated and from Hawaii - how else would he have been able to do so well as a "community organizer" without their help?... He may not believe anything this church preaches, but he can't just walk away.
Another problem is Obama's judgement card he likes to play.... How will people square Obama's judgment if he followed Rev. Wright, a man who thinks the US Government is responsible for 9/11 and unleashed HIV on the black community, for 20 years??
I am white and I know that racism is alive and kicking in this country so I do not find Rev. Wright's comments offensive in the least. Only people who want to hide from the truth find them unsettling.
if you forget what you heard within an hour why do you bother going??? maybe you have listened to the hateful rhetoric so long it's just second nature and that is scary
I have been a member of the same church for almost 30 years and sure glad God is not holding me accountable for what the
pastor says. if we were held accountable for what the pastor says, we will all be in trouble If I do not take notes,one hour after the service I would have forgotten. Question? Did Mr. Obama takes notes during the service and could he quote
his pastor sermon? If not, how can he be held a accountable for what another man says.
Wright is not Obama's mentor, but Obama has mentored Wright. Consider what Obama's pastor says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY6qjeJ5mG8 before judging others lest ye be judged.