Public Opinion: McCain, Hagee, and Parsley vs. Obama and Wright—Whose Reverend Problem Is More Serious?

McCain and Obama have each rejected the support of controversial preachers. Whose relationship was worse? Tell us what you think.

By Robert Schlesinger

May 23, 2008 RSS Feed Print

Among other pronouncements, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Sen. Barack Obama's former pastor, has said that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States were an example of "chickens...coming home to roost." In a later sermon, he rejected the song "God Bless America" saying, "No, no, no, God damn America."

The Rev. John Hagee, whose political support Sen. John McCain sought, has said that the Catholic Church is a "great whore" and that Nazi Germany "operated on God's behalf" as part of a divine plan to drive the Jews to Israel. The Rev. Rod Parsley, whose political support McCain also sought, has described Islam as "the mouthpiece of a conspiracy of spiritual evil" and an "anti-Christ religion that intends through violence to conquer the world."

Obama has rejected and denounced Wright. McCain has now rebuffed Hagee's and Parsley's endorsements.

McCain backers say that Obama's relationship with his former pastor is more significant and disturbing, while Obama supporters argue that McCain's having sought the political support of such controversial figures is more significant and disturbing. Which relationship—if either—is more critical? Post your thoughts below.

Tags:
John Hagee,
Jeremiah Wright,
religion,
John McCain,
Barack Obama

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hotel buchen griechenland of 12:22PM April 19, 2010

I understood Rev.Wright clearly...however for those of you who didnot he meant God will surely damn America if we donot change our ways or he will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah...and that will not happen. I donot follow Rev. Wright. I do agree with Pastor Rod Parsley and Pastor John Hagee... I have followed their teachings for years and have found them to be accurate. I am certain both Pastors understood Rev. Wright. One must take great care of how we listen to what is being said before taking judgement,in fact God instructs all that jugdement lies with him.

Jaelyn Farrell of GA 12:37AM December 28, 2009

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Professionalapart of 12:52PM December 12, 2009

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