Obama Is Throwing Wright Under the Bus

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I personally believe that the first emergence of the video tapes of Reverend Jeremiah Wright (near the end of February) was the pivotal turning point in the Democratic Primary. , , , And so for Michael Barone, who certainly would know, I ask Question # 1: What percentage of the white vote did Obama (& Clinton) get in January & February; and what percentage of the white vote have they gotten in March & April? . . . Question # 2: Same question re percentages of the Black vote. . . . I suspect the statistical answers will clearly show a turning point.

BullMoose777 of CA 1:12PM May 03, 2008

Obama and Clinton are both very weak candidates in what should be a banner year for the Democrats. But the Democrats are once again nominating a candidate who can only win against a weak Republican. Obama's supporters will tell you all about Clinton's weaknesses and Clinton's supporters will do the same for Obama. Both groups are right about the candidate they oppose.
There is only one Democrat with the credibility and stature to win: Al Gore. The super- delegates should lead the Party to an understanding of this reality, deadlock the convention on the first ballot and unite the party around Gore before it is too late.
Consider the people the Democrats have nominated over the last few decades:
McGovern: weak and far-left
Carter: weak but able to defeat a weak, unelected Republican incumbent
Mondale: credible but running against a very strong Republican opponent
Dukakis: weak
Clinton: marginal but able to win against two conservatives in a three man race and against a weak Bob Dole
Gore: tarred by association with the corrupt Clintons but able to win the popular vote
Kerry: weak and tainted with an unpatriotic past
Democrat activists have just not learned that to win the presidency they have to capture the independent vote - people with centrist ideology or who are focused more on a candidate's character than his policy views.

Charles R. Williams of OH 7:39AM May 02, 2008

Obama is quoted elswhere when he denounced Reverand Wright's comments as,"GIVING COMFORT TO THOSE WHO PREY ON HATE."
Consider, Obama, by his own admission, has for twenty years been taking comfort from Rev. Wright's mentoring. Does this make Obama one of those who preys on hate? I think it does.
Rev. Wright panders to that element of the Black Community who feed on hate.
Obama said that he could not disavow Rev. Wright or that Black Community.
The medea has forced his hand.

Frank of CA 5:30PM May 01, 2008

I find it unbelivable that as intelligent as the Obamas are, they didn't know about their pastor's contoversial beliefs. They either did know or were too stupid to find out. I don't think either of them is stupid. Whichever is true makes this man unelectable. This controversy is not going to go away no matter how much Sen. Obama thinks the public does not what to hear about it.

Darlene of FL 3:53PM May 01, 2008

So, Obama is throwing Rev. Wright under the bus. I guess Wright threw Obama under the bus first so we are having a little tit for tat here. The whole thing is so silly. However, if Obama espouses to the views of Wright we will be in BIG trouble should Obama and his wife reach the White House. Worse than Hillary and Bubba for sure. Obama is too much of an unknown to be president. Besides, what is known of his views is radical. Anyone who is to the left of Ted Kennedy in the senate is bad news for the country. Obama has been labeled the most leftist of all the senators. To achieve that dubious distinction is quite a feat.

Brits Donossian of CA 2:55PM May 01, 2008

I agree that obama is throwing rev. wright under the bus for political expendiency. Obama is hoping to sweep all this under the rug and pretend it never happened. He hasn't answered our questions about why he chose to be close to rev. wright for 20 years and just now decided that wright has "changed."
In my opinion, Obama choose a church whose viewpoints and pastor he agrees with. It fits with what his wife said about feeling proud of america for the first time in her life. I don't think the obamas are genuine about their real views or positions.
I certainly don't think he has united working class whites, jews, asians, hispanics, or older americans. I think he has not reached some really important demographics that will be key to winning the general election.

Mike of CA 4:25AM May 01, 2008

I agree w. "invalid statistical analysis," posted here.

Sarah Holden of NV 8:25PM April 30, 2008

There is a problem with Obama that transcends his liberal policies (which are only a problem for those on the right) and his judgement (which should give everyone pause). Obama's worst problem is...he is weak. He does not exhibit personal strength or any real fire of belief in anything. He spouts platitudes, but demonstrates no adherence to principles, liberal or religious. A few weeks ago he stated that he couldn't "disown" Rev. Wright, but now that the polls have turned against him, Obama disowns Wright. Rev. Wright would never have been a large problem for a strong man. I feel sorry for Obama, he seems unhappy, rudderless in life despite having risen quickly on the national stage. There is no real fight in him. He reminds me of an slightly abused puppy, looking for approval, yet afraid to trust even when approval is offered. My sense is that he would be an ineffectual president, and could break under the strain of the office.

Steve-o of CO 8:21PM April 30, 2008

I am waiting to hear from those black and white leaders who have been trying to coax the American electorate, black and white, to accept each other. Mr. Wright is an egotistical old man who will lose his importance when, rural and urban, we accept each other. He knows that and of course does not like it.
To my mind, Barack Obama is a gift, the like I had not thought to see and hear in my lifetime. Will our leaders come together in time to help us recognise this intelligent and tolerant person who can lead us -blind to color?

F. Stearns of CO 7:49PM April 30, 2008

Anyone wonder why Rev. Wright was invited to speak at the National Press Club?
Barbara Reynolds extended the invitation. She admitted she was a Hillary supporter and voted for Hillary Clinton to thank Bill and Hillary for their years in the White House.
Hillary was very frustrated that first speech by Rev Wright didn't have as much
negative impact.
So why invite Rev Wright to speak at this time? Check out website for National Press Club to see list of past speakers. Rev Wright wasn't anywhere near the same league - he just enjoyed the limelight and celebrity
No mystery here -- even Stevie Wonder can see this one!

Beverly Hall of AZ 7:42PM April 30, 2008