Obama Responds Weakly As Wright Problem Worsens

Drudge links a WSJ item with some of the worst rhetoric from Wright, yet - 2006 at Howard University. Meanwhile, Wright came up in a Pittsburgh journalist's call with Obama yesterday. The response appears to be less than satisfactory. Does Obama really think he can wait this one out?

No black man will ever be considered for president, no matter how hard you run Jesse [Jackson] and no black woman can ever be considered for anything outside what she can give with her body."

Mr. Wright thundered on: "America is still the No. 1 killer in the world. . . . We are deeply involved in the importing of drugs, the exporting of guns, and the training of professional killers . . . We bombed Cambodia, Iraq and Nicaragua, killing women and children while trying to get public opinion turned against Castro and Ghadhafi . . . We put [Nelson] Mandela in prison and supported apartheid the whole 27 years he was there. We believe in white supremacy and black inferiority and believe it more than we believe in God."

Obama questioned briefly on Wright:

Q: I don't know if you've seen it, but it's all over the wire today (from an ABC News story), a statement that your pastor (the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side) made in a sermon in 2003 that instead of singing "God Bless America," black people should sing a song essentially saying "God Damn America."

A: I haven't seen the line. This is a pastor who is on the brink of retirement who in the past has made some controversial statements. I profoundly disagree with some of these statements.

Q: What about this particular statement?

A: Obviously, I disagree with that. Here is what happens when you just cherry-pick statements from a guy who had a 40-year career as a pastor. There are times when people say things that are just wrong. But I think it's important to judge me on what I've said in the past and what I believe.

Comments

[Ron Wilson]

As followers of Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit, true Christians say and pray “God Bless America,” and many are now saying and praying “God Please Help the US.”

However, the Holy Spirit of God would never inspire a true follower of Jesus Christ to say or pray “God Damn American” in any context, much less as part of a taped public sermon in front of children.

Holy Scriptures say to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). Reverend Wright obviously has a fiery spirit that is condemning at times, particuarly when he curses our nation in public sermons. It is certaintly not Christ-like or characteristic of the Holy Spirit.

Sentor Obama apparently does not say or pray “God Damn America,” but the crutial point is that most of his life has trusted and tollerated this particular pastor. Although Reverend Wright is retiring, he will remain as Senior Pastor, and his replacement essentially agrees with him in spirit and truth, and Senator Obama must agree with him in spirit.

There is reason to not trust the spirit in which Reverend Wright said the things he said, and so there is reason to question the spirit leading the youthfull Senator Obama as a professed Christian and prospective president of our nation. May God’s Holy Spirit be our guide.

Hope Page: itsallaboutjesusnotme.blogspot.com

[Guido]

If Wright seems to think that America's past and present actions warrant us being attacked, then I guess using the same "logic" whatever befalls Wright's church after his imflammatory rants is warranted as well. The chickens have come home to roost, Wright!

[D. Pap]

What people don't seem to understand is the reverend's views are completely devoid of reason. That's what makes it

so scary. I'm not willing to hate my country because of views that I simply do not see as being based on reason

or fact. I see them as based on propaganada, mental illness, mass hysteria, intellectual laziness.... It's just the

way I see it. Like it or not!

[Heather]

Obama is just another cheating, lying, power hungry politician. They are all alike, Republican, Democrat, you can't trust any of them. Descent people do not go into politics. That's just the way it is. You haved to choose between the lesser of the two evils. In this case McCain is the obvious choice. I don't agree with him on some social issues, but he's better than two democrats who think the United States should emmulate Cuba.

[foreigner]

I think that Obama lies when he says he knew nothing about Wright's ideas. I believe Obama is a double-faced person.

By the way, I am a foreigner and I can't why Americain people like Obama. I see no qualities in him. He adulates people, he gives a lot of promises, that's all.

I don't think Hilary is an ideal candidate, but in comparison avec Obama, it seems to me that she is acceptable.

[HR]

The facdt of the matter is so many people are programmed to think America is to be blamed for every horror on earth---ligth years from rationality (I remembver hearing one woman scream that America is the most racist nation on earth since the beginning of time--wow, now that's racist!)--it is only a matter of time before one of these puppet heads becomes president. when that happens, whether it's obama or not, and it will happen, the free world is over. Enjoy it while you can folks. Let's face it, the socialists have won.

[Gibber Doodles]

I don't believe a person is guilty by association... So I won't trash on Obama. But that aside, the Rev. Wright's comments are pretty stupid and pathetic. It's sad someone would get that passionate about something when they don't even know the facts. When he rants that the U.S. supported South Africa during apartheid, he couldn't be more further from the truth. In fact, the U.S. was one of the few western countries with the guts to constantly challenge apartheid and to even boycott South African trade. Furthermore, the U.S. was the only nation outside of Africa to appoint a black amabassodor to South Africa during apartheid. That was a monumental statement! Funny how the reverend and his sheep fail to acknowledge little facts like that. I won't even get into his banal comments about Hiroshima, Vietnam, etc. He sounds like a broken record from 1969. He basically goes down the list of what to blame America for written by the Communist Party. This guy is a total imbecile.

[JKDallas]

I'm a classically liberal guy who flirted with the idea of supporting Obama, but he's just got way too much dirt on him. How many more signs do voters need before we start really questioning this dude's motives? I'm starting to actually believe maybe he IS trying to be president so he can destroy the US.

[Mario]

It's becoming more clear each day that Obama really is antiAmerican. He and his wife believe most the world's troubles are America's fault; he follows a Marxist church that believes in every radical left wing tenet against the United States; he goes behind voters' backs by meeting with foreign governments and makes deals with them while lying to Americans; he basically follows every left wing tenet there is. He's from that generation that has been programmed to believe America is the Great Satan. It's their new religion. I shudder thinking this man could reside in the White House.

[The Ace]

A great point by Tom Maguire:

"His wife is angry, his minister is angry - why can't Mr. Unity bring a little hope and reconciliation into their lives? What has he been waiting for?”

Either Obama is a closet racist or a incompetent boob. Or both.

[Joy Mcarthur]

Re this and other statements as evidence of Obama worship "Obama's goal was to reach out and lead by example in a marginalized urban community. His goal couldn't have been achieved by joining a mainstream, middle class, mostly white congregation. He went where he could help and be with the people he served on a daily basis. He's supposed to abandon them because he disgrees profoundly with some of the Pastor's statements?"
I think of the gospels in which Jesus visited the lepar colonies and preached among the poor in the streets. There really is a cult of Obama developing in this country isn't there. Could it be that this and similar congregations represented thousands of votes to an up and coming politician simply doing what politicians do? But zillions of rather spacy folks, not burdened by any logic see Obama as almost a messiah figure. Scary stuff.

[Joy McArthur]

Associations do matter, especially close and long standing ones. Obama now denounces Rev Wright's remarks. That is weak as water. Never mind the Rev Wright's obvious racism. What about the Anti-Americanism? According to the Reverend Wright 9/11/01 was America's chickens coming home to roost! That remark speaks volumes of a world view in which America has groveling to do, forgivness to beg, attonments to perform. A patriot hearing such outrageous remarks (or hearing of them) from the pulput would quit such a church immediately. Obama stayed 20 years and donated a sizable sum. Obama claims he was never present when such remarks were made. For a presidential candidate this comes under the catagory of KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN. For any other candidate that would be the standard. I'm not buying this late denunciation of Rev Wright. If I sat in a pew for 20 years I feel certain I would have soaked up some of the beliefs and philosophy of the pastor, unless I spent that 20 years asleep. And to sit and listen to a pastor that long, I would have to share some pretty fundamental beliefs. I don't want this man Obama anywhere near the white house.

Joy McArthur RN
Magnolia Texas

[Mars vs Hollywood]

"By being members of such a congregation, the Obamas are living proof that their pastor is wrong. Do you think that the people attending that church do not know that they have a US Senator in their midst? Two Ivy League educated church members? Their simple presence and participation is a sermon in itself, countering the pastor's angst and hopelessness."

This might hold true if the Obamas had made it loudly clear that they don't buy into Wright's nutty rhetoric. In the actual case, the people attending the church are more likely to conclude, "The reverend MUST be right about all this. Look, even the Ivy League US Senator is here. He even gets advice from Rev. Wright."

[The Ace]

templar knight, exactly. Sort of like when the Duke lacrosse team raped and sodomized those poor brown girls. Taking advantage of them and all of that.

I wonder if paul could tell us which part of the "legacy of slavery" or economic marginalization Obama is experiencing. Or Oprah. Or the millions of other upper middle class to super rich black Americans.

[templar knight]

Yes, The Ace, just look at what happened at Chapel Hill when a young woman was murdered by a black guy who had already been arrested for...are you ready...murder. And the guy had committed other felonies as well, yet he is walking the streets. Why? I'm sure Paul has a ready explanation. It most likely has something to do with slavery, segregation and marginalization. All involving a 17-year old who has had the same opportunities as most other 17-year olds. People like Paul stimulate my gag reflex.

[The Ace]

"there are reasons why controversial statements like those expressed by Pastor Wright have gained traction in the urban black community whether you chose to aknowledge them or not."

That doesn't make said reasons valid, valuable, sane, or acceptable.

Ask yourself this, clown, who would Reverend White be doing back in his home country of Africa? How about China?

Yes, you people are way too dim to see the ironies here.

"During the Civil Rights era, the Democrats do have better record on race relations and civil rights than the GOP."

Your ignorance of history is profound and breath taking. Of course that's why you're a leftist.

[The Ace]

"Since these hypothetical stituations are not populated by a people from a community that has suffered the legacies of slavery and segregation, marginalized by the economy and devastated by the "War on Drugs" then they aren't, even in imagination, close to equivalent."

Translation:
You're an intellectual coward and a hypocrite.

It's funny to watch you (white) leftists in action. Just shout "slavery" and any, that is any transgression done by black (on the left of course) is ok.

You are simply an embarrassment.

[Bozoer Rebbe]

"Once again because most of you are slow. Obama's goal was to reach out and lead by example in a marginalized urban community. His goal couldn't have been achieved by joining a mainstream, middle class, mostly white congregation. He went where he could help and be with the people he served on a daily basis. He's supposed to abandon them because he disgrees profoundly with some of the Pastor's statements?"

Have you ever read Eric Hoffer's True Believer?

His goal was not to reach out and lead but rather to craft a political career starting with a power base. Mr. Obama is a very ambitious man. I'm willing to believe that he doesn't believe a word of what his pastor says because like most narcissists, Obama is only concerned with using people to achieve his own ends.

[American Bumper]

The adage is, "you are what you eat" and I think that goes for spiritually as well as physically. Obama appears to have been nursed on anti-american bias and class hatred: It does bring up the question, why does this man want to be President? I made some slogans and put them on bumperstickers opposing Obama as well as Hillary, as I do not agree with the left, but this latest information about the opinions of the people Obama hangs with and must agree with to some point, should by all rights dispell the magic protection that the MSM has cast over him. =Or disqualify him for the highest office.
If you are going to be leader of the free world, expect to be examined critically. He seems to think no one is going to do it?
http://www.americanbumpersticker.com

[Cato]

I'll answer the original question in the post. (Forgive me if somebody else addressed it, I only had time to skim all of the comments.)

"Does Obama really think he can wait this one out?" In a word, yes. Rev. Wright has announced he will retire soon. (Though there is some confusion as to when, actually. Some reports say in May, but his Wikipedia page claims he retired as of Feb. 20, 2008, while the church's own website still lists him as "Senior Pastor"; his successor Otis Moss III is described as "Pastor... under the leadership of... Wright.")

In any event, I fully expect Rev. Wright to step down by May or before the Democratic Convention, at the latest, if only to allow Obama to claim that Wright is no longer the leader of his church, so anything he said in the "past" (even if it was only a few months ago) is now irrelevant. He will also respond to any continuing questions that he's already answered them (see Obama's handling of the Rezko matter); as far as he's concerned it's old news that's been thoroughly vetted and explained.

He'll further say that he won't waste any more time engaging in the old "gotcha" politics of smears and guilt by association, when the people want to hear more about what we intend to do about health care and other important issues. That's how he will wait it out.

[Aye Chihuahua]

"During the Civil Rights era, the Democrats do have better record on race relations and civil rights than the GOP."

Snicker.

I guess the "B" really does stand for Brain Dead.

[WAHOO WILLIE]

"During the Civil Rights era, the Democrats do have better record on race relations and civil rights than the GOP."

Yes, I have to agree with unca paulie having lived through that time. I distinctly remember those awful repugnicans George Wallace, Lester Maddox, Bull Connor, Robert Byrd, Strom Thurmond.....damn I could go a while here. Yes, I remember them with teir axe handles shouting segreation forever!! All thos awfulrepugnicans who controlled the south from 1866 until ????
who made the jim crow laws. Yes, they were ALL repugnicans!!!

Read another book Dipwad........I was there.

[Jeffersonian]

Excuses for failure always gain traction in their target group, Paul, since it absolves the group of responsibility while providing a scapegoat for all one's ills. It also has the political advantage of empowering those who manufacture the excuses. Whites, Jews, Koreans and now, Hispanics have been fingered by guys like Wright for decades. How lucky Mr. Wright's flock is to have someone dispensing these bromides with such efficiency.

Unhappily, to those of us not infected with terminal leftism, his diatribes, his lunatic conspiracy theories, his racial vitriol look a lot like an particularly unhinged form of hate and racism. All with Obama in the amen corner. I'm happy to let America watch these clips and decide for itself.

[Ken McCracken]

After inventing Jim Crow, segregation and poll taxes, supporting the institution of slavery, committing treachery against United States during the Civil War, and in every way being the worst enemies blacks have ever known, yeah I think the least the Democratic Party can do is support civil rights legislation.

Of course, Democrats were the most hardline opponents of that legislation and it couldn't have been passed without Republican support, so don't break your arm patting yourself on the back for being a Dem, Paul B.

[Paul B]

"I see, so slavery justifies all, including racial hatred, conspiracy-mongering, anti-semitism and cuddling with lunatics like Qaddafi."

How mornoic of you to take the most historically remote example and restate it as the entirety of my argument. Justification is not the same as explanation - there are reasons why controversial statements like those expressed by Pastor Wright have gained traction in the urban black community whether you chose to aknowledge them or not.

"You're not really pretending to believe (or trying to convince us) that the Dims have a better record on race relations and Civil Rights are you?"

"I guess Paul B. and his comrades don't realize that it is the Democrats that actually own most of that opressive history."

During the Civil Rights era, the Democrats do have better record on race relations and civil rights than the GOP. In fact, the Democrats embraced the Civil Rights movement with the knowledge that it would lose its southern white constituency for generations to come, an act of principle with no equivalent on the other side. The Republicans sure were happy to accept them and appeal to their worst instincts, you should be SO proud...

"Take a look around, Paul, and know what the moral sewer looks like."

This is surely correct in a way you didn't intend, LOL!

[Roy Mustang]

Those who truly believed Obama would bring racial unity will abandon him.

That being said, I don't see Obama's support in the Democratic primaries dropping more than a few percent.

[J'hn1]

When you have a disagreement with the local church leader of a national faith, you look across at what the traditional doctrine of that faith espouses (not always confining yourself to national as in the case of the Anglican community). If the local religous leader is in disagreement with that traditional doctrine you could, in decently good conscience, stay at that church while trying to reconcile the local beliefs with the traditional faith there as the local is "not really what the faith believes".
When you attend a local church that does not have a national or traditional (international) rooted doctrine, you have to limit your acceptance of what the believed doctrine is, to what the local preaches on the local pulpit.
If you disagree with it, you either have to
1) admit you are wrong and the preacher is (W)right or
2) accept that the local preacher isn't all that bad, not enough to stop supporting them. or
3) find another church to attend and support

That is it.
Those are your only choices (well variants on those like lying about which one and/or how bad)

Whether Obama's actions were #1 or #2 are not as relevant as the appropriate need to bring up that historical fact that one of those two is true, and both possibilities reflect in a public way on his judgment. WE are supposed to elect a President that we trust his or her judgment. Barack Hussien Obama's judgment is completely appropriate for discussion in this, or any other election cycle.

Either he agrees with Wright, or does not find such loathsome statements too bad (certainly not bad enough to have even spoken out of before it was rubbed in his face)

[K T Cat]

There's another aspect to this that isn't getting any attention as far as I can see. What kind of people go to this church? Wouldn't you expect racist, hateful people to be attending these services? Unless Barack has been getting in and out of the church as fast as possible for the last twenty years, unless he's just been going to this church to "check off the box" every Sunday, if you will, he's been voluntarily socializing with this kind of person for two decades. It's not the pastor that's the biggest problem, it's the entire environment of the church.

That leads the issue of Sunday School for his kids. Were his children going to Sunday School here? If so, he can no longer distance himself from Rev. Wright's lunacy. How can you distance yourself from the church that you rely on to give your children moral teaching? It just doesn't make any sense at all to claim that Barack disagreed with some of the sermons, but kept going anyway. Rev. Wright is clearly a toxic nut. You wouldn't put your children anywhere near him unless you didn't mind what he was saying.

[M. Simon]

Yep. Republicans are getting thrown out of office right and left.

Take that Republican Spitzer.

[M. Simon]

HIs words seem to be completely the opposite of what his pastor has said. Does that count for something?

Yep. They count for a lot. He says one thing his church and wife say another. Big disconnect.

BHO says this guy is his spiritual mentor.

You know I think we are looking at pieces of two different puzzles. It just doesn't fit together. Which counts for a lot.

[foxforce91]

I see, so slavery justifies all, including racial hatred, conspiracy-mongering, anti-semitism and cuddling with lunatics like Qaddafi.

Of course it does. And they are also such uniters, aren't they? They (Democrats) are truly going to bring this country together, right? Because they are so good at it and because they care. /s off

I guess Paul B. and his comrades don't realize that it is the Democrats that actually own most of that opressive history.
Oh, and I hate to keep bringing up the much lauded Democratic Senator from West Va who was, (??) a Kleagle for the KKK. You do know the history of the KKK, don't you Paul? Are you aware of what they've done to the black community?

[Aye Chihuahua]

"These responses might have some merit were it not for the historical record of race relations in this country and the consequences of that record."

You're not really pretending to believe (or trying to convince us) that the Dims have a better record on race relations and Civil Rights are you?

Surely not.

Unless of course the "B" stands for Brain Dead.

[Jeffersonian]

I see, so slavery justifies all, including racial hatred, conspiracy-mongering, anti-semitism and cuddling with lunatics like Qaddafi. The one-size-fits-all excuse. You can paint yourself as a racial healer, even as you support bug-eyed racial separatists.

Take a look around, Paul, and know what the moral sewer looks like.

[Paul B]

"So if John McCain regularly attends rallies at the American Nazi Party HQ, we'll just accept his explanation that he doesn't hold to any of that concentration camp stuff..he's just an admirer of the autobahns and VW?"

"Just imagine, IMAGINE, if McCain or any Republican attended a "church" where the pastor said blacks are dumb and are to blame for all America's problems. And went for 20 years and offered a tepid "I obviously don't agree with some of his statements."

These responses might have some merit were it not for the historical record of race relations in this country and the consequences of that record. Since these hypothetical stituations are not populated by a people from a community that has suffered the legacies of slavery and segregation, marginalized by the economy and devastated by the "War on Drugs" then they aren't, even in imagination, close to equivalent. The failure to recognize this most elementary fact proves what a moral sewer you inhabit.

[MD]

Ennis,

I respectfully disagree. It still seems waaaay to out there for me, that stuff about his relatives gang-raping little girls. Come on! Ever read the Anchoress blog (I never link to anything. Too lazy)? I think she was getting at that today; don't let emotion cloud your thinking when there is plenty of the plain old Chicago machine about this guy to work with.

Anyway, Rev. Wright is hurting the community he's supposed to be helping with his wild talk. It's not responsible and why won't Senator Obama call him on it? That's not very brave, is it?

[Jonathan]

"His words seem to be completely the opposite of what his pastor has said. Does that count for something?"

No, they aren't. It's one thing to say "I disagree with some of what [person X] says." It's quite another to say "[Person X] is flat-out, 100% dead wrong about [issue a, issue b, issue c]. And so is my wife. America has accomplished far more good than bad in its short 200-year history and if elected I will serve with humble recognition of this fact."

An American politician too ashamed of America to wear a flag lapel pin or place his hand over his heart during the National Anthem doesn't logically deserve the benefit of the doubt when the pastor he supports aligns with our enemies, wouldn't you agree?

You can't change family members. You can change pastors quite easily.

[Basil Duke]

This sort of association would surely be toxic for any candidate OTHER than the messiah. But, since the lordly Mr. Obama is running on an historic, splinter-free platform of "hope" and "feelin' GREAT!" and uh, well, did I mention "hope"? - he'll skate, at least with the Paul B's of the world. Unfortunately, the Paul B's of the world have wormed their way deep into the MSM and won't be having any of this right-wing hate talk about a man potent and hope-filled enough to give his lady supporters a collective case of the vapors. He is truly a living god - and don't you forget it, you hope-deprived right-wing bad people!

[The Ace]

"Obama's goal was to reach out and lead by example in a marginalized urban community. His goal couldn't have been achieved by joining a mainstream, middle class, mostly white congregation. He went where he could help and be with the people he served on a daily basis. He's supposed to abandon them because he disgrees profoundly with some of the Pastor's statements? "

Uh, yes:

"Concluding, Mr. Wright said: "We started the AIDS virus . . . We are only able to maintain our level of living by making sure that Third World people live in grinding poverty"

Captain Koolaid drinker. Just imagine, IMAGINE, if McCain or any Republican attended a "church" where the pastor said blacks are dumb and are to blame for all America's problems. And went for 20 years and offered a tepid "I obviously don't agree with some of his statements."

I sure, no certain, clowns like you would accept that and move on.

[The Ace]

"Given that the Republicans were profaning the federal government - trying to "drown it in the bath tube" between milking taxpayers for Nowhere Bridges, 'Faith Based' wingnut welfare"

And another easily misled dupe arrives on the scene.
Do tell us, which party presided over the largest earmarks in the history of Congress this year?
Explain that. Please.

Then, when you're done avoiding that question, tell us why President Clinton, Democrat, signed welfare reform and how that fits with your silly assertion.
Please.

"I think his wife has already expressed her general disappointment in America over the last few decades."

Is this what the "reality based community" tells themselves in order to get through the day? Really? That, THAT is what she said?
Otherwise, when has she been proud of America? Why is so difficult for you "patriotic" people to express pride in your country?

"and old school kickback schemes - for the last thirty years,"

You are simply delusional. Hey, want to guess which party had the most members involved in the Keating 5 and Abscam?
Go ahead champ, take a guess. Then, please explain why William Jefforson has so much cash in his freezer, John Murtha's son in law runs a contracting firm recieving millions in earmarked contracts, and Alcee Hastings on the Intel Committee.

Go ahead. Please.

"and you understand that "America" consists of the Republican Party Elite."

Really? Um, so the Clintons aren't in America? Bill Clinton was never President? Jimmy Carter? Nancy Pelosi, the Clintons, Senator's Kohl, Boxer, Feinstein, and Rockefeller aren't multi-multi, multi millionaires?

You
are
delusional

[Scrapiron]

So Hussein Obama says to believe him, not your own lying eyes. Like in Iraq under Saddam you should just go ahead and jump in the wood chipper, the last thousand who died were accidents, we've got it fixed now, you'll come out the other end in a new suit.

[Ennis]

MD,

I am sorry if the truth hurts, hun.

Those are just a couple of things that Obama will be questioned about in the coming months, along with the Rezko affair which he will be subpoenaed to testify at the trail and possibly indicted. There is simply no way out of it because those stories are too widely known and he will not be able to spin his way out of being questioned about them. Tossing the race card like ninja throwing stars at any and all who dare question him will no longer work, either.

Quite frankly, if the Rezko affair doesn't do it the Kenyan stuff will effectively end his political career. Even the Chicago Democratic party machine will turn it's back on him which means he will be a one term Senator. I am just totally surprised at how stupid the Democratic party has been in trying to push Obama for a national office. They are not that blind not to know about the massive baggage that comes with this guy and his wife. The only reason I can think of is that those who are still left in the Democratic party are so spychologically debilitated that they have lost all rational thought and the ability to think logically.

[Jeffersonian]

I see, Islamollama...one only need have affection for one's country when the government is in the hands of one's political allies.

See also: Kenya, Rwanda, Burma

[The Ace]

Obama's goal was to reach out and lead by example in a marginalized urban community.

Really? What is your proof of this?

And, um, I'd say he's been spectacularly unsuccessful. You're going to hold that against him, right?

" He went where he could help and be with the people he served on a daily basis"

Help what?
Because you say so? Where is your proof?

"An insult with no evidence disputing my claim"

Actually, your silly statements prove the point.
Your reaction is in line with a Koolaid drinker.

By the way, clown, how does it feel to be a whitey supporting a black guy who despises you?

[Jeffersonian]

I mean evidence like the entirety of his written and spoken public record.

You mean we have to read his lips, and we're precluded from watching his feet? So if John McCain regularly attends rallies at the American Nazi Party HQ, we'll just accept his explanation that he doesn't hold to any of that concentration camp stuff..he's just an admirer of the autobahns and VW?

Obama's goal was to reach out and lead by example in a marginalized urban community. His goal couldn't have been achieved by joining a mainstream, middle class, mostly white congregation. He went where he could help and be with the people he served on a daily basis. He's supposed to abandon them because he disgrees profoundly with some of the Pastor's statements?

Are you contending that his is the only black church in his district?

Pardon me, Paul, but this stuff is the central message of TUCC, not some digression from it. Just visit the website and you'll be disabused of your mealy-mouthed apologia.

[The Ace]

"mean evidence like the entirety of his written and spoken public record."

Where?
When?
And, why does he continue attending the church?

"An insult with no evidence disputing my claim - so you got nothin'"

It's not an insult, it's true.

Why does he continue attending the church? Especially given he's a Senator?

You can't answer. Clown.

[IslamoLlama]

"--How can he explain exposing them to "God damn America"?--"

I think his wife has already expressed her general disappointment in America over the last few decades. Given that the Republicans were profaning the federal government - trying to "drown it in the bath tube" between milking taxpayers for Nowhere Bridges, 'Faith Based' wingnut welfare, and old school kickback schemes - for the last thirty years, you'd think that all those "I hate DEMON-RATS!" and "Bill Clinton is going to Hell!" comments would suggest that conservatives weren't too fond of America either.

But then you remember how old-school tribalism plays out, and you understand that "America" consists of the Republican Party Elite. Being pissed at the Elite when they piss on you is anti-Patriotic. Trashing the economy and embarking on endless foreign wars at the public's expense is "true sacrificial patriotism". Hanging a noose in your office - George Allen style - is freedom of expression. Protesting government abuses that occurred during Vietnam, Iraq, and Nicaragua is racist.

It all makes perfect sense through the wingnut lens. Oppose us and you are a racist/communist/radical/extremist/etc. Support us and we'll give you the privilege of getting crapped on in silence.

And you wonder why Republicans are getting thrown out of office in droves. Denny Hastert - ex-Republican Speaker of the House - now lives in a Blue District. Can you guess why? Perhaps his entire district is full of white-hating racists. Yeah, that's it.

[Paul B]

"You mean "evidence" like continuing to go to the church, right?"

I mean evidence like the entirety of his written and spoken public record.

"wow, you have really swallowed all the Koolaid."

An insult with no evidence disputing my claim - so you got nothin'

"It's beyond ignorant; it's pathetic."

See above

"He was inspired enough to entitle a book after one of his sermons because ... well, the church was close to where he worked!!"

Or he was inspired by a sermon that had nothing to do with any of Wright's controversial statements, and wrote a book which has a message completely contrary to said controversial statements. Weak describes your ability to comprehend, argue, and write - not Obama's response.

"If Obama "profoundly disagreed" with this sort of thing, he wouldn't be there. Period."

Once again because most of you are slow. Obama's goal was to reach out and lead by example in a marginalized urban community. His goal couldn't have been achieved by joining a mainstream, middle class, mostly white congregation. He went where he could help and be with the people he served on a daily basis. He's supposed to abandon them because he disgrees profoundly with some of the Pastor's statements?

[Joan of Argghh!]

It shouldn't be hard to get every one of his sermons on tape. Big churches with influential pastors pride themselves on making sermons available on tape, in custom-boxed series, and likely on DVDs and direct download. But my money is that you could dig through some attics and find rafts of cassette recordings from the last 25 years or so.

If I were charged with my country's security, I'd be more than mildly interested in this sort of incitement. My blog has been scrutinized by D.C. for less.

[Maggie]

Once his daughters came along, Barack has no justification for staying in a church where even occasional hate speech is made. How can he explain exposing them to "God damn America"?

[JorgXMcKie]

Let's see. Obama's been going to this church for 20 years. I suppose that means Wright hasn't been spouting this stuff over that period? It only happened once (or maybe twice) fairly recently and maybe Obama wasn't present so he didn't know?

Does this mean that moonbats like Paul B will now give conservatives and Republicans a pass for their relationships? Of course, right?

I just love to watch such pathetic meltdowns as Paul B's. It re-inforces my observation that Lefties inhabit a different universe than the rest of us.