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Wright Reactions
Reverend Jeremiah Wright surprised just about everybody this week by launching a counter-attack of speaking engagements and interviews designed to give his side of the out-of-context remarks recycled in numerous YouTube clips. The image-rehabilitation tour started rather quietly on Friday during a taped sit-down with PBS's Bill Moyers. From there, however, the tenor of the discussion began to get more animated. Sunday night saw Wright speaking to an NAACP dinner in Detroit, during which he found time to mock the accents of both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. On Monday, Wright addressed a gathering at the National Press Club, where he'd been invited to speak by a supporter of Hillary Clinton. The culmination of his media-blitz, Wright's press club visit found him back in top YouTube form, providing a host of incendiary new clips for television and computer screens still hungry for his oratory. Well, the reviews of Wright's latest show are coming in from all quarters. Here's a sampling, beginning with the man who has the most to win or lose by Wright's continued presence in the spotlight, Barack Obama:
"Some of the comments that Rev. Wright has made offended me, and I understand why they offend the American people. He does not speak for me. He does not speak for the campaign."
From Obama supporter, and Political Machine contributor Andrew Sullivan:
But what he said today extemporaneously, the way in which he said it, the unrepentant manner in which he reiterated some of the most absurd and offensive views, his attempt to equate everything he believes with the black church as a whole, and his open public embrace of Farrakhan and hostility tothe existence of IsraelZionism, make any further defense of him impossible. This was a calculated, ugly, repulsive, vile display of arrogance, egotism, and self-regard... ...an outright attack on the stated beliefs and policies and values of Barack Obama in a secular setting.
Bob Herbert in The New York Times, writes:
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright went to Washington on Monday not to praise Barack Obama, but to bury him. Smiling, cracking corny jokes, mugging it up for the big-time news media--this reverend is never going away. He's found himself a national platform, and he's loving it...
...For Senator Obama, the re-emergence of Rev. Wright has been devastating. The senator has been trying desperately to bolster his standing with skeptical and even hostile white working-class voters. When the story line of the campaign shifts almost entirely to the race-in-your face antics of someone like Mr. Wright, Mr. Obama's chances can only suffer.
From The Washington Post comes Dana Milbank's assessment:
Should it become necessary in the months from now to indentify the moment that doomed Obama's presidential aspirations, attention is likely to focus on the hour between nine and ten this morning at the National Press Club. It was then that Wright, Obama's longtime pastor, reignited a controversy about race from which Obama had only recently recovered--and added lighter fuel.
Turning to the Right, The National Review's Byron York chimes in with:
Wright's performance not only left the Obama campaign scrambling to respond. It left some Democratic politicos, unattached to either the Obama or Clinton campaign, believing that Obama will have to abandon his vow, made last month in his Philadelphia speech on race, that "I can no more disown [Wright] than I can disown the black community."
The lead editorial in The Wall Street Journal similarly wants Obama to take a once-and-for-all stand on Wright:
Early in this campaign, Senator Obama earned support from many voters with the notion that he wanted to transcend racial politics. Rev. Wright is exacerbating them in a way not seen in recent years. Barack Obama cannot remain on both sides of this. He has to make a decision. He is not running for national Mediator. He is running for President. In time, that job brings tough decisions. He's there now.
There are an intrepid few, however, who feel that more Wright exposure might actually help Obama. Here is Slate's Christopher Beam:
Needless to say, this isn't exactly the Obama campaign's dream. From their perspective, any attention on Wright is bad. Obama has been struggling to win over working-class white voters--the last thing he needs is a media-driven refresher on his greatest liability. And indeed, Wright's comeback may hurt Obama. But in the long run, it's likely to help the candidate more than hurt him.
My take? Yes, Jeremiah Wright has every right to try to attempt to contextualize the bits of his sermons that ring foul to so many Americans. We can agree or disagree with his conclusions, but it is important to understand the rhetorical lead-up to Wright's most-famous flourish, "God Damn America!" Unfortunately for Wright, in attempting to clarify, he has largely reinforced what the earlier clips seem to show. His descriptions of Zionism do nothing to help mend the age-old tension between Christians and Jews. While the self-determinism of Black Liberation Theology has its merits, glossing-over Louis Farrakahn's anti-semitism by essentially saying, "well, he never did anything bad to me" is deeply problematic. Furthermore, Wright's depiction of this whole episode as an attack on the black church is yet another willful over-simplification.
Preachers are, by definition, provocateurs. They must stir their flocks. Inspire loyalty, reverence, and participation. That tradition, while often associated with African American ministers, is by no means limited to a single race or demographic. There are many a "man of God" whose words we might dissect and expose. Pastor Hagee, anyone? That said, I have to agree with Sullivan. Wright is a problem for Obama precisely because his world view is at odds with the aims of the Obama campaign.
So, should Obama disown Wright? No. But he must engage the troubling ideas one-by-one, and not with vague statements. While some will point to Obama's 20-year vantage-point from Trinity's pews as proof that the Illinois Senator lacks the proper leadership qualities to become president, Obama can do much to prove them wrong with a strong and unequivocal response to each and every one of Reverend Wright's misguided claims. That might prove a very long speech, indeed.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 102)Katherine10:18AMApr 29th 2008
From Dave's "The Wright Saga Continues" on PM
"Speaking before an audience that included Marion Barry, Cornel West, Malik Zulu Shabazz of the New Black Panther Party and Nation of Islam official Jamil Muhammad, Wright praised Louis Farrakhan, defended the view that Zionism is racism, accused the United States of terrorism, repeated his view that the government created the AIDS virus to cause the genocide of racial minorities, stood by other past remarks ("God damn America") and held himself out as a spokesman for the black church in America."
Katherine10:18AMApr 29th 2008
I only saw one newspaper today, but Pastor Wright is on the entire front page of the NY POST:
Pastor Disaster
Rev's New Rants Are Hell For Obama:
http://www.nypost.com/
Article:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04292008/news/nationalnews/fiery_rev__os_cross_to_bear_108586.htm
Concerned American10:26AMApr 29th 2008
Re. Wright made this a racial issue. Rep Clyburn talking about the "race card" made it a race issue. Senator Obama can not unify us if he tied up with Rev, Wright and Farrakan. Obama lied because Rev. Wright admitted he was at his presidential announcement prayed in private and Obama has his same beliefs. Why has he not disowned him? Becaus there's more!!! He has something to hide and Rev. Wright will say it if he pushes him. If you want Rev. Wright in the white house vote for Obama.
PBS program is releasing snippets of Moyers' interview with Wright to be broadcast tonight. In one Wright says this in response to Moyers' question which was essentially how did it go down to have
Obama publicly flog you:
It went down very simply. He's a politician. I'm a pastor. We speak to two different audiences. And he says what he has to say as a politician. I say what I have to say as a pastor. Those are two different worlds. I do what I do, he does what politicians do. So what happened in Philadelphia where he had to respond to the soundbites, he responded as a politician.
Uhh ohh. For over a year, Obama has worked hard to craft an image that he's not your typical politician, that he transcends normal politics.
http://www.jeffhead.com/obamacircle.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqu3u9ISctA
Rev. Wright in 2003 stated America is Al Quaada but under a different flag and he sat 20 years under that??? He won't disown that??? Why????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x--SYkExkAA
Media can not get him out of this... A leader would stand against the ignorance Rev. Wright preaaches from the pulpit. How is that helping race relations in America?????
If he can't stand up against Rev. Wright, how can he stand up against McCain. If Obama is the nominee, expect to see Rev Wright in November.
bama won't debate. Obama ia not presidential material!
PARMA2310:28AMApr 29th 2008
When will Wright and Obama go away?? The answer to this question is never. Both of these men love the camerea and themselves to much to see how bad they are making themselves look or just don't care
SamTexas10:28AMApr 29th 2008
I do not at all understand how anyone could justify what Wright said. It's obvious from the beginning that he was going to be a problem for Obama. He uninvited him at his kick off rally, right? Obama has failed to quiet him. I do not see any silver lining here. I guess his "historic" speech on race last month wasn't as heavenly as everyone was hoping. Obama is failing to make ammends with those who were offended by this. David, you can try all you want to justify Obama's campaign and his rhetoric of "change" and "hope", but you have to admit, Obama failed and failed miserably to get this guy off the map. Bill Clinton reignited the Bosnia lie, but this is outright hate. Yes, we know Wright is not running for President, Obama is. But his constant association with him in that he is his spiritual leader...come on. Let's me rational about this. Doesn't it make you wonder? Doesn't make you feel uneasy about what is really going on here? Maybe Wright just screwed Obama over, using him to get the National Attention he is getting now, but that was again, Obama's fault for failing to put an end to it. You can also blame the media all you want, but the media has been promoting Obama for months. He could do no wrong before. You can continue to point the finger and look for blame elsewhere, but the blame is on the Obama campaign. Accept the responsability for the actions of it. I think the damage is done. Can he come back from this? I don't know. Unfortunately for my party, the honeymoon is over and we may be literally stuck with a candidate who can not win in November.
lmay10:29AMApr 29th 2008
Rumor has it Edwards will endorse Clinton!!
Go Hillary 08!!!
Clinton/Edwards 08!!!
sblum10:33AMApr 29th 2008
hahahahahahhahahh david knowles,,,,,,you just can't stand it can you,,,,,,,
obama is going down in flames, and you had to report on it,,,,poor poor david knowles,,,,
Davidg10:40AMApr 29th 2008
Why do people keep saying Wright is taken "out of context"?
He said what he said and he was jumping around and yelling when he said it.
He was not speaking as another person. He was not giving a monologue. Maybe I am just not understanding what "out of context" means, but to me it means that parts of what you said were taken and used differently from how you meant them to be used.
http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/005473.html
Morrie10:40AMApr 29th 2008
Rev. Wright is just the tip of the iceberg of Obama's 'suspect' dealings and associations. The longer this goes, on the more that surfaces-in spite of the main stream media trying to keep most of it under wraps. Rev. Wright isn't even the worst of what Obama is hiding!!!
Donna - Miami10:43AMApr 29th 2008
I don't know why... but I always had a strong feeling that Obama is hiding something. He doesn't give me enought trust. . . something about him... I don't know... I just don't trust him..
I will vote for Hillary, at least we know where she's coming from.. but Obama who know's, but we will find out in Wright's new book....
GOOOO HILLARY 08
PARMA2310:44AMApr 29th 2008
when Obama kicked off his campaign he made it sound like he asked Wright not to come for the payer when infact they had a payer meeting in the basement before Obama went outside. How is Obama going to get out of another lie about Wright. Wright told us this little fact this week when he could not stop his mouth from flapping. Obama knew what kind of man Wright was and is. but needed him for politics in IL.. You lay down with a dog you get up with flees
SEARCH4TRUTH10:44AMApr 29th 2008
It may be that America will look back at this election and conclude that we owe a great debt to Rev. Wright. However painful the rebirth and perfection of a new 21st-century America may seem now, ultimately he may be the unheralded, indeed unpopular, "hero" who enabled us to reembark on a new journey of recovery for social justice, initiated earlier by Dr. King, the greatest moral leader in our country in the 20th century.
The millions of white people who have voted for Senator Obama in the democratic primaries may be telling us something that we are unable to "hear" and understand. They just might be saying, in spite of all of the negative media and a political pundits, the time has come when they want to finally cross over the bridge to a new 21st century based on a color/race-irrelevant and multiracial society.
Davidg10:47AMApr 29th 2008
Can we now hear about Obama's other religious mentor...the Rev. Meeks?
I'm sure Obama's GLBT supporters would be very interested.
suzanne10:51AMApr 29th 2008
The Rev. Wright the "Minister Of Hate" has come out of the closet!!!
The shock jock of the religious world!!
Thank you Rev. Wright for showing us all you are not just a sound bite on youtube you are a full blown unapologetic racist we knew but we finally got to see your whole" performance" in your speeches at the NAACP and the National Press Club, ...wow....what an arrogant pompous narcissistic man, he is finally getting the press he so desires.
Do people actually think this man just started speaking like this overnight ?
The Rev. has been preaching (?) and talking this for at least the "20 YEARS" Obama and family have been in attendance!!
How did "anyone" listen to this man??
The Rev Wright kept saying over and over
"A Change Is Gonna Come"
"Yes We Can"
Where have I heard these chants?
He is enjoying his latest rants laughing all the way to his million dollar mansion, racism is a very profitable business just ask Jesse Jackson, Rev Sharpton, & Louis Farakahn they have made a living at it! They have a reason... ...$$$.. to continue this at any expense.
I will never forget his words in regard to 9/11 I don't care that he was repeating what someone else said.. he thought he needed to repeat it and build on it for his own interest
Incredible!!!
"20" years of this man!!!
No one could listen to this man for this long and not be affected by his clear message.
The image is cracking.
Suzanne
Clinton 08'
suzanne10:54AMApr 29th 2008
PARMA23
I hear you I caught that statement also!
Suzanne
Clinton 08'
SEARCH4TRUTH10:55AMApr 29th 2008
It may be that America will look back at this election and conclude that we owe a great debt to Rev. Wright. However painful the rebirth and perfection of a new 21st-century America may seem now, ultimately he may be the unheralded, indeed unpopular, "hero" who enabled us to reembark on a new journey of recovery for social justice, initiated earlier by Dr. King, the greatest moral leader in our country in the 20th century.
The millions of white people who have voted for Senator Obama in the democratic primaries may be telling us something that we are unable to "hear" and understand. They just might be saying, in spite of all of the negative media and a political pundits, the time has come when they want to finally cross over the bridge to a new 21st century based on a color/race-irrelevant and multiracial society.
SEARCH4TRUTH10:57AMApr 29th 2008
It may be that America will look back at this election and conclude that we owe a great debt to Rev. Wright. However painful the rebirth and perfection of a new 21st-century America may seem now, ultimately he may be the unheralded, indeed unpopular, "hero" who enabled us to reembark on a new journey of recovery for social justice, initiated earlier by Dr. King, the greatest moral leader in our country in the 20th century.
The millions of white people who have voted for Senator Obama in the democratic primaries may be telling us something that we are unable to "hear" and understand. They just might be saying, in spite of all of the negative media and a political pundits, the time has come when they want to finally cross over the bridge to a new 21st century based on a color/race-irrelevant and multiracial society.
Davidg10:59AMApr 29th 2008
http://www.chicagopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/5603104
Let's start here.
SEARCH4TRUTH10:59AMApr 29th 2008
It may be that America will look back at this election and conclude that we owe a great debt to Rev. Wright. However painful the rebirth and perfection of a new 21st-century America may seem now, ultimately he may be the unheralded, indeed unpopular, "hero" who enabled us to reembark on a new journey of recovery for social justice, initiated earlier by Dr. King, the greatest moral leader in our country in the 20th century.
The millions of white people who have voted for Senator Obama in the democratic primaries may be telling us something that we are unable to "hear" and understand. They just might be saying, in spite of all of the negative media and a political pundits, the time has come when they want to finally cross over the bridge to a new 21st century based on a color/race-irrelevant and multiracial society.
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Tim10:12AMApr 29th 2008
Obama is a RACIST! If he were a white racist, the media would destroy him. Since he's a black racist, the media LOVES him. Liberals are weird.