March 15, 2008
Posted: 12:50 PM ET

(CNN) — Spokesmen for Hillary Clinton's campaign on Saturday repeatedly declined to comment on Barack Obama's reaction to his former minister Jeremiah Wright's controversial sermons.

"Senator Obama addressed it, voters are going to look at what he had to say, and we'll take it from there," Clinton Press Secretary Phil Singer said of the issue on a conference call with reporters.

"That's really for Senator Obama to address," Clinton strategist Mark Penn also said on the same call.

Related: Controversial minister off Obama's campaign

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Jeremiah Wright


Mike Brian FL   March 15th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Now I start to believe that Obama's campaign is based on 'rich white men/women' haters… No wonder 95% of black vote for him.

Ryan from New Mexico   March 15th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

NO Comment….ayeeeeeee

Im a Navajo Indian Supporter of Hillary and i think this was the best move yet, Go Hillary

Churchill   March 15th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I hope this will open the musch needed debate about the real resentment between the black community and the white community because of injustices and centuries of suppression. Hopefully, we can move towards connection.

James   March 15th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Very good move Hillary! Especially since this was the most racist and just down right nasty comments made by anybody and seems to really hate white people. My problem is that if he has been the pastor for Obama for over 20 years it is hard to believe this sort of rhetoric and attitude has not been out there before and how much of that type of reprehensible type of sermons has rubbed off on Obama. After all he got the title of his book from Wright so it seems reasonable that this type of attitude being preached to you would have a tendency to be a part of your make up after so many years. If not why would you keep attending a church and a pastor that was not having an effect on you and your spirituality. In Obama's own words "I inhaled as that was the whole point". Same difference if you ask me.

simple thought ?   March 15th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

now can we all kiss and make up.

missouri

sam   March 15th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Diplomatic. It is good to keep out of this controversy . Voters will decide on this issue.

terry   March 15th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

This is a step in the right direction. It's time to put the Wright and Farraro stuff behind and get to some issues.

Hey media! How about some issues now?

chris   March 15th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Let it go CNN! I'm a Hillary supporter and I am so sick of your divisive reporting. We want to hear about the issues. When you report on where Hillary stands on the issues, that's when she'll win votes. Your reporting on this minister's comments is ridiculous! WE DON'T CARE. Obama didn't say them so stop making such a big deal and go back to journalism and get your heads out of the tabloid toilet!

Ohio for Obama   March 15th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

good

Jack   March 15th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Excellent position to take. It's up to the Democractic bigwigs to ask for Obama to withdraw from the race, or the Democractic party will crash and burn if he gets nominated.

Roxie   March 15th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Good Job Hill
Obama 08

E. C., Houston, Texas   March 15th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

JUST ANOTHER REASON NOT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA….
THIS PASTOR WAS HIS MENTOR? FOR HOW LONG?
NO THANK YOU! THIS PASTOR'S THINKING AND SPEECH HASN'T CHANGED OVERNIGHT AND OBVIOUSLY HASN'T CHANGED FOR OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN…..THIS MAN HAS BEEN RANTING FOREVER, VOTERS SHOULD WAKE UP TO REALITY. OBAMA IS NOT QUALIFIED AND NEVER HAS BEEN QUALIFIED TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY AND BE PRESIDENT……

Larry Buchas   March 15th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Barack's speech in Indiana today addressed it well. He received a rousing, standing ovation. Barack insisted a "divided America won't get us anywhere."

He also referred to his convention speech insisting "we 're not a white America, a black America, an Asian America or an Hispanic America. We're the United States of America."

A message to Speaker Pelosi:
Obama/Clinton in 2008!

Democrat for Big Mac   March 15th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

wow……….

its amazing what Obama's spritual leader says.

and

we want Mr. Obama to be our president.

I wonder what will be our policies be towards non-blacks when your spirits are influenced by the man who HATES AMERICA and the majority of American who just happen to be white.

Vote 2008

Tabi Ntoung from UK   March 15th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Is it a crime to be a christian? What has a sermon got to do with a campaign. Go Obama you are a success. Shame to your detractors.

Jon Toteli   March 15th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I already voted for Obama. Is there any way I can change it to Hillary?

kris   March 15th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Clinton for president in 2008…She doesn't have any commits because she knows Obama is out of politics…LIKE HANNITY SAID OBAMA CAN'T BE PRESIDENT,HE SHOULDN'T EVEN BE ALLOWED TO BE A SENATOR.

Tim Hawkin   March 15th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Never thought this guy is so hideous. Showed his colors in Nafta and Iraq statements by his advisors. Now, he certainly should have the belief and agreement in what his pastor says. I am sure this guy has the same views as his pastor. But looks like he is very cunning and make people beleive in him.

Tom,des moines   March 15th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Good move by Hillary. As for Obama I think is all over for him as a presidential candidate.How can anyone try 2 explain 2 the american people that for someone who is so closed to him for over 20 yrs and not knowing none of this stuff,is just so silly.

Mark   March 15th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

It is time for americans to know the hiden things. no wounder Obam's wife said " it the first time to be proud". That means she is the same way of her pastor and when america gave her husband a chance she just start feel proud????

Scott L.   March 15th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Michelle Obama's recent quotes seem to echo those of Wright. They both seem to be ashamed of America. Why is Hillary's campaign ignoring that? Definitely a mistake on their part. If she wants the nomination she better start connecting the dots.

Nauret   March 15th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

GOOD AND SMART HILLARY!!!!!
YOU ARE A REAL LADY!!!!

joe alessandrini   March 15th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

so there is dirt on both sides after all! I hope we can get through this mess and take the whitehouse back. Small red states are not dems come november. lets look for the right candidate for cal,ny,ohio,fla

Mary Lou Cruz   March 15th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

By the way, when is the media going to start pushing hard for answers on his sweetheart deal for the property he and his wife got?

FL Dem

Shannon   March 15th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

I want to know where the outrage is from Obama supporters, they were ready to crucify Ferraro, and they have remained amazingly quite on this hate filled man's words. There is a double standard going on here, that is very telling about Obama, and the people who support him. They are ready to cry racism against any person that doesn't agree with their side, but when actually confronted with racism they say nothing!

abdalla   March 15th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

people alway say something, when somebady going to succes. I don't think this is big issue to obama or hillary or to the voter. I support obama. he is smart, young and have good idea to change America. go obama

Mary Lou Cruz   March 15th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Obama now a liability! |

Well, he did it.

He opened his mouth and admitted that for the past 20 years he didn't have a clue that his pastor and church were preaching victim mentality messages and spewing toxins from the pulpit.

If he's that oblivious and stupid than he shouldn't run for office. His "explanation" was like a virtual shot to his political head…

p.s. I'm voting for the Clinton-Edwards team to recapture and restore national dignity!

Manuel TX   March 15th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

I think that the good reverend already said it all.

:)

bill   March 15th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Go Hillary. Do not lower yourself to kick someone when they are down.

Nice for the country to see how a strong person behaves. Although her strength has drawn sexist comments in the past, I hope people can see the positive side of a strong woman.

ruth   March 15th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Obama didn't know what kind of hatemonger his pastor was?
Please give me a break, if he didn't, then all I can say is that I don't want another president that sticks his head in the sand.
Why did Obama have a 'black' religion leadership advisory board?
I thought he wanted to be the president of ALL Americans.
Makes one think.

Fred   March 15th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

First good move she has made in her campain. Maybe there will be more. I dout it but we can hope.

Betty   March 15th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Kudos to the Clinton team for not even commenting on this.

But man, if you've seen the video of this guy's sermon. Holy cow! What a racist rant against whites & and anti-American rant too. Obama should find a new church and a new minister– ones that don't preach this kind of disgusting garbage. It disturbs me greatly that he has attended this church for 20 years and contributes heavily to it financially. Does he believe that way too?

Relax Joe   March 15th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

It's not her fight. It's up to him to deal with it.

Gilbert Sotelo   March 15th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

I find it hard to understand that a man like Mr. Obama would state that he never attended a sermen where such rasist words were spoken. After attending his church for over 16 years he has never heard Wright make a rasist coment.

missy, nashville, tn   March 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

I DON'T THINK THAT OBAMA SUPPORTERS REALIZE AS THE CLINTONS DO, THAT THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN IS NOW FATALLY WOUNDED. OBAMA IS NOW UNELECTABLE IN THE FALL. OBAMA WILL WIN THE NOMINATION, BUT WILL BE UNABLE TO WIN. ABOUT 60 % OF THIS COUNTRY NOW VIEWS OBAMA AS IF HE HAS THE PLAGUE. THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE CLINTONS TO SAY ANYTHING, IT IS OVER.

Alta Jackson   March 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

2o years Obama went to the church where these sermons have been preached time and time again and he is just now digusted at them?

California Voter   March 15th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Way to go. Hillary has our vote for President in 08!!!!!!

Sarah   March 15th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

OBAMA 08′

ECHEWEOZO   March 15th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

hillary will loose.u can say what you wanna say

Obama08   March 15th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

After what Bill Clinton said in S.C. as well as Ferraro and Hillary having to make apologies to black voters, this really is the only stance she and her campaign wisely could make and I am glad she recognized it and did the right thing - stay mum on Wright.

Incredible   March 15th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I can not and will not support Obama if he were to be the nominee. I am mad at the biased media who sat on the story of Wright for so long. If we had known all this, the primary race would be very different now.
I truly think she is ready from day one while Obama is wright from day #1

James, PA   March 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Obama will be judged by the voters. All I know is that damaged has been done and Obama should resign his candidacy and let the reconciliation amongst the democrats begin. After the bombshell, Sen. Clinton is the lone candidate who can take on Sen. McCain and hopefully Obama's negatives characters have not damaged the democratic party as a whole. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Wendy   March 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Thank you Hillary for being a Uniter not a Divider!!

Ronnie...Charlottesville, Va   March 15th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

The Clinton campaign doesn't have to comment. The story says it all.
More to come.

Love Hill   March 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

It's not brainer.. Why would Hillary's campaign mess with this?

SetItStraight   March 15th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Hillary and team need to just stay above all of this mess and all it to work out on its own.

Walt, Belton,TX   March 15th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Considering that her campaign is probably the one spreading all the news they can on it, that she "knows nothing" would be more than understandable. Now, if she'll come clean on her taxes and being a bigot herself, all the truth will come out………

Lisa Salt Lake City, Utah   March 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

There is a two part video of Jeremiah Wright's sermon on the audacity of hope posted on you tube — for anyone who is willing to keep an open mind and hear how he preaches, rather than letting a couple of snippets to define this man's career. I thought it was very nice.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   March 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Penn, Wolfson and Company must be wetting their pants with glee as they obey a cardinal rule of politics by remaining silent as their opponent repeatedly shoots himself in the foot.

Party Pooper   March 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

TymeTravel March 15th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Hillary Clinton for VP 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!
She has my vote

he he he. you are correct!!! Hilary for VP and Obama for P!!!

lois   March 15th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Good for Hillary. Don't get involved with this hatred from Obama. I can't believe how anyone would continue to support him.

Tom   March 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Pastor Wrights words were bad, but has anyone checked out Mccain's Spiritual Advisor and what he has to say. If you read what Rod Parsley has to say and are not offended by it also–then the US really is a land of bigots.

Yolanda Diaz   March 15th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Good for you Hillary - Go Hillary go

RKE, Suisun City, CA   March 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

The Clinton campaign just doesn't want to be accused of trying to take advantage of the situation. If they conclude that they can gain points by attacking Obama on this so-called controversy, then they will seize on it like a pitbull on a man's throat. I wouldn't be too quick to praise the Clinton campaign just yet. You cannot excuse the past sleazy and tawdry behavior of that campaign. They would slap somebody's mother if it would result in more votes.

Kojo   March 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

So CNN and the so-called best political team can turn it against Hillary.Not this time. Hillary is just samrt and I applaud her. Ferraro is RACIST but Wright is just CONTROVERSIAL.

ariel   March 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Obama /Clinton 08

FACING REALITY   March 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

That is the way POLITICS should be ABOUT ISSUES!

SHAME ON YOU CNN and THANKS HILLARY for seeing the LIGHT because if ANYONE knows how BLACK MINISTERS CAN BE OUTSPOKEN ABOUT SOCIAL and ECONOMIC ILLS it is the CLINTONs who for years visited Black Churches for the VOTE!

To hold BARACK responsible for His Pastors Comment is unAmerican, for if this same principle is applied then we would have to question why Hillary stayed with Bill given all his wrongs? And who would like to ask HILLARY to denouce/reject her HUSBAND's Actions? Bills faults are NOT HILLARYS! NOR are WRIGHTS' Baracks.

Now CNN can we address the REAL ISSUES FACING AMERICANS?

Towhappy   March 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Well, I must admit, being an Obama supporter, as much as I wanna hold my nose when Clinton is mentioned for any nomination versuses resignation, I must applaud her for not fanning the flames of a preacher preaching about the past things in American history that hurt so many to even talk about. The media seems intent on focusing on what continues to devise America ,"racism and the pains of the past" in stead of trying to focus on what will unite America which we all agree we must do to steer this country back onto the road.

I think Obama has proven so far that he can do this, although I commend Hillary for her response to the Rev. Wrights comments that still preach from the pains of the past. I can now honestly say that if Obama somehow does'nt get the nomination, long as it is handed to Clinton in a fair way, I will support her over McCain.

Anveshi   March 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Whatever is the case with Wright, I like Barak. I do not like Hillary. However I prefer Hillary over Barak as President for 2008

JD   March 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

"Good for Clinton - keep out of the muck. Go Hillary"

Something she has done so often this campaign…

Betty   March 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Smart for Clinton to stay mum
Obama is causing enough of his own problems

Christopher   March 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Please, what they really mean is: we won't address it for now. But, when things get rough, we will addresss it or anything else we can to slow this guy. I cannot understand why people cannot see that the Clinton campaign is full of race baitors…….

Roger   March 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Your reputation is starting to falter, Obama. It's better to be vice president under Hillary than to be knocked out completely by McCain.

Rebecca - CA   March 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Considering her behavior until now, I can promise you, when the press isn't around, Hillary is laughing her pantsuit off at this one!!!!

Marcia   March 15th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I think that every one needs to take a deep breathe, relax and stop this nonsense with gender and race politics. We shouldn't give the media more damaging ammuntion to help destroy two great and quailfy candidates to push their ratings up.

Bill   March 15th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Good for Hillary. Keep out of the mess. Obama is a disaster waiting to happen.

Hillary - change you can count on.

Hammer   March 15th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

obama has made it very hard to believe that he did not know that his pastor made these kinds of statements after being in his church for more than 20 years. he called him a mentor, ask for his advice,refered to him as like an uncle. his story is just unbelievable !

INonevoice   March 15th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Honestly, what could anyone have said in response to Wright's comments. If this is an Obama advisor, what are we to expect in an Obama cabinet?

sad   March 15th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

I could cry over what has happened in the last couple of weeks. The Democrats are destroying each other. The media has completely sullied this election process. The republicans are no doubt secretly celebrating. These events, this campagning war, could quite possibly destroy this country. Please, everyone…Obama supporters, Clinton supporters, please stop fighting. If we don't stop this now there will be many tears of regret on election day.

ben   March 15th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Obama, your friends seem to want to hurt you more than your political enemies.
That idiotic preacher may have cost you a lot of votes. I hate it when someone says if you don't like it, move to another country, but when some raving imbecil says God da-m the United states, he shouldn't move, he should be thrown out of the US.

Reality check #1   March 15th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Good for you Hillary. Anything you might say would only be turned around and used against you. Hillary for President!

Stephen   March 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Now thats the way to handle a situation! Go HILLARY

Lucyna   March 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Hillary is a pro in manipulating people to get what she wants. She works like a snake to get to power. I am a white women and a strong Democrat who used to admire Hillary and yes, I used to support her too until I looked closly what she is made of. If she wins the nomination, I will definitely give my vote to McCain. I would vote for him 1000 times over than for Clinton.

Hillary, you did enough damage to this election. So stop it for God sake and let others do what needs to be done.

Carolina   March 15th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Hillary for PRESIDENT! 2008 and 2012!

Obama sure didn't act like a strong leader in his long, rambling response to questions about Wright on CNN-TV. That's what we need - a STRONG LEADER - one who can stand up to all the stuff thrown
at HER.

Hillary has proved she can handle it. Not so, Obama

Seekster   March 15th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Clinton's just mad because Obama is destroying himself so she cant do it.

Casey, Atlanta   March 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Good job Clinton. They are getting it!

Sandy   March 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Great response, Hillary! Don't get your hands dirty with this.

amy   March 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Finally.

It doesn't get my vote but we can stop the trash talking now.

Obama '08

Obama is lying!   March 15th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Great response, Hillary! Don't get your hands dirty with this. It's not worth it.

king   March 15th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Yes.i think the democrats are finally getting their acts together ,if clinton dicides to stay mum over Jerimainh,its an indication that repproachment is becoming the norm,i also will wish that Obama respected the gesture,well to be fair to him he has been more on the receiving end in the past month,they should spend more time convincing americans and indeed the world that they will help the united states reclaim her moral high,they should continue to layout there blue print for the economy and hopefully let america decide.a freind of mine just informed me that their is something fishy about that intended republican fundraisher in london,well we will know what it is ,but i think we should be careful here,or are we saying that candidates can go to the kremlin, to jeddah,dubai and even to Gaza to raise funds ?well omenious signs for the future.am raising a red flag here.a good gesture Hillary

Freedom   March 15th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

The curse that has been placed on america is beyond the reach of a woman…I hope yall know what i mean.

John, Pittsburgh   March 15th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

What is she ploting?

Lee From Treasure Island Florida   March 15th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

One question…Why does the media not ask Hillary for her Tax Return's, her White House Papers, or the funding for Clinton Library? Please do your job, Please ask the right questions, which I believe after 9/11 and Iraq War you said you WOULD.
Did you forget?

Dave Froyalde/Washington   March 15th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Hillary Clintons' respond is very presidential. I believe she is ready to be our next president. Go Hillary.

Independent   March 15th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

This is the how all campaigns should address these issues. Stick to the issues.

Obama '08 / Democrat '08

Chris   March 15th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

All I know is that the Democrats have lost any claim to being the party of inclusion and diversity after all the race and sex baiting that we've seen this primary season.

TymeTravel   March 15th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Hillary Clinton for VP 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!
She has my vote

kathleen   March 15th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

"Mum" from Hillary? That would be a first in a lifetime that
that big mouth, zipped it up. Just wait, maybe she can get her
friend Geraldine to stir the pot. Why, we all know the plots on
this subject are not over with the Clinton's! Just one more lie!!
"MUM" "MUM" "MUM" "MUM" "MUM" "MUM" "MUM" "MUM" "MUM"

Just why is Hillary saving this one. And til when. Just don't fit
her "get the AX personality". Wait, Wait, here it comes!!!!!!!
The sky is opening!

And, here comes Obamas "MOMENTUM" BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Retired Professional White Woman, o6 63.for Mr. Obama from Day 1.

All Liars out of the way.

BNS   March 15th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Thank you, Hillary.

I think we Americans can think for ourselves and are able to make our own decisions regarding the relationships Senator Obama tends to form and how his tendencies would affect the kind of government he would form in Washington.

We can, for ourselvfes, anticipate what kind of people his cabinet would include and the character of the people he would bring to his counsel.

Cincinnati, Ohio   March 15th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Smart move Hillary!

janedoe   March 15th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter but I have to applaud the Clinton campaign for their tasteful response.

hrao   March 15th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Good for Clinton - keep out of the muck. Go Hillary

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