March 17, 2008
Posted: 08:15 PM ET
 Obama will deliver a speech on race and politics Tuesday.
Obama will deliver a speech on race and politics Tuesday.

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (CNN) — Far from putting the controversial issue of race behind him, Barack Obama has decided to address the issue head on in a speech Tuesday.

"I am going to be talking not just about Reverend Wright, but the larger issue of race in this campaign — which has ramped up over the last couple of weeks," Obama told reporters in Monaca, Pennsylvania.

Obama's chief strategist David Axelrod characterized the speech, to be delivered in Philadelphia, as "a discussion on race and politics."

"Given the events of the last few weeks, Obama felt it was time to address the issue of race and politics directly, and what it means in our country," Axelrod said.

News of the speech comes days after the Illinois senator formally denounced controversial sermons delivered by his former minister and longtime friend, Jeremiah Wright. The racially-charged remarks came under fire after being the subject of an ABC News report last week.

Axelrod described the Illinois senator as "a force for reconciliation" and said he wants the opportunity "to put this into context."

Speaking with reporters, Obama said the media is portraying Wright inaccurately.

"I think the caricature that is being painted of him is not accurate, and so part of what I will do tomorrow is to talk about how these issues are perceived from within the black church community for example which I think skews this very differently."

UPDATE: Axelrod later told CNN's Gloria Borger that the Illinois senator has "always contemplated giving a speech like this."

“He will address the broader questions of race and politics, these are complex issues that transcend Barack Obama, and are fault lines in our politics and society, and, ultimately, can be a barrier…They’re easily exploited, and hard to address," he said.

(Updated with Obama comments)

– CNN’s Suzanne Malveaux and Mike Roselli contributed to this report

Filed under: Barack Obama • Jeremiah Wright


Jeff   March 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I look forward to the speech. Hopefully it will address why 1) A political speech is being given in church to begin with and 2) Why you wouldn't leave such a place that is supposed to be feeding your spirit. If that's what he's been feeding himself for twenty years, I don't see how he can unit a nation.

ztormtra   March 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Nothing you can say can change the fact that you sat in that same racist, America hating, pew for 20 years.

Rick in Florida   March 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

OPENNESS, FORTHRIGHTNESS, STRAIGHT-TALKING……….YOU HILLARY-BOTS SHOULD PUT AWAY THE KOOLAID AND SEE WHAT A REAL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE!! AN INDEPENDENT FOR OBAMA.

Kareem from Hampton VA   March 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Well I hope he addresses it….then kills it and turn this election season back towards the issues while McCaing is making visits to Iraq like he is alreay president!

obamamama   March 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Seems like the Democrats are headed for another defeat if they nominate Obama. His actions don't match his flowery speeches. If he expect people to believe that in the 20 years of his relationship with the pastor, he had NEVER heard the pastor preach in such hateful and unpatriotic manner to the pulpit,then he must think that everyone have drank the same cool aid as his supporters.His church's disdain for other race and religion is one thing.but hatred for the country he aspires to lead is another.He is the disaster wainting to happen and no amount of AA support can save him in the south and the heartland where such rhetoric will never be forgotten nor forgiven.

GO HILL!!!!!   March 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Is he going to explain HOW he sat with his wife for 20 years in that church and also let his daughters hear this man??????????? WITHOUT GETTING UP AND LEAVING?

If Hillary had been part of a white/women's church that ranted on about how horrible America and our Government is, said deplorable things about HIV and 9-11….and said horrible things about Obama and his wife…and was bashing men….the MEDIA would have a field day and she'd lose her senate seat….with Obama, again, he gets protected. WHY????????

Frank   March 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

It is excellent that Obama decides to come out with his own views on this issue. It speaks of his courage, his vision, and his intellectual, and ethical stature as a stateman.
Obama, do not give up!

La Bomb ba   March 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

This is why experience counts! Not just his but our of him. Nobody knows Obama. When we find out what is behind the TALK, we find a different reality. He has no position just Talk and Hype so that he can swipe. He just another pack of false promices. Reality taking its toll on Obama but too late for the early voters to know.

david   March 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Anything to divert attention from the church he's been contributing to for 20 years.

Obama keeps playing the race card It may work at murder trials, but not in a presidential election.

And yet another speech to fix things? I think the American public has already caught on to the "all speech and no substance" of Obama.

kathy in ohio   March 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

face it people he is just a minister himself you have not noticed that at his rallys. that is is career future.

many of us opposed the war but didnt have a vote and neither did obama how would he really have voted he cant even keep his stories straight now. he is inexperienced and definately cant handle washington yet. he cant even handle 8000 members of his church.

Theresa   March 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

More "Just Words" from charismatic Nobama….. save the rhetoric…
Hillary 08

Boomer:White Female Supporter for Obama   March 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Let's see if CNN can give a balanced review of this speech and let the voter's decide on its merit. The media in America is becoming too biased and slanted in their reporting, jumping to be the first to report without doing their due diligence.

End of Obama   March 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Obama you are a lier. We don't believe your speeches any more. Do you think you can fool American people. Whose words are you itending to copy again to give a speech? Are you not done? For American people you are done. You are a lier and you keep whining. You don't have any accomplishments and you are beating on Hilary's accomplishments.

"WE DON'T BELIEVE IN YOUR SPEECHES ANY MAORE. KEEP IT YOURSELF and MICHELLE. WE DON'T NEED YOUR SPEECHES ANY MORE". You are a copier and a lier.

I know CNN Will bring all the facts about you before PA primary!!!!!

Chris   March 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I can't wait to be lied to! First Obama lies about the amount Rezko gave him. Then he flip flops on if he was at his pastor's controversial sermon. Spin it Obama! Spin it good!

Adam Orlando Florida   March 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

More Speaches??? Doesnt he understand that people want to see actions, they want more then speeches. I need solutions, I need more then talk!

Hillary Clinton 2008!

NC4Obama   March 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Obama is so presidential…..he does not pretend like a problem doesn't exist when it clearly does.

Obama08!

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

I hope he tells the right-wing morons like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Mark Levin that are now constantly attacking him about this to just shut their pieholes.

Linda   March 17th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Wow, I gotta give him credit - that's pretty ballzy! He could easily just let the issue diffuse and put it behind him, but to decide to address the issue full on is a pretty bold move. Kudos to him for not running from it. I think this is a perfect example of how he wants to be a uniter: in order to unite we have to be willing to openly discuss the very issues that divide us.

Phil, KC, MO   March 17th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Well, Hillary's campaign has finally found something that stuck - a way to tear Obama down. She has him off-message. Too bad, because I think it will only hurt the Democrats in the fall.

Vig   March 17th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Obama's behaviors now are a precursor of how he will handle crisis if he ever gets elected President. He will distort the facts, distance himself so as not to get doo-doo on his shiny image and then use his gift of gab to spin a yarn. Why do we have to deal with this at all? Obviously, the man is not ready to lead this country - he can't even put his hand over his heart when he says (does he say it?) the pledge of alligence. He'll not get my vote - I'll stay home on election day.

JT   March 17th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Good to see a candidate address concerns about them directly, rather than what is usually done by sweeping it under the rug.

I'll give him his fair chance to explain this.

Alice Brian   March 17th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

He'll make his case? I don’t think anyone can make a case out of it giving his ‘mentor and longtime friend’ is so anti-America. It makes much more sense why those Obama followers are always so hateful and mean.

CharlotteP   March 17th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Suszanne:

Glad to know that Obama is addressing this race issue in Phiadelphia…it is the right move to speak it open with philadelphia public. .Then the voters should judge and decide to elect the right candidate to the white house..

OBAMA 2008…!!!

Mike   March 17th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Yes Obama. I want you to answer all that negative race issue you created and your wife comment that she never proud of her country until now! I wish you can get out from that brainwashing idea from Jeremiah Wright!

I want you to make sure and give your commitment that you will never and ever invited Dr. Jeremiah Wright to the White House if you are a president of United States, All of us don't like those kind of people set his foot in WH.

Enrique   March 17th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I applaud Senator Obama for addressing this issue. Despite what Bill Clinton said in New Orleans regarding his comments in South Carolina, the Clinton campaign has been shameless in its race baiting. This election was supposed to be about issues that we Americans are facing. Hillary decided to make it about race and gender.

We are losing our soldiers in Iraq, spending billions of dollars funding the war, All the while Americans are losing their homes and jobs. It's a pity that Senator Obama has to devote his attention to a matter that shouldn't even have relevance in this election.

marianna   March 17th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Obama to speak about race? Sure, about the presidential race.

DeShaun Willingham   March 17th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

What a joke. Obama isn't uniting anything, except the infatuated media elite.

dAnnE   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I don't believe this will help (although I HOPE it will). The discussions about race in America has gotten America no where in the last forty years. People as a whole fail to recognize the plight of Black Americans as so different from White America's. I am 24 years old and KNOW that racism will never end, it's not cynical…just the TRUTH.

Hattie   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

What happen to freedom of speech?. What his Pastor said should not effect what Obama thinks about this country. This is the kind of politic that we need to get away from. That is why we need change in america.
As a democrat, I will still vote for oboma regardless to what other people think of him. Wake up america, vote your heart not what the media thinks.

Kelsey   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

This speech will be historic…and the fact that Senator Obama has made the decision to deliver it shows his willingness to LEAD this country, even on the most open-wound, divisive issues. Would it be easier to let the uproar over Rev. Wright die down on its own? Of course. Is that how a courageous and veritable leader handles adversity? Of course not. Kudos to Senator Obama.

Tim   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Thank god. This is long overdue. CNN has been far too biased in only reporting what Wright has said in the past and not what Obama has said about it in the present. Obama will easily handle this issue because it is so apparent that he doesnt agree with Wright and that most of what Wright says is taken out of context anyway.

Brian   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

"When asked how much damage the controversy over Wright's comments would have on his support from white male voters, Axelrod said, "I don't know. I don't think this has played out fully."

Answer: Irrepariable damage. He WILL NOT be the next president of the United States of America. God Bless the United States and all of our military who protect and serve us. I am so proud of you and of our GREAT country.

Amna   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I'm glad Senator Obama will address this. He has the skills to unite this country and allow dialogue and reconciliation. This country needs people of integrity like him. Many like me continue to support him and we are neither neither White nor African American.

Jenny, Rio Vista, CA   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Barack Obama is our chance for a much better future. Please people don't throw it away because of 2 15second excerpts from sermons by a preacher who has been preaching for 35 years. The African-American culture is very different from ours and people should not be afraid of different. FOX news and Sean Hannity started this………… and you are playing right into their trap.

You have nothing to be afraid of if Barack Obama becomes our president. However, if you choose either McCain or Clinton you can count on much of the same.

matt   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Sadly i dont think anything he does can change the way I feel about him now..

I haave been a strong hillary supporter, But now i have to think .. do I even want this man on the VP LIst? seriusly

its just to much

Greg   March 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

FINALLY! The issue should have been taken on after the third election when it was obvious the Whites were voting fairly and Blacks were voting on race. Talk about race don't evade the issue. Let us see if Obama has sense or guts.

NO OBAMA! NO CNN   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Obama, Anyone told you it is too late?

We are all tired of your flip-flop! You are such liar!

No Obama!

Mike Brian   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Obama you are a lier!

We don't believe your speeches any more!!!!!

Kelly Anne   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Bravo Obama!

We here in PA are ready for a change from the ways of the past.

Especially the divisive and ugly Hillary campaign and rightwing smear machine.

Just say no to GOP/FoxNews and their racist attacks and lies.

EBK   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I admire Obama even more for addressing this issue head on. Although frankly, his supporters will support him and non supporters will always find an issue. I do thank Obama for wanting to address the issue to those that want to see him president of the US so we have no reservations about the kind of president he will be.
This is a good start and I look forward to having a president who understands that people are talking and wants to address their concerns.
Obama '08

Cynthia L.A.   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I believe this is a great idea. I would like to hear from his own voice on this divisive issue. I am hopeful that what he has to say will demonstrate his ability to unify diverse thinking on such a potentially destructive incident to his campaign. There are good people in America who can think straight, hear and comprehend, use good judgment and elevate the discussion to a place where we can move forward toward a win for all of us. There are as well some narrow minded people with ulterior motives who would like to sabotage any progressive movement at all cost. Here is a challenge. Which are we?

Monique   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Why couldn't he address the issue before it got way out of hand?

I am sure this won't be answered for sometime now also!

John   March 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

NOTHING CAN EXPLAIN WHY THIS MAN SAT IN THE PEWS OF A RACIALLY HATEFUL MAN FOR 20 YEARS. GIVE IT UP OBAMA, YOU LOSE.

Cosmic Comedy Queen - Go Hillary!!!   March 17th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Blah, Blah, Blah….let's see you talk, talk, talk your way out of this one.

Bill Clinton will make a better First Lady than Michelle Obama anyday of the week. She flip-flops whether she is proud to be an American or not. Poooleeeze!

Concerned Citizen   March 17th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Obama supporters don't seem have much to say about his spiritual advisor making such anti-American statements. It does put his wife's comments about not being proud of America in a whole new light doesn't it?

This is the kind of stuff you can expect popping up before the General election…which is why it would be good to have a candiate whose history we know more about.

Michiel W   March 17th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Sorry, I thought Senator Obama had made his case over the last few days? Is he now going to reveal that he did know what his mentor of 20 years was saying? That he did not agree with him, but saw no reason to attend a different church? That this man did not have an influence on him, after all? That it was another "boneheaded" moment? Or maybe that it was only in a couple of isolated "sermons" that the Rev. Wright preached the venomous hatred of America. That this church does not advocate a black separtistism. Or call Africa the homeland and advocate Africa first. Sorry, Senator Obama, I no longer find you credible or believe you have the judgement to be President of the United States!

Kareem from Hampton VA   March 17th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

The reason why Obama stayed at the church is because he has a right to! We've only seen ONE sermon! And churches are just a part of your life not the dictator of it! Lets ask some catholic democrats shall we?

Gideon   March 17th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I can't help but wonder if the Obama-bashers posting comments here would be better served going back to elementary school, where they can learn to spell and get a basic grasp of the English language?

Patrick for HILL!   March 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

I thought we want to move on with this race issue? You said that in your interview last weekend??? Is there anything else you can offer us???? We're getting tired of this, HILLARY has just made her speech & solutions regarding Iraq war, a substantial one! What about you Obama, still caught up with the J. Wright non-sense?

I wish all your supporters can see how weak you are in policy making, we are in recession, economy is down! We need solutions!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!

MELMARIE   March 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

OBAMA SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DEFEND HIMSELF BECAUSE OF HIS PASTOR. HILLARY HAS SO MANY RACIST PEOPLE IN HER CAMPAIGN, WE JUST DON'T HAVE THEM ON VIDEO. CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE 14 DELEGATES THAT OBAMA JUST GAINED. THIS MUST REALLY THE CLINTON NEWS NETWORK.

OBAMA '08

James K   March 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

It's a little troubling that someone that Obama is so close to has pretty militant views, although some of them make sense for a black man of his age and experiences.
Hopefully Obama can put this behind him before the Pennsylvania primaries and come up with a big win that would finally put this race away for him.

Democratic Soldier   March 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Good news! Show them why you're the man Obama!!

RightyTighty   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Ra Ra Ree, kick him in the knee!
Go Hillary!!

Ra Ra Razz, kick her in the azz!
Go Obama!!

NEVEROBAMA   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

THIS IS FUNNY OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL!!

IT THINK NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HILLARY IS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!

OBAMA IS FINISHED!!!

GO HILLARY
GO HILLARY
GO HILLARY

Nicole   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Obama is doing the right thing. This country is long overdue for an open discussion on race. That preacher does not hate America….he just gives it tough love. We have a tendency to blind ourselves to our faults and then dumbfoundedly question why things happen to us? Whether it terrorist attacks, bad economy, worse war….? It is time to WAKE UP! So, lets have these conversations!

Adam   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

JUST WORDS Obama? For 20 years, JUST WORDS?

W. Rick Garr, Fort Lauderdale, Florida   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

The record will show that virtually everything Obama's pastor said in his rants is true. Dr. King said the same sorts of things about Vietnam and poverty, discrimination and violence. Rev, Wright was not speaking to white people and attempting to reason. He was condemning evil, which is what ministers do. And if you don't think America performs monstrous evils, every day, you are seriously ignorant.

Jose   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Obama's positive message endures and will ultimately win out over the negative Clinton campaign. Face it folks, Obama is the new face of the Democratic party. Clinton should drop out now so we can focus on putting an end to McCain's presidential aspirations.

Wayne R   March 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Obama's demons are starting to appear for all to see. Of course, black America doesn't care - we know this from past experience. For example: DC voters voting the crack smoking Mayor back into office. This is just one example of the history of tolerance by the black community when it comes to black politicians. Of course, the white community takes keen notice of these situations. This is not going away for Obama and it certainly is not leaving the minds of many of the white voters he has been counting on or may have already won.

Tafoya A. Hubbard   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

You all are missing the fact that he was not under a racist church/pastor for 20yrs. I have heard this Pastor preach severl times and NOT ONCE did he even mention politics. I think you all need to take a breath and hear the man out. Deep down you know this is NOT who Obama is or what he stands for. Nothing over the last yr has given you a reason to believe that Obama is a racist at heart. By the way blacks can be prejudice but not racist we dont have the power to keep another race down. Racist is a word that is so mis used in our socitey. Pastor Wright has been preaching for over 36yrs and NOT all of his sermons have been like the few sound bytes the media has been playing. This man lead Barack to Christ so he had to be preaching the gospel at some point in time. Think about it with an OPEN mind don't let the media play you.

YES WE STILL CAN!!!

Margaret Gilleran   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

It is patently absurd that Obama did not know about Reverend Wright's beliefs.

Obama attended Reverend Wright's church for twenty years. Reverend Wright married Obama and his wife; and Reverend Wright baptized Obama's children.

In the highly unlikely - one might even say impossible - event that Obama did not know about Reverend Wright's beliefs, then Obama is not nearly as smart as he would have us believe.

Kerry   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

It's just so ironic that the very same week that a senior Clinton adivisor (Ferraro) makes a racists statement and Hillary partially apolizes for her husbands actions and words (a constant theme in their relationship), to balance things out, somebody tells the media to go after a CHRISTIAN church pastor of Obama's.

Newsflash:

A lot of African American's and ethnic groups have a lot built up anger from years of discrimination. Is what Wright said, right? No. But he has justifiable reasons for being angry. Blacks did not enslave whites.

The only Presidential candidate that is willing and finally going to address and solve this problem is Obama. Everybody else has sugarcoated the issue.

Thank you Obama! A true leader.

Douglas, Columbus, Ga.   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

How about a " SPEECH " and then a press conference to answer questions…..??? How long have your peeps been writing this MLK dream?

korn   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

HIS SPEECH AND ACTION IS CONTRARY TO EACH OTHER!!!!!!

NO MATTER HOW MANY SPEECH HE WILL GIVES , THE SCAR OF HIS WRONG JUDGMENT AND LIES ARE STILL THERE AND THE WORLD ALREADY KNOW THIS!

Jenny, Rio Vista, CA   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

What an ignorant bunch of fools you are. If Barack Obama doesn't become our president then you will deserve the miserable lives that you will continue to live.

jkk   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Just like Obama always say that American people are smart and no one can tell them how to think, l think this is the right thing to do. We all know that he didn't come out as a black candidate (though he is black) he is a geniune American and patriotic as everyone else.The clinton campaing may have stealthly reduce his candidacy to that which is unfortunate.Obama is willing to go beyond that so that this country can be what it used to be. but that is not what the clintons want. they are joined in a battle with the bush of which family will have the white house the longest. America is on the brink of collasp on all front we cannot afford that kind of costly joke of bush-clinton.I believe that Obama has the judgement and the capability to lead us in the right direction.

Brian   March 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Obama was a member of this Church for 20 years. Obama claims this is all brand new to him. Are we lead to believe that Mr. Obama
is this blind as to what is going on in his own Church? If it is true
How can this man be trusted to know what is going on in a Country as big as the United States ?
It looks like Mr. Obamas chicken have come home to roost !!!

Lou   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Come on…if you read this article and still just spew out hateful words, that is pretty close minded. You aren't even going to give the guy a chance to finally speak for himself? Or maybe you just don't want to hear it. I had no idea the real feelings many Americans harbor about blacks. Some of the hatred in these blogs are unreasonable and scarey. And I'm a white guy.

SGS   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Openness, Honesty, Transparency–How PRESIDENTIAL OBAMA. Keep the standards HIGH. You're up against so much including the media, you have no other road to take BUT the high one…IF ONLY THIS COUNTRY COULD SEE WHAT THE REST OF THE WORLD SEES.

PRESIDENT OBAMA '08

J. Stone   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

You see the difference between Obama and Hillary. Hillary refuses to open her White House records nor Tax returns. She obsfucates, hides, lies and denies.

Obama is confronting his problem up front and is facing the music.

Niether one has real experience but at least Obama addresses his problems like a real leader should.

ohbama   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

this is an excellent teaching moment.

Realistic   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

I'm sure that the Mad Old Feminists and Geezers With Wheezers who constitute Hillary's core constituency will have a field day with this. As evidenced by the many posts on this board, most of them are closet racists anyway.

Norman   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

What is really in order is not another speech about race.Its about why the "post-racial " candidate who has moved "beyond race":attended and supported financially ,a bigoted and paranoid preacher for almost 20 years and and him as part of his campaign until yesterday.
All of the politicians make nice exculpatory speeches after they are outed.Same old.Same Old.

stacy   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

how can he now wiggle out of this mess after 20 years of listening
to this insane non-religious nonsence and giving this "church"
aprx $25,000 annually on behalf of himself for mentorship, his wife
and his two children, for heaven's sake.

Dan , TX   March 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

A discussion of race, religion and poltics. This is going to be very interesting. Can we understand why Obama's reverend is well respected and highly thought of by one segment of America based on 30 years of work, but hated by another segment based on 5 or 10 minutes of videotape. Will this tell us how radical white evangelicals shown spewing hatred towards gays and calling AIDS and 9/11 a result of America's sins should not be judged too harshly either? Is there a way out of hatred and division that Obama sees, or are we just doomed to have extreme and hate be the hallmarks of the far left and the far right.

I don't believe for a second that Obama's views are anything like Rev. Wright's views. But what does Obama see that let's him stay in that church. What does the black community see that makes that church one of the most successful in America?

Thomas   March 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It is amazing how many people are buying the garbage that the conservatives are throwing out. They told Paul Begala that if Obama is the nominee that Kerry's swiftboat will look like nothing and you are buying into what they say hook, line and sinker. Really unfortunate tha the US economy, the housing market and the reputation is in the hole and many people would prefer to dwell on something that is a total non-factor with what we face. This is a conservative attack designed to turn attention away from what really matters, much like abortion and flag burning. Issues that go to emotions and not the pocketbook that really matters. congrats on falling in line behind it. Hope that you are happy when you are paying $4-5 a gallon for gas and other items that require fuel to make or get to market continue to rise. Way to take your eye off the ball over bogus emotional issues.

Henry - Florida   March 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

He's addressing this issue too late. He knew about Wrights sermons for over a year. Why would he wait until now to remove him from his campaign. You just wait more and more of this kind of stuff will be comming out. Your candidate isn't as shiny clean as you think he is.

To all you Obama fanatics. You jumped all over Geraldine Ferraro for her comments, and now you want to simply disregard Wright. Once again Double Standards.

Manuel TX   March 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Axelrod is good.

And really, this is their only option…to give a speech to try to pivot out of this mess. :)

The only problem is that while spin may work in the primary race, it won't work in the general election. This guy is toast.

And one more thing. Wright's comment about Hiroshima and Nagasaki is just so stupid, and insulting to all the American's who fought in WWII that I just can't get past it personally. My dad and uncle fought in that war and if alive, they too would not be pleased.

Angela   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

WHY HE DIDN'T GIVE A SPEECH IN 2007, WHEN THIS CAME OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME!

HE IS NO BETTER THEN HIS CHURCH!

Carol Rippy   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Shame on you Obama you are a liar and a racist and you are dividing this country like no one has in my lifetime… Take your pastor and your racist wife to AFRICA maybe you'll be happier there I know America will be better off… If you get the nomation everyone will vote for MCCain back out now and save the party PLEASE DON'T TRY AND TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE NOT A RACIST AFTER ATTENDING YOUR RACIST CHURCH FOR 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!! You are a liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fred O, Lincoln NE   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Senator Barack Obama is doing the right thing, because unfortunately there are entirely too many folks out there, who are easily misguided, and thus Senator Obama's speech can help to get them back on track and focused accordingly.

Mike   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

It is sad but the dear Rev. Wright has provided the Republicans a sure ticket to the White House. Just keep on playing the good Reverend's tapes between now and the election and Obama is Toast.

Cherryl   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Well…I for one can't wait to hear what he has to say. First he says he wasn't sitting in the pew when his pastor made those racist remarks. But then a writer comes forward and says he saw Obama and Michelle in church that day. Obama has lost all credibility. His campaign has played the race card and when it comes back to bite them, they flip and play the race card again. Their campaign opened this can of worms and now they're trying to put it back into the can. Racism, no matter what the color, is simply racism. We are all for putting this behind us, but it will take Hillary to do it, not Obama. Her record is clear when it comes to supporting minorities and the underprivileged. Obama doesn't have a record. He is trying to paint us a picture of himself (through his books and speeches) which now appears to be very inaccurate as more and more of mainstream media gives him more in depth scrutiny. If you think the Republicans aren't going to use these issues (Wright/Rezko, etc.) in a general election, you're fooling yourself.

Adam "Hussein" SC   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

It's sad that the Hillary campaign and the Republicans have made race such an issue in this nomination process that Obama (who has tried to completely rise above racial issues) now has to make a speech completely about race.

Sharon   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

This should be interesting to hear. To me, Senator Obama has become such a disingenuous candidate. If you bother to take the time to research his background, you find that most of the time his words and claims do not match his track record. Unfortunately for him, I think he is going to be fighting even more negative news as the Rezko trial continues, and as numerous people dig for any evidence that he attended one of those anti-American sermons.

Joanne   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

A little to late. Nothing matters now. Obama can't deny that he sat in theat pew and listened to this Rev. for almost 20 yrs. Denounced the sermon after calling him I am sure to say nod ,nod, wink wink need to say what I need to say but I really don't mean it. bear with me

Do you think Oprah, Ted, and the Caroline's of the world are listening to all this and what they still believe what you have to say. You are going down. Nothing respectful about your Mr. B H O. From the Rev. to the slum lord that you claimed only received 60k oh sorry mean 250k You are a phony. Get a life. step down now. Should you win the Republicans's will make you and break you. wimp

Hillary 08

PA   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Be open to new ideas! This is an opportunity to grow as a nation regardless of who we chose to nominate! We can listen to Mr. Obama, knowing that he is a good man, and become a stronger nation by understanding other people's traditions.

While Rev. Wright's words and tone were upsetting to people, he has some good points. Just in Philadelphia, 120,000 children live in poverty. We as a nation, can and should do better.

George   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

I love it when people who can't spell a simple word like "liar" attempts to chime in on a debate.

Just speeches. I'd love to hear Hillary give "just a speech" that wasn't filled with distortions or out and out lies. Gee, that would make her a LIAR woudln't it END OF OBAMA?

As for Theresa, I'd happily bet my home that she and many of the others who've recited the tired refrain: "he's just an empty suit" haven't bothered to check out his positions.

You want to know why America is in the cess pool it is? Look in the mirror. Apathy and ignorance go hand-in-hand with the American voter. Tragic and oh so telling about a country that elected George W. Bush not once, but twice. Ridiculous.

Hawkeye   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Nominat Hillary and see how many Democrats becpme independants or worse yet Republicans. It will be a historically huge number. You missed the best possible candidate in John Edwards, proving just how stupid we are as a nation, are we going to screw it up again?

Tafoya A. Hubbard   March 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

@Mike Michelle Obama never said that. She said she felt REALLY proud of her country for the 1st time in a long time and as a black female I agree with her. Blacks and white live in two different worlds in the same country. Nobody wants to have a real serious converstaion about race. America is NOT a perfect country by a long shot so excuse me if I dont always wave a flag or sing god bless america at the drop of a dime. i guess that makes me un american as well. Get over yourself.

Ken Mahler   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Suzanne: I watched Obama's interview with Anderson Cooper last Friday evening and am trying to believe Obama when he says that he wasn't aware of Rev. Wright's incendiary sermons (clips that have been aired) yet I have now learned today that he publically disinvited Rev. Wright to speak at his announcement for the presidency back in March 07 because of the reverend's past sermons. Which is it - that he knew then or that he just learned more recently? How can someone attend a church for 20 years and not hear that message? Maybe I'm way off, but clips of the reverend's sermons were so egregious that I can't believe that he was taken out of context. I think Sen. Obama has some trust issues to explain.

An Ohio Voter   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Good for you, Senator Obama!!!

You are the only candidate who is "ALLOWED" to speak about race. If Senator Clinton and her supporters; or Senator McCain and his supporters were "ALLOWED" to speak about "race", your campaign and supporters would cry "foul" and complain that they were playing the "race card". And of all places, Philadelphia……..(I wonder why)??

Great planning Obama camp!! You have a campaign subject all to yourselves. Have Rev. Wright on stage with you Senator Obama, I'm sure he can give you some wonderful talking points……………..

Jim   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Too late and unforgiving. I attend my church on a regular basis going on 20 years myself and I only attend it because I agree with my pastor and rely on his guidance and truth. I am gravely disappointed in Mr. Obama and cannot further his agenda or promise of hope. It appears hopeless afterall.

Don, San Francisco   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

The Dems need to do something! I am very concerned that the Party is becoming more and more devisive and that it could become a catastrophic divide by November.

Bill   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

This is the right thing to do on Obama's part. I am interested to see if the media will properly cover his speech, unlike the way they have portrayed Jeremiah Wright. I find it interesting and insulting that the media would falsely attempt to shape people's perceptions of a person by playing a few excerpts of a person's sermons to his congregation. The issue is what has this man stood for, what good has he done, what other sermons has he preached that are positive, and where is the discussion of similar sermons by the religious right that have been celebrated by Republican presidents of the past. This has been disgraceful coverage of an important issue by the media.

Also, the media fails to make the greatest distinction about the Ferraro issue and the Wright issue - Wright was addressing his congregation and we have yet to get the full context; Geraldine Ferraro made statements directly to the media regarding Barack Obama seemingly for the specific purpose of diminishing him in some way in the eyes of the media and America.

The reality of it is that this will be an interesting test, because for the many who have read his book, they understand what an introspective person he is. The media is filled with cynics and it makes many of them uncomfortable with him, but many people feel that he can make a difference, and that we, as American people, can be part of that difference.

He has to address these issues, not so much because of this primary, which is over; but, for the general election. By the way, the media really should be more honest about the primary being over, too, but I guess this is a game of ratings and sweepstakes.

Ralph   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Yes…Please explain to white america the role of the African American church..Wright's church is similar to most black church, include Rev Butts in NY who's supporting Hillary. News Alert bloggers, African Americans did not come off the Mayflower.

As for Farrakhan..Bill Clinton reach out for his support during his election. C'mon, report that CNN!!!

Concerned Voter   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

It's over for him. He is un-electable.He will not be our President no matter what he says. He cannot erase his long standing support of this pastor.

Obama does not respresent America. Maybe another African-American can, but Obama is finished. Here is an example where he is getting a free ride. Other politicians have gone down for much less.

Ted   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Rick in Florida…Yeah, a candidate with no experience. Just what we need.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   March 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I am amazed at how people are attacking Obama for being so open, especially after 7 years of a Bush presiency surrounded by shadows. The preceedig 8 years of clinton were almost as bad and they still have an upcoming trial related to some of their dirty laundry.

When Obama tries to stay focused on the issues, he is accused of dodging, when he attempts to address different questions, he is slammed as well. I, for one, applaud Barack for his willingness to sit down with Chicago newspapers recently and discuss Rezko in greater detail after addressing the issue for months now. He came out and directly addressed the Rev. Wright sermons and is now going to do a full speech with q&a to go into greater detail.

People may not like the answers or rationale behind his decisions but at least he is out in the open with the public about these things. Hillary is so secretive about everything that i don't know ehen she is actually telling the truth or just sending up smoke to keep the facts hidden and undercover!

betyjo   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Maybe he'll do what he should do and drop out of the race. He's not a uniter…but a divider of the worst kind. Imagine an America where there is war between blacks and whites. That's what this man is leading us to. Wake up people!

Aboomah 4 Obama   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Bravo Obama!
This is the leadership we want in a president! This is the honesty and openness we've been missing for years!

If all the Archie Bunker types in PA, don't wanna vote for Obama, they should think about whether they want Bombs Away McCain to send their grandkids to be killed for more $100+/gallon oil!

Jan from Las Vegas, NV   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

What is there to put in context? Hate and racism have no place in our lives nor in politics. The fact that Senator Obama sat for 20 years in a church where both were preached says everything about him and there's nothing he can put into context that will explain why he did. And if he says again during his impending speech that he wasn't in the pews when Wright was preaching his venom he's a bigger liar than he was the first time he denied it.

angela   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

It takes leadership and courage to put something as ugly as race in politics on the table in front of athis country. Senator Obama pledged a transparent campaign and he is living up to his word. I'm sure his speech will be to the point, on target and will not contain the racial "buzz" words from any ethnicity. That is who he is and that is who I voted for in the primary. That is who I will vote for in November.

JoeBrown   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

He's just upset people are seeing him for the person he REALLY is.. his speeches don't match his actual tendencies. Anyone who would stay in that america-hating church more than 2 minutes is a pathetic excuse for an american if not a human. Obama is another radical who acts like a moderate. He's the democrat version of George W. Bush.

June   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Does anyone really believe he sat in that Church for 20 years and never heard anything inflammatory? This election has been ALL about race, with Obama playing the race card in an insidiously demonic manner. If Obama is the Dem's candidate I will vote for McCain. Go Hillary!

Jim   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

The Meida, should address Obama, same as Bill Clinton, during the SC issue.

JT in Dallas   March 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Well, the usual dress it up with a speech BHO! What's new?

He said he receives all his guidance from his wife and his preacher. She is just now becoming a proud American. The preacher is more prejudice than anyone we have heard from yet, black or white. It is easy to use the race card when it benefits you. It is easy to claim that the white race is to blame when it sounds good on a pulpit or a campaign stump. We don't have any idea who Obama is other than the people he surrounds himself with and his speeches. Open your eyes people! This guy is WRONG for all kinds of reason. Don't hope and wish your way into another LAME DUCK!

(It's ok cnn. I don't expect you to post this either)

jmw   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

I really admire Barack Obama for his dedication to ending race and gender politics and working hard to heal what divides us. He impresses me as wanting to be a President for all the people. I can't held him responsible for what a preacher says. The preacher clearly does not speak for him or his campaign. I accept What Mr. Obama says about the preacher mostly speaking about Jesus and love for others.

A lot of people thought Martin Luther King was racist, because he too spoke the social gospel, but that was just because they themselves had problems with race. I think everyone ought to just get over it and move on.

Also it should be remembered that many Preachers like Pastor John Hagee speak fundamentalist, catholic hating, hateful retoric all the time. Hagee supports John McCain and I don't see replays of all that hateful language and believe me they can be found.

Andy   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Wow, how enlightening. Barack, who has sat in a pew for 20 years listening to this hate monger, is going to give us a speech about spirituality and race. What a hypocrite. I hope all of those that were duped by his lines of crap for the last year finally figure things out.

John Smith   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Thats why the primaries should be held on one single day for ALL the states. The reason being we find out things about candidates during the whole process. I bet people in Wyoming, North Dakota and other states Obama had won would after hearing this new revelation with the pastor wish they had their vote back. The country needs to gather all the information about the candidate before voting rather than vote using only what they know at the time about the candidate.

Mike, MD   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

STAND STRONG FOR CHANGE (Obama)

or

FALL HARD FOR THE SAME (Clinton)!!!

karma cop   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

race race race gender gendr gender bornagain old senile etc etc we should just elect a nice A.I. SUPER COMPUTER plug it in to the internet and see what happens. could it be any worse than the hypocrisy that has emulated from all of the campaigners and their hangers on

joe   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

ITS TOOO LATE…

ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

YOUR 20 YEAR HISTORY WITH REV. WRIGHT SPEAK LOUDER

THAN YOUR WORDS TOMORROW

I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS EVEN TO HAVE OBAMA AS V.P. ON

THE TICKET COME NOVEMBER…..

IF WE WANT TO WIN IN NOVEMBER….THE DAMAGE IS DONE

ITS ALL ON VIDEO…"JUST WORDS"

Marguerite Nash   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

I hope Obama makes it. It takes alot of guts to do what he is doing. I haven't seen the Clinton campaign come out and do the right thing. He even came clean on the Rezko money.

I am a 64 year old female. I was around the day Martin Luther King was killed. I hope he is looking down to see what is going on.

Good luck, Obama

Democratic Soldier   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Attention all Obama supporters: If Hillary wins the democratic nomination, we need to boycott the general election or vote for McCain. Hillary Clinton and her supporters are disgusting. In no way can we allow her and her cheating husband back in the White House!!

Corey   March 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

In the end, whether it's Hillary or Barack, you need to support your Democratic candidate and stop acting like spoiled children. The future of this country, of this world is far more important than your foolish rantings and line drawings and pointless fighting on candidates. In the end their politics are a whole lot more similar than they are different. It's like choosing between Coke and Pepsi. Stop it guys and look at the bigger picture!!!!!
And to those that say that they were Obama supporters but aren't now, give me a break. You wanted something to be found on him so your concience would be clear when you became a detractor. How many of you go to churches, synangogues, or mosques and don't agree with everything that's been said. Catholics that believe in birth control and freedom of choice when it comes to abortion, what do your priests say?
How is what Rev. Wright says indicative of what Barack Obama believes? What about Hagee and McCain? What about Feraro and Clinton? If you want to use the "birds of a feather" theory, be even across the board. Stop this foolishness and remember that there is a separation of church and state. Understand that this is yet another distraction from the issues. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

Joanne   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

A little to late. Nothing matters now. Obama can't deny that he sat in that pew and listened to this Rev. for almost 20 yrs. Denounced the sermon after calling him; I am sure to say nod ,nod, wink, wink need to say what I need to say but I really don't mean it. bear with me

Do you think Oprah, Ted, and the Caroline's of the world are listening to all this and what they still believe what you have to say. You are going down. Nothing respectful about your Mr. B H O. From the Rev. to the slum lord that you claimed only received 60k oh sorry mean 250k You are a phony. Get a life. step down now. Should you win the Republicans's will make you and break you. wimp

Hillary 08

very concerned voter   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Nothing will change the fact that Obama sat in a pew in that church on Sunday monnings and listened and absorbed his pastor's distorted comments about not only race, but America and all that it stands for. Obama did not leave the church, nor did he attempt to reject the pastor's horrible comments at any time. Who is the racist here? My God this pastor was no more than a rebel rouser and another Jessie Jackson. How many children and teenagers listened to his messages of hate, along with Obama's children, and now feel that white America is somehow responsible for all of their ills? Who is the rasist here? This country better wake up before November and vote the right way. Can you imagine this kind of rhetoric in the White House? God help us all.

Luanne   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

There is no way a man like Obama would attend a church that regularly spews hatred. There is a culteral divide at play here, a fundamental lack of understanding of the black community by the mainstream media, and the way they portrayed Obama's church in such a lopsided, prejudicial manner makes me very angry.

BILL, VA   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I LOVE OBAMA SOOO MUCH IM WONDERING IF I'M NOT ….. WELL I MY WIFE DOES TOO…I MEAN THIS IS HOPE IN THE LIVES OF EVERY AMERICA.

SGS   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

WE'RE NOT SHEEP! DON'T BE MANIPULATED PEOPLE.!

BY THE WAY…AND FERRARO SAID…? ANSWER: THE SAME THING STATED BY HER AND REGAN ABOUT JACKSON IN 1988. WHO STARTED THIS?

PRESIDENT OBAMA '08

Mark   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

There is a way for Obama to come clean on this issue. It is just unbelievable that being a member of this church for that long, he has not heard or known about his pastor's comments. He also needs to strongly demonstrate that his candidacy is not just about rhetoric. On several occasions, there have been reports of various black elected individuals who have been threatened and have received hate mails sent simply because they endorse Hillary and not Obama. Is it not incumbent on someone like Obama who claims he trascends race and above politics to strongly condemn such activities by his supporters? Tavis Smiley and Stephanie Jones have made public these allegations but never once have we heard Sen. Obama coming out to speak against such tactics. My belief and that of our friends confirm the fact that when these issues favour his candidacy, Sen. Obama makes no effort to repudiate them. This has now blossomed into a full frenzy and we find him distancing himself from his lifelong pastor when in indeed he could have done so in the past. It is obvious Sen. Obama has some explaining to do and to do so is not to go to friendly territory on MSNBC where the hard question and coverage of him is so biased. Make a date with Fox News and show your bravery in your response to these questions. I would also suggest a full scale news conference with all reporters to answer questions fully. Remember this scrutiny has come too late and his candidacy is premised on Judgement and Character. Where are they?

king from toronto   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

all you racist people should stay away from making comments,that are infact racist.obama is gonna move this country forward.and people like you dont want that to happen.so you keep making racist comments.but it's gonna happen weather you like it or not.this is nothing compare to what we've bin through as blacks.yet where willing to over look all of it.for the sake of "UINITY".

NO RELIGON TEST   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I hope Obama tells them all to "buzz off", he has had to answer to many questions about his religon. NO RELIGON TEST REMEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chuck   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Matt:

Your first acknowledgement of being a Hillary supporter tells us that your judgement is poor in the first place therefore when it comes to deciding who you want for VP, well, it does not mattter.

I think it best that Obama not pick Hillary for his VP running mate. Her supporters like her lack good judgement.

M   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I can't believe it's taken this long….

His "spiritual mentor", pastor Jeremiah Wright gave a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT award to Louis Farrakahn, leader of the Nation of Islam.

Please….

The "Audacity of Hope" Please…….(another phrase from Wright)

THe SS Barack Obama has hit an iceberg….

Grisellefrom MA   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Racism is racism. You cannot say you never heard it before in the long 20 years that Obama was there and never dennounced it. I could understand if he had cut the ties with this man a long time ago, but to do it NOW, in the midst of this awful situation it just doesn't seem honest to me. Of course he's going to address it now. He knows it will cost him the nomination and he wants to unite, now after 20 years of being a part of it. I feel that this man would not represent me with justice and fairness. How could he given his alleged (and now this real one) affiliations with people who are divisive and racist?

Obamabot watch   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Why is everyone so upset? After all, YOU VOTED FOR THIS MAN and CONTRIBUTED millions to his campaign, without knowing anything about him. You had an obligation to investigate this man, and his wife, and that crackpot church he has supported with tens of thousands of dolloars to 20 years. AND, when he had the obligation to hold hearings on Afghanistan, he didn't because he was too busy running for president! That is inexcusable. You were, however, led down this path by the MSM who fawned over and crowned Obama, and tried to run HRC out of the race.

Mary   March 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Now things are beginning to surface concerning Obama's personal life, etc. I have always said we didn't know that much about him and everytime something is questioned by the Clinton campaign, all Obama can do is whin and whin. Well he hasn't seen anything yet until he runs against the republican machine. Anyone who has sat in church for years and listened to the "hate" that the preacher was preaching; certainly is not worthy to be President. We have had one "on the job training" President for the last few years; we certainly don't need another. He will never get my vote.

LAW   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Bill Clinton: "I did not have sex with that woman."

Barack Obama: "I did not agree with my spiritual mentor of 20 years." (Or however long it was.)

John McCain: "I did not agree with Bush on the way to handle the war." (Oh, wait a miinute, this is the documented truth.)

Hillary Clinton: "Obama's people are using Republican tactics." (Wow, two birds with one stone. Slam Obama and harness hate.)

RJohns   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Excuse me, but if we are to judge Obama on the comments and actions of someone close to him, then are we to judge Hillary by the comments and actions of Bill? What's good for one has to be good for the other.

My mother is racist and has said things I do not agree with and I hope when I say I don't agree, that people believe me.

NE/ CLEVELAND   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Just because he was a member at that Church for 20 years doesn't mean that he was there at all times, He may have only gone EASTER and Christmas.
CNN: THIS IS A HIGH TECH LYNCHING AND YOU ARE THE ONES THAT DOING IT.

mel   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I think Obama is DONE - El Finito - he himself claims this hateful minister has been an inspiration to him for 20 years - he had to have know and listened to what this guy said - Obama's wife Michelle's comment about just now being proud fits right along with the racism preached by this minister.

And now - that these things have been brought to light Obama is playing the " race" card.

Thank the Good Lord this has come to light so people can see they have been supporting the wrong candidate - he' s not about Hope or Change.

GO HILLARY !!!

yemiray   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

No doubt there are lots of people in this country who doesnt want the past to go.. They hide under flimsy reasons but their real motives are purely racial.

The Hillary campaign has not helped matters by carefully injecting race matters to this campaign into this primaries because they know that their candidate will never win on a free and fair campaigning.

Obama candidacy does more than just economic and war solutions.

It ends the racial divison that has eaten to the fabric of this society..

tj   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Another speech!
So many speeches, aren't all of you tired of them?
We all know that he is good talker so what?
His actions tell for themself.
There is no chance Obama wins generat elections.
Hillary still have chance.
Make your choice, people who really think rather that blindly believe in fairy tales!

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

WHEN EVERY REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT IN THIS COUNTRY HAS GONE AND GIVEN A SPEECH AT EVERY RACE, GAY INTOLERANT CHURCH ACROSS THIS COUNTRY I DO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BIG DEAL IS! OH I FORGOT IT NOT ON TAPE.!

nmt   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

i seriously think there is a reason why the polls , after elections fall in this category
young, educated: Obama
older women/men, less educated: Hilary Clinton.
Just reading some of the blogs, trying to be independent and see other peoples reasoning, or even visiting both Hilary and Obama's camapaign blogs…, makes me understand why certain demographics follow Hilary, and others Obama…
Wouldnt it be nice if we were all educated, all well informed, all took the time to read study reasearch, then decide…….
but then again, i hope those who can understand me understand this…
as for those who cant..well, well, we understand….

Sue   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Barack Obama has done so much to divide the Democratic Party by playing the race card over and over again. It won't work this time. I often wonder how much better it would have been for Clinton and Edwards to be running against each other where we could be talking about the issues and planning for victory in November instead of focusing on race.

I have not seen the Democrats so divided since 1968 and we all know how that went. Obama has shown himself to be a slick Chicago politician and nothing more. The media is still trying desperately to cover up his shortcomings, but the American people are not as stupid as they think we are.

Mike   March 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

PARDON REZKO!

PARDON REZKO!

PARDON REZKO!

YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WEN CAN!

Claude   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

You people are so judgemental….do you think you're perfect? Shut up, sit down and listen to what the man has to say….you MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING that will cause you to keep your pie holes shut!!! As for the Hillary supporters….you better do a thorough history check and stop being deceived.

Lee   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

There is not anything Obama can say that would make me support him in the general election. I have already voted in the primary.

He has been sitting listening to this stuff for years - Dont tell me he NEVER heard this guy talk that way.

Buddy - you are judged by the company you keep and White Americans should be outraged.

If white people vote for this guy and support him you are just plain silly.
I for one contributed to Hillarys campaign yesterday.
Everyone should work and campaign and call and contribute to Hillarys campaign - we CAN NOT let BO get in. And he talks about his superior judgement - give me a break.

PS - Notice he is giving the speech in Philly - where there are lots of AA… interesting….

JayJay   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

The guilty protest the loudest!
Those thrive on sound bite overkill elected Bush.

follow the uneducated vote……..

Clara K   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Obama's race does not concern me; his politics do. At this time in our history we do not need a President with his kind of personal agenda. More at issue, his ties to certain segments of society whose agenda has nothing to do with the good of this country are frightening.

angelina   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

HITLLARY will do anything to win.even damaging the Democratic party.The people have spoken Sen.Obama is leading in the popular vote,ELECTED by d people PLEDGE delegate and he won more states big and small.CASE CLOSED

Celia Ann   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

I have an uncle who returned from WWII. He got off the bus in town and went into the cofffee shop to purchase a coffee while he waited for may Grandfather to drive over 40 miles to pick hip up. He became acustomed to eating and drinking anywhere in Europe and after all he fought for his country. My Uncle Oliver was a very, very hansome man of African American, Native American (Chactaw) and Caucasian (due to a rape) desent. He had the most beautiful smile and was one of the most handsome men I have ever seen.

By the time my grandfather arrived, he had already been forced into a pick up truck, and beaten to death in is US Army Uniform. When my grandfather arrived home without him, my grandmother was crying, holding him in her arms. He had been thrown from the back of the truck into her yard. He served 5 years in WWII but was killed 40 miles from home in the USA.

We have not outlived the generations were there are living testimonies of "real" racial discrimination. I have had people ask, "well when are they going to forget about it?" That is a hard question to answer. It may not necessarily be 100% of the responsibility of the victims to heal these issues. We send people to jail when this happens now days, however, the majority of those who were guilty benefited in multiple ways for subjegating African American and Native American Peoples.

Kristin   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Great another speech where he will stutter and smile. I don't know about anyone else but a smile is not an answer to a question and when someone uses "um" every other word that usually means you're a LIAR! When Anderson Cooper asked him if he would protest singing God Bless America, Obama did not even answer the question. Instead he did what he always does danced around the question with some stupid, supposedly cute remark and flashed those pearly whites. Seems that those skeletons are starting to fall out of his closet like an avalanche. Hopefully this ridiculous speech will be what Americans need to wake up and realize that Obama is not who he pretends to be.

da   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

BO needs to drop out of this race NOW and take Michelle with him.

I hope the TRUE American people will NOT be fooled by this HYPOCRIT and PHONEY, the KOOL-AIDE drinking MUST stop.

Listening to this hateful preacher for 20 years has had to affect this judgement (it has his wife's judgement). He is as hypocritical as Spitzer and needs to drop out of this race immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is a total EMBARRESMENT of the United States.

Hong   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

A candidate who mainly depends on inspiring millions should explain in details how he/she was inspired by his/her spiritual father. No fancy words please.

Alice Rea   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Senator Obama is not being honest and the American people are not complete idiots.

What could Obama say to clear his name. He has admitted to the public that Reverend Wright was the pastor he praised so much that he named his book after one of his sermons.

To deny knowing his pastor's message is absurd.

He can't denounce and reject and denounce and reject and denounce and reject any more………

Bob, San Francisco, CA   March 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

I can't believe how badly the Democrats are destroying each other before this important election. Can't people try just a little bit to be open-minded and rational? Is that too much to ask? Looks like we're giving the election to the Republicans, and the world continues to wonder what happened to America.

Eileen   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I think it's becoming clear that RACE and GENDER ARE issues that matter to the American people. That's why they keep coming up. Yes, health care and the economy and the war in Iraq and immigration and education are important, but so is race and gender (and religious expression).

Perhaps that's the lesson of this unique primary: the American people want to bring up these very personal, emotional and IMPORTANT issues and see progress in these areas IN ADDITION to the bread and butter issues that we usually think are most important to a campaign.

Kathleen   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Where were all you haters when Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson said the same things after 9/11. They were invited to the White House afterwards and celebrated by the Religious Right.

Obama in '08!

Elizabeth   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Geraldine Ferraro is just as "desjpicable" as the Clintons - birds of a feather!!!

Bryan Probert   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

The People of America should never forget the words of Wright
"""God D…. America"""
Obama your 20 years of Loyalty to this person will cost
you the trust and respect of the peoples of America.

Bryan from Switzerland

mark   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

You have to make it so believable. Explain the 20 years of staying and only denouce now to obtain political gain. explain your wife's comment. No lame excuses and just be truthful. that's the quality of a good leader i'm looking for.

simple thought ?   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

no more speaches , no more spin. it is what it is . and your wife dissplays the same and you allow your children to subjectacated to
it. a mentor of 20 years ,those who flock togather cackle the same tune.

missouri.

Kenneth   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

All of you who are trying to discredit Obama over his pastor's remarks are the unpatriotic people. First, what happen to freedom speech? The pastor has the right to say what he feels. No one ever agrees 100% with what someone else says. I am sure your own Momma said some things you did not agree with, but you did not fire your own Momma. Secondly, the media is taking a sermon or two from the pastor, when Obama was not even in church on those days, and acting like this is all the pastor had to say. This is obvious political smeering. This is the same old politics from the past that folks are tired of. When everyone just talked about the issues and campaigned, Obama was kicking Hillary's butt. Now Hillary and the media have got to team up to try and find something to discredit Obama.

Michelle, VA   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

What I don't understand is that if church and state are separate, why should we be concerned with a sermon from any pulpit? I can't understand the logic that says we should listen to an entity that fleeces its flock while not paying taxes in this country.

As far as support is concerned, rapper 50Cent has stated that he supports Hillary Clinton for President. No one has yet to ask her to "reject and denounce" his support, and God knows the messages he puts out are most harmful to any and everyone in this nation and abroad.

Let's be fair to all because there were things said by Oral Roberts, Jerry Falwell, Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Schuler, etc. that some in the black community can view as inflammatory. The meek will never inherit the earth, unless such inheritance comes as a result of having dirt thrown over one's body after death.

Kathy in Oregon   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Very glad all of Obama's deceptions and lies are being revealed before I cast my vote in our state's primary in May. I was considering voting for the man.

Obama is proving to be SLICKER than most politicians. And I'm tired of his self-righteous, better-than-thou attitude. This speech on racism will be one more example of Obama preaching at us.

And after seeing his mentor — Rev Wright — simulating sexual acts at the pulpit and preaching hate, I'm NOT interested in anything OBAMA has to say!

His candidacy is divisive.

Fendley   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

How could Obama not know about the hate from his preacher in 20 years? He probably agreed with everything the idiot said, in which case they all need to get out of the country, they hate so badly. I'll help buy the tickets. Obama is an imposter, probably the Anti-Christ.

Mary Sue   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I'm glad he's going to address the issue. I've read "The Audacity of Hope" and don't see how the man who wrote those thoughts could endure angry, hate-filled, profane speech from a so-called pastor of a so-called Christian church…for 20 years. :-0 Maybe voters will not hold Obama accountable for his pastor's tyrannical views. But as an Obama supporter myself, I'm struggling…

Frank in Missouri   March 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

You don't eat HIS lunch !

Straight forward and not afraid to set the record straight ! I can't wait to hear what he has to say !

OBAMA'08

I am proud to contribute to the Obama campaign … small donations whenever I can!

Cynthia St. Louis   March 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

This is an important issue to address, and I am pleased that Obama will be talking directly to the electorate on the very sensitive and divisive issues of race and patriotism.

I hope that the country is ready and able to listen and receive this information and both the MEDIA and the candidates can move on to the defining issues of this campaign: the economy, the war in Iraq, our broken health care system and gridlock in Washington.

I am still convinced there is no finer person suited for the job of Commander in Chief than Barack Obama.

Jon   March 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

So once he addresses this controversy, can we finally put to bed this false notion that Obama is a Muslim? I only mention it since now Neo-cons are bringing up his "long time pastor" of 20 years, and the fact that he was married in this church and his children were baptized there. What a dangerous Muslim that is. As for these remarks, I'm glad he kicked the Wright off his campaign and also it's a good idea to address this issue head on. I hope if Obama makes it to the White House we can continue to expect this kind of direct talk from him.

MNDem   March 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Welcome to "soundbite America".

The American Sheeple can be so easily persuaded by a 15 second soundbite. You can try to have a civil discussion t