PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) - Sen. Barack Obama, who has mostly avoided focusing on race during his campaign, is delivering a major speech on the issue Tuesday after spending the weekend on the defensive over racially charged statements from his former minister.
The senator from Illinois' biggest challenge is the same as that faced by Republican Mitt Romney, who gave a major speech during his presidential run to reach voters unfamiliar with his Mormon faith: Obama will be looking to explain the Trinity United Church of Christ and its worldview to voters who are aware only of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's headline-grabbing comments.
And Obama's most pressing task will be his attempt to take control of the campaign narrative after days of tough headlines.
– CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Kevin...totally agree! I wanna know how its logical to say hes racists?
Your point was FAB!!
I am white and Obama has just hit a grand slam, anyone not voting for this man for president, is either part of the establishment hell bent on distroying the dream of a peacefully United America, or just an unforgiving racist.
Bill will say that is also a myth!!!!
No Obama as VP on Clinton ticket
Step down Obama!!
A very good speech so far,as a nation we must unite and move forward.
`
What I want to know is this... now that we have heard Jeremiah Wright's racial comments, where the heck is Al Sharpton? Shouldn't he be calling for him to be fired or something ?????
`
his speech today is nothing short of a campaign speech and free air time for Obama.
Blah, blah, blah. He is really so full of himself – paints himself as the great "savior" of U.S. What a joke!!! I don't buy it. He's simply not ready.
Barack Obama you have my support!
Obama's reaction to this is how he will handle future controversy. A lot of excuses and no real action. Wow, another speech, what is that going to do for us and how does this handle the situation at hand? It doesn't.
Truly amazing speech. He's right, lets move beyond our devisions and fear, and start talking about the REAL issues that plague America.
Obama dosen't have to use the race card his campaign workers and his supporters are doing it for him.
I just watched Obama's speech and i am so touched.
This man is special and a true leader.
God bless him.
I found Barack Obama's speach today inspiring and rivetting. However, from the very beginning he should have also stated that the founding fathers also failed to recognize women as full citizens.
Hillary retains my vote, however, as specific policies and solutions will giude my choice for the next leader.