Watch portions of Obama's speech Monday. (Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) – Sen. Barack Obama said Tuesday he chose to run for president because he believes "we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together."
Speaking to supporters at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, the Democratic presidential candidate said he rejected racially charged comments made by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, but explained the root of his remarks.
Wright used to preach at the Trinity United Church of Christ, where Obama worships.
Obama said that his belief that all people want to move in the same direction comes from his "unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story."
From CNN Politics
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Amazing speech. Lets move beyond, and talk about the issues.
So now Obama has acknowledged that he WAS in church when his pastor made those hateful comments, contracting his denials he made this past weekend. So now we know – he's a hypocrite, a liar, and a political opportunist.
Let's focus on the essential: Obama admits being there whe his pastor said those things, and he has NOT disavowed his hate-monging pastor.
Period.
Sorry Barack... you've lost my vote.
I find it interesting that the Clinton campaign is steering clear of this issue when they started it in the first place.
Did every Catholic leave the church when pedophile priests and Bishops were uncovered? No. Some did, but some stayed on to practice their faith and try to restore their church's image. Why would we expect otherwise from someone in politics?
To Little To late Obama. You lied on TV and said you were never at Church when he spoke, now today you say you were? Im confused??
The greatest challenge of our time is terrorism. And no, we cannot fight that when divided and in retreat..
!now that was a speech vote obama
B A R A C K O B A M A
All you got to do is listen to him and u know that he does not agree with the rev. HE still has my vote
I don't buy it. As an African American I’m appalled by the remarks Obama has allowed his two, young, easy to influence children to. This would have been a moving speech if he would have made it BEFORE the news broke.
Quote: "Not once in my conversations with him (Wright) have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. "
I am speechless after hearing this. What a LIAR…
Fantastic speech. Obama is right. In order for our country to rise above our current position, we must ALL work together to be a sum greater than its parts. Let's get together!!! Obama inspires me Hillary doesn't.
Great Speech...I was personally moved by senator Obama's words.
He looked so Presidential on the podium.
Mr. President B A R A C K O B A M A
Obama confirmed in his speech that the change he seeks is change in black America, not all of America. That scares me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant speech – "PRESIDENT OBAMA"!
HE NAILED IT. HE DID NOT TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT.
WE NEED TO MOVE ON. I'M SURE THE MEDIA WON'T
Dealing with issues head-on.
How refreshing for a politician, eh Hillary fans?
Mr. Obama is a liar and a hypocrite. Bye, bye, Mr. Obama
The United States may never have the oppurtunity to elect a person like Obama again.
Yes we can!
Starting with CNN we can move beyond this. Statements like "Clinton's widest gains in the state are among white voters, who now back her over Obama by a margin of 28 points." have no place in 2008 politics.
Sen. Obama's speech was absolutely tremendous.
This speach put everyone on notice. He challenged us all to take a good look inside and be bold enough to move to somthing better.