CNN

Well people, now you know why Obama sat in the pews for twenty years. He was waiting on Wright to RETIRE! LOL! This is the single most obvious political pandering I have ever seen. Talk about finesse!

-–Sure he would have !!!!!!!!!!!!!---

He's starting to sound like clinton..."I would have"...after the fact...sad

I think the correction is; since you found out about my church and its teaching I had no choice but to make this statement. I only did this so I can get the vote of some many that my beliefs have offended. Obama’s family has made this election about race and in all of their speeches its not so much for the good of our country but more for the black community and it being their time and for us to support this.

Now that BHO wants both ways again: He would have left his church had his mentor and hatemonger for 20 years stayed, didn't he just say, in his so aclaimed speech, he could not disown his mentor Wright, just as he cannot disown his white grandmother? Does he disown his mentor or not? Another proof of his hypocrisy, and phony claims.

Haven't we had enough of this drivel already?? It's been asked AND answered. Move on...

I am looking forward to letting Obama focus on the issues...and for him to become the nomimee...

Wright isn't running, but OBAMA is and he is an honest, transparent man..we need him!!!

I'll take Barack over Hillary...any day of the week!!!

Are you kidding me NOT Mr. " I can no more denounce Rev. Wright no more than I can my grandmother" Obama is such a double talker. He is only doing this because he under so much pressure from the back lash of this...Rev. Wright is still a part of the church and still has some say in the church because he is still considered Sr. Pastor. So the question is when will he leave the church?

"I cannot disown Pastor Wright".... hmmmm

'Honest officer, I was going to slow down at the next stop sign!!!"

He should have quit this church the FIRST time Wright used HATE SPEECH.

It's like asking a 4 year old with chocolate all over his face if he has been in the candy.....

PULEEEASE!!!

I think It would be smart of Sen. Obama to have a sit down with his new pastor and see what his views are concerning Isreal, white america, Italians, and other issues that could effect him in the general election. If he doesnt feel comfortable after the meeting then he should move his membership to another place of worship. It's sad when the church can't focus on spiritual things. I'm sure this church does a lot of good things for the community, but it seems like the church only makes headlines when its involved in something stupid.

well hilliary is one more reason you should stop this circus and drop out of this race because theres no way you will beat obama. you have thrown everything at him includeing the kitchen sink and he is still standing

liar liar liar. you are only saying that because you were cuaght on your lies.

YOU DO NOT CONVINCE OBAMA!

Hillary or McCain

i think what he is trying to say is had the videos not come out he will not have been forced to make that speech, if he really believed half the crap he was feeding us he will have given the speech to his church years ago when he had no political ambition, Americans are too easily duped, first GW Bush than another lightweight Obama, we deserve whatever we get because we vote based on soundbites and you have media like MSNBC who should put a disclaimer on every show saying aid for by OBama for president:" How sad

Sure you would have.

He is absolutely full of it! Are we really supposed to believe this? He had every opportunity in the world to leave the church in the last 20 years but CHOSE to stay. Of course it is convenient to say that you would leave now!

When did he plan to Quit ????? if he did not retire !!!!!!! Is it because he is the presidential candidate now???? What happened for the last 20 years??? His preaching was Ok ???? What is wrong with this attitude ???? this is very fishy to me. To get the presidential nomination this guy will do anything ??? No moral values. It was ok all these years and is not ok??? I could throw up as America 45% behind this type of a guy to rule our great nation who says will unite the country. Please all press cre wake up! Anderson cooper/ L.King/King/Blitzer.....& MSNBC

What a liar. Obama had 20 years to leave the church and he stayed and listened to the racist, anti-american garbage spewed from the pulpit. Obama will get beat in the GE and I will do anything I can to help defeat him. I have been a democrat for almost 20 years but will take great pleasure in voting for McCain if Obama is the nominee.

Hold up.

The bulletin in question, July 10 and 22, he WASN'T in Church those weeks.

As a matter of fact, on July 22nd he was on a campaign stop in Florida. There is video to prove it. He didn't even see those bulletins.

Hell, I don't read all of my bulletins when I go to church.

Come on CNN, be honest and start reporting on the other candidates "spiritual advisors". You can start with Hillary's "The Family" cult and McCain's Hagee and Parsley.

Why is the AA preacher gettting worse treatment in the press than what Falwell and other conservatives preachers said about Americans who suffered deserved 9/11 and Katrina for immorality?

Of course, I won't hold my breath for you printing these fact or looking into it.

These bulletins came out a year ago, how come you didnt leave the church then Obama? You didnt even mention this stuff in your moving race speech.

Obama just admit you were part of radical church that is in bed with Islamic extremists, anti-American sentiments, and for twenty years you digested this material.

Now you expect us to believe you after you have listened and believed this garbage all these years.

You are finished.

He will say anything to get elected. Why didn't he say this when he gave his speech? He didn't think more facts would come out. Obama thinks that the American people are stupid, and easily persuaded with a motivational speech, and he is RIGHT.

He would have left his church if his pastor had not retired.
What a liar. Oh, that's right Hillary gave you the answer a few days ago remember.
Obama, the umm, woulda, coulda, shoulda candidate.

Hillary/Edwards 08

Laughable. It is very easy to say this after the fact but if he was going to leave the church he had 20 years to do so. Obama is being exposed as the shady character he is.

Amazing...the guy was on his campaign staff...Obama says anything and it all amounts to NOTHING!

Hmm . . . Will be interesting to see how Obama once again "talks" his way out of these statements by his dear friend and pastor of 20 years.

I don't blame Obama for what his pastor says. However, I do not believe him either when he feigns ignorance as to the level of vitriolic language used regularly by Wright. Does Obama agree with this language - no, absolutely not. Did he take any steps to discourage this type of language from the pulpit in his church - well apparently the answer has to be no, absolutely not, because he claims being unaware of it. Right! Obama cannot have it both ways, or can he.

Tune in folks!

OK, so in which year of the 20 were you thinking about leaving, exactly?
And I may be wrong, but I don't think the pastor has admitted that his remarks were offensive until recently. While the Obama fanatics are busy skewering Hillary over Bosnia, they seem fine with the multiple lies told by their candidate regarding this whole issue.
1. I never heard him speak those words.
2. Had I heard those words, I would have left.
3. I was in church when some of those sermons were delivered.
4. The man is like family to me.
5. I disagree with those remarks, but he is like my "uncle."

If you think this will go away should Obama be the nominee, the Republicans are already salivating at the opportunity to bring him down with this. He is no longer a viable candidate, and should walk away.

Really, now why is that so hard to believe? Did he say the same 20 years ago? Oh well, he'll retire in 20 years so we'll leave when he does not retire then!

yeah! right!

Good Lord...will everyone just let this story die!! I seriously do not want to hear anymore on Reverand Wright. I think this overkill is going to backfire. How many people, do you suppose, have been reviewing every sermon this man has ever given or everything he has ever written...and how much money do you suppose is going into this endeavor? So all of you Clinton and McCain supporters...keep giving generously to those campaigns so your money can be spent on digging up dirt on pastors? It is truly insane!!!!

I'm sorry, but no matter what this man (Obama) says about this issue or any issue for that matter, I don't believe a word he says anymore. I don't believe he would have left the church considering he was there for 20 years and had Wright on his advisory committee. This reminds me of Obama's stance on the invasion of Iraq. If I did vote I would have voted against the war. Please, Obama, we're not stupid.

Should have left 20 years ago. Typical of Obama, always an excuse after the fact.

Stop twisting the polls CNN – there are more disturbing statistics about how people really feel about Obama.

It is sure a good thing this guy retired. Sure you would have? Wink, wink

Oh my gosh, another pathological liar just like Hillary. Does he think people are stupit or what!? The only reason he said he would leave the church is that he got caught! Pure and simple....he got caught!!!

He hangs around with people that hate America, hate Jews, hate whites and blame America for 9/11. Get a clue people....under all that sweetness and style Barack is just like them.

Remember the quote, "Tell me who you hang around with and I'll tell you who you are."

hmmmmm. . . would have left after only 19 years? once he decided to run for President? Pundits would be eating that comment up if it came from either of the Clintons.

The more I hear about Rev. Wright the more frightening Obama becomes. The 20 years of mentoring is a form of brain washing. Only after this last round of news, he would have left the church? It is too bad none of this surfaced in the early stages of this election. I just find it hard to believe he can have any supporters left. This country will not elect him if he is the nominee. The republicans need only to point a finger in the direction of Rev. Wright. You can argue all you want about Obama didn't say it, he listened for 20 years. The handwriting is on the wall.

Really pathetic!

Obama lies through his teeth...he attended that church for 20 years so I'm sure that was not the first time he's heard the preachers comments about white, jewish, and italian people. He's not bringing change to washington....it's just too bad that no one will see it until it's too late.
I'm sure if clinton's church would of said something about black people that Obama's camp would be crying bloody murder and that clinton was a racist....Come on people, wake up!

LIAR!! That's 20 years Mr. Obama, 20 years! you should've left a long long long time ago. Don't try to flimflam us. We don't believe you. You're almost pathetic. You even took his "Yes We Can" from his sermons. Now that I think about it, Can someone please research what is really behind this "Yes We Can" as ministered by Pastor Wright. What was he referring to when he said these words. Let see, maybe it was "Yes We Can, be racist? hate america? what?

So let me get this straight. Obama is now admitting that Wright's comments warranted him leaving the church? Comments that were made years ago.

OK then. Why did it take you until he retired THIS YEAR to realise this?

So much for your great judgement. You're basically admitting here that you would have thrown your pastor under the bus in the name of political expediency, had he not retired, but fail to explain why it didn't dawn on you to do this 20 years ago when you had nothing to lose or gain.

oops, correction...

That's good to know...but you are not responsible for someone else's words or beliefs.

Regardless, everyone should be judged by the life they lead, not by someone else's 10 second sound bites.

Obama 2008!

then why was he on your campaign spiritual advisory committee???

Obama said first he didn't know about the statements:
Question:
Did you know that he made these statements before the video tape appeared?
"You know frankly I didn't"
"Had I heard or known some of these statements I would have been very clear about it"

Those remarks were blatant lies!

Then a few days later:
"Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial?, While I sat in the church. YES"
"When these statements first came to my attention was at the beginning of my presidential campaign"

So why didn't he leave the church a year ago?????

I don't care about Rev. Wright. I care about Obama not telling the truth!

This is an Obamanation!

But has Rev Wrigh really left the Church and with retirement comes silence? I think not. Trinity United is building Rev Wright a custom 10,340-square-foot home in Tinely Parl Ill. He is still Senior Pasture on the Trinty United Web Page and he is still writing for Trumpet Newsmagazine which is a Church publication run by his two daughters. The money that the Obama's are giving and will give to this Church is still going to help support Rev Wright and his ideas/beliefs. Ties have not been cut and if Senator Obama is some how elected I bet the Rev Wright starts preaching agian and then what happens??
It is so sad to see Senator Obama taking the Democratic Party done this road – because of his lack of judgement about this Church and his unwillingness to NOT cut ties with it the Democratic Party may get 4 years but it won't get 16 years! It is a very sad election year.

yeah right another lie. LOVE IT .

I think that the bottom line to all of this is that WE have an opportunity.

There are reasons that people think and speak the way that they do on all sides of all issues. If we simply shut our ears and proclaim them to be inadequate in some way, we're doomed to re-living these same scenarios over and over.

It's our opportunity to TALK not shout about the things we disagree on. It's our opportunity to listen to the experiences that have lead others to how they feel.

This election will say a lot about who WE are. It is all about our ability to fulfill the promise of America by tolerating others no matter what their race, gender, religion, politics or any other individual differences.

Are we up to it?

Seems to be a fact missing from the Obama comments for today that he would have left his church and pastor if he had not resigned.

Wright just very recently resigned yet these remarks have been going on since 9/11 and before. Obama's statement simply does not hold any truths as he would have left or asked Wright to resign years ago if he really believed what he is telling us today.

This is change?????????????????

First it was "I was not aware of these statements" and now it is "I would have left the church if he did not retire". Talk about saying anything in order to get elected!

Obama is a fool and his cult is troubling. TOO LATE to distance yourself. My Pastor and church comes first and if it was full of hate and evil remarks I wouldn't last a single sermon. Obams, folks, is not a real Christian. He's a phony and as corrupt if not more so than any seasoned politician.

I am and independent so no matter what Hillary pleads democrats to do I will vote for McCain. I can at least say I respect the man.

I believe that at this time,when the Rev. has retired, it is easy for Senator Obama to say that he would leave the church, but I don't believe him. When he made the comment on the view he did not look anyone in the eye. He should have looked the camera in the eye to the American people that were watching and made the statement, he did not! Could it be that he waqs lying again????

rev. moss is just as bad.......

more of the same, this church has shown it is racist, asian and again.

it's really sad, and so is obama's excuses..........

Missouri

I HAVE SEEN NO COVERAGE OF CLINTON LYING ABOUT BEING ATTACKED WHEN SHE WENT TO BOSNIA. YET I AM STILL HEARING ABOUT THIS.

This is a shame that it has come to this. Well I would not have left my church because the reality of the matter is: the ones who are saying that they are not going to vote for him because of something that someone else said probably were not going to vote for him in the beginning. People just need to deal with truths that this country is racially and culturally divided and many don't want to look at that and lets work together to solve it. They would just rather pretend that it did not happen.

"Sen. Barack Obama says in an interview scheduled to air on TV Friday that he would have left his church if his pastor had not retired and had not acknowledged making comments that "deeply offended people."

Obama missed what Wright was saying in his 20 years of close freindship and influence, hired him as an advisor to his campaign, and NOW claims if Wright hadn't resigned he would have left the church?

This isn't just political theatre, it's BAD political theatre. He's playing politics as usual, speaking out of both sides of his mouth, and using his surrogates to try to deflect the attention from his bad judgements.

The Republicans will spoon feed his lack of patriotism and his racism in the general election.

This won't be a "smear campaign" since Obama has given so much evidence of his lack of patriotism and his racism.

At heart, I don't think Obama is as unpatriotic or as racist as he appears. However, he has been so sloppy that he appears that way, and that's what will kill us in the general election.

That would have been political expediency on Obama's part. But it wouldn't have answered the "20 year" question for voters.

ANY Christian can understand that. for a church of 8500 members, it is not to beconfused with your close knit 100 member church. Obama was a spectator at a rally on Sundays. It is HIGHLY possible that he NEVER heard these PARTICULAR remarks, but knew his Pastor's fiery sermons could still be an issue.

I do support Barack, but even if I didn't, I could care less about what his pastor says. Rev. Wright is not running for President, Barack Obama is! I don't think there are anyone who can control what their pastors say or do! Besides, all of this is in the past. Isn't that what Hillary says when questioned about Peter Paul or any of the other major scandals in the life of the Clintons! We need to focus on the issues that affect America now. CNN, take the lead, and stop sensationalizing the negative attacks, and focus on what the candidates think about the issues. If you choose to continue to report on all the negatives, you need to be fair to both sides. When it came out that Hillary lied about her Bosnia experience, it was big news for maybe a day, but when something comes out about Barack, it stays in the news for days or weeks. I find it highly suspicious that this new information about Rev. Wright comes out right after Hillary is caught in her lie, and of course, the media is no longer reporting on her lies about the Bosnia trip, but on what Rev. Wright did. To recap, Barack did not make those remarks, Rev. Wright did...Hillary herself lied about the facts of the Bosnia trip, not just once, but at least three times.

Obama is such a "Back Seat Driver"
another "Monday Morning Quarterback"
"I believe Sen. Clinton is right"
What reasonably intelligent person doesn't have HINDSIGHT?

WAKE UP!!!! OBama is an OFFENSE to the UNIFYING message he preaches for the country. He is a COWARD

WOW
HE WOULD HAVE LEFT THE CHURCH IF REV WOULD HAVE NOT RETIRED.
BUT AFTER 20 YEARS, THAT'S THE QUESTION????
OBAMA IS FULL OF HOT AIR
I WILL VOTE FOR MC CAIN IF HILLARY IS NOT ON THE TICKET.
I DO NOT WANT SOMEONE WHO IS NOT TO BE PROUD OF BEING AN AMERICAN TO RUN MY COUNTRY.
ALL THE DEMS NEED TO WAKE UP,WE NEED HILLARY AND THERE IS NO QUESTION.

HILLARY '08

..sure he would have. Just like he never knew that Wright made any comments like that. How stupid does he think the voters are? Oh wait, that's right, alot of people have been taken in, like his AA (shocker, I know) base, and the very young and impressionable screaming children, and of course, all those latte liberals who have never seen the real world from their ivory towers.

More hindsight from Obama. First, he was against the war, but once he was in the Senate he voted for bills to support the war. Now that his church has been exposed as a negative for him, he would have left if Rev. Wright would not have resigned. Woulda, coulda, shoulda!

You can't take seconds from 30 years of sermons out of context and specific lines out of volumes of text written regardless of where they are published to characterize or define any individual.

My point being that all the knee jerk response from all the critics and media makes me wonder what deep dark secrets others are hiding and attempting to avenge for that causes them so be so indignant and self-righteous.

AND THE REV. MOSS IS MORE OF THE SAME???????

SO WHATS CHANGED????????

DIFFERENT PASTOR, SAME RACEIST RANT.........

SAD REALY SAD.............

MISSOURI

say what you will... nothing has changed...........

Great, I can hear the Republicans right now, waving their beach sandals in the air chanting "Flip Flop". I HOPE Obama realizes that not everyone blindly believes he is the candidate for REAL change. Solutions for a NEW economy in America, that is what we need. Pelosi, Dodd, Richardson, Kennedy and Kerry, please take Obama with you on your Loser Boat, Swiftly. We NEED someone we BELIEVE can truly beat McCain.

- HILLARY '08

Yeah, right. If he was going to leave, why didn't he say so in his speech??? How is lying now!

What a liar.

"I never heard him say anything"

"I sometimes heard him say things"

"I would have left because of what he said"

What a crock. Wright is an America hating bigot and Obama is his 20 year friend. Liberals hate America anyway, and Obama has both influences. If he can't unify the democrats, how will he unify the nation?

Well, the pastor retired, he does not need to quit the church!--should this decision be made after 20 years of listening to his sermons?

Also, what does it tell us that Obama still chose Wright as his campaign spiritual leader after he retired from the church?–He agrees with him all the time! EVen now.

What about the previous 20 years? Takes a long time for Obama to make a decision or is it just poor judgement?

So what's the excuse for his being the Obabma campaign's spiritual adviser !?!?!

Now he says he'd have left. After 20 years. How politically convenient. I respected Obama more when he stuck to his guns. His insincerity has been exposed here.

Okay, I think we've run the whole Rev. Wright issue and comments into the ground. Geezz, enough already. What's next comments about his hair or his favorite foods, etc.

Who cares? Rev. Wright is NOT running for President. All this is to pointless at this stage of the game. People don't really care anymore, they are more worried about paying their mortgages and putting gas in their car, etc.

Let's move on shall we? The polls clearly indicate that Americans DO NOT care about the pastor issue. DAH...

He could have leave one year ago when his pastor was still in control of the church.

Yeah,sure......He's just as bad as every other politician. He'll tell whatever lie it takes to try to get elected.

what a lie!! Why did he wait this long!! was he not aware of his Pastor's raving and ranting all these years. Why now? Political expediency????Greed for Power???

Good for you Sen. Obama! Free thinking Americans know you're not an extremist, and that you're opinions are not controlled by a single individual within your church! We know, as with any organization, Wright was one of the more extreme voices in your congregation... and his retirement is proof that your church has moved on!

The country is with you and know you will make a terrific president!

OBAMA '08!

This is a tired issue..it's been addressed.....only the PRESS is interested in keeping this going. the MEDIA says "people" are still talking about it but the "people" talking about it are in the media....DROP IT ALREADY!

Only because you got caught! GO AWAY OBAMA!!!

you didn't leave in the previous 20 years and i'm sure you knew his views

This is the most absurd and calculated political statement he has made yet.
We are supposed to believe that after 20 years, he would now all of sudden leave??? Running for president have anything to do with that decision?
Come on, who can't see right through that statement...
Lift the wool up, and you will see he is just doing and saying whatever he needs to. That's not right. I don't trust him.

Woulda Coulda Shoulda

you had 20 years to leave tho church Mr Obama

Obama was there first 20 years!!!! what does he mean he would have left.

obama has just lost credibility! what a sell out. people are upset so he crumbles???

obama cannot be our president. I will vote for McCain if he gets the nomination

The more I hear about Rev. Wright the more frightening Obama becomes. The 20 years of mentoring is a form of brain washing. Only after this last round of news, he would have left the church? It is too bad none of this surfaced in the early stages of this election. I just find it hard to believe he can have any supporters left. This country will not elect him if he is the nominee. The republicans need only to point a finger in the direction of Rev. Wright. You can argue all you want about Obama didn't say it, he listened for 20 years. The handwriting is on the wall.

Can this PLEASE be the last time Wright gets mentioned. I want to hear about Obama's vision for this country and how he proposes to take us forward. November is coming up fast and someone needs to start taking on McCain.

One word...no, four words...Obama is a liar

The story that just wont die and the GOP is loving every second of it because they will wrap this crackpot Wright around Obama's neck in the general election.

And nobody believes anything Obama says on this issue. He flat out lied about not knowing about these comments despite his 20 year relationship with the church and Rev. Wright and now he's lying about leaving the church had Wright not retired.

The latest – the anti Israel / anti semetic articles Wright had reprinted in the church newsletter.

Are the Obamas not on the mailing list for their church newsletter? Maybe their copy was lost in the mail?

Give me a break.

Hillary or NOBODY in 08!

Fact is no one gives a crap about Rev Wright, lets get back on topic dealing with the economy now. I'd rather not hear anymore about this unless you show me footage of Obama cheering behind Wright with pom pom's, as wright spews racist anti-american comments. Until that time, we are tired of blaming Obama for the actions, and words of Wright. Lets get real america, and step up to the real agenda's at hand.

Democrat 08

This is still america, and a person has a right to attend what ever church they choose. I am a catholic, and I did not leave the catholic church when our pastors, bishops, and even Cardinals were protecting child abusers. I believe a pedophile is worse then a hate-monger. Barack has every right to stay at his church. Pastor Wright is gone.

Please Obama, he is like an uncle to you. You would never have left him or the church.

You said it yourself, its on record.

Obama is laughing up his sleeve. He surronds himself with such hate and continues to support this church.
This is a disgrace for Americans.
Wake up Ameica.

I do not think so; he is only saying this to appease people; I do not for an instance that Obama thinks that people are that gullible and stupid, and do not think and analyse; twenty years is more than a life time.

The Clintons and supporters will someday meet their maker over their rederick over this. Obama has no controll over what a person sayes or does just like you dont. This is just witch hunting. It will come back to haunt you. Like CARMEN

THIS MAN IS A LIAR PLAIN AND SIMPLE!!!!!!!!!

NOT ELECTABLE!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, please. Let's remember that he lied about what he knew initially, then in his speech he said "Was I aware of this?....Of course." How arrogant.

Obama zombies, think about this...1/2 of all Dems do not support him and recent polls show that we will vote for McCain if he is the nominee.
He isn't going to be President. Plain and simple.

I'm tired of this guys lies. Why doesn't someone tell him to make-up his mind already.

Yeah and I got a bridge in Brooklyn for sale if anyone is interested.

Version 4 of the Obama/Wright relationship story. I didn't hear anything, oh wait, yes I did. No wait, I would've left but Wright left first. Vote for Hillary, the smart choice

How convenient...

Obama: "I went to this church for 20 yrs, but now since there is negative attention, I think I would have left earlier than I did."

Huh??

And we think we can trust this guy, how?

Can you come up w/ anything better to persecute Hillary with besides a silly mis-statement on Bosnia?

Does anyone really think that if Sen. Clinton thought there were more skeletons in her closet, that would obviously come to light in an election?

C'mon people.. who can roll up their sleeves and work for WE THE PEOPLE?

HILLARY 08!!

Great, give the Clintons more ammo for the next 3 weeks up to Pennsylvania! Too bad for this guy, really irrelevant. I am interested where the good Reverand is on this, no where to be heard?

Time to move on. Obama has already addressed the issue.

Obama '08

What a hypocrite and opportunist!

Just 2 weeks ago in his major speech he says that he would not abandon Wright just like he wouldn't abandon his grandmother!!

He should have left the church years ago – a great need to really question his judgement.

God Bless/Help us all!!

oooooookkkkkk..... and that takes care of everything..... in fact, we are a better country because of this news.

Too late Obama, because there's Donnie McClurkin also in your camp. finally someone is paying attention. Religious, hate mongers don't belong in our politics, especially with the Democrats.

I've seen enough with the Bush Administratiion with Robertson and the late Falwell but understand it because for the Republicans that is their base.

Hillary 08!

First, he denied knowing anything about the controversial remarks. Then he acknowledge that he did indeed know about them but stuck by his pastor. Now he says that after 20 years he would have left the church had his pastor not retired. Yet just a few months ago he amde him a religious advisor to his campaign. Sounds like Obama will say anything to get out of this. So much for "Change we can believe in". More like "Politics as usual". Let's face it, Obama is a hypocrite. Not a good sign for the candidate whose sole rationale for running is change, with no record to fall back on. It looks more and more like Hillary is the Dems only hope to beat McCain in November.

Barack is really disappointing me. It's very hard to believe this claim given that he had Wright on his campaign team as a spiritual adviser. I gotta say, this sounds like more Democrat "misspeaking" than anything else, although this one can't be proven one way or another. I normally lean Republican, but this war has made me want to go Democrat, and two liars who tolerate racist people in the inner cycle are all that party can offer me as candidates? Really, I mean they couldn't find anyone better to offer me as a choice?

Regardless if there is a candidate in that church, it is sad to know that such ignorance and bigotry is being spewed from a pastor.

I have one great fear in my heart, that one day when they are turned to loving, they will find we are turned to hating.
-Alan Paton, Cry the Beloved Country

Whoa! I am an ardent Obama supporter and truly believe he does not share Rev. Wright's political views BUT this is not good . . .

So why did he remain there for the 20 years before he decided to run for Office.

Obama is a Wimp!

O sure now after he realizes he should have left the church is making up more excuses. First he lies about hearing the hate sermons on America. Now he says he would have left the church eventually after he spent all his years listening to him anyway. He should have left sooner. We don't need a lier in the white house, nor a republican. We need Hillary Clinton! Obama lied about Nafta, and his reverend, and he has a corrupt senior supporter on trail, and another one of his supporters went through Hillary's personal papers. Obama would be the biggest mistake to ever happen to America. We need a leader who can restore America for everyone.

Hillary 08

would have, could have, should have. you had 20 years to leave. interesting you only contemplate leaving when his sermons are dragging down your name. i thought you were going to be a different kind of politician, but you seem quite self-serving to me.

Your all TALK!!!!! Wright is still a senior Pastor in your church. Still has the power to spill his venom against innocent people.

why is CNN still blowing this issue out of proportion. There is nothing new here to report. I have notice over the past week and a half, that CNN & the pro-conservative FOX Network are the only ones that are turning this issue into a atory for no reason. It seems that they think they can turn this election around for Hillary.

WOW....it took him THIS LONG to come up with this !?!?!? If this was true, it would have been one of the FIRST things out of Obama's mouth.....a fabrication (AKA LIE) in response to bad press and dipping numbers....YES YOU CAN....tell a whale of a tale !!!

Why don't I believe him?

Oh yea, He has lied so many times before.

Just like he never heard Rev wright say anything controversial in church.

Then came back and in speech, said he did.

The Church he belongs to is a controversial church with or with out rev wright.

Rev Wright will still remain his best friend and confidant, So what point is Obama trying to make? That Americans are Stupid?

Really?

Okay, I am a Hillary supporter, but I am also not one of the idiots who won't vote for Obama if he wins the nomination (and vice versa).

But seriously...Obama is grasping at straws here. Will anyone believe this? I hope not, for the sake of our image as a truly free thinking country...

Who am I kidding....

This is now, the rationale, that Obama is giving, for staying, & financially supporting this pastor for over 20 years? Because he knew the pastor would be retiring? UNBELIEVABLE!

Headline - "Obama: Had Wright not retired, I'd have left church"

Ha! Just like Ticketgate, I bet had this not come into public view, Obama would not have done a thing. I have this ugly feeling that we are in such a frenzy to elect Obama that we are not looking deep enough into what he stands for. Who is this guy, really??

Unfortunately, this Wright issue is a distraction. I have seen or read the entire text and videos from what snipets the mainstream media takes and runs with. It is just simply tragedic that mainstream media talks about the most controversial "word" or "statement" from entire sermons and articles.

When you actually take the time to hear the entire sermons or read the entire articles, there is no hate or violence being promoted, only a sense of that some type of injustice is done and a solution is needed. I wish that these main stream news agencies would provide direct access to the controversial works that they are citing instead of out-of-context snipets hoping to get a rise out of the public and boost their ratings.

He says it "now" weeks after all of this is out and only because people are questioning the motives. Do I want a president that sat there for 20 years listening to the racism and bigotry? IF the reverend didn't retire, Obama would have left but didn't leave sooner AND subjected his children to the garbage taught in a church. I sure believe that...If Obama is my only choice on the ballot with McCain, I'll vote McCain and suffer 4 more year or even 8.

I don't believe a word he has to say when it comes to Wright. blah blah blah.

SURE.......NOW he says it, but he was sitting in his pew for MANY years listening to the hate spewed by that so called pastor.

Amazing how NOW he says he would have left....after he got caught with his pants down...that he was listening to that rubbish for HOW MANY YEARS Obama supporters????
Convenient isn't it....closing the gate AFTER the horse bolted!

I think even the Obama supporters should be dumbfounded by Obama's latest statements on this whole thing. Umm, Senator Obama, one question: you had 20 years to leave, but oh man, you never realized in 20 years that what goes on in that church is not what 98% of Americans actually do... so please... why wait until now? You're a smart man, Senator, so dont' play coy with the average John Q. Taxpayer, whom you will RUIN with your heavy taxes if you get elected.

Please, people, do some HW about the core foundations of the church. I'm not talking about race, but about their socialist influence. I mean it was founded by Marxists 40 years ago as a way to "dupe" great people into thinking like that... just think for yourself and decide what you want... it's that simple.

Talk about people who will do and say any thing to get your vote! well, your to late Obama. The first time you heard the anti-American and anti-semetic venom from the pulpit, you should have walked out or at least said something. He may not be at church, but as your spiritual advisor and mentor, he will be at the White House. May the roof fall in on both of you!

You know I am a christian who goes to church every Sunday. I must admit that I LOVE my pastor, but there has been times he has said things that I did not agree with. He has his own political views, and personal views as well. I completely understand why Obama has not just said I no longer want to be a part of the church. Unless my pastors gives me biblical doctrine that I KNOW if false, I have no reason to leave. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, just as I am to mine. The Church for many blacks IS family. As a black 31 year old woman who has been at her church since 13 yrs old, the only thing that would ever make me leave my church is if they began to lie about things that concern the bible or is contradictory to the bible.

And as quiet as it is kept, there are a group of people out here who do think that 9-11 was a very sad sad day in our history, but also feels that the US are bullies.. and if we don't learn to respect other cultures in other countries, people will continue to hate us. There are many Americans of many different colors who are not as proud to be an American as we have been in the past. I think that this last administration has been arrogant, selfish and overall concerned about "Who is right instead of what is right". There is more than one way to live and it does not have to be the American way. I love being an American and would not want to live in any other country, but I can't turn my nose up at others because they are different.

If we are going to fight terrorism then lets fight terrorism, but we should not be fighting to beat people in to being just like us.

I guess that's a bad thing..in politics...to be African American. I guess Hillary should try to make people believe she's not a woman or McCain should make people believe he's young.
C'mon media...stop ripping these folks. They're all decent people. Lets stick to the issues. And the facts are I want the troops home and I want a better economy. McCain gets no on both. Hillary gets maybe on both. And Obama gets yes and maybe.

That's why I'm supporting Obama and I can care less about his church. In fact, if you want to attack black churches, go after Rev Butts in NY who supports Hillary and you'll find the same stuff.

What is McCain going to say with the religious zelots he asked to endorse him? Pot -kettle, you think. What about Hillary's Secrete Fellowship? White House prayer groups with the far right?

You don't have to leave your church Pastor Wright does not speak for you. His opinion is just that-his opinion/words/semon/thoughts are just that-HIS.

With all due respect to my fellow Americans, but does anyone in their right mind believe this!? After twenty years with this controversial pastor and church, Senator Obama has suddenly had a conversion of conscience – after the fact when it is too late – and expects us to trust him? And that this should make the problem simply go away? This reminds me of that story about the young man who killed his parents and threw himself upon the mercy of the court because he was an orphan! What audacity of deception!

Of course you would – NOT!!

YEA RIGHT!!!!! This is him trying to back peddle...article should read. If Wrights comments hadn't been made public. I would NEVER had left. He is a coward.

What about his speech...I could never disown him. Now he is saying he woulda left. Like I have posted before. This man talks out of both sides of his face. He says what he thinks people want to hear. Not this time Obama. A little too late for this.

Clinton 08

Obama is my guy but I wish he had not felt the need to make this statement. I dont believe he has anything to apologize for or any reason to defend himself. Even Hillary's Methodist pastor made a statement days ago saying how much he liked and admired Rev. Wright. The pressure of this political game should not separate you from a person you value and who has had meaning in your life.

I am so tired of this story. I feel the same way, I was a member of this church and the pastor said something I did not like, notice I said "I" did not like or understand why it needed to be said in the pulpit. Well I asked a couple of pastors from different churches and they gave me their view. Even though I made my own decision, but a second opinion is good. This pastor was retiring, so I continued going to the church after he retired. Now without taking away anything from this pastor, because God called him to deliver his word which this pastor has done very well.

Our society is made up of others mistakes, misfortunes, wrong doings, and a lot of negativity, the media is the instigator in this vicious cycle. Obama is a decent young man who is trying to make a difference in this world; he has all good intentions to give back hope in the American people eyes and hearts again. His Pastor is a good person as well, we all have done or said something somebody don't like or hurt. Allow both these fine gentlemen to do the work God has set forth for them to do.

I like Obama would have left the church also had Wright remained. Most progressive and intelligent thinking black people like myself don't like this kind rheteric. When my grandson is playing with his friends I often say it looks like the United Nations because they are of all ethnic groups and it is a beautiful to see. This story needs to be put to bed because it serves no purpose or inspiration for change to anyone especially our children.

oh please america, get over it, pastor wright has zero chance of being the next president of the united states, barack obama is his own person just like hilliary is running for president, not bill . i appreciate the speech that obama gave on racism in america, he response to disagree with his former ( key word ) pastor and i hope he wins this nomination and goes on with hilliary's support to take the president seat back from the republicans and bring real change to america.

This statement is ridiculous since he stayed for 20 years. The fact that Rev. Wright said he acknowledged the comments were offensive does what? I guess that a hardcore bigot has to be told that thier words are offensive, so why did he sit there silently with his wife and children, until running for president. Could it be that he agreed with this hate speech ,or did he not realise they were offensive because he also is a bigot. Give me a break. He used this church to get elected in illinois and he would not allow his children to go there if he objected to the sermons.

Had his pastor not retired, he would have left? What about the last 20 years of incendiary remarks Reverend Wright has made? Oh, I forgot...Obama wasn't running for president until now. It's very easy to say that he "would have left his church if his pastor had not retired" now that we see what he and the rest of the congregation has listened to for so many years. Just like those who say "sorry" after getting caught doing something wrong: they are not sorry for what they did, they are sorry for getting caught.

Who's running for President.....Barack Obama or Rev. Wright?

This man has good judgement. NOT !

Sorry. Obama is Lying again.

Another lie from BHO. Can this guy ever tell the truth?

hmmmm.....

This does not sound genuine. If he had really felt this way, he would have said this immediately. This is definitely backtracking and political expediency. As more and more examples are revealed, Obama will not be able to continue to claim that Wright only preached anti-white, anti-Israel comments on the rare occasion.

Is this retired pastor running for president?

FOX has reviewed the past 36 years of this man's preaching, and found a total of about 30 seconds of racial and offensive words.

So what ??

Just look at the past 10 years of every human being past life; pastors, politicains, everybody..... and no one will be found clean.

We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

CNN allow our racial wounds to heal

I still take Barack on his word the crazy pastor does not represent his views.

Only right-wing nut cases won't. But they would trash him for something else any way.

Riiiiiight. He had 20 years to leave, he had a whole speech in which he could have said this, but he's just saying it now.

This guy just stinks.

Oh, of course!

What a hypocrite, isn't Wright the only reason he stayed in that church for 20 years and the creation of his hope?

He would have left the church? I think not– he promptly brought him on as a spiritual advisor.

Those arn't the actions of someone abhorred by the 'good' pastors bigoted comments from the pulpit.

YOU ARE SO FULL OF IT BARACK!

Nobody believes you!!

That's an after the fact cop out if I've ever heard one! Obama, you're a lair!

Lie. Then why hire Wright as the Spiritual GURU?

I dont like what Obama is becoming !!!

Obama has been saying that he never heard these sorts of comments in church. But the reports are that there have been many, many nasty comments like these on a variety of topics over a number of years. If Obama never heard them, does that mean he rarely attends church?

Okay. If Clinton had made this kind of claim, CNN would be jumping up and down screaming that she's a liar. Do you actually believe what Obama is saying? Come ON. He just stood by him a few days ago! Please.

And I believe him whole heartily I would have even left.

I'm not voting for Wright, I'm voting for Obama. Every Republican candidate for the past 15-20 years has had some 'interesting' religious figures on their teams (even McCain right now), but I didn't see this type of uproar. Then again...I guess its ok to criticize gays, minorities and the poor but not the good ole' U. S. of A. She can do no wrong!

Barack Obama is not Jeremiah Wright! Let it Go already!!!!!

Yeah Sure! Of course he would say this. I would say that he stayed about 20 years too long in the Church of Hate.

He's lied about everything else, and we are supposed to believe him because? He is a pure RACIST, and nothing will ever change.

I wish he had left the church as soon as he decided to run for the doemocratic party ticket.

It is unbelievable that he has said that he would have left if he had heard his hateful comments against our country. What stikes me the most is,he is lying through his teeth.. He knew what this pastor was all about ,but he continued to go to that church for his political gain.Are we going to commit political suicide by making him our nominnee. The Republican machinne is getting prepared to throw not only the kitchen sink at him ,but an entire house.Wake up people he will lose against McCain ,he is not electable.

yea, yea, yea... if only I knew

He was OK to go to this pastor to get the spiritual guidance when it was convenient to him.

Now because of his ambitions, he has thrown himunder the bus.

Where have the morals gone?

Enough said. Lets move on.

Is this someone, who doesn't want to play politic?

This pastor was his campagin consultant and religious partner until a few weeks ago. How could he said that he would have left the church when he chose this guy to be with him until a few weeks ago.

Mr.Obama – your supportor might be stupid but others are not. Please don't treat us cheap.

On top of that, this church, which he's still with, just using this event to compare to lynching. Is that the best term to use at this time? let's try to spin that a little more.

Obama cannot say that. 20 years later. How and when did he think Rev. Wright was going to retire...Come on people, Obama knows what he is doing...

Sure, now that you were caught with you're hand in the cookie jar.

In other words, the only reason he would leave the church is because it's hurting his campaign.

He had TWENTY YEARS to figure out that Wright was a hate filled bigot, and during ALL that time, none of Wright's views bothered him. Now, suddenly, when he's running for president, he decides Wirght is too extreme.

What a crock.

remind me why I care? Did Obama make those statements? no? Ok then.

you dont actually believe that do you.. This man is saying anything to get his votes back that he has lost. Its going to make the situation worse

I reccomend him stop talkin about it.. american people will forget about it

ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No one mentions that Bill invited Rev Wright to the White House. No one mentions that Hillary has no core religious beliefs at all (except to perpetuate the Clinton lust for power at all costs).

MOVE ON TO THE ISSUES THAT MATTER!!!!!!!!!!

Who are you KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get a LIFE OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!How stupid do you really think the American people are You are something else

HILLARY 08