April 3, 2008
Posted: 01:59 PM ET

One of Barack Obama’s senior advisers helped arrange public relations help for Trinity United Church as it grappled with tough coverage in the wake of the Jeremiah Wright controversy, according to a new report.

Talking Points Memo reports that David Axelrod, Obama’s chief strategist, privately contacted Jim Terman, president of Chicago public relations firm Jasculca-Terman and Associates, after the church put out a call for help after Wright's remarks attracted a media firestorm. The firm specializes in crisis management.

"I called Jim Terman and asked if they were interested in helping out and they followed up with the church," Axelrod said in an e-mailed statement to TPM. He added that the phone call was the extent of his assistance. Terman confirmed to the Web site that the firm is now doing pro bono work for the church.

Filed under: Barack Obama


Obama Richardson   April 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

So what? He's continually said he was not aware of the comments in the video, has denounced them, and geeeeeeeeee, those words did NOT come out of Obama's mouth.

H   April 3rd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

THIS STORY MEANS OBAMA REALLY EMBRACES THE THOUGHTS AND IDEAS OF REVEREND WRIGHT, EVEN THOUGH HE DENIES IT.

Anita in NC   April 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Call it BS

Wright lives in a new 10,000 sq ft Chicago home worth courtesy of the TUCC. They can't afford to pay for a PR firm? BS

Pho   April 3rd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I think this was a great thing to do for a church. Just because Wright said those things does not mean all those who go to the church believe them.

INDY PENDENT   April 3rd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Debbie,
Christianity is about a PR Firm telling you what you need to do and say? Not the Christianity I believe in.

dmw   April 3rd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Too late! I can not wait for the Republicans to go off on Obama and his character the same way he and his campaign has been doing to Hillary over the last year. I will smile and say payback is a terrible thing; but we do reap what we sow.

Obama will not be President.

Joe   April 3rd, 2008 4:42 pm ET

So what? Is this election about the future of the country or a single church or minister in Chicago (whose name isn't even on the ballot)?

Ratgurl   April 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

********************************************************
Here's a totally irrelevant title of a story you can write:

"Obama Supporter is a Rock Climber"

If the story isn't news, don't report it.

That's Reality   April 3rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

If Obama becomes President then we"ll have to call in the crisis management team! No Obamanation!

Sara from Arizona   April 3rd, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Please end it with this Church business. Obama 08′

Ruth   April 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

We all desire help when needed, If you can see how badly some whites were affected by what was said, then we should also be able to see how badly the church was affected by thier style of worship not being understood. The natural thing to do would be to help when asked. I'm a Hilliary supporter

Teresa   April 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

After all that mess. Some individuals don't realize whether negative things derived out the church, there is always positive thing that arrive to make new changes in the church.

Samina WI   April 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Shows that gratefulness is another great quality Obama possesses. Glad his campaign is trying to help them out at this hour of need instead of turning their backs which would have been the easier thing to do.

df   April 3rd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Just another reason why I cannot and willnot ever vote for OBAMA. I am not voting for OBAMA for the WRIGHT reasons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BAKARI   April 3rd, 2008 4:23 pm ET

BEING AN ITELLECTUAL AND UNDERSTANDING HOW TO RUN A CAMPIGN.

LifeLongDemocrat   April 3rd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Manipulation is what it is. They are not looking out for the church they are looking out for themselves!

rl   April 3rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I WOULD NOT CALL THIS HOUSE A CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!anything but a church

Olivia   April 3rd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Is this like being in treatment?

Alonzo Demetrius   April 3rd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Isn't there a law concerning taxation when church and political candidate mix together?

bernj   April 3rd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

it seems a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Why is this news?

BAKERSFIELD   April 3rd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

OBAMA CAMPAIGN DOES A LOT OF WORK BEHIND THE SCENES.
NAFTA
OUR TROOPS
REV WRIGHT HELP

Dan , TX   April 3rd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

That's nice.

Its True   April 3rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Good, I'm glad. The media and spiteful people sure did the Trinity Church an injustice by creating a frenzied witch hunt this organization did not deserve.

April in Texas   April 3rd, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Nice to do! I am white and understood the message he was attempting to make although his words were harsh and old fashioned. No need to bash a church on any terms.

Obama 08

Susan, TX   April 3rd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I agree with you Debbie! God is our judge not the people who are quick to cast the first "stone" against Obama for his preacher's mistake.

James   April 3rd, 2008 3:43 pm ET

why is helping a church that believes whites and the American goverment are trash?

NO OBAMA   April 3rd, 2008 3:41 pm ET

But you know Obama didn't support the statements of the church, and just by pure chance was not actually in the church when he said those statements and even though Obama considers the Rev. Wright like an "uncle" he never actually heard him say those things. Still, he thinks its important to use his own campaign people to spin the church's statements. Oh yes..nothing wrong with this at all!!

Tim Rivers   April 3rd, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Hmm…let's see….his former pastor was being crucified in the media - his entire ministry reduced from 30 years to a Faux News-staple out-of-context 30 seconds - his church, which does enormous amounts of good in their community, was being lampooned everywhere and one of the church's members offered to help by calling a PR firm that specializes in crisis managment…and the offense here is what??????

Mike   April 3rd, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I support Obama except this issue. By helping the church to find a PR thats mean you stand behind the church anti-America comments. It's just so easy if DR.wright apologize on his remarks and lets us heal

Hillary 08   April 3rd, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Go away Hommie Obama!!!!!!!!

Arie   April 3rd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

This is not news. But it was a Christian move to try and help the church. I would have done the same thing.

bryan beard opelousas,la.   April 3rd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

They know whats coming.And it aint gonna be pretty.Obama knows there are things he hopes never gets out into the public eye.Buts its too late already because his "uncle" has already done him in.

c.martin   April 3rd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

NO one talks about Mccains bad past. Mccain is getting away with junk. His wife stole drugs and became an addict. Hillary and her Peter Paul trial going on during her campaign. Then Mccain flips flops on 100 year saying then says Obama is blowing it out of context. The same person who said " Iran is helping Al-Qaida. What!!!!

And all we talk about is Obama's former Pastor and his dumb remarks. Repeat Former pastor. People tell me something that about Obama that affects, finance, jobs and war.

Ziri   April 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

This is RIDICULOUS. The Obama campaign is the most corrupt campaign in the history of this country. Watch how the media will cover this story up once more!

Grace   April 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

That is EXACTLY what a TRUE Christian does. God Bless you, Obama Camp. Job well done.

NO one has the power or the glory to JUDGE, that is the sole role of our GOD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness starts with your Christian foundation. "He who is without sin…"

God Bless You!

Obama '08

Janet   April 3rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

How can a PR firm help? The damage is done. What Rev. Wright is
disgusting, and what is more disgusting is that Obama LIED.
He was with this man for 20 years, and said Wright was his mentor.
It showed in remarks Michelle Obama made on more than one
occasions, and Obama's excuse for not wearing the Flag pin, and
his excuse why hw wouldn't put his hand over his heart (as everyone
else did) HE LIED. He is anti american and no PR firm can help
him. God Help Us All is he becomes president.

GG   April 3rd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I do not believe the work is pro bono. Obama is paying them….

Portland   April 3rd, 2008 3:27 pm ET

When 90% of AAs vote for an AA candidate in a state that votes along 53-47 ratio, it is RACISM!!

RealityKing   April 3rd, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Nothing like a quid pro quo from the man that claims to be above the corruption..

Pepou   April 3rd, 2008 3:26 pm ET

So what ? Move on to more important issues, like the economy, the war, etc …

Sharon   April 3rd, 2008 3:26 pm ET

My heart goes out to the members of Trinity UCC. They are a fantastic group of people who have done great work in the area of AIDS outreach, ministering to the poor and sick, and encouraging personal responsibility.

It's tragic that FOX and others have succeeded in demonizing this community. Imagine feeling frightened to go to your personal place of worship. This is a modern day lynching.

dave   April 3rd, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Obama will never win in November, once the republican machine goes after him.

Debbie   April 3rd, 2008 3:25 pm ET

You Hillary supports are going to need counseling when Obama wins the nomination. Maybe Obama's advisor will recommend somebody for you too.

SS in ND   April 3rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

People will sure spend a lot of MONEY TO NOT ELECT the first woman for president. The media has done such a hatchet job on Hillary that some folks should be ashamed.

Ruth   April 3rd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

A church is the house of God, we need to remember that. Priests, Pastors, Rabbis even the Pope sometimes said things that we the people that goes to church do not agree with. Senator Obama is one person with one mind and Pastor Wright is another person with his own mind and his own point of view. We cannot forget that he gave his life to this Country when needed it, something that we cannot say about all the people criticizing him.

Paulinus, Canada   April 3rd, 2008 3:21 pm ET

No one in this world is perfect. It is always a good idea to lend a hand to someone in need.

GARTH   April 3rd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

And how did Talking Point come by this info anyway?

Jama   April 3rd, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Wow!!! Hillary is are only chance in November against the Republicans. These stories are killing Obama. He should quit and let Hillary win the Whitehouse.

Ed   April 3rd, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Can't the man who preached liberation theology liberate his own church?

Celia Ann in Michigan   April 3rd, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Well, at least they didn't offer to pardon 140 people like someone else we know……….

Jake   April 3rd, 2008 3:17 pm ET

So what!!! How about reporting some real news!!

Seth   April 3rd, 2008 3:14 pm ET

is this news of some sort? I don't see the interest.

Maxine   April 3rd, 2008 3:13 pm ET

They gave a company information on the church needing PR help. I am sorry,why punish a whole congregation, because of a pastor. Boy, I am sure glad this country was founded on freedom of religion and the Christians are so forgiving. Yeah, right. Keep all that love.

gene   April 3rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Obama campaign staff had to coach the Rev. Wright, now that is an interesting twist. They are adding their "spin" and want all of them to be singing the same song. To me you just can not spin the No lapel pin, Michelle's anti America remarks and of course Pastor Wright's "God d…. America" comments. Pennslyvania lunch box Democrats are not going to be fooled. Obama is just an Elmer Gantry in a different color skin.

pat   April 3rd, 2008 3:10 pm ET

try not to tell me there no connection there. obama is still backing the good mr. wright an this man wants to be president dont make me laugh. read his book he just as much a raciest as wright he put it down in print.

Yes, DM again Arlington, TX   April 3rd, 2008 3:10 pm ET

This a great thing to do. We need to respect our fellow identies in life weather this is respect to people, churches, gender, race, and sexual orgin.

Richard Rodriguez Rivera   April 3rd, 2008 3:09 pm ET

The Clintons' only care for the Clintons' nobody else nor anything else. The are power hungry and don't care who nor how many they take down with them. At this poing if the Clintons' and others who do not see that there is no way phisical way in numblers that she can overcome Obamas', They must be knitting a very dirty strategy to take him down, no matter what the cost. mind you NO MATTER WHAT THE COST.

LSU Tigers for Obama   April 3rd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Wright is not a political issue at all

My question to Hillary supporters is this:

If she cannot be handle her fiscal responsibilities( bills/healthcare debt) of a campaign, then how in the world can she fix America's money problem????

I will be surprised if anyone can answer this one.

HEIDI   April 3rd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

FOR EVERY TIME THIS REV. WRIGHT STORY APPEARS IN THE NEWS….

I WILL AGAIN ISSUE A CHALLENGE TO AMERICA TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE SERMON. THE REV IS STOP SPEAKING AGAINST AMERICA BUT INSTRUCTING WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CERTAIN EVENTS.

POINT CLOSED.

OBAMA IS HE

Mary   April 3rd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

What about support and PR for his poor Grandmother that he threw under the bus?

AJ, IL   April 3rd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Why is this even worthy of posting? If people are so quick to judge a person, based on 10-second sound bite sermons, then this post is relevant them.

This entire Wright issue has not been vetted, only judged.

Richard Rodriguez Rivera   April 3rd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

It never zeises to amaze me how many people are still so bias, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is not a guess, is a fact. just take a look back at Iowa, 95% white and overwhemly voted for Obama rathe than anyone else in the Demo. race. Its the old school southerners that need to open their eyes and roll with the future generations and rid themselves of the stereotypes that burn under their skin and let loose. Just look at all the progressive people endorsing Barack Obam. It goes to the thick of just finally driving another nail to the already past due sterotyping. Lets come together as a nation for the much needed good of the country and its citizens domesticly and abroad. Lets show the world that WE are united, then and only then we can become a road-model internationally. Stop the bickering and lets raw in the same direction. Lets not be so selfish and blind that we could not see the trap thats going bring us down on our face. COME TOGETHER NOW, TOMORROW MAY BE TO LATE.

Geez...   April 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I can honestly say that my church leaders have never used such harsh rhetoric in their sermons as the Rev. Wright (in context or out of context). I don't remember the biblical Jesus ever using profanity or descriptive derragatory ethnic remarks to make a point either. I don't hate Rev. Wright and I do believe in free speech. As a Christian though my heart would tell me to go elsewhere to learn the word of God. I believe the same goes for those TV evangelicals who put down gays, Muslims, Catholics and anyone else who doesn't believe the way they do. Church should be the one place that you reflect on goodness.

Sally   April 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Can we get on to things that are going to make a difference in our lives. Do people really care that much about Rev. Wright? How about we get on to more important issues, like the economy and gas prices.

Jazz   April 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

And who decided to throw the black church/community under the bus with grandma and Cunningham. There is a silent majority of black church goers who do not appreciate being smeared as racist, anti-American, bigots who are living in the past. They lived through the civil rights movement and took the opportunities that resulted from it to live the American dream and give back to this country. They pledge their allegiance to America not Africa as Trinity does.
Obama missed growing up with this black experience and needed to belong to this type of group for reasons only he knows. Is there really a difference between what they are doing and what a bigot would do ie label the entire group by the despicable actions of some?

D.W.; Miami, FL   April 3rd, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Ummm this is news for what reason?

Chipster   April 3rd, 2008 2:58 pm ET

TUCC website: "Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain "true to our native land," the mother continent, the cradle of civilization."

Yes, Wright has some issues (understatement), separatist teachings for example. How smart can Obama be if he spent 20 years at this church and wasn't aware of Wright's talking points, weekly bulletins, and website information. Can our nation afford 4 more years (or 50 or 100?)of Bush's Blunder? I won't vote for McCain but I can't vote for Obama after learning this stuff.

BHO 4 Prez   April 3rd, 2008 2:57 pm ET

"…after McCain and Hillary are done with him…"

Despite the tough rhetoric, Obama manages to consistently outsmart the competition. He consistently closes the gap where Clinton has a wide lead (e.g., see all the latest polls in Penn.). He knows the problems facing the economy, voted against an unpopular war, and has inspired a whole generation to action. The Wright story is going nowhere fast. Face it folks, he is our next president. Stop the hating and start participating!

Obama 08!

Daniel   April 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I am concerned that Obama has been inconsistent on this issue and people may not know him very well.

BTW, He has been this church for over 20 yrs. Which church is he go before this one?

Tjaye   April 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

And?

Jamey Columbus   April 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

They need a PR firm, so they dont get obama in any more trouble… dig deeper media and you will find answers.

Mike in Houston   April 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I would imagine that those individuals contributing to the Obama campaign are equally proud that their contributions are going to help the PR cause of a racist church in Chicago. The PR firm may be pro-bono, but I'm sure that David Axelrod is not.

Scott C   April 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

"Obama's gonna need a PR firm after McCain and Hillary are done with him….."

That's funny considering that Obama's polling shows that he is stronger than ever, even stronger than before the Wright stuff.

What do you think they can come up with that is worse than the Wright flap?

McCain is an easy target.

He's AGAINST the tax rebates we're getting

He has a crazy anger problem, told a fellow Senator who disagreed with him to go F himself while they debated on the Senate floor.

He lobbied AGAINST an American company getting a billion dollar military contract in favor of a European company.

He is funded, advised by, and surrounded by powerful Washington lobbyists… How many of them have McCain in their pocket?

He wants to overturn Roe v. Wade… how many Democrats are going to vote for a man who wants to do that?

He wants to stay in Iraq

He has a Hoover-esque economic stance of "let the people help themselves"

The list of Clinton negatives are longer.. much longer

Stacy Clarks,   April 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I hope everything works out for this church

W.H. Thomas   April 3rd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

How about reading some stuff on Rev. Wright before we democrats start condeming him. How about reading a short bio on the man and see all the good things he has done over the course of 30 + years. Do I agree with everything the man said..No..But he is no where near the evil person the media makes him out to be. You would be suprised to find out why he went to Libya…I was.

Spirit of America   April 3rd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Who paid for their services? The Obama campaign? Why the roaring silence from Wright? After this crisis management team secured by the Obama campaign got involved, the public has heard absolutely nothing from Rev. Wright. What a nice, Christian thing to do to your pastor/father figure of 20 years! To save his political skin, Obama was willing to shut up his pastor and the outspoken pastor complied.
How the Republicans would just love to have Obama as the Democratic nominee. Maybe that's why so many of them are funding his campaign.

Obama Mama   April 3rd, 2008 2:54 pm ET

SO WHAT !!!!!!….WILL YOU QUIT BEATING A DEAD HORSE…? YOU GIVE LEGITIMATE JOURNALISM A BAD NAME….YOUR NEWS SERVICE IS ALMOST AS DESPERATE AS THE CLINTONS

nancy   April 3rd, 2008 2:54 pm ET

This is an illustration of how the media really ignores reporting negatives on Obama. Rev. Wrights remarks were outrageous and delivered over time. This is not something that can be ignored by the voters. And still Obama is finding ways to help the congregation that listened to these diatribes. I am amazed at this.

Shelby   April 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

And the story is??????? Gosh you guys at CNN are starting to get worse than Fox news. The poles show America is over the Wright issue, you should be too! He's raised $40 million one month, no cares what his ex-pastor has to say, he care about Obama himself has to say. STOP RACE BAITING!!!!

Lee WV   April 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Didn't people come to the rescue after hurricane Katrina.That is what good people do when someone is kicking you when you are down.

T. Philmore, Cape Cod   April 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

. . . . The Rev. Wright story didn't stick to Senator Obama because it
was not true. Even liars get tired of the same old lie.

Yes We Can.

bon   April 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Frankly I wonder why pastors, priests, deacons, etc. matter in the political discussion considering that there is an explicit separation of church and government in this country. I do sometimes wonder who is the better manipulator, the politician or the so-called people of faith.

Rita   April 3rd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Well with Mr. Wright still having the role as "Senior Pastor" at this church it's no wonder Obama is still trying to help them out of there troubles….

Superdelegate   April 3rd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Good on him, instead of throwing them under the bus for his own gains.

MC, in MD   April 3rd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

This is such a shame. I feel bad for the church. How would you like it if the Country came into your church and demonized your pastor? Right or Wrong Rev. Wright has the right to preach whatever he wants to. His congregation gave him that right.

CANDY   April 3rd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I'm glad this will put an end to Bill challenging the supers to support Hillary because of Rev. Wright. Now it is evident that Obama was correct when he said that this church was built on white and blacks. People Hillary and Bill have stirred up so much controversy that everyone is caught up in the mix with them. Now maybe we can continue the canpaign without Rev Wright as an issue.

Obama 08

Scott C   April 3rd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I have no problem at all with this.

The church has been mislabeled a racist, anti-American church.

That isn't fair to the hundreds of good people who are members there.

You can't label the entire church in one shade of color because of the few controversial things said by the former head pastor.

If I were a member of a church that was being slandered in this way I would do the same.

this doesn't reflect poorly on Obama.

If Obama suddenly bashed Wright and the church and disowned them for political reasons, THAT would show weakness of character and cost him my vote.

The fact that he is doing what isn't politically self serving and denouncing the mans words but not the man itself shows strength of character.

CANDY   April 3rd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I'm glad this will put an end to Bill challenging the supers to support Hillary because of Rev. Wright. Now it is evident that Obama was correct when he said that this church was built on white and blacks. People Hillary and Bill have stirred up so much controversy that everyone is caught up in the mix with them. Now maybe we can continue the canpaign with Rev Wright as an issue.

Obama 08

Obama Nation   April 3rd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

He has the money to do it…I think Obama could show his allegiance to his faith by sacrificing his run for presidency and supporting his belief in his church. I would think that he could do a lot of good to promote God and truly change the world instead of allowing the corruption of politics run his life. He is in everybody's back pocket….from Gore to Murdock.

HP Boston   April 3rd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Well isn't that special, well Obama has plenty of money for Wright now.
I bet he could afford 4 or 5 lapel pins, leave em on ea jacket even when they go to the cleaners.
Each and every FLAG PIN will say god dam america in lillte tiny letters.

Rick   April 3rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

All this is nothing but cover up … I cannot believe this. How educated people are covering up bad things to let someone fullfill his dream.

I am fed up with Obama and his supporters covering up. No matter what, he cannot and will not be our President

End Game1   April 3rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Obama spin machine in action. Not my leader

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   April 3rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

The very best help would be: Surely, there are lots of commendable
deeds that Jeramiah Wrights has done. Lots of them. Why have
the News Channels only picked out "sound bites"' that sound bad?
Really? Why?

Obama for President or no one.
Retired Professional White Woman for Obama from Day 1.

USMarine   April 3rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

If Obama wins the Democratic presidential nomination, I'm voting for McCain.

Dale Wise   April 3rd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

The nerve! Helping out an organization whose reputation has been wrongfully dragged through the mud by the media. What's this world coming to?

Nancy   April 3rd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

IS THIS THE BEST YOU CAN DIG UP? DESPERATION IS AN UGLY THING!!!

Gregory T, NYC   April 3rd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

I could really care less about this. Obama is a good and decent Christian and I think his speech on race was one that was long overdue and very heartfelt. It would be a sin and a shame if he is not our next president.

The Perpetual Student   April 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

OK The church put out a call, someone on Obama's team responded, and…???? What is the story there?

Rediva71   April 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

…and what was supposed to do??? Leave the church for the monster media attacks??? Nah, that's the Clinton way.

noBLAH-BLAH-BLAHma   April 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Shouldn't be a big surprise!

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!

Concerned Canadian   April 3rd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Debbie…these Black congregations are not Christian churches for starters…thats all they are …congregations of African Americans with a self appointed pastor and just name their 'church' to include a Christian denomination. Fact is the Vatican does not recognize these congregations as 'churches' or of the Christian faith.

Glenn; Bakersville, NC.   April 3rd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

For the love of god, enough with the Reverend Wright and the Trinity United Church. If the catholic diocese in Boston got 1/10th of the attention that this man and his church has, maybe there wouldn't be so many child molesting catholic priests in the church today! Let's find something more news worthy.

sophia nyc   April 3rd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

To borrow fromDick Cheney: "SO?"

Mary Sue   April 3rd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Ugh. Trinity Church deserves to implode. The United Church of Christ should revoke its charter. The things Wright was preaching did NOT reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I'm not sure why Obama's camp is so loyal to Wright. It's certainly poor judgment on his part.

demo craxy   April 3rd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

look at this whole issue within the context of AA and also of the history of race and minorities in this country. Do not condemn the whole church because of what one person did or say…………

please every church does this.. the Catholic church has not only spoken badly of peoples, but they actually went and kill people………

so that is what religion is all about……….

ohh please..

@americans   April 3rd, 2008 2:37 pm ET

good for Trinity!

FEDUP   April 3rd, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Go Obama, help out that racist church of yours. Hope the Superdelegates are getting a whiff of this. Proves my point, Obama will not win in November. The Republicans will play this to death, add to that the house deal and Rezko and walla, no democrat in the White House.

Tyrone Brown, Seattle, WA   April 3rd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

The fact is the church put out a call for help. The advisor did the right thing by making the call, especially since the congregation found itself pulled into a campaign related media-frenzy.

Obama '08

proud american   April 3rd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

How many people have died because of Trinity Church and its retired pastor?

And how many people have died in the Bush-Cheney/Clinton-authorized war in Iraq?

Look at those two numbers and remember them from now until November.

NObama   April 3rd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

There is no excuse for racism and hatred and no PR campaign that can completely cover it up. Obama has belonged to this "church" that preaches hatred of Whites and America too long now for him or anyone to convince me that he is what we need in the White House.

Ratgurl   April 3rd, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Here's a totally irrelevant title of a story you can write:

"Obama Supporter is a Rock Climber"

If the story isn't news, don't report it.

Chris   April 3rd, 2008 2:34 pm ET

So? What is the big deal? Because of Obama's presidential ambition, the Church receive negative and positive media attention. So what is wrong for Obama's campaign to provide helping hand. All the article mentions is that Obama's advisor helped arrange PR help. I do not see what is the big deal.

John   April 3rd, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Since the media coveage potentially put Wright and possibly the church in danger, I think thid is appropriate. The United Trinity Chutch appears to have done a lot for the community and should not br unfairly targeted. Also, Obama has the right to do damage contol for his campaign and the party.

SPQR753   April 3rd, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Obviously DNA is thicker than water. There is NO other explanation!!!

Debbie   April 3rd, 2008 2:32 pm ET

This is what Christianity is about. Wright really blew and definitely has some issues but he is not Jesus Christ he is a man that has fallen and needs help. Hatred is a sin like any other sin. I'm glad God is the judge and not people.

Jack   April 3rd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Obama's gonna need a PR firm after McCain and Hillary are done with him…..

This Wright stuff is just the beginning

vince - phoenix   April 3rd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Doesn't EVERYBODY do thisw???? call in a crisis management team? is it news because somebody on obama's staff pointed them in the direction of this firm??

why is this even a blurb….

it's like announcing that "today… obama staffers ate a meal… and so did members of his former church…. film at Eleven…

geez..

OffTopic   April 3rd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

and where is the story?

Ida   April 3rd, 2008 2:26 pm ET

What a decent thing to do.

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