April 25, 2008
Posted: 06:34 AM ET

From
Wright says his sermons have been taken out of context.
Wright says his sermons have been taken out of context.

(CNN) – In Jeremiah Wright's first television interview since clips of his controversial sermons circulated the Internet, Barack Obama's former pastor says his words were unfairly taken out of context for 'devious' reasons.'

In an interview on PBS set to air Friday, Wright expressed frustration with how his sermons had been portrayed by the news media and critics of Obama's White House bid.

“I felt it was unfair,” he told PBS' Bill Moyers according to released excerpts. “I felt it was unjust. I felt it was untrue. I felt that those who were doing that, were doing it for some very devious reasons.”

Some of Wright's past sermons came under fire after a news report turned some of his most contentious comments into a YouTube phenomenon last month. In one, the minister said America had brought the September 11 attacks upon itself. In another, he said Clinton had an advantage over Obama because she is white. He also accused the U.S. government of adopting policies to systematically oppress African-Americans. (Listen to some of Wright's sermons via Roland Matin's blog)

Obama immediately rejected the comments, though critics charged the Illinois senator should have denounced the minister long ago. In a widely-praised speech on race relations, Obama said he could no more disown Wright than "I can disown the black community."

Speaking to PBS, Wright did not recant his past sermons. "The persons who have heard the entire sermon understand the communication perfectly," he said.

Wright also called the response to his words "very, very unsettling," and suggested critics were pushing a caricature of him.

"The message that is being communicated by the sound bites is exactly what those pushing those sound bites want to communicate," he said, adding later, “I think they wanted to communicate that I am unpatriotic, that I am un-American, that I am filled with hate speech, that I have a cult at Trinity United Church of Christ — and by the way, guess who goes to his church, hint, hint, hint? That’s what they wanted to communicate.”

Wright also said he has never discussed politics with Obama.

“He goes out as a politician and says what he has to say as a politician. I continue to be a pastor who speaks to the people of God about the things of God.”

Wright's comments come just as the North Carolina Republican Party is set to run a television commercial that points to "controversial figures from Barack Obama's past" and shows clips of the former pastor. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain has called on the state party not to run the ad.

The Republican National Committee and presumptive GOP nominee John McCain have both asked the North Carolina state party not to run the ad.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Jeremiah Wright


From PA   April 24th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Maxine: "I believe the last time I checked that this was America and we stand for freedom of speech."

With that freedom, comes responsibility.

Rev.Wright is just hurting Obama's presidency, with his hate speech.

Phong Nguyen   April 24th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Let's watch the sermon again and again and again!!! S. Obama could not disown Rev. Wright but couldn't he go to another church instead or try to change the rhetoric within his own church as an agent of change so to speak??? Obviously, S. Obama has not lived up to his own rhetoric!!!

Nate   April 24th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

I think what Rev. Wright is doing is good. He can't sit silently while people attack him anymore than Obama can. He needs to stand up and take responsibility for some of the things he said and explain them- Obama does not. He may regret some of the things he said and he may also shed some light on his and Obama's relationship in terms of their disagreements. I trust Obama did not share his views and discussed that with him, I'd certainly like to hear about it. If Wright and Obama can put this to rest now, they'll be better for it.

This should not however, dominate the media, Obama did not say these things. He shouldn't be held accountable for them. For 20 plus years of preaching three 30 second clips, how can you really base decisions on that.

VC, MD   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Clearly a few words from Mr. Wright's sermon were taken out of context, twisted, edited for effect and used for scoring political points against Obama. What he said was if USA did so many bad things to other countries then God will not bless America. I don't agree with all the bad things he attributes to USA but some of them like Nagasaki and Hiroshima are facts. At best you can label Mr Wright misinformed and may question his judgment. However what he was trying to preach is not incorrect and is well withing his constitutional right of freedom of speech.

Beezer, Boyd America   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Rev. Wright just needs to explain his words that the media and others have misconstrued. What was he really referring to in the "U'Tube sermons"? What was the reasoning behind them? By just watching the video the words that he provides seem very offensive and degrading. Just explain what you meant Rev. Wright, and if the explaination is sound the issue will be dropped.

Patrick   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

What he preached was 100% true. American policy has come home to roost. Wake up Americans.

DA   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

The media was very unfair and at the top of the list is ABC for reporting this false crap!!!
If ABC had let folks here the entire sermon as oppose to the little clips, they would have seen there was more to the message than what was being said!!!
I'm glad he is coming out and speaking up for himself.

BTHogan   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Reverend Wright, as a Marine, put himself in harm's way on behalf of this country. Used to count for something.

Nick - Arlington, VA   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

I'm sure the idiots of right win media and those who close their eyes, stick their fingers in their ears and hum will not listen to these statements and take them out of context, AGAIN

Give it a rest.   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

The people who are so against Rev. Wrights sermons must not have taken or had the time to listen to the sermons completely, they were excellent sermons taken totally out of context. Listen to them before you make a judgement on the man. People from across the nation went to his church to listen to his sermons. The Clintons even had him at the White House. Another case of butchery done to a man who was judged without knowing the complete story. SAD……

Ernest   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

He's right too, about the context of the whole speech. Just read some of the more infamous ones from start to finish. In the whole narrative, he brings up a lot of substantive points.

But that's not what the media is known for. Rather than give your victim the benefit of the doubt, you seek the worst possible representation.

If I were to take this approach in grad school, they'd laugh me out and flunk me into oblivion as I'd rightly deserve.

Moral of the story: Major media, go back to school.

kevin Riley   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

No Child Left Behind…Iraq…economy…health care… GET IT?

America got what was coming to us on 9/11 for appointing Bush as President when he did not win the election in 2000…GET IT?

John McCain's preacher buddy claimed that Katrina was God's way of punishing New Orleans for hosting a gay event…GET IT?

Clinton(s) lie(s)…GET IT?

Wright was right and so was Barack when he said Americans are bitter about their government not listening. Are you listening? Barack is destined for the Presidency. GET IT?

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

UNFORTUNATELY SOME OF WRIGHT'S POSITIONS

HAVE BEEN PROVEN RIGHT BY HOW THE STORY

WAS USED AGAINST SEN.OBAMA.

Miranda   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Rev Wright only spoke the truth…and we all know what happens in this country when you tell the truth…..You must be crucified…its the American way.

d man   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

What did he say that was so wrong?

I guess the truth hurts. Especially when there is so much of an effort to pull a blinder over the past.

Michael, North Carolina   April 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Rev. Wright please, please do not do this to the American people we have suffered enough from the negative things that you have said about a country that has given you so much. You were a MARINE so you cannot be too ant-American. Do not sabotage someone that has the chance to bring the American people together. Sen. Obama only has love in his heart for all Americans. White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American we can all feel even more proud of being an American, when Sen. Obama becomes our president. So just go into retirement quietly, and if you can not say anything nice, then do not say anything at all.

YES WE CAN
OBAMA/CASEY '08

The sin of pride   April 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

How unfortunate that the good Rev. cannot make a public apology to Mr. Obama for the damage his sermons have caused his candidacy. Let me say clearly that some of what he said is true- but HOW you say things makes all the difference! American foreign policy IS responsible in large part for terrorist hatred of our country (we could just call it oil policy!). Muslims in many countries in the middle east have good reason to hate us, the most recent being Iraqi's. That being said, Rev. Wright's ravings were phrased to play to long held frustrations of an oppressed people, but they do nothing to help- in fact they only create more anger in the target audience and perpetuate the problem.

Wright's bombastic performances gave millions of flag-waving, small minded dolts the green light to tear into Obama, not to mention African Americans, but he is not man enough, and not humble enough to even acknowledge that HOW he said things was very damaging to a once in a lifetime candidate for President who sat in his church and gave money to it.

I don't care what he said, I don't think he is even unpatriotic, but his behavior following the uproar is that of of proud, arrogant, and stubborn man, not a humble man of God!

Sandra   April 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

This was the man Hillary called in for spiritual counselling when Bill cheated on her. I expect McCain to keep pulling words his out of context, but for Hillary to do it is hypocritical.

It's time to move beyond the same type of finger-pointing distractions that have dominated in the past.

60 years old White Lady   April 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

If you decide not to vote for Obama because of his Pastor, You really are stupid and you are blind… The Pastor was right… Look at our foreign policy… Look how the war destroy Iraq…! Many innocent people are dying… more than what we lost on 9/11… Do you think its fair… We are creating more ennemies… Will we complain if they come back to us…?

Joe   April 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

PS: I forgot to mention our favorite pastor…BTW, look up the word pastor.

It astonishes me, whether the words were taken out of context or not makes no difference people…that is hatred. Simple pure hatred…and to think he has the 'title' of 'pastor'…he ought to be ashamed of himself. He seems to be like the sadduces that Jesus talked about in Matthew chapter 13!! You ("Rev" Wright" are not a part of the "C"hurch that I belong to!

a   April 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

The economy is collapsing, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
–the economy is fine sir.

Americans dying in Iraq, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
–they are fighting terroist sir.

Gas prices are $4 a gallon, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
–investment from the private funds and 401 K jacked up the price liek 30% sir.

The food prices are the highest ever, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
–bio fuel promoted by farmers and treehuggers
1 gas tank can feed 1 person for a year.

Foreclosures are at a highes rate for the las quarter ceentury, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
–criminal loan givers, bad banks, stupid home owners that get floating rate at all time low rate, house flippers .They all should take their fall.
Tax payers should not be insurance for bad investment.

Cynthia   April 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

The little snippets of the sermons that were played by the media do not give the real context of what Reverend Wright said. If only the media had played a couple of sentences before and a couple of sentences after the loops people would have had a better understanding of what he said. I have listened to some of them and am not as troubled by it. I also read an article that was in the Chicago Tribune and according to the article Reverend Wright was in the Marines and was a Navy corpsman. As a Navy corpsman he became a cardiopulmonary technician and in fact according to the article took care of President Lyndon B. Johnson after his surgery in 1966. Maybe we should all read and do some research for ourselves instead of believing everything we hear.

I hope that this does get posted.

Ronda in Oregon   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Did he say word for word what Barrack Obama said too? Whats wrong here is not one of them especially Barrack Obama can articulate without borrowing words,mangeling words and saying bitter words. Did Rev. Wright resurface now to help old B.O. out you bet. Did B.O..not disenvow him because he needed Rev.Wright? Heck yeah! The only votes Barrack can get now are the African Americans vote hes ruined chance with the others. I kinda feel bad about the whole thing for him. Then I remind myself he said things Michelle said things and Rev. Wright said things none of us asked them to say. While America is in shock over what they said they were trying to find a way to blame America for making them say it. The no hope Obama needs to change it to the party of blame and shame.

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

He was a U.S. Marine for God's sake!

mkn   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

People join congregations based on the work the church does.
If everybody who goes to church were supposed to quite everytime the pastor did something wrong then I suppose there should be no catholics left. The media and the country are paying far too much attention to the sermon of ONE pastor when they should be focusing on the work of the congregation. Anyone who does anything else just becomes a bigger hypocrit.

Nadiyah   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

This has gotten beyond absurd. If you listen to the entire sermon, everything Rev. Wright says falls into context. IF YOU WANT TO DIG INTO PASTS, LET'S DIG INTO THE FACT THE HILARY CLINTON USED TO BE A GOLDWATER GIRL!! I DON'T SEE ANY OF THE POPULAR MEDIA GRABBING ONTO THAT FACT!! (For those that don't know, Goldwater was a backwater segregationist/racist piece of trash that CLINTON SUPPORTED!! DIG THAT UP CNN!!! LET'S SEE A STORY ON THAT AND SEE CLINTON DEFEND THAT FACT!!

canadian observer   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Last time I checked Reverend Wright wasn't running for president.

INDIA CALIFORNIA FOR BARACK OBAMA   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

cnn

jorge lopez   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

My God this guy is loco , and you all Obama's are more loco … viva Hillary…. o8….

Lissa   April 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

If Obama had any chance it's gone now! You should have just kept quiet until after the elections.
Shame on you Mr. Wright you were Wrong!!

Bob C   April 24th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

How will CNN anchors handle such an interview with Wright???I think any of your top-flight anchors can handle it …sensitively…except for Dobbs who has good manners but is mentally unbalanced….I like Cafferty!

Susan   April 24th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

The Clinton campaign was behind this treatment of Wright. Hillary will do anything to win. She is the most untrustworthy candidate since Nixon. She even looks like him. I hate her.

Lynn   April 24th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

It's amazing to me that you people believe this man is alright. This Country is in real trouble if Obama gets in. Which I don't think he can beat McCain. Their are to many of us that will vote for McCain if Obama gets the nom. I guess if you want Wright, Farrakaun, And Oprah in the White House then you would want Obama.

Yonni   April 24th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

The more I hear about Rev. Wright the more I like him! He appears to be a loving, open, honest, extremely intelligent, fearless minister. I view him as a well-balanced mix between ML King and Malcolm X.

"To be popular or to be right" I'm glad he's chosen to be right!

Speak the truth Rev. Wright!

max   April 24th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Cnn: I guess the truth hurt since you keep taking my comments off thats ok i will keep trying there is no profanity in my remarks just thing that make you go UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Bizzle, California   April 24th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

I wish everyone would watch or read the entire sermon from the GD America speach.

Buffalo Gal   April 24th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Why do you crackers think we need to respect you? Just give us your votes for the Man - Obama Rules!

a   April 24th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

yes, it's freedom of speech, but we have the freedom to not vote for his clans either.

sylvia   April 24th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Obama sat and listened for 20 years and I am sure he saw and heard those awful things at least on vidio (like we all did) who wants a race bating, non American caring, person in such a powerful place as the
White House??????

Ed in Portland   April 24th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

"Heard the whole sermon"? He must be crazy, this is America, where we don't give our due diligence to anything, we just gobble down the snippets that are fed to us and think what we're told to think.

Mike   April 24th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

He is not speaking about God. He has the same message of love and understanding as Pol Pot and Adolf Hitler. He is a racist thug who is getting rich by instilling fear and hatred in others.

Mike Birmingham, AL   April 24th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

The conservative attack machine will spin anything they can away from actual issues. If this race really is about what is important right now in America, the Republicans wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

CHERYL FOR HILLARY NOW FOR OBAMA   April 24th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Rev. Wright you were wronged

OBAMA SUPPORTER IN IOWA   April 24th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Thanks for coming forward Rev. Wright. I'm really anxious to hear what you have to say. I donated to your church because I wanted some way to show that I didn't agree with the way you were being persecuted. I'm sure you've brought a lot of Christians to the Lord and I am anxious to hear you speak.

Jay Graham, Dallas, TX   April 24th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Whatever Wright's sermons are, don't involve Clinton in there. She has nothing to do with his speeches and it is upto the people to decide whether Obama was right in staying in that church for 20 years with his kids and donated $25,000 to the church?
Hope CNN keeps this comment!

Dave   April 24th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I can understand why the obmanits are so BITTER, it seems the Obama cult is hate driven!!!!!
HILLARY 08 if not McCain 08

Ardnuas   April 24th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

We should ALL pray that God has MERCY on America…… We ALL have done wrong, and we ALL NEED MERCY….
Obama/Edwards08 Si Se Puede

paul oregon   April 24th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

another spin the clintons and the media are tring to play the race game this is just plain stupid. rev wight is not on the ticket.whats this dumb and dumber

Olivia Gonzales   April 24th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Ah, yes WRIGHT, just blame someone else but yourself. Im an immigrant AND I LOVE AMERICA!!!!

steve   April 24th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

out of context, soundbytes, unfair— Are you nuts?????

Jon in Atlanta   April 24th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Rev. Wright was right.

SLO Bear   April 24th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

The mainstream media will be as guilty as the Fox/Limbaugh/Hannity axis of evil if they retain focus on non-issues to earn ratings and irresponsibly degrade the chances of the best hope for our nation.

R.O.B.   April 24th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

yeah, that's exactly what the media was trying to accomplish. But we "smart" Americans aren't taken aback by such nonsense.

OBAMA '08

story   April 24th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

if this guy had a little bit of shame
he would keep his mouth shut
my god¡¡
what an element¡¡
building 1m$ hause
poor preacher¡¡¡

jyh1920   April 24th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Alonzo, Do Blacks feel so down trotted?
I guess since you are black so you can share this with me.

I am black and I am NOT down trotted. In fact, HOPEFUL!

The Audacity of Hope!

OBAMA 2008

stacy   April 24th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

man speaks with forked tongue.

bpalmer   April 24th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I am sick of Cafferty slamming Hillary Clinton and praising OBama at every turn, so someone please tell him to shut up!!

Richard Phillips, New York, New York   April 24th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

The scandal of American politics is the media.

Amy R.   April 24th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Rev. Wright is no crazy John Hagee. Hagee was a Marine and is a celebrated theologian.

Randolph   April 24th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Right Alonzo. Jeremiah Wright is the source of all the problems in the Black commnity. Get a clue!

By the way, he has an impressive record of service to his country. What are you working with?

Sharon Minnesota   April 24th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I just can't wait to see what he's got to say now. Speak out Mr. Wright, let's have some more fiery preaching. You're doing all America a favor. Don't wait another day, go for it.

Jackie   April 24th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Wright has a hard time of keeping his mouth shut.

Ricky Marlin, New Orleans, LA   April 24th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

It's kind of hard to argue with a videotape.

Independent   April 24th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Reverend Wright - great as you may or may not be, you ARE NOT HELPING OBAMA!!!

You need to go into hiding until after November, seriously. People aren't going to understand, and you are just giving them more fuel for the fire!!

steve   April 24th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

This guy is a racist bigot. On top of that he is a disservice to the USMC. Obama was insane to affiliate with this low life scum!. America should chose a different candidate for president!!!!!!!

Steve, South Carolina   April 24th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

oops Pastor Wright, I misspelled.

Jennifer   April 24th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

“He goes out as a politician and says what he has to say as a politician.

dumbshun   April 24th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

BOTTOM LINE: Rev. Jeremiah Wright DID NOT recant His Past Sermons "Demonozing" America!

julia   April 24th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

good for you to speak up. it is about time.
may the truth set you free.
god bless.

obama 08

tidho   April 24th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Who did the Clinton's turn two for spiritual guidance after Monica?
One guess, lol.

I know Obama is taking the high road on this which opens it up for Clinton to fling the mud, but I hope Wright eventually gets on TV and explains his relationship with the Clintons.

Phil G. , New York   April 24th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

great news!! thank you Rev Wright I feel your coming out will help Obama in the long run

But Now we must move on and focus on the issues at hand theat face the economy, not Sen. Obama's pastor

Emmanuel   April 24th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

a lot of people who are fanning this story are prejudised black people haters anyway.

jasper   April 24th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Still begs the question. If McCain had been attending an all white-agenda church for 20 years, what would you be doing to him right now.

Linda   April 24th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

i feel this preacher is preaching reverse discrimination and hate. Not a church I would go to or bring my children to.

Leonard Box   April 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

What a lier and a hypocrite!!! Look at the video clip again. It was so plain a child could have understood what he said. Of course he's trying to justify himself. Isn't that what lier always do? Man, whats wrong with this country? Is it just full of liers and hypocrites like this guy? God help us all.

Ready for Change   April 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Everybody has the right to say what they want, however…………I don't think anybody who is a SITTING SENATOR of the United States should be sitting in a church that spews this kind of racist hate, much less running for President. Are you kidding me, if Hillary was sitting in this church she could not get elected to the senate, much less the presidency.

Steve, South Carolina   April 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Now we have pastors AND candidates who think we are idiots when they want us to believe they misspoke or took their remakrs out of context……………wake up Democrats.

McCain 08

Dan G.   April 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Even the Liberal Bill Moyers can't put lipstick on this pig.

Jackson   April 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Bell the Superdelegate … do you agree with what he said about Natalee Holoway?

Geoff Smith   April 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

He has definitely said some things that were out of line; however, his comments pale in comparison to things that have been said over the years by the conservative, right-wing, nut-job preachers like Falwell, Robertson, etc.

Richard   April 24th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Obama was wrong…His pastor was right
CNN needs to show the whole ceremon. Then we can judge that.
Regarding the pastor comment on racism he was absolutely right and PA primary proved that

I'm sure CNN will not post this

Clinton or McCain, but NEVER obama   April 24th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Never…………………………..do you understand…………………..NEVER!

US Soldier   April 24th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Thomas Jefferson said the same thing about Slavery. Is he considered unpatriotic?

Dan G.   April 24th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Nothing has changed, he is still a black racist preaching anti-American hate speach and promoting Black Theology.

Angel in Va   April 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

I agree with both:
Marshall in Nebraska
Karen in Ohio

I hope they also mention that he also served in the military.
He earned his right to say what he said.

Paul   April 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Mr. Wright, your mentee is no longer electable, do you wanna take back what you taught for 20 years to Obama?

Obama has no right to disenfranchise the voters from FLA and Michigan.

Hillary is ahead in the popular vote by 100,000

Vote democrat - Vote for Hillary

Yes she will!!!

fred   April 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

This is unreal the way CNN blocks comments!!!!!

Down with Obama!!! His Antil-America pastor, wife, his evil friends and Oprah!!!!

NObama   April 24th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

keep talking Rev Wright!

Laura   April 24th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Rev Wright….Thanks for coming forward….I, like many other Blacks, know the media took liberty and blew your sermon out of proportion…
I look forward to hearing your side of the story on Friday.

Tony B   April 24th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Rev. Wright it takes Big Men to say Big Things….. Those who don't understand only hear what they want to Hear…. The media only wants ratings.

Wright   April 24th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Wright is the one who said what he said - no one was plotting against him. He is the devious one preaching hate - no one else. I think it would be best of he just kept quiet.

Vacman   April 24th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Stop judging this man but what you saw in the media or on youtube!!!

Replub08   April 24th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Darth Vadik, CA

You must live in California with all the other morons!

Angel in Va   April 24th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

I just hope someone finally mentions that he was quoting other politicians and leaders who said those same words.

Joe, Chicago   April 24th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

What happened to Wright was sickening. A complete failure to put his life into a greater context, just for sensationalism's sake.

"Let's take down Obama by any means necessary"– it's disgusting that it happened. It's disgusting that people buy into this crap.

Amy R.   April 24th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

This poor man and his family was receiving death threats. I would speak up too. Jeremiah Wright is a decent theologian. Not some crazy person like John Hagee is.

Jeff   April 24th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Boo Hoo, I preach hate and racism and now I think other people used it in 'devious' fashion.
gimme a break.

goodtimepolitics   April 24th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

What would you expect Wright to say? He sure would not say that he's wrong! Thats like asking a snake if he would bite you!

Jon, Pittsburgh, PA   April 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

There is no excuse for the words the Reverend said, period. And, there is no excuse for remaining a member of his church for 20 years. Those clips aren't the only outrageous things he's said from the pulpit. Please.

GIVE ME A BREAK   April 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Oh the media is going to LOVE this one!!
Down with Obama and his racist, anti-American pastor they'll say……..
Obama is a black panther they'll say, a black supremacist they'll say!!
The country does not want to see a black man in the highest position in America so bring him down by any means necessary, they'll say!

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP OBAMA! KEEP SPEAKING THE TRUTH WRIGHT!

Anonymous   April 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

stupid

Christina   April 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Oh what a great big lie! Go read the text of the whole sermons (or watch them on YouTube). The context does not change the meaning of the clips.

Sante   April 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I do nOT need to listen to the entire sermon to understand that you are spreading hate!
Shut up and go away for ever.
You , even do not help your black peaple!\

California Girl   April 24th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Rev. Wright stands for hate, bigotry and racism. Obama needs to end all ties with Rev. Wright.

Mr.Suane B.Huff   April 24th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

McCain keeps talking about pork barrel spending like it's something bad, he's right if someone is over doing it, but how else is a senator suppose to get funds for there state. The way he keeps talking down about it means he ain't doing nothing for his state, so what is he a senator for, Seems like he's just taking up space to me.

Tanya K   April 24th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

COMPLETE ANTI-AMERICAN RACIST THAT LIKES TO BACK STEP WHAT HE SAYS. NEXT HE WILL BE SAYING IT WAS A POOR CHOICE OF WORDS.

Mike - Texas   April 24th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

It sure took him long enough to make ANY kind of statement on this. And to the Catholic hating Bill Moyers, no less.

It still makes me wonder where he really stands.

Dr Charles   April 24th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

"BITTER"+"WRIGHT' = SWIFTBOAT.
Next episode: Michelle on the boat.

Rich   April 24th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

The man fought for his country. He has a right to his opinion. Did he lie about anything?????????

Joe, Chicago   April 24th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

A very negligent media failed to do any background journalism on him. You failed to put his life and his sermons into a greater context, just for cheap headlines.

"News" nowadays is more Tabloid than content. It's disgusting.

lou   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Its funny that Clinton's pastor said good things about this Wright. He is obviously not as crazy as the media wants you to believe. Its a shame that they are taking his message out of context for ratings. Go to youtube and actually listen to the whole sermon. It doesn't sound so bad. And why did Bill Clinton call on Rev Wright when he got in Lewinsky trouble if Wright was such a bad guy?
And why the heck did the headline on CNN say "Obamas Pastor breaks silence" instead of "Obamas EX-Pastor breaks silence"

tiffany   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Thank you Marshall and all the other men and women in our military who do indeed fight and sacrifice for our lives.

As for the Rev. Wright- its high time we move on to the actual issues in this race. War, economics, healthcare our roads and highways. I can't remember the last time I actually got hear about the real issues in the news.

For the media, imagine for a moment you were running for president, would you want to be held accountable for any word ever uttered by everyone you have ever known? Obama is no more responsible for Rev. Wright's remarks than you or I. MOVE ON

Maxine   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I believe the last time I checked that this was America and we stand for freedom of speech.

This guy is nothing compared to some of the things I hear from my neighbors when they are mad at the government or something. Stop and think how many times someone has been upset by taxes or things.

We all know we have freedom of speech, isn't that why we are freeing Iraq and the rest of the world, for democracy and freedom to say (not act) what we want.

Char   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Rev. Wright is Blessed.

Karen in Ohio   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I am 100% sure that Rev. Wright has done more good to people than Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. Why cannot we itemize these people's accomplishment and see
# of the hungery fed
# of the homeless sheltered
# of the children taught to read
# of the HIV patients helped
the list goes on and on

What can these right wing activities be proud of to show at all???.

Chris Haynes   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Wright is just another example of a black man getting away with racist remarks. If he were white and made similar remarks about black people, Sharpton would have organized a rally.

Give me a break; he deserves the negative press.

Chris   April 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

How many ways can you take hearing that the government infected black people with AIDS?

How can you take being told wealthy white people are to blame for everything?

A racist is a racist, even if he i Black. The more this guy opens his mouth the closer McCain gets to the Presidency.

I'm curious if this is the usual Moyers puffball piece whene he will apologize for all white people or will he actually nail this guy for the hate he preaches?

4Hillary   April 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Someone call O-Waffle Man………his "uncle" has escaped!!!!

Duckula   April 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

C'mon I've seen some white preachers say some crazy-caaarraaaazeeeee stuff and I'm sure I'm not the only one and I'm also sure that Mccain, Hillary, or any number of Christians can say the same thing.

I think all of this proves that most preachers are just plain crazy!

Florida For Obama   April 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Hillary won most of the white men and women out in PA and your going to tell me she doesn't have an advantage being white? PLEASE

graham   April 24th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

well, america did bring on 9/11. if you disagree, why dont you try opening up a history book?

Amanda M - Chicago, IL   April 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Can we please stop talking about all this garbage and get back to the real issues??? Pretty please?????????

Frank, Missouri   April 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

I am not sure … he is right about what he says but Clinton and Fox News don't care the least about facts and truth. Their world is made of distortions, lies and half-truth and when caught about misspoken and misremembered 'facts'.

Diing, Washinton   April 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

If a former Marine and Navy medical personel is not, then What exactly does it mean to be patriotic?

Anonymous   April 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Let me get this straight CNN: you print some lunatic calling Rev. Wright a great man but you won't print my comment?? Talk about biased.

kentucky   April 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Check out the latest on U Tube—Hillary The Movie

Army Wife   April 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

=Obama 2008=

bitter , rev wright…etc ….. all are national enquirer………………Enough..

****USA is turning in to a MONARCHY??******

bush………clinton……bush……clinton……

Vote Obama End The Drama

mitch from ark.   April 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

never be afraid to speak your mind.even if it turns out wrong,at least the question was asked.

DJ   April 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I would like to see the whole sermon to see what he's talking about. It is very possible that the press/news media have taken his comments piecemeal for their own purposes.

Alice   April 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I, for one, am glad he is finally speaking out. (He might as well. It isn't going away anyway.)

wooody   April 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

go rev go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if the democrats cant win this race they should give up on politics— another 4 years for the good guys. whiners go home

a   April 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

doesn't matter .
we all hear a long version of his bull shxt online.
it's not a one liner out of context.
He is a raist and obama is a member of a raist church for 20 yrs.

truth_hurts   April 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

i think this pastor needs to talk about how he provided spiritual advice to the the clintons during the lewinsky scandal!

Kevin, NC   April 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

C'mon Rev, we've been yearning for you to speak and let these folks know that you are not the sum of your 30 second clips.

Anonymous   April 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Has he said ANYTHING we did not expect?

sakki   April 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

CNN and the rest news media are responsible for the blowout of Rev. Wright speech to go against Senator Obama

BL / NYC   April 24th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Wright is totally insane.
And Obama is totally wrong having been part of it all!
Not very Presidential.

hope?   April 24th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

The best clerics are always the most hateful ones.

Look at the success of the Middle East clerics and Mullahs.

I love hate and violence from the pulpit.

It can really inspire hope.

Mike   April 24th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Way to go Rev! It's your turn now. What you need to do is a nationally televised sermon. This country needs changing.

Adam - TX   April 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Too little, too late. Although I don't mind you bringing this issue to surface AGAIN. It's only hurting your candidate even more…

'Hillary '08!

Harvey, Tampa, FL   April 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

It's simple. Don't say stupid stuff and you won't get roasted for it….

NC   April 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

He should sue the media for distorting his words. Roland Martin is the ONLY journalist that reported his sermon in context. And he should sue Sean Hannity first.

Obama   April 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Windbag for Obama

NC FOR OBAMA   April 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

HERE WE GO AGAIN. CAN'T THE MEDIA GET A CLUE. WE DON'T CARE!!!

LATINA VOTER- CALIF.   April 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

THIS GUY NEEDS TO GO AWAY!!!!
HE IS UN-AMERICAN
GO HILLARY

sakki   April 24th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

CNN and the rest media news are responsible for the blowout of Rev. Wright speech to go against Senator Obama

Deb   April 24th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

test

Mike, Las vegas, NV   April 24th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Wright, Obama. Michelle etc etc. Bunch of idiots. Iam sure Maxine Waters will be his secretary of state and Marion Barry will be the Homeland Security chief

Peter   April 24th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Wight did most of damage that destroyed you candidate.
If Obama is the nominee you will find out what the republican will do to Him.
Hillary 08

JS   April 24th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

There's no way to justify what he said. His message has truth but his attack and words were unjust.

I have no sympathy for his downfall, nor will I have any for Obama when he loses.

devon   April 24th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

what you said was unfair? you said them. words matter. what you say can and will be used against you. should have been more prepared or not made stupid statements.

Niky   April 24th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

I hope people just put this to rest this time… I am sure everyone is tired of this being brought up every now and then. EVeryone had their turn to say… let this man comment on it and let this GO.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 24th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

CNN, WHERE IS THE STORY ABOUT THE FREAK McCAIN BEING AGAINST EQUAL PAY FOR MEN AND WOMEN DOING THE SAME JOBS, AND HIS EXCUSE, THE'LL BE MORE LAWSUITS?

SO WOMEN SHOULDN'T GET PAID THE SAME AMOUNT AS HER MALE COUNTERPART?
BECAUSE OF LAWSUITS?

GOOD GOD, I'M FURIOUS THAT SOME OF YOU DON'T SEE THIS MAN AS AN ARCHAIC DINOSAUR.

YOU NEED TO KNOW   April 24th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

America Understand this is about Jeremiah Wright and not about Senator Obama, even though the attack is ment for Senator Obama.

This man has his own mouth and is speaking his own words.

Hold him accountable for what he says and DO NOT hold anyone else responsible for what Rev. Wright says.

Chuck   April 24th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I look forward to hearing this full story on PBS, I hope all of America listens to this also. I have managed to listen to the full length copies of to two of those surmons in question and I must say if one listens to the whole thing they do not leave you with the same impression as those 30 second sound bites.

sakki   April 24th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Why should we be responsible for other people actions, very unfair. How many for you are responsible for your rabbi, priest, pastors' behavior? We can not control people attitudes or actions? Senator Obama should not be blame for Rev. Wright speech. Even Hillary Clinton's pastor praised Rev Wright.

Bayou Joe   April 24th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I guess he needed time for the damage control group to give him guidance. You won't find a buyer here. We know your history and we know exactly what you stand for. You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.

JM   April 24th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

this need to be shown on he news over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again and again and again and again and again so people will know the truth.

JM

Terry, El Paso TX   April 24th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I can believe that a sentence or a paragraph taken out of context can be very misleading. Did any of you read about the CLINTON pastor who was sentenced to prison for child molestation? How does THAT make you feel about voting for Clinton?

The man once preached at a church in Clinton NY. He has never met President Clinton or Sentator Clinton.

Anne - VA   April 24th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Thank you Pastor Wright …it's long overdue.

Krissy, FL   April 24th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

WE LOVE YOU REV. SOME OF US BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT UNPATRIOTIC TO SPEAK AGAINST INJUSTICE, AND HALF TRUTHS, EVEN IF THAT INJUSTICE IS COMING FROM YOUR OWN BELOVED COUNTRY.

Tanya K   April 24th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

OH, I FORGOT ANTI-AMERICAN AS WELL. PLEASE DON'T ARGUE, I HEARD HIM WITH MY OWN EARS.

Myke A.   April 24th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Wright seems to be a Great man. The media has not been fair on him

Venus   April 24th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Hello Rev. Wright! Good to see ya!

Hey - you don't have to say you are sorry! This country loves to say "Freedom of Speech"!

I don't agree with some of the things you have said - but I do like that you are helping people in your community.

Don't worry about the news-media - they need something new to report on since Hillary is packing up to leave this race.

IAMWMD   April 24th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

He's absolutely right. He has a right to say what he said after serving in a war to only return to be treated like a dog. During the same period Dubya and keep your hands on the wheel Bill Clinton were scurring to enroll in college to prevent fighting.

Obama 08

William in Oklahoma   April 24th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Reverend if you are not recanting what you said, why are you putting yourself out in the news again. Do you want to harpoon the Obama presidency?

Jot   April 24th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

This man is pathetic. He is the reason why Obama will lose if he is the nominee.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 24th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

The economy is collapsing, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?

Americans dying in Iraq, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?

Gas prices are $4 a gallon, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?

The food prices are the highest ever, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?

Foreclosures are at a highes rate for the las quarter ceentury, BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?

BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?
BUT WHAT ABOUT REV WRIGHT?

ARE YOU PEOPLE CRAZY?
DO YOU NEED A SMACK UPSIDE YOUR HEAD?

How about we leave Rev Wright alone AND DEAL WITH THE REAL ISSUES!!!!

P Diddy   April 24th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Can't wait to see how the media parses this interview and blows these innocuous statements completely out of proportion.

Stacy Clarks, TX   April 24th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

PEACE ON THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!!!

OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bell the Superdelegate   April 24th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

funny thing is this.. he was telling the truth..

Marshall in Nebraska   April 24th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Bottom Line — I don't like what he preached but the Constitution of the United Stated protects his freedom of speech. He had every right to say what he said. I spent 22 years in the military protecting that right which all of us are afforded. Many of the blogger have said some very offensive and racial things on the CNN Political Ticker (myself included). Thank God for that thing called Freedom of Speech.

Grif   April 24th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

I suggest you Go Away, Mr You're insane….

nycdem   April 24th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

wow this guy really has to just stay in a soundproof room and not come out until december 2008. he is the most dangerous thing to obama's candidacy.

Cheryl   April 24th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Amen!

Alonzo Demetrius   April 24th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

It's no wonder why Blacks feel so down-trodden and forgotten if they believe the likes of this preacher of racism and hate for our own country….

Stop the Drama   April 24th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

ABOUT TIME YOU STOOD UP AND TELL THE MEDIA NOT TO BE STUPID!!

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