May 6, 2008
Posted: 06:13 PM ET

From
 Rev. Jeremiah Wright addressed the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Rev. Jeremiah Wright addressed the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

(CNN) – The Rev. Jeremiah Wright's reemergence as a campaign issue appears to have played some effect on tonight's contests, the newly released exit polls show.

In Indiana, 48 percent of Democrats who voted in the primary said Wright was an important factor in their vote while 49 percent said it was not. Those voters who said Wright was an issue overwhelmingly voted for Clinton while those who did not supported Obama by large margins.

The same is true in North Carolina. There 48 percent of Democrats said Wright affect their vote while 50 percent did not.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Exit Polls • Hillary Clinton


Just Had To Say It   May 6th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Rev Jeremiah Wright is no more racial than Lou Dobbs!

FRED Atlanta, GA   May 6th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

But it's ok for people to sit in the churches of Faldwell, Pat Robertson and John Hagee all the anti american hate spewed from those pews no one and you know who you are had a problem with it, they have said things just as bad regarding 9/11, hurricane katrina, etc. But no one asks those congregants why they haven't left those churchs but you make your decisions over obama because of what his FORMER PASTOR said NOT OBAMA himself. YEAH I SEE THE DOUBLE STANDARD!!!!

OBAMA 08/12 YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL!!!

MM   May 6th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Heh Lois — how many Clinton supporters are pushing Clinton because she is a woman????????????????????? I had someone today give me the attitude "how could you, as a woman, not vote for Clinton?" Give me a break.

Awesome Obama   May 6th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Go Obama, Go Obama…that's the way I like it.. ..that's the way I like it..
I use to have great respect for Hiliary but after her nasty attacks on Obama, I have lost ALL respect for her. It's clear she will do anything to win. The same people that's talking negatively about Obama is the people that was praising Bush 4 years ago. I would be quiet if I were you because it's clear you can make bad choices.

tedious898   May 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

I believe Hillary is the most intelligent politician I've seen in many many years. Which leaves me totally confused why such a smart woman would be so stupid to continue riding around this issue. If there were zero skeletons in her closet I would say, "well, she's not being hypocritical" but that's not the case. I'm wondering about the electorate. Can so many people be so dumb about politics that they would rather use the words of a pastor to determine their commander in chief? I'm sorry I don't believe Hillary supporters are all under $50k earners and high school drop outs. I was a Hillary support – an African American with above average intelligence. Yet the only thing that change my vote was on the words of MLK – I dream of a day when my children aren't judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character. Maybe he should have added or the insane words of their pastor – as well Please america…look at something that really matters i.e. character

Bill   May 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Wright is only part of the problem, the whole congregation at TUCC applauded Wright when he spoke his anti-white and anti-American rants. Black Liberation Theology is the basic philosophy of Wright and a major part of the church's belief system. I'll bet even the new minister who was mentored by Wright subscribes to the philosophy. So there was no way Obama didn't in some way subscribe to at least part of Black Liberation theology, and since he hasn't quit that church outright, he will still be sitting in endorsement of the racist philosophy of Black Liberation theology.

lori   May 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

oh god, wright said america isn't perfect…we're all going to hell! how dare he speak his mind, that is SOOOO un-american! quick call the thought police, we need to stop this insanity. obama will absorb these words and ruin our country, he has no free-will, he has no brain…oh no we're all going to hell. that is SO un-american.

get a grip people, you've bought it lock stock and barrel. i guess people can't think for themselves after all.

pgo   May 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

CNN runs the REV 24/7 week after week . Blathers on about it. And then WHOA!!! Rev Wright is a BIG issue with voters! Self serving BS – to stir the pot and make controversy. In my 63 years I have never seen such an incredible disregard for the public. The pretense that this story is the most important issue facing America is the stupidest claim I have ever heard. The economy is in shambles, the war is in shambles, the environment is in shambles. And as I type the MAIN event on your pitiful excuse of a network EVERY single time I flip by is REV Wright has effected the vote. The smug looks on your faces for achieving this hideous outcome is more than I can tolerate. I am a permanent customer lost to you and you corporate masters.

Dave, IN   May 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Which is the cause and which is the effect. If you are an Obama supporter, Rev Wright isn't an issue and if you're a Clinton supporter, he is the issue. Not the other way around.

Ellie   May 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Is it true or not that the Clintons asked Wright for his guidance when the were having martial issues? People are not happy with the wright issue but we seem to be ok with someone who will stop at nothing to get a vote-even lie. IN people, do you not remember Whitewater and all the lies that were brought abt. What abt NAFTA? What abt lying under oath-and the ultmate, impeachment. Why would we want another one of them in the office?

Hayden   May 6th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Rev. Wright will be the end of Obama

Go Hillary!

Chuck, Oregonians for Obama   May 6th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Rev Wright is an issue becase the news media and the big Hillary supporter Wolf Blitzer just cant seem to let go of it. They have their pandering, lying, self asorbed, self centered Hillary Clinton on the ticket and the media will do everything they can to make sure she is elected. It is a crying shame America is so stupid they can make up their own minds and need to depend on the biased media to do it for them. Shame on America, and above all Shame on the biased Media for their continued efforts to destroy one Very Good Man because of the words of another man. I hope you never find your self in a situation even remotely simular, because the old saying what comes around goes around.

hmmmmm.....sounds fishy   May 6th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

it doesn't matter Obama will have the nomination or Mc Cain will have the presidency…..remember its s poll ……..how many people did they poll 100 or a thousand….its a poll….randoms are picked……..lets see after its all done

Sara   May 6th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

CNN, SO BIAS TOWARDS CLINTON!!!!!!! OBAMA 08′

Sharon Minnesota   May 6th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Hillary Clinton was originally my choice in this race. Barack Obama looked good at first and I was waffling. The lid came off for me with J. Wright and the United Church of Christ.

As a Clinton supporter and a lifetime democrat, I am sorry to say I cannot remain faithful to the party if the nominee is Obama. This would seriously compromise my values and belief's. The pundants especially DNC officials are making a huge misjudgment in thinking everyone will kiss and make up by November and the democrats will go on to victory.

David in San Francisco   May 6th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

There's a lot of talk about people that vote for Barack Obama because he's black. What about the people that vote for Hillary Clinton because of her last name? In other words, because of her husband's legacy?

Be honest people, how much about her record to you really know? Can you honestly say that her experience both as First Lady and as a U.S. Senator is substantially more than Obama's? One could easily point to Bill Clinton as an example of someone that didn't have extensive credentials (governor of one of the poorest states in the U.S.), and yet most democrats agree that under his stewardship, we had among the best periods of economic growth and stability in this country. It was Bill Clinton's ability to inspire people (and the help of Ross Perot's failed candidacy) that got him elected. Hmm, sound familiar?

And while I'm on the subject of Bill Clinton, I am continually amazed by the fact that many Democratic voters in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other industrial mid-west states are willing to overlook the fact that Bill Clinton pushed NAFTA into law. And Hillary Clinton had publicly supported NAFTA as first lady as well as several years after she left the White House — at a point when she could have publicly turned against it if she truly believed at the time that NAFTA was a bad move for American jobs. I just don't understand this, when the economy consistently comes out as the most important issue in people's minds. Do you really think that you'll see a change in policy under Hillary Clinton on free trade? If so, then you are clearly seeing something that I'm not seeing.

kat   May 6th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

i think it is the dumbest thing that the news (and i mean EVERY news network) has focused sooo much on wright, and GOTTEN SO FAR OFF THE ISSUES, that it has scared so many ignorant voters into believing that obama is accountable for this man's actions/beliefs. why don't they hold clinton accountable for all of HER shady connections? what about her crazy, cultish church, "the family", huh??

Perry   May 6th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

CNN.. if you are going to put a picture of Rev. Wright next to the article.. would you mind not putting up one that makes him look like the boogeyman coming to steal your children while you sleep.

I dont think that the exit polls in these two states are going to yield useful information because most of the information is going to cancel each other out..

Only thing I've seen so far not tilted by whether its indiana or north carolina is that people believe clinton to be more responsible for negative attacks.

Let's see what happens tonight.. no endorsement here..

Susan   May 6th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

My 19 year old daughter tried to vote in NW Indiana and they were out of Democrat ballots. She tried a 2nd time 45 minutes later and got the same story.

My vote counts….what a joke.

James   May 6th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Thanks for picking a picture of Wright that makes him look like the Boogey Man.

joseferic   May 6th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

I find it unbelievable to have people claim that some one who is on his own and whose name is not on the ballot is the one that is influencing their vote during this crucial bad econimic crisis time in America and an illegal war our brothers and sisters have been fighting for five years now. I don't believe any one who give that Bastard Jeremiah Wright as a reason for voting one candidate or the other. The truth is clear, Obama has already secured the nomination. Those who are still in denial are the ones lying that , that Bastard Jeremiah Wright will make their decision. SHAME ON YOU ALL PRETENDERS.

Obama 08 & 12   May 6th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Wright is a non issue. Only the unenlightend and non progressive thinkers would believe that. Hey let's be real, America is full of red necks and ghetto minded peopl;e (black & white) who couldn't see a sham if you slapped them with it. Why do you think Obama won the enlightened states like Iowa, etc. (30 count)By the way there arent' many black people in those states but the whites there are enlightened and didn't buy ghetto minded Clintons lies because they are enlightened.. Black people mostly are enlightened because we've been tested and tried and still hold onto our sanity despite racist america.

noemi in los angeles   May 6th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

That's because half of the people who voted for Hillary are Republicats, sneaky Operation Chaos participants who want to mess up our party. Let's Unite, Democrats! Take America back!!

Obama 08

Fly Boy   May 6th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

One thing I have learned from all this:

America you are STUPID:
*You think the Gas Holiday will work.
*You think Wright was wrong.
*You believe Hillary is a Liar, but you vote for her because she's tough.
*You actually admit that race is an issue.

Unbelievable America (written by a White Guy)

Time is a Funny thing too, 1st I supported Hillary, then I voted for Obama and now if Hillary gets the nomination I will support Nader for the 1st time, because I JUST can't vote for a LIAR.

Unenlightend and enlightened for Obama.   May 6th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Only the unenlightend and non progressive thinkers would believe that. Hey let's be real, America is full of red necks and ghetto minded peopl;e (black & white) who couldn't see a sham if you slapped them with it. Why do you think Obama won the enlightened states like Iowa, etc. (30 count)By the way there arent' many black people in those states but the whites there are enlightened and didn't buy ghetto minded Clintons lies because they are enlightened.. Black people mostly are enlightened because we've been tested and tried and still hold onto our sanity despite racist america.

hmmmmm.....sounds fishy   May 6th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

all you Hillary hags ……..must believe in womanizing as well….because Bill is the most well known womanizer on the circuit…..you can tell alot from the comoanya person keeps……..IN and NC we will see

Sunddip   May 6th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

WAKE UP AMERICANS! A pastor's remarks has NOTHING to do with Obama's electability, yet it has become an excuse. Obama is definitely the strongest candidate.

All I've seen Hillary do is play that "catty" old game of attacking a defender with negativity…most of the time it has nothing to do with the issues. So, what does that tell you about her personality characteristics as a future president????? DUH!

LIz in ATL   May 6th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Nearly HALF of Clinton voters in Indiana ARE republican – they were not going to vote democrat in November anyway …result of the Rush Limbaugh Operation Chaos 0n Indiana – Republicans can't vote in North carolina – they did the same thing in PA — she's toast!

Tubby The Tuba   May 6th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I think here the media misses the mark. Voters may be affected by Wright, but some will be in a positive fashion and some negative fashion. I think since the percentage is the same amoung the whites and the blacks. The whites who may be rather prejudiced will be swayed in a negavtive manner, while the black voters could be affected in a positive manner. After all Obama denounced his pastor, and that my friend would be a positive for most whites.

Ed   May 6th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Why is CNN so obsessed with Wright? Im not an Obama supporter but it turns me off when Wright seems to be their focus instead of issues that effect people in their daily life. Of course if you ask the question someome will tell you his feelings. Nonsense altogether.

Amy Jacobson   May 6th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

May this be the final blow to those who claim Wright's issue is irrelevant. PLEASE spare us your spin.

M. Felder   May 6th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Senator Obama chose instead of being influenced by Rev. Wright, to become a public servant to make the changes that grieved Rev. Wright and others of Rev Wright's generation. My mother is very bitter about the way this country has treated Black Americans. Although, I've been around my mother for more than 20 years. I don't share her views and I believe that there is hope for this country. I trust that Senator Obama believe that there is hope for this country, too. We have to let go of the hate that has divided this country for more than 200 years.

Michael - Phoenix   May 6th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

In the beginning I was very hopeful that ingnorance would not play a significant role in this election. It appears it is and sadly it is from the Christian cult that contiues to divide this country on race.

Brent   May 6th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

It doesn't matter. The democrats have lost the election already.

justobserve   May 6th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

People who got stuck in the Wright matter chose to vote for the Clintons, the certified liars, anyway, so they just want to drag it as long as they can to damage him. They and the Clintons are even worse than the Repub , that is why we are in a bind right now. I am sick of people keep saying about Wright and Obama's 20 years in his church. It's a personal matter for him to decide. What important is what Obama himself or Clinton herself said and did. Ask yourself whether his records showed he was influenced by Wright , or in the case of Clinton, whether she was influenced by her pastor, who are in jail for molesting minor? Ask yourself also if you choose a church to worship God and heard your pastor for 20 years but he didn't say what he is saying today, then is it your fault to stay in the church in the past? Treat others as you want to be treated yourself. Since there are people who cheer the Clintons on, their adrenaline is high, they will get depressed when it stops so they will go on. But hopefully it will soon stop for the sake of the party and the country

TIKITEMBO   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Gah! The MSM really knows how to ask those questions because there's really no good way to answer it without your answer being taken out of context.

Question asked: Was Rev. Wright (or maybe the Rev. Wright controversy) an important factor in your vote today?

Answer: Of course it would be either 'yes' or 'no' and that is all that's counted. Not: Yes because I think it shows how petty and ridiculous/power hungry Hillary Clinton is. Not: Yes because I think Obama showed he could weather the controversy and handled it well. Not: Yes because I think that Rev. Wright is being attacked unfairly. Not : Yes because that's all the media has been covering for the past week and there's no way I could have possibly gotten away from it.

Instead, it's just phrased the way it is in order for the MSM to keep the story going, justify their deplorable coverage, and take voter words out of context for their own benefit.

I saw another poll on this previously. I can't remember if it was CNN or MSNBC, but it was "Do you think Rev. Wright has hurt Obama's campaign? Same question idea with no safe way to answer.

noemi in los angeles   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

And I'm sure Hillary supporters did not look at their candidate's own negatives… supporting NAFTA, the WAR, bogus Gas Tax Holiday, Peter Paul fundraising fraud……….. come on, those are WAY more serious issues!

PK   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

CNN is very unfair , bias and prejudice on their reporting on this matter. CNN continues to push the issue about the Wright issue even on the day of an election. There's no emphasis or reporting on Hillary's lie's about Bosnia, or her evil words about "obliterate" Iran or Bill's comments about comparing Obama's win in South Carolina with Jesse Jacksons campaign or many other things that Hillary has said and done that could cause viewers to think twice about voting for her. It's obvious that CNN is in support of Hillary and is hoping for a Clinton win.. This is an outrage!

Tom   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

CNN wants the battle to go on.

Otherwise, CNN=Politics is no longer valid

H   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

BARACK OBAMA AND HIS SUPPORTERS MADE RACE THE ISSUE IN ORDER TO STEAL THE ELECTION. WHAT A SAD DAY FOR ALL OF US.

BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON DID A LOT FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THERE ARE QUITE A FEW THAT DO REMEMBER.

HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lois   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

After making phone calls for the Hillary Clinton campaign I found that Senator Obama supporters were pushing for him because of the color of his skin….

As a baby boomer & a Regan Democrat I would never cast my vote for Senator Obama. Your conservation right now is saying that Dems for Senator Clinton will vote for Obama in the end….WRONG…

Speaking for myself, I have three options to take votes away from Senator Obama
1. Write in Hillary Clinton in the General Election
2. Cast my vote for Ron Paul…& make phone calls for him
3. Vote for John McCain

If the Dems can ignore the voters in Fl & MI, I am sure we can all avoid the Democratic Party

Those people who think Obama can win are totally wrong…they need to open their eyes…the Dems will not have a Dem in the White House

They apparently want another Rep in the White House…Hillary Clinton is the only one to beat John McCain

judy   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

thank you wright for the drama…it has helped Hillary..

Go Hillary 08

Albuquerque   May 6th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I hear people out there saying enough already regarding Wright. Sorry but NO. Obama sat and listened to him for 20 YEARS! If Obama wins, how long do you think it will take him to reconcile with his Pastor. Can anyone imagine Reverand Wright with a cabinet post?
NOBAMA

Randy Butler   May 6th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

I don't expect this to get printed but here's my take on it. If Rev. Wright drove you away then you are playing into his hands to keep this kind of hate going since you will prove him right by saying America has not come far enough. Second, Senator Obama didn't say it and it is presumptuous to think he feels this way(i doubt) since they grew up in different era's with different backgrounds. Use Rev. Wright if you must to cover up a larger issue making most of us doubt you were ever going to support him anyway. Senator Obama seems genuine and sincere, something American is not use to in a politician.

Kwaku, CA   May 6th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

How stupid are some Americans? No wonder we have Bush as President for 8 years! Wright driving your vote? how stupid! What happened to independent thinking? Clinton lies unashamedly and people still want her to be their nominee? How shameful has America become?

RP   May 6th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

It's very simple. Wright is just an excuse to hide people's latent racial bias. People won't admit that they race is their problem. So it's much more convenient to use the Wright excuse. Actually Wright doesn't matter. If it wasn't him, those same people would find another excuse. Those people would never vote for Obama under any circumstance. At least not in the primary when there is a goldilocks option.

What will be interesting to see if they prefer McCain the wolf over Obama when goldilocks is out of the picture.

tinisoli   May 6th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Maybe this is a subtle point, but the poll didn't ask if the Wright issue meant that the voter chose to vote against Obama. For all we know, a lot of the people who answered "yes" may have meant it as "Yeah, the sickening way the GOP and Hillary handled this non-issue made me even more supportive of Obama."

The Wright issue can be "important" to a voter in ways that make he or she more likely to vote for Obama.

don't know much 'bout...   May 6th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

says commentor "we don't know much about Obama… so you go by the company he keeps"

Umm… You could look at his voting record as state legislator and U.S. senator for the last many years. I think its public record. That might tell you something about how he would govern. BUT it could be VERY BORING.

Tony   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is so fond of saying she wouldn't have stayed in a Church if she didn't agree with what her Pastor said. Funny — I know alot of people who wouldn't have stayed in a marriage if their husband did what hers did. Stain — oops, I mean Shame — on you, Hillary……

ALECO1   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

THE REV. WRIGHT STORY IS HISTORY. IF OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT, THE REV. WRIGHT WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE WHITE HOUSE WITH HIM.
BUT IF HILLARY IS ELECTED PRESIDENT HER HUSBAND, THE SEX PERVERT, WILL BE GOING TO THE WHITE HOUSE WITH HER.
DO WE REALLY WANT THESE PEOPLE BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE.—–I THINK NOT.

lela   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

McCain has issues as well. His wife is the mistress. Did McCain's pastor sanction that? McCain would not leave his men, but left his family.

Thore   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

It is important now and will become more important in the general election, if Obama is on the democratic ticket. The tide has changed for a reason and all the polls show Clinton is a better candidate in the general election against McCain. Judgment of character is an issue of vital importance for the leader of the greatest and most powerful country in the world. And we know that Rev. Wright is just the beginning of potential republican attacks. Obama brought his elitist remarks upon himself, along with 20 years of Rev. Wright.

GoHillary   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

You can tell a LOT about a person by the company he keeps. 20 years of Anti-American diatribe is more than most people are willing to forgive.

Funny how the Obama followers all think they are so smart. Down to earth with a bump huh?

tomagoose   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

What I still don't understand is why some ancillary person in Obama's life such as Wright could have ANY type of influence in what people think about Obama. If so, everyone down to what his kindergarten teacher and the guy who picks up his trash could influence us. ENOUGH already. Media –you need to move on and cover real issues such as policy.

lb   May 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

The "wright" issue should not be a surprise to anyone. The media gave it 24/7 coverage. Any fool that would choose to vote for the alternative candidate who has lied, pandered, threatened a country's oblitieration, is a defendent in a lawsuit, and supports GW's war (all of which was reported as a afterthought) over a candidate's bad choice in a pastor should continue to bury their emtpy head in the sand.

Deli   May 6th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

wow, much higher % than i thought with so many Obama supporters here on CNN. There's no way in hell that Obama did not know about Wright's views on America, no way. Glenn Beck said it best.

Bob Loblaw   May 6th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

So….can we then conclude that all those people who are plugged into Fox News all day every day for the past decade have been similarly brainwashed? Is that how it works?

sandy   May 6th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I am sick sick sick of you cnn. The very fact that you asked them about wright and not gas prices shows how pathetic you are!. shame on you!!

Josh, LA   May 6th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

If people think that Wright is an issue, then I understand why this great nation is going down the tube. Are we nuts?

Chuck, Oregonians for Obama   May 6th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Yes nearly half of those that you polled. Get a grip will you and stop spinning this, your really starting to tick me off.

Scott   May 6th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

All you foolish voters who are affected by Rev. Wright… Sit down and talk to YOUR pastor… If he is HONEST, the stupid things he or she believes too WILL affect you. MMM let see did the people in the church’s leave after there pastor rape them, or played out what a sum of $ 600 million dollars to members.

Obama/Edwards08

Zoey   May 6th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

If the voters are concerned more about Rev. Wright instead of the real issues then we got a bigger problem in America then we already know.

FrankSmith   May 6th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

If we go by the "company" that people keep, there is a lot to be said about Hillary:

She is married to a man…
1. Who lied openly to this nation and the world about sexual (sinful) matters.

2. Who was impeached by the leaders of this nation

3. Who sold our hard-apying jobs overseas.
Are these less important than Obama's pastor's sins against this nation? Just a poor excuse NOT to vote for a black man who has worked very hard to get to the top, and to compete against the Clinton machine.

Marc   May 6th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Any Presidential Candidate who claims to be molded and mentored by their Pastor has a screw loose.

Rob, Charlotte, North Carolina   May 6th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Mona,

So you are saying that all Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Baptists, and Muslims should be banned from politics. Because none of these religions preaches tolerance of all mankind. Religions are the basis of most if not all wars so to make an exception and state that Obama carries the water for Wright is absolute malarkey.

We are all sinners and pastors, preachers and rabbis have been responsible for inciting hate, violence and intolerance. for centuries. Just look at the neo cons and there vitriolic hate of homosexuals. Religion is intolerance.

pam Eugene OR   May 6th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

CNN sure is pulling for Clinton. Could you at least "appear" to be a news organization!

John Abrams   May 6th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Well, let's take a look at Clinton's former pastor, Rev. William Procanick. Google his name and you'll be delighted with what you find.

Anonymous   May 6th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

That useless man… what he has done to Obama personally and to our country is just incredible.

Zoey   May 6th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

McCain still hasn't denounced his Pastor and you barely hear a word about it. If anyone actually believes Obama believes everything Rev. Wright preaches, then you are an idiot.

READ AND RESPOND   May 6th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

This is bull crap those who voted C'mon CNN I know you can do better than this spin. Those who voted for Hillary were her voters and had her supports any way and those who voted for barack were his voters and suporters any at this stage of the game the only people who have not cast the vote are the SD and they are waiting to see which ship stays afloat . It had nothing to do with sniper fire, wright or anything else. the story of hill former pastor is not in the news he did it with a seven year old child. so to say the sruff you all spinn out here refects the voters opinion i don't think it make a different becaus they chose their candidate in the begining and especially those on both side of the democrat already had thier minds made up on day one

Tom   May 6th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Wright and Obama are two separate people.

If Wright are so close to Obama, why did he come out with those messages? Knowing that those will hurt Obama in the poll.

ABC   May 6th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Good. Now lets get onto all the other Obama items that are issues.

smokesignals   May 6th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Ridiculous!

What about Hillary and Bill and Monica, Peter Paul, and "under sniper fire"?

It just goes to show how stupid Americans are and how little attention they spend on the real issues. I'm appalled at Indiana voters and how they could be duped so easily.

Alex   May 6th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

The republicans are coming out in force and voting for Hillary just because they don’t want to face the stronger candidate Obama in the GE. They’re also skewing the #'s and saying they wouldn’t vote for Obama come November and would vote for McCain…even though they’re now "democrats". More schemes and standard politics to deprive americans of who they really need to lead them in these desperate times. Hillary / McCain and the rest are sickening. We need a change for the good. We need Obama for president!

Kim Ohio   May 6th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Wow… so Rev. Wright is powerful enough to change the outcome of the 2008 democratic primary. I guess I should say "Hail to the chief" to Rev. Wright cause he's got more pull than either of the candidates.

Ca Native   May 6th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Well …. I guess according to Howard Dean (who decried those bringing up Rev Wright as race-baiting bigots)… those 48% of Democrats must be race-baiting bigots??

Poor Howard. He should have been a dentist instead of an MD. Then he could have removed his teeth to afford a bigger foot in his mouth.

digruntle voter   May 6th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

I find it interesting that people think Wright is an issue and represents Obama. If we follow that logic, McCain represents his pastor Rev. Hageee who has said inflammatory statements about African Americans, women and gays. Yet, voters are sympathetic to McCain and not Obama. Hypocricy at its best.

Catharina Summers   May 6th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Jeremiah Wright is a factor! Well that shouldn't be surprising as the news media has pulled out all stops to keep the issue front and centre. Well done media, you were successful in keeping your viewers interested during this long campaign. It is obviously all about viewship, not integrity. The country will be the ultimate loser.

linda   May 6th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

What about the campaign fraud case againest the Clinton's in Los Angelos Paul Vs Clinton. I do not understand why the media will not cover that issue.

CLF VA   May 6th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Im a black mother of 5 and what wright said dont bother me, however I still feel that Hillary is the best one to lead this country and i want her to win and no I am not old just 43

go Hillary

Emile   May 6th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Hmmm, I wonder whose supporters think it is an issue and whose supporters do not….Hillary supporters are looking for some way to dammage Obama

SF Bay Area   May 6th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

The media has created this circus.

martin   May 6th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

So, the economy and Rev Wright played a major factor for voters.

How does that work out for Obama?

former hillary supporter   May 6th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

well duh. Of course clinton supporters are going to argue wright is an issue. They need any excuse they can get not to vote for obama. He has very few flaws, so they are going to try and exploit anything they can get.

it's that ignorance that caused me to abandon the clinton clan.

Venus   May 6th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Yes! That's why the media played it so much!

Now – let's get this night over!

Go Obama!

come on now   May 6th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

the half that said it was an issue is and was going to vote for Clinton long before this wright thing happend. Stop making it seem like a huge deal CNN. You can stop trying to help Clinton because as of tonight, she done

william   May 6th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

I whether watch Fox news , fair and balance

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 6th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Well this proves the media has power to change votes. The media loves Wright becuase the Clintons tell them they should.

Andrea KC   May 6th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Isn't it funny how so many people were offended by Rev. Wright's comments but no one seemed to be offended when Obama mentioned his own grandmother (who happens to be white–in case we've all forgotten) used derogatory racial slurs about African Americans. Where's all the outrage about that. For weeks the media has tried to pain us a picture of Obama as this racist extremist, its hard to be racist, when the woman who gave birth to you and the grandparents who raised you are all white.

Ron, TX   May 6th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Well, of course it's an "issue"…

But does it MATTER?

I'm guessing the results will say otherwise.

jay72   May 6th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

How many consecutive elections have been won and lost with a Red Herring like this one? Gay marriage, swift boats, furloughs, soft on crime… this is yet another in a long line of utterly irrelevant information that somehow persuades people to vote against their own interests. Sigh…

Amanda   May 6th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Im just gonna say, I've known my best friend for over 20 years, and let me tell you I dont agree with everything she says either and sometimes she can even make my blood boil, but she doesnt speak or think for me. Lets give it a rest already.

Paul   May 6th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Hillary we are with you all the way

Hillary 08
Yes she will!!!

Lola   May 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Which means that more than half went for Hillary in each state?

RickytheGriff   May 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Well, thank you CNN for your continued propaganda mission! Soon you will all win the coveted Joseph Goebbels Excellence in Media Award!

Keep up the good work!

Ardnuas   May 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

All you foolish voters who are affected by Rev. Wright……. Sit down and talk to YOUR pastor….. If he is HONEST, you WILL be affected by the stupid things he or she believes too. Think for YOURSELF!!!!
Obama/Edwards08

PC   May 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Well OF COURSE it's an issue, because the lazy media MAKES IT ONE! Enough already.

fixbone   May 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

how pathetic!!!

Rob - Georgia   May 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Thank you Rev. Wright!!!
Hillary '08!!!!!

rich   May 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

The media should be ashamed for this.

Ron   May 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Right will have an effect on Whites and not on Blacks because they like Wright

Lilly   May 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

The last time I checked, Wright was not running for president. I may be wrong though according to the Clintons.

Ric   May 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Get used to it. This is how Mc Cain will win the presidency.
Democrats for Mc Cain '08!!

AZM   May 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Wright is an issue… I don't understand when people say let's talk about the issues and not Wright…

It's an insight to the mans character… period… we don't know much about Obama… so you go by the company he keeps… and after hearing his wifes views… I think "birds of a feather" is a fair term.

This guy is scary… and a huge hypocrite… that being said… He will most likely win… and then I guess we will all see…. Dem House, Senate and Executive… should be utopia!

Interested Reader   May 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Next on the examination table: Obama and William Ayers.

This fall – it will be Obama and Rezko (when the trial gets media attn)

Yall democrats keep pushing for Obama. McCain with all his troubles with the GOP will still win by a landslide.

Chris from San Antonio   May 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Or, nearly half of the people in Indiana and North Carolina are dupes that think what SOMEONE ELSE says is more important than Iraq, Iran, Global Climate Change, torture, gas prices, the economy, the de-valued dollar…

JB Hull, IA   May 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

How can this possibly be an issue? The guys former pastor says a few kind of crazy things. Honestly, however, the number of bad statements out of the guy are less than ten. For the most part, his church does outreach to the poor in their community, and is a loving fellowship. These are the things that most shaped Obama coming out of that church. Why on earth everyone feels the need to focus on a few crazy things the pastor said and attribute them to his parishioner? Of course Obama loves America and is patriotic: he's a flippin US SENATOR!

mona   May 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Finally 50% get it. You can not sit in a church for 20 years and listen to Wright's venomous views about America and not be affected or infected by it. Obama is a product of Wright and we cannot afford to be wrong about Wright and his prodigy, Obama!!!

PRESIDENT HILLARY 08

HAHA   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

idiots… yeah cause my pastor makes ME who I am… bah

Keith R.   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

If Obama was so influenced by this pastor, he wouldn't be preaching peace and prosperity in his campaign. Think about it.

Some say "He sat through twenty years and he didn't get influenced?" Apparently not, or he was influenced to do the *right* thing.

And you have to respect that kind of character.

J. Forbes, Texas Independent   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Obama being under Wright's anti-American leadership for 20 years is a major issue. It should of hurt Obama.

If exit polls are an indication, I predict that Hillary won Indiana.

James   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Wright is a knuckle head.

sing a song   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

I wish hillary would donate 10 million to rev wright… hillarys best supporter.

go hillary

Niky   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

This is so dumb… will this be true for McCain in November… will they not vote for him coz of his pastor?

Ben   May 6th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Um, so Clinton supporters think the Wright "issue" is a big deal, while Obama supporters do not. Okay, great, everything is resolved.

martin   May 6th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Bye Bye Obama !

Sara   May 6th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Oh please!!! Enough. OBAMA 08′

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