May 13, 2008
Posted: 05:15 PM ET

From

(CNN) — Is Barack Obama's former pastor still an issue for voters? We asked West Virginia Democrats whether they think Barack Obama shares the views of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Just over 50 percent say Obama does share Wright's controversial views while 47 percent say he does not.

These numbers suggest Wright continues to be an open issue for at least West Virginia Democrats

Filed under: Barack Obama • Exit Polls • Jeremiah Wright • West Virginia


STOP THE MADNESS   May 13th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

He's not as much a factor without the question! If you all in the media let it go so will the people, at least most!!!!

Besides why are you all still asking this question since overwhelmly we your viewers have told you over and over that we are tired of this being an issue. You all know It only serves to give power to the republicans if you all allow it, so what's up with that??????????????

Is it that you chose to be blacklisted like the FOXX News Network?? Keep it up and you will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

john   May 13th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

oh,please

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   May 13th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Wright remains an issue until voters can hear a probing cross-examination of Obama on his beliefs and history with that church, not a softball sit-down with Bill Moyers or another gauzy speech about hope and racial unity. It won't happen because it's a "fatal distraction".

Kim   May 13th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Everyone with a computer knows that Rev. Wright is a very close confidant and counselor to the Clintons. In the so called controversial speech. Rev. Wright sang praises to his mentors the Clintons. Rev. Wright deliberatly played the fool to hurt Obama and help the Clintons.Do they have a computer in W. Va. ?

John J   May 13th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Polling in West Virginia doesn't seem to go far enough in its validity. There is an unwarranted impression that Obama shares the values of Rev. Wright as indicated by the CNN poll in W.VA. It would certainly be interesting to know that those polled showing a 51percent ÿes", if they could list those shared beliefs! I doubt that one in ten could!

Ilona Proud Canadian   May 13th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Schneider,

This is enough.

Now CNN go and find some news! We are tired of the non-stop Bill Schneider!

Impressive win my " " She was supposed to win 80/20-90/10 because the state was all hers to win! The demographics were totally Hillary Clinton! So Clintonites, enjoy the night!!!!

JC   May 13th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

WV is a lovely place if you drive through from East to West. They really need doctors as I remember.

The advantage of tattooing Wright to Obama's forehead is to limit Obama as the black candidate, a prelude for dividing the voters into blacks and whites. Also, there are more whites than blacks.

Liar   May 13th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Wright is not an issue for me. Heck, I agreed with 90% of what Wright said- I'm 53, white and female.

The fact that Obama obviously agreed with Wright by remaining in his church for 30 years- but THEN denounces Wright, IS an issue for me.

It proves Wright is right. Obama will say and do anything for political expediency.

That make Obama a phony, a sell-out, and a typical lying, hypocritical politician.

So Obama lost my vote forever.

Shannon   May 13th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

For heavens sake, CNN. You're presenting the exit polls for West Virginia voters as though they represent a cross section of the entire nation. West Virginia is not an "average" state. They represent about .6% of the nation's population, have a very low minority population and lower than average income; they've also been a heavily Clinton oriented state. I'm not sure how you can use the exit polls from this one tiny sampling to conclude the kinds of things you're trying to do here. At various times I've thought your reporting favored one candidate or another but I now see that you're driven by a desire for conflict in order to drive up your ratings.

Mike from Westchester   May 13th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

All the animosity we are now seeing is one of the consequences of this thing dragging on and on after it was almost mathematically certain (Mississippi - March 11), along with the needless expenditure of easily over $100 million and the soiling of the reputations of both candidates.

However, we will bring the party together to support our many shared interests and for the good of our country, its people, our children, our grandchildren and future generations.

Bashing each other is not productive and bashing WV is not fair. the demographics in WV are good for Hillary and not for Obama, period. 40% of the voters wer over 60 and 70% were over 45.

No reason to echo Bill Clinton’s comments after the SC primary. By Nov. 4, we need to make a majority of the population comfortable with Senator Obama and understand what is at stake in the election. If we do that, we will win.

Liar   May 13th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Obama should have had the courage to be honest and true and should have simply stated that he agreed with Wright on many issues in substance and spirit, but strongly disagreed on a number of issues. Also he could have denounced the inflammatory style of delivery, but not the substance of the comments.

That would have been believable for a man who remained a member of Wright's church for 20 years.

Instead… Obama pandered and did what Wright accused him of. He sold out his beliefs for political gain. He said and did what he needed to do as a politician.

That is the issue for me.

It showed Obama for what he truly is. Insincere, ingenuine, lying and hypocritical.

Marie in California   May 13th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Wright is definitely a HUGE issue for me in this election. I can't image voting for a presidential candidate who is so clueless he was affiliated with that so-called preacher for almost twenty tears and had no idea where the man was coming from. Hellllooooo! I figured that out in the first minute or two when I listened to his ranting rhetoric!

What does that say for Obama's judgment and character? Not much. Turns ME off, that's for sure!

Sharon Minnesota   May 13th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

The wright factor shows up in the CNN blogs every day. He has opened pandora's box of hatred and racism. The Obama supporters need to keep up his work. We love it that you are showing your true colors when you keep demeaning and belittling the Clintons and their supporters. I for one do not want the democratic party to unite under Barack Obama. This would completely destroy the essence of what that party has stood for in the last 50 years, labor, the poor and the blue collar workers. Don't unite whatever you do!!! Let the elitist and hatefilled Obama democrats get their due.

Oreo Uncle Tom   May 13th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Obama is not sincere, honest or true.

He is a lying, hypocrit.

He denounced Rev. Wright for political reasons and by doing so proved himself to be a pandering politician no different than the rest.

But since Obama's campaign was based on change and truth his behavior was inexcusable.

He sold out.

Sharon from Dallas   May 13th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Lord CNN, please stop with the madness. The majority of people in WV are uneducated. Off course they are going to believe that he thinks like the Reverend. WV is so old school and behind the times. Did you also take a poll on Paul vs Clinton? This is something the media is hiding from the public. Your reporting has become so biased. Please!!! stop talking about the Rev. Take a poll on John Hagee and Rod Parsleys comments. I'm beginning to thingk CNN is playing the race card too!

Sharon Minnesota   May 13th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

The Wright factor shows up in the CNN blogs every day. He has opened Pandora's box of hatred and racism. The Obama supporters need to keep up his work. We love it that you are showing your true colors when you keep demeaning and belittling the Clintons and their supporters. I for one do not want the democratic party to unite under Barack Obama. This would completely destroy the essence of what that party has stood for in the last 50 years, labor, the poor and the blue collar workers. Don't unite whatever you do!!! Let the elitist and hate filled Obama democrats get their due.

Oreos are not my taste   May 13th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Obama doesn't fool me.

He agrees with Wright- or he would have left the church years ago.

Yet he denounced Rev. Wright. The Rev. was honest and true to his own beliefs and spoke the truth: Obama was just a politician like all the rest and would do anything for political gain.

Obama proved him right, by ultimately denouncing Wright.

Can not vote for such a man. He is amoral.

Tyrone   May 13th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

For God's Sake!!!

Please people, I am so sick and tired of Hillary's big wig supporters trying to twist and turn this election. I cannot believe that her campaign managers actually said, that Sen. Obama removed his name from the Michigan Ballots because he did not think that he could win. (on the Wolf Blitzer Segment) This misleading of the voters should be against the law. Talk of taking advantage of a situation and people. My God, this is disgusting. Barack took his name off the ballots because he followed the rules, Hillary did not!!!!!! Bill Schneider you make me want to puke! I hope I never have the misfortune to meet you!!

And guess what Cambell, she has absolutely nothing to celebrate.

From here on she is going to lose every single "black" vote!!!!! cnn it's okay, if you don't post my comment I will post it on Huff, Politico, and all the other media networks that are not pro-Clinton! So thank you.

Slowpoke   May 13th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

These comments scare me.

Edgar   May 13th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Sharon of Dallas so those who vote against Obama are not educated, does everyone hear that loud and clear! Obama will never get my vote and there is a big group of demoractic voters who will not vote for Obama!

Eat that Obama supporters!

Linned   May 13th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

I don't think that Reverend Wright is a real issue. I think that it is an issue only for those looking for an excuse not to vote for Senator Obama - rather than saying they don't want to vote for him because he is black. It helps to ease their guilt - some people don't have the guts to just say that race is the reason they are not voting for him.

Franky   May 13th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

"Just over 50 percent say Obama does share Wright's controversial views while 47 percent say he does not.'

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, just like how I share my views with the bad people I grew up over here, LOL!!!!!!

Ted   May 13th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Come on, Bill. The only way Wright continues to be an issue is if you knotheads in the CNN press keep bringing it up. You know it's not news, isn't an issue that should be a factor in choosing our politicians, and that it serves only to divide and provide you with something to talk about when you have nothing else sensible to add. No wonder I find myself switching to MSNBC and Chuck Todd when I want to make sense out of this election campaign. Sorry, but you don't do the job for me.

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 13th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Bill Schnieder… SHUT UP!

It's not my intent to be rude, but it seems that's what it may take for you to "get it." Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!

WV went to Sen. Clinton. Cool. But really…. who cares?

Rev. Wright only keeps popping up on CNN and Fox News… need more be said?

I usually agree with you Bill. Tonight… I'm disappointed.

Ilona Proud Canadian   May 13th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Linda from Michigan,

Thank you! I never thought that I, looking in from the outside, would be able to ever say thank you, to a Michigan or Florida Voter. Thank you for proving me wrong!

Why can't we get the rest of the voters, in both Michigan and Florida, to take responsibility for the mess in these two states. To me it seems that they are just looking for a scapegoat, and that is fine, I understand how upset they are, but please, Sen. Obama was not to blame, if they want to place blame, then please they should look at your States' leaders. Again Linda thank you for standing up for what is right!

worse than the rest   May 13th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Obama is worse than other politicians.

He is evil at the core but pretty on the surface.

He agrees with Wright but denounces him just to advance himself politically.

He pretends to run a positive campaign- but gets his surrogates and supporters to beat up his opponent for him.

This man is evil incarnate

That's Reality   May 13th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Of course Wright is and will continue to be an issue.

Linned - I'm white and I would vote for Condi Rice or any other Black person who is qualified. Obama is out of the question and one reason is because he sat under Wright for 20 years and you just don't do that unless you agree with what is being preached. I can't believe he has made it this far but the alternative is not a whole lot better.

McCain will beat Obama in November because he is by far the more trustworthy and experienced, and that is crucial to the well-being of the country.

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 13th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Sharon Minnesotta - Do what you must. Now sush. We've been there. We've done that. That you care, says much more about you than it does about Obama. That you think it's an issues, is frightening.

Do you know what a lemming is?

Sinbad   May 13th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Sharon of Minnesota and "Oreo": You need to be reminded that Rev. Wright was a confidant of Bill and Hilary Clinton WHILE they were in office. DOES THIS MEAN THEN THAT THEY SHARED HIS VERY SAME HATE FILLED PHILOSOPHIES?!!!! DO THEY STILL DESERVE OUR SUPPORT?!!!!! THEY KNEW HIM AND EMBRACED HIM!!!!! FUNNY HILLARY CLAIMS SHE WOULD WALKED OUT ON SOMEONE LIKE THAT, BUT HER AND HER HUSBAND EMBRACED HIM!!!!!
AND THEN THERE IS MCCAIN, A MAN WHO EMBRACES THE ENDORSEMENT OF TWO REVERENDS (THAT ARE WHITE) THAT BLAME KATRINA AND DOWN FALL OF THIS COUNTRY ON GAYS, LESBIANS AND JEWS!!! AND YOU SAY YOU WILL SUPPORT THIS MAN!!! GO AHEAD THROW AWAY YOUR VOTE AND YOUR RIGHTS (ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN- WHEN HE WILL NOMINATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES THAT WILL OVERTURN ROE v. WADE).

sleaziest Uncle   May 13th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Strip the veneer of civility and Obama oozes with sleaze.

He is a hypocritical pandering sell out.

Wright was not the issue- Obama's waffling was.

His denounciation was all political showcasing.

READ AND RESPOND   May 13th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

You said it right Linned I agree with you 100%.

There are those who will not vote for Obama for their own selfish , biased , unjustifiable reasons. They sit there and watch the news spins and tell themselves thats why I'm not voting for him. One excuse is just as good or as bad as the next.

They convince themself with or try to put it out here in the blog as the reasons why they won't vote for the man. Those are the people who are led by fears that have been instilled in them as they grew up in america, due to the fears that were instilled in their parents, and sadfully so they will instill it in their children as well.

fed up   May 13th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

hey-Linned- you are so wrong! I will never vote for Obama-I, along with so many others, believe he is a big FAKE!! How can you excuse the facts that are right in front of you? Not only is Rev. Wright a very large issue but so is the FACT that he degraded millions of hard working Americans. I am one of those so-called people who must "cling to my guns or religion" Now he is wearing a Flag pin-what a joke! If he wins the nomination then we will have 4 more years of republicans.

Marissa   May 13th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Are we really still talking about Jeremiah Wright? Really? Please…

Allison Marie   May 13th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

I live in Florida and won't vote for Obama, Clinton or nothing!

Clinton 08/12

Julie   May 13th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Do you realize McCain is endorsed and stands next to two preachers with racial views? does that count against him?

fed up   May 13th, 2008 9:34 pm ET

to Read and respond-It is just easier fir you to beleive that we the Hillary supporter are actually biased?? Why because we support a white individual-you mean everyone who doesn't votefor OBama is a racist?? Waht are You nuts?? Or is it just you who was lead by fears that were instillled in you????
And to you Sinbad-Get your facts straight-The Clintons held a fundraiser at the White House at which Wright was present, they did not sit in his pews listening to racist BS for 20 years. Wake up- the states Obama won are Repulican states, he will lose in November if he is the nominee.
We have EVERY right to vote for who we want regardless of what any of you nuts say. We want Hillary!!!!!!

linda-Texas   May 13th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

Senator Obama's relationship with Rev. Wright is only one of the serious questions surrounding him that prevent me from ever voting for him.

jenkins   May 13th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Obama got trounced. I love it!

Linned   May 13th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

That's Reality and Fed Up

As a retiree I have watched this election unfold on a daily basis. Senator Obama said that they did not regularly attend services after the birth of their first child - who looks to be about 9 yrs old. Trust me if Senator Obama had been in church the pundits such as Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and others would have put it on the air just as they were playing the loops. That's Reality - I don't have children but do have relatives who have done 3 & 4 tours in Iraq and don't want to see them have to go through that again. Do you have children? Fed Up - it is your perogative to vote for whom ever you choose. I along with so many other, believe that he is NOT being FAKE! I listened to his speech and he said he chose the wrong words - I believe him until I see different. I cannot tell from your answer if you are a Clinton supporter - what about what she said about the white blue collar workers? As far as the flag pins goes - does Clinton and McCain wear one? I believe he was at an event with Veterans. They way I see it you actions speak louder than wearing a flag pin. John McCain didn't agree with the Veterans package being put forth saying that it was too much.

KE   May 13th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Focusing on the real issue starting now from West Virginia, this race has just begun.
Real talk about issues that are important to all America starts now from Middle America.

God bless America 2008!

sc00ter1821   May 13th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I have always voted democrat as have my parents as we are all union workers. But if Obma gets the nod, I will vote for McCain. If Hillary gets the nod then i will vote Democrat. There is no way i want a president that follows the teachings of a racist like Reverand Wright. We do not need a racist president, I can almost guarantee if Obama gets elected, Reverand Wright will be in the Cabinet somwhere.

Sharon Minnesota   May 13th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Sinbad and David of Santa Rosa, your rational is so completely flawed, you do know that don't you?

I just can't bother to explain it over and over again to people who don't want to understand the truth about what is staring them in the face. You're just wearing me out!!!

Shush yourself.

deidre   May 13th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

I AM READING AND RESPONDING…….I knew when that Wright Story broke that that would change the face of Sen. Obama's campaign, guess I've been around those 'states that don't matter' a little bit more than you. I scough at the Obama supporters that think this is all about racism. IT"S NOT ABOUT RACISM. Having Rev. Wright come out really changed a lot of homegrown white people's view of the senator. Sorry, but most people in this country do not come from cities or urban areas and most of hem are not black. That's just reality. Nobody likes to be insulted and I think the Rev. Wright story insulted a lot of White people.

BGIV in NC   May 13th, 2008 9:47 pm ET

I bet there are a bunch of them that still believe he is a Muslim as well. WV fits her self proclaimed demographic perfectly. I need not elaborate.

Tim in Canada   May 13th, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Obama didn't campaign much in West Virginia because he wanted her to win huge so she can raise funds to pay off her debt, hence the much denial from her camp.

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