Jack White and Melissa Harris-Lacewell Chat with Washington Post Readers
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Springfield, Va.: I agree with the comment that people will take Rev. Wright's [comments] differently. I have a great understanding of Rev. Wright's points; however, I don't think he helped his case with trying to create an understanding between the races. When you are trying to teach people things you need to talk to people in their own language. He didn't accomplish that today. This could possibly cost Obama the election.
Jack White: I pretty much agree.
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Los Angeles, Calif.: Obama received a positive response in his speech for condemning his Wright's words but not the man. Given this latest round isn't it, now, necessary for Obama to somehow condemn the man?
Jack White: No, but he will have to much more forcibly disassociate himself from Wright's views. Remember that Christians believe in hating the sin, but not the sinner.
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Durham, N.C.: Why is Barack Obama being held accountable for the words of his former pastor? To me they seem so different? Why is it difficult for most of America to see them as different people?
Jack White: Simple. If he had belonged to a secular organization, regularly attended its meetings and paid it thousands of dollars in dues, it would be fair to raise questions about his membership, wouldn't it? I think people see them as different people. But some want to know why he continued to support an organization led by Wright. It may not be fair in the strict sense, but what is? Even Obama says that it's fair to raise the issue.
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Jack White: Well, I gotta go. It's been interesting batting this issue around with all of you. I look forward to seeing how the Obama campaign is going to respond to this issue. It could be make or break for him.
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York, Pa.: I've seen the PBS interview and the speech in Detroit and I read the transcript of today's speech and Q and A. Not taking it out of context, it's not that controversial? Why can't the message that it isn't that controversial get legs?
Jack White: Well, yours is a singular view. A lot of folks disagree with you.
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washingtonpost.com: Melissa Harris-Lacewell had to leave the discussion due to her schedule. We thank her for partipating.
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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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Jack White and Melissa Harris-Lacewell Chat with Washington Post Readers
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View All Comments »jumpman at 04/30/2008 10:26:53 AM
Comment:
What's that saying about a barrel of crabs? Why do we always pull each other back? I really think this man wants his 15 minutes of fame, he needs to find another stage to get it.
dmac225 at 04/30/2008 6:00:15 AM
Comment:
During the discussion both JW and MHL asked why McCain and Clinton have almost no black supporters. The reason for this they claim is that neither Clinton nor McCain has done enough to try to draw more blacks into their bases. I think JW and MHL should open their eyes to who the real racists are. Over 90% of black Americans who have voted in this primary voted for Obama and yet you have the audacity to blame McCain and Clinton for not having a lot of black people supporting them.. Gee, I wonder why that is? If 90% of white voters had voted for McCain or Clinton you would be screaming racism from the tallest mountain.
If Clinton is not nominated do you think women will riot? Can you say the same about the "black community" if Obama is not nominated and/or elected as President? Until all of the hyphenated Americans (African-American, Mexican-American, etc.) decide to drop the hyphenation and just be Americans there is no "moving forward"..
techieb1 at 04/30/2008 1:01:38 AM
Comment:
Watching Rev. Wright on Sunday was like watching a train wreck. It was horrible to hear him mock past leaders (as well as the dead) but I could not turn the channel. And I heard Monday's comments were worse! Wright is the worst traitor, because Barack has sacrificed his good name to remain in Wright's life. The game has changed now. A true friend would never turn on his friend or threaten him even in the worst of fights, and so I really think that Rev. Wright is mentally deficient, immature, and possibly toxic, bipolar, or narcissistic. Either way, Barack has never said any hateful things out of his own mouth, and I believe him when he says that he has never seen that side of Wright. Maya A. said when people show you who they are the first time believe them. So, why is SHE supporting Hillary who told blatant lies about her past? I saw a woman flip on her "friend" and unleash a character assassination, and it shocked me so much to see the "Three faces of Eve". God will judge us all, and Barack will come out on top because he tried to forgive Wright. Wright has never learned to forgive America for her injustices. It is sad to watch a Black man as book smart as Rev. Wright self destruct.