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IF YOU'RE DOING IT BIG, Sen. Barack Obama thinks you could give a little more come tax time.
THE 4TH OF JULY weekend is nearly here. I don't know about you, but I have mixed emotions about this holiday.
AS MUCH AS I enjoy a good Obama-bash, I have to disagree with you on this one. Given your penchant for calling me idealistic and naïve about therealpolitik of presidential campaigns, I'm surprised that you're tripping about UnityFest 2008.
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Did Obama Betray Wright First?
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Posted By:
professorjue at 06/17/2008 2:58:44 PM
Comment:
No Obama did not betray Wright. He did what he had to do intelligently in order not to alienate a very large portion of his political support. Obama is a politician who is well able to think for himself therefore he is able to choose with whom he wants to align himself. While it may be true that Jeremiah preaches in a very stylized way that is not uncommon in the historical black church, America is not aware of this very dying form of preaching, even as it is popular among the UCC denomination, of which Trinity is a member. I challenge all the readers to listen to the average sermon in the black church and count the number of men who preach in that fashion anymore. -
Posted By:
professorjue at 06/17/2008 2:42:13 PM
Comment:
I think that the Senator did what he had to do in order to butress his position as the democratic nominee, thereby, making history on becoming the very first nominee of African descent. Whether one agrees with Obama's method of distancing himself from the very unfamiliar stylized preaching of the prophetic church to the population at-large; albiet, not unfamiliar to many aspects of the majority community. I'd be interested to know what the assistant professor's thoughts are relative to Wright's comments at the National Press Club gathering. Being a highly educated man, I think it is atrocious for us to believe that Obama cannot have an opinion of his own. Wright isn't the only one who is able to express himself. Further, given what we know about the politics being played at Trinity, Wright's intentions are not all pure and unencumbered. -
Posted By:
clockwood at 05/23/2008 8:26:35 PM
Comment:
I am saddened that Professor Willis, a philosopher, would offer comments so bereft of critical reflection. It seems that for Professor Willis, it seems, the only category that should be used to evaluate Senator Obama's relationship to Rev. Wright is loyalty. But does loyalty trump everything else, including the facts? When Rev. Wright continues to claim that the AIDS virus was created by the U.S. government in order to infect black people, is it not appropriate that Senator Obama denounce Rev. Wright's comments as "divisive" and expressing a "distorted view of the nation"? Isn't the habit of placing loyalty over the facts something that our current president has shown to be deeply problematic? -
Posted By:
noxzema at 05/11/2008 10:34:28 PM
Comment:
it could be argued that wright used obama! after the disagreement surfaced wright suddenly rose from relative obscurity to tv appearences, etc, he showed no humility and used the situation to promote himself, not Christ!!
Next step, a book. -
Posted By:
Qhycrme1 at 05/11/2008 9:22:21 PM
Comment:
You speak as if faith cost money , what ever wright did christian wise he was suppose 2, Jesus Christ deserves all the credit for what ever Oabama learned r gained not rev wright, Obama did not sell him out, wright sold himself out by not showing graces and mercy in the eyes of the beleiver, and acting as a non beleiver in the eyes of the whole world , wright lost respect 4 himself on tv b4 many people and if wright wanted some back from oabama for teaching him 2 b a christian he should not have taught him, I think Obama did a great job in up holding wright as his pastor and denoucing the sin that was spoken -
Posted By:
noxzema at 05/10/2008 1:28:12 PM
Comment:
this is nonsense! It is not unusual for black people to attack one of our own when an effort is made to raise our standards, or establish leadership positions. White people know we will act this way and depend on it! black people critised DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING.THIS IS NOTHING NEW!!!! -
Posted By:
choobop74 at 05/09/2008 2:19:51 AM
Comment:
Barak knocked Rev Wright upside the head, lifted his wallet, threw him under the bus, ran him over then backed up and ran him over again. (leave no witnesses)
What else would a typical politician do to someone who viewed as an enemy of the campaign.
Stop making excuses for Barak, it wasn't personal, it was only business. -
Posted By:
JacksonWells at 05/08/2008 10:53:20 PM
Comment:
It is funny how a lot of N-Obama supporters are saying the same thing that Rev. Wright said; Obama had to be a politician. All you peope care about is a BLACK PRESIDENT? Are you kidding me? I've read people saying that N-Obama would bring "racial harmony' and some special opportunities for black America (I say black America because all you folks care about is a BLACK PRESIDENT). It is very sad that black folks are making excuses for this Obama but you wouldn't be making those same excuses for a white man who was a member of Falwell's church and he was running for president.
It is also sad how black America accepts the lies. N-Obama said that he wanted to "imitate" Rev. Wright's life, but he feels he was a "crazy uncle". For the person who said that a person doesn't choose their pastor, do you really believe that lie? Now Michelle Obama says that they did family things on Sunday mornings? So who is telling the truth? Did they have a close relationship like N-Obama orignally said or did they rarely go to church.
As a non-christian the only reason this whole thing bothers me is that if N-Obama was white, the black folks on this blog would want blood.
P.S. You can't be proud of a Black President if you do not also wonder what he will do for Black America. Yes he would have to be President of the United States of America, but with the way you all are just handing over OUR culture without regard for accountability is beyond shocking and I didn't think I would ever see it from our people, esp. with the way our race have been treated by politicians, both black and white.
I am not saying that I will vote Republican if N-Obama gets the nomination, I think McCain is an idiot too, but I will not be voting for Obama. My conscious will not allow it. -
Posted By:
cora at 05/08/2008 4:18:38 PM
Comment:
First of all, Michelle Obama said on CNN that Sunday mornings are Family Time when she and Barack and their daughters would do things that were family-oriented. Therefore, I am assuming that they didn't really go to church all that often.
Secondly, whatever was said at Trinity, remember, Barack Obama had never attended any other church other than Trinity, and had lived and been raised in a white culture. Therefore, he would not have known whether this was part of what black people did in church or not. Barack knew that it would behoove him in his Community Organizer role to attend a church. I'm sure that he, being an outsider, found it very important to be accepted by other blacks, to be a part of a group of other blacks, especially since he was raised in a white culture. Perhaps he even had a need to prove himself.
Third, for many blacks, the church is cultural tradition rather than a spiritual experience. Most likely, it's that way for many other people groups as well. There was a time, immediately following slavery, during the reconstruction period, when blacks who had extra money would join different clubs and fraternities. This provided an opportunity to dress in their finery and be a part of polite society. Many blacks did not have the initiation fee and/or dues paid to a club or fraternity, and their only social outlet was church. Some blacks participated in both the clubs and organizations and attended church. Keep in mind, blacks didn't have country clubs and the like to socialize and get their respects. So, church, for many blacks, was part of their cultural experience, something that was done on Sunday, an opportunity to dress up and have Sunday Dinner afterwards.
Fourth, Barack didn't experience Christianity until he was exposed to Trinity. Therefore, he didn't have prior knowledge of what to expect. There are many people who have attended church for years, have sat in the pews, participated in the rituals, and still don't really realize what the Bible says or what it means. A great many people, white and black, hispanic, whatever, have no idea what being a Christian is really all about. The majority don't really have an indepth understanding of the Bible and the context in which it is written. There is no reason Barack should have been an exception to this.
I am sure, by now, however, Barack has learned what a minister of God should not do. -
Posted By:
meme at 05/08/2008 3:39:02 PM
Comment:
What ever a man achieves in the church he achieves through God not, through the pastor. Every pastor is a man with his own faults and weaknesses. Expect anything from anyone at any time. A man may have saved you from drowning yesterday but may find reason to destroy you today. God uses man to help man but let the glory go to God. There is no creator of the universe by the name of Wright. -
Posted By:
Dizzo at 05/08/2008 10:01:28 AM
Comment:
"Black Liberation Theology is a big dilemma for White America because it keeps reminding them for the sins of Slavery"
As a white guy with plenty of white friends and family I can tell you with all honesty that Black Liberation Theology is not a dilemma for White America because 90% of white America had no idea it existed before the Reverend Wright flap. I might generously move that bar down 5%....because that's probably the number of White America that paid enough attention on the political talk shows to catch the term and put it into Wikipedia.
I would have to say Black Liberation Theology is more of a dilemma for the Black Church. The media (and Wright supporters) aren't drawing distinctions between the black church as a larger entity and Black Liberation Theology. A lot of folks are taking Wright at his word and assuming that the same clips that they see on the internet are indicative of a normal Sunday morning. -
Posted By:
MrsJones at 05/08/2008 9:12:22 AM
Comment:
I must disagree with you on this. When I listened to Obama's speech in Phila. I was gald that he specifically said that he would not and could not disown Rev. Wright. He disagreed with his comments and tried to put Wright into context. It's unfortunate that too many African-Americans feel the need to challenge the 'realness' of other African-Americans based on their own standards.
Obama joined this church 20 years ago long before he became a politician or sought the presidency. He has to walk a very fine line, more than any of the other candidates. His words, his geneology, his education, his family, his religion are constantly under scrutiny by MSM. Why can't we respect the man for being able to get this far in the campaign and for the work he's done so far? His work as a state senator (reducing the use of the death penalty, insisting the murder interrogations and investigations be recorded, etc) speak to who he is. The fact that he chose to marry a talented African-American woman and makes it home for his children's parent-teacher meetings and his anniversary speak to who he is. Why try to tear him down because he was forced to separate himself from some of the more 'extreme' things Rev. Wright said?
I don't think Wright should have remained quiet until after the election. He has, after all, been maligned internationally, over a few soundbites. However, I think his pride got in the way at the end. He could have had his say during the Bill Moyers interview and at the NAACP dinner and walked away looking like the intelligent man of the Gospel that he is. Instead, he has tarred his own image even further because now many African-Americans have lost their respect for him. -
Posted By:
Nkwari at 05/08/2008 5:09:40 AM
Comment:
The question is: do we want a Black man to have the opportunity to run for president and win? If so, we cannot expect him to Keep it Real. No one who wins an election keeps it real. Elections are won by getting popular with the majority of voters. i.e. by being fake. ...I am sure the author has had to "play politics" to be successful in the academic world. The thing is...we criticize people like Obama, Oprah, Whoopi, Tiger, I remember people putting down rapper Hammer--because these people are not Real enough, yet when this "sell out" person wins an academy award or makes 90 million then all the sudden we are "proud" of them and give them an NAACP award. -
Posted By:
Nkwari at 05/08/2008 5:04:46 AM
Comment:
The question is: Do we want a Black man to have the chance to be president? If so, we cannot expect him to Keep it Real. Elections are not won by being yourself. It is by being appealing to as many voters as possible. And I am sure the author has had to "play politics" in the academic world to get where he is. I have heard Oprah, Tiger, Whoopi, Hammer (all the one-name people) get criticized for selling out but then when they achieve popularity with white people and get millions we are all the sudden Proud and give them an NAACP award. Hahaha. -
Posted By:
choobop74 at 05/08/2008 2:53:28 AM
Comment:
Amen.....MY people, get your lips off of Barak behind. wake up and smell what Barak is really cooking. -
Posted By:
JohnD at 05/07/2008 4:29:07 PM
Comment:
How could he NOT distance himself from a guy who states that the US governemnt created AIDS and injected it into black communities? Even if it were true, no mainstream candidate could walk around endorsing that truth and expect to make any headway. It's no different than a 9/11 conspiracy theorist. Give Obama a break. -
Posted By:
johnnybark at 05/07/2008 4:12:13 PM
Comment:
That is so true. Ihave been saying that from the begginning of this converse.
Johnny Barker Jr. Are we so quit to wrap up in cosmetics? -
Posted By:
raycharles4 at 05/07/2008 4:03:04 PM
Comment:
Andre, did you give any thought to what you just spit out, Any man of the gospel knows without being told " scare tatics and hate filled semons are not Chrilst like, and are divisive tatics used by pastors to keep thier flock in bondage ." Obama did the right thing, it was Wright who did the betraying and will have to answer for it. My hat is off to Obama for being able to duck and dodge another brother being used by the media to way-lay this historical moment in our countrys political history... -
Posted By:
redxjv at 05/07/2008 3:33:39 PM
Comment:
oh yeah lose the nomination for a pastor who doesnt even care that his words hurt his friends campaign,reverend wright is wrong(pun fully intended) for trying to sabotage his friend's campaign,as a pastor he should have looked at the bigger picture because obama is the only one that will make this country "a more perfect union". -
Posted By:
gbruer at 05/07/2008 2:59:07 PM
Comment:
Posted by GPBruer/5-7-2008
God Bless America and Americans---We are one Nation---and Senator Obama
has enlightens us All---Blacks, Whites, Indians, Orientals,Jews, this world is ours and the Lord is the creator----One Creator to everyone---one land to all
cherish what we have in the eyes of God by coming together and being their for each other no matter who, what, when or where you are in this life.
We will all pray for those who have misconceptions of why the Lord has put us on this earth.Senator Obama and Family our prayers go with you. -
Posted By:
jahayiti at 05/07/2008 2:57:39 PM
Comment:
Black Liberation Theology is big dilemma for White America because it keeps reminding them for the sins of Slavery -
Posted By:
jahayiti at 05/07/2008 2:52:04 PM
Comment:
Black Liberation Theology is a big dilemma for White America because it keeps reminding them for the sins of Slavery -
Posted By:
lskinner at 05/07/2008 2:50:16 PM
Comment:
I am so tired of the media running stories on Wright and Obama, as a voter not is not a real issue we should be addressing. This is a race that will change history, we should be talking about how we get our troops back home, solutions to fixing the foreclosures, solutions to making our economy better, and ensuing our kids get a good education. -
Posted By:
Janne at 05/07/2008 2:49:43 PM
Comment:
I don't believe Senator Obama tossed Reverend Wright under the bus. Reverend Wright jumped in front of it. I have had to deal with a similar situation of opposing the views of the pastor of my church that I have attended for 20 years. I have distanced myself from the pastor and stopped attending that church, but have not resigned nor transferred my membership. It is a painful situation because the church is a family not just a pastor and congregation. I love my church home and intend to return once this pastor has been removed, so I can relate to the issue at hand with Senator Obama. I respect the way he handled a very painful, difficult and personal situation. And by the way... We don't always get to choose our pastors. -
Posted By:
Washington2008 at 05/07/2008 2:24:08 PM
Comment:
Come on community, does everyone on here agree with 100% of the things their Pastors believe? NO. The first episode of what Wright preached, was taken out of context. But I personally believed that alone would take care of itself and play out through time. But to do an interview, Wright, should have just waited to Obama won. What he said in the recent interview was not by anyway going to help Obama win. Isnt that what we want? Wait to the man gets the office, then he can deal with the issues. Dont create more problems and could cost him the nomination. I am sure I would have done the same. This country has more than just African Americans or Blacks in it. And you just cant win by just the Black vote only. We know how playing the race card, can spark fires that are unquenchable. So why do it? If we nor they will handle it or stick to the fight until change comes. I am not voting for Obama because he is "Black", but because he truly is symbolic of the change we need in America. Someone who can build a bridge between the races and unify this great Nation. So I say wake up. Rev. Wright had to be aware of the more problems his interview could cause, given that people, expect his opinions to be the same as the Senators. Why detriment things more? -
Posted By:
reggie79 at 05/07/2008 2:11:54 PM
Comment:
I disagree with your aseessment. In the beginning, Obama defended Wright saying he would not disavow his own pastor and clung to that arguement. It was not until Wright again starting speaking out (and starting this mud-slinging by throwing Obama under the bus due to Obama's "secret support") that Obama was put into the position of defending a man who has attacked him or, distancing himself from Wright. -
Posted By:
Newsman22 at 05/07/2008 2:07:11 PM
Comment:
O boy! Poor Barrack, when he is not being lynched by the FOX News and wannabee commentariat, he is being attacked by his "brethen" who can't seem to distingusih between their asses and their elbows.. Fight on my brother, as MLK often repeated: "Truth pressed to the ground will rise again undaunted." Jeremiah Wright's words were distorted for political effect and so too are Obama's. He acknowledged the tradition which formed and informed Wright's anger, but also said there has to be another way, if blacks expect to make further progress in America. -
Posted By:
ds62649 at 05/07/2008 2:03:11 PM
Comment:
I do not understand why Rev. Wright would not want Obama to get elected, but it appears that is exactly what he is doing. We need to remember that Obama is Black and White, and what really matters are the issues and concerns of all Americans and weather or not he can bring to the table the skills and knowledge required to bring off a successful presidency. For me he has to make it clear what his ideas and stratagies are. To me that is still unclear. Our country is in real trouble!! and be you black or white you should be concerned about who can step up and save us from the scary direction our country is going in. Racism is a very real problem in this country but I believe tha no one man is going to cure the problem. It will take everyone in this country to listen to God and their hearts to make that change and kill the hate. If we don't God will take care of it himself! -
Posted By:
lsboyd at 05/07/2008 1:51:17 PM
Comment:
No!!!!!!! He did not. Wright threw Obama under the bus. I think he was trying to make himself the story. He gave no thought to the harm he could be doing Obama and his bid for the presidency. -
Posted By:
teacher at 05/07/2008 1:46:10 PM
Comment:
Yes, I agree. Obama denounced Rev. Wright to appease White America. I see Obama as a sell out. He is a disgrace to every black person who has struggled in these United States. Not only did he denounce Rev. Wright; what about Dr. Martin L. King, Jr? Again, he listened to White America and did not attend the Forty Year Commemoration of Dr. King in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday, April 4, 2008. How could he have not attended? This was a mistake on his part. Sometimes I wonder, is he using Michelle for her brilliance to get what he wants. Michelle is a very smart and dignified lady. She is the one that should be running for the nomination of president, not him.
Obama has used the Black Southside Community of Chicago, Rev. Wright and the black church for his advantages; now he is ready to unite with his white brothers and sisters and sell blacks to the highest bidder. How sad? -
Posted By:
meeeker at 05/07/2008 1:06:50 PM
Comment:
Wright was indeed a test for Obama. He tried to make Obama realize that he should enter the presidency upright and unapologetic for the effect slavery had on Blacks and Whites. But what made Obama recoil from Wright was something basic, Wright wanted to be the power behind the throne, the agenda setter, the scheduler, the one who would singularly determine the final resolution of race in this country. Under this, how can Obama be president? It would be like having Bill and Hillary as vice president--something else he must reject. -
Posted By:
meeeker at 05/07/2008 1:04:03 PM
Comment:
Wright was indeed a test for Obama. He tried to make Obama realize that he should enter the presidency upright and unapologetic for the effect slavery had on Blacks and Whites. But what made Obama recoil from Wright was something basic, Wright wanted to be the power behind the throne, the agenda setter, the scheduler, the one who would, singularly determine the final resolution of race in this country. Under this, how can Obama be president? It would be like having Bill and Hillary as vice president--something else he must reject. -
Posted By:
stldaniels at 05/07/2008 11:54:03 AM
Comment:
There is a fine line between a theologian's suggestive and baseless position of another human being's life interactions and reality. Thats why we call them doctors of philosophy. A true mentor knows the basis of his relationship with the one he mentors. He also knows the value of that relationship is a two way street that must be kept clean and operable for each to benefit equally from the spiritual and human bonding. Rev. Wright miscalculated or did not understand how that relationship would change and evolve with his growing and aspiring student. Rev. Wright not only had a duty to protect Barack Obama from the attacks he received, but to protect the church and its body of people from the overshadowing attacks that he knew would be forthcoming. I am not ashamed of Rev. Wright and the public positions he has taken. They were forthcoming and at moments brilliant and eloquent. If Rev. Wright made one thing perfectly clear, it is that he do what he do as a pastor, and Barack do what he do as a politician. The dye was cast. Rev. Wright had sent the message that my spiritual guidance and religious theology will not be challenged or cheapened by the press or Barack Obama. Rev. Wright could have had it both ways and protected a precious member of his flock. He chose not to. The events surrounding Rev. Wright over the last month are nothing compared to what the Republicans will bring in the fall. It will be interesting to see how Rev. Wright will defend himself against claims of being a Marxist who has no loyalty to his country despite his military service. Good Luck Rev. Wright, perhaps Rev. Willis can help you with your next speaking tour. But keep this in mind, on August 28, the night the Democratic nominee for President gives his acceptance speech in Denver, it will also be the 40th Anniversary of MLK's "I have a dream" speech. So who through who under the bus Rev. Willis? -
Posted By:
plvlogan at 05/07/2008 10:12:43 AM
Comment:
"or does he try to explain the unassimilated, free, courageous black man as a sound, bold, articulate prophetic teacher who speaks directly to the needs and desires of a despised people?"
He tried this in Pennsylvania, and it wasn't enough for Wright. His hand was forced into making the politically expedient decision when Wright insisted on pushing the issue. Wright, without question, betrayed Obama and exposed himself as a media whore. I'm certainly not looking forward to whatever "political" television special the Republicans are going to pay him off to do around October.
That's not to say that Obama is completely innocent. Obama was obviously in Trinity for purely political gains to begin with. But then, that's why most politicians go to church. -
Posted By:
Dizzo at 05/07/2008 9:59:58 AM
Comment:
I respectfully disagree. Faith is personal and to claim Obama's Christian identity is owed to one man is wrong. Also, Obama, when he came to the South Side, was a man with a lot of options. With a degree from Columbia and a good job in New York he went and served in one of the most depressed inner city communities in the country. To say Obama owes Wright for that decisions, before he even met the man, is ridiculous.
Finally, the most politically expedient thing for Obama to do was to disown Wright when the first clips came out. He didn't. Wright had the opportunity to salvage his national reputation and was doing a good job during the weekend interviews. That Monday press club event was either pure lunacy or deliberate sabotage of his former friends campaign. Either way, a man as politically savvy as Wright should have known better.
Finally, on the issue of striking balance. The man isn't trying to land a promotion at the office. He's running for president of the United States. He is not going to represent just black America, but all of America.
I have no regard for anyone who thinks Farrakhan is anything other than a demogague and a anti-semitic. I have a low opinion for anyone who believes (or insinuates) that AIDS is a government conspiracy. I find these statements from Wright to be just as ignorant as anything I have heard from right wing demogagues like Jerry Falwell.
I, and other reasoned people, cannot just give a pass to Wright (and Obama) because he comes from the Black Church. And frankly, that argument only casts the Black church in an unsavory light. -
Posted By:
Blogger24 at 05/07/2008 9:57:22 AM
Comment:
justing checking -
Posted By:
Blogger24 at 05/07/2008 9:55:53 AM
Comment:
testing comments -
Posted By:
Blogger24 at 05/07/2008 9:55:31 AM
Comment:
testing coments -
Posted By:
JDD at 05/07/2008 8:50:36 AM
Comment:
So many people are caught up in their own agenda regarding this presidential race, that they are missing the boat on what is truly going to happen. Either your chosen candidate represents your views or they do not. If, as far as the Democratic candidacy goes, they don't win the election in June, how can people say they will vote Republican?? For shame on all of you, you are no better than Wright for denouncing BHO, one of his parishioners.
Last time I checked we have all sinned and fallen short. While I definitely agree that Wright has the right to espouse any personal views (at any venue) he chooses. Wright labeling BHO as a back-stabber truly makes me hang my head at the "spiritual" leadership he purports. No wonder my 17 year black male child now questions "religion," and seeks his spiritually other than the Christian church. I am thinking I might join him in that quest. -
Posted By:
JDD at 05/07/2008 8:47:47 AM
Comment:
So many people are caught up in their own agenda regarding this presidential race, that they are missing the boat on what is truly going to happen. Either your chosen candidate represents your views or they do not. If, as far as the Democratic candidacy goes, they don't win the election in June, how can people say they will vote Republican??
For shame on all of you, you are no better than Wright. Last time I checked we have all sinned and fallen short. While I definitely agree that Wright has the right to espouse any personal views (at any venue) he chooses. Wright labeling BHO as a back-stabber truly makes me hang my head at the "spiritual" leadership he purports. No wonder my 17 year black male child now questions "religion," and seeks his spiritually other than the Christian church. -
Posted By:
mysticwaters at 05/07/2008 8:37:06 AM
Comment:
If reverend Wright sole purpose was the advancement for colored people world wide. What could be gained by trying to derail Obama chances of being the first black president of the United States. If he truely understands the dynamics of the social and political system in America he should have buried his pride and feelings. A black person as president was something unthinkable when I was coming up. Just think how much more credibility the statement "you can be whatever you want to be" would mean to so many young blacks which includes my 15 year old daughter. A black president in this country would certainly improve social conditions for all the races world wide -
Posted By:
geegirl at 05/07/2008 2:07:27 AM
Comment:
No, Senator Obama did not betray Rev. Wright!!!! Frankly, I sick and tired of hearing about the subject. Can we please move on. -
Posted By:
BIG BEN at 05/06/2008 11:56:36 PM
Comment:
Normally, I would agree with this piece, but this is different. This election is a lot bigger than Rev. Wright and the black church. We have a black man with a serious chance in becoming the President of the United States. Obviously, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have been noticeably quiet. They know what time it is. Jeremiah Wright should've known what time it was. Either, he's a Hillary Clinton mole or his ego got in the way. I tend to believe the latter more than the former, but the former wouldn't surprise me one bit.
But to answer your question, "Did Obama Betray Wright First? The answer is no. Obama gave him the benefit of the doubt in the Philadelphia speech. He distanced himself from the words, but didn't distance himself from him. Why didn't Wright keep his mouth shout? White America doesn't wanna hear about black stuff. We make up only about 17% of the national population. Obama is running as a candidate for all. Not a "The Black Candidate". He is trying to reach a broader scope of America. He is trying to appeal to the whites, hispanics, and everybody else. -
Posted By:
BIG BEN at 05/06/2008 11:56:23 PM
Comment:
Normally, I would agree with this piece, but this is different. This election is a lot bigger than Rev. Wright and the black church. We have a black man with a serious chance in becoming the President of the United States. Obviously, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have been noticeably quiet. They know what time it is. Jeremiah Wright should've known what time it was. Either, he's a Hillary Clinton mole or his ego got in the way. I tend to believe the latter more than the former, but the former wouldn't surprise me one bit.
But to answer your question, "Did Obama Betray Wright First? The answer is no. Obama gave him the benefit of the doubt in the Philadelphia speech. He distanced himself from the words, but didn't distance himself from him. Why didn't Wright keep his mouth shout? White America doesn't wanna hear about black stuff. We make up only about 17% of the national population. Obama is running as a candidate for all. Not a "The Black Candidate". He is trying to reach a broader scope of America. He is trying to appeal to the whites, hispanics, and everybody else. -
Posted By:
BeTheChange at 05/06/2008 8:47:27 PM
Comment:
Remember Dave Chappelle's "When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong?" Does the author of this article want the Obama campaign to be a segment? This is the real world. McCain has to act like a hard core winger to get the Republican nomination and all the Democrats have to pretend that they know nothing at all about the global economy, hate free trade, and are going to march out of Iraq straight-away, no matter what the situation is in country. It is not at all surprising that Senator Obama has had to distance himself from his zany friend and pastor. If I was running for national office and tapes of my zany racist grandmother showed up on national television, saying stupid things that I listen to out of respect for her but really can't stand and passionately disagree with, I hope I would have the grace to attempt to give context to her statements to people who do not know her as I do. She's from a different time, after all. If she reemerged as an issue, of her own accord by reiterating those comments to members of the press, I would be hurt at that betrayal and do what I would have felt like doing the first time...completely convey that I hate her comments. If Obama felt that the only way that could be done was through disowning his pastor, then so be it. The very idea that Wright is a representative of "blackness" somehow is repulsive to me. It is also the kind of thing my racist grandmother would say disapprovingly. Rev. Wright's comments about black underachievement and learning styles were dangerous and scientifically backwards. His claims about HIV were worth exploring in 1987, but have now been rejected by the scientific community. Was Dr. King perfect? No... but if there has to be some representative of "blackness" he was a whole lot better at it, and frankly, so is Barack. -
Posted By:
minkyadoo at 05/06/2008 8:28:51 PM
Comment:
I understood and could accept OBAMA separating himself from the remarks made by the Good Pastor because lets face it folks in cloth say alot of things that somehow do not transfer to the congregation, but when the media pressed Obama for a response made at the Press Club, I only wish he would have said "no comment" it was hurtful on both sides and it was hard for the senator to denounce him. No the Senator did not Betray Wright Reverend Wright did not show the basic thread of christianity by being humble and leaving revenge in the Lords hand. Obama is just in experienced in the ruthless game of politics. -
Posted By:
Jill at 05/06/2008 7:28:58 PM
Comment:
Test comment. -
Posted By:
wc at 05/06/2008 5:54:32 PM
Comment:
Both Reverend Wright and Senator Obama are politically savvy enough to understand that the only way to make progress in a hostile environment is to play the game by the rules of the ruling class. Senator Obama has played by those rules, and Reverent Wright has assisted him wherever possible throughout the senator's career, so assuming that one is "throwing" the other "under the bus" is a foolish mistake to make.
Both of these distinguished men know what the rules of the game are. The senator needs a religious footing, or he will lose the vote of white religious America. Nobody votes for an atheist. The senator needs the zeal of common shared oppression, or he will lose the support of his most reliable constituency: black America. He walks a fine line. While Reverend Wright preaches hellfire and damnation, he simultaneously roots the senator in both large voting blocks.
However, the reverend cannot possibly fail to understand that his rhetoric can go too far, that he can damage the trust of the white protestant voters by blaming them rather than finding common ground with them. In a race that has been about common ground, the reverend has overstepped his license: he has become as divisive as Bill's Jesse Jackson comparison.
Think about the reverend's recent media attention from another angle: it completely ends the Republican Party's attempts to portray Senator Obama as an Atheist or a Muslim. No regular church-goer takes every word of every sermon to heart, so most of the religious who long to hear that the Senator believes in the same God will take heart.
Senator Obama's experience differs significantly from the experiences of other black Americans, so while he wears the badge of blackness, he sees the world differently from those raised under generations of racism and mistrust. White America also sees him differently than Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, and Malcom X. The senator is less of a threat--he brings hope and change.
Think also about the message conveyed by clips of a very light-skinned black man railing against injustice. Reverend Wright could be a member of anybody's family tree--sure, he's a little loud, but who doesn't have an overzealous uncle? He may end up the best ambassador to white America Obama could have asked for. Is that the worst skeleton in the senator's closet? He's already admitted to inhaling.
Don't dismiss these two so quickly. I think they're both smarter than they're letting on. -
Posted By:
seed101 at 05/06/2008 3:36:34 PM
Comment:
I am a 38 year old Native American woman, and i heard it. -
Posted By:
justlinda at 05/06/2008 3:30:05 PM
Comment:
No, he didn't. Mr. Wright (I cannot call him Reverend) just seems to love the limelight and may be the reason that Mr. Obama will not win the Presidenial election. Mr. Obama gave Mr. Wright the benefit of a doubt, but Mr. Wright could not keep his mouth closed. He had to be prideful and get his little bit of fame. If you ask me, he is jealous of Mr. Obama and he would like to be on the same footing as Martin Luther King. Go ahead and try! It will not happen.! Mr. Wight knew what he was doing and his pioty gave Mr. Obama no choice to distance himself. But he had to be forced to do so because of the hate that spewed out of Wright's mouth. -
Posted By:
L215 at 05/06/2008 3:28:01 PM
Comment:
Testing the comment system -
Posted By:
L215 at 05/06/2008 3:27:47 PM
Comment:
Test -
Posted By:
wilson103566 at 05/06/2008 3:15:41 PM
Comment:
please let's stop this mass it's all about the big picture it's not about Rev. Wright or Obama it's about a country coming togather . and if you don't see it this kind of silly talk will continue we as a people need to see the change that he is making . because I want my son to have that role model of a black man being president not a drug dealer -
Posted By:
L215 at 05/06/2008 3:14:33 PM
Comment:
Testing Comment system -
Posted By:
justlinda at 05/06/2008 3:13:15 PM
Comment:
No, he didn't. Mr. Wright (I cannot call him Reverend) just seems to love the limelight and may be the reason that Mr. Obama will not win the Presidenial election. Mr. Obama gave Mr. Wright the benefit of a doubt, but Mr. Wright could not keep his mouth closed. He had to be prideful and get his little bit of fame. If you ask me, he is jealous of Mr. Obama and he would like to be on the same footing as Martin Luther King. Go ahead and try! It will not happen.! Mr. Wight knew what he was doing and he gave Mr. Obama no choice. -
Posted By:
thrasher at 05/06/2008 3:01:57 PM
Comment:
Rev.Wright made Obama the man he is today a viable candidate for president of USA... Obama allowed his quest to be supreme over and above anything..No surprises here..-
Posted By:
Washington2008 at 05/07/2008 2:26:22 PM
Comment:
NO he didnt, God did. Get it right. That 's what is wrong with some of the church. Wanting to elevate man above God. He was a vessel used to get Obama's attention. but it was God who did it all.
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Posted By:
itiswhatitis at 05/06/2008 3:00:58 PM
Comment:
This is a hard place for us to be in as a group of consious people. How it looks is : " We are so anxious to be President of the United Staes", we don't know what to do. I have heard Barack described as a Messiah; my goodness - it's too much. And I support Barack in his bid for the Office of the Presidency for a number of reasons - some rationale and some passionately rational. Rev. Wright is a generous soul who proted his church, remained himself and released Barack form the burden of having to defend a man and a tradition that America is simply not ready to deal with in an election season. The media has attacked his friend, his wife, and sacrificed his children as an example of the "perverse" discrimination of affirmative action - is it worth it? I am not running for President andI know no one would elect me. Let's just keep on moving and support Rev. Wright and the work of that Church as our answer to what has happened. -
Posted By:
Bouje at 05/06/2008 1:28:46 PM
Comment:
Obama did NOT throw Wright under the bus. When his sermon's first came out, he simply said some of Wright's comments were divisive -- which is true. Were they morally wrong statements to say? I don't think so. Divisive? Probably. If you're saying he threw him under the bus because he didn't let him speak on behalf of his campaign in general, before the sermons came out, then that's just naive. Obama couldn't get elected with someone as divisive as Wright. Again, it's understandable that Wright has a divisive personality, but that doesn't mean Obama should have to include him in one of the most important endeavors of his life, especially if it's going to hurt him. Why even run then if you're not doing everything you can to win? I think it's obvious that Obama had no ill will for Wright when you saw him talk about the sermons that came out, but Wright had to go act all crazy on him. -
Posted By:
jenniferwhatnot at 05/06/2008 1:27:13 PM
Comment:
Can anyone explain to me why "blackness" or "black church identity" seems to be unquestionably tied to Rev. Wright's bizarre statements about AIDS etc? Do we really accept that to be "black enough" one has to embrace a conspiracy theory? To the people who are saying that Obama betrayed Rev. Wright by disowning those statements (and/or thereby betrayed his own blackness), why do you consider those ideas essential to black identity? And if not, why couldn't Obama "hate the sin but love the sinner" re: Rev. Wright (i.e. attend/benefit from his church without having to embrace all of his ideas)? In that scenario, Rev. Wright forced the confrontation by reiterating the most controversial of his ideas, the ones that people were criticizing. Now he's made it so much worse for Obama, because even though Obama's disowned those ideas, now he is stuck having to explain his (cynical, self-serving) church attendance for the past twenty years. What a shame for him. -
Posted By:
Carmelle at 05/06/2008 1:01:41 PM
Comment:
Your title: "Did Obama Betray Wright First?" Shouldn't be the other way around? Have you been living under a rut that you cannot see that Wright is wrong and that he's an old crazy radical preacher still living in the '50s? Sacrebleu! -
Posted By:
elite_209 at 05/06/2008 12:47:34 PM
Comment:
If you think for one minute that he should have not thrown him under the bus you are so out of touch with what Sen.Obama is trying to do. We as black americans can and will not in any way forget about what has been done to us over the years as a people,and still beening done tody. We must as God loving people show love and forgive if we are to be forgiven and enter the kingdom of heave when this life is over. Rev. Wright has a right to say what he please but he shouldn't put Sen. Obama in his mess. My dad told me to taste the words before you speak them and maybe you will change what you say..Rev Wright should do !!!!! -
Posted By:
Lilithl at 05/06/2008 12:09:59 PM
Comment:
" [Rev. Wright] is an unassimilated, free, courageous black man ...[ a ]sound, bold, articulate prophetic teacher who speaks directly to the needs and desires of a despised people?"
Uh huh - and I'm the May Queen. Honey, you've got your "despised people" sitting in the wrong congregation - Jews are the "despised people" - have been for millenium - and no one was quicker to jump on the anti-semitic bandwagon than Black Americans.
Black Americans may despise themselves - but the majority of Americans do not - only 19% of the population stated that they voted by race. For your edification, that still leaves a huge majority who vote on merit - not on race as you would like to believe.
Unfortunately, after Wright's visit to the NPG and the sound bits on UTube (and sorry, they don't have to be viewed "in context" - Wright's message of bigotry and hatred is extremely simple - even white people and Jews can get it) there appears to be very little to admire in Candidate Obama's choice of pastor or church.
Granted, there is also nothing to admire in a man who attends the same church for 20 years and then says he wasn't listening. -
Posted By:
Lilithl at 05/06/2008 12:09:13 PM
Comment:
-
Posted By:
nola_diva at 05/06/2008 11:09:01 AM
Comment:
No he did not. Rev. Wright is the betrayer---not just to Obama, but to the black community that does indeed have a cultural history in regards to prophetic black liberation theology. Rev. Wright got caught up in the hype and at that National Press club performance, he showed his humanity by displaying so clearly what happens when man becomes too full of vanity and pride. He should go back to reading the Bible and what it says about that type of display and behavior. Furthermore, Obama's first loyalty when it comes to his life and his soul is to Christ---not Wright. Is Wright supposed to be untouchable because he 'led' Obama to Christ? Please! ANYBODY can be used by God to bring a soul to Christ and that does not make that person flawless or forever deserving of being honored. Only the Lord is to be worshiped---not the pastor. Obama tried as hard as he could to cut Wright some slack, but Wright let his ego get the best of him and Obama was left with no other choice but to distance himself. Again---the only betrayal was by Wright to his preaching and his teaching by letting his ego and pride get in the way of his message. He himself blew a great opportunity to show the connection between Christianity and the black liberation theology culture. -
Posted By:
JacksonWells at 05/06/2008 9:59:24 AM
Comment:
Well, the first statement made by Obama about Rev. Wright stated that he could no more disown Rev. Wright than he could disown the Black Community. My question is this, WHAT WILL WE HAVE TO DO? We already know what it took for Rev. Wright. I'm sorry black folks, there was a betrayal. Obama reacts instead of acts. As he said in January, he needed to join a black church to organize in Chicago and he chose Rev. Wright's church. Obama knew exactly what type of preacher Wright was when he started letting people know that this man married him and baptized his children. Black America, I hope you are listening not just to the tone of his voice and the color of his skin but also the words said. A light is being shone on us and you all had better ask if Obama will have your back (like in Jena). -
Posted By:
macdw at 05/06/2008 9:49:26 AM
Comment:
Amen Flutterby! -
Posted By:
anniemcw at 05/06/2008 9:11:28 AM
Comment:
There are two types of people in this world: the kind that work toward the greater good, and the kind that have their own agenda. Rev. Wright clearly falls into that last category. For all his espousing about the treatment of Blacks in America and the demand for better treatment, he is serving as a dangerous distraction in having the FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT or at least nominee. Ask yourself if his actions line up with his message. They don't. I'm sick of people like Wright who are living in the past and keeping progressive Blacks like Obama from succeeding because they want their 15 minutes of fame.
And for all you out there who think that Obama threw Wright under the bus - ask yourself if your grandfather/uncle/mentor would do something like this to you? Not if they truly care about you. If Wright wanted to get his message out he could have been using the next 6 months to write a book and then publish AFTER Obama was in the White House. That would have been better for everyone - Wright, Obama, Blacks in America, and other races who need to hear his message. -
Posted By:
warrior dowager at 05/06/2008 12:04:13 AM
Comment:
Religion--especially evangelicals that sort of make up Christianity as they go along--is a very inflamatory sense of religion. Speaking from my center as the un-abridged, un-popular out reach of the Book of Common Prayer, religion should be as orderly and as focused possible if we are to remain an even
grasp at Christianity.
The various sects are as dangerous and twisted as some drugs passed
along in the collection plate. I am somehow thinking of the man I saw in
India playing his pipe and mexmerizaing the cobra. It can be maintained
unless the worshippers maintain a balance and do not wait at the corner
for the Rapture to come by. -
Posted By:
whiteguy at 05/05/2008 9:57:50 PM
Comment:
Is it not clear to you now that Rev. Wright does not to see a black president in his life time? He was a liabilty before, has has become nothing short of a saboteur. -
Posted By:
buenapark at 05/05/2008 9:40:36 PM
Comment:
Professor Willis,
I am wondering if you listened at all to what Barack Obama said in Philadelphia. Obama spoke well of Rev. Wright, describing his war service as a Marine and his work in the Chicago community. He also noted that the man in the YouTube clips on endless loop in the media was not representative of the man he knew.
Obama said he could no more disown Rev. Wright than he could disown his own father.
How is that betrayal? -
Posted By:
thevegasstyleguy at 05/05/2008 7:41:05 PM
Comment:
I AM A GAY MAN. I HAVE HEARD MANY BLACK AND WHOLE LOTS OF GAY PEOPLE SAY THAT AIDS WAS AN INVENTION OF SCIENCE AND GOVERMENT. THE SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS WAS HUNG OUT TO DRY WHEN IT EXPOSED LINKS BETWEEN THE REPUBLICANS AND CRACK COCAINE. THEY USED CRACK SALES TO FUND RIGHT WING GROUPS IN CENTRAL AMERICA. IT'S A FACT. TUSKEGEE IS A FACT. THREE MILE ISLAND IS A FACT. WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION IS A FACT.
WHAT EXACTLY DID WRIGHT SAY THAT A WHOLE LOT OF NORMAL FOLKS DON'T ALSO THINK?
OBAMA USED HIM AND HIS CHURCH FOR IT'S BLACKNESS. YE REAP WHAT YE SHALL SOW. -
Posted By:
Yammer at 05/05/2008 6:58:13 PM
Comment:
What a curious statement, that blackness means being threatening.
A more plausible statement is that Obama owes his popularity in part to Christianity. I think it is true but sad that Obama has to de-Muslimify himself with Christianity in order to be acceptable. God forbid he remain a Muslim or, as I suspect most people are but can't admit it, agnostic on the topic of God.
I certainly agree with the thesis that Obama borrowed Wright's popularity in order to help get work done in Chicago. But renouncing a preacher's silly ideas is not much of a tragedy. After all, it's God's will, right? God recently dropped a church on some of his followers here in Canada, so really why would it surprise anyone. -
Posted By:
SethTE at 05/05/2008 4:35:56 PM
Comment:
My first question is what is a "prophetic black preacher?" Second, as a Christian, the idea of a "black church code" is repulsive. We are beholden ONLY to the code of God found in the bible. A suprising number of our black churched are going to find themselves as the virgins who ran out of oil in Matt. 25 when the bridegroom says "I don't know you."
Second, did you, Mr. Willis see Rev. Wright at the Press Club? That was horrendous, stupefying even. I wouldn't expect a man modeling his life after Christ to act in such a rauccous and foolish manner. -
Posted By:
jericho4119 at 05/05/2008 3:44:44 PM
Comment:
At first I was not going to read this article - because the premise sounded to presumptuous to imagine. I read it and found out that while the author was well-reasoned, he missed the mark on the Philadelphia speech that Obama gave, as it was in no way a betrayal of Wright.
Remember the talking heads who complained that Obama attempted to put some "context" around Wright's remarks and that he did not just "throw him under the bus"?
So the premise of the article was incorrect; then I was more discouraged when I saw the comments area as there were more supporters of this false thesis than I ever imagined.
Was Wright helpful in establishing some cred for Obama in Chicago? Undoubtedly - but let's not fool ourselves. There are other churches in Chicago that Obama could have joined (Apostolic comes to mind). Having one of your congregants become a state senator then a US Senator and then a candidate for President is an even higher form of street cred.
But like Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson, there just was not enough cred to go around. And when it was time for Wright to politely fade into the background with a simple, "I don't think those excerpts fully captured the meaning or the essence of what I was attempting to convey and I can certainly see how sound-bites of such small snippets could have led to confusion", he grabbed the mic like he was on Soul Train.
Obama is the best candidate of my lifetime (I guess when that starts with Nixon the only way to go is up). Eight years ago I was certain that I would be voting for HRC in this election, but since the 2004 Democratic Convention, I have been in the Obama camp and I was thrilled when he announced his campaign in January 2007. I know Wright was probably hurt to be asked to stay downstairs; tough.
It is also time for Robert Mugabe to go - that does not mean we still don't love him either. -
Posted By:
bigdon22 at 05/05/2008 3:18:28 PM
Comment:
It only got ugly after Wright went in front of the Press Club, and instead of just making his statement, and taking questions. He acted a complete fool making faces, and making gestures, and Clowning. If you want respect, give it.
I saw it as a complete embarrasement to our Black Clergy, and Black Americans. -
Posted By:
SammyC at 05/05/2008 3:01:35 PM
Comment:
I agree with mruth that Obama did not betray Wright in Philadelphia. In Philly Obama did exactly what Mr. Willis acknowledges most all Black people must do everyday when dealing with White people: strike a delicate balance between being true to themselves and not being too threatening to White people.
One glaring weakness of this post is that Mr. Willis doesn't clarify if he believes Obama betrayed Wright in Philly, or not until later on, after the National Press Club appearance.
I suspect that Mr. Willis feels Obama betrayed him in Philly, just as Rev. Wright seems to feel. That is sad, because Obama was doing exactly what he needed to do to be a viable candidate and a mainstream voice for Black America. It is especially sad that Willis and Wright see this as betrayal because, as Willis correct observes, striking this balance is exactly what lots of Black people do everyday.
As a White American I find this whole episode eye-opening. I now realize how deep black-on-black racism is in America. Obama bent over backwards to protect Wright as an individual, but it wasn't enough for Obama or Willis: they have now labeled Obama as disingenuous and a racial traitor. Shame on them. Shame on them for not being able to put aside their pride and vanity for the good of advancing Barack's candidacy. Despite their complaints Obama has more in common with them than any legitimate Presidential candidate EVER. They are cutting off their nose to spite their face.
In closing, I will point out what is, to me, the clearest indication that Mr. Willis' pride and Black-centric world view seriously cloud his evaluation of the situation. He says that "the two aspects that make him most appealing to voters [are] his work organizing in the South Side of Chicago and his Christian faith".
This is simply not true. Those are two great qualities, to be sure, but they are not the 2 qualities that are most appealing to voters in general. Perhaps his organizing work and his Christian faith are the qualities that most appeal to BLACK voters, but educated White people and young voters are the original 2 pillars of the Obama coalition, and to those voters Obama's willingness and ability to talk about complex ideas in a nuanced way, and his ability to find common ground on those complex issues are his most appealing qualities. He exhibited both of these qualities when tackling race and Rev. Wright's sermons, and he deserves praise for it, not condemnation and veiled accusations of being a racial traitor. -
Posted By:
Drawde5 at 05/05/2008 2:37:32 PM
Comment:
Did Senator Obama throw the Reverend under the bus. In short, no. The Rev. Wright has more than enough documented hate and injustice to base any argument on, without throwing in the kitchen sink theories, and inflammatory rhetoric. That's where he went off the tracks. Obama has no choice but to reject divisive assertions like the AIDS comments, etc. There is ample proof that our government accepts and in no small way, allows tragedy to flourish in the Black community. But started the AIDS epidemic?
We???re justly and righteously angry at what we've suffered in this country, that we haven't felt a need to moderate ourselves when it comes to making accusations about what the white man has done to us. Throw it on the wall, unsubstantiated or not, and it, in our minds, sticks. Dr. Cosby, for one, reminds us that some of our wounds are self-inflicted. Some of our most grievous wounds are SELF-inflicted, and self perpetuated.
There are ways in which he could have said what he believed, given it context and meaning, and started discussion. He is a Christian minister of the gospel, and that means bringing healing, insight, reconciliation, and resolution. But instead, he wanted to incite, and be bold and a firebrand to the cheers of fellow ministers. I understand that politics and religion have gone hand in hand in many black churches, forever. As a member of a UCC church in Southern California, believe me, it???s not only Black churches that do that. All of our churches work for social justice. If only he had patterned that boldness from Dr. King, or even Malcolm X, he might have served our community better. Just my opinion. -