He’s back! The Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s worst nightmare, is back before the cameras and seems to be having fun. Last week, Wright appeared on Bill Moyers PBS program. Last night he spoke at a NAACP convention in Detroit. This morning, he appeared before the National Press Club in WashingtonD.C.
Wright is clearly enjoying the spotlight. He is retired as Pastor at Trinity United Christian Church in Chicago and is doing the media circuit as he prepares to write a book about his life. All of these media appearances will certainly generate interest and attention and help Wright sell more books.
Yet, Wright would not be on the national media radar if not for his long term relationship with Barack Obama, who attended his church for 20 years. If he really cared about Barack Obama, he would disappear for the next several months, until after the presidential election is over. Wright is very polarizing as he is adored by many black voters; he is disdained by many white voters. This causes a real problem for Obama, who cannot be elected President without significant support from white voters. In recent elections, he has had trouble attracting white support. For example, in Pennsylvania, Hillary Clinton soundly defeated Obama among not just white voters, but also women, blue collar voters, Catholics, non-college graduates and many other segments of the electorate.
In the weeks ahead, Wright will continue to be invited to speak to groups and appear on media programs. It’s easy to explain the intense interest in the controversial pastor. According to Reverend Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit branch of the NAACP, Wright is the “hottest brother in America right now, outside of Barack Obama.”
What will the “hottest brother” do next? Don’t expect him to fade into the woodwork. Wright has his own radical agenda. He is promoting not only a book, but also a “liberation theology” that is disturbing. He is also closely connected to the Nation of Islam and talked last night about reaching out to that controversial organization. According to media reports, the Nation of Islam is providing security for Wright, who has received death threats.
All of these connections and comments are radioactive to Obama. It could not have happened at a worst time for him as he faces Clinton in the crucial North Carolina and Indiana primaries on May 6. According to Wright, “I believe that a change is going to come.” He might as well have been talking about the political fortunes of his most renowned parishioner.
Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com
Sullivan, You're correct that Wright is in it for the money. Either for more contributions from his bigoted flock, payments to embarrass Obama, or talking loudly and hoping for payments from Obama supporters to shut him up. But he's no different from all the other super-preachers, including Swaggart, Sharpton, Jackson, and the list goes on and on. Money (and power which translates to more money) is their motivation. They may actually be one rung lower on the ladder than politicians, if there is a lower rung than that. Written by chicken farmer
on 4/30/2008
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Yeah but he is a barrell of laughs at a Barmitzvah. Written by vote Oblahblah for Prez, Louis Farrakhan for V.P.
on 4/30/2008
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Wright is a radical racist.
Obama considers Wright a member of the family and has enjoyed his sermons and company for years.
If you want to vote for Hussein Obama, just remember.........Birds of a Feather.... Written by If it walks like a duck
on 4/29/2008
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Sorry. That's Rev. WRIGHT. Written by Robert Desmarais Sullivan
on 4/29/2008
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I've read all the comments here, and I was definitely forced to look at my own conclusions about this presidential race. In fact, I got so discouraged that I thought briefly about joining the 50% of Americans who don't even vote. But I have one question. Am I the only cynic who wonders about the financial connections of Rev. White, who has as much right to be a reverend as Rev. Hagee, the guy McCain likes so much. I find myself wondering whether he's being financed by the same man who financed the Swift Boat campaign against John Kerry in 2004. That would be the Houstonian billionaire, Bob Perry, who is also financing the Louisiana Committe for a Republican Majority with Boysie Bollinger, Joe Cannizzaro, Phyllis Taylor, and various and sundry others. Is Rev. White being paid or not? Written by Robert Desmarais Sullivan
on 4/29/2008
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Why, thanks for asking, Ted! I'm taking new and improved "Havitol"(TM) which makes me sleep through the night without my restless third leg waking me up. I wake up refreshed and ready to face whatever the day may bring! "Havitol" (TM) is non-habit forming, and it's easy on the stomach. So ask your doctor about "Havitol" (TM) today! (Side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, restless fingers, blood clots, shortness of breath, liver spots, heart fibrillations, night sweats, slurred speech, excess earwax, sore throat, joint pain, sudden bathroom urges, socialist leanings, TMJ discomfort, sciatica, nosebleeds, sexual dysfunction, ringing in the ears, demineralization of teeth, neck pain, inability to hear one's spouse while watching television, vomiting, diarrhea, peanut allergy, hives, chest pain, and urinary tract infections. In some cases, these symptoms were not statistically significantly different from those taking sugar pill. "Havitol" (TM) is not for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Ask your doctor before beginning a diet or an exercise regimen when taking "Havitol" (TM). ***Hopefully Stephen won't think I'm self-promoting here - I promise that I have no financial stake in Sawyer-Heine Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer and distributer of "Havitol" (TM).*** TW Written by Tee Dub
on 4/29/2008
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I believe in equality, and to make everything equal everyone should be issued a thousand rounds of 5.56 mm ball rounds and a fully automatic M-16..... Written by Is there anything less extreme that would suffice?
on 4/29/2008
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TW, that hard-hitting quote that you provided sounded like more of your "I want my country back from the evil fascists" talk. Maybe you can get your left wing pundits to start circulating that slogan, then at least it will be something more original than that stale "lapel pin, faux news, rightard" drivel you love to use. Written by a humble chicken farmer.
on 4/29/2008
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I am in agreement with you on this one Tdub.............. What did you do, switch out your medications or something? You seem much more well balanced today.... Written by
on 4/29/2008
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Oh please, chicken farmer, spare me your melodrama. I didn't call anyone's patriotism into question - that's the forte of the right wing - "Who's not wearing a lapel pin?" Now there's a serious question facing our nation - all to distract us from addressing the truly important problems we should be dealing with. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 4/29/2008
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Well sengli02@baker.edu, that is because we have mouth pieces like Jeffy and Stevo that censor and quash information that leads to practical ways that in their part can be an aid in turning things around....... Then we have governors that stake the future of coastal restoration on a bogus bill passed in congress that will fold just like the house of cards when the shite hits the fan unless it gets plenty of bail out (bail out,,,, now if ever there is a pun that could make for a bad joke, that sure has to be one, but I am not going to exploit it) money from the rest of the folks around the nation, who Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!!! is going broke too.... Sort of a case of the blind leading the blind I suppose.. Written by STRONGCONCRETE
on 4/29/2008
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Now we have the words of at least two real patriots on this website. Jeremiah Wright and Tee Dub. Everyone else is an ugly American or a dupe of the evil Bush/Chaney/Halliburton/Feedthetroopsboondoggle machine. I guess we might be able to include Malcolm X and Elijah Mohammad as patriots, but I'm waiting on the OK from TW. Written by a humble chicken farmer.
on 4/29/2008
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We spend too much time worrying about what Reverend Jeremiah is doing instead of focusing on the internal demise of the nation. We are in a recession and no one seem to be talking about it. People are loosing their homes and jobs and not one seems to be putting this on the front burner, instead they are worried about Reverend Jeremiah Wright.............Thanks for making my day. Written by sengli02@baker.edu
on 4/29/2008
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Yes TW, those are sad, but unfortunately true facts............... So although many do not like the messenger, it would indeed be wise to pay attention to the messages presented..... There are indeed many points of view available around the world, and we as Americans should be allowed to and capable of reading and hearing them, (all of them, even the stupid ones that show how stupid and inhumane people can be towards one another.) and then making up our collective minds as to what the best policies where foreign diplomacies and policies are to be concerned and pursued.... McCain is going to have his hands full once elected to President, I would pray he has the fortitude and perseverance to follow the course lain, and make corrections to the program when and where possible to bring about fruitful solutions that will spare the world additional inhumanities wrecked upon the helpless by those that have more power and influence than they. Written by Hoping for better days/nights - individual rights
on 4/29/2008
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Here's more of the famous Jeremiah Wright speech - in context I think you'll see that many of the words that anger so many are, in fact, quotes from former US Ambassador to Iraq (and Reagan's Anti-Terrorism Task Force Deputy Director) Edward Peck: *** "I heard Ambassador Peck on an interview yesterday did anybody else see or hear him? He was on FOX News, this is a white man, and he was upsetting the FOX News commentators to no end, he pointed out, a white man, an ambassador, he pointed out that what Malcolm X said when he was silenced by Elijah Mohammad was in fact true, he said Americas chickens, are coming home to roost."
"We took this country by terror away from the Sioux, the Apache, Arikara, the Comanche, the Arapaho, the Navajo. Terrorism.
"We took Africans away from their country to build our way of ease and kept them enslaved and living in fear. Terrorism.
"We bombed Grenada and killed innocent civilians, babies, non-military personnel.
"We bombed the black civilian community of Panama with stealth bombers and killed unarmed teenage and toddlers, pregnant mothers and hard working fathers.
"We bombed Qaddafi's home, and killed his child. Blessed are they who bash your children’s head against the rock.
"We bombed Iraq. We killed unarmed civilians trying to make a living. We bombed a plant in Sudan to pay back for the attack on our embassy, killed hundreds of hard working people, mothers and fathers who left home to go that day not knowing that they’d never get back home.
"We bombed Hiroshima. We bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye.
"Kids playing in the playground. Mothers picking up children after school. Civilians, not soldiers, people just trying to make it day by day.
"We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff that we have done overseas is now brought right back into our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost.
"Violence begets violence. Hatred begets hatred. And terrorism begets terrorism. A white ambassador said that y'all, not a black militant. Not a reverend who preaches about racism. An ambassador whose eyes are wide open and who is trying to get us to wake up and move away from this dangerous precipice upon which we are now poised. The ambassador said the people we have wounded don't have the military capability we have. But they do have individuals who are willing to die and take thousands with them. And we need to come to grips with that."***
Written by Tee Dub
on 4/29/2008
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"A Pastor at Center Stage ... And a Parishioner With Questions to Answer" by George Will, 29 Apr 08, available at: http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/will042908.php3, closing paragraph - "[Wright] is a demagogue with whom Obama has had a voluntary 20-year relationship. It has involved, if not moral approval, certainly no serious disapproval. Wright also is an ongoing fountain of anti-American and, properly understood, anti-black rubbish. His speech yesterday demonstrated that he wants to be a central figure in this presidential campaign. He should be." I dunno; perhaps Obama can't disown Wright. But he should. Written by Kelly Haggar
on 4/29/2008
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DEBATE! DEBATE!! DEBATE!!!
It's time for everyone to face the truth. Barack Obama has no real chance of winning the national election in November at this time. His crushing defeat in Pennsylvania makes that fact crystal clear. His best, and only real chance of winning in November is on a ticket with Hillary Clinton as her VP.
Hillary Clinton seemed almost somber at her Pennsylvania victory speech. As if part of her was hoping Obama could have proved he had some chance of winning against the republican attack machine, and their unlimited money, and resources.
But it is absolutely essential that the democrats take back the Whitehouse in November. America, and the American people are in a very desperate condition now. And the whole World has been doing all that they can to help keep us propped up.
Hillary Clinton say's that the heat, and decisions in the Whitehouse are much tougher than the ones on the campaign trail. But I think Mr. Obama faces a test of whether he has what it takes to be a commander and chief by facing the difficult facts, and the truth before him. And by doing what is best for the American people by dropping out of the race, and offering his whole hearted assistance to Hillary Clinton to help her take back the Whitehouse for the American people, and the World.
Mr. Obama is a great speaker. And I am confident he can explain to the American people the need, and wisdom of such a personal sacrifice for them. It should be clear to everyone by now that Hillary Clinton is fighting her heart out for the American people. She has known for a long time that Mr. Obama can not win this November. You have to remember that the Clinton's have won the Whitehouse twice before. They know what it takes.
If Mr. Obama fails his test of commander and chief we can only hope that Hillary Clinton can continue her heroic fight for the American people. And that she prevails. She will need all the continual support and help we can give her. She may fight like a superhuman. But she is only human.
Sen. Hillary Clinton: "You know, more people have now voted for me than have voted for my opponent. In fact, I now have more votes than anybody has ever had in a primary contest for a nomination. And it's also clear that we've got nine more important contests to go."
Sincerely
Jacksmith... Working Class :-) Written by jacksmith
on 4/28/2008
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MY FELLOW "BITTER", STUPID, WORKING CLASS PEOPLE :-)
If you think like Barack Obama, that WORKING CLASS PEOPLE are just a bunch of "BITTER"!, STUPID, PEASANTS, Cash COWS!, and CANNON FODDER. :-(
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the greatest economic expansion, and prosperity in American history.
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that Obama with no experience fighting for universal health care can get it for you better than Hillary Clinton. Who anticipated this current health care crisis back in 1993, and fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds to get universal health care for all the American people.
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that Obama with no experience can manage, and get us out of two wars better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) went to war only when he was convinced that he absolutely had to. Then completed the mission in record time against a nuclear power. AND DID NOT LOSE THE LIFE OF A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER. NOT ONE!
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that Obama with no experience saving the environment is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) left office with the greatest amount of environmental cleanup, and protections in American history.
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that Obama with little or no education experience is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) made higher education affordable for every American. And created higher job demand and starting salary’s than they had ever been before or since.
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that Obama with no experience will be better than Hillary Clinton who spent 8 years at the right hand of President Bill Clinton. Who is already on record as one of the greatest Presidents in American history.
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think that you can change the way Washington works with pretty speeches from Obama, rather than with the experience, and political expertise of two master politicians ON YOUR SIDE like Hillary and Bill Clinton..
You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton. :-)
Best regards
jacksmith... Working Class :-)
p.s. You Might Be An Idiot! :-)
If you don't know that the huge amounts of money funding the Obama campaign to try and defeat Hillary Clinton is coming in from the insurance, and medical industry, that has been ripping you off, and killing you and your children. And denying you, and your loved ones the life saving medical care you needed. All just so they can make more huge immoral profits for them-selves off of your suffering...
You see, back in 1993 Hillary Clinton had the audacity, and nerve to try and get quality, affordable universal health care for everyone to prevent the suffering and needless deaths of hundreds of thousands of you each year. :-)
Approx. 100,000 of you die each year from medical accidents from a rush to profit by the insurance, and medical industry. Another 120,000 of you die each year from treatable illness that people in other developed countries don’t die from. And I could go on, and on...
OBAMA AIDE: "WORKING-CLASS VOTERS NOT KEY FOR DEMOCRATS" :o
DEBATE! DEBATE!! DEBATE!!!... Written by jacksmith
on 4/28/2008
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Mr. Wright (i can't bring myself to call him a reverend)talks about racist white people and how unfairly blacks have been treated because of slavery. Mr. Wright should get over it! I didn't own any slaves and i don't know anyone else that did either. The fact of the matter is there is no one alive that owned slaves nor are any of their children. It's time to get over it Mr. Wright! It happened over 150 years ago!! Besides that who freed the slaves??? White people! Don't hold your racist views against white people for something we had nothing to do with. A black man killed my daughter 14 years ago, should i hold that against all black people?? I don't think so! O'bama's not being truthful neither- between his friends Wright and the terrorist William Ayers he's not going to win this election mark my words!! Written by Wrights the racist!
on 4/28/2008
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Oh come on Poboy, Barrak Oblahblah wasn't IN church the day that Reverend said all that stuff.... You can ask Stevo, the two of them were getting ready to fly to New York to be on the David Letterman show and raise awareness of Louisianas plight on that day!!!! Written by Hmmmmm who knows? Oh Stevo, the shadow knows
on 4/28/2008
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Thanks Jeff for keeping this important issue in the forefront of the news. Obamas association and refusal to denounce his racist preacher of 20 years speaks volumes about his ability to make choices and his character. Obama has been exposed as just another inexperienced ultra liberal unqualified to be president. Written by poboy1
on 4/28/2008
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And as long as people like you keep highlighting Rev. Wright's comments, this nonsensical issue will stay alive, and will keep edging out intelligent conversation about real issues like war, economy, health, education, jobs, etc.
Written by CL
on 4/28/2008
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Will the real Barack Obama stand up? It has always amazed me how quickly white peole are labled racist, yet African Americans could never be elected to a national office without white votes. If whites voted along racial lines like the black vote, blacks could not be elected to a national office. Why is it that Obama receives as many as 90 to 95 % of black vote, yet pulls a lot of the white vote, if white people are racist? When was the last time you saw a black kid wear number 12 with brady on the back? Yet you see many white kids wearing number 22 with Emmitt smith on the back. Who is really racist? Written by Bobby
on 4/28/2008
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Could it be that he's in the pay of the Clintons? I wouldn't put anything past that skleazy pair and old BJ the hit man sure seems to have been trying to put a rift between whites and African Americans in his struggle to be back in the oval office. Written by noladude
on 4/28/2008
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He’s back! The Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s worst nightmare, is back before the cameras and seems to be having fun. Last week, Wright appeared on Bill Moyers PBS program. Last night he spoke at a NAACP convention in 
