Whether you or I admire Reverend Wright is immaterial

[cali]

as regards his impact on the primaries. I don't like it- at all- but I recognize that his high profile at this time, has the potential to negatively effect Obama in the remaining contests. Most people will not have watched his interview with Moyers or his entire speech to the NAACP. The MSM will cherry pick and distort, and Wright's style may well be something that many dem voters are turned off by. The MSM will continue to try and merge Obama and Wright into one figure. And no, I'm not for a minute suggesting that Reverend Wright shouldn't have give a speech or an interview, simply pointing out the possible results from his having a high profile at this time.

Flame away.

[Vinca]

1. It all boils down to be afraid, be very afraid.

Vote for the white lady.

[chimpymustgo]

20. Rev. Wright is talking ridiculous pseudo-psycho-babble. Black learn left brain?

Whites learn right brain.

Shut this fool up. Please.

[Texas Hill Country]

47. yeah, that was super dumb, racist at its core, ignorant and based on invalid and old studies.

[Cali_Democrat]

2. You're probably right

Our country fucking sucks.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

36. Rev Wright is now Rev Wrong to me, his timing is very selfish

I think the money and fame has gone to his head.

His judgement is horrible - he is bad for Obama's campaign.

His timing is all wrong, except for him - he is launching a book - this will guarantee him
sales.

I am disappointed in Wright, and after all the times I defended him I am sickened.

[LakeSamish706]

3. Although I loved Rev. Wrights speech last night, I tend to agree with you....

Having slept on what went on last night, and to wake up this AM and see the Rev. Wrights face plastered on every news channel (not in a good way as it should have been) I agree it may not go well for Barack. This country is so sad, we have lost our way thanks to this screwed up MSM.

[cali]

4. it's incredibly frustrating and frightening how much control the MSM has.

And there's nothing that can be done about how they're going to play the Wright thing. For all it's worth, and in the worse possible light.

[progdog]

49. I agree.

One of Obama's strongest qualities is his ability to transcend race. His appeal to all folks. Rev. Wright has valuable points to make, but most of the American voters don't have the time or inclination to delve into them. It's surface that counts to many. This is sad but true.

[jefferson_dem]

5. As much as I want Obama to win, this is more important.

It would be a national tragedy for Wright to have slinked away and let the media carictature of him and his church stand. The truth matters. It is being spoken now. Let the chips fall where they may.

I'm not as pessistic as you are, Cali. No way the Wright issue was going away. This "context" just might prove beneficial to Obama in the long run.

[LakeSamish706]

9. I sure hope your right and as of close last night I would have sworn that you are....

But to wake up this AM and turn on the tube to see more dissing of the Rev. I'm not so sure anymore.

[redstate_democrat]

17. I expect that many of the African American church tradition

will not stand by and allow this character assassination of this man and his church by the MSM to continue without any rebuttal at all. This is being viewed as an attack on the black church. They have stepped into a mine field.

[quantass]

14. I have to agree with you...I can see where the OP is coming and..

it funny because he is right and so are you....both are right, err, Wright...But i have to agree with you jefferson and feel this could have a bigger impact in the long run.

I can totally see what the OP is saying though and i personally dont seem the OP as pesi...i just see him as really wanting this thing over already and with the 2-primaries approaching that can end it all this Wright thing only just puts it in question...granted Wright could have waited at least 2 more weeks before talking so Obama could win these 2 primaries and put Hillary on ice once but :shrug: we'll see....but i have good feelings about all this.

I still think it is funny that they are taking soundbytes again out of context ... doing exactly what Wright was talking about...i just hope people are educated enough to realize that the MSM controls them like sheep....sadly the uneducated will listen to the MSM for their "facts" :sarcasm:

[IsItJustMe]

29. It may very well. We can never truly see the big picure.

[goclark]

43. You are so right ~ everyone has the right to defend their

name and he waited a long time to do it.

He did it with kindness,not meanness.

He was more than gracious when interviewed by Bill Moyers. Should he have waited until White America gave him permission to speak! He is not in jail and he does not have to ask permission from a judge to speak!

Should he have gotten Barack Obama's approval to speak? No!

Some "Democrats" forget that he was being honored by the NAACP.

That is a very high honor and he certainly had the right to speak while accepting that award.
The NAACP honors people of all races and religions.

That is the essence of CIVIL RIGHTS.

The last time I checked, that is what the Democratic Party stands for.

That is what the Constitution should stand for...

As an African American who has attended the NAACP Dinners in Detroit for many years, I am thrilled that he was honored, on many levels.

The NAACP does not make decisions based on what White America believes they should do. Thurgood Marshall fought for the rights of the NAACP and MLK died for the right for ALL people to be treated fairly,even garbage workers.

Rev. Wright didn't ask CNN to bring their cameras into the dinner. CNN made that choice.

For once, CNN "allowed" us to hear his full speech.


Now we have the spin begin. Others can let the MSM control their brain but I won't give them that power over my brain.

SPINNERS give it a go because the NAACP does not need the approval of WHITE people or the majority of BLACK people. It was the vote of the BOARD MEMBERS of the NAACP and that is their privilege.

I salute the Board of the NAACP for honoring him before 11,000 people, of all races and religions!

God bless you NAACP and I am sending you a donation of $500 today.

I have spoken to my mother, 89 years old, about some of the statements that I just read here at DU and she directed my steps," Get out my checkbook, send the NAACP $1000 this morning!"

goclark ~ proud to be an American,an African American, a member of the NAACP and a Democrat that believes that we are "one nation under God." :patriot:

[KaryninMiami]

6. Amazing isn't it ? First they spun the inspiring Moyers interview now this.

The mainstream meadia is clearly making a mess out of this in a horrendous way- and they are clearly out to destroy Obama over this. Yet those of us who took the time to LISTEN to the wise words of this inspiring Pastor, are in shock. We do indeed, live in very sad times and yes- as some else posted here-- be afraid- be very afraid-- vote for the white woman.

[DangerDave921]

19. Media

The media is out to destroy Obama? Why? For months, the media has been an adoring fan of Obama. So why the switch?

Doesn't make sense.

[Doityourself]

26. The powers that be..never thought he had a chance..now that he has proven he can win the nomination

they are very afraid..time to take him down and hold onto power.

[DangerDave921]

31. Another explanation . . .

is that the MSM did not do its job for more than a year in asking Obama any difficult questions. Hence the SNL skits. Now the MSM is actually asking some impertinent questions, which the media is obligated to do with ALL candidates.

[Doityourself]

37. Another explanation. The Powers that be control the MSM and didn't ask any questions

because it/they didn't feel threatned. Now they have to not only ask questions(which is fair), but must manufacture stuff to attack and bring him down.

They didn't expect him to do as well as he did, now they are in panic mode and now are fighting with teeth, nails, gasoline and bullets to stay in power.

[DangerDave921]

39. I don't get it

Can you explain how -- if Obama is elected -- it would in any way negatively impact any of the MSM outlets? I just don't understand the theory that the MSM has to knock Obama down to stay in power. How would Obama getting elected in any way diminish the MSM?

[Doityourself]

41. It is difficult to convery what I mean..I guess. No problem though..he will either get elected or

he won't.

That's pretty much the whole enchilada.

[lligrd]

7. Only If We Let It Matter

But I don't have much faith left in Americans, so you may be right.

[Forkboy]

8. Right or not, I'm tired of us having to play dumb to get votes.

America isn't dumb, and in my experience when you appeal to people's intelligence they usually respond in kind. And frankly it's a chance I'm willing to start taking, because perpetuating intellectual laziness only makes matters worse, and keeps it going on and on to the detriment of all of us, not just as a political party or country, but as a species.

[LakeSamish706]

10. The big problem with that thought process is, we don't control the MSM...

and since we don't, we have no way (short of door to door) of getting across to the American people the real truth.

[Forkboy]

13. Then we have to just keep plugging away.

What's the other option, to just give in and go along to get along? That's not my style, and I suspect it isn't yours either. :)

I also think more Americans know better than we give them credit for. When I was younger I laughed at the term "sheeple", until those I thought were sheeple turned out to know more than I did. I haven't liked selling them short since then.

[cali]

11. I agree- sort of. I'm not sure about our collective intelligence

The gung ho support for the Iraq War is enought to give justifiable pause. I know that at that time the voices appealing to intelligence were largely drowned out, but odds are great that that will happen with Wright as well. I agree that taking the chance is worthwhile, if only because it's the right thing to do- whether or not it actually works out this time.

[Forkboy]

15. There was a huge emotional pull for revenge after 9/11, making manipulation especially easy then.

The mistakes of being led into that war are more evident now, and people live and learn. I'm not saying we're impervious to manipulation (none of us are), but I do think the country has gone through a bit of a change since they bought into the war so readily. I think more and more are willing to look deeper than just the media's take on things, or at the least apply more common sense to things they see from the media.

[KittyWampus]

28. Forkboy, this is a very important point. You CAN appeal to our Higher Selves/Intellect but it must

MUST be coupled with comedy/humor.

You can't counter fear and symbols that send signals to our Reptilian Brain with just Rational arguments or Intellectual appeals to Reason. Right now, 527's etc need to start airing ads that ridicule this whole thing. And Hillary. And McCain.

Laughter is the way we blow off the accumulated negative energy accumulated the Media is loading us with.

One of best quips I heard about Wright came from Obama and goes something like - "if I looped the 5 stupidest things you ever said, you'd look bad too."

It's funny and true and exposes what is going on.

[Forkboy]

32. I think that's why comedians have always had more pull than some like to admit.

And why the best of them cut to the quick with a simple one-liner better than some do with a rational expose. I try to use my own sarcasm that way sometimes....and usually fail at doing so. :)

[DangerDave921]

44. LOL

My wife does just that! Repeats my five biggest errors all the time!

[ShortnFiery]

12. I'm not afraid for Obama. These words needed to be said ... it's BEYOND TIME to start dialog.

I have faith that we can "come together" and that leader is NOT Hillary Clinton but Barack Obama. :thumbsup:

[LakeSamish706]

16. I gotta say once again no mater what happens.. Rev. Wright rocks.. n/t

[NJSecularist]

18. The 24/7 media news cycle is devastating.

I don't think Wright's words were particularly well chosen, but they were cherry-picked soundbites that didn't give context to his remarks.

However, the media will play the soundbites over and over again, like it or not, and Obama is subject to the whims of the 24/7 media news cycle, which has hurt and/or ruined the career of many politicians before him. It's a vicious cycle.

[H2O Man]

21. I respectfully disagree.

In any/every election, there are the "three groups": {a} those who always support you; {b} those who always oppose you; and {c} the undecided.

In the context of this primary, Group C can be broken down into two sub-groups: (1) the undecided voters in the remaining primaries; and (2) the undecided super delegates. The focus on Rev. Wright will not help Obama with Group C-1 in any appreciable way. However, the reason he is speaking now is largely for Group C-2.

The Clinton campaign is pressuring the "undecided" super delegates, including the use of heavy doses of Rev. Wright = Willie Horton. The appearances of Rev. Wright will not take the whole edge off of Rev. Wright's message. However, it will show that he is not something that democrats may not embrace, or even agree with, yet do not need to be ashamed of. More, the timing is not a coincidence: Rep. Clyburn's statement on the Clinton campaign and the Wright message send a message to those super delegates.

It is better to deal with this now, than in the summer or fall.

[cali]

22. I certainly hope you're right.

I can't help but wonder what happens if the large group of C1 voters in NC goes heavily for Clinton and Obama manages only a slim win there or loses it, AND loses IN. What effect would that have on the SDs?

[H2O Man]

27. Good questions.

I think that in the next 72 hours, the distance between Obama and Wright will visibly increase, while the liberal and moderate black community will make clear that continued attacks on Rev Wright are more of an attack on a significant block of democratic voters, rather than one candidate. And I think that this is an important, if somewhat uncomfortable, move that the party needs to make.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

23. he's got books to sell

I have to wonder why he does this shit. I guess he is more important to himself.

[chimpymustgo]

25. I don't support Obama - and Rev. Wright is but one reason - it speaks to BHO's judgement.

Wright seems to be totally out for himself right now - why is he doing this to Obama? This babbling bullshit is disgraceful. If he's just trying to sell books, it's even more shameful.

[Doityourself]

30. That's how I feel about Hillary, her IWR vote, sniper fire, Ireland ..it says a lot about her

judgment and her level of honesty to me.

[IsItJustMe]

24. I think it's a cultural thing, and numerous whites won't like his style but will agree with his

message. I didn't like his style at all, but none-the-less Wright spoke a eternal message of truth.

Listen to the message, not the messenger.

[jasmine621]

33. Even if they watched both appearances by Wright, it will still be a negative

for Obama. To me, Wright did nothing to help Obama's position with voters.

[GoldieAZ49]

34. Obama didn't want the be "the black candidate" but to transcend race

Wright is undermining that

[cali]

35. In essence, that's how it will be perceived by many-

that Obama is the "black candidate" rather than the candidate who happens to be black.

[Doityourself]

38. But it is fair that he should go underground because the MSM used unfair soundbites to trash the

man?

I'm for his free right to speak up for himself and his traditions. He has the right to do so.

Barack Obama has to weather the storm. If people vote against Obama solely for Wright, then it is what it is and it turns out the way it turns out.

[JoFerret]

40. I agree with you

I don't like it either. It is overblown and unfair.
I wish it could all now stop.
Wright is not running for office.
This is a hyped up and artificial controversy at this time.
I am glad he had the opportunity to defend himself but now enough already.
He is a minister. I don't think much of his religiosity, ranting and some of his views. So what? He is not a presidential candidate.
I wish the media would now leave him alone.
I wish he would stop talking to them (if indeed he is.)

[underpants]

42. Two weeks ago I said that the MSM would do what it could to take down Obama

and they finally found a way to do it without having to actually talk about the black guy directly, they are talking about Rev.Wright

I think you are right.

[DangerDave921]

45. But why???

Can someone explain to me WHY the MSM would be so intent on destroying Obama? What do they get out of it?

[underpants]

48. Known quantity

Hillary is a known quantity to the ruling class/DC and the corporations and THEIR news operations

Hillary has "killed" for them before-Iraq war vote which shows loyalty yes but more importantly they have the goods on her so she can't rat them out

Obama is not a radical but he simply is an unknown. They have no dirt on him so he could go "maverick" on them.

They don't like uncertainties.

[Texas Hill Country]

46. thank you for being realistic.