Why did Obama wait until now to speak out against the wacky conspiracy rants?

[2rth2pwr]

The issues that Obama mentioned in his press conference Monday, the government involved in an AIDS based

genocidal campaign against black people, America acting as a terrorist power, and Farrakhan held up as a great man

are all issues that Rev Wright has pontificated on in the past. He has said these things over and over again.

Why does Obama choose now?

[still_one]

1. Why did Bill Clinton wait until he was caught lying, before he said he sinned?

Would he have said a word if he wasn't caught. Would he have continued to make sexual advances upon women

and why did Hillary cover up for him? There is no way she didn't know what he was doing

[2rth2pwr]

7. If it wasn't for the blue dress, the story would have held up.

He fucked up.

[still_one]

17. We all have choices, and some choices that you imply Obama made

for political motivation, the Clinton's did also.

[ShortnFiery]

66. OMG! You are inferring that Bill Clinton "fucked up" ONLY by getting caught with DNA evidence?!?

My beloved late father fought and bled in WWII in order to hold up AMERICA as a beacon of "morality." Sure we were far from that in actions. But I remember him telling me repeatedly that right before the War ended, German Soldiers were LITERALLY BEGGING the US Soldiers to take them prisoners because they knew that the barbaric and cruel hearted Russians were due to blow in soon.

I'm relieved that my father is dead so he can't see how WE, as A Nation, have MORALLY DEVOLVED into idolizing people who have no conscious other than what they can get by with through money, political power and their own narcissistic ambition.

If Bill Clinton would have done the honorable thing, for his country as well as The Democratic Party, he would have RESIGNED once the DNA evidence was provided. Because he was PERSONALLY selfish is a large part of the reason we have not enjoyed "President Gore" over the last seven years. Yes, I blame The Clintons as contributing to Bush's reign as "Unitary Executive."

I've lost all respect for both "The Clinton" and "The Bush" wanna be Presidential Dynasties.

Not. This. Time. Slick Hill-Billies. :grr:

[2rth2pwr]

70. Great piece of writing, I can feel the emotion coming through.

[oasis]

86. When I think of all those patriots who froze their asses off at Valley Forge I'm

even more outraged at the selfishness of Bill Clinton. :eyes:

[emilyg]

2. Good question.

Purely political move.

[lligrd]

3. Still Waiting For You To Speak Out Against Obliterating Iran

but I won't hold my breath.

[2rth2pwr]

6. I am against obliterating Iran, and I support Hillary.

She was stating what we are capable of, not what she wishes to do.

Are you in favor of us unilaterally ridding ourselves of the capability to defend Israel?

[hokies4ever]

8. What about Hillary's magical military umbrella

for the Middle East? Sorry, but after 8 years of Dubya, there's no way in hell I'm going to vote for another warmonger.

[2rth2pwr]

9. What about it?

[hokies4ever]

12. So you're in favor of World War 3?

It'll be USA, Israel, and Britain (if they're not still pissed about the bogus WMD claim) vs. Iran, Syria, and Russia. China might take the opportunity to put the smack down on Tibet and maybe silence Taiwan once and for all, drawing Japan into the mix. Venezuela and Columbia aren't getting along right now, so that situation might explode. Reports are that Russia and Georgia tensions are flaring as well (as reported yesterday).

The American people don't want another warmonger killing our brave troops.

[2rth2pwr]

16. What's your answer?

[lligrd]

22. Why Can You Never Answer A Simple Question?

Are you really that scared of Iran? I bet you were frightened to death of monsters in the closet too.

[2rth2pwr]

27. Look at all my posts I have no fear of answering questions, I just didn't take yours seriously.

Of course I'm not in favor of WW3, do you know of anyone that is?

[hokies4ever]

31. Yeah, Hillary

She's openly threatening Iran. Bush just sent another aircraft carrier to the Middle East yesterday as a 'reminder' to Iran. I'm just hanging on hoping we can get through the rest of the year with going to war with Iran. Hoping that Obama can take over and remove us from the brink of WWIII. If we attack Iran, Syria will join with Iran and attack our forces in Iraq, and the dominoes will continue to fall.

[lligrd]

32. Hillary Appears To Be

And if you check out the PNAC site, you will see that plenty of others are as well. You are naive aren't you?

[2rth2pwr]

37. Don't vote for her.

[lligrd]

39. Don't Plan To nt

[hokies4ever]

44. Just like I don't plan to vote for McSame

but I will speak out against his warmongering ways.

[2rth2pwr]

46. Ok, now that you got that off your chest, why did Obama do this now?

[lligrd]

50. Because Hillary, With Your Help, Forced Him To

You should be ashamed!

[2rth2pwr]

57. You are funny.

Not funny Ha ha! but funny in the head.


LOL!

[hokies4ever]

60. Why don't you answer post #52?

Hillary has a plan if Iran attacks Israel, but what about if Israel attacks Iran? That's when you start to see the foolishness of her foreign policy.

[2rth2pwr]

68. 52? 52, 52, 52 let me see... oh ok, um whatever it takes to keep nukes out of

Iran's hands.

[hokies4ever]

52. What if Israel strikes Iran with nuclear weapons first?

My father (26 years retired Marine Corps officer) thinks that this is a somewhat likely scenario. Let me explain his reasoning:

Israel has said that they will not let Iran obtain a nuclear weapon. Israel subscribes to a pre-emptive war philosophy, as evidenced by their bombing Saddam Hussein's nuclear reactor in the 1980s that was sold to him by France. Iran is a different story though. They have their nuclear facilities underground with lots of concrete over them. This makes it virtually impossible for Israel to take out Iran's nuclear facilities with CONVENTIONAL weapons. Key word, 'coventional' weapons. My father thinks that the following scenario is possible:

Israel will tell the USA that they must destroy a certain Iranian nuclear facility because of the eminent threat of that facility producing a nuclear weapon. Israel does not own any B2 bombers that can carry the massive 25,000 pound bombs needed to destroy Iran's underground nuclear facility. Their F-16s were barely able to carry the 2,000 pound bombs used to destroy Iraq's aboveground nuclear facility in the 1980s. Their only option is a low-scale nuclear strike on Iran's nuclear facility to destroy it. The USA, however, does own B2 bombers capable of dropping these large 25,000 lbs. conventional bombs, which Israel's F-16s cannot carry. So the USA President will have a difficult decision:

1. Allow Israel to use a low-scale nuclear strike against Iran's nuclear facility.
2. Tell Israel to hold off on their nuclear strike. Use the USA military to conduct a conventional strike against Iran's nuclear facility.

Neither of these options are good, but that's what the President would have to decide between. For some reason, Hillary is replacing option #2 with a publicly announced nuclear strike against Iran's nuclear facility. She needs to listen to her military advisers before she goes spouting off these 'obliteration' threats. I hope the cameras pan over the General Clark's face if he's near Hillary Clinton the next time she's asked this and repeats her same answer.

[hokies4ever]

24. You're not making sense

are you in favor of WWIII? Answer the question. Now what question do you want me to answer (after you answer mine)?

[lligrd]

11. She Said She Would Do It

Israel seems quite capable of defending itself and doesn't need her warmongering rhetoric to help it.

And if you really believe this has anything to do with Israel, then you are a fool.

[hokies4ever]

15. Not just Israel

she's proposing a unilateral military shield for the entire Middle East against Iran. Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad is visiting other nations in the Middle East and Asia proclaiming that he wants to spread peace around the world. He probably doesn't, but he's going on record for peace now because he knows that he can compel a pre-emptive attack by the USA if McCain or Clinton become President.

[2rth2pwr]

20. Here are her exact words, double check if you'd like

"In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them."

"Would be able" is a statement of fact and a statement of deterrence.

[lligrd]

30. "I want the Iranians to know that if I’m the president,

we will attack Iran."

Sounds like she has it planned out to me!

[2rth2pwr]

36. Now you are being disingenuious.

[lligrd]

38. Exact Quotes Are Now Disingenuous

But, of course for Wright they were perfectly acceptable. Can you spell hypocrite?

[2rth2pwr]

40. Is there or is there not a sentence that comes right after that puts it in context?

[lligrd]

43. You Mean In Wright's Case?

I believe there was more like 16 years before and 4 years after that put his statements in context.

[2rth2pwr]

47. Obama doesn't see it that way.

[lligrd]

51. Betting He Does And Sees Right Through Your Hypocrisy

but decided he had to play the game. You should still be ashamed!

[2rth2pwr]

55. In your mind he's a liar? OK.

[hokies4ever]

58. A Hillary supporter

having the audacity to use the word 'liar'.

[2rth2pwr]

63. She has a flair for the dramatic.

[hokies4ever]

41. I was just about to post the same quote

about Hillary attacking Iran. Here's the deal Hillary. If you want to attack Iran, at least do us a favor and bite your tongue. She's lied before, what's another lie? In the October debate she said that she would not engage these kinds of hypothetical situations, whereas now she is making it clear that she is looking forward to a nuclear strike on Iran even if they do not attack the USA. Everybody knows that the Israelis have nuclear weapons, so she needs to stop pretending that they don't. Israel is fully capable of taking care of themselves.

Also, what's up with the Middle East military umbrella? Sorry to harp on this same issue, but Democrats want the troops brought home from the Middle East, not shifted to another 'war of choice' as Obama puts it.

[barack the house]

4. Better late than never eh. Have a wonderful day.

[sandnsea]

5. He should have been calling for the obliteration of black people n/t

[George_Bonanza]

10. My explanation

In his Philly speech, Obama said that Wright was of an older generation that was much more discriminated against, and therefore, held onto certain views that Obama himself didn't entirely disagree with. Obama, and other young blacks, have benefited from the struggles of the Civil Rights movement, without having to march through the dangerous streets of racist towns or risk being beaten by police. This is why Obama was as sympathetic as he could be towards Wright's more extremist positions. As he analogized, it's the same guiding principle that allows us to forgive and understand our prejudiced parents who grew up in a different environment.

That being said, the national firestorm over Wright's comments made it clear how painful and divisive those comments were. If Rev. Wright's perspective was slightly askew due to his age and his Trinity bubble, he now knew exactly how damaging his beliefs were to the national psyche. And for Rev. Wright to CONTINUE to assert those beliefs even after he saw what it did to the country was, in Obama's opinion, the final threshold. It's like after having listened to your dad make racist or sexist remarks for years, you finally stop being so conciliatory and call him out on it during Thanksgiving dinner.

The most important question is: Do you think Obama shares Wright's beliefs? If yes, then continue to press this issue. If no, then it's a non-issue and gutter politics.

[2rth2pwr]

13. My opinion is that he joined the church for the political benefit, his protests

notwithstanding, it is simply not credible that he was unaware of Wrights views.

I question his judgment for taking his young children to that church to be exposed to that dangerous man.

I see what he did today the same way I see what he did 20 yrs ago as the result of Obama making cold political calculations

about what would help him advance politically, and damn the consequences.

[cliffordu]

23. Excellent post! Thanks.

It will probably be too complex and nuanced for many in this crowd, though.

[splat]

14. Polling said it was dragging him down

[hokies4ever]

19. He polled people after the National Press Club rant by Wright?

Not enough time to get a measured response. Plus Obama said that he didn't do it because of polls. Funny to hear a Hillary supporter accusing Obama of lying. . .

[splat]

72. Yeah, N.C. that night

[hokies4ever]

73. Is a Hillary supporter accusing Obama of being a liar?

with a straight face? Seriously?

[RichardRay]

18. Because Rev Wright was his friend...

Senator Obama tried to find a way to remain Reverend Wright's friend. When that wasn't easy anymore he still tried. Then it became even more difficult, and he still tried. Then it was over.

The end of a friendship is a tough thing, too bad this one had to end on national TV before an audience of cheering, jeering, taunting gapers.

[guyanakoolaid]

21. Most normal people don't consider those real issues. Clinton supporters, however...

makes OPs about them

[2rth2pwr]

25. A man preaching to thousands of people a week , promoting the lie that

the Government is deliberately targeting them for death is not an issue to you?

I mean, if it's not, it's not. But, jeez.

[guyanakoolaid]

28. No, religious preachers aren't an issue for me when deciding who our next president should be

[2rth2pwr]

33. Nobody wants to force you to care. Other people make decisions about electing a President

not only on policy positions on a website, but want to know a bit more about the individual.

Some people feel that who someone willingly chooses to spend major time with in their lives can help

inform them a bit more about the judgment and character of the candidate.

You may disagree, and feel that the only thing that matters is what the candidate promises to do in the future.

Understand that there are many, many people who need more.

[guyanakoolaid]

42. "Need more" - Hilarious since you and your candidate are pushing the lowest denominator to SDs

And you of course assume my positions wrongly. I feel what somebody has done in the past is a better testament to their character. And I know Hillary has voted for every pro-war piece of BS the neocons have put in front of her. Spineless.

[hokies4ever]

29. The Audacity of Hope sermon

Here's the youtube clip of it. I challenge you to watch it.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=H73WqSj1-aI

[2rth2pwr]

35. Rev Wright in context is even worse. It removes all doubt that he may have

been mischaracterized.

[cliffordu]

26. He wanted to give you something to write about.

[livingmadness]

34. Is it really that hard for you to figure out?

Or is this just more 'clinging' behavior. I guess when you have little else ...

Obama made a strategic choice to address in general Wright's perspectives by contextualizing them in terms of how life-experiences shape our feelings (e.g. resentment) and thus our worldview. That was the 'race' speech, remember that? Rather than focusing on the minutiae he broadened his reach to provide the opportunity for all Americans to be included in the conversation. Many commentators applauded his ability to speak to us as adults.

Alas, the MSM and his opponents could not let it rest, and then Wright himself had a few things to add to the conversation. Different response from Obama - addressing this time the details.

Now is that too hard for you to comprehend, or are you going to try to proclaim he should have addressed the detail on both occasions? *yawn* I know Ms Clinton is a one-trick pony. Obama, god bless him, is not.

[Tactical Progressive]

45. Becaus the Rev Wright dissed HIM, the only thing Barack cares about

Obama said it quite a few times in his speech. It was time to speak out because the Rev was hurting Barack, which is the only thing that matters to Barack.

Not that it wasn't obvious before he said it.

It had nothing to do with disavowing anything but the MOST outrageous things Wright said.

It was about Obama.

[2rth2pwr]

49. Winner.

Pick up your prize from the hostess when you leave.

[hokies4ever]

56. Wrong!

Obama wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, judging by his life experiences.

You do know that Wright was in the Marine Corps in the 1960s right? My father is a retired Marine, and I've heard him and other family members in the military tell me stories from the previous generation of Marines that Wright was a part of. Black Marine units were used as fodder for the enemy. They were sent over dangerous hills first if it was unknown if the enemy would ambush the troops. That is the life Wright experienced as a black Marine, yet he still served his country proudly. How would you like it if you were sent into the most dangerous areas first by your commanding officers, just because of the color of your skin? Don't dare criticize Wright as anti-American until you answer that statement.

[2rth2pwr]

59. Lee Harvey Oswald was a Marine.

[hokies4ever]

61. Was he used as fodder and bait for the enemy

like black Marines from Wright's era were used?

[2rth2pwr]

65. Not that I'm aware of, why?

[hokies4ever]

67. Then what's your point

Your candidate is a warmonger, face it. Commonsense tells you that you can't peacefully have a military protective umbrella over the entire Middle East against Iran.

[2rth2pwr]

69. Are you stating that Iran is going to attack someone no matter what?

[hokies4ever]

74. No, that's Hillary's foreign policy stance

Her foreign policy dictates that war with Iran is inevitable, so buckle your chinstrap and get ready for the nuclear ride.

[livingmadness]

53. Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

Even in this ridiculous thread you can't pick a winner. No wonder you're a Clinton-ite.

[ruggerson]

82. You Win The Prize

Dead on correct.

[chill_wind]

48. What you hoped is that he never would. Now that he has, man are you people UPSET. n/t

[ShortnFiery]

54. People who are MORE THAN political beasties value relationships beyond the "one dimensional"

maxim of "scratching each other's back."

IMO, there's *NO BODY* that HRC would NOT "throw under the bus" if by doing so, it would score her The Presidency.

Obama is NOT your "usual politician" as we are witnessing by his behavior and campaign staff.

[2rth2pwr]

62. The thing is, if he can't unite with the pastor of his own church that he has attended for 20 years,

how the hell is he going to bring unity and pretty butterflies to DC?

[chill_wind]

80. Hillary + Richard Mellon Scaife. Now THAT's "Unity" any HRC fan get behind. n/t

[hokies4ever]

64. He had already denounced the statements

but had chosen the 'hate the sin, not the sinner' approach.

[eridani]

71. Why has Clinton never condemned her whacko nazi spiritual advisor? n/t

[Mr. Mule]

75. What IRONY!

Do you Obama folks not get the irony of all this? The man that Barack called his spiritual adviser and "a member of his family", the man he said he couldn't disassociate himself from {no more than he could from his white grandmother), almost single-handedly derailed the campaign.

There were people on DU praising Wright for "telling the truth" and calling him a prophet no less. Everything was fine and dandy until it became obvious many potential voters were not comfortable with Wright's version of liberation gospel. The new mantra is, "It doesn't matter. I'm not voting for a candidate's pastor." Seems like a double-standard to me.

Now that it's politically expedient, Obama is "outraged" and says this isn't the man he knew. So in twenty years of association, from his conversion to Christianity, his wedding ceremony, the baptism of his children, to his decision to run for POTUS, he never once ever heard anything that might be considered the lest bit controversial. I guess Wright was correct on one thing -- he does what he does because he's a minister, and Barack does what he does because he's a politician.

[judasdisney]

76. Why now? Because it's classy to give a second chance before you throw under the bus

-- something Hillary & her supporters wouldn't understand.

[1776Forever]

77. Circumstances & people change over the years - Rev. Wright is VERY accomplished......

and makes me think that when Obama first met him he was not the same man he is now. Here is a link to his awards and accomplishments. He is certainly not a deadbeat!

http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?bioindex=331&category=religionMakers

Wright is the recipient of numerous awards, including three honorary doctorates and three presidential commendations. An accomplished musician and author, Wright has written four books, numerous articles and countless sermons and was named one of Ebony's top fifteen preachers. In addition to national and international ministry, Wright serves on several boards of directors and committees. Married to the Reverend Ramah Reed Wright, Wright has five children and three grandchildren.

[democrattotheend]

78. He didn't. He denounced them multiple times in March.

He said repeatedly as soon as the story broke that he found those comments offensive. I believe he was asked specifically about the AIDS comment in an interview in March and said that he strongly disagreed with it.

[madrchsod]

79. he was waiting for his polling numbers to see what he should say

it`s reallly simple-bad numbers- speak out against wright! he`s in a tailspin and his pilot just jumped out of the plane

[2rth2pwr]

88. Winner.

Shipping of prizes may take up to 6-8 weeks.

[chill_wind]

81. delete (dupe) n/t

[mattclearing]

83. Perhaps because idiotic people assume he agrees with that shit just because his pastor said it. n/t

[graycem]

84. Why did

Hillary wait until she watched video of Tuzla to say she misspoke (lie)?

[Evergreen Emerald]

85. because it was hurting him politically.

[2rth2pwr]

87. Winner.

All prizes are regulated as per the following.

If you are required to establish an account in connection with a particular Service or Material, you must complete the designated registration process for such Service or Material. All required registration information that you provide must be current, complete and accurate and kept up to date on a prompt, timely basis.

[scheming daemons]

89. As he said... he gave him the benefit of the doubt on the sermon sound bites.....

...but when Wright REAFFIRMED his conspiracy rants again, then the benefit of the doubt was gone.

[Evergreen Emerald]

90. Sounds like spin to me

[Beacool]

91. It's called political expediency.

At least Wright was correct when he called him on it. Just another politician.......

[dchill]

92. I dunno - what's your conspiracy theory?

GMWAS.