From the AP:
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday he was outraged and appalled by the latest comments from his former pastor, who asserted that criticism of his fiery sermons is an attack on the black church and the U.S. government was responsible for the creation of the AIDS virus.
The presidential candidate is seeking to tamp down the growing fury over Rev. Jeremiah Wright and his incendiary remarks that threaten to undermine his campaign.
At least the 2008 election is rarely dull.
Here's a snippet:
"I am outraged by the comments that were made and saddened by the spectacle that we saw yesterday," he said.
Obama also distanced himself from the man in a way he has been reluctant to in the past.
"The person that I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago," he said. "His comments were not only divisive and destructive, but I believe that they end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate, and I believe that they do not portray accurately the perspective of the black church."
"They certainly don’t portray accurately my values and beliefs," he said.
I'm curious what kind of reaction this will get. The parts that I've heard so far didn't quite live up to the headlines; he was really grasping for words and sounded a bit too measured in response to questions from reporters. The talking heads seem to like it so far, though; Chris Matthews is comparing him to Richard II.
I'm sure this is the last word on the subject...just kidding.
I'll post more reaction as it comes in. Here's some video if you haven't seen it:
Comment removed.
Wright is taking Obama down. Obama once again has to choose between his candidacy and Rev. Wright. It looks as if he made his choice. However, he chose this course of action only because the whole Rev. Wright thing is dismantling his candidacy peice by piece. When he had the chance to do it when he was at his strongest politically because it was the right thing to do, he balked and fretted about America's race problem instead. He may survive because of this, but I don't think the Rev. Wright will completely go away. By the way, he also may end up with an Al Sharpton problem due to the aquittal of the NYC cops in the groom shooting.— jmc
Heaven forbid Obama should urge non-violence. Since when do Muslims urge non-violence?— SteveMG- Oh okay,that's that,it's over now.I put the over under at about November 7th.— Yankee Air Pirate 12
- April 29th Obama:"I actually voted NOT to disown Rev. Wright, before I disowned him"— E Plebnista
- We already know the answer from most commenters here.. they will not be satisfied by anything, since this is all a game to "create chaos" in the Democratic Party.— Politburo
- Comment removed.
- Obama could strangle Rev. Wright to death, and still get 90% of the black vote. A good move on Obama's part to appease the rest.— Leron
- Last I checked, he wasn't Muslim...— bdunn939
- Comment removed.
- This is really turning into a mess....worst case scenario for Obama. I wish Rev Wright could keep his mouth shut.— GHOSTPHAYCE
- Exactly 'Voice of Reason' I wonder why no one wants to remember how Rev. Wright was shinnin' and grinnin' at the white house not too long ago with the Clintons??? 'The brutha'...Wow— bdunn939
- I was kidding.— SteveMG
- My bad Stevie...— bdunn939
- The Arkansas Mafia got to Rev. Wright - the Clintonistas have some dirt on the Rev and he flipped to go against Obama to keep them at bay. It's typical Clinton-style "scorched earth" tactics against anyone who dares to challenge them.— MiddleNameHussein
Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
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