Analysis: Obama goes beyond generalities on race

I read over 200 responses before I read the speech. It was interesting to read the parts of his speech that were distorted to justify anti Obama statements. Then I read the speech and write this with tears in my eyes. He is a flawed human being like the rest of us. But I am so thankful that we have someone in this election giving hope to this 64 year old white woman. Hope that reminds me of how it felt to know that Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King were telling the truth and perhaps America could listen and live closer to our ideals. It was awful to have them leave without getting to work more on the problems we have. Thank God that we have someone saying truth again and I pray that we can elect him and other leaders that will move us toward our great potential in this country.

Here we have a man, who's back is against the wall, denounces Rev. Wright. What if this stuff wouldnt of come out until after the election and Obama was in office? Rev Wright would have been there right beside him, come on people WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!. Wright is his mentor, he has been saying this all along, now the stuff on Wright comes out and he disagrees, if he disagreed he would have never publically said Wright was his Mentor.
If it wouldnt of come out, Wright would still be there right with him. You dont throw someone out of your life that has been a great influence. he has him on the side, i bet he still consults with him.
Obama is not what this country needs. He cant even pass anything through Senate. He put in a bill and he voted against it, think about this he voted AGAINST his own bill...What has he accomplised? Nothing, I am a democrat and all for Hillary, but i believe if it comes down to Obama and McCain, then McCain is going to get my vote and I am sure others feel the same. Obama cant beat McCain, McCain knows it the Repulicans know it.
What this country needs is someone who can accomplish things, that is NOT Obama.
Obama it is time to move on, pull out now, before you embarrass yourself, your family and most of all this country more than what you already have. yes its time for a change, its time for you to quit!

I listened to Mr. Obama speak this morning and came away with the feeling I'd heard words that recalled MLK, RFK and JFK encountering them once again for the first time in decades born again within a new voice. Whether by calculation or not, framed by flags and speaking directly to the complexities of race and his own story with acknowledged shortcomings Mr. Obama could not have appeared much more Presidential. This is true moral strength and the essense of what leadership should be about. Who knows that through this starting point we might finally be able to explore and engage for real a genuine national dialogue on the issues of race along with the American history of slavery and the Civil War that haunt us to this day.

" it showcased Obama more as a national teacher, a role that particularly flatters him" --these are facts??
"it also served to quell the controversy-of-the-moment over Obama's long association with Rev. Jeremiah Wright," --really???
I am sorry. This piece sounded like you were working for his campaign, not reporting the facts.

Obama reminds me of boyfriends I've had with his lying. He makes me sick, and I sincerely *hope* he goes back to being the sleazy lawyer he was before being a politician. How can people possibly buy into this crap? He's so manipulative and wicked. Please, people, wake up. WAKE UP. This is really getting scary.

After reading the absolutely moronic things that some people have posted here, it makes me want to jump out of my skin and beat them with my bloody clothing. Your readers are large in part the stupidest people I have every come across. Why doesn't the media (YOU) just state the given fact that has revealed itself here in these comments, that 90% of Americans people are borderline mentally retarded. Literally retarded and should not be allowed to voice there worthless, faceless, opinions.
And the 78 year old man (BASH93), who spelled "OBOMBA" has the audacity to talk about lazy "Negroes". JESUS.... god damned you, and the America you help perpetuate... one of stupidity, ignorance and hopelessness. I will be moving to the one that OBAMA speaks about!

Obama justified his position very well and this will make Americans more broadminded and will open up this still left-over differences in races to maturity. It is definitely a step ahead in the right direction. We should be worrying about dealing business with other countries and remove our destroyed economy Bush has put in bushes. Obama is a young man who will make a difference in much better way to the America.

The anti-Obama posts here are remarkable in their anger and ignorance. Absolutely astonishing. I'm praying for you folks.

Obama justified his position very well and this will make Americans more broadminded and will open up this still left-over differences in races to maturity. It is definitely a step ahead in the right direction. We should be worrying about dealing business with other countries and remove our destroyed economy Bush has put in bushes. Obama is a young man who will make a difference in much better way to the America.

Barack Obama jumped past the finger -pointing to identify a major division within the country--race. No longer can his opponent refer to his color under cover of other talking heads. Here is a man with the integrity to standby his pastor and grandmother no matter what they say. He loves them. And he laid out feelings in the black community many of us, who are white, don't recognize or understand. We should all thank him for helping us. We're so accustomed to being lied to and expecting the worst. I just hope we can trust someone wiling to tell the truth. And, I hope we have 4 years of Barack Obama as President to help all of us learn more and help this country become what it should be for every resident--the greatest country on earth.

Barack Obama jumped past the finger -pointing to identify a major division within the country--race. No longer can his opponent refer to his color under cover of other talking heads. Here is a man with the integrity to standby his pastor and grandmother no matter what they say. He loves them. And he laid out feelings in the black community many of us, who are white, don't recognize or understand. We should all thank him for helping us. We're so accustomed to being lied to and expecting the worst. I just hope we can trust someone wiling to tell the truth. And, I hope we have 4 years of Barack Obama as President to help all of us learn more and help this country become what it should be for every resident--the greatest country on earth.

I am a white 36 year old psychotherapist. Wow to Obama. He faced this tough issue head on and I am truly impressed. I like that he addressed many of the people, as the ones on this thread, that would rather continue the distraction of division rather than finding something in common that we can unite around. How can you say racism is over when this thread is this charged. GREAT JOB OBAMA! I was thinking of voting for Hilary but this has shown me that this man can move through even the toughest of situations. Obama you got my vote.

Is Obama's only talent the ability to read someone else's speech from a teleprompter? I don't know what concerns me more, Obama's lack of substance or his supporter's fixation on speeches.

Fox news yesturday questioned, if Obama is Muslim or Christian.
Today, questioned if Obama is reflects his pastror's view.
Tomorrow, we don't know what they are diging.
Fact is Obama is the leader of 21st century.
Obama is visionary leader beyound color theory.
Support Obama.
Yes we can.
We must discuss now more about Iraq war mess.
We must discuss now more about our economy.
We must discuss now more about NAFTA. Everything is made in China in our soil.
We must discuss now more about Health Care.
We must discuss now more about College affordability.
We must discuss now more about research and science.
America is strong country and together we can make a difference.
Obama is a great leader.
Obama is a great communicator.
Yes we can. Support Obama.

American journalist and satirist H. L. Mencken once describe our nation thusly; "The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the greatest liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth." It is most disappointing to me as a white American to read some of the vitriolic attacks posted against Mr. Obama. It’s difficult to believe there would be anything but praise for the honest and transparent appeal we heard in Mr. Obama’s speech. Only the most cynical mind could disparage the passion of a man’s heart. As for this white life long male Republican, I’m committed to a new vision for our country. I’m committed to Senator Obama.

An excellent speech. You did not say, why you remained for 20 years in the hate venom from that pastor.

One more thing --- Did Oprey Winfrey or one of her people write the speech????. I have never seen you with that many flags on stage.

Enough on race. Black, white, purple, I want a resume and results, now. We can't afford one more screw up or disappointment. I don't trust that he can win or more importantly deliver. Obama's only got 3 yrs in the Senate. I'm sorry after Bush, we've got nothing left to wager.

This was one of the most important speeches delivered in my lifetime. Barack Obama is as presidential as we'll ever see. He delivered in an almost impossible situation. I hope enough people are able to see this so we can seize this moment in history. It's too bad so many people don't truly understand matters of race and will try to twist this speech. They live in fear, not us.

Obama is no MLK. He is another hypocritical politician. It's crazy that everyone on here refuses to acknowledge that he willingly participated in a church that promotes such negativity and hate. Even if he didn't say any of those words himself, it is just as bad as the Vatican not taking a stand against Hitler back in the day. Worthless.

These questions need to come out - especially when one seeks the most powerful office in the world. The Obama campaign has been all cotton candy - no substance - once you get a tast - it just melts.

Does Sen Obama ascribe to all 12 principles of the Black Value System?
BVS Link - http://www.tucc.org/black_value_system.html
If he becomes president - he would be required to follow #11 and #12

#11 Pledge Allegiance to All Black Leadership Who Espouse and Embrace the Black Value System.

#12 Personal Commitment to Embracement of the Black Value System. To measure the worth and validity of ALL activity in terms of positive contributions to the general welfare of the Black Community and the Advancement of Black People towards freedom.

It would be dangerous for a President to be pledge allegiance to BVS and not America.

We as Americans, Have forgotten elementary school that at the start of every day we would say the pledge of allegiance. And just a small reminder it goes like this.I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and to the republic for which it stands ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL . Now to get to my point this campaign has been about race ever since it started being about CLINTON & OBAMA . YOU TELL ME AMERICA what other race have there been so much focus on what percentage of working class white people and black people voted for whatever candidate at the polls the media put the race card out there with that mess about which person we voted for what kind of crap is that. AMERICA STAND AND REMEMBER SCHOOL

Has it been that long that we forgot. In Milwaukee, American Family had agents all over the City with the execption of the central city. ESHAC stuck pins in the map of every agent to document the point. You could only get depreciated value insurance in the hood while the same house in the burbs got replacement value insurance. Then there was this thing called steering. Blacks just were not allowed to buy in the burbs. A white could get a house loan where a black with the same income could not. Out of this we got the Community Reddevelopment Act.

"You are poor. You are old. Get out" Anyone remember that? The process of gentrification had a down side to it. Those who could defend themselfs least got hurt. I'm not so young any more. Put Obama's pastor back in context with a generation past, and I suspect that while I would not have agreed with him on all points, some of what he said needed to be pointed out.

At one point the Jounral called me Dudley Do-Gooder, the simple minded pharmacist who just did not get it. Well I was convinced that God was on my side. So did a whole lot of members of the clergy. This not too bright guy was loud and noisy. And I ended up being part of taking down an evil empire. Got a few awards.

Keep us in the context of history. Don't step on a man when he's is down. And try to remember that God keeps notes.

you have permission to use my name if you wish with the comment

We as Americans, Have forgotten elementary school that at the start of every day we would say the pledge of allegiance. And just a small reminder it goes like this.I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and to the republic for which it stands ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL . Now to get to my point this campaign has been about race ever since it started being about CLINTON & OBAMA . YOU TELL ME AMERICA what other race have there been so much focus on what percentage of working class white people and black people voted for whatever candidate at the polls the media put the race card out there with that mess about which person we voted for what kind of crap is that. AMERICA STAND AND REMEMBER SCHOOL

FOR THOSE WHO QUESTION’S OBAMA’S RECORD
HILARY’S AND OBAMA’ RECORDS_you decide.

Records of these two candidates should be scrutinized in order to make an informed decision.

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 - twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.

These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas2.html but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you.

1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.

2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.

3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.

5. Name courthouse after Jam es L. Watson.

6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.

7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.

10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.

11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.

12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.

13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.

14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.

15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton 's bills are, more substantive.

16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.

17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.

19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.

20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.

During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,

125 on poverty and public assistance,

112 crime fighting bills,

97 economic bills,

60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,

21 ethics reform bills,

15 gun control,

6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded **the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law, **The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law, **The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate, **The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law, **The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.
In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.
An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public.

He's not just a talker.

He's a doer.

This speech was not about Iraq, not economics, not political promises to give everyone all they want. This speech was about America, Americans, and all the history we share. History of hate, excuses, dispare, ugly names, bad feelings, fear. It was all there. He was right, America, Americans have to begin a change from the pulpit, in the classroom, around the dinner table, talk on the street, and above all, to the children of our country. I don't want my grandchildren hearing the ugly words I heard on bus shopping trips to Detroit, or be able to use others as an excuse for their own failures. We are all capable of so much better. Thank you Mr. Obama for being willing to speak on a subject that is determining so much of America today and in the past. Not all senior white women are for Hilary. You have my vote.

To all Obama supporters:

Koolade, yum yum.

This speech was not about Iraq, not economics, not political promises to give everyone all they want. This speech was about America, Americans, and all the history we share. History of hate, excuses, dispare, ugly names, bad feelings, fear. It was all there. He was right, America, Americans have to begin a change from the pulpit, in the classroom, around the dinner table, talk on the street, and above all, to the children of our country. I don't want my grandchildren hearing the ugly words I heard on bus shopping trips to Detroit, or be able to use others as an excuse for their own failures. We are all capable of so much better. Thank you Mr. Obama for being willing to speak on a subject that is determining so much of America today and in the past. Not all senior white women are for Hilary. You have my vote.

"However, I do have a problem when that church excludes others and speaks ill of those who are not of their own kind!!!!"

Pastor Wright's condemnation of our country was --that fact that he hasn't been jailed for his words is one of many reasons to be proud of the United States. But Brian, I think what you really mean to say is, "I have a problem when a church excludes and speaks ill of MY demographic." Most clergy at the very least oppose societal acceptance of gays and lesbians, and yet this poses no problem for affiliated politicians.

Bush's United Methodist Church, which is very mainstream, ruled two years ago that a man could be barred from attending one of their churches on account of being gay; and they defrock ministers who refuse to hide this part of their identities. The only reason we don't call this bigotry is that it's very mainstream—in no way an excuse!! Bush is affiliated with these guys, and he not only achieved presidency but did so without getting elected!

And then you have Huckabee, winner of 2008’s Iowa Republican caucuses, a guy who called homosexuality “aberrant, unnatural, and sinful.” He also likened it to bestiality. That's "speaking ill" in my book, and something most of us would deem very offensive (and archaic), yet where were the pundits holding him accountable for this?? I sure didn't hear it. We've got to take a stand against all bigotry, even when we aren't the target.

I found Obama’s speech today really insightful.

I will vote for Obama, because he's black and because he's a real man.

From Walter above.

Please tell me is Walter's decision racist?

I wonder did he bother to read or listen to the speech?

To the people that still think Obama is a fraud: i urge you to run for President yourselves.
Let us all pick apart your self-righteous and hypocritical personal lives, and see how long you last.

Obama is the real deal, and speaks from the heart. Seriously, you cannot fabricate such a landmark address, no matter how hard you try.

Please USA, don't let the next great leader slip through your fingers.

REAL HOPE HERE THAT THE NEXT GENERATION WILL GET IT . SO SYNICS PLEASE; "EVEN IF YOU BELIEVE THIS IS ALL POLITICAL"; UNDERSTANDS THE WORDS FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT AND THE BENEFIT OF YOUR CHILDREN AND THE WORLD. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT VOTE FOR O'BAMA; DOES NOT THE "WORDS" MEAN ANYTHING FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF OUR LIVES. GOD BLESS OBAMA

I don't buy his speech, to little to late.
He lied as simple as that.

From Maryann

We are in a world of brown people and we need to relate to all. This man is so honest and thoughtful what we need in leadership. He is truly a 1/2 white man, 1/2 black man who is the perfect candidate.

Is this racist or not?

Sorry, but Mr. Obama isn't charting a "middle path". Nor does he confront tough issues in a "balanced" way. The vast majority of his policies are liberal boilerplate and his solutions are substantial amounts of increased and new spending, more government intrusion and control and massive income redistribution. And this was hardly an "honest" discussion of race. There was far too much left unsaid. Far too much that was tiptoed around and barely touched upon. Furthermore, he did not satisfactorily address the issue that got us here in the first place. So, sorry, but no sale.

"Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely - just as I'm sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed. ...

In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world's great religions demand - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister's keeper."

That says it ALL, folks.

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/03/heres-obamas-speech-on-race-religion.html#links

We can't forget racisim that was in the past but we can move forward and deal with racisim today, The intense hostility, fear , anger and sense of injury coming from Wright and Obama's wife, is HATE for America. How do we change if we hold unto the we past that was bad? What about the good ? America has change because of the good, not the hate from the past or of today.

Those who think it was a "great speech"might wish to consider that it's easy to give a "great specch" if you use a teleprompter,read well and practice. Obama qualifies.

Truthfulness,however,and rational thought is another matter. This will not end this controversy or restore his reputation or political standing..and shouldn't.

Nice speech, but meant nothing. Obama didn't address the questions regarding his controversial relationship with Reverend Wright. Just the usual vague platitudes...

The Koolaid that most of the commentors are drinking must be some pretty powerful stuff. I think it's Obama and his racist and hate filled pastor who have a problem with race. Up until now, most Americans were willing to vote for him until they witnessed the vitriol and garbage that spewed from the mouth of Reverend Wright, the man Obama CHOSE to associate with on a very intimate basis for more than twenty years.

Come on, if you had an 8 year old and a 6 year old (like Obama does) would you allow them to sit through one of these sermons? Good grief. And if you believe for one minute that Obama didn't know about his pastor's views, you are more gullible than most. If he is telling the truth, that he doesn't possess the judgement required of the leader of the free world.

Finally........we have a presidential candidate with a FIRE in the belly!!!!!!

MOAR PARTY TALKING POINTS SHEEP
REALLY, THESE ARE YOUR UNIQUE AND INSIGHTFUL THOUGHTS
**NOT SARCASM** RACE,RELIGION AND SEX ARE SRS BSNS**NOT SARCASM*
CHOOSING THE NEXT MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR OUR COUNTRY SHOULD HINGE ENTIRELY ON THE RAMBLINGS OF OTHERS IN THEIR MANY SOCIAL NETWORKS
**NOT SARCASM**POLITICIANS NEVER PANDER TO SPECIFIC AND WINNABLE RELIGIOUS DEMO GRAPHS WHILE CAMPAIGNING. BUSH IS A COWBOY EVANGELICAL, REMEMBER?**NOT SARCASM**
MOAR RACE MOAR RELIGION MOAR SEX, THESE ARE THE ISSUES THATMATTER

This speech is only intelligent people to understand and reflect on.

To the people that still think Obama is a fraud: i urge you to run for President yourselves.
Let us all pick apart your self-righteous and hypocritical personal lives, and see how long you last.

Obama is the real deal, and speaks from the heart. Seriously, you cannot fabricate such a landmark address, no matter how hard you try.

Please USA, don't let the next great leader slip through your fingers.

Anyone who sees Obama as "speeches, no substance" needs to seriously watch this in it's entirety and re-evaluate the criticism. This is the MOST substance any politician in this campaign has brought to the front lines.

Obama is tackling one of the most difficult issues in the history of our country, and should be commended

Youtube "Obama March 18 full speech" or watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo

Whether you like Senator Obama or not, the speech he gave today was a well-reasoned response to a complex issue. It's not as simple as unequivocally severing ties with his minister, so he didn't trivialize it. He didn't shy away from a divisive issue, and he held to his convictions.

If you've ever thought that what this country needs is a president that will stand up for what is right, rather than pander to political and corporate interests... If you believe that we all are Americans first and "liberals" or "conservatives" second... If you think that common sense should prevail over a backwards bureaucracy, then listen to Barack Obama with an open mind. Maybe he is over-reaching. Or maybe he'll be great.

I don't believe that we need a racist and a liar who is pro-abortion in the White House. Farewell Mr. Obama.

as I read through all the racist & bigotry remarks....why is it that none of you guys can spell? move on past race, get over it and spend more time on your spelling. OBAMA '08 - JOIN THE MOVEMENT

I am a moderate voting for intelligence and some class.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/mccains-church-hates-ame_b_92140.html

After being marginalized by G. Ferraro and others in the Clinton campaign time and time again, Barack Obama demonstrated once again, that he takes the high ground. His speech was of historical importance, and any of you reading this who haven't heard it, can at least go to the New York Times online, which has published the speech in it's entirety.

I am happier than ever that Barack Obama is running for president. Every citizen of this country, black or white, rich or poor, man or woman, young or old, will be very lucky if he is the nominee, and if he wins in November.

It's sad that people are listening to this speech without an open mind. You are criticizing something that you don't even understand (although you may think you do), and unless Americans can bring themselves out of their moronic shells, we will stumble through life blindly, and make the same mistakes that we have made so many times before. Needless to say, American's have dug themselves a hole, and those who believe that Barack Obama is only widening racial divides are the ones who dug it. If you were to listen to this wise and hopeful man's words, you would understand that Barack Obama wants you, me, your black neighbor and my hispanic school mate to all be equal. Equality means a better world, and you would have to be a very close minded person not to realize that. As Barack Obama says himself, we should do unto others as we would like to be done unto ourselves. How would YOU like to be treated? By continuing to treat other people badly, we are only harming ourselves. Even if not directly, we are making this country a hopeless place to live in. It is only the hope that we contain in our hearts and minds that can create a hopeful America. And if we listen to all the intelligent things Barack Obama says, we can finally realize that this man is this greatest and most vast hope for our country. Now all we have to do is open our minds to realize this.

Barack Obama is a skillful orator who will bring America another step closer to becoming a socialist country.

We already have a strong socialist media machine controlling the majority of the public's ability to form opinions and we already have plans on the table to silence contrary opinions that are on the radio under the guise of fairness.

America isn't great because someone says it is in a speech. America won't become better because someone promises change. America is great because of individual success and individual sacrifice. America will only continue to be great as long as there remains the liberty to succeed and the liberty to sacrifice.

Once we become a socialist country, only the government will be given the liberty to succeed and the liberty to sacrifice. The media will tell us that the government always succeeds and our daily lives will be testimonies that the government has plenty of fodder to sacrifice.

If Barack Obama were honest he would turn our eyes on ourselves for our insatiable desire to get something for nothing as the root cause of our economic woes instead of blaming certain businesses who turn a profit. (I dare say that politicians and tort lawyers know how to turn a profit. I dare say that the movie industry and the music industry knows how to turn a profit. I dare say that the media industry knows how to turn a profit, but none of these groups are targeted as being evil.)

If he were to be honest about the high cost of medical care he would go no further than the tort nonsense that has made our medical care too expensive.

His speech does not address these things but instead speaks to people's emotions. He did a good job, but the aim of his presidency will be more and more division until the government needs to take over to bring order and stability.

Politicians and tort lawyers are the self-promoted heros of the idiotic.

Man...we got enough PROBLEMS in the WORLD!!!
Give me a BREAK! Iran is going nuclear, the Russians are turning Soviet, the economy is imploding, commodities are skyrocketing with the Chinese ready to surpass us financially, educationally & technologically. On top of that, millions of Islamists around the world want to send us all back to the Dark Ages. Obama...Can you tackle even ONE of those problems??? Hell NO!

But instead Obama wants to take us back to the 70s, act as if NO progress and CHANGE ever took place to satisfy his campaign managers need to score points after getting reamed by the nauseating rantings of Wright.

Forget it! whatever wounds still exist, whites are not going back to the old world of preacher Wright and satisfying his sick needs. And those needs are insatiable anyways and can NEVER be satisfied so it's a big waste of time. Obama lost his chance as far as I'm concerned and I was ready to pull the trigger for him. But we got more important things to deal with than "race" right now and Obama's not the man to do THOSE jobs.

I have read all the comments posted before mine. My conclusion: these comments are living proof of the racial divide in America. Shame on those who can't see it. Many comments are so plagues with racism that it make me feel sick. I'm a woman, hispanic, middle-class, in my 50s, conservative, support free trade, and originally supported the Iraq war, but I will not vote Republican (even though I believe Ronald Reagan was the best president we had in the past 20 years.)

Obama's speach and the racism I found in the above comments, fully convinced me that there is only one way we can progress in this great country, a non-divisive President. You will not get that with Ms. Clinton who is a worse liar than Obama, and the most divisive candidate that we have.

Mr. Obama may indeed be the last political chance this country, known as the United States of America, has to survive the coming storm that threatens to destroy this reality known as America. God bless America ?! God has already blessed America. ...And what has America done with God's blessings. When God blesses a people and a country to become great and powerful among the nations of the earth, it is not for their vanity. It is not for that country or people to use their great power of might and wealth to make mischief among the people of the earth. God makes you great so that you can help uplift the oppressed and downtrodden people on this earth. Has America done this? I am afraid not. And now this system known as America is being dismantled system by system...the fall of the American economic system as indicated by the gradual but steady declined of the once "almighty dollar" will get worse and other ancillary systems that feed from this system will fall. This fall or collapse of the economic system of the United States of America represents the actual fall of America itself. It will get worse.
There is an unseen hand regulating this fall...God is not a sissy or a punk...America has to pay for her mischief making among the people of the earth...The American people have, in the past, allowed their government to do things to other nations that was not right....now the American people have one more chance to stop the fall of America....there is still a chance to avert this nation's total collapse...and that one last chance is in the personage of SENATOR BARACK OBAMA.....the very wise people in this country know this to be true....Mr Obama can not use the same old tactics of governing if he is elected president....because if he does ....then the "game is the same" only the face is changed....and then the fall of America will speed up...ushering in the most awful events that the world will ever see...

Barack Obama offers the United States the opportunity to show the world that after eight long years we have finally come to our senses. Yes we can move forward and correct the mess that has been made in this country. We can begin to put people first not continue to sacrifice in order that the greedy can have more. With leadership like this we can accomplish what we have only dreamed of in the past. I know I'm ready to get busy and do whatever I have to do in order to make it happen. OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!!!!

I have some very serious differences of belief with my pastor. One of the great things about America is that we can live side by side in peace even with all our differences. We don't always do the best job of it, but that's what this speech was about.

I would be proud to call this man my president.

Let's say you have a friend named Chester. Chester has said some pretty ignorant things in the course of your relationship, but you stick with him anyway because he's basically a good guy. According to some people here, that means you agree wholeheartedly with everything Chester has ever said or done. Hopefully, it's clear now why this particular line of attack against Obama is incredibly stupid.

Brian in Seattle Senator Obama never said he was there during the times that the comments that have stirred up this controversy, he said e was there when his pastor made controversial statements and he went on to differentiate between the severity of those controversial statements he heard and the ones that have caused the uproar. Please do not distort facts. The senator from Illinois was eloquent, honest, poignant, and presidential. He has called all Americans to task. We must deal with the racism that permeates through the very core of our nation. Deal with the type of polarization that allows one to say that a presidenti.al candidate is the candidate of any particular race. Bravo Senator Obama

i am a nigerian, living in Lagos. this speech speaks volumes. as a people, americans should appreciate the past with a view to gaining the future. that is what president Obama has done. i believe in hope.

Mr. Obama has now confirmed he wishes to back into the future. Face it, he just does not have the maturity required to make well balanced judgements.
Many see him as an empty suit full of hot air.

Senator Obama has a gift for seeing issues through the eyes of the 'other', and forging compromises with that vision. Our country lost the respect of the world when we invaded Iraq after being attacked by terrorists trained in Afghanistan. By his nature, Barack Obama finds ways to bring people together. He uniquely has the skills, insight, manner and vision to earn back the respect that the U.S. lost in the last 6 years. We need the support of the world to be a leading nation in the world. Barack Obama is our best hope.

I have read many of these comments and its sad that many of you have really miss the whole point of what Obama is trying to say to the American people he is challenging each person to put aside their difference to unite as one to come together . Some of these comments still have racist,hatred , envy and plenty of blind ignorance in many people it is so sad that some still can't accept the fact that race and racism really do exist in America in every race and every culture some people is just really afriad of change like Obama was saying that many from the past still fill and have that anger build up inside and not just blacks but white,mexican ,asian, and other race and its about time we put all those heavy laten down and look for change and hope for change in Barack Obama

I can't believe some of the racist, pigheaded and stupid comments i'm reading here. This was a terrific speech, really makes me think he is a thoughtful, honest, man, willing to tackle really tough issues rooted in our society, and to work to get the important things back on track: improving schools, health care, building a future for our children and their children, securing good jobs, and taking care of our growing elderly population, and getting OUT OF IRAQ.

FOR ALL OF YOU WHO POSTED RACIST AND NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. IF YOU LISTENED TO WHAT WAS SAID AND NOT WHO WAS SAYING IT, YOU SHOULD HAVE FELT SOMETHING. AMERICA STILL HAS BOUNDARIES FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS. I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA THAT HE HAD TO EVEN DEF END HIMSELF OR HIS PASTOR. AMERICAN NEEDED TO HEAR WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. NO MATTER WHAT YOU MAY THINK OF HIM, HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE HIS CUNNING SPEACHES, HE STILL SPEAKS THE TRUTH. IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE AND BELIEVE ME CHANGE IS ON THE WAY WHETHER HE OR HILLARY WINS, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THIS ELECTION WILL BRING ABOUT CHANGE. I AM GLAD THAT MY CHILDREN, HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HISTORY IN THE MAKING WHETHER IT BE A BLACK MAN OR A WOMAN. IT IS TIME TO CHANGE AND OUR YOUNGER GENERATION WILL DEMAND IT. I AM 46 AND I HAVE A 13 YEAR OLD BLACK SON AND A 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO IS A SENIOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. BOTH OF THEM ARE BRIGHT. I WILL TELL YOU ALL WHAT I TELL THEM IN ORDER TO MAKE IN THIS CRUEL POLITICAL WORLD "BE TRUE TO YOURSELVES" AND YOU WILL SUCEED. LETS NOT TAKE THE MAN'S RIGHT OF EXPRESSION AWAY FROM THIS MAN. WHETHER IT IS STAGED, A COVER UP OR JUST PLAIN INTELLIGENCE, WE ALL KNOW THAT HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH. WE NEED THE TRUTH, BUT WE ARE AFRAID OF THE TRUTH. WHEN YOU LISTEN TO HIM SPEAK HEAR WHAT HE IS SAYING, AND LET IT GET INTO YOUR SOUL. I HOPE HE WINS, BUT IF HE DOES NOT, HE NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. AS FOR EXPERIENCE, WHICH OF THESE CANDIDATES HAS EVER BEEN PRESIDENT? NEITHER, SO LETS FACE IT, OUR NEW PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ABOUT CHANGE. YOU SAY HILLARY AND MCCAIN HAS EXPERIENCE? WE CONQUER BASED ON OUR EXPERIENCES. SO THIS JUST DEFINES THE FACT THAT IF EITHER MCCAIN OR HILLARY ARE ELECTED, THEY WILL WORK FOR US BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE, AND WHAT EXPERIENCE IS THAT, DIRTY POLITICS, LETS BE OPENED HEARTED AND LOOK FOR CHANGE. READERS AND WRITERS, YOU KNOW AND I KNOW THAT OBAMA IS A LEADER. COLLEGE STUDENTS LOVE HIM AND THEY ARE OUR FUTURE. YES HE IS CUNNING BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY HIS INTELLIGENCE AND CLASS. HE IS GRACEFUL AND CLASSY, AND I FIGURE WHO EVER IS ELECTED WILL HAVE TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT BUSH MADE, SO WHAT DOES IT MATTER WHAT WE THINK. IT'S GONNA TAKE NOT ONE TERM OF PRESIDENCY TO CLEAN UP AMERICA. SO LETS BACK UP THE INTELLIGENT ONE WHO SPEAKS AND ACTS FROM HIS HEART. DON'T JUDGE HIM LET HIM EXERCISE HIS FREEDOM OF WHO HE WANTS TO WORSHIP WITH, HE HAS HIS OWN MIND AND IT SHOWS. WE DON'T NEED THE SAME OLD POLITICIANS DOING THE SAME OLD DIRTY THINGS, AND ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WE CAN CHANGE!!!!! YES WE CAN. GOOD JOB OBAMA, WAY TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE INTELLIGENT. LETS EMBRACE HIS INTELLIGENCE, BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT YOU MAY THINK ABOUT HIM, OR HIM BEING LESS QUALIFIED OR EVEN BEING A BLACK MAN, WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO THE REAL NITTY GRITTY,

YOU CANNOT TAKE AWAY HIS KNOWLEDGE, INTELLIGENCE OR GRACE, BECAUSE IT'S HIS AND HE OWNS IT.

And if he were president ; we can look forward to this "church" being his choice of place of worship with the presidential seal of approval given just by virtue of the president being in attendance ???
This person has no concept of the office to which he aspires , or the importance and meaning of it in the world.

The incessant fixture upon secondary aspects of our nation are a clear indicator that Obama has no clue how to manage a country. The primary issues are being ignored by the Obama campaign because of a failure to recognize what they are and a lack of knowledge regarding how to improve our current conditions. For the greater good? Hardly. Obamagician is casting his spell and the suckers are falling for it. Nice trick. It conjures images of Nero playing his lute while Rome burns. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Wrights Statements
people of color had not gone away, faded into the woodwork or just 'disappeared' as the Great White West went on its merry way of ignoring Black concerns

government gives them the drugs [referring to the Iran-Contra Affair], builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America

"We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost,"

These are the statements made by Wright, rarely actually said in an article, just alluded too as racist statements. Yet as an intellectual white man it is hard to see them as completely false. They are not that ridicules. I think the first statement is obvious that blacks still suffer more poverty and have worse schools. The second statement might be the hardest to argue but even that has some truth in the fact that half the inmates are black. and that solders shipped back heroin in Vietnam in body bags that eventually ended up in the hood. And the 911 statement is obviously true maybe not all of it is related but indefinitely our attempt to control the middle east with brutality has caused the animosity.

And Barrack denounced these statements as he should because as a leader it is important to bring the country together, and the statements are only part true . but by no means are the statements as racist as the media has lead on. It is ridicules that it has even gone this far. There is nothing in Baracks actions or statements that could even hint that Barack is racist. In his books and speeches his message has been 100% the opposite and has always been about unity and bringing the country together.

Today's speech by Barack Obama was just so much more of his standard fare: a big exertion to inspire with little of substance therein. Once again Obama deflected the issue of his own cynical use of race since January, when he condemned Clinton's innocuous LBJ/MLK comments (the subtext of which, if you recall, was "she be dissin' our brotha, haas!"). Yet what few seem to recognize is that in so doing today's speech itself constituted another in a series of acts conceived and executed--quite brilliantly--to subtly pander to multiple demographics through disparate, corresponding discourses of race. A cruder example of this occurs when Obama adopts the cadence and intonation of his speech to meet his various audiences’ expectations, even deploying particular colloquialisms to ingratiate himself to them. In certain instances (such as before congregations of black Southern Baptists, etc.) this inverse form of race-baiting is intended to refocus the attention of minority voters on the putative fact that he is "black" and thus shares with them some intrinsic simpatico his (white) opponent does cannot possess.
Only before an audience of professionals, big-money campaign donators or Party elites is the Harvard graduate revealed; you'll detect no hint of homeboy affectation then. While it is true that many politicians do the same thing (Bush is a master of the form), Obama is supposed to be a paragon of change, right?
It should surprise no one then that Obama’s (racial) identity is still questioned. It is so precisely because the distinctions on which it relies seem patently specious. He expects us to accept that in America today you're "black" if you have one white parent, not “white” for having one black parent. If Obama were more imaginative than either "black" or "white", he might be the post-racial candidate he claims to be. Unfortunately, he and his ilk are absurd and his campaign's continuous deflections of criticism via the issue of race are ultimately demeaning.
Obama consistently refers—as he did in detail in today’s speech--to his family background, as if to suggest that it imbued him with an intrinsic comprehension of contemporary issues that having just one more white parent would have inhibited. This is implicitly insulting to anyone whose IQ exceeds the average air temperature at an outdoor Obama rally. We understand you better than you think, Barack, and though many of us yawn at your rhetorical I'm-the-multi-cultural-candidate-who-personifies-"diversity"-in-America ploy, we recognize that it is a powerful wedge tool among certain demographics in this campaign.
However, Americans should not forget that this speech was designed by Obama's campaign to "contain" the damage from the revelation that Obama's minister and spiritual adviser of the past twenty years is a vile racist, radical black nationalist and anti-American hothead. What ugly fact could better demonstrate the hypocrisy of Obama himself and his campaign? Hilarious!!!
And yet for all his posturing and comic effort to disavow the minister--who just last week was acceptable, right?--Obama continues to take advice from a shamelessly homophobic misogynist named Donnie McClurkin, another fact that should disgust his ostensibly "progressive" supporters. It seems that the better we get to know the freshman Senator from Illinois, the harder it is to believe that he is a transformational figure of any sort. Rather, he is proving himself to be just another conventional politician whose judgment appears increasingly dubious. He opposes bigotry only selectively, and so clearly does not represent "change we can believe in." That arrogant claim now surely rings hollow to all but the dullest ears.
It has been obvious for some time to all but his most ardent supporters that if elected the neophyte Obama will not be able to govern effectively. That would be a disaster for our nation. Charisma won’t win the war on terror. Inspiring rhetoric will not improve our faltering economy. Therefore let us hope Democrats will resoundingly declare: “no, we can’t” have someone as partisan and divisive as Obama in the White House. Otherwise the Democratic Party will split as moderate Liberals lend their support to McCain in order to defeat the "multi-cultural" fraud!

"To the people that still think Obama is a fraud: i urge you to run for President yourselves. Let us all pick apart your self-righteous and hypocritical personal lives, and see how long you last."

Obama is the one who chose to run on the "holier then thou" platform, now let him stew in it. I think it was another moment of brilliance from Obama/. Brilliance to deceive fools. During a press conferenece yesterday, when asked questions - he replied, I dont want to talk about it, because I am giving a speech about it tomorrow. His bread and butter. He is awful in debates and interviews, but shines in speeches, so he knew it was better to address the entire mess with one of his hypnotic speeches that distract the easily distracted.

He could not answer questions in an onterview, because he knew he needed his fabled speech making to spin this awful mess. However, it was nothing more then spin. Obama - please go away, before you destroy the Democratic party.

This nation received an true education earlier.. In a very lame attempt to move past the major problems caused by his now so-called "former pastor" remarks, he went on to "clarify" his personal positions concerning these matters...

however, one only had to listen to the very frist few minutes of his speech to see, with all to much clarity, all it really amounted to was nothing more than the usual "Potomac Two-step"... That is, talk much and say little.

On the one hand, Senator obama condemns Wrights remarks and viscous statements. On the other, he touts Wrights accomplishments such as service in The Marine Corps (the same Marines, in his "sermons" who he decries).. fight against AIDS, and other such "deeds".

Obama says if you asked him if he knew of Wrights far-left views.. Yes.. But this admission raises still yet another question.. If he says now, he knew of this, why then, in an interview with Major Garret on The FOX News Network, did he say he know nothing about them.. That is, until only the day before when he was informed about them by members of his staff.. Again.. The Potomac Two-Step..

How, even in ones most vivid imigation, are those with any power of reason to believe what he says now.. One minute, he knew nothing.. and the next, he did know.. Did he not know of Wrights visit to Lybia... His giving of a life time acheivement award to Faracon.. Without doubt, one of, if not the biggest bigot, hate monger and anti-Semite in the nation.. ? Is it logical to believe, Obama was a member of this church for upwards of 20 years and during all this time, he never know of Wrights postions ..? That over the course of such length of time, not even once did another member of the church inform him about these things.. In a church whose membership numbers over 8500, to believe this.. would mean "The total suspension of all disbelief"...

Not withstanding all of the above, is it possible Senator Obama like so many other politicans... Republican and Democrat.. has a case of very slective memory where it comes to this...? Or can it be he simply agrees with Wright afterall...? One can not say what is within anothers heart.. but this is not a case where there is any room for error.. When one looks at the so-called Democratic leadership.. Durbin, Shumer, Murtha.. Reid and Kerry.. they are forced to examine their remarks in conjunction with Wrights.. Statemens calling our troops.. Nazis, Gestapo.. Storm Troopers... Cold bloodied killers... Saying we have already lost in Iraq and should surrender... That anyone who joins the military is stupid.. comparing this Republic to Germany under Hitler... Russia under Stalin and Pol Pot.. Gimme me break!
Such statement only intensify the resolve of the terrorist ememy who has sworn to not only wipe this Republic and all of the Western World from the map, but also The State of Isreal...

To take Senator Obama at his word.. believe his views and positons on the maters brought forth by Wright, even consider that he differs in his own stance on such things would take more imigation than even Walt Disney possessed...

All the Senator has done is to reinforce the surety of his own defeatist postions, make it perfectly clear, even to a blind person, that while on the one hand, he condems Wrights statments, views and positons, on the other, he supports them.. By comparing memebers of his own family to Wright, this becomes only too clear.

Just another version of the good ole "Potomac Two-Step"

All one can do is hope and pray the American People see though the smoke screen, reconize Obama for his true nature.. defeatist attitudes... and are not hood winked into placing this unqualified.. inexperienced individual in the positoin where he alone is responsible for the safety and very security of this Republic..

I tell you this now.. If this occurs.. Obama does manage to hood wink this nation and becomes president... Within 180 days.. after he is swon in, if not sooner, we will be attacked again.. Only this tiem..What happend on 9-11 will be akin to a grade school picnic...

The choice is up to each to make... Choose wisely...

The Duck
Tales from the Basement
www.mykestales.spaces.live.com

While many of the voices here have been derisive and blind to the change that is taking place ... or can take place in our midst ... if we would summon the better angels of our natures ... most have spoken quite eloquently and powerfully about how this Junior Senator from Illinois could help transform our nation. Transform us from a divided, bitter, media/gotcha/hate-filled and power hungry society to one that truly lives out the ideals of liberty, freedom and justice for all. I was so proud today of Senator Obama. He has risen above the petty snipping and hostility which could cloud a lesser leader. He brings to the forefront of his campaign an amazingly ambitious agenda: to transform how we see ourselves as a nation -- not bestriding the world as a superpower colossus or being the place where profits trump all other concerns or as a place so special that the rest of the world is accorded second place at all times. No, he is inviting us into a future many of us have longed for but have almost been too afraid to hope for: a future where our differnces will be overridden by a shared vision. Let the hatemongers, the right wing no-nothings, and empty headed talk radio hosts blather on -- people of courage and vision will grasp this opportunity: the chance to allow character to dominate our assessment of a person and his work. Perhaps the dream that ML King, Jr. had that his children would 'one day be judged, not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character' is coming to pass. I am 52, white, upper middle class -- truly a person of privilege in the larger scheme of things -- and I pray that the sentiments of so many expressed here will come to pass. That this chance for change that is positive, hopeful, deeply felt, compassionate, welcoming of differences, will come to pass as this year unfolds. For those who critique this speech as empty rhetoric, I would invite you to listen to it/read it again -- and ask yourself this question: has there been any single public figure in the last 40 years that has, in a thoughtful, eloquent, and inviting way, put before the American people the possibility that we can change how we are -- not on the surface, but deep down where much of the pain, sorrow and anger resides? We have not ... and we will not see or hear this again -- nor have another lead us into a different way of being as a nation, unless we elect, this year, this man, who calmly, rationally, without demagoguery, and with respect, invites us all to rise above the divisions which can perhaps now, be overcome.

Great speech ?? (Yawn!) Great candidate ?? (Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz)

And all those foolish people who really believe that things are going to change because Obama can give a good inspirational speech!!! LOL

Folks seem to be impressed at Obama's loyalty to is Preacher. He looks past his Preacher's hate speech and vulgar sexual gestures used to express himself in front of women and children. Now would Obama please show the same loyalty to the American voters. Obama says he can't not disown his preacher and I say he should not disown the Michigan and Florida Voters. All American's should be outraged and the obvious attempt at the manipulation of this election.

Folks seem to be impressed at Obama's loyalty to is Preacher. He looks past his Preacher's hate speech and vulgar sexual gestures used to express himself in front of women and children. Now would Obama please show the same loyalty to the American voters. Obama says he can't not disown his preacher and I say he should not disown the Michigan and Florida Voters. All American's should be outraged and the obvious attempt at the manipulation of this election.

uhhh white americans....wake up, stop being a racist. you are in the 21st century and are expected to live beyond this issue of race. why are the blacks still complaining??? WAKE UP, its the 21st century!!!

That was the most thoughtful and nuanced speech I have ever heard from a presidential candidate.

Whatever your party affiliation, you have to respect Obama's sincere efforts at raising the level of political discourse in our country.

You can argue all you like but you can't teach God how to do his work. Obama speech was as superb as you can imagine,You can disagree as much as you like but the fact is right now this young man has being assigned by God and it must come to pass.

I have been a democrat all my life. So have all my family members and all my friends. We have decided however that if Obama becomes our party's nominee we will for the first time in our lives vote for a republican.

The speech was inspiring as it was meant to be, but filled with half truths. I have listened and read reports that if Obama loses the nomination at the convention there will be consequences to pay and possible riots. Doesn't this scare the citizens of this country no matter who they are.

We definitely want the best person for our leader no matter what his or her race is. However we want a leader and not someone who will add to the problems
we already have.

What frightens me most is that if Obama becomes the nominee, how do you run against him when no matter what you say in the heat of a campaign it becomes a racial attack.

I don't get it. Speeches as sermons play on our emotions. We need to listen with our intellect and not just with our hearts. We are not in church and need to elect someone to run our country who is not afraid to get down in the dirt, because, as
terrible as that same we are in dire need of someone like that.

Race should not play apart in our government. We should become one nation, but we need to elect a leader that believes that and I don't feel that Obama is that leader. He has become a creation of the American Press.

Stop listening with your hearts and please listen with your intellect. It is the only chance we have. This country is in need of someone who is ready to go when the chute opens. God help us if we don't elect a strong leader. It will take years to cleanup Bush's mess. We can only hope for a miracle.

That pastor not only ran down America the very courntry that gives him a nice home, education for his children etc... but the man ran down white people. He is a person that preaches hate for any thing and any one that is not his kind. If that had been a white pastor the black community would have him depulped. That is exactly what needs to happen to this man who influences a great many people. Where are all of the equal right activitists? Maybe this kind of hate is exactly what that group wants. The pastor needs to public appologized many times over and then he should lose his retirement pay from the congrgation. Why is it that the news media is focasing only on one aspect of this mans hate?

What troubles me about Obama is that he appers to have close relationships with people who have deep anger and hatrad towards America. It appears that his pastor Wright, his wife and his mother all resent America and its way.

This isn't a perfect world. There is no paradise on earth but paradise can be found inside of ourselves when we have gratitude and forgiveness. This is my hope and this is what I like to hear from my pastor.

The fact that Obama attended this church for over 20 years, he can not deny that he agrees with his pastor to some degree otherwise he would have left and found a church with a pastor who's sermon is more uplifting and healing and teaches self responsibility with forgiveness and loving. Obama says that he stayed with this church because despite of Wright's radical views, the church has served its community. My thought on that; I am sure that there were other churches that have served his community in great ways who would have welcomed individuals with other races if one chose to join.

I wonder what kind of influence Obama will have on unifying this country when he's been influenced by people who preach condemnation. I am not even sure if America is that divisive to begin with. To some degree yes, we as human beings disagree on many issues. Some disagree just for the sake of disagreeing. But we need to look around the world, we are doing pretty well compared to the most of places in the world. So we made a mistake of invading Iraq among other things. That was more of the current administration and much reaction to 9/11.

I think Obama will someday make a great president but I don't think he is ready at this time of his life to lead this country. I think he has some soul searching and much healing to do before he can effectively lead American people. He can blame his circumstances and situations or the confusion he experienced for staying with Wright. But he needs to learn that everyone regardless of color or race, has a story of life to tell. Our lesson is to rise above it inside of ourselves.

You fool that said america is better than Africa, you need to read a history and know that you are not even from America,The WORD U.S.A belong to all immigrant who ran away from Europe and Africa because of hunger,there are billonaires here in Africa which your father and you plus your generation to come will never be.

Get a better education and ask your grandfather which poor country did he ran away from Europe.

Get a life.

To the people who perhaps think Obama is a racist I would remind you that he is half white too. Does that mean that he hates himself? As for the 78 year old man from above. Are you honestly trying to say that blacks in America have always lived in the same social conditions as whites. Where did you grow up and live? Perhaps the moon? Did you or your friends ever have to deal with lynching or pissing in separate unsanitary toilets? Did you ever have dogs sicked on you for protesting injustice? No thats right. You grew up in Utopia America. You may say Obama is not what he seems. Who among us is? In your view we should just elect another Clinton as its her turn (Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton). Well, the Republicans should start looking for another Bush in 2016. Its their turn again. We have turned into a de-facto monarchy.

apparently deep seated hatred not only blinds the eyes, but also stops up the ears.
Obama said he was not present when THOSE particular statements were made, but that doesn't matter to a hater. The Question none has dared to ask, is are the statements the minister made true.Are there people committing horrible crimes while representing our country, or is the minister lying???????

IF I MAY ASK, WHAT DO YOU AMERICANS REALlY WANT?

If Obama supports America so much and wants to be President, why does he not wear the flag pin on his lapel???? Is this his way of saying, 'America is not worthy of my respect.' His speech was good but it only made race the major issue in his campaign. It is his hidden agenda. Don't blame us for the plight of the black community. I am a true believer is everyone being responsible for their own lives and their own destiny.

Clearly what Obama made reference to exists in America....look at these posts on the subject. Unfortunately many in America have drawn the line and refuse to do what is right and it is kicking the U. S. in the face right now. While other countries are coming together for economic, educational and personal interests, our nation is refusing to do what is necessary. We must face this issue head on....stop isolating words and sentences from a 25 min, 3000 word speach.
America is in serious trouble because of Bush ignorance and need to move forward or we will find ourselves behind several nations!
I refuse to hold an intelligent, well spoken person who have very few skeletons in his closet accountable for others words. Just as you and I have heard words that are offensive in nature but knew better than to practice or repeat them so does he in this instance. He is there to save himself.....not the church nor the pastor.
On a side note, I find it ironic that catholics ,whose priests are pedafiles, are speaking out on this issue....do many of you feel the burden of these molesters?

I am Hispanic and I think Obama is full of it or himself. Whites cannot make those same kinds of speeches or they would be called racial or discriminatory comments. I left the Catholice church because their sermons were about values and morality and they were the very ones committing the sins. You don't belong to a church for that many years if you don't follow their beliefs. If my mother was white and the good reverend made those remarks about whites I would have left in the middle of that sermon. He uses his race when it is convienient for him and I think anyone who believes him is very naive and should be afraid of who he really might be. I think there are other black people out there that are better candidates than this one and I will wait for that one.

I think obama's speach was just more lies while he even admitted to being a known liar. If wright had been a white man and was my pastor talking about this country in the same way, I would try to change his opinion. If I could not make the change, I would leave his church and not tell the american people I will bring change to the world even if this pastor was a relative, These people are no good and should keep there opinions to there self, Black, White, Green, Purple or what ever color they are. I am a white person but I do not think color should matter as long as you have good idea's AND DON'T LIE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. I think obama should step down from the race for president for being a known liar and trying to block revotes in Mi & Fla taken the rights for american people to vote. I no its to his advantage if these votes are blocked and would make it an even closer race.I no obama is leading in delegates but take a look at it, if enough smaller states with the amount of delegates in Fla & Mi were taken from him what the polls would say. They say super delegates should vote with the popular vote, If this is true, then it is stupid, why not just go with the popular vote and not even have super delegates. In the last election, Gore won the popular vote but who won the election? I don't think the super delegates were only meant to go with the popular vote or there would be no reason to have them. What would be wrong with having the primary election like the general electron on one day and saving billions of dollars and not so much confussion.

Commenting from Europe: I have been following American news especially on election '08 and economy based on my entire education gottne from USA.
You know what Americans! You just need to wake and realize that the world does not evolve around America.
Your smartness will begin again( right now it has faded) by electing a smart candidate like Obama who will revive your faces in outside world. You definetely need alies to help just like the war in Iraq and many more that you may blindly decide to go to!!
A candidate like Obama who understands both your races and willing to comment on them on National TV, unlike the hypocricy of some of your presidencies who just talk and promise stuff around election and when that pass, you wonder whether they have ears anyome!! You think you are a nation of Unity so the race should not be talked about? Good example: KATRINA ISSUESSSS. The world is watching and it won't be too long if you do not react now by chosing a smart candidate. Clitons again!! NOT SEX AGAIN UNDER THE TABLES OF WHITE HOUSE PLEASE!!!!

This cannot be less apt for what Al Gore would call "the inconvenient truth". It pricks the conscience of those who want to use race to define the American presidency. Obama is perhaps the best thing that has happened to America in a generation. He is an embodiment of the American dream, he is black and white, was poor but now highly educated, very intellegent and brutally honest and strong and courageous to say the truth without fear. He gets my vote anytime.

Obama’s New Found Friend
I watched Barack Obama's speech yesterday on race and politics in America, and I am now officially an Obama supporter. I never gave a damn about politics; rarely ever did I vote. I just do not believe a word any politician utters...but that speech did it for me. It was genuine. It was powerful. More importantly, it was all encompassing--he spoke to and for everyone.
We have all heard the "I have a dream" speech and the "four score and seven year" speech, but those are all relics. No public servant of my generation or during my lifetime has ever inspired me like the aforementioned classical speeches...until now. It made me reflect on my own life, my own faith, my own attitude towards people, and my own attributes and flaws. That's what a speech is supposed to do.
I do not care for Hillary Clinton; she's just another politician. Until this moment, I had marginalized Obama in much the same fashion. But he has my vote now! If for no other reason than the promise of further inspiring speeches like that one. Imagine a president whose State of the Union address, actually addressed the entire Union...I mean didn't we all feel that at some point in the speech he was talking to us, or at least to our convictions.
I vow two things. One, I will vote for Obama in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary and urge everyone I can to do the same. Two, if this does not come to pass and Hillary wins the nomination, I will vote for John McCain and urge everyone I can to do the same. Because, I want to experience Obama as President. Hillary is just a regular politician, and bland as butterless toast. She should just concede to the better man and let us all experience the dream. If she is not willing to do that for us all, then she deserves no victory either. We've already suffered 8 years of Bush...McCain is just more of the same losing streak. So, I'm placing all my chips on the best hand I've seen in years. It's all or nothing. But I'm not settling for Hillary...I've seen Paris and will not willingly go back to the farm. If America is not inspired by Obama, then it lacks the ability to be inspired.

Quasifly,
I agree with what you say of Obama. I believe he is intelligent, thoughtful and refreshingly honest. If you read today's front page, you will see in Sasha Issenberg's article on yesterday's speech that former PA Senator Harris Woffard compares Obama to Lincoln. What could be more true. He is a visionary, he is a uniter of people at a time when things are becoming more and more divisive. He actually has more experience than Lincoln did when Lincoln became President. Everyone complains about how negative and corrupt politics have become. How about electing someone who really does try to unite and inspire us.

Obama's speech on unity was the best I have ever heard from a politician. He spoke with his heart, greatness, and clarity. May the Lord of Lords bless him, his family, and the U.S. abundantly!

Steven, Quasifly, and Finally Inspired --

One of the extraordinary things about Senator Obama's speech is that he framed the questions for our time. Lincoln spoke brilliantly and eloquently in his time, and Obama takes up the torch for us.

Many people doubt that our age can have a Lincoln. Yesterday's speech proved otherwise. I have never been so moved by a political speech in the decades that I have heard such speeches. This is a moment when we can overcome the cynicism and let ourselves be rightfully inspired, because Barack Obama offers a glimpse of America's finer possibilities.

I heard the entire speech and it wasn't monumental at all. Sure it was wordy and full of rhetoric but not anything new or incitefull
His time should have been spent explaining how, after 20 years, that he didn't notice his Pastor had these racist, anti-American, radical views. Didn't go to church much? Well, I've seen Obama say that Wright was his close friend and spiriual leader. I can't believe he didn 't know so now I think he's a liar and a secret racist himself. YES HE IS!!
I've read many of the post here and am also convinced his campaign is posting most of them. America , in general, can't be fooled for long.

Shawn Senec --

First, I want you to know that I'm not a part of the Obama campaign, but I do support him. If I thought he were a secret racist, I would never support him.

As Obama himself said yesterday, he did hear things from Wright that he didn't agree with, but that Wright was a crucial part of his spiritual journey as a Christian. Based on everything I've seen of Obama, I think he's serious about his Christian faith and it takes a central place in his life. And, as a Christian, everything he does indicates that his core values are about caring for those who cannot care for themselves. Those values place him squarely in the Democratic party.

I think he's for real, and really do believe that he is the kind of leader who only comes around once in a generation. When I first heard about him, I assumed he was all talk, but the more I have investigated his actions and his deeds, the more I have become convinced that he is the real deal.

The question I would pose is this: why do we believe -- perhaps without even knowing it -- that our generation could not have its own Lincoln? And, if we could have our Lincoln, could it be Barack Obama?

Frankly, many of the people critisizing Obama's stand with Wright either:
a. Did not listen completely to or comprehend his speech
or
b. already have had their minds set on Obama from the begining, in which case no speech could convince them to support him.
Obama is not a perfect man, but he is an honest one. We have seen him slip and stumble in his actions and even his integrity. He has at times acted like every other politician in Washington, but ninety-nine percent of the time he has been honest and decent, admitting mistakes when they have been done.
My only fear is that Obama, despite giving perhaps the greatest speech on modern race relations ever, has shot himself in the foot due to his candor. I hope that the average American has the intelligence to ignore the pundits who take statements out of context and judge Obama as racist because he knows one who has spoken as one. Vote for whoever you want, but remember that Obama is an honest man, and hope that the public judges wisely on election day.

SOME WHITE FOLKS ARE SO HYPOCRITICAL.....SO YOU TELL ME THAT YOU WOULD NEVER SPEAK TO YOUR FRIEND AGAIN IF THEY SAY THEY HATED BLACK PEOPLE, AND BLACK PEOPLE ARE LAZY ETC?
WELL...I AM BLACK, MY HUSBAND IS WHITE, SOME OF MY FRIENDS DETEST WHITE FOLKS, BUT THAT DOESNT MAKE THEM LESS OF MY FRIENDS.MY FRIENDS ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINIONS, HOWEVER, THEIR OPINIONS AND VIEWS ARE NOT MINE......I CANT CONTROL THEIR EMOTIONS.
PASTOR WRIGHT'S OPINIONS AND VIEWS ARE NOT OBAMA'S.

SOME WHITE FOLKS ARE SO HYPOCRITICAL.....SO YOU TELL ME THAT YOU WOULD NEVER SPEAK TO YOUR FRIEND AGAIN IF THEY SAY THEY HATED BLACK PEOPLE, AND BLACK PEOPLE ARE LAZY ETC?
WELL...I AM BLACK, MY HUSBAND IS WHITE, SOME OF MY FRIENDS DETEST WHITE FOLKS, BUT THAT DOESNT MAKE THEM LESS OF MY FRIENDS.MY FRIENDS ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINIONS, HOWEVER, THEIR OPINIONS AND VIEWS ARE NOT MINE......I CANT CONTROL THEIR EMOTIONS.
PASTOR WRIGHT'S OPINIONS AND VIEWS ARE NOT OBAMA'S.

YOOOOUUUUU!!!!!!

Words are one thing, truth is another!

You guys are ignorant. I am reading your opinions, and though you are entitled to it, I'm am entitled to say that some, if not most, are wrong.

For example, some are saying that he spoke from his "sould and heart," but the fact is that you don't know that. Someone said that Obama was against a wall, that we need to "WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!" They are completely right. Barack never spoke about Rev. Wright until he was in a tight spot. His kids were baptized in that church, and he was married in that church. Words are one thing, truth is another!
Obama has no right to denounce Rev. Wright. I am scared for this country.