I agree whole-heartedly with the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Also I want to say that I commend Senator Obama for joining the trinity united church. We all must understand that if Barack Obama went to school and was raised in American society, all of the hope would have been boiled out of him a long time ago. Also, being an African American, and a new-born to our society in his twenties. He was not “black enough,” to be taken seriously by African Americans, but Barack emmersed himself as a community organizer in the black community, and part of joining the black community, he joined a prominant church that had patrons from that same community he was trying to help. I commend him for that; I commend him for standing up against the hateful rhetoric that Reverend Wright was spouting and I only hope that the voters of NC and IN are smart enough and empathetic enough to put these matters aside and unite behind the only candidate that can truly unite this poor broken country.

Ralene, what are you talking about? Obama only lived abroad for like 3 or 4 years in Indonesia when he was a young child. He was born and raised in Hawaii, and has lived in the US for all but those 3-4 years in Indonesia. He was not at all a “new-born to our society in his twenties.” He has always been an American and a member of American society.

Yeah, if Jerry Falwell claimed on September 13, 2001 that 9/11 is caused by “pagans, feminists, gays, and lesbians” in America, he can get away with that, because he is a White pastor. But, thanks to the Clinton camp, Obama is “accountable” for everything that his pastor said. Oh, by the way, wasn’t Rev. Wright one of the spiritual advisors to Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky’s brouhaha? Bring back, Monica!

I’ve never agreed with a comment more than the one I just read. We have to focus on the issues this country faces and put aside the petty bickering and the negative campaigning. Sen. Obama has consistantly chosen the high road. Hehas remained calm and steadfast in the face of adversity. Let him get back to the issues and I think everybody will see that he is the person we need right now to lead this country.

What Ralene says above is the wisest comment I’ve read on a blog in a long time. Obama joined a congregation, not a minister, and his connection to the whole church is what should be judged. Obama has worked hard to establish a geniune connection to this community and has set a fine example for all of us.

Wright was a guest of the CLintons’ when they were in the White House. Did they or their operatives encourage Wright to attack Obama?
As a Catholic, I am not responsible for the positions of the Church, nor does it speak for me on issues of women’s rights, abortion, gays, and a host of other issues. The Clinton campaign is using Wright as cover for a way to inject racism and bigotry into the election in the hope of gaining votes. It is appalling. The republican media - FOX etc, are doing the same thing, both for ratings and to help McCain, and Hilary is helping since her ego is all that matters to her. She is a fraud, and would be a disaster for the country. Obama, if he sticks to acting as he has promised, to unite and work for solutions versus political grandstanding, is our best hope.
—Stephen

Rev Wrong not wright has never has so much free publicity in the entirety of his career and is getting drunk on it otherwise why will he be making these damaging comments if not to bask in the ‘Obama 08′ limelight. what a pity.

I also agree with the Reverend Jesse Jackson and I commend Senator Obama for a job well done. On few occasions thus far Senator Obama has stared scrutiny and hateful rhetoric in the face and may I say with graciousness has overcome these obstacles.

I will tell you, I am not a US resident, I am Canadian (I care who wins your presidential campaign, as I am sure many people outside the USA cares).I have been following the presidential election on a day-to-day basis. In my opinion and I am sure others as well, the issue of Pastor Wright should now be considered old news. It’s time for the people and voters in the USA to move on to more important issues at hand, such as, the economy, health care, mortgages, seniors, and implementing a plan to start bringing the US soldiers back from Iraq(thought by most countries outside the USA a war that could never be won).
It is mind boggling to see how negative Clinton’s campaign has become against a candidate running for the same party.I am also surprised to see the Clinton & Republican campaigns so intent on dwelling on brain washing,negative issues. It seems to me their campaign has been stuck idling in N (neutral or negative however you want to view it) on the same issues since February. Not to mention, the ignorance of some voters falling for these negative attacks without researching each candidate and who and what each one represents. Do voters in the USA realize, if either Clinton(Dem) or a Republican McCain (Bush administration) become the president that will mean the same administration since 1989 - min 2012.
The voters have to realistically ask themselves, What will change if anything if Clinton or McCain gets into office?
News for you folks down south. It will be the same administration since 1989. Either Clinton or Bush

On the other hand here you have Senator Obama a candidate who has worked hard to get where he is today. Along the way he didn’t have a silver spoon in his mouth and he hasn’t had any coat tails to ride (no father who was president, no spouse who was president and no spouse who has a muli-million dollar coffer to depend on). He has made his own breaks. Senator Obama has shown through out the course of this election how cool, calm and collective under fire not only he is but also his organizers are, who have rallied behind him. Senator Obamas’ organizational skills are outstanding. Coast to Coast his campaign and marketing skills have been impressive with out relying on big corporations or the elite fund raising parties.The money he and his organizers have raised from the average everyday common people has been jaw dropping ($5 here, $2 their or whatever the individual, or family, can afford). Not only does Senator Obamas campaign show foresight, determination, fortitude, drive, and focus to stay on task it also shows the superb leadership qualities this candidate has to offer.

Senator Obama may not have years of experience in the White House , rather, he does have years of experience as an organizer and a uniter of all people. Isn’t this what the people of America want? Someone to unite and build bridges that separate one person or race from another. Isn’t building bridges, uniting one another, trust and foresight the strong qualities which the heads of other nations will be looking for in a President they will be in talks with?

The United States needs a president that the people not only of your nation will respect but other nations as well.

Which other candidate has these qualities to offer the American People?

I have really wondered where the African American leaders are with regards to this whole “race” race. Today when I read the newest waffling of Obama, I wondered where Jesse Jackson was in all of this (I voted for him in the primary years ago)when I googled that question, aside from this the most recent was in March of 2007. I think that is telling. I empathize with the plight of all who are oppressed, truly I do. I am a woman. It is time for the majority to make into the white house. Identify who the majority is. It is time for us to get serious about the disaster that is impending, while we are busy trying to tear down bridges of hope in this country, China is building massive brideges at our expense. We need someone strong enough to call it what it is. Is there a man in the running capable of that?

Obama’s action to sever tie with Rev Wright is like reversing all he had preached in his race speech. It is akin to throwing everything under the bus for his own survival; his grandmother, all his “famous and controversial associates” and now his pastor for 20 years. Who will be next?

Character is the hallmark of American President, he/she may not need to be perfect but Obama had finally demonstrated in his lasted action, he has none.

please wake up Americans. Everything that in his way to the presidency will be under the bus. Now, I’m doubtful his JUDGEMENT worth more than 2 cents.