Brody File Readers Sound Off on Obama Pastor Controversy
March 17, 2008
My inbox was flooded over the weekend over this Obama pastor controversy. If the emails I’m receiving are any indication of the fallout then it’s not good news for Obama. The response has, for the most part, not been pretty. This could really be a problem in the primary but if he makes it to the General Election, the McCain camp has been handed a treasure trove of video clips to resurrect (excuse the pun) in the fall. Below are just SOME of the responses I’ve received:
From Deb:
I am so disappointed in Obama and his choice to be involved with a church which obviously has so many supporters of his pastor’s beliefs and racism and hate for our country. What a shame. I can’t get past the fact that after 20 yrs., Obama was so in the dark regarding his pastor. It is concerning that this is the 2nd "boneheaded" decision that he has made in judgment regarding who he associates with. This explanation didn't cut it for me. I don't understand how he could be so close to his pastor, and not know him after 20 yrs.I have always been a democrat, and have worked in the social work system with children in foster care. If he can't get this cleared up for the public and answer my questions, I cannot vote for him. I am concerned about Obama's choice as a mentor, and his poor judgement in people he trusts. The rah rah stuff isn't working anymore for me and many of my friends and family. I will support Clinton in the elections and, I never thought I would say this, but I will support McCain if Obama is the democratic nominee.
From Michelle:
I do not believe for a moment that Obama had no clue about what his pastor "friend and spiritual advisor" had said in sermons...or what ideas he expressed during private discussions.Why doesn’t someone ask Obama to say, honestly, if he was in his church the Sunday following 9/11. Most people of faith....no matter which religion...was in their house of worship that first weekend because of the sorrow they were feeling-and the need for spiritual healing. I am sure Obama was listening to rev Wrights sermon about "America causing this to happen...and that the chickens came home to roost...etc."Right there Obama has lied on TV, to news reporters and to his supporters-claiming he knew nothing of these awful hate filled sermons.
From Krystal:
I really find it difficult to even look at Obama now without wondering really who he is. The Obama message of hope now appears to be muddled. In 30 days from now I predict his poll numbers will drop. I truly believe this is the beginning of the end for his presidential bid.
From Fred:
If Rev Wright preached for 40 weeks a year for 20 years for 30 minutes each time that would be 2400 minutes or 144,000 seconds of which you’ve taken 20 seconds or somewhere around one one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%) to base a lifetime of work. Fine job (not).The Mainstream Media (MSM) has turned the presidential campaign into ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’. Get off your lazy journalistic butts.
From Evelyn:
The media is making a big deal out of this. First of all, what the pastor have been saying is true. Do U.S. killed more than 70,000 people in Hiroshima? Yes. Does US supported the Apartheid? Yes. Etc, etc. I am not black; I can’t feel the same as the pastor feels because he suffered
Discrimination and racism back in his young life, so some people who experienced the racism back in the 50’s, 60’s maybe feel exactly like this pastor. Then, those sermons -maliciously being exposed- are part of a moment of anger, who knows? That does not mean that this pastor deserves to be condemned as it is happening.
From David
This is impressive old-fashioned, politics-as-usual spin from a candidate who claims to be beyond all that. First of all, it is difficult to believe that Wright never said anything hateful while Obama was in attendance (or perhaps the Senator is simply saying he's not a very good listener). But granting that for a moment, it is impossible to believe that Obama was unaware of Wright's radical teachings, even if he never personally heard them. Word gets around. And still, Obama choose to attend (at least, on non-controversial Sundays) and donate tens of thousands of dollars in support Wright's teachings
From Dorothy:
I think Obama has said enough. This is blown way out of shape and far too much weight is given to it. He has denounced those comments made by the pastor and is not responsible for what the man says. He cannot control what everyone says who is in his life. And as far as leaving a church over what a black man says who has suffered at the hands of white men, is asking too much. I am sure he has heard this from his black community all his life. He still has made great strides in his life to show he is not a racist, and does not believe what some people say in his community. I am sure he understands their viewpoint. However, he doesn't agree or he would never have gotten as far as he has. A church is a family. You are tied with bonds of love to the members of that church and they are your brothers and sisters. One does not leave lightly because it is a heart rending thing to do. He knows the pastor is retiring, and though he may not say it, I am sure he is looking forward to the new man. And one other thing. People believe what they want to believe. He is selling a dream, and young people all over this nation have caught that dream. It is the dream that he is not the same old politician we all distrust. He is different and he can turn things around. No story like this is going to change their minds because they believe him. So do I. I wish I could vote for him but I cannot. I am one of those evangelicals who believes that every baby in the womb has a right to life. Unfortunately, he does not.
From James:
Obama being a member of this church for over 20 years and calling this guy his spiritual mentor and having him at present on an advisory committee is political suicide. He should pull out the race now, make a statement that he is leaving this radical black church and try to salvage whatever political career he has left. If he is the dems nominee they are handing the white house to the Republicans. It has been said time and time again that this guy should have been vetted. He is now, which is only the tip of the iceberg. The media has given him a pass.
From Gary:
Hi, now that he has made that statement, I await the video of Wright spewing a bunch of crap while Obama's family is shown applauding in the pews. I wouldn't be surprised if it's coming.
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