I get it: America has her fair share of problems. I'm unaware of a "perfect" country that exists in this universe; however, what I don't get is the ignorance of European posters who assume they have any idea what it's like to be an American voter or citizen. If they think their media and governments are immune to propaganda and racism, the irony is not lost on me. If America is such a "joke," then why are you wasting your precious "maturity" and time pouring over our political campaigns and posting little nasty-grams on our blogs? If your country can't think for itself, is that really our problem?

As for Obama, I am a WHITE voter raised in the SOUTH and think that it's not necessarily fair to judge a man based on what his pastor says. Obama has published books that tout his beliefs, and that is the only reliable source we have of his true ideals. Remember, he wrote these texts before he decided to run for president.

I know we need a change.

Holly, Atlanta, UGA, GA

Totally amazing!
I would have to bet if Hillary's pastor started foaming at the mouth all hell would break out and the RACIST card would be played by the media to the max. This pastor is clearly missing a few screws and anyone who takes him seriously needs a hard shake.
All things being equal the damage has been done. It is a very sad state of affairs and I am betting that regardless of who wins the Democratic ticket McCain will be the next president. God help us all!

Mike, Biloxi, Mississippi

America was waiting for an excuse to throw a stone at the future President Obama. No one denounced the words of the late pastor Mcfarland or whatever the bigot's name was who even has a school that teaches that foolishness. How dare the media twist something that wasn't even from Mr. Obama's mouth and use it against him. America gets frightened when they see an intelligent black man who has his own mind. America is the most racist country there is and has so many double standards.

Tiffany Davis, Memphis, USA/ TN

El Lepero: First let me say that it is not true that the majority of black Americans believe what Rev. Wright said about America. As an educated black American I can assure you that no one I talk to believes that. The only justification I can offer for Mr. Obama, whom I support is that the church offers more to the community and his family than his pastors sermons. The church offers an entire community-wide positive support network for members and non-members.
Secondly, as some of you may know, Mr. Obama was a non-relegious person until he met his wife and joined that church. If Rev. Wright is a good teacher of biblical scriptures, then many people will stay in a church for that reason and disregard the occasional ignorant tangents. He was a new Christian when he started there. This is a very popular church in Chicago. They don't believe that the pastor is espousing hate. That does not mean that they believe him when he says that the government invented AIDS.

Bill, Baton Rouge, USA

All 57 of you, including Beck and O'reilly, are all skewed by your internal prejudices and project your own defenses to point out your own lack of consideration for a under heard population that internalizes these views everyday. The media has been looking for the twist, to turn this into black vs. white. Mr. Wright did not say anything white America has not propounded for the last 100 years, hiding behind big words. Pastor Wright just broke it down. Furthermore, under the 1st Amendment, Pastor Wright has a right to his Opinion and Barak has enough sense to filter and differentiate such comments as fact or fiction. George Bush would be a damn fool to open his mouth on this subject and so would Hillary and Bill, staying even further away from the subject of Pastor Wright. The bottom line is that anybody who passes judgment on someone else falls short of God's grace as well, so be careful who you condenm, because you might just be condenming yourself.

Sean, Los Angeles, CA

Sean, Los Angeles, CA

I am an asian american woman, and I am appalled at what a so called " religious figure " could preach in church.
I can't imagine a President of the U.S attending a church that is spreading such hatred.
And the notion that, after 20 years of attendance, Mr Obama has no idea about his mentor's views is an insult to one's intelligence.

Chau Diep, Miami, Fl

No vote from me for Obama..it's frightening to think of the power we would be handing this man. Would he find a spot in the white house for his good friend Dr. Wright?

Lou, Carthage, MO

I do not accept Mr Obama's contention that he was not aware of his pastor's hate-filled sermons. Mr Obama claims that this pastor is his mentor. So either he is lying about that, and he really never paid attention to what the pastor was saying, or he was telling the truth, and he knows what his mentor has been saying, and it didn't bother him enough to leave the church. Either way, the guy does not deserve to be president, making choices like that. Let him become a lawyer or something.

David, Philadelphia, PA

Ok maybe radical, but its only due to your obscene patriotism that you are defensive of these claims. Although not seeing this story in England, the passages in this article seem only to be the 'inconvienient truth' the American public have to acknowledge. Your country is no longer imperious over others, in fact, its subserviant to the Chinese, after its borowing, and the middle east through its demand for oil. The phrase all 'your eggs in one basket' explains America's situation perfectly, a unchallenged military, but a deprived nation. This is what occurs when a white militarian administration is allowed two terms, {JL, Fort Wayne, IN}, rather than a candidate such as Obama. McCain visiting iraq already signifies that he will only continue to rape your nations tax payers budget, in order to fund an un-winnable war!.

Alex , London, Uk

Janice,Fort Wayne,IN

He does not know what he is talking about. Sen. Obama needs to go home and stop all of this. He needs to spend more time on learning what we the American people really need. And it is not him.

JL, Fort Wayne, IN

Chris Roland - me too. Fox News showed the clips and interviews with Obama. CNN is silent like a fish. Not a word. Likewise other major newspapers and TV networks.
I do not believe these are a few statements of the pastor taking of contest. This is the fundamental philosophy of the congregation – look at standing ovation when he spoke.
Of course now it becomes clear where this Michele Obama “First time I feel good about America” coming from. What is striking that she probably even did not notice anything – this is the culture in Separatist black community

Igor , New York, USA

Why is it when a black man raves about the white folks it okay but if this was a white pastor ranting about blacks, they would automatically assume he's KKK related. "idiotism" knows no color. Obama did lose my vote however.

scott, katy, tx

Whites fell in love with Obama and thought that he loved us back. Guess we were wrong.

cassandra, san diego, CA

Speaking as an English person, I wish that we had someone like Obama as our candidate because I would most deifnately vote for him.

He is a breath of fresh air and he will bring about change to your country. What are you afraid of? Are you really happy with the way your country is heading now? Can you say that in 20 years time you will not be even more distressed as individuals and as a country?

I'm sorry if you don't know it because your media won't allow it but America is just not liked around the world. You are at best a joke and at worst hated.

I think that unless you accept that your country needs a massive change and that Obama might be the man to do it (Hilary most certainly isn't), then you are doomed to become the bully boy in the class that no one likes and who ends up sad, lonely and twisted.

kim, london,

There is a disturbing pattern emerging about Barak Obama. If only one incident had appeared it would not be much of a concern but the fact that there is a pattern gives one pause to consider exactly what kind of changes does he envisage.

Here is the pattern:
1) During the playing of the National Anthem Obama does not place his right hand over his heart.
2) Michelle Obama states that only after the Iowa caucuses: “Was the first time she felt proud to be an American”. This from a woman whose success may have depended on affirmative action – something that would have made me feel proud to be an American.
3) Now we hear and see his pastor (his spiritual advisor for 17 years) openly preach “God should damn America” and who openly supports Farrakan.

This is not guilt by association, it is guilt because of choice.

M. Burke, Cleveland, Ohio

The issue is that Mr. Obama chose to go to this church over thousands of others for over 20 years. This is a matter of choice, and if his choice is to go listen to this hate spouting preacher because he believes the same way then he is not the man to be the president of the US.

This preacher is telling his congregation that the US government made AID’s to kill the blacks and the US government gave drugs to the blacks so they could end up in prison. He is telling his group that rich white people are causing all of their problems instead of addressing education (more black people in prison than in college), single parent homes and the fact that it is illegal to sell drugs in the US.

Obama and his wife both benefitted from the society they are blaming for the problems of black people. Most educated black people do not buy into this conspiracy theory and get off their butts and work hard. Instead of pointing out the slavery issue why isn’t he preaching forgiveness for the ignorant white people who once enslaved blacks? Instead of mentioning the nuclear bombs dropped on Japan, why isn’t he mentioning the fire storms caused by napalm in Tokyo killed more people than both bombs and invading Japan would have cost over 1 million US lives? There are two sides to every discussion and he has taken the most anti US view to all of them.

The US is not perfect and all of us realize it, the extermination of the native Indians, relocation camps, slavery, and even Lincoln suspended Habeas Corpus during the Civil War, not to mention what we have done to people out side the US. We never claim to be perfect and we try to be better than the rest and often succeed. We are not a perfect country and never claimed to be, but we do offer freedoms and a life style that is the envy of most of the world. Why else would there be 20 million illegal aliens here trying to become citizens?

Jeff in Miami Beach, Miami Beach, USA/FL

Don't understand the nations gender and race lines reflect the world's divisions. It wasn't until I lived overseas that I discovered That racism is not a unique American problem. All countries have their race issues. Wither its the Turks in Europe, the Jews in the Midle East, or the Koreans in Japan.

Don't you get it our race issues are intensified in our Country because they are within our borders. We are German, French, African, Mexican, Chinese Etc. America the great experiment. The only thing that holds us together is the fact we are American. History proves that wither its Pearl Harbor or 9-11. Somthing governments always underestimate. How a divided nation comes together. So much of what divides us is what divides nations, but we don't have borders. And many Americans trust their officials more than it is realized. Despite all their conspiracy theories and suspicions they are really trusting to the point of fault. They don't always understand international politics and so they let their leaders play the games for them. And occassionally bad leaders come along. They aren't really bad people more than any other nation. Thi is why they are shocked and angry when ledaers mess up, especially morally. Even now Americans are getting behind candidates and they will see no wrong in them until it is beyond obvious. They still believe. Even afterall their mantra, they still believe in heros at some level.

And to speak anti-American rhetoric is to attack the tie that binds us together. So of course its renounced. It doesn't help it will always be seen as a threat. And if your not part of the solution you are a part of the problem. And that kind of talk makes it worse because it is the only thing that hold us together. Americans instinctively know as did Abraham Lincoln, destroy the Union, destroy the nation. This talk will not encourage social and political change it will cause people to hunker down in foxholes. And it won't matter what color, gender, or culture you hail from. That's why black are shocked as well as whites at the good Rev. words.
And when does a minister ever for any reason take the Lord's name in vain. Even if you agree with his politics that's a no no. Spiritual leaders know we need to love our enemies and forgive others or the cycle never stops. They will know you by your love.

Because Americans trust leaders then Obamas choice of mentors and spiritual leaders will be important to the masses. This country is all about who you hang with. Personally, I don't know how I am going to vote. I'd love an indepenent right now to rise up. I am worried and I see lots of flaws out there in our current selections. Pray for us.

Clay, South Dakota, USA

Among Wright's claims are the following
- HIV invented by the US to kill black people
- white's are evil
- 9/11 and Pearl Harbor are put up jobs...
- etc.

Obviously these are fruitcake ideas and probably he does nto believe them (though with Michelle I am not so sure), but the question is whether Obama has the much vaunted judgement he claims.

If I went to church and the preacher said all black and Jews were evil and ranted on and on I would leave the church immediately. It took Obama 20 years to come to that conclusion? Such a man is not fit for the presidency.

Ellen O'Day, Cranberry, PA

Yes indeed! THANK YOU Tim from Albuquerque. And if anyone truly listens to what Wright said, there was absolutely nothing racist in his comments at all!! A fact that even Newt Gingrich alluded to. Let's turn the page on this one and move on to more serious matters.

Elias, Stevenage, UK

America is a country ruled by fear. That much I know. It's this same fear that they will use to drum up their 100 year war as they left the economy and the currency destroyed.

Kelly Pierce, Sioux city, USA

It's really funny to be getting voting and sociological advice from Europeans who are not sure whether Barack is Barack Obama's first or last name.

Inna, Sacramento/CA, USA

seems to me numerous posts suggest that US politics is too much God first and not enough humanity and independent thought...
perhaps it would be wiser to rest religious fervor momentarily and switch the zeal to focus on policies... it would at least force nominees to disclose their agendas in greater detail more openly... I do believe a robust and healthy democracy does rely on informative decisions at the ballot box... doesn't it?...

otro migga, lima, peru

It's inevitable, that race will become more apparent in race (no pun intended) White House...

Infact, if I were a McCain stategist, I'd be thinking the phrase 'fish in a barrel' as I merrily went about my plan of action...

The real winner of any political campaign is fear, and in the history of leadership, fear rarely loses.

Tom, Leeds, UK

Mr. Wright simply expressed what the majority of Blacks in the USA believe. Heaven help the White majority if a Black or a half-black, as he likes to be called, is elected to the Presidency of the United States.

El Lepero, Huelva, Spain

The issue is not Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He may believe what he believes and preach what he pleases. The issue is not the African Americans who attend his church and who may want to defend what the Rev Wright says in interviews on Fox News or CNN. They are free to do that and they are not running for President of the United States.

The issue is Barack Obama. What does he believe? He is rejecting some of the good Reverend's sermons tonight but he was the Reverends close friend for years and his wife's close friend. He attended this church for 20 years, heard his sermons, was married and baptized his children there. The Reverend was on his campaign staff. Is it reasonable to believe that he would have maintained this relationship if he did not have some sympathy with the Reverend's perspectives? I am having trouble believing that. Do I want a person with these sympathies in the White House? I consider the Reverend's viewpoints radical and dangerous. Therefore, I think not.

Steve, Pittsburgh, PA

Let me tell you who have doubts - in black churches they have a staff of ministers. If you attend 7:00 am service, the minister could be someone other than Pastor Wright. If you attend a service that starts at 9:00 am, then it could be another minister on staff. Pastor Wright could be delivering his sermon at 11:00 am. Senator Obama may not have heard some of those sermons. I know people who attend church every Sunday at 7:00 am services and they heard the staff minister and not the pastor because he come on later at 11:00 am.

Ms. Dee, Hyattsville, Maryland

I am amazed that someone as obviously intelligent and thoughtful as Obama believes any of this faith claptrap - for which there is absolutely no supporting evidence. Maybe he is just a pie in the sky wishful thinker after all.

Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK.

I have gone to church all my life and had the same pastot fot 20 years. After he retired new pastors came and went and if I didn't agree with their beliefs I didn't attend until they left the church. My husband was watching TV months ago when Obama and other senators where listening to the Pledge of Alliance, Obama was standing on staff with his hands in his pockets and looking around in the audience he showed no respect for the flag, this was a "red flag" for us. We do not see skin color but we do see red white and blue. I have concerns about him being a true American. Peg Richmond

Peggy Ball, Richmond, Virginia

I will be very disappointed with American Voters if they allow their minds to be swayed by statements made by Religious leaders, who are non-politicians. I do not know of a time when the American Laws have made it imperative that people will be guilty of the what they "HEAR" and not of their acts/deeds.
If my Medical Doctor or my Lawyer have their own personal opinions on different political issues and communicate such to me, does that mean I will automatically buy those ideas? Does just heard their statements make me guilty?
America should beware of desperate politicians who want to hold the key to White House by all means, including tarnishing the image of others.
Your true president is right in front of you, don't miss the chance! I believe Obama is real!

Leonard, Leeds, UK

America...stop acting as if you didn't know there exists a difference between the way Black America and White America see the world. There is a reason why it is said that Sunday is the most segregated day of the week. I am a christian and have attended church regularly most of my 50+ years...people I know, attend a particular church, not merely for the sermons delivered, but because the congregation of that church. Pastors come and go, but people often remain at a particular church in spite of the pastor, and because of the relationships they have developed with other members over the years. Every Sunday, sermons are delivered and members take away with them things they agree with and discard others they don't. The bottom line is that Rev. Wright, Geraldine Ferraro, Rev. John Hagee, or Samantha Power are not running for the presidential nomination this year....sooooo why do we care that much??? Let's stop focussing on the periphery.... and get back to the important issues PLEASE!!

Rebecca Smith, Fresno, CA

The Rev Wright is not merely Obama's pastor. Obama has credited him with being his spiritual advisor and gave him a place on his campaign. Obama's book "Audacity of Hope" is titled after one of Wright's sermons. It also isn't "just" about the sermons. In December of 2007 Wright awarded Louis Farrakhan, a noted anti-Semite, a lifetime achievement award named after Wright himself. It is hard to believe that in the 20 years Mr Obama attended his church he was unaware of Rev Wright's opinions & sympathies.

I am not religious and I'm not particularly shocked by the Rev Wright's statements, but I do think this will make it extremely difficult for Obama to be elected President of the US. For many people, that Barack Obama's chosen spiritual advisor says "God damn America" & associates with Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, will be a tremendous handicap. Given his slim resume, it also casts doubt on his ability to surround himself with qualified & competent advisors.

Jerry, Kingsport, USA/TN

This saga, along with stories about McCain and his pastor, all go to show how dangerous it is to mix politics and religion. Persoanlly, I keep asking myself 'why do they do it?'

When will the USA wake up and cut out all this sermonising? And invoking of God's name at the drop of a hat , as every politician in the US seems compelled to do ?

Fundamentalism is not an Islamic monopoly. Let us hope that the Americans can progress towards the sort of secular politics played in Europe and Australia. Time to grow up. Old Europe might be disparaged by the likes of Rumsfeld and other Bush crony neocons, but it can teach the USA a great deal. Comes from maturity.

Tony Laurent, Jakarta, Indonesia

seems the problem with the USA is too much God first and not enough humanity and independent thought... judging from numerous posts... perhaps policies should be scrutinized with as much zeal...

otro migga, lima, peru

Thank you Tim in Albuquerque, you're right on the money.

Connie, Arlington Heights, IL

Obama has strongly denounced and rejected Rev. Wright's words and, fortunately, there is a new pastor for Trinity Church.

Trinity Church is very active in community empowerment and upliftment in the Chicago low-income inner city neighbourhoods. Given his early work in community organizing on the Southside, Obama has said that this is what attracted him to Trinity, in addition to its spiritual mission.

Christine, Glen Carbon, IL

I am very sadden by this. I grew up with racism...I really thought we had all grown up by now. I think that the "pastor" is bringing back the 1960's. Mr. Obama has been tainted by his affliation with Mr. Wright...just as any white man would be tained by a cozy relationship with an outrageous racists (KKK).

I think that Mr. Obama and his followers (or leaders) are doing more damage than good. Obama has proven to be a great speaker...getting young people out to vote. But ... now they have to find out that he is a associated, intimately, with a racist. That the people he looks up to hates America.

We do not need to go back to 1960. We need to look at the person who we want to lead us...not their color...or gender. Who will be the best leader for the citizensof the United States? Not a racists...white or black.

ANITA CRAGG, MELBOURNE BEACH, FL

O God! Politics? Madness! Rev, Wright has the right to say whatever he felt like, or is is not the beauty of democracy and the freedom of speech? Has Hillary been called a Nigger? Is there racism in America? Has America hypocritically supported 'terrorism' in other countries if there was: 'what's in it for us?' For God sake, live the man called Obama Barack alone!

paul james, Woolwich, United Kingdom

Just who is Obama? What has he ever done to be considered fit to run this great country? What if anything has he accomplished as a US Senator? The fact that he has been a member of Rev. Wrights church for over 20 years tells us a lot about who he is. Now we finally know something about this man.The fact that he respected Wight enough to have him marry them and the fact that he had his kids baptized by Wright is all I need to know, he is now out of the shadows. Staying in a church with a hate monger, USA hater and bigot like Wright for 20 years is unbeliveable. Apparently, Wright only took a leave as head pastor of the church and that was to join Obama's campaign as his spirtual advisor. A spirtual advisor that hates others and the hates best country in the world, a place where foreigners are willing to risk death for to get into. Obama has shown a serous lack of judgement staying with Wright and therefore does not deserve to run this country. God does work in mysterious ways after all.

Tomas, Denver, co

Obama- another Bush waiting to happen! He sure knows the talk except he is more articulate than Bush.

I saw Obama's interview trying to explain the fiasco that most church members didn't agree with the racist views espoused by Wright. What hogwash! You could clearly hear and see the people in the church loudly applauding and cheering Wright's racist views and his damnation of America.

Surdy, scottsdale, AZ

Daryl

Your reply was excellent. The foolishness of this world and it petty jealousies and pride are never more obvious than the ridiculous debate over racial prejudices and superiority when in fact these earthly bodies are temporary and our eternal bodies will be completely different. May our God richly bless you for the insight that you gave in this forum. Pastors/teachers will be judged more severely and there are people of all races who need the gospel preached and the saving grace of Jesus Christ imparted to them rather than diatribes with political and racial venom.

Dennis, Spotswood, NJ

America needs Obama in order to move beyond their miserable history of racism and anti-racism. There are plenty of problems out there, without reviving older ones. Obama knows this, but I wonder how many Americans -- black and white -- have fallen into the trap of a racial divide.

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

I'm tried of the media the Clintons and everyone trying to discredit Obama the preacher has his opinion like any person the churches in the civil right days called black people niggers monkeys lower than dirt and some of them were in congress and held high position but I guess that was funny,Obama can't stop what another person feel about America he has his on feeling get off his back and listen to what he's saying and what he stands for and all he is asking for is a chance to prove what he do for the people.

janet lee, arlington, texas

I am a black person who does not agree at all with Mr. Wright --and I have other black friends who are also much more open-minded. I am disgusted at him,and even his manner turns me off. I have a white husband and many white and black friends. I would never attend a church or any organization or group that regularly said racist things like Mr. Wright. Even though Mr. Wright has retired, I think the only way Obama can win the nomination now is to leave the church.

He made a big mistake tolerating Wright's sentiments. As someone said, he is not his uncle. He needs to distance himself from the entire church, even though there is a new pastor. Please, Mr. Obama, do it!

Gina , Eugene, Oregon

Ok, he's not black enough, and now he's too black. Obama has said about his ex-preacher over and over that he does not agree with a lot of things Wright says,, but Wright is also not making personal attacks on HRC. As a white woman, I have never been called a nigger until I started sporting a Barack Obama sticker on my car. I had another 2 times where the other drivers acted like they were trying to run me off the road. See, it's kind of hard for me to live in this country and pretend like racism isn't pointed at African Americans most of all. I can honestly say that I am to the point that I just see people. I wish others could do the same.

mizonglohong, Clearwater, Fl

It's too bad that we are subjected to hearing such foolishness. A pastor is responsible for leading the church in following, serving, loving and worshiping God, loving one another, and reaching the World for Jesus. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible about "Black", nor any color whatsoever. I was born Black, but that is of no value to me. It's just simply what I put on a job application. Color Pride goes against what the Word of God says. Why empower the devil by ignorantly supporting color? God has the final say from the beginning, and is not pleased with ignorance, especially from the pulpit. It's very hard to talk to people about Jesus when there is a loose set of lips speaking demonic invective from the pulpit instead of the Word Of God. Worship yourself and your color, and you get a life full of the failure that the devil wants you walking in. But worship God, and you get life, success, and everything that God desires for your life. Let's grow up and show the world Jesus.

Daryl, Richmond, VA

I can't help but think of what would become of this country if a President (Mr. Obama) has this type of tyrrant as his pastor. I guess the KKK had pastors too.

While this may be how many black Americans feel, I certainly wouldn't want that to be the way this country is led. I am not black and neither is a large portion of the US population. I would prefer our President to focus on America, who is a diverse group of races - All of which have had their own struggles with race, poverty, equality, etc.

The fact that he's belonged to this man's church for 20 years, leads me to believe he is a follower of his cause. By the way, my priest also speaks about living close to Jesus in today's world, but he never blames today's world on the white man, or America, or anyone for that matter. He never is anti - American, and he certainly never provokes us to develop anger within us.

I hope that America can see Mr. Obama for who he really is now.

Pat, Houston, Tx

Ok - let's put this in perspective people. They have cherry picked part of a fiery sermon from 5 years ago to try and cast a bad light over Obama. Now I don't go to church, but what is the bet that there are churches all across America that try and control their church goers to act better by saying that America is going to hell, the values are falling apart, etc? I bet quite a few. But no - this is pulled out and a negative spin put on it.

And what is it with this pathological inability to be self-critical that some Americans seem to have? Newsflash - being self-reflective helps you grow. If you want your country to improve, the situation for the people to improve - you might want to be a little more self reflective.

For 8 years - to every criticism we have heard 'anti-American' - a label meant to shut people up. And they did shut up - but not anymore. The price of shutting up and not being self-reflective has been felt at the gas pump, felt in the deaths of people...

JK, Wellington, New Zealand

It seems like Sen Obama should be looking for a new church to attend.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

Well... this pastor is just saying what some of us black folk think. Not all of us mind you. But the theory that Aids was invented by the us gov...yep.. we talk about it. That crack was introduced to the black community...yep..we talk about it. I know it may sound crazy to whites, but to us..its plausible. I don't have any proof, but if people still think the Kennedy assassination was a conspiracy, well if could be plausible that what this pastor is saying is true. I know it sounds crazy, but some black folk are still untrusting of the US govt. Obama will be the next president. This won't damage him. He is still the lesser of the two evils, i.e Hillary. McCain cannot win. People are just tired of republicans. That simple. No matter what good they do are not...people are just tired. Remember the war.

jody, atlanta, ga

While Rev Wright's style of delivery (US of KKK-A) leaves a bit to be desired, his comments about chickens coming home to roost seems right on the button to me. I do not believe that any such attack is deserved, and they should of course be condemned, but similarly no one should be surprised either. The problem with fighting the good fight is that the step into the gutter with your opponent is so easily taken by the righteous.

John, Auckland,

I don't view this as a problem for Obama, yes this is his pastor and yes he has been there for 20 years, but Obama doesn't have to agree with every word this man says, I am sure there are several other sermons that will never be played that don't included these things. Obama did the right thing, he stated he doesn't agree with them so lets move on. How about ALL of the things BILL CLINTON has said and still saying, Hillary is apologizing daily for her husband who she has been married to for several years, Oh and lets not forget ALL of the things he has done including Monica, so does what Bill says make Hillary not a good candidate, No so why shouldn't the same rules appky for Obama?

michelle, Chicago, Illinois

"He compared Mr. Wright with “an old uncle” and suggested that most people have relatives who have made unfortunate remarks"...Obama, If Mr. Wright were actually your uncle we'd all understand because we know that we don't get to pick and choose who are uncles are going to be. The thing is, he's NOT your uncle.

Marcy, Detroit, Mi

If judgmentalism were a moral value, then there are sure a lot of Lillies in this field! However, Rev. Wright does NOT speak for Senator Obama. If you must judge, then do so fairly. And remember this: our country was founded on freedoms of speech and religion. It seems that many on this blog would be perfectly content to allow freedom of speech so long it is speech that parrots the company line. Our freedom was founded on the value that we place on dissent, not on the value of forcing ideas through a state-sponsored censorship. I do not agree with Rev. Wrights message, but it is one idea among many competing ideas that inform the public dialogue. If I left everytime someone said something that I did not agree with, or said something that I found offensive, I would not have been able to have a career in public service. We can listen to what others say, or not--that is our choice. We can agree, or disagree--that is our choice. But to listen to someone with whom we do not agree, and reserve the right and the responsibility to form our own opinions, and be evaluated on our opinions--not those of others--is a the very heart of the notion of free speech. And to attack Sen. Obama for another persons ideas, which he has stated that he does not share--is simply the fallacy of ad hominem, or guilt by association. This is not logic, friends, this is fallacy. Barack Obama has spoken truthfully and fully as to what he believes and it is this: "And those like Lincoln and King, who ultimately laid down their lives in the service of perfecting an imperfect union. And all the faceless, nameless men and women, slaves and soldiers and tailors and butchers, constructing lives for themselves and their children and grandchildren, brick by brick, rail by rail, calloused hand by calloused hand, to fill in the landscape of our collective dreams. It is that process I wish to be a part of. My heart is filled with love for this country." (Audacity of Hope, p. 362)

Tim, Albuquerque,

Wow....so he has belonged to a church that preaches racism for 20 years?!?!? This is simply stunning, to say the least. American's should move beyond that type of bigotry. No way should Obama be anywhere near the White House.

Trevor, New York, NY

There has been a lot of talk about "judgement" in this campaign. I think Sen. Obama being ministered by this pastor for 20 years shows a real lack of judgement. And I think that because Sen. Obama doesn't have a long enough record for me to scrutinize that this kind of thing will influence how I vote in the general election.

Jean, Brooklyn, NY

I agree with Chris Roland... are we going to allow the media to decide the presidential nominee??? Why do they not report all the facts and all the stories?

Vicky, tucson, arizona

I have a few questions for those who support the pastors words. If a member of his church can so strongly denounce america, whether you agree or not how can a member of that church represent all americans if he does not denounce the pastor. Second is not Mr. Obama white. How is it determined that he is black. His heritage is just as much white, so is he not 50% of the problem this pastor speaks out against.

Ken, vancouver, washington

You can't blame the appearance of Pastor Wright and his words on Hillary Clinton's campaign. Each sermon and church service for this church are filmed and available for sale.
YouTube has a listing for the sermons. They have been out there for some time. The Daily Show used one of the sermons on the show last night March 13th, 2008.Although I had read the words of some of the sermons in print, viewing the tape is another thing. I personally would not call the sermons "Inspiring" as Obama has claimed. This man has been Obama's mentor for the last 20 years.

Joan Caine, Seattle, Wa, USA

(cont.) Felt in acquiescence to torture, people held without due process, unjustified wars, increasing poverty margins, loss of privacy - a constitution in tatters. But never question any of this because if you do you will be Anti-American. RIGHHHHHTTTT!!!!

WAKE UP PEOPLE

Jay, Wellington, New Zealand

Having listened to some of the clips, and read some of the transcripts, I am wondering what the problem is. America has a history of institutionalized racism, the american public has turned a blind eye to racism, and allowed it to propogate even if many individuals don't act as racists themselves. We are a terrorist state, we sponser state terrorism and we support terrorist states. The rhetoric of the Pastor may be high, but his facts are correct and his interpretations of the facts are credible. Being black in America is a crime, and every black american knows this, while most white americans refuse to acknowlege it. Hillary will never be called a "nigger" nor will she ever be stopped for driving while black. But when an angry black pastor points these things out, that is somehow wrong?

Randy, San Diego, USA / Ca

I'm an Obama supporter, but I believe that Dr. Wright has gone too far. He is not helping Obama with those words, just hurting him, and Dr. Wright should be smart enough to know this.

Claire, Atlanta, GA

What's actually amazing is how little play this is getting in the news here in the USA. Most of the news sources talking about Jeremiah Wright have been exclusively online, mostly blogs. The print newspapers and the big 3 networks have had almost no stories on the issue.

I've never believed in conspiracy theories, but jeez.

Chris Roland, Salt Lake City, USA