Theory: Does Rev. Wright have it in for Obama?

[dizzyde]

With the latest batch of embarrassing and politically deadly remarks (for Obama) made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright , I am starting to wonder if this man actually does not want Obama to win the Dem. primary.

I cannot come up with a more reasonable explanation, other than the man is completely unhinged.

Thoughts?

[AmericanAngel]

Really, this is just my observations...but I think there is a "split" with in the black community????
Has Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton backed him up yet??? If no, why?

When I heard The Rev say he was "comin after him" if he was elected in the prims or just elected? That was, like huh?

[Eliseus]

It's all a dog and pony show for the masses.

[Ferd]

yes

[Ferd]

I think i am more offended by Obama's abandoning a 20 year friend and confidant for political expedience than I am anything that Rev. Wright has said.

[Jack Shephard]

I think i am more offended by Obama's abandoning a 20 year friend and confidant for political expedience than I am anything that Rev. Wright has said.

Do you really think that is what he is doing? Could it be that he really does not agree with what Wright said? Wright has every right to believe what he does. So does Obama. Lord knows that my pastor says stuff I do not agree with. Same could be true with him.

[dizzyde]

I think i am more offended by Obama's abandoning a 20 year friend and confidant for political expedience than I am anything that Rev. Wright has said.

But by all accounts he didn't until this latest mess, unless I have missed something. Why would he stand by someone who was apparently aggressively trying ruin his career?

[Ferd]

Do you really think that is what he is doing? Could it be that he really does not agree with what Wright said? Wright has every right to believe what he does. So does Obama. Lord knows that my pastor says stuff I do not agree with. Same could be true with him.

JT, I have every expectation that a man like JW would be as transparent as the day is long.

You dont make the kinds of statements from the pulpit that JW has made, and only do it once or twice in your lifetime.

Barak Obama has been a close confidant of JW for many many years. BO has been a member of JWs church for 20 plus years.

Obama knows and has known what Wrights belief system is for at a minimum of 18 years if not more.

and now after 20 years.... he abandons Wright? And you dont think this is a matter of political expediency???

i dont care if Obama agrees with Wright or not. He has abandoned a spiritual mentor so he can get elected president. I dont want that kind of man to be elected president. he has no center!

[Ferd]

But by all accounts he didn't until this latest mess, unless I have missed something. Why would he stand by someone who was apparently aggressively trying ruin his career?

Dizz, Obama's problem is he is not telling us he rejects Wrights view. but he didnt reject it enough to find a different church 18 years ago!

Wrights views werent troublesome for 20 years. Wrights views were perfictly fine until they became a hurdle to his getting elected president.

Obama's actions are those of a man abandoning a life long confidant so he can get elected president.

[dizzyde]

Dizz, Obama's problem is he is not telling us he rejects Wrights view. but he didnt reject it enough to find a different church 18 years ago!

Wrights views werent troublesome for 20 years. Wrights views were perfictly fine until they became a hurdle to his getting elected president.

Obama's actions are those of a man abandoning a life long confidant so he can get elected president.

I don't disagree, I think it is clear that Obama has at least some if not all of the same views as Rev. Wright, he would not have been able to be "mentored" by him otherwise.

But I think political expediency is the name of the game, politics at it's very core is corrupt, and I wouldn't expect Obama to do any differently, simply because if you want to play in the big leagues, you ARE going to sell your soul sooner or later, IMO.

It is exactly why Obama didn't cut ties with Rev. Wright in the first go-round, because him and his advisors knew that it would offend people some people if he were to cut him off after so long a relationship, exactly what your reaction is.

My question is, why is it that Wright apparently does not want to see Obama elected? It would appear that (prior to his statements being publicized) it would have been in his best interest to see Obama in the White House. Why would he not censor himself in the short-term, to help achieve this? It is weird to me.

[Ferd]

I don't disagree, I think it is clear that Obama has at least some if not all of the same views as Rev. Wright, he would not have been able to be "mentored" by him otherwise.

But I think political expediency is the name of the game, politics at it's very core is corrupt, and I wouldn't expect Obama to do any differently, simply because if you want to play in the big leagues, you ARE going to sell your soul sooner or later, IMO.

It is exactly why Obama didn't cut ties with Rev. Wright in the first go-round, because him and his advisors knew that it would offend people some people if he were to cut him off after so long a relationship, exactly what your reaction is.

My question is, why is it that Wright apparently does not want to see Obama elected? It would appear that (prior to his statements being publicized) it would have been in his best interest to see Obama in the White House. Why would he not censor himself in the short-term, to help achieve this? It is weird to me.

Dizz, I cant name a single president that so publically turned away from such a trusted advisor. Not one.

having said that, let me be clear, as to political expediency, I find it expedient to point this fact out. it is 100% political... no my part.

AS for Wrights actions? Wright was offended by Obama's speech. period. Obama is the one off the reservation, not Rev. Wright!

Wright isnt looking to put a black man in the oval office. He is looking to evangelize the world with his doctrine. Obama is a backslidder bringing shame on the black church making Wright's job that much harder.

Wright could not care less about the politics. At least in this he is consistant. Would to God that Obama was so consistant.

[dizzyde]

Dizz, I cant name a single president that so publically turned away from such a trusted advisor. Not one.

having said that, let me be clear, as to political expediency, I find it expedient to point this fact out. it is 100% political... no my part.

AS for Wrights actions? Wright was offended by Obama's speech. period. Obama is the one off the reservation, not Rev. Wright!

Wright isnt looking to put a black man in the oval office. He is looking to evangelize the world with his doctrine. Obama is a backslidder bringing shame on the black church making Wright's job that much harder.

Wright could not care less about the politics. At least in this he is consistant. Would to God that Obama was so consistant.

Well, one thing is for sure, IMO, I think it is a day late/dollar short for Obama to break ties at this point, I don't see how he has any hope of winning the Dem. nod now.

Unless America is infinitely more moronic than I had previously thought.

The thing is, I not sure what scares me more, Obama with his past affiliation to Wright, or Hillary with her China connections.

[Ferd]

Well, one thing is for sure, IMO, I think it is a day late/dollar short for Obama to break ties at this point, I don't see how he has any hope of winning the Dem. nod now.

Unless America is infinitely more moronic than I had previously thought.

The thing is, I not sure what scares me more, Obama with his past affiliation to Wright, or Hillary with her China connections.

to borrow from a great american

Never miss under estimate the moronicness of the American left!

[dizzyde]

to borrow from a great american

Never miss under estimate the moronicness of the American left!

:ursofunny :ursofunny

[HeavenlyOne]

JT, I have every expectation that a man like JW would be as transparent as the day is long.

You dont make the kinds of statements from the pulpit that JW has made, and only do it once or twice in your lifetime.

Barak Obama has been a close confidant of JW for many many years. BO has been a member of JWs church for 20 plus years.

Obama knows and has known what Wrights belief system is for at a minimum of 18 years if not more.

and now after 20 years.... he abandons Wright? And you dont think this is a matter of political expediency???

i dont care if Obama agrees with Wright or not. He has abandoned a spiritual mentor so he can get elected president. I dont want that kind of man to be elected president. he has no center!

You are right. Up until about three months ago, he would sit in church, nodding his head in agreement with everything his pastor said.

Until the public outcry was heard, he didn't have a problem with it. Now he's trying to convince America that he's seen the light as they have.

[TRFrance]

I don't disagree, I think it is clear that Obama has at least some if not all of the same views as Rev. Wright, he would not have been able to be "mentored" by him otherwise.

But I think political expediency is the name of the game, politics at it's very core is corrupt, and I wouldn't expect Obama to do any differently, simply because if you want to play in the big leagues, you ARE going to sell your soul sooner or later, IMO.

It is exactly why Obama didn't cut ties with Rev. Wright in the first go-round, because him and his advisors knew that it would offend people some people if he were to cut him off after so long a relationship, exactly what your reaction is.

My question is, why is it that Wright apparently does not want to see Obama elected? It would appear that (prior to his statements being publicized) it would have been in his best interest to see Obama in the White House. Why would he not censor himself in the short-term, to help achieve this? It is weird to me.

Maybe he actually DOESNT have it in for Obama.

Maybe he just couldn't help himself from preening like a peacock when the cameras were on him, and he let his mouth and ego get the better of him rather than using wisdom and restraint. Some people get that way when the lights and cameras are on them.

[ChristopherHall]

I think i am more offended by Obama's abandoning a 20 year friend and confidant for political expedience than I am anything that Rev. Wright has said.

I do agree. I think that hurts Obama more than just admitting that he loves his pastor but disagrees on some of the more heated rhetoric.

[Blubayou]

Obama used his connections with his church to get elected to the Senate. He is hesitant to cut the connections in case he is not elected President. These people will be needed to be re-elect him to the Senate. After Rev. Wright's remarks- the money people and his ad visors advised him to cut all ties to R. Wright. Rev. Wright loves the spotlight and is angry with Obama. I think it will be interesting to see if he can be silenced or will he continue to make waves.

[ChristopherHall]

I don't disagree, I think it is clear that Obama has at least some if not all of the same views as Rev. Wright, he would not have been able to be "mentored" by him otherwise.

But I think political expediency is the name of the game, politics at it's very core is corrupt, and I wouldn't expect Obama to do any differently, simply because if you want to play in the big leagues, you ARE going to sell your soul sooner or later, IMO.

It is exactly why Obama didn't cut ties with Rev. Wright in the first go-round, because him and his advisors knew that it would offend people some people if he were to cut him off after so long a relationship, exactly what your reaction is.

My question is, why is it that Wright apparently does not want to see Obama elected? It would appear that (prior to his statements being publicized) it would have been in his best interest to see Obama in the White House. Why would he not censor himself in the short-term, to help achieve this? It is weird to me.

Great points. I agree that to play in the big leagues these guys have to sell their soul. Even McCain. He's reversed himself on tax cuts, torture, etc....why? He's listening to his political advisers. No doubt Obama's advisers told Obama to cut his pastor loose or loose any chance at the Presidency. Certainly if Obama truly believes he has what our nation needs he's going to do what he can to get elected. Also look at the money involved. These guys are beholden to the powers that are financing their campaigns. They're going to do what they can to try to win the race.

In the Army we were repeatedly told that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Asking America permission to hold on to Wright would cost Obama the Presidency. Cutting Wright loose now and asking Wright's forgiveness after being sworn in has a greater chance of being successful.

As for Wright...I think he knows he has the nation's attention and he's a preacher. That means he's going to speak the message he feels is more important than Obama winning the election. Maybe Wright wants to make a national reputation for himself because he plans on greater political involvement in the future. He might want to be the next national black social voice.

[OP_Carl]

Wright's behavior can be explained by evangelistic ardor, ego, or self-preservation.

It could be that he truly believes his BLT, believes it his God-ordained mission to spread the word, and sees this as the mother of all opportunities for him to do so. It could be that he cannot resist being asked for his opinion by pretty young reporters and/or national news icons. Everybody likes to feel important. Or, it could be that he, along with Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc, recognizes that an Obama victory would spell the death of the race-card rabble-rousing industry. It would prove that at least 38% of the white U.S. population is unconcerned about skin color.

[DividedThigh]

JW is a nut, and obama is the beneficiary, they deserve each other, both anti american hate amerca first, libs, a match made in well, whereever, lol:crazywalls

[tstew]

There is absolutely no way that I could sit in Wright's church for sure. But at the same time, when dealing with some of the inflammatory voices in the black community, you have to keep in mind their age...and as a result of their age, their American experience. Often when I hear some of the bitterness and emotion from some of those guys, I am completely confused until I find out a little about their personal history. I am not an apologist for any of these people, but at the same time I'm not sure how Jim Crow and the likes might affect me and my view of America.
The generation of a Barack Obama does not have those experiences, but there are some who will tolerate some of the bitterness because they recognize and understand the experiences.

[tstew]

And to the point of the thread, I do believe that Wright has a vested interest in "White America" never electing a Black President. It would take all the wind out of his sails and he would probably not have much to talk about.

[dizzyde]

And to the point of the thread, I do believe that Wright has a vested interest in "White America" never electing a Black President. It would take all the wind out of his sails and he would probably not have much to talk about.

That is extremely interesting and what I was actually going for, what the motivation could possibly be.

I am sure Rev. Wright is not stupid man, and he has to know how his actions are reflecting on Obama, if he truly wanted him to be elected, it seems to reason that he would hold off of his rhetoric until the elections are over.

Your point makes some sense, based on what I have seen from the man.

[tstew]

What is missing in our country is just open and honest dialogue without agendas and radical extremes. The people do exist on all sides that can foster such communication, but that does not make for compelling and provocative T.V. The Jeremiah Wrights and Sharptons, etc... do not speak for the vast majority of younger Black America, but that stuff is what the media will eat up and regurgitate all over the rest of the country (sorry for the mental picture there)

[DividedThigh]

tstew, your openess and honesty are refreshing, you can enter my life any time, an open honest dialogue without agendas is exactly what we need, i grew up poor white trash in the south, i know a little about bigotry and prejudice, not just for skin color but so called class, god bless you bro, dt

[dizzyde]

What is missing in our country is just open and honest dialogue without agendas and radical extremes. The people do exist on all sides that can foster such communication, but that does not make for compelling and provocative T.V. The Jeremiah Wrights and Sharptons, etc... do not speak for the vast majority of younger Black America, but that stuff is what the media will eat up and regurgitate all over the rest of the country (sorry for the mental picture there)

:eeeew :vomit

What, you mean like that? LOL!

I agree with what you are saying, I think a lot of people are just afraid of causing offense,and don't know what to say or how to say it.

It is still such a sensitive subject, the atrocities that happened in the past are not that far behind us, and there is still a lot of ignorance going on in some parts of the country.

It is just going to take work and time, and the extremists on both sides aren't helping.

[Encryptus]

Latest on Rev Wright


http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080501/pl_bloomberg/axcinkuxnrh8

Northwestern U is withdrawing honorary doctorate.

[DividedThigh]

Latest on Rev Wright


http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080501/pl_bloomberg/axcinkuxnrh8

Northwestern U is withdrawing honorary doctorate.

well seems that obama aint the only one runnning from this man, lol

[brotherjason]

It might be simpler than Wright having it in for Obama. Sorry to those who this will offend (lots of old dogs running around!), but you can't teach an old dog new tricks! He's been preaching the same message for years, he quite possibly just can't stop now even if he wanted to.


I think all of the electronic diebold election machines have decided on Mcain anyway (not that we ever had a choice!)
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/diebold_accidentally_leaks

Please don't take that link serious, I just thought it was funny!

[Ferd]

There is absolutely no way that I could sit in Wright's church for sure. But at the same time, when dealing with some of the inflammatory voices in the black community, you have to keep in mind their age...and as a result of their age, their American experience. Often when I hear some of the bitterness and emotion from some of those guys, I am completely confused until I find out a little about their personal history. I am not an apologist for any of these people, but at the same time I'm not sure how Jim Crow and the likes might affect me and my view of America.
The generation of a Barack Obama does not have those experiences, but there are some who will tolerate some of the bitterness because they recognize and understand the experiences.

I agree with you. that is why I said what I did.

that Obama's actions are more offensive to me than Rev. Wrights.

[Jack Shephard]

JT, I have every expectation that a man like JW would be as transparent as the day is long.

You dont make the kinds of statements from the pulpit that JW has made, and only do it once or twice in your lifetime.

Barak Obama has been a close confidant of JW for many many years. BO has been a member of JWs church for 20 plus years.

Obama knows and has known what Wrights belief system is for at a minimum of 18 years if not more.

and now after 20 years.... he abandons Wright? And you dont think this is a matter of political expediency???

i dont care if Obama agrees with Wright or not. He has abandoned a spiritual mentor so he can get elected president. I dont want that kind of man to be elected president. he has no center!

Sorry just noticed your response. I do not know if I agree with you 100%. I am not a supporter of Obama, but I think he could do ok. With that being said the reason I disagree is this. In 2006 Bishop Brazier in Chicago-PAW- said verbally from the pulpit that Bush and his men are liars and killers. Nothing much came of it cause he has no political ties. I saw the service where he said this over the net. I stopped watching. There were some in the crowd that applauded and then some started to boo a little. I can not honestly say that the people booing had been longtime memebers there. There is no way for me to know. But it could stand to reason that the statement was shocking. You could hear some gasps.

With JW and BO it could be as simple as BO stating he is a Christian yet not have gone to church that much. I consider my Bishop in Tn to be my pastor though I have not sat under him for more than 7 years. You know the people that only go to church on Christmas and Easter yet call themselves Christians. This could be how it is for BO. Just speculation of course. Up unitl Reggie White died he called my Bishop his pastor. He went to our church in TN while in college and even got married there. He was baptized in Jesus name there as well. Anyway after college Reggie went pro and still had a home in the area. He did not attend our church regularly ever again. infact there was a time when he played in Green Bay that for those years he never came. But yet called Bishop his pastor and gave offerings etc. If Bishop would have said something similar to this it might have made Reggie look bad and such cause of who he called Pastor. Those are just some examples of how it could be with JW and BO.

[tstew]

Sorry just noticed your response. I do not know if I agree with you 100%. I am not a supporter of Obama, but I think he could do ok. With that being said the reason I disagree is this. In 2006 Bishop Brazier in Chicago-PAW- said verbally from the pulpit that Bush and his men are liars and killers. Nothing much came of it cause he has no political ties. I saw the service where he said this over the net. I stopped watching. There were some in the crowd that applauded and then some started to boo a little. I can not honestly say that the people booing had been longtime memebers there. There is no way for me to know. But it could stand to reason that the statement was shocking. You could hear some gasps.

With JW and BO it could be as simple as BO stating he is a Christian yet not have gone to church that much. I consider my Bishop in Tn to be my pastor though I have not sat under him for more than 7 years. You know the people that only go to church on Christmas and Easter yet call themselves Christians. This could be how it is for BO. Just speculation of course. Up unitl Reggie White died he called my Bishop his pastor. He went to our church in TN while in college and even got married there. He was baptized in Jesus name there as well. Anyway after college Reggie went pro and still had a home in the area. He did not attend our church regularly ever again. infact there was a time when he played in Green Bay that for those years he never came. But yet called Bishop his pastor and gave offerings etc. If Bishop would have said something similar to this it might have made Reggie look bad and such cause of who he called Pastor. Those are just some examples of how it could be with JW and BO.

Now the one thing that I did find interesting was how Wright did make the distinction between what he thought of the American people versus the American government.
He would certainly not be the first to accuse our government, military/industrial complex, and intelligence community of committing crimes against people. (i.e. the murder of Kennedy, and some of our international dealings). It's not hard for me to buy that our government sometimes puts other interests above the lives of some foreign people, when they appear to put them above the lives of some Americans.
Some of his conspiracy theories were spectacularly crazy, but at the same time I do believe you should be able to question our government and not be accused of questioning America as a people and ideal.

[OP_Carl]

Now the one thing that I did find interesting was how Wright did make the distinction between what he thought of the American people versus the American government. I daresay that this distinction will only be what the audience wishes to make of it. Most of the audience (those obstinate rural blue collar democrats) will overlook or ignore Wright's effort to draw a distinction. Of course, now the whole thing is so muddy it cannot be clarified or straightened out.
He would certainly not be the first to accuse our government, military/industrial complex, and intelligence community of committing crimes against people. (i.e. the murder of Kennedy, and some of our international dealings). It's not hard for me to buy that our government sometimes puts other interests above the lives of some foreign people, when they appear to put them above the lives of some Americans. I don't believe that any well-informed American Christian feels adequately represented by our Department of State.
Some of his conspiracy theories were spectacularly crazy, but at the same time I do believe you should be able to question our government and not be accused of questioning America as a people and ideal.
Agreed. However, most of the white demographic that these candidates are concerned about are only going to absorb Wright in the context of Black Liberation Theology, which is an immediate turnoff.

A guy who sits near me has a plaque on his wall from the society of black engineers. If I were to display something from a society of white engineers, even if it were fictitious, it would end my career. Even though I acknowledge that I check my freedom of speech at the door, it is a little unsettling to me that the sensitivity is all in one direction.