On the question of Obama's pastor, it's hard to disagree with any of this:
It's nutty, offensive and paranoid stuff. And it is perfectly legitimate for reporters and voters to ask questions. It is not much nuttier than Falwell and Robertson, however. And I don't think it's racist to understand that the black church has a different cultural style in its preaching and activism style that helps add some dimension to Wright's record. If you read Obama's books and listen to him speak about his church, it's clear that he was not drawn by Wright's more inflammatory and offensive language. His engagement with the Church was an attempt to connect with the life and feelings of a black urban class he had never truly belonged to and whom he intended to represent. We can forget what an outsider Obama was when he first came to Chicago.Don't forget, of course, that a great deal of the policies pursued in the past seven years have sprung from the minds of members of the clergy every bit as nutty as Wright.
I've gotta say, during this campaign with his non-stop Hillary-bashing, Sullivan's been more entertaining than ever.
Posted by Stephen Silver at March 14, 2008 05:10 PMPersonally, I don't think this will be easy for the Obama campaign to shrug off. The whole aura surrounding his campaign is dulling, and all of this portends problems for him in the general election that will need to be addressed. There are many traditional Democratic voters who, when in the privacy of the voting booth--faced with a choice between Barack Obama and John McCain, are going to "disappoint" the Progressive movement with their selection. Particularly damaging, this could determine states like Pennsylvania, W.Va., Minnesota, Florida, perhaps even N.Jersey and Virginia.
Posted by: DBrooks at March 15, 2008 01:34 AMSo basically Sully is saying two wrongs makes a right? It should be a problem for Obama and how is it clear that Obama wasn't drawn to his inflammatory language, how does Sully know? Out of all the Church's one can go to, this is the one Obama picks. Last time I checked Falwell wasn't Bush's personal minister.
Posted by: Petitedov at March 15, 2008 05:00 PMP.S. Has Richard Cohen been resurrected for you?
Posted by: petitedov at March 15, 2008 05:07 PMThe dems are screwing up the election as usual. With the stupid revote in MI looking like June and FL somewhere near then, the party will be in shambles. It's divided enough as is it.Get ready fro President McCain :(
Posted by: A at March 17, 2008 12:38 PM