Jeremiah Wright praises Louis Farrakhan: He brings a perspective that is helpful and honest

[Herman Munster]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120545277093135111.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Considering this view of America, it's not surprising that in December Mr. Wright's church gave an award to Louis Farrakhan for lifetime achievement. In the church magazine, Trumpet, Mr. Wright spoke glowingly of the Nation of Islam leader. "His depth on analysis when it comes to the racial ills of this nation is astounding and eye-opening," Mr. Wright said of Mr. Farrakhan. "He brings a perspective that is helpful and honest."

After Newsmax broke the story of the award to Farrakhan on Jan. 14, Mr. Obama issued a statement. However, Mr. Obama ignored the main point: that his minister and friend had spoken adoringly of Mr. Farrakhan, and that Mr. Wright's church was behind the award to the Nation of Islam leader.

[vireo]

1. video link

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5083227648710552652&q=jeremiah+wright&total=50&start=10&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=9

[qnr]

2. Well, it's to be expected, considering the political mindset of the Church. In one respect,

I feel that it's well within their rights as far as freedom of speech goes. That being said, it certainly is not the type of mindset that has any business gaining a foothold inside the oval office. I don't see how Senator Obama can just say that he disagrees with, or even repudiates, the comments and awards. Not while having passively accepted them for two decades.

Edit: s/passively/having passively/

[jackson_dem]

3. 20 years of Obama endorsing a bigot who he called his "moral compass"

He still hasn't rejected Wright but even when the inevitable wink and nod political press release comes you can't just erase two decades of silent approval.

[qnr]

4. That's my thought too. Either way, it raises questions about his character

or his decision-making ability.

Edit: s/two/too/

[jackson_dem]

5. It is inevitable that he will lose some white votes because of the doubt

Many folks will question whether he is racist against whites and for some white voters that will be dispositive in their decision who to vote for. The problem is whites are about 75% of voters. If even 10% decide this way that means Obama loses 7.5% of the electorate in one fell swoop. It may not even be this little. Clinton went from leading to 10-15% with blacks after the Obama machine swiftboating the Clintons on race.

[qnr]

6. Well, racism aside, I think he's also going to lose voters for not having

come out strongly against the statements. If he had political aspirations, he would know that something of this nature would come up. By just sitting through the sermons passively, it indicates either that he agreed with them, or that he didn't have the spirit and character, or the decision making capability to make a stand against them. Now, if he later says that he disagrees with them, it just seems politically expedient. Why didn't he denounce them earlier?/How come he's suddenly turning on his spiritual mentor? Bad on both sides, that is going to lose him a significant chunk of votes.