Reverend Wright Throws More Gas On the Fire

[Brainster]

Apparently operating under the assumption this is what a drowning man really needs, Obama's pastor throws him an anchor (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/roughsketch/2008/04/obamas_pastor_reignites_race_c.html):

Should it become necessary in the months from now to identify the moment that doomed Obama's presidential aspirations, attention is likely to focus on the hour between nine and ten this morning at the National Press Club. It was then that Wright, Obama's longtime pastor, reignited a controversy about race from which Obama had only recently recovered - and added lighter fuel.

Wright defended most of his controversial statements, added some more bizarre speculations on the differences between black brains and white brains, and implied that Barack's denunciation of his nuttier claims was just for political consumption.

Wright suggested that Obama was insincere in distancing himself from his pastor. "He didn't distance himself," Wright announced. "He had to distance himself, because he's a politician, from what the media was saying I had said, which was anti-American."

Explaining further, Wright said friends had written to him and said, "We both know that if Senator Obama did not say what he said, he would never get elected." The minister continued: "Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls."

Ouch! Reactions around the blogosphere were swift and severe, even from Obama supporters:

Joe Klein (http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/04/the_reverend_wright.html):

And worse, Wright's purpose now seems quite clear: to aggrandize himself--the guy is going to be a go-to mainstream media source for racial extremist spew, the next iteration of Al Sharpton--and destroy Barack Obama.

Andrew Sullivan (http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/04/wrights-poison.html):

But what he said today extemporaneously, the way in which he said it, the unrepentant manner in which he reiterated some of his most absurd and offensive views, his attempt to equate everything he believes with the black church as a whole, and his open public embrace of Farrakhan and hostility to the existence of Israel Zionism, make any further defense of him impossible. This was a calculated, ugly, repulsive, vile display of arrogance, egotism, and self-regard:

The Caucus (NY Times blog) (http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/rev-wright-defends-church-blasts-media/):

Our colleague Jeff Zeleny tells us that associates of Mr. Obama said privately that his campaign was furious at Mr. Wright’s decision to step forward so publicly, but that they were unable to do anything to control this. They added, however, that the pastor’s actions prove that he and Mr. Obama are not that close, otherwise why would Mr. Wright do this now?

The Nation's Campaign '08 (http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters/316211):

Wright's sermons were deeply twisted by the media--and he has every right to speak out and set the record straight--but amidst the current media frenzy his latest comments won't do anything to repair his public image or help Obama. Ten days before important primaries in Indiana and North Carolina, the re-emergence of Wright was the last thing Obama needed--and a gift from heaven to Hillary Clinton and the Republican Party.

Salon (http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/04/28/wright/):

The problem is that even if Obama did in fact join Wright's church for political reasons, or just to help with his community organizing, and even if he wasn't much for active churchgoing -- Wright certainly seemed to imply that in some of his comments on Monday -- Obama can't say that, even to distance himself from the growing millstone around his neck that Wright now represents. Much of Obama's campaign is based on the premise that he's the anticynic, a politician who doesn't act or think like one. If Obama were to admit that sometimes even he makes cynical decisions, that could backfire and undercut his central message.

Oh, and on the right-brain, left-brain part of his message (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/rev-wright-deli.html) (delivered at the NAACP):

The bulk of his remarks addressed, however, different groups seeing each other as deficient. He acted out the differences between marching bands at predominantly black and predominantly white colleges. "Africans have a different meter, and Africans have a different tonality," he said. Europeans have seven tones, Africans have five. White people clap differently than black people. "Africans and African-Americans are right-brained, subject-oriented in their learning style," he said. "They have a different way of learning." And so on.

[Puppycow]

Reverend Wright, please go away and don't come back until at least mid-November. :covereyes

Politico (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9912.html): Wright to Obama: 'Coming after you'
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright said Monday that he will try to change national policy by “coming after” Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) if he is elected president.
. . .
“I said to Barack Obama last year, ‘If you get elected, November the 5th I'm coming after you, because you'll be representing a government whose policies grind under people,’ Wright said.

Slate (http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/trailhead/archive/2008/04/28/wright-on-aids.aspx):
Wright's Bizarro AIDS Theory
By Christopher Beam

After his speech today at the National Press Club, Jeremiah Wright was asked by the moderator whether he honestly believes, as he said in one of his sermons, that “the government lied about inventing the AIDS virus as a means of genocide against people of color.” That claim (which Bill Moyers inexplicably failed to ask Wright about in his April 25 interview) has been the weirdest of his various inflammatory claims.

Rather than address the substance of the question, Wright said, “Have you read [Leonard G.] Horowitz's book Emerging Viruses: AIDS and Ebola”?

The Horowitz book, published in 1996, argues that the U.S. government created the AIDS and Ebola viruses in the course of performing cancer research on monkeys. Its author also wrote Healing Codes for the Biological Apocalypse, a book that purports to reveal “Bible codes hidden for 3,000 years that have major implications for personal and world healing,” according to his Web site. Horowitz doesn’t believe in Darwinian evolution, either, and he claims to be descended from Moses and King David.

The Root (http://www.theroot.com/id/46094):
The Sin of the Reverend
By Jack White | TheRoot.com
April 28th, 2008-- Is Rev. Jeremiah Wright on the secret payroll of Barack Obama's political opponents?
It's a reasonable question, given the potentially catastrophic damage he wreaked on the Illinois Senator's White House aspirations with his bombastic performance at the National Press Club this morning. At the precise moment when Obama is facing questions about his ability to connect with white working class voters, Wright chose to put himself back into the spotlight, resurrecting the controversy stirred up by widely circulated snippets from his impassioned sermons. At the very least, Obama will now be forced to waste precious time answering questions about his former pastor's absurd views. At worst, Wright's provocative utterances could cost Obama the election.

I'm not surprised. I've been writing that Wright is a loud-mouthed extremist ever since the flap about him erupted. He's obviously a well-educated, sincere man who has done good work in building Trinity United Church of Christ. But, to borrow a phrase that Wright might have used in one of his sermons, his rant at the Press Club demonstrates, that he is also a damn fool.

Who but a fool would use an appearance before the nation's press to claim that the questions that have been raised about him are in fact an attack on the black church as a whole, thereby associating the church as a whole with his views? Who but a fool would use this occasion to re-iterate his paranoid accusation that AIDS is the result of a genocidal plot because he believes "our government if capable of doing anything" in its quest for imperialism?

Who would use this most public of spotlights to re-associate himself with Min. Louis Farrakhan? Who would use this particular pulpit to claim that the only reason Obama has distanced himself from these sorts of comments is because "he's a politician," thereby leaving the suggestion that Obama, when he is off the stump, believes all the rhetoric and hype?

[dudalb]

At times I almost suspect that the Rev. Wright wants Obama to lose, so he can have a new issue he can demogogue about how America is unredeemably racist.
His support of Louis "The Louse" Farakkhan puts Wright beyond the pale as far as I am concerned.
And if it had been a White person spouting the Left Brain,Right Brain crapola,that White person would have quite rightly been accused of being racist.
Don't think for a minute that the Obama does not wish that Wright would take a nice long trip to Outer Mongolia from now until November.
With "Friends" like Wright,Obama sure as hell does not need any enemies.
Hopefully this will end the attempts by some of the Obama supporters here to portray Wright as being "Misunderstood". There is no misunderstanding...except willfully..what Wright said today.

[Policenaut]

At times I almost suspect that the Rev. Wright wants Obama to lose, so he can have a new issue he can demogogue about how America is unredeemably racist.

I noticed several pundits on tv today mention this possibility. It's an interesting idea but very hard to prove. What he does seem to love is playing the victim card cause if he wasn't the victim he'd have to address problems in the black community caused by the black community. No one forces them to take/sell drugs, forces them to drop out of school, forces them to have unprotected sex, or have kids they can't support. Stop snitching.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I think he is upset that Obama did not publicly embrace the ideas that he knows Obama shares with him.


:)

[Tsukasa Buddha]

I think he is upset that Obama did not publicly embrace the ideas that he knows Obama shares with him.


:)

Let's see, how many minds are you reading there :p ? You might want to go for the million...

[T.A.M.]

Yes it seems as though McCain and Hillary supporters might get their way, and the candidacy of hope will be destroyed by the politics of hate, and guilt by association...well done folks in the media and others.

Now on with the McCain and Hillary show.

TAM:)

[The Painter]

Can't they shut him up?? They shut up Obama's wife. Haven't heard from her in awhile, after she made a questionable comment or two.

[Dr Adequate]

Ouch! Reactions around the blogosphere were swift and severe, even from Obama supporters ... Funny use of the word "even".

[Dr Adequate]

Can't they shut him up?? They shut up Obama's wife. Haven't heard from her in awhile, after she made a questionable comment or two. That's an interesting fantasy. A glance at the facts would have showed you that, of course, she has continued to campaign for her husband.

Possibly the reason you haven't heard from her for a while is that she has made no statements that you and your 'winger pals can twist, spin, distort, misinterpret, misquote and lie about; and why would you guys be interested in anything else she might say?

[BPSCG]

I think Obama blew it. This was a chance for a "Sister Souljah" moment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Souljah_moment) for him. But you have to take that opportunity when the perception is that it might cost you votes, not when the outcry is so loud that you have no choice. Obama's chance was when the Wright videos first surfaced. Now it's too late; if he renounces Wright now, it will be seen as hypocritical opportunism; it's become a damned if he does, damned if he doesn't moment.

Presidents are supposed to make hard decisions. Obama failed this test.

[Dr Adequate]

I think Obama blew it. This was a chance for a "Sister Souljah" moment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Souljah_moment) for him. But you have to take that opportunity when the perception is that it might cost you votes, not when the outcry is so loud that you have no choice. Obama's chance was when the Wright videos first surfaced. Now it's too late; if he renounces Wright now, it will be seen as hypocritical opportunism; it's become a damned if he does, damned if he doesn't moment.

Presidents are supposed to make hard decisions. Obama failed this test. If you can think of a graceful way to entirely disassociate oneself from a man whose church one has attended for twenty years, I should like to hear it.

Obama's mistake, clearly, was choosing the wrong pastor in the first place; as others have done before him. Henry II springs to mind.

[Rob Lister]

If you can think of a graceful way to entirely disassociate oneself from a man whose church one has attended for twenty years, I should like to hear it.

Obama's mistake, clearly, was choosing the wrong pastor in the first place; as others have done before him. Henry II springs to mind.

And hear it you shall...

Step one: don't wait twenty years.

Oh, and as to Henry II, he too choose [his] religion based purely on politics. In the wise [paraphrased] words of Reverend Wright as to Obama's motives, "Politicians do and say anything that well get them elected."

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Is Rev. Wright sabotaging Obama as a proof that America is racist?


I can just see his I told you so.

[BPSCG]

Is Rev. Wright sabotaging Obama as a proof that America is racist?No. He's actually a stooge, doing the dirty work for Clinton (http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/columnists/louis/index.html).

Shortly before he rose to deliver his rambling, angry, sarcastic remarks at the National Press Club Monday, Wright sat next to, and chatted with, Barbara Reynolds.

A former editorial board member at USA Today, she runs something called Reynolds News Services and teaches ministry at the Howard University School of Divinity. (She is an ordained minister).

It also turns out that Reynolds - introduced Monday as a member of the National Press Club "who organized" the event - is an enthusiastic Hillary Clinton supporter.

On a blog linked to her Web site- www.reynoldsnews.com- (http://www.reynoldsnews.com-) Reynolds said in a February post: "My vote for Hillary in the Maryland primary was my way of saying thank you" to Clinton and her husband for the successes of Bill Clinton's presidency.

The same post criticized Obama's "Audacity of Hope" theme: "Hope by definition is not based on facts," wrote Reynolds. It is an emotional expectation. Things hoped for may or may not come. But help based on experience trumps hope every time."

In another blog entry, Reynolds gives an ever-sharper critique of Obama: "It is a sad testimony that to protect his credentials as a unifier above the fray, the senator is fueling the media characterization that Rev. Dr. Wright is some retiring old uncle in the church basement."

I don't know if Reynolds' eagerness to help Wright stage a disastrous news conference with the national media was a way of trying to help Clinton - my queries to Reynolds by phone and e-mail weren't returned yesterday - but it's safe to say she didn't see any conflict between promoting Wright and supporting Clinton. Karl Rove's invisible hand has to be in there somewhere, pulling the puppet strings...

[Brainster]

Funny use of the word "even".

In my experience, Obama supporters tend to stick their fingers in their ears and say, "Lalalalalala, I can't hear you!" whenever something like this comes up, insisting it couldn't possibly hurt the candidate of hope and change. Hence, "even".

[Rob Lister]

In my experience, Obama supporters tend to stick their fingers in their ears and say, "Lalalalalala, I can't hear you!" whenever something like this comes up, insisting it couldn't possibly hurt the candidate of hope and change. Hence, "even".

And how does that differ from the supporters of Hillary? McCain? Bush? Bill? Bush? Regan? Carter? Ford? Nixon? Etc?

[Brainster]

Several of the blogger posts highlighted in the OP and Puppycow's follow-up speculated that perhaps Wright is purposely sabotaging Obama. Now comes the evidence (http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/columnists/louis/index.html):

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright couldn't have done more damage to Barack Obama's campaign if he had tried. And you have to wonder if that's just what one friend of Wright wanted.

Shortly before he rose to deliver his rambling, angry, sarcastic remarks at the National Press Club Monday, Wright sat next to, and chatted with, Barbara Reynolds.

(snip)

It also turns out that Reynolds - introduced Monday as a member of the National Press Club "who organized" the event - is an enthusiastic Hillary Clinton supporter.

From the way that is written it's unclear as to whether Reynolds or the NPC organized the event, but Clarence Page (http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/04/obamas_headache_a_feisty_wrigh.html#more) says Reynolds specifically invited Wright:

Ironically this was the third year in which Wright has held a news conference to launch the annual Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, named for a noted religious scholar. It brings black religious leaders from across the country to Howard University every year to discuss heady topics like black liberation theology. But this is the first time that the press in significant numbers actually showed up, according to the Rev. Barbara Reynolds, a former Tribune reporter who invited Wright to address the press club.

But before we get too deep into conspiracy theory land, several people are claiming that in fact the purpose was not to hurt Obama, but to help Wright. Ben Smith notes (http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/Clinton_supporter_invited_Wright.html):

"[I]t is a sad testimony that to protect his credentials as a unifier above the fray the Senator is fueling the media characterization that Rev. Dr. Wright is some retiring old uncle in the church basement instead of respecting Wright for the towering astute father of progressive social and global causes that he is," Reynolds wrote in March.

Reynolds' is well placed to defend Wright. Her bio says she teaches "prophetic ministry and the media" at Howard University's divinity school.

ALSO: Richard Prince points out that Reynolds has spoken critically of Clinton as well, after grilling her -- and being dissatisfied with her answer -- on the Ferraro flap.

ALSO: She'd first pitched inviting Wright to the press club two years ago.

[Brainster]

And how does that differ from the supporters of Hillary? McCain? Bush? Bill? Bush? Regan? Carter? Ford? Nixon? Etc?

Your point.:D

[Tailgater]

Expect Wright to have a best-selling book in the next year.

[chipmunk stew]

I'm an Obama supporter, but I suspect there is more cooperation going on between Wright and the Obama camp than meets the eye.

Consider this: At first glance, the timing of Wright's media barrage couldn't come at a worse time. But Obama is going to win NC handily anyway, and IN will still be close, whichever way it swings. So two things will be accomplished. First, the Obama camp will be able to argue that even with Wright throwing fuel on the fire, it doesn't seem to be hurting Obama all that much (and if IN goes to Hillary, they can blame it on Wright.) Second, this will create some public animosity between Wright and the Obama camp, and they'll be able to argue (as they've begun to already) that Wright and Obama are not on the same page.

[dudalb]

Yes it seems as though McCain and Hillary supporters might get their way, and the candidacy of hope will be destroyed by the politics of hate, and guilt by association...well done folks in the media and others.

Now on with the McCain and Hillary show.

TAM:)

Let's blame it all on Hilary and McCain, and what both Democrats and the GOP love to blame ,the Media,and none on the Rev.Wright.
Nice going,guy.
I still think OBama will get the nomination, but the real damage this has done to him will show up in November.
Of course I feel you have made a fantasy figure out of Obama that he never really was, but that is another issue.

[corplinx]

Intentional Sabotage? How about tit for tat. He gave Obama street cred, performed his marriage, and baptized his kids. When Obama was called to task for attending the church he pretended like he didn't know this was how Wright was, denounced his remarks, and played him off as an angry retired guy.

I think Obama should have just been honest. He came out and said the church was over the top and so was Rev. Wright. He should have just stayed on that message said, "if you think those remarks are something, you should hear the rest of his sermons, its over the top, its provocative, and it speaks to a lot of people who feel left out of the american dream, i want to be in touch with those people".

[dudalb]

I'm an Obama supporter, but I suspect there is more cooperation going on between Wright and the Obama camp than meets the eye.

Consider this: At first glance, the timing of Wright's media barrage couldn't come at a worse time. But Obama is going to win NC handily anyway, and IN will still be close, whichever way it swings. So two things will be accomplished. First, the Obama camp will be able to argue that even with Wright throwing fuel on the fire, it doesn't seem to be hurting Obama all that much (and if IN goes to Hillary, they can blame it on Wright.) Second, this will create some public animosity between Wright and the Obama camp, and they'll be able to argue (as they've begun to already) that Wright and Obama are not on the same page.

That is the most far fetched theory I have heard in a while.
And the real damage that Wright has done Obama will show up in November.
You can spin it all you want, you can put your finger in your ears and go "La.La.La,I can't hear you" all you want but Wright is doing major damage to the Obama campaign.
And although I have some problems with some of McCain's connections, to compare Hagee with Wright misses on huge point: McCain showed up at Hagee's church once or twice; Obama was a member of Wright's church for 20 years,and took the title for his book from Wright. Big Difference.

[dudalb]

Expect Wright to have a best-selling book in the next year.

I don't know if he can make the best seller list, but I am sure a lucrative book contract is in the making for the Rev.Wright,along with some very well paying lecture tours.

[Brainster]

I'm an Obama supporter, but I suspect there is more cooperation going on between Wright and the Obama camp than meets the eye.

Consider this: At first glance, the timing of Wright's media barrage couldn't come at a worse time. But Obama is going to win NC handily anyway, and IN will still be close, whichever way it swings. So two things will be accomplished. First, the Obama camp will be able to argue that even with Wright throwing fuel on the fire, it doesn't seem to be hurting Obama all that much (and if IN goes to Hillary, they can blame it on Wright.) Second, this will create some public animosity between Wright and the Obama camp, and they'll be able to argue (as they've begun to already) that Wright and Obama are not on the same page.

Think about this like a pollster and not a rooter for a second. What demographics does this help Obama get? Does it help him with black voters? Does it help him with white voters? If Obama had come out forcefully and said yesterday, "If that's the way he feels, then I do have to disown him," he might have gotten his Sister Souljah moment and the benefits you describe. As it is, the opportunity has passed.

And the happiest person in the USA is probably Bill Ayers.

[T.A.M.]

Let's blame it all on Hilary and McCain, and what both Democrats and the GOP love to blame ,the Media,and none on the Rev.Wright.
Nice going,guy.
I still think OBama will get the nomination, but the real damage this has done to him will show up in November.
Of course I feel you have made a fantasy figure out of Obama that he never really was, but that is another issue.

Rev. Wright is to blame for his words...no doubt. He is also to blame for opening his mouth when he knew his words were under the microscope.

The McCain supporters, nutjob Right Wing Pundits included, are guilty of trying to blame Obama, and to not only discredit him, but ruin his reputation, and to sully his character, through association with this man.

The Hillary camp are guilty of standing by and watching the McCain people, etc...do this, and not say a word.

----

Please explain to me what fantasy figure I PERSONALLY have made out of Obama, and I wouldn't mind a little proof.

TAM:)

[T.A.M.]

That is the most far fetched theory I have heard in a while.
And the real damage that Wright has done Obama will show up in November.
You can spin it all you want, you can put your finger in your ears and go "La.La.La,I can't hear you" all you want but Wright is doing major damage to the Obama campaign.
And although I have some problems with some of McCain's connections, to compare Hagee with Wright misses on huge point: McCain showed up at Hagee's church once or twice; Obama was a member of Wright's church for 20 years,and took the title for his book from Wright. Big Difference.

---
Edited Out....unfair, anger filled, and venting...erased.
---
TAM:)

Edit: and The big problem with McBush and Hagee is not the duration or strength of the relationship between them, but the fact that McCain went in search of this hatemonger, homophobes endorsement.

[dudalb]

Perhaps I am being unfair, but by God, your hatred for Obama, and more particularly for anyone who dares to support him, is unfair as well.


I don't hate Obama, I just cannot see him as the messainic figure a lot of Obama supporters do. I had the same problem with the Ron Paul supporters.
I am still undecided in the next election.
I can buy him being a better candidate for Pres then McCain or Hilary, but I cannot buy him as the next Abraham Lincoln.
And,frankly, I find the Hilary hatred to be way over the top.
And ,we have been through this before, I have a resentment against Non US citizens trying to interefere in American Politics. And,frankly,that is exactly what you are trying to do. You take it way beyond just commenting on US Politics.
You really would not get a little angry if somebody who was not a Canadian Citizen tried to campaign for someone in the next Canadian election?
BTW, as of now, I would say that Hilary is more electable then Obama.

[T.A.M.]

1. I agree, that because Hillary has gotten a pass in the last several months, and Obama has been the focus of the RW and their wrath, that Hillary MAY BE more electable at this moment then Obama. If Hillary by some chance wins the nom, that will ALL CHANGE...

2. Honestly, if americans were ACTIVELY CAMPAIGNING for a particular candidate to lead our country, I would be miffed. That is not what I am doing, and you should distinguish between the two, IMO, before you throw out the Vitriol.

TAM:)

[BPSCG]

Obama's outraged now (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/29/AR2008042901505.html?hpid=topnews).


"I am outraged by the comments that were made and saddened by the spectacle that we saw yesterday," Obama told reporters at a news conference.

(...snip...)

Obama told reporters Tuesday that Wright's comments do not accurately portray the perspective of the black church.

"The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago," Obama said of the man who married him.
Seems what he said yesterday came from the same cloth as the videotaped sermons, so what's so outrageous today?

[chipmunk stew]

That is the most far fetched theory I have heard in a while.
And the real damage that Wright has done Obama will show up in November.
You can spin it all you want, you can put your finger in your ears and go "La.La.La,I can't hear you" all you want but Wright is doing major damage to the Obama campaign.
That's what people keep saying every time some bad news comes up for Obama. We'll see what the numbers say when the polls catch up with the news, 'kay?

And although I have some problems with some of McCain's connections, to compare Hagee with Wright misses on huge point: McCain showed up at Hagee's church once or twice; Obama was a member of Wright's church for 20 years,and took the title for his book from Wright. Big Difference.
McCain's got far worse problems than Hagee...

[BPSCG]

...I have a resentment against Non US citizens trying to interefere in American Politics. And,frankly,that is exactly what you are trying to do. You take it way beyond just commenting on US Politics.
You really would not get a little angry if somebody who was not a Canadian Citizen tried to campaign for someone in the next Canadian election?Sorry, disagree. I know no good reason T.A.M. or any other foreigner can't have strong opinions about our elections, or any good reason he shouldn't be able to express them. What he can't do is pretty well stipulated in the federal election laws, and I've seen no evidence he's done anything to break them. And it's not like his expression of an opinion prevents you from expressing yours.

First Amendment. It's not just pretty words.
Besides, I like to watch him and ConspiRaider :talk034: on each other. :popcorn1

[chipmunk stew]

I don't hate Obama, I just cannot see him as the messainic figure a lot of Obama supporters do. I had the same problem with the Ron Paul supporters.
I am still undecided in the next election.
I can buy him being a better candidate for Pres then McCain or Hilary, but I cannot buy him as the next Abraham Lincoln.
You're talking about a small minority of supporters. Hillary's camp has been hyping the "cultish" "Kool-Aid" meme around the enthusiasm of Obama supporters. Most supporters are just that, though: enthusiastic. Not worshipful. Not brainwashed. Just enthusiastic. We like the guy, 'kay?

[T.A.M.]

Sorry, disagree. I know no good reason T.A.M. or any other foreigner can't have strong opinions about our elections, or any good reason he shouldn't be able to express them. What he can't do is pretty well stipulated in the federal election laws, and I've seen no evidence he's done anything to break them. And it's not like his expression of an opinion prevents you from expressing yours.

First Amendment. It's not just pretty words.
Besides, I like to watch him and ConspiRaider :talk034: on each other. :popcorn1

Yes, but the difference is that CS and I have an understanding....fundamentally we are both on the same page. He is simply a HUGE Hillary supporter, and she simply gets on my nerves...to the extreme.

TAM:)

[chipmunk stew]

Think about this like a pollster and not a rooter for a second. What demographics does this help Obama get? Does it help him with black voters? Does it help him with white voters? If Obama had come out forcefully and said yesterday, "If that's the way he feels, then I do have to disown him," he might have gotten his Sister Souljah moment and the benefits you describe. As it is, the opportunity has passed.
He doesn't pick up any more voters, but he perhaps diffuses the damage, recognizing that his "Sister Souljah moment" has passed.

I could definitely be wrong, and even if I'm right, it may not work. We'll see.

And the happiest person in the USA is probably Bill Ayers.
How's that?

[Senex]

I have always been fond of Bill Moyers, but now I feel duped. Not knowing much about Reverend Wright I watched him with Moyers and came away with the feeling he was a brilliant person just out to help his community. I saw the picture of him and Moyers in President Johnson's operating room together (Wright part of the OR team; Moyers, the President's press secretary). I'm thinking you must be one hell of a sharp fellow to be black in the 1960's and be on the President's surgical team.

Wright was soft spoken and very articulate and didn't say a single thing I felt was controversial. The next day I told two people I knew that he must be being railroaded because I saw clips of the positive work his church did. His church tries to make local black youths realize they have more potential than what they see older black youths in their neighborhood doing. His church helps feed homeless people and helps the elderly. I told my friends that if you lived in his neighborhood you would support him because he inspires a demoralized demographic to try and be good citizens.

Now I learn he put forth the argument that the US government introduced AIDS to the African-American community as an act of genocide? That's even more crazy than the people who believe the US government was behing 911.

As much as I like Moyers, I believe his interview fell short of making me understand what this fellow was entirely about. I think Moyers has some explaining to do.

[Dr Adequate]

Seems what he said yesterday came from the same cloth as the videotaped sermons, so what's so outrageous today? You mean the sermons he called "inflammatory and appalling"?

Good heavens, and today he calls the same sort of thing "outrageous".

The blatant double standard is plain for all to see, so long as they shut their eyes and pretend real hard. The difficult bit is acquiring synonym-blindness: this can be achieved either by banging a six-inch nail into your skull just about where Wernicke's area is, or, apparently, by years of steadfast Republican voting.

http://www.ling.upenn.edu/courses/Fall_2001/ling001/brain_func2.gif
Your handy DIY guide to diminished mental function.
But frankly, whack the nails in anywhere, what have you got to lose?

[ConspiRaider]

Yes, but the difference is that CS and I have an understanding....fundamentally we are both on the same page. He is simply a HUGE Hillary supporter, and she simply gets on my nerves...to the extreme.

TAM:)
Yep. I am guilty of Hillary Huggery. But Doc and I are still frembds.

Besides, Doc has agreed to smuggle me those cheap old-person drugs from Canada when I get to that point, and I've agreed to write him 10 jokes a day that he can soften up his waiting room victims - I mean patients - with.

[T.A.M.]

whats that, you need some Viagra you say???

TAM;)

[Brainster]

As much as I like Moyers, I believe his interview fell short of making me understand what this fellow was entirely about. I think Moyers has some explaining to do.

Moyers was doing damage control. He's not a journalist, he's a hack for the Democrats. This time he got caught, but there are plenty of other times he got away with it.

[T.A.M.]

jeez Brainster, you sound...almost....conspiratorial in that accusation.

TAM;)

[The Painter]

That's an interesting fantasy. A glance at the facts would have showed you that, of course, she has continued to campaign for her husband.

Possibly the reason you haven't heard from her for a while is that she has made no statements that you and your 'winger pals can twist, spin, distort, misinterpret, misquote and lie about; and why would you guys be interested in anything else she might say?

You know, it's funny how you try to understand American humor or satire, but you just don't get it. You never will. You think you understand American politics so much better than Americans , all Americans, not just me, but you don't. You don't even ( funny use of the word "even") understand our humor, innuendo, parody and mockery. In all of this, I am very glad you are in the UK and not the USA but then I'm sure your glad of the same thing.

[Dr Adequate]

You know, it's funny how you try to understand American humor or satire, but you just don't get it. You never will. You think you understand American politics so much better than Americans , all Americans, not just me, but you don't. You don't even ( funny use of the word "even") understand our humor, innuendo, parody and mockery. In all of this, I am very glad you are in the UK and not the USA but then I'm sure your glad of the same thing. Ah, you're trying to pass off your stupid remarks as "humor". Let us know how you get on with that.

[The Painter]

Ah, you're trying to pass off your stupid remarks as "humor". Let us know how you get on with that.


Perfect. You walked right into it. Thank you for proving me right.


PS. You really need a bigger "A" in your avatar. That one doesn't do your ego justice. Oh, wait, maybe you don't get it?

[dudalb]

Dr.Adequate ego is beginning to remind me of why we kicked the British out in the first place.

[T.A.M.]

Dr.Adequate ego is beginning to remind me of why we kicked the British out in the first place.

For the love god. Next you'll be brandishing a musket smilie....

TAM:)

[dudalb]

For the love god. Next you'll be brandishing a musket smilie....

TAM:)


Nah, I would prefer a "Don't Tread On Me" flag smiley.

[Dr Adequate]

Perfect. You walked right into it. Thank you for proving me right.


PS. You really need a bigger "A" in your avatar. That one doesn't do your ego justice. Oh, wait, maybe you don't get it? Declaring yourself right is an interesting tactic. It's kind of like when you declared yourself humorous.

Whom do you hope to deceive?

[Dr Adequate]

Dr.Adequate ego is beginning to remind me of why we kicked the British out in the first place. Ah yes, my "ego".

I have my Psychobabble-to-English dictionary right here.

Apparently when you start talking about my "ego", you mean the insufferable element of pride and arrogance in me that makes me think that I'm right and you're wrong.

Of course, when you think that you're right and I'm wrong, that's not "ego". Not at all. You merely have the meekness and humility of spirit to realise that you're right and I'm wrong. I'd realise that myself if I wasn't so puffed up with "ego".

[corplinx]

jeez Brainster, you sound...almost....conspiratorial in that accusation.

TAM;)

Its pretty much accepted over here. I think last year or the year before Moyers did a shocking documentary on how the media rolled over for Bush. Skepticgirl posted a big "yay, the truth is out!" post about it. So I took the transcript of the show and picked some of the random examples in it and when I looked at the original sources they all turned out to be fabrications, misrepresentations, and deceptions.

Of course, I got met with the same "YOU HAVE TO WATCH IT, IT DOESNT WORK IF YOU READ THER TTRANSCRIPT" type too I get when I analyze other transcripts here.

[Darth Rotor]

I have my Psychobabble-to-English dictionary right here.

Apparently when you start talking about my "ego", you mean the insufferable element of pride and arrogance in me that makes me think that I'm right and you're wrong.

Of course, when you think that you're right and I'm wrong, that's not "ego". Not at all. You merely have the meekness and humility of spirit to realise that you're right and I'm wrong. I'd realise that myself if I wasn't so puffed up with "ego".
Dr A, I used to sing a Brit rugby song (doubtless off key) with my rugby/drinking companions that began something like this (from memory, a spoof on a Frog Went a Courtin', or some such):

A is for ******** all tattered and torn
Hey ho!
Sang Roley
And B is for bastard what's never been born
Singing Roley poley
Up 'em and stuff 'em
Say Ho!
Say Anthony Roley.

(Some of the spelling may be off.)

Are you sure that you, a Brit, want that big, screaming A in your Avatar? I doubt I am the only one who'd be cued to the Roley Poley Alphabet rugby song by that avatar presentation.

Your call, of course, but I thought I'd point out in a friendly fashion that it may not connote your grade in poetry to all and sundry.

Your Alan Rickman pic was a superior avatar, in my opinion.

DR