Politics

  We asked whether you think Barack Obama has done enough to address the controversy surrounding his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Here are your responses.

No, I thing think this has gone on way too long for Obama to get up and make a speach and it all go away. If anyone else had been involved with this type of person they would have been ran out of the political game. I'm tired of these people getting into trouble, making there speaches and going on like nothing is wrong. You don't know someone for so long and not know what they stand for. I thing Mr. Wright and his kind have been fueling this racial thing way too long for their own personal gains. I think most inteligent people take people for who they are. We don't need these kind of people leading and advising our leader. They should go and get a real job. But thing about this..If some one calls you a name, that name has no importance unless you place one on it. So who is the racist? The name caller or the person placing the importance on the name. --charles0510

Barack Obama did the "political thing" and tried to distance his image from the angry anti-American pastor. But, I think this is not going to go away because our national nose smells a rat: at some level we all "know" the Obamas share in Rev. Jeremiah Wright's sentiments. Enough of us think a person with such feelings should never become President of the United States. We are simple people: we expect our President and First Lady to love our Country deeply. But let's be frank, Barack and Michelle are not alone in this: most Liberal Democrats also think America is a bad Country. This is why they divided the Country in a time of War. So, this is NOT about a bad Black Church, rather it is about a bad way of thinking. We don?t want perfect people in the White House, but we want people who in the spirit of Dr. King do not see the color of the skin, and like President Reagan do love and put America First --Eduardo

Yes, Barack Obama has done more than enough. I am a white, liberal democrat and an Obama supporter. I don't believe that simply because Obama attended Rev. Wright's church, he is a racist. I have an aunt, who is like a second mother to me and she is a very conservative Republican, who is a staunch supporter of Bush and the Iraq War. I have been around her all my life and that has not influenced me to become a conservative Republican, nor to support the Iraq war or Bush. Although I do not agree with her politics, and find some of her comments offensive, my aunt has other redeeming qualities, and I am sure the same is true for Rev. Wright. For those of us who have never met Rev. Wright, we don't even know what those qualities, because we're only seeing what the media shows us, that which makes news. I have a brain and a mind of my own that allows me to form my own opinions and beliefs, independently of my aunt or anyone else. Barack Obama has a brain too, and is able to form hsi own opinions and beliefs, independent of Rev. Wright. I think it's time to get back to the issues, and forget all of these side issues that have nothing to do with Obama's ability to serve as our President. --Peggy

Rev Wright should not have opened his month not only again America but also, against one of his past member while he is running for the highest office in our land; Rev Wright is not politic. If he is of God knowledge then he known of the double edge lips (double edge sword). Barack Obama was betrayed, by this man (God don't like ugly) but this will not stop me from vote for Barack Obama in November. I'm a will educated old Grandmother, I me will not vote for a two-face woman when she can get the facts before she tell her stories like her 3 am wake up call! This issue has got me to upset! So let the News media end this issue soon. Yes! I go to church every Sunday and during the week and known my Bible very well! Go Obama! I'll keep praying for you?re to WIN! --Francine

Obviously, Senator Obama has denounced the racial bigotry and hate that his friend and pastor is espousing. I find it hard to believe that he has not seen this side of the Reverand in his twenty years as a member of the Reverand's church. This man is full of hatred and bigotry, and is the example of the most harmful of racists. It scares me and I'm sure the rest of the American public who see this as an attack on our nation far greater than that of 9-11. This is an effort to divide our country and this man (Rev Wright) should be held accountable. Senator Obama needs to not only denounce his comments but demand he apologize for his comments. I know Jesus and he did not spread hatred. Reverand Wright needs to pick up his BIBLE, look at Jesus' definition of love, pray, and then seek counseling. He is a sick man. --David Pearl

I am not a U.S citizen but i am so current about the whole story of this election. Rev jeremiah wright is a man of God... Which i agree with. But he is kind of showing himself as a racist. It is somehow true that racism is still in the world not only in U.S. But someone has to step out and put an end to it and the person who can do that is BARACK OBAMA. Rev jeremiah wright is doing a big mistake by coming to the press to make this kind of wrong and destructive speech. He calls himself a REVEREND. He should be in his church and not talking in a press club. He should talk in his church as a reverend which hes claming to be. I am sure the words hes saying and how is saying it contradicts to the BIBLE and the way we are taught by the BIBLE. I think jeremiah wright should have applied some senses and know that his words will somehow hurt americans and a person who is coming out for real change. OBAMA IS CHANGING EVERYTHING FOR GOOD AND NOT THE OPPOSITE. Rev wright is so destructive because he should have say all this long time ago and not now when this great OBAMA want to run for president. This is not OBAMA'S mistake. We are all human beings and we can change in just a minute. ONLY GOD NEVER CHANGES. Obama knows this man for almost 20 years and am sure obama never heared Rev wright made these comments before these recent days because if he has heared that before he would have distanced himself from him long time ago. But OBAMA has done the right thing to distance himself from Rev wright, now that he has said words that contradicts to obama's plan for AMERICA AND THE WHOLE WORLD. OBAMA IS THE BEST PRESIDENT AMERICA WILL EVER HAVE.. IF WE WANT TO SAY THE TRUTH. – Skipo

Yes he has, although I didn't think it was necessary. Wright does not speak for Senator Obama, and it is very clear that Senator Obama does not agree with his views. As for those that think he should have left the church a long time ago, remember, Wrights remarks were made after 9/11/2001 and Senator Obama was not there in the church. Also, if people were to leave their churches anytime something was said or done that they didn't agree with, the Catholic churches would be empty. (btw, I'm Catholic.) – Margaret B.

Yes, he has !!! One e-mailer stated why is Obama just now distancing himself from Rev. Wright. Well, Its this simple, the issues has just surfaced and Rev. Wright's view were just being aired and that doesn't mean O'bama has to agree with what Rev. Wright believes. Just imagine if it was your son, what would you do? Other than what he has done, I THINK NOTHING, you can't be accountable to what someone else says or does. IT'S NOT YOU SAYING IT !!!! – Gerald Litt

No! He should withdraw from the presidential race and try to become a good senator for Ilinois; since being elected to the U.S. Senate, all he has done is run for president in order to satisfy his huge ego. He certainly has a high opinion of himself. Pastor Wright has expressed his beliefs, but Obama says whatever will him get elected. I'm an African American Democrat who supports Hillary Clinton, a proven leader. – Jesse

Hi, Yes, Sen. Obama has done enough. This is as emphatic as it can get. It leaves no room for any ambiguity as to the Senator's thoughts and current relationship with Rev. Wright. The Senator is acting quite Presidential in my opinion. He has distanced himself from the Rev. in no uncertain way. It is demonstrative of serious leadership in the crunch. Sincerely, Mike Bjordal, Edgewater

No. Why is Obama allowed to change the question? The question is why when for 20 years Reverend Wright has been a close advisor to Obama, was one of the two people that Obama had to talk to before He announced for President and Reverend Wright was or is a senior advisor to the campaign should we believe that Obama wasn't influenced by his ideas. There was a press report awhile back about a campaign staff memo saying at some point Obama might have to cut ties to Reverend Wright, which leads to Reverend Wrights comment that Obama is doing what politicians do. It explains Mrs. Obama's statement that for first time in her adult life she felt pride in the country for voting for her husband. – Ken Hummel

Yes, because Jeremiah Wright does not speak for the black church. But only his church. I've been a pastor 20 years and marine 4 years + 4 years in the Army and Airforce Reserve. I've seen a lot from 1950 until 2008. Pastor Wright is completely out of touch , the black church and politics of today. – Elbert Cates

Yes, I do. I think he has been very straight-forward at what I think was a very high cost emotionally for him and for those people who say he hasn't done enough, I don't believe they were ever going to vote for him to begin with. Now let's get back to the issues that are important to most of us. – Marie Mitchell

Isn't there separation of church and state? More is being made out of this than needs to be. Wright is hardly a reflection of what Obama thinks or feels. He indicated his support for his church, but has separated himself from the the feelings of Rev. Wright. – Judy Johnson

Yes i believe he have done enough to distant himself from rev. wright. but as a african american person we always found a way to bring each other down, i believe this is a ployed to discredited african americans for voting the first black president.Barack will get my vote in november. – ace

Regarding the most recent comments made by Barack Obama denouncing Jeremiah Wright's comments is a very clever act by Barack. Why would an individual separate himself from somone with whom he has associated himself for 20 years so closely that he allowed this individual to marry him and baptize his children? Why all of a sudden? Because he knows that Wright is a racist and knows that any association with him will ruin his chances to win this election. Barack is a racist too, but is hiding this fact until he gets in the White House. Then, I believe, it will become extremely clear. It is a lie, and as blatant as the lie President Clinton stated when he said, "I never had sex with that woman". – Marie

Yes. Jeremiah has shown to all the world just who he is and how he thinks. It is obvious to me that Jeremiah is a loose cannon and he's on his own agenda. The media shouldn't allow him to play them like puppets for his own gain. What is there to say about him? Move on! Sen. Obama has said enough about this situation and needs to move on to addressing more important issues like the economy, health care, and how we all can work together to bring about change in America. He still gets my vote. – Stephanie Pegues

I don't believe did it soon enough. I can't honestly believe that Wright's sermon has changed that drastically and Obama has not been swayed by his teachings in the past 20 years. He has been married by Wright and raised his children under Wright's guidance. Is this what he will teach our children? – Angel Nowak

I do not agree with everything a minister says. That does not mean I would change churches because of it. I think he has done a good job of distancing himself from the latest rhetoric. His opponents are trying to put the knife in his back and turn it many times. – Susan

No. He's spent 20 YEARS at that church - and he says that he didn't know what J.W. said/believed. I've heard of people falling asleep in sermons, but this is beyond anyone's imagination. We need a president that is discerning... on even subtle messages... does Barack exhibit this trait in ANY way? – Bob

Hell yes an the news media should get that fact. I along with other American voters would like to hear the things that matter most in this country that actually help the American people like the economy,foriegn policy, and education . You pundits of the news media are more of a circus act than an information center an that is why he has done enough to address the issue of Wright. An to the news media ENOUGH already your the problem. An this comes from a Conservative Republican. – Jay

no. I believe Obama is lying when he says he did not know what Wright stands for. - ck ribakoff

Of course he has---he's done more on HIS faith and his pastor, than ever REQUIRED of anyone else....WHY? – Alma

He has not done enough. He was very slow in responding and his initial remarks on the subject were "lame." It is impossible to believe that Obama wasn't aware of Wright views and remarks over recent years. I also believe that he likely supported many of Wright's views and has only now for political expediency has made his comments against them public. He will not get my vote in the general election. – Harold Smith

No, Barack Obama should explain how he was so close to the Rev.Wright for so many years, married him, baptized his children, etc., and never heard his racist and anti-American messages until yesterday. Barack should denounce the Rev.Farrakhan, one of Rev. Wright's idols, and the Nation of Islam (NOI)and their beliefs. For example one of the NOI beliefs is 'separation of whites and blacks would be the solution to our race problem.' He should remove the Nation of Islam employees who currently work on his staff immediately. Barack has many more explanations to tell and I suggest he address them now and not when he might be the Democratic Presidential Candidate. – boba

Yes. Contrary to what Republicans, and Hillary Clinton, want to believe. This is not what voters want to focus on. We have serious problems in this country. Anyone can see that Barrack Obama is nothing at all like Rev. Wright. I wonder if some catholics are now suspected of being a child-molesters simply because their priest was. – Lori

Barack Obama doesn't need to "do" ANYTHING to address this made-up controversy. I can't believe what quisling tools are our American media. What CBS now needs to do is to investigate the anti-Catholic and anti-Semite beliefs of the man whose ensorsement John McCain sought - the Rev. John Hagee. We've heard NOTHING abou this very REAL controversy involving John McCain's character. – Cathleen Fitzgerald

After sitting in 'church' for approx 20 years listening to Wright's hateful venom (signifying agreement with Wright's rants), there's practically nothing he could say that would be acceptable. It's obvious that the only reason he's denying Wright now is because it's hurting his chances for election. His statements that he didn't realize Wright's racist attitude are simple a red herring. He's DONE as far as I'm concerned. And early on, I really had hopes for him! No more! – Rich Evans

BHO will be joining Mike Dukakis as a footnote in history. Clearly his views are unacceptable to the majority of voters. Fortunately we learned this before it was too late. – Larry Thomas

Obama missed the boat 20 years ago by remaining loyal to the hate monger Wright. I don't believe a word Obama says now, who, BTW, seems to have problems without a teleprompter nearby. – Aspasia

This morning it was revealed that Obama only went on the offensive after doing extensive polling Monday evening trying to determine what he should do about Rev. Wright. Obama did not have the common sense to "do the right thing" on his own. He depended on the polls to tell him how he should handle this matter. It?s despicable that Obama only had negative things to say about Wright?s attitude and comments after Wright personally attacked Obama. Senator Obama didn?t have a problem with Wrights racist, America hating comments prior to that time. Obama is not the new saviour of country. He is a typical politician that only says what the results of a poll tell him to say. Obama is more Clinton-like than Hillary. – Joe D.

I hope Obama is never able to wiggle out of this. He's not a viable candidate for president. – Lucille Arneson

Barack Hussein has done all he can do. At this point it is plain for everyone to see that Barack Hussein does not exhibit the judgement it takes to be the President. Barack Hussein threw his own pastor under the bus once it was revealed to America what type of rhetoric he has been buying into for the last 20 years. Barack Hussein has just been "acting like a politician" just like Wright said. Barack Hussein will bring our country down if elected. – K.C.

Not even close. He went to Wright's church for 20yrs. He had every opportunity to stop attending that church. He didn't! If I were to come to your house and you started using foul language around my children I'd leave. His children went to this church. What did Wright teach them? To defend Obama is ridiculous! – Albert

Barack only denounced Wright when he finally came after him. Barack is full of poo-poo and he is now toast. – Robert Mundorff

NO! Obama should tell us where his heart really is. Rev. Wright knows that Obama & his family believe the same way Rev. Wright's Afro-centric church & his congregation believes, & the Rev is saddened by Obama's lying about his true beliefs, which are the same as the Rev's. Obama needs to "tell it like it is" and not be just another two faced politician, who says one thing behind closed doors and another to the voting public. – Gare

Barack's problem is that, Black liberation theology is racist at it's core. How willing would be to accept a white man's 20 year long flirtation with a racist relgion? – John Smith

NO! Because he has flip flopped on many of his previous statements. The only one that has shown any consistency is "Rev Wright" and that is all hate towards whites! – Ray

Doesn't matter. It's over for him. Mr. Wright is such a stupid man.. I don't believe he doesn't want to hurt Obama'. Because.. If Obama were to win.. What would that idiot have left preach about? – josef

Barack Hussein Obama has done all he can; but the best antiseptic is sunshine. The sun shines on you Obama and it ain't lookin' too good! Get out while your party is still in one peice. – Stephen

Why is it that Barack Obama is the only member of Rev. Wright's church to denounce him? That in itself is suspect to me. And why did it take 20 years before Obama stood up against him? – Kevin

The mentor of Obama repeated the same things he had said previously when Obama refused to seperate the two. Only now when Wright repeats those same comments does Obama leave his side. No, Obama has not enough. Obama has not given how many times he attended. Why he stayed even after he knew of those comments? Why did Obama not invite Wright to his speech announcing his run for President? This latest attempt of Obama to separate himself from Wright only seems to be for political gain, not actual judgement which we wanted in our next President. We are told by the Obama camp that these statemtents by Wright were taken over 15 or 20 years, however we are not told why Obama never even left after Wright made these statments. Had Obama left 3, 5, or 6 years ago he would have been able to turn this into a positive. Every angle I try and view this I can only see how this magnifies poor judgement on Obama. Even worse Obama has tried to give 3 or 4 different answers trying to explain this several weeks ago and only now he is willing to leave the side of Wright? A follow-up poll should be of those that voted for Obama, who would like to change their vote had they know of this past of Obama? – Brian Richard

No he has not. Obama sat in those Pews for 20 years and only now will he denounce them? Rev Wright speaking out the other day is proof that what he said is really what he believes and what he has been preaching for the last 20 years while Obama sat there. Obama is lying when he says that he has never heard the good reverand wright talk about this stuff-the proof is in his interviews where he openly says it. Obama is a hate monger and will destory this country. – Kevin

Wright is a fruitcake. The worse kind of racisit, the kind the spreads hate. If he were white and saying the exact same spew, he'd alreddy been ostracized from society and the church. But because he is black he kind get away with his CRAP! I had planed on voting for Obama, but would rather rought in hell than to do so now. – Lori O'Dell

I'm not an American but I am watching your Democratic primary with great interest. I wonder if it is possible that your country will finally elect somebody who no longer wants to use the world as a giant risk game. Each generation learns from the past mistakes. Why does Obama have the lead with the majority of younger and better educated. Older less educated people might say they are naive just like their parents said about them. The real answer is that they probably are much brighter and more able to see the bigger picture. You would think by now you'd have found a better way of dealing with things – Andrew

He has not disavowed his past statements nor the relationship. Obama s wife also needs to completely disavow the un-American recent and past statements of the Reverend. This guy married he and his wife for gosh sake. And now the Reverend says that if you criticize him, it's an attack on the black church. Truly outrageous and blatantly playing the race card. This is really really not good for Obama. – Otis McWrong

No...his response was self-serving + uncovincing. Rev Wright is a racist. Obama did not refute this stupidity until he had to. That tells me volumes...and he has lost my vote. – Dan McCarthy

Unfortunately for B. Hussein, it's too litle too late. What would have been enough is to have left the church 5 -10 yrs ago. Of course this would have gone against his beliefs and principles, which is OK, but now he is twisting and spinning like a ballerina, doing his expedient best to convince the masses. Give the Wrong Rev Wright credit, at least he's always been honest. Now many gnash their teeth in anguish and complain that "guilt by association" is so wrong, but I wish to seriously ask what the media reaction (frankly, many of you on here) would be if we were talking about a white Republican candidate with links to a "controversial" (trust me that is truly putting it mildly) white pastor ?? Anyone care to guess..don't answer that.... – BigDex

Sorry for the Sen. Too late too not understand. Maybe 20 yrs too late. This will probaly cost him any shot, if he had one anyway, at the presidency. Try again 2012, but he must go to the middle for any chance then. Lets' see how he votes in the Senate the next 3 yrs. – rick b

The only statement made by Reverend Wright during his address to the Press Club that was different from the evil hate he spewed from the pulpit was the "wink wink" statement that Obama had to say what he said for political expediency. If Obama he was truly sincere about rebuking all of the other hateful remarks, he had plenty of time (at least a year) to make that clear. Obama's press conference just validated what a phony he is. – Kris

I don't think Barack Obama should have ever HAD to defend himself...he isn't responsible for what another human being says, right or wrong...it's too bad it's taking such a front seat in this election. – Pam Carlson

It is not about his pastor. It is about what he can do for the country. I couldn't care less about what Wright says. – sherryq

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