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  We asked what you think about Rev. Michael Pfleger's comments on Hillary Clinton. Here are your responses:

I am troubled that "Father Pfleger's" statement could be a continued shared view of Obama's church and their general outlook on America. The congregation certainly seemed to feed into Pfleger's view. That is to say, it does not appear as if this was a new subject. Is this how the congregation bases their shared views as a community of yesterday, every today and tomorrow? More troublesome is the question, If Obama does not embrace his church's views then why didn't he renounce them and leave from the beginning?? In addition this brings a question about electing Obama to share/represent our country, as a whole, if he has this mindset. Some questions might be: Could he be a president for all? Furthermore what is more troublesome is the fact that Obama had to go pray before deciding to leave? What is there to pray about if he does not share the monstrosities of these horrible racist views? Where then is the loyalty to the American people as a whole? Why is that so hard and what is there to think about if you desire unity, love and healing for all? Hence, the horrendous attack on Hillary's person, a presidential woman candidate, felt demeaning and out of order. Similarly the views are showing a hatred and disrespect for women and the mind sets of old church views of putting women under the men. Now these are my feelings, albeit they are my perspectives and not yet proven because I do not really know all of these people. I apologize if some of those involved actually do embrace a love for all. Thank you in advance for hearing me.-- Rebekah


Very disappointing and disturbing. But the most upsetting thing of all is that Father Pfleger did not really apologize for his disrespectful ranting: all he gave was a "non-apology." -- Mike R

I think father Pfleger's & Jeremiah Wright's comments were right on the money. America has a horrible race record but wants minorities, particulary African-Americans, to act as if nothing has happened. --qtaavy

As a Catholic and as a thinking person, I am disgusted by the hatred exhibited by Fr. Pfleger. His words are not so much a political statement as they are a tool to further fuel the racial divides that plague this country. While we have people fighting wars created by those co-opting religious beliefs to perpetuate fear, anger and hatred, here is a "man of God" doing exactly the same thing! Do not miss the very end of the clip, where he widens his remark to not only chide Hilary Clinton but all "white people" - many networks edited that last and very telling line ("She wasn't the only one crying. There was a whole lot of white people crying,"). I think that it is time to pull this Priest from the pulpit. He has been controversial for a long time, but this time he has gone too far. It is his egotistical love of the spotlight, and of media attention that drives him. he is an embarrassment to good Catholics everywhere. It is time for Francis Cardinal George to reign this maverick in. --Kevin McHugh

I am appalled by his comments and embarrassed to be a Catholic. I have lost all respect for him and I think he should be banished to a church in a small, small town until he learns to behave like a priest! --Lynn

he is nothing but a racist himself. he needs to be sanctioned. this is one of the reasons i don't go to church anymore. take away his priesthood. then the public may come back to church. but the same old story. say it then say i'm sorry. - walter martin

The Reverend Doctor Michael L. Pfleger is a racist. He demeans the caucasian race and then claims that he is just defending the African American community. Does he have to speak negatively about one race just to show the good in another race? While it is the duty of every Catholic to stand up against racism, Reverend Doctor Michael L. Pfleger has gone from being part of the solution to becoming a major part of the problem within our city. His speeches have crossed the lines of what is right in defense against the racism that the African American community has experienced and instead now demonstrates his hatred for anyone white. Reverend Doctor Michael L. Pfleger should not be a pastor within any diocese. In his role as a spiritual leader for the Saint Sabina?s community he is responsible to teach right and wrong, instead he teaches hatred. He cannot not be allowed to preach his message of hate without repercussion. He should be removed from his position immediately. - Joe

He is a media hog nut. Plain and simple. He is not a man of God but a man for his own glorification no matter the cost, lies or pandering to people who can't tell the difference or are too narrow-minded to want to. A shame to the church and to mankind, that's all he is. – The Doc

Let's look at the "tax exempt" status of that church. Working for a cause is one thing but this looks just like common politics to me. – Chuck

I laughed 'til I hurt! – txboss

I don't like Clinton, but Fr. Psfleger's behavior was disgusting, makes me ashamed to be a catholic-- sure am not in his league.cardinal george should give him a good talking to. - sophie szabrak

I think it was hilarious ! If only more people were heard telling it like it really is.The media only tells what they wan't you to hear. – m.byrne

Honestly, here is what I don't get. Hillary may be a lying manipulative person. I don't know this, but many comments imply they think this of her. Regardless, I never understand why two wrongs make a right. Why wouldn't it be more than plausible that Hillary thinks she is entitled, because of how long she has been in the political process, how long she has played the game and based on her husband, the former President, and all the political obligations they think they have coming to them (not to mention the fact that she is the first semi-viable female presidential candidate we have had in history?) Her sense of entitlement could come from so many other, and more plausible sources, than the fact that she is white, rather than because Obama is half-black. In fact, the most plausible reason is her view that because he is young and inexperienced that she feels a sense of entitlement. Older working class (yes both white, hispanic and black people support that demographic - look who is also supporting McCain - the blue class working bloc regardless of race or gender). Why is there an assumption by speakers at Obama's church that the sense of entitlement comes from race? As a woman, gender issues (and especially gender issues coupled with youth and attractiveness as with Obama) come first and forefront of my mind in terms of viewing a powerful man, not his race. As a church preaching to a historically oppressed group of people, why are not both Obama and Hillary lauded for the glass ceilings and stereotypes that both are seemingly successful in breaking in this election cycle? Why is it assumed by the speakers at Trinity that all are voting for Obama and not Hillary, no matter whether you like her or not, or appreciate what she has accomplished. Instead, she has been ridiuculed and doubted soley because of the color of her skin. What is up with that from a church that so vehemently hates a group of people for looking down on blacks for the color of their skin? It is wrong. Period. Is this assumption in favor of Obama because of his skin color? If so, isn't that advocating on favor of someone based on skin color, as opposed to skill, experience and policies? Besides the fact the tax exempt status is granted to chrurches specifically because they are supposedly not to be advocating political views, I truly do not understand where, in any religious institution or belief, is the ability to mock and degrade someone. Especially, just for entertainment or laughs or media or blackslapping. Ask Jesus or Buddha or Mohammed, etc. I don't think they would simle on the ridicule or insults of others, or at least their traditions tell us this is an anathema to them. Many might say Hillary brought this on herself. That doesn't make it right. And it doesn't make Obama, who has included various individuals in his inner circle, espousing unfounded views based on generalities based upon one's skin color or gender correct, justified or helpful in this more than necessary debate and milestone in our country's overall political and social history. I don't want to give up on politics on a whole, but if the message of hope cannot stand for more than this, whether we be talking gender, race or other historical qualities, we are truly the losers. - kingsyd

As a catholic I find that Father Phleger's 'circus like' performance is both clown-like and against our teachings...If my memory serves me, I remember that in prior years his 'antics' had labeled him as Father 'flaky'... this latest round of childish behavior only reinforces this label. This is truly a racist remark and should be dealtt with by the cardinal accordingly. It only further divides the races. Also, If Obama has been going to this church for some 20 years...even if he had been going to church only every other week that would have been at least 500 sermons... I can't believe that this type of rhetoric hasn't been said at the pulpit before... This is disgraceful ... The cardinal should 'REMOVE PFLEGER FROM HIS CURRENTL POSITION AT St. SABINA'S IMMEDIATELY !!! ' ... I also belive the cardinal's words in responding to Pfleger's comments were definately not strong enough...' Thank YOu... – D. Zurek

Hillary certainly felt entitled to the Presidency, but I think this had more to do with her connection with her husband rather than her race. Memo to Father Phlager. You are a mixed up, miserable man. I once saw you at a Chaka concert over ten years ago in Chicago. She laughed at you behind your back. Most black folk think you're a pathetic joke. LOL – Terry P

It's funny how some won't go to church To praise God, But they will go in and actually sit through a sermon to record something to try to cause hurt and shame. I grew up right across the street from St sabina church. It is apart of my child hood and Father Pfleger is an Honorable man. Any one wonder why He said he would never try to enter politics? I don't. Look at all you have to sacrifice. CBS should have passed on this story it wasn't worth the time. – Rhonda

He is another big disgrace for Catholics.He does not or ever has acted like a priest should.He shows his ignorance and prejudices. – Linda

I agree with what he said and I am a concervative white woman over 50yrs. old! – Paige

I feel sad. Obamma said, don't worry, Wright is now retired and there is a new wonderful pastor. They here comes this idiot who his pastor introduces as a 'Friend of Trinity Church'. He is carrying on with a fake accent and spreading racial hatred. The crowd is actually cheering him on. Hilary is a nut too. I don't trust either of them and I feel like I have nobody left to vote for. I wonder if the Pope heard his tirade? God help us all because no matter who takes office next year, I feel we are doomed. – Mary

He is a disgrace to the Catholic Church, AND also to the Black and White Communities etc. I know we have a shortage of priests these days but do we REALLY need someone like him? What a joke! If Cardinal George is smart he'll send him out to pasture!!!! This isn't the first time he's screwed up. He should have gone to acting school instead of the Seminary. - Mary Jean Kennedy

i feel what he is saying is right , I do feel that President Hopeful Sen. Clinton felt like she was going to the nom because of her husband and her being a woman but to put it in other terms if both black and white people are saying the same thing something must be true to these statements the only reason they are attracking father pfleger is because he said those pastor wrights church (trinity) but to be perfectly honest there are many people who feel the same way and i feel that the media adds to these issues manytime just taking quotes out of contexts but what is the media saying about pastors and speakers on hilary's campaign who are talking bad about Obama i've seen serveral videos on u tube talking about obama from pro hiliary supporters lets take our focus off of what other people are saying and focus on the candidates are speaking on and the real issues – jay

I believe that Father Pfleger's ranting and raving on Hilary Clinton IN CHURCH is outrageous and completely inappropriate - according to the preaching of God and gentlemenly behavior in our society. I know that if my Pastor did this and the situation was reversed - Obama as the brunt of his rampage - I would immediately start to look for a different congregation to belong to... one that abides by the rules of Society and the preachings of God and Jesus. I am completely unprejudiced and some of my best friends have been Black people - one of whom even looked upon me as her daughter and me calling her Mama ---. I actually fought against discrimination of all sorts (age, color, religion)in the public school where I worked. I am outraged by Father Pfager's reverse discrimination against "WHITES" AND ALL OF THIS TAKING PLACE "IN CHURCH YET". I feel fortunate that my Pastor never gets involved in politics and confines himself to preaching the Word of God! - Carolyn Peithman

I am outraged. Coming from the Catholic Church, I feel that this man, Father Pfleger, should be put in his place. There is no place for this kind of hatred and outrageous behavior in any church. I feel that his superiors in the Catholic Church should take him to task. I have not heard any condemnation from the church yet, but Fr. Pfleger should be held accountable. Priests should be held to a higher standard. If he is allowed to get away with his hateful and "bad" language, then he does not deserve to be in the position of a priest. -- A very disturbed ex-Catholic!

This is a man of religion? Is this what preists teach in churches now? If so - I think I will become an athiest. How discusting to see this preist spew such hatrid. – Kevin Joseph

As a Catholic I am so disgusted. We are supposed to love each other as Jesus himself. This outragous performance by a priest and the soft pedal repremand by the Bishop makes me totally ashamed to be affiliated with a church that has been blind to child molestors, money changers and now racist hate mongers! Thank you for allowing to express this – Lynn

Why does the Catholic church allow this self promoting, pandering priest continue to make a mockery of the Catholic church? The cardinal should toss him out on his ear. – Bill

We Love Father Pflegar. HE WAS RIGHT ON POINT. Besides, he didnt any ANYthing the media pundits haven't already said. They've said SHE expected to be the nominee, thats why she didnt plan past February. They just said it differently. And oh, Bill, we want your black card back. If ANY if the white media would EVER talk to regular black folks, we really do believe with Pflegar and for that matter MOST of what Wright has said. We say it to each other daily. The blk media pundits are afraid of their jobs to actually repeat what "we" say in private. – Kevin

shame on him...as a priest, as a man as a human being of demeaning hilary clinton..wrong time and place. if a white person were to say this about a black person there would be a riot.. – Cheryl

Just more of his habitual outrageous 'priestly behavior'! He's yet one more reason for me to remain a closet Catholic. It'll be interesting to see how the Apologist Cardinal handles this latest situation. – geepster

His statement is highly odious to all women! And the only real change would be a woman as commander-in-chief. Since chicago churches have so much to say about the state of an election perhaps they should be paying taxes. This church sounds more like a cult than a place of worship – Cat House

I wonder (NOT) if he'll sound so shrill when he discovers that he's really white; A personal discovery that'll be inspired by a burning tire thrown around the shoulders, sometime after any given black riot, due for in the future. – David

...another attack on someone just telling the truth again in plain, albeit mockingly humorous language. Public figures should not be so sensitive. The truth sometimes has a little sting to it. What if this little skit Father Pfleger enacted was on Satuday Night Live? You can tell, he was just playing up to his audience for humorous and entertaining effect... nothing more, nothing less. -- R A Figliuzzi

Freedom of speech is being attacked. I Am in agreement with Father Pfleger's remark.I don't trust Hillary Clinton in the white house. – Audrey E. Lofton

Maybe stupidity can be transmitted by close contact. – Don Eddy

It's really not funny and the apolgy that was given was the correct thing to do....But, what he said is true, we all know that rather you want to admit it or no. – Vivienne LaCour

Let me begin by saying I'm not a Democrat but I am a mother and grandmother. I find it appalling that any man of God would give a "sermon" at church that attacks another human being and then see the congregation applauding. What kind of message are they sending to their children? Shame on all of them. – Janet Brown

Liberal hypocracy on display for all of America to see. Thank you Obama and Clinton for destroying the Democrat party. – David Hoffman

It was a personal attack that should not have been. The punishment of a slap on the wrist is not enough. – Frank Smetana

I feel this country's media is causing a big rift to the United States people as a whole. STOP BLAMING OBAMA FOR THE WORDS OF OTHERS. Father Pfleger is a catholic priest that spoke at someone elses church. Why crucify Obama once again for something that is not of his control just before another primary? The media is playing into Hillary's hand by making a big deal out of the priests speech. All the sermons are different each Sunday in the churches and a lot of black churches let the people know what is going on in the world which allows them to make decisions of the political arena. – j. haney

The spectacle of a priest cursing and mocking a public figure from the pulpit to the cheers of the congregation was a despicable sight. Where is the unconditional Christ-like love that a priest is duty bound to bring to the world? Certainly not in Father Pfleger's sermon. – Kd

What reverend pfleger did was wrong but it was also true in a way.But certainly not true of sen.Hillary Clinton i'd like to believe but there are some caucasians that feel that they are entitled espcially when an african american gets the job they both are competing for.But most are not like that.Caucasians – Calvin hicks

I think that these political priests and pastors need to lose their exempt tax status ... then they can say or do anything they like as far as I'm concerned. – dNova

Childish tirade, undignified, perhaps he needs to be reminded that everything is not about race. What a disgrace. – Johanna

Fr Pfleger has been getting away with misusing his priveledge for many years now. It is no surprise that it has come down to this. He does not represent Catholics and no way represents me. Cardnial George needs to transfer him far way from Chicago and certainly away from politics. What ever happen to the separation of Church & State? – LI

Barack Obama's friends in the clergy all appear to have similar mindsets. They give racist, divisive and mean-spirited sermons from the pulpit. Sen Obama has referred to both men as his "spiritual mentors/advisors". And since Sen Obama has associated with both and listened to their preaching for 20 years or more and apparently never had any qualms about their racists views, then it must be that Sen Obama agrees with those same racist/divisive views. He can eloquently state that he finds these recent rants "divisive" in as many speeches as he wants, but ACTION (or NON-action) SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS! – Jamie

I was disgusted by his remarks and even more disgusted at the reaction of his audience, obviously in favor of the racist remarks. Where is Rev. Sharpton? Is he only outraged at white on black racism and not white on white racism? That shows what a racist he is. – Carol Haddad

Absolutely inexcusable!! No apology is acceptable for this kind of blatant abusive language from a priest!! Everyone should be thoroughly disgusted and ashamed of this man's vicious verbal attack, abusing his position as a spokesman for the church. – Michael M.

What I think is worse than what Obama's two spiritual advisers have said is the response of the church members to what was said. Seeing them cheer and encourage racially charged rhetoric makes it easy for someone to imagine Obama nodding in approval in the audience. There is no way Obama could be a member for 20 years and have never heard or approved of this style of preaching. Even with the eyes of the country on them they still continue down this path of heated racial rhetoric so you'd be stupid to think this didn't happen before with Obama front and center. And to those who say that there's nothing wrong with Pfleger "preaching the truth" what would you say if a white majority church listened to a preacher talk about black on black crime, out of wedlock birth rates, fatherless homes and poor academic perfomance within the black community? – Keith H.

I believe that the clergy should stick to what they know best, stay out of politics. No one really cares what their opinions are. – Theresa Chayes

Father Pfelger's comments were more suited to a comedy club than a pulpit. Perhaps he should consider a change of occupation. – Anh Le

Hilarious. Like a SNL skit. Who could take that seriously? and, if you listen to the audience they're laughing as well. – Elizabeth

Contrary to the false belief held and perpetuated by the news media Free Speech and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution exist and will exist. While some remarks and comments may incite and offend they are allowed all the same. Perhaps instead of defending Barack Obama and his spiritual leaders who are undeniable racists and bigots the news media should be reporting the fact and truth that are relevant to the matter at hand. Thank you for your time. – The Outlander


His comments (in church, no less!) regarding Hillary are despicable. His comments about all white people being entitled and rich is also laughable. What world does he live in where all whites are arrogant trust fund babies who lounge around and get rich by abusing black people. Why isn't his message that in America, if you work hard and have a bit of luck, you can do anything? It sickened me to hear all the cheering from the congregation. What a hate-filled church that Obama chose to let his daughters sit in and get exposed to that garbage. I don't think he's the uniter that he professes to be. -- Lee Ritz

I think it's clear that that church is a political action group - not a church. Tax em! – Rick Edwards

Fr Plfeger's should be spoken to by his bishop. He is seen as a spokesperson for the Catholic Church. As far as I can tell the Church has not endorsed a candidate. Now as far as his racist rant, I know for a fact that the church would not condone that.

It was crude and rude. I feel sad for the man. He has disgraced himself. – Irene K. Hanson

I THOUGHT IT WAS HILARIOUS!! – Karolyn

Shameful and ignorant. Disrepect all women because we cry. No wonder priest like him are phedophiles and child molesters. – Maria

What do I think about Fr. Pfleger's racist comments? Forget Pfleger, for that matter forget Rev Wright. Black Liberation Theology? Now that's what I'm talkin' bout! Barrack Obama has belonged to a church for TWENTY YEARS that is "unashamedly black", a church that fully embraces an allegiance to Africa AHAED of an allegiance to AMERICA. A church that bases it's teachings on the bible AND Black Liberation Theology (See for yourself http://www.tucc.org/talking_points.htm) I especially like the talking point from the Trinity United website that states, ? African-centered thought, unlike Eurocentrism, does not assume superiority and look at everyone else as being inferior. Unlike Eurocentrism? Maybe I'm just being an over sensitive Eurocentric but ouch, that sure sounds racist to me. In the small picture I wonder how this church maintains its tax-exempt status. In the big picture, I don't ever want to see a man or woman in the Oval Office that embraces SEPARATION Theology, and that's just what Black Liberation Theology does. Someday I hope to live in an America that looks forward and lets go of PC sayings such as ?African American.? Until we ALL see each other as AMERICAN we'll keep heading down the same separatist path... Here's a thought to kick around: White Liberation Theology! Think about it....So, how does that make you feel? If it makes you a little queasy, then ask yourself if Black Liberation Theology has the same effect. If it doesn't then you'll need to justify the double standard with your maker. – W. Nash

I've come to believe we get the politicians and the spiritual leaders we deserve. They do nothing but mirror our own mental laziness, stupidity and prejudices. Just from reading the posts...no one's mind has been changed either way from voting for or against Obama or Hillary based on this one persons pandering comments. Every stupid little tempest in a teapot that comes along just solidifies the views everyone already holds. The greatest failure in American society has been that we attempt to hold our politicians to some social and spiritual ideal that has nothing to do with whether or not...THEY CAN DO THE JOB WE WANT!! When you hire a secretary, lawyer, plumber...do you ask what church he goes to...if he's married...gay...do you care? Race, sex, age should all be irrelevant questions. I'm hiring a President, not a pastor, a husband or a friend. While we wallow in this nonsense..which one of you has read Obama's or Hillary's or McCains position paper? Looked at their voting record? Checked out which lobbyist are funding their campaign! Wake up from this media induced nonsense people or we'll get the president we deserve...again! – Ruth Dance

Seemed to summarize Senator Clinton's attitude pretty good. Wasn't polite to say, but as a great politican once said "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" – Hal

It is unacceptable for a man who says he represents Christ to inject race and ridicule into a sermon. Seems to me, he is another man just afraid that a woman just might do better. better keep her in her place at the back of the bus. We do not want her to be so uppity. – Kelly

I find Fr. Pfleger's comments very unsettling. As a Black person in America and an Obama supporter I'm offended. While the comments Rev. Wright made were offensive, they may have even been true to a degree. The U.S. has engaged in many escapades across this nation for the sake of power. They have sold weapons, supported regimes and the like. Yes, they have engaged terrorists!!!! Hillary Clinton doesn't deserve this kind of nonsense, just like Senator Obama doesn't deserve to be responsible for every idiotic statement someone makes. Let him stand on his own character and principles and leave these other people out of it. You can't control what other people say. Racism is still alive in America whether its white or black people. When Hillary started pandering to the white voters there didn't seem to be an uproar, now its called a double-standard. I hope in the end, we all realize that the goal is a democrat in the White House. – D

Father Pfleger has been at this race baiting game too long. He is a disgrace to the Catholic Church and should not be permitted to hide his Marxist, racist anti-white views behind a frock. – Tom

hillary-ous! – era

The sermon was hillarious! I was rolling on the floor! This wasn't hate speech, this was satire. I would have liked to have seen this on SNL. He told the truth. - BISHOP

Talk about sucking up to your audience. Also, the black people who are commenting on this site seem to think that white people feel entitled. PLEASE!!! No white people I know acts this way except -- only the black people I meet. – ylem

i'd like to know where cardinal george is? what happened to catholic religious being non political? - jim vitkauskas

what do i think? If I where black not only would I make clear that is one crazy white fool but that whole church (if you can even use the term) are loony tunes, they are so anti christ ithink the devil may demand an aplogy! - creighton prawat

I believe that this indicates the mindset of this type of political activist. It is well within the arrogance of these creatures to believe their ramblings are based in reality instead of wholesale wishful fantasies. What is even more painfull is the acceptance of these confused and tedious word associations by the sheep in attendance. – Dale

I think he was on point. What is she getting upset about? he told the truth, all that weeping before the New Hampshire primary and all sorts of manipulative actions since then. It's time to sit down somewhere and stop using these lame tactics to get delegates at the last minute. Geez! – sw

think it's his opinion. But also a lot of people think the same way.... – Anne

When is this going to stop?! I am very concerned about Obama's connection to this church and these people!! Obama can come out against them all he wants but it doesn't take away from the fact he chose these people as his spiritual advisors and friends. The way theses ministers (father) talk about white people is so unbelievable. They act as if we don't have any feelings and that we diserve whatever we get from black people because they are the victims. DISGUSTING!!!!! – dianeremarx

Father Pfleger hit the nail on the head. Hillary and Bill feel entitled, and along comes the upstart Obama to deny her a place in history. What delicious irony. As a Catholic, I was surprised to see a priest so animated, but enjoyed his Clinton slap-down along with the members in the congregation. – BK

I can't believe Pfleger's stupidity! What can he be thinking! Talk about putting ones foot in your mouth, with friends like he & Reverand Wright, Senator Obama doesn't need enemies! This diatribe is so not a part of Obama's message of unity. Do any of you get his message??? You, Pfleger and Wright are as bad as Hagel. Please keep your mouths shut!!!! – Rita Kain

Ridiculous. It's obvious that this guy is looking to entertain, not to minister. His comments on Hillary are wrong and stupid but even worse they are blasphemous. HE CURSES WHILE PREACHING??? The last sound bite I heard from him he said "G..D...". He's a lunatic. – Nathan

He pick the wrong time and far too dramatic, but what he said is true.Clinton feels she should be the presdent because she is white. She has say it in so many words. far too many times in the past the past weeks. Why is it that she can said anything and get away with it? She is a liar and can not be trusted – jburton

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