@JB, the New York Times Blog is good to read if you want to get some idea of reaction to the controversy. This particular blog was buzzing about this, before the rest of the mainstream media started really even focusing on it. It's a mixed bag. A lot of the folks who already liked Obama were impressed by the speech. Clinton supporters were less impressed, but some gave the speech props. Those who were on the fence or undecided, seemed to not have had their minds changed. There was a lot of negative sentiment in the sampling i read of whites who didn't appreciate Obama "throwing his white grandmother" under the bus. Anyway, I've listed some posts below, but this thing has gone on for days, so check it out for yourself.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2.../obamas-speech

March 20th,
2008
2:20 am
NO. N-O. The American people have rejected him and Team Obama’s rejection of America. Hillary Clinton will win Pennsylvania in a landslide. I would not put it beyond her to take North Carolina and Indiana as well. Obama’s bid is bankrupt on the key issues of democracy, patriotism and race. They will disenfranchise Florida and Michigan to ‘win*’ a 48 state Get Me Elected strategy. They will question the basic values of America and the sacrifices made by generations of Americans. And they will pervert America’s relationship with the rest of the world. Make no mistake - Team Obama is the nastiest collection of rogues to ever get this close to the White House.
- Posted by Doug
· 46.
March 20th,
2008
2:21 am
If only some day the blue collar workers and the hard working men and women who live near or below the poverty level and the disenfranchised who have lost their jobs and their homes - if only all of us could see beyond race to join together to improve our shared problems, then united WE would be the dream team that could bring real change in this country.
Let us stand united for Obama who believes that WE are the change we want to happen - and knows how to inspire us to be the best that we can become.
- Posted by Jaocb
· 47.
March 20th,
2008
2:26 am
I was not touched by Obama’s speech. No direct answers to direct questions. As usual. Of course, one cannot choose one’s grandmother, but one can definitely choose one’s priest and one’s church. Also, he might have chosen to speak less about his personal issues and use that opportunity to talk more about the economy, education, jobs, and the war in Iraq. These are issues that matter to all of us regardless of gender and color. So far (and I follow his speeches on a regular basis), I haven’t heard him making any concrete statements on how he is going to improve the economy. How will he inspire us to start paying our credit cards’ bills, and move to smaller houses (or have no houses at all?)? Should we give up driving? Will he ask us to give up our vacations and work even harder for less money? We’ve been already working harder for less money at a big state university, but nobody feels inspired, because our budget has been unrealistically low for the last 15 years. What are Obama’s plans for this particular economic situation? Will he ever stop blaming Hillary Clinton solely for the Iraq war and start accepting some responsibility? After all, it will be HIS war once and if he becomes the president. Could anyone who feels inspired by Obama’s speeches answer these simple questions? What exactly will he do a year or two from now to make us all feel better if not live better?
- Posted by observer
· 48.
March 20th,
2008
2:28 am
I believe that it’s correct to say that the risks in making such a speech, are worth the potential of its benefits. To not make the speech would make the risks to great to the potential benefits.
As for the speech itself, I feel that it was quite possibly one of the most eloquent, unidealistic, and inspirational speeches of my lifetime. He was able to articulate the juxstaposition of his racial identity and in so doing brought the American people along with him. I doubt that one could say that Mr. Obama’s speech is “just words” and that it wouldn’t help dissolve racial tensions in all of us. This is the type of leadership that America needs and the type of consolidation that could help in bringing back some of the characteristics that make the United States the inspiration to the rest of the world.
Respect to all. John
- Posted by John
· 49.
March 20th,
2008
2:29 am
Poster #4, I think you are so wrong and, disappointedly, negative. I hope everything you said about the working class in PA, meant all working class, including the African-American worker. They have contributed mightily to the building and maintaining of the success of America. Unfortunately, America is still ” separate, but equal “, but, to echo Senator Obama, she is evolving and in the right direction. Even though, she may not be evolving, in the speed with which many Americans would like her to, race relations in America are getting better. After all, there is a very good chance that an African-American may be her next President and wouldn’t that be a fantastic image to send to the four corners of this wonderful earth!!!!?
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
- Posted by Don Fitzgerald
· 50.
March 20th,
2008
2:31 am
There are 366 delegates in limbo from Florida and Michigan that Obama deliberately has not reached. And there are another 700 delegates arising from scheduled primaries. And then there are the Superdelegates. With Obama’s credibility in free fall, Hillary is well placed to win a majority of those primaries AND to demand that the delegates from Florida and Michigan be seated. The writing will be on the wall and the Super delegates will complete the picture by endorsing her. Obama is a train wreck.
- Posted by Doug
· 51.
March 20th,
2008
2:31 am
Did he reach his intended audience? I think he reached the audience today and going forward in history.
Yesterday’s speech was a demonstration that Barack Obama is the kind of leader who only comes along once in a generation. Like Lincoln, Senator Obama called upon the better angels of our nature. Like Lincoln, he articulated both the challenge and the possibilities for our nation.
Nor is this surprising. Senator Obama has taken up the torch from his fellow Illinoisan. In each case, there is a man who has established himself in his state legislature and with only a few years experience in Congress. In each case, there is a call for Americans to reach across the usual divides for a unity not previously envisioned. And, in each case, there is a depth of understanding and subtlety of nuance that belies statements about lack of experience.
I was absolutely floored by this speech. I had high expectations because Senator Obama is an excellent writer and speaker, and they were entirely surpassed. Everyone I’ve spoken to has felt the same way. The only thing that can prevent him from reaching the whole of his audience - for it is all Americans - is deceitful and negative spin.
- Posted by OurFuture
· 52.
March 20th,
2008
2:36 am
I believe the speech will have a negative effect on the undecided voter. By their very nature, these are people who make practical decisions based on facts rather than emotion. They can see beyond Obama’s Martin Luther King cadence and preaching style. Foremost in their minds will be the fact that Obama lied initially and he is obsessed with the persecution of blacks in America - even believing OJ was on trial because he was a black man. Most importantly will be the incomprehensible fact that for 20 years Obama listened to his pastor preaching hatred of America and the white “captors” and he did nothing. A patriot, let alone a leader, would have stood up in church and said “I will not stand for this”. Now it is the undecided voter who will be expressing those words with their votes.
- Posted by Joan McCoy
· 53.
March 20th,
2008
2:40 am
All this talk about race and gender is already getting to me. Why are the Democrats bringing all these divisions about race and gender? We want to get beyond all this and rally around a candidate quickly, please.
It seems that Mrs. Clinton doesn’t have a chance to catch Mr. Obama with the number of delegates left, and the only way for her to beat him is by rigging the election and selecting the candidate at a brokered Convention.
I’m a professional white male, independent voter, and I wouldn’t mind voting for Mr. Obama. The only thing I’d like to ask then is to finally stop all this talking about race and discrimination and move on.
- Posted by alreds
· 54.

Part 2


March 20th,
2008
3:23 am
Katy #4
What is your real issue with Obama? You seem to be criticizing him for nothing quite often.
Obviously, this was a speech on race and not economics. Is Obama not allowed to talk about that?
And there is no need to write an essay describing what working-class means, we all know what it means.
- Posted by Just Me
· 58.
March 20th,
2008
3:33 am
It was a REAL speech. Maybe the only one I’ve ever heard from a politician. Maybe you don’t like it, maybe you don’t understand it, but if you can’t respect his giving it, I pity you.
Ask yourself this, would Hillary be this honest about anything? Would she be that bold? Or would she simply tell you what you want to hear? I’ve only seen this against-the-grain honesty from McCain(in his defense of the war at its most unpopular) and Obama, I hope we end up choosing between them.
Is this speech too sophisticated to resonate with blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania? No, but it may take more time to really affect their view of Obama, fortunately there is time before the primary.
- Posted by Supermatter
· 206.
March 20th,
2008
12:17 pm
In PA, the Wright has cost Obama dearly, as noted by Katherine Seeley. The latest PPP poll, admittedly taken before the speech but in the aftermath of the Wright fiasco, have Clinton at 56%, Obama 30%.
The polls in NC also now show Clinton and Obama in a statistical dead heat (44% - 43%). The previous week, Obama led by 7% or 8%.
Nice speech but politically a disaster. This will be even more apparent when if Obama has to compete with McCain for those middle-of-the-road, non-Black votes essential to a general election victory.
Looks like Dems had better get their act together. Otherwise, get used to saying President McCain.
- Posted by Travis
· 207.


March 20th,
2008
3:05 am
The issue was whether Barack and his family who regularly attended Wright’s sermons, regularly contributed, were indoctrinated in hate by Wright. Instead Obama gave a speech on racism blaming blacks and whites equally, equating his grandmother with Rev Wright. People never heard him say that it was a mistake to hang out in the hate filled corridors of Trinity for 20 years. The voters all across America are getting to know the inner Barack - hateful, opportunist, and in his own words:
“I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother’s race” Barack H. Obama. from “Dreams Of My Father”
- Posted by shaun
· 56.
March 20th,
2008
3:14 am
This speech was an act of desperation, sheer calculation on the part of a candidate who has been far less than candid with the voting public. Things wouldn’t have come to this pass if the media had bothered to do its job, starting months ago. The Democratic party is now stuck with an accidental, unqualified front runner who cannot win the general election, and a crippled candidate - Hillary Clinton - who has been kneecapped by the very same media which fell all over itself in adoration of the Great Unknown - Obama. This state of affairs is utterly depressing and our country is in a real mess. But let’s just continue playing American Idol while Rome burns, and the Fourth Estate crumbles into a utterly meaningless ruin, a parody of its former self.
- Posted by Kathryn
· 57.

March 20th,
2008
2:58 am
His speech proved nothing except the fact that he is a skilled orator and will do everything he can to save his candidacy after revelation that his minister is a racist. It is DAMAGE CONTROL big time. If you are pro-obama you will rave about the speech and it made you cry and it is historic and transformational. If you are not a supporter you already have your opinion that he is using the race issue to suit his campaign. It is very clear that his message is: give me your vote and I will certainly cleanse you of racist sins..
His refusal to distance himself from his pastor of 20 years and not acknowledging bad judgement is already clear in the eyes and ears of voters. The campaign should go back to what is he going to do about jobs, the economy and education.
It is sad that he is quick to distance himself from his white mother and white grandparents never mentioning them in his campaign speech until he has to talk about racism and acknowledged his grandmother to be racist. Clearly his association with the black church and the black community is opportunistic and calculating.. Most people should know this by now. Also NYT has published stories about his Kenyan father who fathered 8 children with four women and abandon all of them because it was convenient for him to do so.. Will the real Obama follow his father’s footsteps in using charisma to charm women using the same charisma to charm voters in believing in him? He already did.
- Posted by elsie
· 55.[/size][/color]

Part3

· 58.
March 20th,
2008
3:33 am
It was a REAL speech. Maybe the only one I’ve ever heard from a politician. Maybe you don’t like it, maybe you don’t understand it, but if you can’t respect his giving it, I pity you.
Ask yourself this, would Hillary be this honest about anything? Would she be that bold? Or would she simply tell you what you want to hear? I’ve only seen this against-the-grain honesty from McCain(in his defense of the war at its most unpopular) and Obama, I hope we end up choosing between them.
Is this speech too sophisticated to resonate with blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania? No, but it may take more time to really affect their view of Obama, fortunately there is time before the primary.
- Posted by Supermatter
· 206.
March 20th,
2008
12:17 pm
In PA, the Wright has cost Obama dearly, as noted by Katherine Seeley. The latest PPP poll, admittedly taken before the speech but in the aftermath of the Wright fiasco, have Clinton at 56%, Obama 30%.
The polls in NC also now show Clinton and Obama in a statistical dead heat (44% - 43%). The previous week, Obama led by 7% or 8%.
Nice speech but politically a disaster. This will be even more apparent when if Obama has to compete with McCain for those middle-of-the-road, non-Black votes essential to a general election victory.
Looks like Dems had better get their act together. Otherwise, get used to saying President McCain.
- Posted by Travis
· 207.
March 20th,
2008
12:18 pm
Bravo Obama,
One might ask ‘who reads nowadays’ but this speech is an example of the need for the lost art of prose discourse and Obama grabbed it. The public is suspicious of sound bites and out-of-context media and tabloid headlines masquerading as information. The public’s response to view/read this transcript is quite extraordinary. Not to mention that his rhetorical skill holds up, under the gun, and that it can be launched at will. Whether this is skilled speechwriters cramming afterhours, or previously drafted, it is remarkable in its ability use timeliness and debate to its advantage.
This is what many voters have been waiting for, a clear way to evaluate his substance with a chance for nuance and reflection and synthesis. The power of long prose can do that, but is not easily conjured overnight.
In essence, he proves he will not be easily side swiped by events, regardless of the angle from which the blows arrive. (curious what will spew forth after the first extramarital affair revelation).
- Posted by EH NYC
· 208.
March 20th,
2008
12:24 pm
As a gay black man I have experienced nothing but hate from the so called “black church”. Obamas’ church seems to be especially hateful. I’ve often wondered about Obamas’ views on gays. I’m extremely curious now that I know about Rev. Wright. Obama made a speech to get his butt out of the frying pan, it’s as simple as that. I’m always offended when a politician wraps themselves in the American flag, especially one who won’t put a simpla flag pin on his lapel. Say what yu will about HRC but I doubt she has any Rev Wrights left in her closet. I read last night that Obama actually said after the war began that he would probably do the same things if he was in Bushs’ shoes! His Vaunted opposition to the war is belied by his voting record after the war began. And worst of all, he has kept his white family hidden until he needed to “throw momma from the train”!
- Posted by dw314
· 209.
March 20th,
2008
12:27 pm
White men are going to go McCain in Nov no matter who’s against him, so the question really is: who brings in women (the majority of voters) and Hispanics?
And we have never elected a president with even a slight association with unAmerican views-ever. “God Damn America” from the most important influence in Obama’s adult life is deadly and will be repeated daily if it’s him.
- Posted by amberglow
· 210.
March 20th,
2008
12:28 pm
Who wants to hear a speech about race and self victimization, again, when our economy is in shambles, our health care system sucks, we’re battling two wars and fighting terrorism…?
I guess the wealthy and the young who have the extra time and money could waste it all.
A guy with a bleak record won’t cut it.
A guy who has no judgement to choose his friends and spiritual advisors won’t do either.
And a guy who endorses and supports an anti-American hate mongering church won’t act properly after another 9/11.
I guess he’ll probably blame it on us… again.
- Posted by timo08
· 211.
March 20th,
2008
12:31 pm
The tragedy is that so many people aren’t listening to what Obama says. He’s inviting America to contemplate its divisions in a compassionate an nuanced way, rather than simply denouncing the “bad guys”. That’s what we’ve been doing for the past 7 years with Bush and Cheney, and look where it’s got us. Trillions of dollars in debt to China and the oil countries, stuck in an unwinnable war, with a crumbling economy, gas at $3.50 and rising - oh yes, and hated all around the world for good measure, even by our former friends in Europe.
Wake up! How are we going to get out of this mess unless we pull together? That starts with trying to understand one another’s perspectives and resentments. Expressions of moral outrage and denunciation achieve precisely nothing; they just make the denouncer feel a frisson of spurious moral superiority.
The question Obama poses us is: do we sit on our little dungheaps of outrage and point fingers at one another while the country slides even further downhill, or do we try to acknowledge what we have in common - as well as what divides us? The two go together.
It’s a historic moment - let’s try to be worthy of it.
- Posted by Simon Buckland
· 212.
March 20th,
2008
12:35 pm
I am shocked the difference of a black church and white cathlic church. I am only a casual church goer. My church only preaches love your neighbors, helping the poor, tolerance…. I would never imagine that most black agree with Rev. Wright’s preach about hatred for White and our nation.
I am disappointed that Obama thru his white grandma under the bus while kept his long term relationship with a hate monger who married him and baptised his children.
I think the relvelation will widen the gap of race. I thought that the black today is pretty much like white Americans, patrotic, religious, loving thy neighbor as all white church goers do.
It makes you think twice to even consider voting for him. I regret that I voted for him in the primary. Now I am fearful if he ever going to be the president. God bless America!
- Posted by John J
· 213.
March 20th,
2008
12:38 pm
Obama reached me in a good way but I am still a strong supporter of Hillary.
I want a Democrat in the White House in January 2009 - Hillary or Obama.
- Posted by Leticia P. Carlos
· 214.
March 20th,
2008
12:41 pm
I wasn’t moved by his speech. He danced around the issue more than anything with his quasi-cerebral analysis of it. We don’t need a history lesson from Senator Obama. I even thought is was funny that he threw William Faulkner in there, as if he was trying to score points with Southerners.
Obama didn’t really address his lack of good judgement. He wanted to once again explain everything away, and then turn it into a round table discussion on race as if to say we don’t need to think about his judgement. That speech wasn’t ground breaking by any means. It was nothing more than a ploy on his part to change the subject.
- Posted by Lisa
· 215.
March 20th,
2008
12:42 pm
Obama’s Great Speech Recieved LOUD & Clear-am voting for him.
- Posted by Asim MA, San Antonio
· 216.
March 20th,
2008
12:54 pm
Future generations of Americans will view Senator Barack Obama’s speech as one of the great state papers in American History. Our troubled times calls out for an inpirational leader to guide our beloved Naton. It is wrong to blame the Illinois Senator for the excesses of his Pastor. Should Catholic Candidates be held accountable for the Vatican’s description of homosexuality as “an intrinsic disorder.”? In 2004 The Democrats had a choice between an exciting and dynamic candidate- John Edwards, and a bland,conventional candidate,John Kerry. Why repeat that mistake this time round.All the way with Barack Obama.
- Posted by Mannie Harrison
· 217.

G ,do you really think McCain has got this on lock,regardless of the Dem nominee??

Even though McCain has said y'all could be in Iraq for another 100 years,is that what the majority of voting Americans want??


How many peeps are there in the US now,is it 250 mill or 300?? I'm not sure ,not even sure how many of them can vote or do vote,but y'all cant be plumping for that kind of government again,I just cant imagine it or are you just resigned to the Repubs teefin the election again?

Oh ,am just now reading your previous posts G,will holla back when i'm done.

Yep thanks for posting those G,have been taking the temperature on peoples thoughts(specially in America) wherever I can find them.

Just keeping a watchful eye on the numbers now.