Richard Whalen

The Democratic party and all of Obama's supporters need to rally around him and protect him now, by fighting back in whatever way they can, not only against his enemies at Fox News and elsewhere but against Hillary. As expected, her campaign is already using the flap over Rev. Wright to argue to superdelegates that he's unelectable. (See today's story in the NYT).

I am a Black man and admitted Hillary supporter. The problem I have with Obama's eloquent speech filled with soaring rhetoric was that when he had a chance to take action in opposition to Rev Wright's objectionable words and thoughts, he did nothing. No deeds. And then just Words after the Genie got out of the bottle. The bigger problem for Obama in the voting electorate is that there are now twice as many reasons out here to question his long-term Judgement (Rezko & Rev Wright) against his politically-correct-for-his-constituency opposition speech against the War. It all invites re-examination of motivation for the opposition.

Thank you once again, Richard, for thought provoking column/blog. I do share one of the reader's concerns about the gap between Obama's clearly lofty rhetoric, and his deeds. I want to share thoughts from a senior Congressional staffer in the office of a leading member of the Congressional Black Caucus, who has endorsed Obama, but has a long and close relationship with the Clintons. The Member is very worried that a continuing divisive debate inside the Democratic Party over the racial issue is a threat in November. This Member has heard reports that McCain is seriously looking at Sen. Mel Martinez as his running mate, as a way to draw Hispanic voters, who may be decisive in November, if the election is at all close. Fear is a Black/Hispanic frictional split, and the desire is to have some kind of rapproachmont, possible joint ticket between Clinton and Obama, to instantly heal this fault line, that could get quite nasty, and could be killer in November. I also concur with the reader about the combined, and cumulative impact of both Rezko/Auchi trial, which you flagged to our attention in a column a month ago, and the Wright flap. Clearly GOP Swift Boaters are cranked up on this, and will try to paint Obama as a "radical Black militant" despite his speech in Philadelphia. I fear that in an increasingly desperate economic situation, for a growing number of Americans, such hatreds and fault lines can be exploited. Richard, I'd be very interested in getting your thoughts on these concerns.

So when Obama talks it is just words, but when Obama's priest talks it is disturbing insight into Obama's soul? That makes about as much since as Hillary supporters bringing up Rezko. Remember Whitewater, cattle futures, tax returns, Bill's new deals with Kazak dictators, etc. At least make the Republicans produce new ads. Tell Hillary to put down the switchblade. Just because she is unelectable doesn't mean she has to make Obama so. Although I'm sure she is thinking 2012 now.

The issue with Barama and his questionable relationships with Tony Rezko and Rev. Wright has less to do with the facts, though they are damning in themselves, and more to do with the timing of each scandal's disclosure. The Tony Rezko story only came out in a bail hearing for the indicted influence peddler, and Rev. Wright worked his magic on the electorate more than a year after Barama recognized he had a problem with his racist pastor's bizarre attacks on what he refers to as the U.S. of K.K.K.A. Additionally, Barama was not forthright in his initial attempt to handle each crisis. It took the better part of a year for the final tally - now up to $250,000 - of Rezko's contribution to Barama's campaigns to be disclosed, and the senator has still not actually admitted he was aware of his pastor's racist and ridiculously unfounded attacks on this country, only some vague "salty language" used in couple's counseling. The speech in Philly attempted to change the subject and put the weight of any perceived blame for this country's racial divide on viewers who still find Rev. Wright's tirades offensive, but it will fail in that attempt. Sorry, but this will be the fatal flaw in Barama's brilliant campaign, whether it occurs in the primary or the general election. Hillary at least has a fighting chance against McCain, and she has proven over the past few months and earlier that she IS a fighter!

http://firedoglake.com/2008/03/20/the-medias-race-problem/

You must be very young or have a very poor memory.