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Obama Resigns From Trinity Church

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:49:57 PM EST
Tags: Barack Obama, 2008 (all tags)
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CNN and others are breathlessly reporting Obama is resigning from Trinity Church.

[Comments closed.]

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    Obama Resigns From Trinity Church | 210 comments (210 topical)
    Wow, what a hero. (5.00 / 24) (#1)
    by masslib on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:50:40 PM EST


    There goes (5.00 / 6) (#85)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:11:46 PM EST
    the militant-Black vote.

    [ Parent ]
    Of course... (5.00 / 10) (#92)
    by JimWash08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:14:30 PM EST
    With hardly a black voter population to worry about in Montana, South Dakota and Puerto Rico, it probably was a timed decision.

    And lets not lose sight that its on the day of this meeting.

    It's all about timing, and Axelrove is a master at it.

    [ Parent ]

    Axelrod is the new Rove. nt (5.00 / 7) (#99)
    by Jake Left on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:16:06 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Except (5.00 / 12) (#103)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:18:01 PM EST
    Rove WON presidential elections.

    [ Parent ]
    Ha ha ha (5.00 / 3) (#120)
    by Paul F Villarreal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:27:42 PM EST
    :)

    [ Parent ]
    Of course, Obama didn't realize he'd be (5.00 / 5) (#114)
    by pie on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:24:09 PM EST
    hastily tapped to run in the 2008 election.  Therefore, it's not surprising that he stayed in the church.  At the time, it was a good thing for his career as a state and U.S. senator.

    Makes me really wonder about those who wanted to foil Hillary.

    [ Parent ]

    "Those" (5.00 / 3) (#161)
    by facta non verba on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:05:54 PM EST
    are Tom Daschle and Dick Durbin. Those are the ones who want to govern but can't so they picked their own version of GWB.

    [ Parent ]
    The only "tapped" I want to hear, i.e. (5.00 / 5) (#170)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:14:03 PM EST
    obama is that he has "tapped out" of the race for presidential nominee.  I truly believe he qualifies as the most divisive figure in democratic politics EVER.

    [ Parent ]
    Oh please.... (none / 0) (#201)
    by masslib on Sat May 31, 2008 at 08:42:07 PM EST
    Nothing hasty here.  This has been in the works for four years at least.  You can not possibly think the Chicago machine just suddenly discovered Obama.

    [ Parent ]
    Yes, what a relief... (5.00 / 9) (#142)
    by NotThatStupid on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:48:40 PM EST
    ... it is to know that, if he's elected President and a tough problem comes up requiring him to exhibit courage, toughness and decisiveness, we'll only have to wait twenty years for him to do the right thing.

    How could anyone think this man is fit to lead this country?

    [ Parent ]

    Well no informed, intellectually honest and (5.00 / 2) (#165)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:11:33 PM EST
    objective person who is concerned for America would have picked obama...Some actually think he may make for a weak president based on his latest church kerfluffle.

    I found this on-line and thought it interesting...

    link

    [ Parent ]

    It's incredible to me that all this (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by zfran on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:20:02 PM EST
    "worship" of Obama has occurred. I am not a follower, never have been, but I just-don't-see-it or get-it!!!!! So, if someone who is truly for Obama, because they feel he's the strongest and best candidate for our country, please tell me why, with intelligence, sanity and details. Thank you.

    [ Parent ]
    I wish he would have done that (5.00 / 7) (#3)
    by andgarden on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:51:44 PM EST
    months ago.

    Try years ago (5.00 / 17) (#16)
    by hookfan on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:26 PM EST
    But now that it's a liability another bump under the bus. Where is Obama's loyalty to anyone but himself.

    [ Parent ]
    years ago. (5.00 / 13) (#17)
    by TalkRight on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:33 PM EST
    if you watch the people's attending that church and the reaction to comments against our country or Hillary.. I wonder what kind of people can justify that kind of dancing behavior.

    [ Parent ]
    Everyday people.... (none / 0) (#214)
    by kdog on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 10:15:42 AM EST
    I mean if you don't think our country is on the wrong track and don't partially blame the Clinton ruling family for keeping us on that wrong track from 92-00 then I don't what to tell ya.

    There are a lot more people disillusioned by the state of the nation and the Clintons role in that than you probably realize.  We all don't go to Trinity, some of us wouldn't be caught dead attending services:)

    [ Parent ]

    Can an entire church (5.00 / 27) (#4)
    by stillife on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:52:12 PM EST
    fit under a bus?

    It's a big bus (5.00 / 24) (#6)
    by Edgar08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:52:51 PM EST
    A celestial shuttle.


    [ Parent ]
    Oh, so now we (5.00 / 14) (#13)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:12 PM EST
    understand that space shuttle launch earlier.

    [ Parent ]
    Don't they have their own? (5.00 / 17) (#7)
    by nycstray on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:53:16 PM EST
    it's a tad crowded under ours :)

    [ Parent ]
    LOL. We'll need a Mack truck.... (5.00 / 7) (#43)
    by Maria Garcia on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:00:03 PM EST
    ...to accommodate them.

    [ Parent ]
    is Optimist Prime available? (4.50 / 2) (#87)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:12:50 PM EST
    he was a pretty big truck in Transformers

    [ Parent ]
    How about the Concord....they aren't being (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:31:03 PM EST
    used anymore and must be available.

    [ Parent ]
    My favorite transformer, (4.66 / 3) (#107)
    by ChiTownDenny on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:19:38 PM EST
    after Bumble Bee.

    [ Parent ]
    Not when the space is already full ... (5.00 / 8) (#15)
    by cymro on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:21 PM EST
    ... of core democratic voters.

    [ Parent ]
    I sorta like all the previous people that were (5.00 / 7) (#55)
    by honora on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:03:22 PM EST
    thrown under the bus with us, but does this mean that we have to make room for Wright and Fr. Mike? I guess the singing under here will improve.  Please for the love of God, can we forbid Obama from throwing Michelle or Richardson under here.  We do have some standards!

    [ Parent ]
    Oh honey (5.00 / 6) (#71)
    by madamab on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:09:12 PM EST
    I'm a better singer than they are! ;-)

    (Opera singer here)

    [ Parent ]

    How about linking an aria one day madamab? (5.00 / 4) (#122)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:31:39 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    On an open thread...;-) (5.00 / 2) (#132)
    by madamab on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:37:13 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    alrighty....I'll wait!! (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:56:48 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    It will not save him (5.00 / 24) (#5)
    by TalkRight on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:52:38 PM EST
    It will raise more questions.. WHY NOW? WHY SO LATE?

    I agree. He had both pastors involved (5.00 / 13) (#18)
    by nycstray on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:50 PM EST
    in his campaign. That's another issue that isn't brought up as much . . . but I'm sure will be.

    [ Parent ]
    Involved? (1.40 / 10) (#53)
    by 1jane on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:02:39 PM EST
    Two individuals who do not speak for Sen. Obama or reflect what his thinking are two people chasing notority and 15 seconds of fame at Sen. Obama's expense. Next, someone will write someone in the children's choir gave another kid a wedggy and that's Obama's fault too. The words to listen to and weigh are Sen. Obama's words.

    [ Parent ]
    Not speak for Obama? (5.00 / 15) (#70)
    by Emma on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:09:07 PM EST
    Pfleger campaigned in Iowa for Obama.

    [ Parent ]
    Um, surely you must (5.00 / 15) (#75)
    by dk on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:10:02 PM EST
    have missed that flier his campaign passed out in South Carolina showing him looking up to Jesus and talking about how important his church was in his life.  These guys were leaders in his church.  Sorry, you don't get to pimp your church attendance when it helps you get votes, and then pretend like you don't know what your church leaders are doing when it is losing you votes.  

    [ Parent ]
    Absolutely right. (5.00 / 12) (#78)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:10:25 PM EST
    And the words under discussion are those of Mr. Obama, "Father Pfleger, Rev. Wright, would you come and be on my advisory committee, please?"

    [ Parent ]
    Completely dishonest (5.00 / 6) (#93)
    by Dr Molly on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:14:37 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Skepti....are you working in tandem with (5.00 / 14) (#101)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:17:19 PM EST
    other obamatrolls that get troll rated...they get ones and you come along and give them 5's in hopes of giving them credence?  Arianna just called and she needs you...

    [ Parent ]
    Clearly (5.00 / 14) (#106)
    by janarchy on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:19:23 PM EST
    you missed the part where there were pictures of Father Pfleger on Obama's website until this week listing him as a spiritual advisor and part of his campaign committe -- as was Rev. Wright earlier.

    Too little too late. The "it had nothing to do with him" argument doesn't wash.

    [ Parent ]

    Let the history rewrite begin... (5.00 / 16) (#111)
    by tree on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:21:43 PM EST
    Chicago Sun-Times, April 2004:

    These days, he says, he attends the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Trinity in the Brainerd neighborhood every week -- or at least as many weeks as he is able. His pastor, Wright, has become a close confidant.

    ...

    [Obama]"The biggest challenge, I think, is always maintaining your moral compass."

    Friends and advisers, such as the Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Roman Catholic Church in the Auburn- Gresham community on the South Side, who has known Obama for the better part of 20 years, help him keep that compass set, he says.

    May 31, 2008: Now these same two pastors that Obama called his spiritual advisers and confidants are thrown under the bus by some Obama supporters as "two people chasing notoriety and 15 seconds of fame at Sen. Obama's expense".

    [ Parent ]

    In SC last fall, Michelle began a speech (5.00 / 5) (#130)
    by Josey on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:36:45 PM EST
    with greetings from Rev. Wright and Trinity Church.
    (saw that on a Repub site, but didn't save the link)

    [ Parent ]
    Both of them, Wright and Pfleger, (5.00 / 3) (#193)
    by FlaDemFem on Sat May 31, 2008 at 08:00:34 PM EST
    were on his website as "spiritual advisers" to the campaign. He sat in Wright's church for 20 years. He listened to those sermons for 20 years. Then he decided they were a political liability. And he dumped them. He can't have his cake and eat it too. He has to explain why and how he could be a member of a church that preached racial division while he campaigns on racial unity. He has to explain how the two are compatible and he has to do it to the satisfaction of the American people. When you do a job interview, which is what this is, the interviewers have the right to know everything that will apply to how you do your job. So far, all we know about Senator Obama is that he doesn't do much of a job at anything. Even explanations. We are just expected to take his word for everything. Well, that just isn't good enough. If he can't take Hillary at her word when she says something instead of spinning it into an insult, why should we take him at his word when he takes back an insult or stupid mistake on his part? He has to prove it now. And I doubt he will be able to, because you can't prove a lie.

    [ Parent ]
    1jane, you're funny. (4.61 / 13) (#104)
    by jeffinalabama on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:18:16 PM EST
    you remind me of Baghdad Bob.

    [ Parent ]
    Those were the good days ;) (none / 0) (#134)
    by befuddled on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:39:15 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    I agree (5.00 / 6) (#67)
    by CanadianDem on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:08:11 PM EST
    it looks bad either way....waffles with that or why were you in that church for all those years if it is worth resigning from now? Plays like pure politics.

    [ Parent ]
    I think Michael Obama should be worried (4.91 / 12) (#88)
    by TalkRight on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:13:00 PM EST
     .. because it might not be far when he will throw her also under  the BUS.

    He doesn't need the AA NOW or his Church. SO there you go...

    He has shown repetedly that he is cunning enough to throw anyone to get this nomination. Everyone knows how his career got started..

    He has NOW thrown

    His grandmother - Who raised him and made him what he is today.

    His pastor - Who showed him the way to God..

    His friends - Who helped start his political career.

    His Church -- Who gave him and his family everything that a church gives.

    AA -- who gave him the votes and victories without which he could not be where he is today.
    ...
    guess who will be next.. when Republicans try to raise questions against Michaelle.. She should be ready..

    [ Parent ]

    that would be (5.00 / 2) (#102)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:17:24 PM EST
    AWESOME.

    [ Parent ]
    A towering post (5.00 / 1) (#198)
    by Paul F Villarreal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 08:37:17 PM EST
    One of the best things I have read anywhere in some time.

    Succinct, true and devastating.

    [ Parent ]

    Well done. (5.00 / 5) (#8)
    by RonK Seattle on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:53:42 PM EST


    Any confirmation? How solid is this report? (none / 0) (#57)
    by RonK Seattle on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:03:47 PM EST
    Or just the usual trade rumors?

    [ Parent ]
    It Was On A Blog (5.00 / 4) (#83)
    by JimWash08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:11:30 PM EST
    According to Obama supporter and CNN contributor Roland Martin, someone had the news up on his blog.

    I hope its NOT true, only so that the downfall of Mr. Martin is long overdue. But that's a discussion for another day.

    I'm waiting for an official announcement, or maybe a BIG speech in Madison Square Gardens, from Obama himself. With his proud wife by his side.

    [ Parent ]

    Ah, (5.00 / 4) (#96)
    by LoisInCo on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:15:19 PM EST
    A historic speech on religion. And religions and race. And religions and race in a race about religions.

    [ Parent ]
    Well, Tony Rezko is now wanted ... (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:10:36 PM EST
    ... by Las Vegas authorities for writing several bad checks to cover at least $450,000 in gaming mArkers at various casinoes, so perhaps the Precious One can also use that as an excuse to lecture us on the morality of gambling.

    [ Parent ]
    ABC just called it for (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by Rhouse on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:35:08 PM EST
    the leaving, something about being divisive to his campaign.

    [ Parent ]
    It's on the MSNBC web site (none / 0) (#176)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:17:38 PM EST
    probably on TV, too, but I won't watch that channel.

    Didn't say Michelle also left, and when he disowned Wright she refused to say if she also did.

    He must think he's got the AA vote sewn up and doesn't need them anymore.


    [ Parent ]

    He just said he sent out the letter (5.00 / 1) (#182)
    by zfran on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:22:57 PM EST
    to Trinity on Friday, CNN got a hold of it (probably leaked, just my opinion)and so he felt that in South Dakota, a deeply religious state, he needed to come out (in SD)and talk about it. He could have just issued a statement!!!

    [ Parent ]
    Wonder if he's planning to attend (5.00 / 10) (#9)
    by chancellor on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:53:44 PM EST
    St. Sabina instead? (snark--Michael Pfleger's church!)

    Okay, if his campaign is so smart, (5.00 / 12) (#10)
    by pie on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:53:44 PM EST
    why didn't they see the fallout from his relationship with the church?

    Not good.  Also speaks to their fantasy about unity.

    Hmmmm.

    They wanted the AA votes...for the nomination (4.80 / 5) (#32)
    by TalkRight on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:57:54 PM EST
    For the GE they don't care... AA are with them..they stole AA from under Clinton.
    Smart campaign indeed.

    [ Parent ]
    Unfortunately, the AA vote (5.00 / 6) (#76)
    by pie on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:10:10 PM EST
    won't get him elected.

    [ Parent ]
    It also may not like his (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:20:47 PM EST
    decision to abandon them. After all, they don't leave the church when these preachers get them all waving their arms. They might be very unhappy that he didn't have the courage to stick with his blackness.

    You remember that Michelle would not openly disown Wright, hasn't commented on Pfleger, and probably won't leave the TUCC.


    [ Parent ]

    hmmm (3.00 / 2) (#74)
    by CanadianDem on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:09:59 PM EST
    they stole AA from under Clinton

    errr, thats a wild speculation imho.

    [ Parent ]

    No, Clinton would've had the black vote. (5.00 / 3) (#138)
    by BrandingIron on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:45:50 PM EST

    Bill had it in '92 and '96.  He was "the first black President" according to (now two-faced) Toni Morrison.  Blacks loved the Clintons, until Obama came along.

    Don't make me get out links, because I do have them.

    [ Parent ]

    oh man (none / 0) (#147)
    by CanadianDem on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:56:51 PM EST
    that just sounds funny, it's almost like I have a gun, don't make me go get it....or cling to it as it were ;)

    [ Parent ]
    LOL (5.00 / 0) (#151)
    by BrandingIron on Sat May 31, 2008 at 06:01:06 PM EST

    I don't cling to guns, I cling to facts.

    But for real, I do have a couple of old links to articles about Bill and the black community/how they loved the Clintons.  Somewhere in this mess of a gazillion bookmarks.  >_>

    [ Parent ]

    Patti Solis Doyle and Mark Penn (1.00 / 1) (#168)
    by riddlerandy on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:13:15 PM EST
    ran a great campaign for Hillary

    [ Parent ]
    It's over (5.00 / 17) (#12)
    by Paul F Villarreal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:04 PM EST
    He is toast. This is way, way too late.

    He should not have done this, it only makes him look weak, could hurt him with AA's and looks as transparent as the 'no problem with Wright'/next-day throw Wright under the bus ploy.

    This is bad. And it shows the polling is bad for him, too.

    If Clinton needed a reason to stay in, she has it now.

    I agree (5.00 / 10) (#29)
    by Andy08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:57:06 PM EST
    it will not change a bit what it means Obama's relationship with Pfleger and Wright. How can you explain  the last 20 years of your life especially when you are in your 40's? That's all of his adult life.

    This is the end of the line for him. If the SD don't see it then
    we are TOAST in Nov.

     

    [ Parent ]

    I would almost (5.00 / 6) (#62)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:06:14 PM EST
    argue that point because the Sunday talk shows would have a field day with it.  It does speak to their political savvy though:  bury it NOW while the protesters and Donna Brazile are sucking all the air out of the news cycle's rooms right now.

    [ Parent ]
    I would almost (5.00 / 3) (#63)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:06:20 PM EST
    argue that point because the Sunday talk shows would have a field day with it.  It does speak to their political savvy though:  bury it NOW while the protesters and Donna Brazile are sucking all the air out of the news cycle's rooms right now.

    BUT, then there's FOX news.

    [ Parent ]

    I disagree with 1 part (5.00 / 3) (#66)
    by waldenpond on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:07:37 PM EST
    I don't think he will lose one single AA vote.  Bush has supporters who never left him no matter what, Obama does too (no, I am not referring to just his AA support).

    [ Parent ]
    It's a small percentage of the vote in the states (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by pie on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:13:43 PM EST
    he needs to win, and a slightly larger percentage in the ones he won't win.

    So what's the deal here?

    [ Parent ]

    AA's Will NOT Stop Backing Obama and (none / 0) (#203)
    by TomLincoln on Sat May 31, 2008 at 09:17:24 PM EST
    anyone who thinks so is only fooling him/herself. They take this quite simply as "he had to do it," as "part of the game," and will, for the most part, think that otherwise these Republicans and the media were going to ruin his campaign.

    [ Parent ]
    I do wonder about his wife Michelle and his (none / 0) (#204)
    by TomLincoln on Sat May 31, 2008 at 09:28:42 PM EST
    daughters, and whether they have sort of left Trinity as well. I can only imagine so. I add that I do not for one second think any of this is sincere, and it might present a problem for him with white church going voters, in that they may consider that all this hollier than though stuff from the Obama camp as to his faith was nothing more than shallow and that he was only using Trinity while it was politically convenient.  Does anyone know what church, if any, he will be going to now? He better announce one before the muslim rumors start again.

    It is very difficult to judge someone's faith, and one should probably not even try. But I have never liked politicians who wore their faith on their sleeve. I'll respect their faith, but don't be a show off about it, and certainly don't try to get my vote because of it.

    [ Parent ]

    Why would it hurt him with AAs? (none / 0) (#136)
    by kayla on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:42:33 PM EST
    Nothing will hurt him with AAs, especially not living this church that isn't even typical in the AA community.

    [ Parent ]
    That's a talking point for this fall (5.00 / 16) (#14)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:54:20 PM EST
    From an "in-the-tank-reporter-for McCain":

    'So, Senator Obama, after 20 years, what made you feel like it was time to leave your church?"

    This just feeds the narrative.  Just because you quit something doesn't complete you cut you off from its association.  This is a presidential campaign, not running for the local PTA.

    More and more Obama is showing he is too reactionary and amateurish in his 'judgment'.

    He is still thinking (5.00 / 8) (#124)
    by madamab on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:34:20 PM EST
    he's running against Clinton in the fall.

    If he is the nominee, the Republicans will not be nearly as forgiving as the Democrats.

    They will put Obama through the shredder the way they do every Democrat.


    [ Parent ]

    yep--this was waaaay too late to help him (4.80 / 5) (#127)
    by kempis on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:36:10 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    I'd have more respect fot him ... (5.00 / 1) (#178)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:20:11 PM EST
    ... if he had stayed, and perhaps even taken to the pulpit himself, if only to say, "What's wrong with you people, that you would so heartily condone and applaud this continued spew of race-baiting bile?"

    Instead, Obama took the coward's way out, and released a statement on a day when the news cycle would be dominated by other events.

    But, look at the bright side.  At least he's slowly but surely coming to the realization that he's no longer in the Illinois State Senate, and is thus no longer allowed to abstain from pending action.

    [ Parent ]

    'Bout time (5.00 / 7) (#22)
    by Radiowalla on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:55:53 PM EST
    It  is painful for me to hear the Obama-supporting commentator on CNN state that there was no reason for him to leave.  How weak.  

    He also said this was just a visiting preacher (5.00 / 5) (#33)
    by Teresa on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:58:06 PM EST
    as if Obama didn't even know him.

    [ Parent ]
    Just wait five minutes... (5.00 / 3) (#190)
    by Dawn Davenport on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:42:17 PM EST
    ...and then the supporter will make a case that Obama's leaving the church shows his superior judgment and response to moral authority. ;-)

    [ Parent ]
    I want to hear (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Lahdee on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:56:08 PM EST
    his reasons. They better be awfully good.
    I can just hear the right now, Obama jettisons church for political reasons, Obama to church - Get lost (Daily News NY) and of course AP will come with, Obama leaves church in damage control move.

    Same as always (5.00 / 9) (#54)
    by waldenpond on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:02:49 PM EST
    Michael Goodwin quoted them on CNN...

    Doesn't reflect my values (I expect that one to be uses liberally by him and his surrogates)
    unite/divide
    look to the future/time to move forward/get rid of the language of the past (this digs at the other candidates at the same time)
    I expect a sprinkling of the slogans... change/ hope

    Frankly, I am surprised you are asking, we've heard it all before.

    [ Parent ]

    Not watching CNN (5.00 / 5) (#68)
    by Lahdee on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:08:21 PM EST
    But it is a familiar song isn't it?
    Silly me I forgot the unity pony.

    [ Parent ]
    Why do you all talk about the pony? (5.00 / 2) (#175)
    by Molly Pitcher on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:17:00 PM EST
    That's a unity unicorn, friend--you know, the beast that does not exist?

    [ Parent ]
    I belive it's a "unitycorn" ... (5.00 / 6) (#184)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:23:34 PM EST
    ... you know, the pretty campaign thing with the pointy horn that tries to impale you whenever your back is turned.

    [ Parent ]
    Michael Goodwin was on Lou Dobbs (5.00 / 6) (#109)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:20:12 PM EST
    yesterday saying people were done with obama's "boilerplate responses".  They no longer ring true.

    [ Parent ]
    Michael Goodwin (5.00 / 6) (#116)
    by JimWash08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:26:18 PM EST
    Is this the same Mr. Goodwin who wrote that really scathing and hate-filled column towards Hillary about the unfortunate RFK Gaffe?

    Yeah, I wouldn't take his words seriously anymore. My respect for him instantly diminished totally after that.

    And no, I'm not saying that he always has to be favorable to Hillary, but that column was pretty much, IMO, the print-equivalent to Keith Olbermann's hateful rant on the same topic.

    [ Parent ]

    I didn't read that rant...too many to choose (5.00 / 4) (#131)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:36:46 PM EST
    from.  And, I would never abide something like that.....

    BUT ON THIS PARTICULAR POINT REGARDING obama...I have to agree with him.  People do not find obama sincere.

    [ Parent ]

    Sometimes you're hot. Sometimes you're not. (5.00 / 0) (#133)
    by hookfan on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:39:06 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Um, the reason couldn't be more obvious (5.00 / 10) (#89)
    by Dr Molly on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:13:10 PM EST
    Trinity Church is political suicide. The GE starts soon.

    Craven.

    [ Parent ]

    Were'nt you the (1.00 / 1) (#139)
    by jondee on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:46:35 PM EST
    one who said the Vietnam Veterans Against the War was political suicide four years ago?

    Any thoughts about Hagee as stooge for the regime change hard-right, or would talking about that reality be too offensive to Hillary's friends on the AIPAC Board?

    [ Parent ]

    Huh? (5.00 / 2) (#153)
    by Dr Molly on Sat May 31, 2008 at 06:05:31 PM EST
    I have no idea what you're talking about with the VVAW. But, in any case, I surely don't feel the need to engage in discussion with you about anything. But thanks for asking! I find your comments to usually be dishonest and puerile. Your false equivalencies (e.g., Wright = Hagee,) are just tediously stupid to me.

    Bye!

    [ Parent ]

    By the end of the campaign (5.00 / 15) (#26)
    by Paul F Villarreal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:56:34 PM EST
    ...Barack will have no ties with anyone, ever and may even cut his connections with Illinois.

    What a farce.

    "Illinors borders on (5.00 / 1) (#180)
    by tree on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:20:50 PM EST
    the Mississippi River, the most divisive River in these Great United States. Obama, after all, is all about unity and hope and not divisiveness(unless it serves his political purpose), so regretfully he will have to renounce and reject both the state of Illinois and the Mississippi River.  

    [ Parent ]
    Now, that's just silly. (5.00 / 2) (#187)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:28:54 PM EST
    Especially when Obama can propose a massive federal public works project to divert the Mississippi River's waters to the parched cities of the Southwest, and thus save New Orleans from flooding like the last ti-- oh, that's right. That was a hurricane. My bad. Never mind.

    [ Parent ]
    Great work by you both (none / 0) (#202)
    by Paul F Villarreal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 08:45:21 PM EST
    ...my friends.

    Fantastic!

    Looks like Obama's "Goodbye to Illinois" speech is well underway in its preparations.

    ;)

    [ Parent ]

    Perhaps it was part of his deal (5.00 / 4) (#30)
    by masslib on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:57:17 PM EST
    with super delegates.  That's my bet.

    maybe the ones (5.00 / 10) (#77)
    by ccpup on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:10:19 PM EST
    who are as dumb as a post, perhaps.  It's not like his resigning is going to suddenly stop the republicans talking about Trinity Church and Wright and Pfleger.

    If he wanted to protect himself from stupid fallout, he should have resigned years ago, not 3 months too late.

    I keep hearing Barack is an intelligent guy, but I'm still not seeing it.

    [ Parent ]

    Too little (5.00 / 9) (#31)
    by stxabuela on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:57:42 PM EST
    and too late.  

    If I ran a Repubican 527 (5.00 / 8) (#37)
    by phat on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:59:13 PM EST
    The script for this ad comes without little thought.

    Behold the Man (5.00 / 8) (#38)
    by Edgar08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:59:29 PM EST
    Who has Denounced and Rejected.... his Faith.
    That bus is gonna need a realignment soon. (5.00 / 3) (#40)
    by The Realist on Sat May 31, 2008 at 04:59:39 PM EST
    Michelle is next, after HER video comes out.

    She's gonna be running the shell game on the streets after Obama shows her the door.

    MSNBC must be crying (5.00 / 5) (#42)
    by IKE on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:00:00 PM EST
    Now if only he can resign from MSNBC. Haha, wonder what is Chris Matthews feeling up his leg now.

    Warm pee? n/t (5.00 / 5) (#140)
    by BrandingIron on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:47:09 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    David Schuster's hand? (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:31:40 PM EST
    I'm sorry, but such slow-pitched softballs are irresistible to me.

    [ Parent ]
    Has Obama made a pnone call (5.00 / 6) (#44)
    by themomcat on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:00:10 PM EST
    to HRC apologizing to her for his surrogates, like she has for her surrogates? Is Fr. Pflager still one of his spiritual advisers? Or did he Archdioceses of Chicago put a muzzle on Fr. Pflager and his advocacy of Obama? Obama needs to be more gracious as the front runner.

    hopefully (5.00 / 6) (#45)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:00:19 PM EST
    this is the beginning of the end.

    and him leaving his church?  that move came STRAIGHT down from Pelosi/Dean/Kerry.

    Michelle didn't want to leave that church, is my guess, because she probably feels more loyal to it than Obama does regarding where they are in life and how it helped them to get there.

    I bet this is also a little reflexive as to that purported tape out there with MO and Rev Wright.

    Any takers??

    Don;t know about any MO tape (5.00 / 2) (#90)
    by RalphB on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:13:33 PM EST
    except the rumors.  I will bet there is more dirt to come out from TUCC though.  What kind?  Who knows?


    [ Parent ]
    Never tought of that (5.00 / 1) (#158)
    by Arabella Trefoil on Sat May 31, 2008 at 06:17:20 PM EST
    Totally agree with you. Did Michelle bring him to the church in the first place? I thought that the church was a big part of his black identity.

    [ Parent ]
    Yawn. (5.00 / 13) (#49)
    by dk on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:01:07 PM EST
    Ever since he hid behind religion in order to gay bait in South Carolina in order to get votes, he cast his lot with crazy religious demagogues.  He can try to run, but once you get in bed with those people, you can't take it back.

    They gave him spiritual herpes! n/t (5.00 / 3) (#141)
    by BrandingIron on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:48:24 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    And, speaking of ... (none / 0) (#189)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 31, 2008 at 07:36:58 PM EST
    ... crazy religious demagogues for Obama, the closeted homophobic gospel singer Donnie McGlurkin is speaking and singing at the King's Cathedral church right down the highway from me in Niu Valley at 5:00pm Honolulu time. My, aren't we truly blessed?

    [ Parent ]
    Too Little, Too Late (5.00 / 15) (#52)
    by JimWash08 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:02:05 PM EST
    So wait, he had an official post in the church, hence a "resignation?" I don't get it.

    PLUS.....

    1. He sat in that church for 20 years, and continued there for the last 3 months when all these problems were erupting.

    2. It shows how opportunistic he is; he's consistently been throwing people under the bus when they were turning out to be an inconvenience for him.

    3. This latest stunt raises (even more) questions about his judgment, his values, his sense of loyalty and his penchant for taking and breaking friendships and associations.

    On my point #3, I think Hillary and Bill have shown that they are extremely strong in making and keeping strong friendships and associations, and very serious about loyalty (i.e. the reaction to Richardson)

    She had a huge number of endorsements secured right off the bat when she announced her campaign. Of course, there were a few rather weak individuals who jumped ship.

    This "resignation" raises flags, more than anything else.

    No (5.00 / 2) (#144)
    by BrandingIron on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:50:46 PM EST

    you can resign your membership from a church congregation.  "Resign"/"leave"...I would think it'd be the same thing.  "Resign" means a lot more than coming from an official position.

    I.e., "I find myself resigned to vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee in November."  I think that's an appropriate usage of the word, too.

    [ Parent ]

    Shocked (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by zebedee on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:05:14 PM EST
    Obviously he's just realized what's been going on there. This scene comes to mind:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM_A4Skusro

    I'm sure he searched (5.00 / 24) (#65)
    by frankly0 on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:06:58 PM EST
    his soul before he came to this hard decision.

    Wait, did I say "soul"?

    I meant, "poll".

    LOLOL (5.00 / 9) (#72)
    by The Realist on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:09:15 PM EST
    SHWEETT!!

    [ Parent ]
    Guess (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by garage mahal on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:09:51 PM EST
    He'll do anything to win! Haha. He did the right thing, I have no idea it plays out though. Now I wish he'd get with Hill and get this ticket unified and barnstorm across the country and kick McCain's hind-end 6 ways to Sunday.

    Hey (5.00 / 7) (#81)
    by janarchy on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:11:16 PM EST
    it's sure getting crowded under that bus.

    I'm sure MSNObamaC will sing his praises for his very very courageous act.

    What a guy. (5.00 / 9) (#84)
    by sas on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:11:35 PM EST
    The fact that it took months to do this is just more evidence of his poor judgement.

    Add to that, his resume could be written on the back of his driver's license, he has run a racist, sexist campaign, and he has little background knowledge.....it is an embarrasment that the Democratic Party would nominate him to lead our country.

    Apparently they go together well, since the Democratic Party exhibits poor judgement also.

    Can we expect (5.00 / 10) (#95)
    by stillife on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:14:57 PM EST
    another Totally Awesome Speech that defines race and religion in America and sends tingles down our legs?  Or will this be a quiet, low-key bus-shoving?

    Or perhaps TUCC will release (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by felizarte on Sat May 31, 2008 at 06:11:37 PM EST
    all pertinent information e.g. other tapes, attendance records.

    [ Parent ]
    i had a tingle down my leg once, (none / 0) (#210)
    by cpinva on Sat May 31, 2008 at 11:35:01 PM EST
    turned out it was a slightly pinched nerve. i went to the dr and got it fixed.

    [ Parent ]
    Only took 20 years (5.00 / 7) (#97)
    by santarita on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:15:33 PM EST
    Th whole sorry saga shows why it's not so good use religion for political purposes.

    I can be a regular politician when I have to (5.00 / 7) (#100)
    by Saul on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:16:36 PM EST
    Talk about political  expediency

    We come a long way baby

    Here is part of his race speech not so long ago.


    That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety - the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity's services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.

    And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions - the good and the bad - of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.

    I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

    These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.
    Wright was right (5.00 / 11) (#123)
    by Saul on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:33:29 PM EST
    When he said, Obama is a politician and politicians must do what politicians do to be elected.

    I find this to be a sad (5.00 / 2) (#125)
    by DFLer on Sat May 31, 2008 at 05:34:37 PM EST