Oh, also - am I the only one here feeling a tad uncomfortable that we're having this discussion about how blacks think and feel...

without anyone who is black adding to the conversation? 

I think the conversation might be better if that were the case, but I think any conversation on race is useful.  Its when you don't discuss things that you have a problem.  Race is the 800lb gorrilla in america.  It colors every part of our lives.  Racism is a danger when it is allowed to fester.  Using race as a reason to discriminate is shameful, but it is equally wrong to use race as an excuse for poor personal conduct.  So any discussion of race is good because it at least keeps racism from being in the shadows.   

Tell me, in your own words, how he specifically supported him, and how it would reflect on his potential Presidency - personally, him being a member of his congregation doesn't mean anything about his character to me

***

One, I do not believe that Obama was unaware of these comments by Wright, even if he was not present when they occurred.  I don't buy it.  There is no way a pastor of a church can make such incendiary comments -- videotaped! -- and people aren't going to talk about it.  People gossip. 

Do you know where all those clips came from?  It was part of a DVD the Rev. Wright's church sold.  It wasn't like someone snuck in and recorded it and leaked it to the media.  The church sold them!  Anyone could buy the DVD.  It's shocking it took so long for the media to carry the story.

This is interesting:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/0508/Breaking _Clinton_to_hold_town_hall_on_ABCs_This_Week.html

So will Obama be given equal time as law requires?

Al Cook wrote: Fellow PK here, Matt...

Ah!  A member of the club!  I'm sure we'd have stories to tell.  I know I do!

QUOTE: ...I can't imagine how Obama wouldn't have heard about Wright's views. I can, however, imagine how Obama could disagree with them and still be comfortable with having the man as his pastor.

Totally agree.  It's like being friends, y'know?  For example, I've got a friend who is extremely conservative.  I mean, so much so that it's difficult to engage in any political conversation with him.  He'll defend Bush to the nth degree.  He hates Clinton. Can't stand liberals.  Thinks that much of America's problems stem from the Democrats and liberal factions in politics.  I disagree with him absolutely and totally.  Know what?  He's still my friend.  I'm still comfortable sitting at a table with him.  His beliefs do not, in any way, preclude he and I being friends.  I get it.  My only contention today has been the notion that there has been no gossiping, no talking about, what a pastor says behind the pulpit especially over the course of two decades as a member of a congregation.  I'm not talking content here, only the very human nature to talk.  I find it unbelievable to the extreme that a member in good standing, someone who goes so far as to say that the pastor is their spiritual leader, is unaware of what is being said behind the pulpit.

As for you, Scott - In my own words, he supported him by staying a member of his congregation and defending his bigotry and hatred. 

Wait - where did he ever defend bigorty and hatred - sources, please.

You can say something by not saying something.  Defending the man and not condemning what he said is a form of support and defense.  Please Mike, you aren't a stupid person.  You know full well what I was saying.

As for the rest, it's become apparent that attempting to discuss or debate anything about Obama is useless.  You are going to blindly follow the man and there is not a single thing anyone could say or do to change that.  Obama could announce that he was the anti-Christ tomorrow and I have a feeling you'd find a way to continue to support him.

I'll continue to discuss the topic with others in the thread, but I honestly see no reason to continue to beat my head against the brick wall that makes up your support of Obama.

<link about Hillary Clinton on "This Week">

So will Obama be given equal time as law requires?

Since Obama is going to be on Meet The Press at the same time, I think the equal time has been satisfied.  The rule is to OFFER equal time, not that the candidate has to accept it.

Obama could announce that he was the anti-Christ tomorrow and I have a feeling you'd find a way to continue to support him.

Considering I'm not a Christian, that would be a correct assumption.

If he were, however, to announce some sort of plot that would harm America?  Then I'd drop my support.  If he did a complete about-face and renounced all his previous voting experiences and political actions?  Then I'd drop my support.

I'm sorry that I'm not convinced by your argument, but it's not like anyone is making different claims about his abilities - it's the same thing, over and over, and I rejected it... oh,  about 20 pages ago on this thread.  No matter how many times you offer up the same plate of mutton, if I don't care for lamb, I ain't eating it.