oh, Archie!!

[b_a_n_d_i_t]

Barack Obama was prompted to deliver a speech today on racial issues in America, largely because of the furor over comments his longtime preacher Rev. Jeremiah Wright has made suggesting the US brought the 9/11 attacks on itself.

Right-wing radio was the first to start the harangue over this, and then the mainstream press picked it up, and

Comments

[bear_left]

Absolutely beautiful, Chris, absolutely fantastic.

I was working away all day; am listening to the speech now (am about halfway though). It's incredibly well-crafted, and very likely the best political speech to making nuanced history accessible that I've heard in my lifetime.

[b_a_n_d_i_t]

Thanks :)

And I agree.. I felt like I was watching history in the making while I was watching it. It wasn't soundbites, it wasn't calculated via focus group for greatest political effect. It was a political speech, no doubt, but it was also something more important than that, IMHO. I think it has the potential to be a defining moment in the campaign.... only time will tell, of course.

[flyrail]

Listening to this today, I felt very confident in Mr. Obama as the leader of the free world for the first time. Perhaps for different reasons than those that you have cited (i.e latent racism.)

Well before today, there had been innuendos and hints that he is somehow in the sway of his christian faith ( touring with ex-gay entertainers, making speeches about his baptism, etc.) and I hate to admit they made me kind of uncomfortable. In a president, I want ethics, not morality and I want reason, not divine guidance. This answer was so elegant, so politically astute, so reasoned and honest, that I was able to really contextualize his faith.

And it also occurred to me to point out that this has soured me a lot on any thoughts of Ms. Clinton being president, because I have the strong feeling that the people putting this shit together and airing it are probably not republican.

[b_a_n_d_i_t]

It took me quite some time before I could decide between Obama and Senator Clinton, partially because of the reasons you listed.

But ultimately I decided to support Obama for reasons of practicality. I felt like a Hillary Clinton presidency would be marred by open warfare with the GOP.

As the campaign has worn on, however, I've come to respect Senator Obama more and more, and Senator Clinton less and less. I will still support her in the unlikely event she is the nominee, but I won't be thrilled about it.

And you may be right that someone in the Clinton camp first brought these statments to the attention of the press. It always struck me as odd timing that the right-wing talk machine would jump on this topic so early, when it would do more political harm had they really pounded on it after the convention. But then again, they might be doing all they can to get Hillary the nomination - - after all, they are aware that she'd be easier for McCain to defeat come November.

[jesus_h_biscuit]

I'm stunned, astounded, and completely horrified...

...that I haven't friended you sooner than this.

Seriously, this is a brilliant post that I will soon be sourcing.

Many thanks, much respect.

*added*

[b_a_n_d_i_t]

Thanks much, I appreciate it! Adding you as well.

[joebehrsandiego]

Chris - many thanks for this powerful, well-written post. I've linked to it in my LJ in the hopes a few more folks may see it.

[b_a_n_d_i_t]

Thanks much, I greatly appreciate it :) And thanks for adding me!

[egbubba]

I have felt so frustrated in the 24 hours since his speech. The slights from the right were expected. But it's some of the cynicism I've heard/read from other Democrats that really pushed me over the edge.
Your post was the perfect tonic. Thanks!
(Here by way of joebehrsandiego.)

[b_a_n_d_i_t]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks much for adding me :)