Did something happen since his speech of March 18 when he, in effect, offered excuses for his pastor’s hate speech and his own reaction? I think not. Rather, I think he decided his prior silence was unacceptable. So now he tells us that but for his pastor’s retirement and “acknowledge[ment] that what he had said deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized,” he would have left the church.
May I suggest Obama’s sudden expressed desire to separate himself from his pastor came only after the media storm that followed the public outcry voiced at his pastor’s remarks, particularly his having said, “No, no, not God Bless America. God damn America.” If Obama becomes the Democratic nominee for president, he will be subject to withering attacks by the Republicans on this issue.
Does Obama’s belated recognition of his minister’s bigotry satisfy me? No, it does not. Indeed, I am surprised that Obama’s description of his minister’s hate speech, which he condemns, is limited to the words, “controversial,” “inexcusable,” “inappropriate, “troubling” and “appalling.” Why hasn’t he called it by its rightful name – hate speech?
I think what Hillary did in exaggerating the danger to her in Bosnia and seeking to convey a bravery she did not exhibit in landing there years ago is to be condemned and not passed over, as she and many of her supporters do, by saying she “misspoke.”
Nevertheless, Obama’s explanation of why he was silent until now and the manner in which he characterizes Wright’s remarks are worse. Interestingly, he also refers to an apology by Rev. Wright, which I’ve not seen published anywhere. Have you?
And, more importantly, why did it take him 20 years to come to this conclusion?