Washington File

I find it very sad!! that America is still prejudiced.. I really never thought a Black Man would make it in the "White House" but the fantasy felt good!! We as so called Americans really don't have any rights or power. Foreign people are treated better in White America!! I find it crazy! That some people really believe George Bush is doing a great job!! but they really know the truth. Reality Bites!! So many people are looking the other way! because as long as you don't touch our property and our neighborhoods who cares what you do!! Maybe when blacks return to slavery and Chinese return back home without the promise that's so freely given after they come to White America!! Now let's look closely at our presidential race first Republican John McCain and V.P Sarah Palin. John too old, forgets most of the time what he's talking about!! Sarah don't know what a V.P does all day??? What type of mom is this, a 17 year old daughter pregnant and she is still under Mom's roof next (personal) issue. I watched her video with Charles Gibson she sound very stupid, hey Sarah is not qualified to lead a country!! maybe a 7,000 population city but not a country.

Next Senator Barak Obama and his V.P Joe Biden first being a Black man makes it hard from the start! Now to go in the White House to clean up a mess left by the colonial master.!

Ok let's talk about Democrat Obama, a highly intelligent Black man who displays common sense, has eyes to see America economy in trouble, his are taxes cut for people with less than $150,000 a year, to offer insurance to every American without it! To set in place a budget plan to get the American people back forcefully into the work force etc.. Joe Biden a good family man that knew what was important family vs work! take notes Sarah next to Joe views on teen pregnancy. Joe on crimes issues to put tough punishment fror sex criminals etc.. I should I say more? I think not because I agree in a better America not you Sarah!! John McCain retire

Anyone who thought that America was beyond race was living in a quixotic fantasyland. The Democrats have damaged themselves supporting a candidate who cannot win, while raising the Republican's hopes from the dead.

Reality is rearing it's ugly head!

please write more Henry. I miss your weekly updates from your perspective.

Kaleb's post illustrates my previous point and its very apparent he never read my post. As stated before; most of us in the U.S. recognize we need a change and that there will be a change come November.

According to your own Ministry of Defense, Canada spends very little of their GNP on defense by western european standards and relies heavily on the U.S. to provide regional security. I would also point out that though we are fighting two controversial wars, the U.S. is also providing more humanitarian aid and financial assistance to developing countries than any other country in the world. Yes we have a significant impact on other countries of the world, some good some bad and that will not likely change regardless of who is in the White House.

We have more in common than not but Canadians are being increasingly seen in the U.S. as isolationist hypocrites and there are already increasing calls for tightening our border with Canada and relooking at many of the Free Trade agreements. Both countries would be the poorer socially, culturally, and economically in my opinion if we keep going down this path.

My husband has supported Obama since the beginning of the primaries. I, on the other hand, have supported Clinton -- until Obama addressed the race issue. Upon close examination, (and I may be showing my Canadian colours here)Rev. Wright's comments are not out of line but what really impressed me was Obama's courage in addressing these hot button issues without disowning Rev. Wright. Who can deny the daily and cruel experience of race in America? I was on board with Hillary as a woman advancing the cause of gender equality but her willingness to abandon the profoundly difficult issues, i.e. her stunning lack of courage, has lost my support (and many like me, I am sure). I only wish I had some way of helping the cause of Obama because to elect him would mean that America has turned a decisive corner in becoming truly democratic -- something American presidents profess but rarely demonstrate.

Carol Arnold

for ak thinker:

re:'Canadiens sure seem overly fixated on the U.S... reading this series of posts is depressing. Whatever happened to rational discourse without all of the name calling?'

you are so delusional, and SO a product of your country.

can you really ask why there is so much hatred for GEORGE BUSH?? really? you are still confused on that? it's only been almost 8 years of mistakes, and you wonder why there is a problem..that we are fixated on the largest, most powerful country and their negative effects on the world. hmmmmmmmmm..yeah, quite a lot to 'think' about.

look, a.k. time to actually START thinking - here's a clue, and a good place to start:

foreign policy.

On Tuesday, March 18th at 11 AM EDT (-4 GMT) the unthinkable happened. An A-list US politician stood up in front of his nation and spoke to the American people about race as if they were adults. Over 40 minutes Barack Obama gave a deeply personal, nuanced and intelligent discourse about race relations in the US, the genuine grievances and opportunism of both sides and challenged his fellow citizens to do better. A stunned audience sat captivated as the Jr Senator from Illinois spoke to them in a way about prejudice that perhaps no major political figure in the United States has done since John Kennedy spoke the Baptist League about his own Catholocism and his own faith, both the good and the bad.

Always articulate, Senator Obama wrote and then made what could be one of the great American political messages of the past 100 years. His formidable intellect and oratory skills aside, this was a defining moment not only for his own presidential hopes, but for a nation that has yet to recover from its own national shame for one of the great injustices of human history. This speech demonstarted moral depth, clarity and courage in a profession that rewards expedience, evasiveness and finger pointing.

And what did the 24 hour news networks say?

Did he calm the fears of the white voters?

Will white voters be swayed by this?

Was it enough to stem the damage of the videos of his ex-pastor's fiery denunciation of America?

Was this just a political sham?

Why didn't he disown the man and apologize to the American people?

The 4th estate is hopelessly broken. It's as ironic as it is tragic that the people's best line of defense against those who would aspire to rule have completely failed in their obligation to ensure that the nation's leaders live up to the promise that they claim. The bottom line is that the cable news channels will never let this go as long as they think that they can run endless loops of Reverend Wright's sermons.

I'm always dismayed by the Bush bashing and outright disdain, even hatred, of the US here in canada. My mother even adopted this anti-US stance. Very few of us stay home when we can afford to go to Florida etc in the winter or not shop cross-border for cheaper priced items. What hypocrits we are!
Here in Canada it is the pink press which has a lot of clout in determining our points of view while in the US it is the yellow press guiding theirs.
My personal view of the current admin's foray into Iraq is that Bush jr. et. al. were bent on finishing the job that Bush sr. started and they looked only at facts that supported it. I believe that Saudi Arabia still privately supports the US move, out of fear of Iran.
I believe that Sadam Hussain was looking to buy weapons of mass destruction because he had spent years of money and effort in self-glorifacation and not on his army. Then too late he relized he would soon be attacked and soundly beaten by Iran.
The US went into Irac to prevent Iran from going in.
Now you all decide which is/was/would have been the best choice in a bad situation. Do "the math" (sec: logic) and decide which you would support being there - US or Iran.
My other belief on this topic is that when NATO pulls out of the Orient, china will only be days n moving in... and if so then what? it possibly will go clean to the Atlantic eastern shore.
the best predictor of future behaviour is to look at past behaviour, in this case Vietnam. The US is deemed to have lost there but the flood of a brutal communist regeim was slowed down. Plus the US built a military to be a very sharp deterant to protect our western points of view. I want it to stay strong. NATO forces are building strength for the same reason : China is coming.

If the delegates from Florida and Michigan are not permitted to attend the convention in the partisan proportion they choose for themselves, the Democrats can simply write off those two states as losses. And Sen. Obama will not have those delegates seated at the convention in that way since they have displayed a preference for Sen. Clinton.

Talk all we want, the important day is in November and a lot of water will run under the bridge before then.
Speaking of sofas, the Presidency will still very much be anyone 's game - anyone of two persons - until November.
One good thing about the US political system : a person can only be the top dog for two terms - eight years and there is the chance at the four year interval to go the other way.
The World might be a better place if many other countries had such a rule. The countries of the old British Commonwealth still have the means of dumping a "bad" Prime Minister berfore the term is up, unless we give him/her a majority mandate before the true colours show.

AK thinker - bottom line is that we all have strong opinions about the US because what you do around the world affects millions of people both for good and bad, and often changes the course of far-away countries' histories for better or worse. This makes chosing your president a 'fixation' not just for Canadians, but for people world-wide, as evidenced by the coverage given it. We just don't want you to be gullible again to the insane right wing media, and to do what is best not only for your country but for the world. Hopefully this is not too much responsibility!

Well this article has been proven wrong. Obama has recovered in the polls and now Hillary is facing fire, but not sniper fire, for her blunders about Bosnia.

Mr. Obama went in circles on the race issue to me. I think Hillary Clinton has proved herself under fire and has completed more than six years in the US Senate and is concerned with the issues that Americans want to here. I am from New York State originally and have lived in Ontario. Ms Clinton represents a border state and is aware of the issues that connect the relationship between the US and Canada. She will restore trust I believe to Canada in its dealings with the US.

Attention Overseas Canuck:
"I always knew Canadians were a bunch of sofa quarterbacks (for lack of a more Canadian term) when it comes to American politics, but this takes the cake...er doughnut"

The term is sofa goalie!

Got the doughnut right, though

It is very unfortunate that Americans are so easily duped by their political candidates. Obama has done everything he can to keep this campaign on the upper level but it is becoming very difficult. His speech on race was brilliant and probably not understood by the exact people he was trying to get through to. Hillary's camp are throwing as many grenades at Obama as they can while hiding behind the white woman fence. Just remember - you get what you deserve in a democracy. In the past they got FDR, Kennedy and Johnson and even Nixon. Lately however they have George bush. Stupid is as stupid does. I just hope Canada isn't dragged down with them.

Of course, all the conservative "haters" have gathered to derail Barak Obama because he's black not because he's wrong. Pran Manga from ottawa is sure Jesus is a leftie. Now isn't that typical? According to themselves, the moral high ground is occupied by the left. May I remind Pran that since he's claiming historical figures as soul mates, while the jury actually remains out on Jesus, Stalin and Mao, mass murderers and more contemporary figures, were definitely self identified as men of the left.

Wow, "Red necked Illiterate American voters", America is full of idiots, America deserved 9/11, America makes me sick, Canadiens sure seem overly fixated on the U.S.

Most of us in the U.S. are not satisfied with the current administration and there will be a change come November but reading this series of posts is depressing. Whatever happened to rational discourse without all of the name calling? We have a system of smooth transfer of power every 4 to 8 years and as confusing as it may be at times, we would never trade it for your parlimentary system.

As for racism in the U.S., yes it exists but I am proud of a country that has a Senior citizen, a woman, and a black man all with an equal shot at being president. I dont remember that ever happening in Canada.

As for racism in Canada, I spend a lot of time in Canada and my wife is French Canadian, to suggest there is no racism in Canada is absurd.

R. McMurry - fyi
Obama wrote his own speech. Yes, he's actually that smart.
My opinion is if America doesn't vote him in it will be their loss. There was a CBC doc on last night about his visit to Kenya, and how he and his wife helped to persuade thousands of Africans to take Hiv testing. There will be plenty of good for him to be involved in on the world stage should America turn their back on him.

No Mr. McMurray, only YOU assume that his speech was written by a paid speech writer. The rest of us that actually take the time to acquire facts prior to posting in a public forum are well aware of Barrack Obama's long held reputation for writing his own material. But since you are so much more learned and intelligent than the esteemed senator, perhaps you could kindly tell us what YOU would have said under the circumstances.

In reference to:
R. McMurray
Winnipeg

The speech was written by Obama, not his speech writing staff. For references, just google for "obama wrote speech".

Of course, everyone else could be lying, instead of just one person being ignorant.

FYI R. McMurray from the Peg...Obama wrote that speech himself.

FYI Jerry from Seattle...your guy - the geriatric war-mongering, bomb-dropping hawk - won't be able to unite the country either...especially since he stands for exactly the same things as the current administration. And we all know just how popular, uniting and universally loved Dubya is, right?

Once again, ignorance and stupidity will likely win the day as Joe and Jane Average will make their decisions based on what Fox News says rather than actually trying to learn and discover for themselves what these three candidates really stand for and are about.

Yay Democracy!!!

It is becoming more and more clear who journalists support in their effort to cover stories or fabricate them out of thin air. This one is pretty transparent. By any standards Obama had a hell of a week. It started with the hysteria created by looping a few incendiary snippets from ex-Marine Reverend Wright, followed by one of the most extraordinary speeches in political history and then topped off by an endorsment from former Clinton buff Richardson. All in all, presumptive nominee Obama came out smelling like a rose (relatively). Also the math indicates that Hillary CANNOT win by any conventional means and the media is starting to say as much. Not a bad week considering how it started.

Everyone keeps referring to Obama's speech. We all know it was a speech written by speech writers not his own words. Chances are it was handed to him to rehearse an hour or two before the preformance. The only time a politician speaks his own words are in a Q & A situation. It was a well crafted appearance saying what his team thought the public wanted to hear.

Well said Robt. I will add that Obama talks about reaching across the aisle to the other party but in actuality he has not done it. Instead he simply ducks the tough votes. And as far as "uniting the country", take a look at Obama's Democratic party. Does it look united? If he can't unite his own party how will he unite the country?

Sir,

I must be a "typical white person" according Mr. Obama. Why didn't Obama distant himself from Rev. Wright before saying these things...he's known him for 20 years, married the Obamas, etc.
Sorry I do not trust Obama and having met Mrs. Clinton, she is the only viable candidate I can vote for.

Ha! I bet Senator Obama is longing for the days when everyone was afraid of him because they thought he was Muslim.

That's the beauty of running a campaign against Obama. There are a never-ending list of racial stereotypes to scare away supporters. He went to kindergarten with the enemy! He knew an angry black man! Who knows, maybe they'll find out that he may have talked to a white woman! You might laugh, but look up the RNC's attack ad against Harold Ford in 2006.

The point is, you never have to worry about substance when trying to scare the general population away from Barak Obama. I'm surprised it took everyone this long to realize that.

Race issue?? What about the Gender issue?? Can no one from Obama's camp dig up some feminist superiority friends of Hillary's? Lrn2play politics. Seriously though does the electorate want their politicians to ditch every one of their friends who's views are whacked out or should they engage them in dialogue and work together on mutual important issues that improve the lives of the citizen. We could spend eternity analyzing the negatives of each candidate and their acquaintances how about focusing on the positives. OOOO right we're dealing with the media here. nm...

And, once again, the ignorant masses down south - or Joe and Jane Average - are ready to draw and quarter a truly remarkable, intelligent and unique candidate like Obama.

And, they'll probably flock like empty-headed lemmings to vote for a bomb-dropping hawk like McCain, who will gladly keep them fighting a fight that was launched under false pretenses (complete BS, actually).

Americans certainly know how to prioritize (at least, what the media tells them to prioritize).

Yay Democracy!!

Canadians must remember that in the USA even Jesus Christ would have a very hard time for not having served in the military or being too leftist (which Christ most certainly would confess to)or having uttered any number of things that irritates some or another idiot on the far right. Reverend Wright has his equivalents among white pastors but the media does not go after them.The US media is largely republican and they are scared of Obama because he has the best chance of winning the next presidency.

Wow Henry...you've touched a nerve! I always knew Canadians were a bunch of sofa quarterbacks (for lack of a more Canadian term) when it comes to American politics, but this takes the cake...er doughnut.

As an American, I am proud that there is the possibility for a change in the 20+ years of the Bush/Clinton sovereignty. Obama, as an educated and certainly more intellectual politician than we may be used to, reveals himself as someone who cares profoundly about what it means to be American. I am befuddled by readers who speak of his eloquence as a veneer, as though there is nothing there but a fancy speech. Are we as Americans, or even North Americans so jaded and cynical that we no longer have the ability to hope, or believe that someone might care about us, and our individual dreams and aspirations? Are we that naive to think that race wouldn't arise as an issue. Kudos to Sen. Obama for a thought provoking and downright moving speech.

A message to the freedom of speech advocates: Unlike Canadians, Americans do indeeed have the right to say whatever they like with few limitations. The first ammendment of the US constitution in regards to freedom of speech means that speech will not be limited by government and one may not be prosecuted for said speech. It does not mean, however, that there is no consequence to speaking one's mind. Those listening may also freely decide you're wrong, crazy and perhaps dangerous and step away from you. The concept of freedom of speech does not include an audience that agrees with you or is even willing to listen. It certainly does not guarantee that things you say won't be held against you in the court of public opinion.

Now that Obama is the frontrunner in the Democratic race he is being examined a lot more closley than he was before.

He is being exposed as a liar and a fraud.

First, he lied about not hearing the "controversial" (ie racist) statements of his long-time advisor, mentor and pastor and then admitted he did hear them.

What did he do about them? Did he quit the Church as Oprah did? Did he speak out against those statements? Did he disassociate himself from them? Nope. He did absolutely nothing. In fact, he donated $22,000 to his Church and he and his children continue to attend where presumably they are also exposed to more racial hatred. Nice.

Second, remember Don Imus and his "nappy headed hos" commnent about a black women's basketball team? Obama was among the first to condemn those comments and demand Imus be fired. A massive contradiction wouldn't you say?

Several posters say white pastors have said ourageous things. Quite so, although some may have been supporters of one candidate or another none of them was the pastor of those candidates. Rev Wright has been Obama's pastor for 20 years! Also, none of them has spewed the racial hatred of Obama's pastor.

Obama has fraudulently presented himself as the person who transcends race. This is the biggest fraud. He equates the publicly spoken racial hatred of his pastor with the private admissions of his granny's racial stereotypes! And then calls her "a typical white person"!

If any white candidate had been caught in these lies and frauds he/she would be toast. The press and liberals want to give thus guy a pass.

I doubt if the citizens of the US will be as forgiving.

Right from the beginning Obama and everyone else has referred to him as African American even though his mother was white. He shouldn't have made such a big deal about it because ideally race shouldn't matter but he wanted to get black votes. So now he will pay for this mistake by losing white votes.

First of all, the entire speech by Rev. Wright, which was finally shown by CNN Sunday night, shows that what the pastor really said was a lot less controversial than the biased editing of the right wing made it out to be.

Second, what I believe Barack Obama should have done was simply to quote the old adage "I may not agree with what you say, but I defend to the death your right to say it" (a line usually attributed to Voltaire) and then ask his opponent whether they beleive in free speech just as strongly.

Obama has now made himself unelectable. While many Canadians and editorialsts for liberal papers may be able to forgive and forget and move on, the average American demands a minimum degree of patriotism from its political leaders. If the super delegates choose Billery over Obama (who will be ahead in the elected delegate count) then they will lose the black vote which is essential to them. So, either way the Democrats are cooked.

On the televison screens we have to pay a stiff monthly fee to watch, I hear garbage out of the mouths of Rabbis and Christians and Catholics and every other religious sect allowable on our screens. those words of hate and hellfire are also considered OK for the tender ears of children.
The only difference between their words and those of the Reverend Wright, is that his words come out of an abused and enslaved black mouth while their words come from free pampered whites use to getting it all their way.
To the dear author:
Those who believe a swaying poll is safe enough to rely on may soon find themselves tossed into the path of an oncoming train.

Obama's message of change and taking the government back doesn't resonate with Henry.

I have to agree with Kaleb, I can not believe this is even an issue. I agree you can sometime be questioned about the company you keep but judged and convicted because a retired preachers comments that are not even close to your own, come on. I believe Obama should not distance himself from the Rev. just let it be what it is an over reaction to a dead issue.

Interestingly, no-one appears to be saying, "Thank goodness we've still got Hillary". Either this is indicative of how deep is the schism between the two democratic camps, or the natural result of the different campaign styles of the two candidates: Hillary's success would be the validation of negativity; Obama's would be the endorsement of an uncertain promise of hope.

Of the three remaining candidates in both parties, Obama may still be the best choice. McCain is what he is; Hillary only becomes a good choice by way of default if Obama fails. American voters must have known that race was an issue from the minute that Obama declared his candidacy; it seems disingenous for voters who supported Obama while he ran a race-neutral campaign to suddenly desert him when this issue arose, as if in surprise. Of course race is, was, and shall be an issue in the States: the Senator's speech on the topic was the best, and most positive, assessment that we've seen in a while.

Dear Mr. Obama: Remember Linda Tripp? She was used as the means to an end as you now are. Most of your support, comes from the Republican establishment who see you as the weaker candidate and will go home if you become the nominee. You will be then left high and dry.

Most of the States you have won are Republican Red and will not support you when they step into the privacy of the voting booth.

At your tender age, you have neither the experience and or knowledge to be President. I agree with a comment made by David Frum to the effect that to elect you, is to elect another George Bush. A President who has to rely on advisers to brief him on every subject because his breath of knowledge and experience does not allow him to readily grasph the issues and or to make independent decisions.

Mr. Obama, Sir, your path to the White House is through the Vice_Presidency. The people will get to know you. You will have gained invaluable exposure and experience. You will 8 years older and wiser and will be promoted from within.

If my Rabbi preached such hateful comments from the pulpit he would be dismissed immediately.There is a prayer every Saturday that the Rabbi recites for the protection of the Prime Minister and the country. What a difference!

I am beginning to think that speeches are about all Obama can do. I think he is too thin-skinned too. I am absolutely sick of Political correctness. I feel sorry for the Americans if he gets in office as President.
He looks so smug most of the time too. Just my opinion.

Obama has shown himself to be a leader who strives to bring opposing sides to the table in an effort to learn how to respect each other's needs and live side by side.

It may be the sad truth that most American voters (and probably Canadian also) prefer an easy-to-grasp simple analysis and endless tension and conflict.

Democracy is a messy business. I continue to hope that in the long run reason prevails. That has often been the case.

The good pastor's words, though at times over the top, are refreshing. Western greed and imperialism certainly has more than a little to do with 9/11 and the US is far from resolving its race conflict. These truths NEED to be spoken!

This type of garbage from the Democrats is exactly why they will have to wait at least another 8 years to even get a sniff at the White House!!

The Democrats are in a self destruct mode. The bitterness is so widespread 45% of Obama supporters would never vote for Clinton and 30% of Clinton supporters would not vote for Obama.

A lot of young and old simply will not vote if Hilary defeats Obama. A large number of independents and highly educated Democrats (35 -40%) dislike the Clintons and in particular Hilary and therefore she will never be President.

McCain has a real advantage and now should not lose unless he has a stroke or heart attack before NOvember 4th.

If Obama wins the nomination and selects Richardson, he may draw enough Hispanics independent and disillusioned Republicans voters to give it a horse race, but it will be tough.

A major retreat of the economy and massive new unemployment may be Obamas only saving grace. He can move huge $$$ by pulling out of Iraq.....something Hilary and Mc Cain discount and say they will not do. An Obama Presidency may be able to veto extra defense largess so that he could ear mark funds for economic recovery.

If the depression develops by June July as expected the business community will move their contributions towards Obama.

Why is this opinion piece on the frontpage of the CBC website? Are the people at the CBC picking sides in the presidential race? Please be much more careful in the future. I've been a strong advocate of public financing for CBC and native television, like many others in Canada but do NOT piss on our support with articles like these.

first of all, the mature mind would know that one man's comments do not mean another's endorsement, then thats it, the over reaction is wasteful energy. The reaction by Obama however, is the ability to add pure brilliancy to a triviality, to turn something that should be overlooked, into pure gold- virtue and wisdom are the foundations of good decision making - I would have never expected to see such a demonstration of virtue in these dark days - honestly, how can one not be amazed by such a speech, straight from the heart and mind of a man - without his reading from any text - my only worry is that people have forgoten to think for themselves and see with their own hearts. It doesn't matter if he loses, he's already won.

I suspect Andy, and Alex Boston are both right on the mark here.

I sure wish Obama was up here in Canada. Unfortunately, Canadians are become more conservative, materialistic, and conformist. That I was one, a Canadian, am leaving for Asia, probably permanently. It saddens me, but it is very true.

And judging by the Taiwanese elections, well, it looks like the same thing that is happening to Canada might happen to Taiwan, too.

What ever happened to Freedom Of Speech. The politically correct types in Canada and the USA are now practicing Freedom FROM Speech.

If Wright, Farquhar, et al., want to rave and rant, where is the harm?

What is more interesting is what the PC types are not saying.

Who is the bigot, (a) the ones who express their opinions rather ineloquently straight from the heart - not for the consumtpion, or ears, of polite society, or (b) the exclusive society in question, who routinely engages in practiced insincerity?

The only race I am interested right now in is is the Grand Prix from Malaysia...

Rev. Wright 'inflammatory speech' was a 15 to 20 second sound bite from a 3.5 minute footnote to a sermon.
Do a You Tube search on the whole speech and come back and apologize.

Henry Champ, you are no champ, you are a continuation of the insidious Clinton support in the media, she is a liar (see NAFTA, Bosnia) and there is no low she won't stoop to to make Obama look bad and to claw back some of the votes he has rightfully garnered. At least get your facts right (poll numbers) if you cannot avoid patently untrue headlines meant to sway the public. CBC, shame on you for not fact-checking this article.

Sonman says:
"Obama you have now lost you are just too puffed up in yourself to believe it. Voters are not stupid you cannot lie to us at least not until after you have won and now you can't."

Regardless of the fact that Obama appears to be, and I hope is, the most decent candidate for US presidency, That's funny that a member of a nation which has been lied to for so many years on important issues such as wars, says voters are not stupid... . This may be true, but I am not sure if that applies to the American voters. After all, they elected Bush. Didn't they?

I am surprised that some people suggest that Obama's speech will hurt him in this election. I found it brilliant, honest and inspiring. It will be a great mistake for Amricans if they ignore this inspiring leader.

A very negative bias to this story hmmmm. Directing people to search for a you tube video hmmm. Mr Champ hmmmm...

If they are holding it against Obama that his minster/pastor is crazy then there isn't much hope for the majority of citizens of the US and none of its presidential hopefuls because if it wasn't for "crazy" there would be no pastor/minister/priests or even religion. An audacity of hope? What about try an audacity for reason some time. The sooner the better.

Henry, apologies for the "cursory look" at the gallup numbers crack. Rude of me. I greatly admire your writing and insights. It does seem that if you look at Gallup over the last few weeks it is an almost perfect sine wave, or helix, or something, of up and down between the two candidates, the lead switching by a three to seven points every week or less. Curious to see whether the Richardson endorsement will flatten the wave out in Obama's favour, or if the ride will continue.

WAKE UP!!! The alarm is ringing and it's time for you all to wake up and stop listening to the bigots and racist people who get massive radio and TV coverage in the US. As someone else mentioned here, if this were to happen in the rest of Canada, they'd lose their job - rightly so. Of course, in Quebec they have a hard time with this too; this happened not too long ago and I forget what happened to that radio host, but hopefully he lost his job.

People like this should be given community sentences that force them to help out in centers that are non-profit and assist the people dealing with these issues everyday. To live with the folks experiencing living in poverty daily, dealing with addiction, bosses that discriminate. And I'd just love to see them try to live on a wage that barely affords one rent and food.

I'm white and my heart cries out in pain and empathizes with those who still are targeted with acts of hatred and intolerance. That this behaviour still pervades our world shows us where we need to go to heal and develop compassion. I too, suffer from the stigmatism of judgmental attitudes do to personal issues. I have first hand experience, like a lot of us, in living in a world that can, sometimes be an unloving and cold-hearted place.

The good news is that this is temporary - as in, firstly, the impermanence of my life. Secondly, temporary, as in the evolution of humankind.

With organizations like AVAAZ.ORG I have lots of hope :)
peace,
Pierce

Just want to add my voice to that chorus of people that have made it clear that Barack Obama is the most qualified Presidential candidate to come along in a very long time.

The comment that somebody made earlier is very astute - that white pastors and preachers have said much more damaging bigoted, racist comments to white presidential hopefuls and Presidents, and for the most part, nobody says boo in the US - Certainly not in the mass media corporate world that does not care who will win but for the hopeful that will continue to favour handouts and welfare for billion dollar corporations.

I guess you white people commenting on this must be wearing blinds - white ones of course...

more...

I have been following the USA election campaigns because what happens there always influences this country and we need to change the route. Aside from that, I am a political being by nature.

Now, talking about Obama. He did it right. His speech was inspiring and also very real. We do have the issue of racism here in Canada and never talk about it, except for Quebec. He brought it to the table. His speech could be the origin of real dialogues between all classes and races to find what they have in common instead of what divides them.

I wish any of our political leaders could take the issue with Obama's direct as well as integrative approach.

Here in Canada, we need a Prime Minister with Obama's passion and conviction that things can be better for everyone and not just for those on the top.

Obama you have now lost you are just too puffed up in yourself to believe it. Voters are not stupid you cannot lie to us at least not until after you have won and now you can't.

It seems that a good deal of people and "journalists" (who, for the mostpart, we can lump in with pundits, political commentators, and even the CBC at times) failed to listen closely enough to Barak Obama's speech on Tuesday... but that's hardly a surprise.

To paraphrase his point, which may have indeed been "too cerebral" - as though that were a fault - he admits Rev. Wright is racist and continues to admire his faith because he refuses to abandon someone in whom he sees the potential for redemption.

He has a drawn a line, not to exclude his fellow Americans because of their racism or ignorance or embarrassing policies, but rather has inscribed a circle in the sand which includes these people as the imperfect multitudes which form his "perfect union".

To disown Rev. Wright would have been to disown every American. To disown Rev. Wright would have been to play the same political game as that of the Bush Administration; and most of us can see how well that's gone.

The best reality TV on. What else are you going to watch, Survivor? How about don't forget the lyrics?
Every show needs a plot, excitement a villain a hero.

Media fluff, the truth will set them free and the people will either wake up or live the dream. Red pill or Blue Neo?

Todays Gallup poll shows Obama at 48%, Clinton at 45%, as any cursory look at the trends over the last month would have predicted.

YOUR RIGHT, GALLUP IS BACK WITH OBAMA AGAIN IN A STATISTICAL LEAD.

I'M NOT CERTAIN A CURSORY LOOK WOULD HAVE MADE THAT PREDICTION.

COUNT ON THE CAMPAIGNS WATCHING THESE FIGURES VERY CLOSELY FOR THE NEXT WEEKS AS THEY PLOT STRATEGY FOR PENNSYLVANIA AND FURTHER...H

Andy, you couldn't have summed up the whole thing in any more clearly or perfectly. Well done. What you wrote is exactly the truth. If all Americans could realize that and then act on it, America would, for the most, eventually become a truely well-liked superpower rather than despised like it currently is by so many. Don't forget America 'all empires fall'...unless maybe you're reeeeally really careful! Obama would be careful.

People are complaining that, in spite of his moving and courageous speech, they still don't know who Obama is or what he's likely to do.

You don't have to be that smart to guess at Obama's agenda. In his speech he spoke of the state of health care and education among working people. So as President he'd likely move without racial bias in those problem areas.

And I don't abandon a friend when he says something I disagree with: I may try to change his mind though. So Obama was right about Wright. Obama was being inclusive, rising above the pettiness and bitter memories. Best of all, he never claimed he could solve all the problems within the space of one presidency. So he's a realist too. He's my man.

I for one, am sick to death of the media's incessant playing of those video bites of that preacher. Big deal!! He said that stuff, Obama didn't. He didn't say anything worse than I've heard others say, including myself. America DID bring on 9/11, for their ruthless tactics of intimidation around the world - what you dish out, you get back sometimes.....

What is American propaganda doing on the CBC site? This is obviously an attempt to shoot down Obama for the flimsiest of reasons, while he remains the Democrat's best chance for success.

It is obvious that a lot of people on this blog had their minds made up about who they would support long ago. So this latest race incident is either "icing on the cake" or just a "fly in the ointment" to them. As a Canadian without a vote, I've been sitting on the fence, observing and wondering who I would pick if I could. Forgetting about party politics for a moment, John McCain is too old, simple as that. But lets try and go beyond race and gender, if it is possible in 2008. Whether Barack Obama is the right person for the job, I still don't know enough about him (not his preacher, barber, accountant, etc.) I think he embodied the great national hope that someone (ideally with a white mother and black father) had finally come along who could bridge the racial divide in the U.S. Someone mentioned earlier that Obama had been "swiftboated by his own people." Isn't this always the way in politics, as we've witnessed with promising candidates here in Canada. As for Hillary Clinton, it is true that the media were giving her Democratic opponent a "free ride" at her expense, until recently. But she has certainly been opportunistic in her campaign. NAFTAgate was an example of that, since her camp was no better than Obama's in contacting a "foreign" government (check your facts). My advice: forget perception, turn off FOX News, and read between the lines.

Take 2 out of context clips, play them over and over, repeat the lie that this is all that was said for 20 years in Obama's church and you have a recipe to "take out" the best candidate the US has seen in years.

White pastors associated with political campaigns have made equally outrageous statements in the past and those candidates never suffered the inquisition delivered upon Obama.

An inquisition he answered briiliantly by speaking to what is best in all of us.

Question: How many more times does a black man have to repudiate his pastor than a white man before it's accepted?

It was only a matter of time before people point out the obvious about Obama - he is not 100% white, which is very sad. It is very clear that the only way a Hillary or McCain can beat Obama is by getting more white votes.

The Wright statements have been blown out of proportion and taken out of context for the political gains of Hillary and McCain. They have demonized him for their own benefits, which is a shame.

Pastor Wright was invited by Bill Clinton to the White House once. There's even a picture. Nobody becomes a racist overnight. If his sermons are such an issue, if he was such a racist, nobody would have invited him to the White House. The core of who you are, the core of your sermons, does not change much in a career of 30 years.

Wright's sermons need to be taken in the context of black african american culture and the struggles they have faced. And then when you consider now that the Bush Administration lied about Iraq, you see that his sermons had some justification. Governments lie to push their own selfish agendas.

American's live in this fantasy world where they believe that everything they do is right. That is arrogrance. As Obama has done, he has challenge every American to do better.

Another example of media trying to be more than they should....

The media are running a field day with this, and I think it will die down by the time Pennsylvania rolls around.

Although seriously, if this is all it takes to turn away white blue-collar voters, then maybe they weren't really in Obama's camp to begin with. You know, hate Clinton so much they'll support the black man, but only until they find out he might be an angry black man, or know some, and then it's scurry back to their gated communities, shaking their heads at how they could ever have thought of supporting a "darkie"...

But hey, maybe they're just of the "you are the sum of the people you know" crowd, who somehow believe that if your grandfather said something crazy, that you must be the same. And expect you to turn your back on someone you've known for decades...

Either way, pathetic.

Obama is nothing more than any other politically expedient politician, something that will become evident as soon as he is elected, if in fact that happens. Read Shelby Steele's comments on the fact that Obama is a "bound" man because of his bi-racial heritage and that this will keep him from the presidency.

Henry - I'm confused over your March 21 interpretations of the recent Gallup polls and would argue that it's wrong analysis.

The 5 point lead is down from 7 points, suggesting he is catching up after his race speech.

Don't get too caught up in day to day swings in polls. They are snapshots in time and can quickly turn around. Gallup is already saying that Obama has "re-captured" the lead after seeing the March 19-21 polling results.

Senator Obama's speech on Race was monumental.

The only reason we're even talking about this is because of the dirty way Clinton has run her campaign, and because the big media in the states have made the Reverends remarks an issue.

They've always given a pass on the republican right wing evangelicals who have never withdrawn comments saying essentially that the US deserved 9/11 - among other hateful and shamefully incendiary positions.

This is all the right-wing/Clinton smear machine has on Obama, then his campaign is doing quite well.

It is a statistical improbability that Hillary can regain total wins, declared delegates or popular vote.

The only way she wins is if she somehow convinces an overwhelming majority of super-delegates to cast their vote in defiance of the democratic voters of America.

They aren't going to risk cannibalizing their base and fomenting a civil war within their own party over Mrs. Clinton.

She is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and while likely better than Bush or even McCain, in hypothetical polls she doesn't do as well against him as the nearly double digit margin that Obama enjoys against the 'straight-talk express'.

Obama is the real deal, and is the presumptive nominee, and the sooner the pundits in the American media come to terms with that, the sooner the Democrats can be prepared for a dirty fight in the Fall.

All they're doing now is playing into the hands of a Presidential candidate so hungry for power, she's been willing to pull punches out of the Rove playbook and who would sooner disenfranchise millions of voters than relinquish her chance for power.

Obama's speech and its delivery, taken in isolation, is indeed a testament to Barack Obama's considerable writing and oratory skills. But it is but one small part of the total Barack Obama story, the measure of the man, the politician, and his innate values and morals. It begs to be put into the larger context.
Let us not be so mesmerized by it's delivery to forget that Barack's initial immediate response was to say that he had never heard Jeremiah Wright say anything like that. He basically denied all personal knowledge of it.
This "flight from danger" response has been exhibited by Obama on several previous occasions as well. When confronted with the leak Nafta-Gate story his first response was to deny that any such meeting with Canadian officials took place. It seems he and his officials even went so far as to get the Canadians to initially deny that such a meeting took place. These gut instincts and immediate responses, that simply can't bear any intense scrutiny, say more about Obama and his campaign then a speech that it takes him three days to carefully craft.
When another spokesperson called Hillary Clinton a "monster" he did throw her under the bus and she "resigned". Well there is an old saying "out of the mouths of babes" If you want to know what people really think listen to what their kids say in spontaneous moments. I think the same holds true about Obama. What his staffers say is probably a pretty good indication of Obama really thinks.
He defended his neighbour/realtor Rezko relationship by saying he gave the $175,000 to charity, but later admitted it was more like $250,000. When Obama's performace is viewed in its totality what it reveals is that he does not have very good gut instincts based on his inner values and moral compass. He dislikes debates that tend to show up his weaknesses. He takes three days to carefully craft a response. What we are seeing is a veneer - not patina!

I've listened to the rhetoric and have tryed to sort out the substance which I find hard to follow. However the Nafta graffe , this Wright issue , and Michelle's comment on her current pride to be an America ( what was she before) puts a lot in perspective. Wrong person to lead this country..... a little short on ethics and values.

.....one should consider this....what right-wing religious preacher whether black or white who doesn't say crazy hate words from the pulpit??. The issue here is that none of us should listen to or support them since they have little in common with the teachings of Jesus. To deny Obama the presidency based on this is just as crazy as the preachers themselves. Its just too bad that Obama or Clinton or anyone else has to attend these churches or listen to any of their nonsence....lets move on....Thanks

One thing I haven't been able to find out is who made the video. Was this a planned thing by Mr. White or a covert operation by the Billary gang? It seems more like something the latter would do and the timing was just perfect. After all she does have all the experience. -_^
Personally I think they are in more trouble as a country than they think. The dollar and economy in the toilet, stuck in a war they can't get out of and they are sitting on a powder keg of racism, gender and old age bias all camoed up as an election. They are trillions of dollars in debt and they still have a year of Bush left.
When you look at all that with an open mind how can we even think of being upset with Mr. Harper?

The only thing I remember Obama saying was, his pastors comments were old school thinking. Brilliant in my mind. Yep, Obama, the man of change. Old school thinking has crippled the U.S. over the last eight years, hi-jacked democracy and left them broke, so why let it continue.

Why is such a big deal being made of Obama's relationship with Wright? The man has done everything in his power to reject Wright's comments, even if he can't reject the man himself.

Besides, many Republicans proudly stand beside religious leaders like Pat Robertson or the late Jerry Falwell, who were every bit as hateful as Wright if not more so. Of course, the GOP will keep jumping down his throat with this, because it's somehow okay when their buddies in the church promote hate.

Your quoting an old Gallup poll....and all the polls you quoted while released after the speech where conducted before. Obama is up by 3 in todays Gallup poll.....please correct your article

Chad from Florida says:

"To those that want Obama in Canada
You can have him. We have no need for a racist bigot down here."

Well Chad, the exact reason why you don't want Obama in the US is your own racism who cannot see the possiblity of one decent person as the President of the US who actually may act to eliminate the racism of your and your alikes.

I would agree with you though, if the general mentality of the Americans is like yours, perhaps you don't even deserve a decent president and perhaps you deserve the status quo: bunch of idiots at the helm.

I have a suggestion for you: You take our Prime Minister Harper and give Obama to us.

Thank God the real Mr. Obama has stood up. First we saw it with his wife's comment on how she was proud of her country for the first time... Now we know what Obama is - either a closet racist or someone who lacks the leadership and judgement to get out of a church that spew's such racist venom. How could an elected US official keep Rev. Wright as his mentor.

Henry Champ's comments here clearly show the same problems over at fox news are also present here in my country on my cbc. There was nothing said in Rev. Jeremiah Wrights sermon(in context)that should cause any anger, especially towards his friend, Barak Obama. Everything was been taken out of context in chopped up soundbites then the media TELLS you it should make you angry or think less of Barak. This very article is only perpetuating that idea!
His speech on race was nothing less then profound and deserve the respect and attention of everyone regardless of bias.

Obama could well be "the great divider" of America, as somebody wrote, but only if he loses. Whether it's Clinton or McCain, anyone else would just be the President who got elected instead of Obama. That speech makes that man a figure who will haunt US history if he doesn't win. It is more often failure that makes people great in the eyes of history, it makes them tragic. Obama gets into history, I think, for that speech.

If someone believes Obama is a racist after actually watching it, they are, quite simply, insane. But, of course, the kind of slime-bucket spin that increasingly determines how people get their information may well mean that that impression takes hold among millions who haven't watched it.

That speech may, sadly, mean that Obama is less likely to be President. I don't know. It depends if he is right that Americans are less shallow in their judgments than some cynical people hope. But the speech also proves that he is the only candidate in about 50 years who actually should be President.

It saddens me to think that in a democratic country like the united states in the 21st century that a person's race should have any bearing on whether people vote for them....it also disgusts me to think that anyone in Canada would vote for Harper and his party of religious zealots.

Sure Obama is a great orator but what does he stand for? What are his policies? Lots of sizzle but where's the steak?

I'm with Alex. I'd vote for Obama if he'd run in Canada. Come north, young man! We need a leader here! We're tired of mere managers.

The fact that so many things are unexplained in Sen. Obama campaign and life really upsets me. Why did he win all the caucuses, there are some really very questionable theories floating around. Then Jeremiah Wright, who in their right mind could go and listen to this garbage and take their children there. If he were preaching that hatred in Canada hhe would be in big trouble.Certainally a lot of his followers have been spewing hatred on blogs for months. Is this what kind of government he would have?He can say anything he wants but nobody can listen to that garbage for years and not be tainted by it. If the Americans are trying to improve there image around the world is this the way to go?

It is truly sad to watch the escalating financial and moral decline of our neighbor. Even after the rest of the world has long ago realized that there were no WMD's in Iraq the neo-con's still maintain this was the reason for the invasion. Therefore it is no surprise, (in fact it should be expected) that the so called "conservative talking heads" will jump on and distort any issue in an effort to discredit Mr. Obama. I do hope that US citizens join the rest of the world in realizing that characters such as Hannity are just merely part of the neo-con "Liars & Fools" club. The other character (Beck)that Henry Champ mentions would be charged with hate crimes if he was here in Canada or some European countries. This guy is an extreme racist, bigot and continually calls for the annihilation of most of the rest of the world. How on earth can the US move ahead when people like this get national coverage on a daily basis. Mr. Obama is a threat to these people. He is an eloquent and intelligent speaker with an excellent command of the English language unlike the multinational, big business, big oil puppet Bush who can barely complete a short sentence on his own. Wake up US before the neo-con's completely ruin your country.

Questions about Obama's pastor beliefs makes me wonder what kind of president I want for my country. If Obama has elected to be a member of a religion that promotes hate, what is really inside this man? His speech certainly addresses a lot of the controversies that have to be at stake, but still does not answer my question of who he is. On one side, he condemns the statements, but on the other side he chooses to stay with the man.

I think we need to more about Obama before seriously thinking as our president.

Senator Obama and Rev. Wright sure gave the Republicans a much needed shot in the arm, together with the N.A.F.T.A. flap makes Senator McCain look more and more like the new president of the U.S.A. Dion with all his problems could have been Obama's advisor, other than the speech, there is no way he could have written it, or delivered it in that manner.

The USA is the land of hypocrisy. It's hard to stomach. No wonder the rest of the world hates them.

With tabloid media reporting on race at every turn, because they know it drums up ratings and viewers....they fan the flames of discord in order to boost profit margins.

They view their political races like football games, with a two party system which encourages brainless diatribe from people bent on making sure their side wins, regardless of the issues.

The USA makes me sick, and I'm glad I don't live there.

It seems to me that the media and their coverage are the problem here! Polls are like blood pressure readings up and down constantly, and this allows the media to constantly spin for their suppers!

Isn't it amazing how the media can always spin a story and a headline...whether or not it reflects reality or not is anybody's guess.

To those that want Obama in Canada

You can have him. We have no need for a racist bigot down here.

I would suggest that Barack and Michelle represent a good portion of their country just as Bill and Hilary do. I think Obama promises the best hope for a renewed America.
If only the voices of reason prevail.

i cannot believe this is an issue. who cares what a reverend has to say? this is about governing, and religion has nothing to do with it! why is there even an ounce of importance bestowed on other peoples ignorant comments, especially religious ones? to me, all of their comments are ignorant, as i am an atheist who believes in facts.

we should judge each candidate by his/her own actions.

if we poked our noses in our own lives, we all can find cancerous people, with horrible viewpoints. the idea of Barack losing ground over this is heart-breaking!

I think the issue of race as gone on long enough in politics. We as a Country need someone who cares about our economy and not the color of our skin. If we keep reliving a two hundred year old situation we' ll never survive as a country. As long as racism continues to be grudged in the government, we the people will continue to hold on to the grudge. Rich, poor, Black, red, or white our blood bleeds the same color. If we pull together as people in a nation. The Government will then pull together.

Long Live Obama and Mr.W.!

Obama's speech was the best I heard in a very long time, it made me shiver, such compassion. He may be a little inexperienced but it's the best choice American has as a presidential candidate. He reminds me of a young JFK and slightly of Trudeau when he speaks passionly. I wish he could replace Harper here. The thing is in order to beat the Republicans the Democratic's need to unite with a leader who can win beyond the race issue's, and I believe Obama's that man.

I should think that experience in politics may be an asset, given what we have had to endure in Canada with the Harper hipocrites, who being so power hungry have put gag orders on their elected members to this day, in order to keep the idiology of the Prime Ministers Office in the forefront! So if a good speech is all that it will take to make everything warm and fuzzy, we can do without Mr. Obama, thank you very much to my fellow Canadians, and feel free to move on south if you are that enthralled with his message, but wait until you are sure that Ms. Hillary is out and down for the count before you rule her and her experience out....

It boggles the mind to think that a candidate for the presidency of the USA is losing political points for an Issue that has ravaged the political landscape of the USA for over 200 years. It just goes to show you how shallow the American psyche is when it comes to owning up to an issue that needs to be addressed and the laundry around it cleaned up. It appears to me that Mr. Obama has the credentials to effectively address this issue for the American people yet the media and all of the Right wing pundits, extremists and the red neck illiterate voting public in the USA have it in their sights to kill once again the moral and social progress of a world power like the USA- which it desperately needs . At least they won't be putting a bullet in his head in their attempts to kill an idea or a path to social peace and justice in America. Once again, the American people appear to be precariously stepping forward to continue the narrow minded thinking that the current American government has in place. All that the rest of the world can hope for is that the political Right of America will favour the change needed to address the issue of Race in its country by supporting and elecingt a president that has the intellectual and spiritual capacity to effect this change in its social fabric. I wish Mr. Obama much success for he is neither old money, old thought nor is he old establishement. He is the new wind of hope for America and for the rest of the world. It appears to me that the issue of race in America is a deep wound and if it is to heal itself without a deep and ugly scare it needs to start the healing now so that the generations of Americans to come do not continue to be scared by their past.

I have always felt that liberals (and Liberals) simply do not understand the visceral reaction to racial issues and indeed the CBC article illustrates that.

Race, above gender or sex or any other touchstone issues, animates the person in he street. In other words this thing is not going to 'die down'.

What Wright said, was indeed deeply offensive - so throughout the coming months of the election cycle every now and then it will mysteriously bubble to the surface.

Obama is just an old fashioned Chicago politician - he cleverly used race to energize his campaign (by not mentioning it), but sadly (because he is no doubt smart) his chance of the presidency recedes.

He has been Swift Boated by his own people.

The story within the story is that the Clinton dirty tricks team will stop at nothing to gain power back. If the Republicans wanted to stop Obama they would have waited until late October to expose him.

I agree with you Alex.I wish we had people like Obama. Don't sell Dion short just yet.
I'm still waiting for the Canadian public to wake up to this Harper character.

The man makes a good speech. But as for the rest, his candidacy reminds me of the emperor's new clothes. If you strip away the euphoric emotion there is really not much there.

Obama playing the race card now, rather than around election time ,is a very good move, it had to be done sometime before the vote. Now he has the time to go into damage-control, to repeatedly step up to the plate to show Americans just how brilliant and compassionate a person he is in a very foul enviroment.

I think that Obama is a long winded preacher. Nothing more nothing less. I do not think that he would make a good president. that has nothing to do with race. Merely that he has no plans that he wants to make public as to what he wants to change in the U.S. just that he wants change. What candidate has ever not had a plan for there presidency? I think he is very naive to think that Americans are going to vote for him with no game plan. Come on. As a voter, people need to be informed. I think voting Obama in as president is a disaster waiting to happen

Obama's race speech was remarkably thoughtful, candid and well delivered. In short, it was exactly what almost all other speeches in the US, and certainly the Canada of late, are not. If it does him harm, so be it. The discussion about this speech, and other campaign matters, should not be done as though this is a prize fight, with each fighter landing a certain number of points during each round.

Moreover, if a person cannot speak with this degree of sophistication in North America in the 21st century without suffering consequences, well, we're in deeper trouble than I thought.

In spite of being the strongest nation on earth, US citizens are a fearful lot. Political parties, especially the GOP have used the power of fear to manipulate the American people for decades. With Ronald Reagan it was fear of communism which allowed his administration to flaunt international law all over the globe and fund illegal activity such as the Contra war here in Nicaragua. With George W. Bush it's terrorism which has permitted him to illegally invade Iraq and ironically put US citizens at a much greater risk than they ever were before 9/11.
And now, surprise, surprise, it's fear of the dark mysterious black race that lives among us and their secret agenda which will be used to attempt to blot out the only ray of sunshine in this over-long, over-done presidential campaign.
A wise seer once opined that "You get what you deserve." So if he was right it certainly looks like the average American is no more deserving now than she/he was in 2000 or 1980 or 1968 for that matter

The broadcasting of Wright was a wrong as a precisely targeted venom into an American vein called "Racial Division" and "American rural Provincialism". This venom is amplified by an unhealthy dose of "conservative" (if not "near fascist", then certainly "dumb") hate-monger chatter...

Voila! our Southern neighbors manage to create near perfect polarization dividing the US into two halves once again...this time without “hanging chads” but yes, this time without Florida and Michigan being entitled to vote in the primaries. Will November 2008 once again show a misled electorate? Will the USA, once again during the next 4 years, be only governed for the people who represent the loudest voices of each of the two parties.... The American right is trying its best to pollute the airwaves with slander that, in the "right" hands can assassinate the character of a populist like Obama. If the polluters achieve their goal, then voter turnout during the November general elections will be killed once again.

Obama is America's best hope today for a presidency that could come closest to one that is "elected by the people and for the people". He can mobilize, inspire and be an agent of true change... An inspiring leader, irrespective whether you agree with him..

I am pround to be a Canadian also since our system "delivers" us a PM, without the need for the huge election hoopla we see in the states. Our leaders evolve, and if they make a mess out of things (as Bush jr arguably has done) our system kicks them out.... perhaps sometimes too slow...

We even have proven once again in our country that a minority government can do a very fair job...

Look for another 4 years of poor governance in the USA if Barak does not make it.

Yes, please do take Obama. We don't want someone who chose for 20 years to unquestioningly absorb the bigoted teachings of a religious nutjob who built his church on black "pride". We have a word for that sort of sentiment: racism.

Canadian politics definitely deserve Obama. You could then add a litany of black grievances to all those other racial issues you already have with Asians and aboriginals.

Obama is dead meat against any Republican in the general election. Democrats blinded by racial guilt may suck up the Kool-Aid he's offering, but no one else is fooled by the charlatan. In this country, a man is judged by the company he's kept -- and by his actions, not his words.

The perception that Richardson will be useful to bring in the Hispanic vote is truly shallow. His importance to the campaign--and to America--in the field of Foreign Relations is far reaching and ultimately of inestimable value to Obama. His endorsement is the best political news I've had in a couple weeks. Obama/Richardson is a Dream Team. "There's no deodorant like success."

The Liberal controlled media created the Obama fad, and now they are ones destroying him.

Once once again, the Republicans will take the White House because the Liberal media influenced who the Democrate candiadate is, and choose one who is a far left wing kook nut (Like Kerry, McGovern)

Thanks Liberal Media!

What a great sugession from Alex (Vancouver)!!

But I think we can afford to give some more for Obama. We have a whole bunch of that kind....

I felt Mr. Obama's speech was the most "Presidential" I have heard in a VERY long time. Now I understand his attraction across a broad range of voters in the USA.

Obama's grandmother feelings made him "cringe" but not those of Rev. Wright. Come on. Obama will be the great divider of this country and if he gets the nomination we'll get John McCain.

Obama speeches are just excerpts from his book and are liberal sermons. I guess they make people feel good but at what cost. What would an Obama cabinet look like. Can Obama and Michelle really represent American like Bill and Hillary?

Women will support her she does have a chance if a Democrat is to take the white house.

If the Americans don't choose Obama, could we have him? I'd be willing to trade Harper, and with a little persuasion could be convinced to throw in Dion too!

I really think the whole Rev. Wright thing is a great overreaction by members of society who weren't voting for Obama anyways. The poll numbers are actually back within 2, although what do polls really prove?

Was Rev. Wright wrong to say American asked for 9/11? No. He was correct. We messed in other countries war and business for far too long and we should have expected retaliation. Our actions led to 9/11 sorry to say.

Was he wrong to say "God Damn America." I guess so since its church but really what is he saying? He's not asking for the downfall of America, he's saying Damn America the way it stands we need to change it. As for racist statements they seem to have been skipped usually stated as "Racist Statements". Where are these statements? I haven't seen them.

Unfortunately the "less educated" parts of our country think any criticism of America is anti-american. Blind patriotism is what started Hitler on his march across Europe.

Anyways Smart voters don't see anything in the Rev. Wright "controversy". Unfortunately America is full of idiots.