Sen. Claire McCaskill said it’s unfair to hold presidential candidates accountable for “dumb things” their supporters say.
McCaskill, a vocal supporter of presidential candidate Barack Obama, was responding to the reaction in the media to what some deemed as anti-American statements by Obama’s former pastor and adviser Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
“People need to give all the candidates a break, because people who support them say dumb things sometimes,” McCaskill said. “I think some of the things this pastor said were pretty dumb.”
McCaskill talked to reporters today after an event at a south St. Louis senior center promoting awareness among senior citizens about the $600 stimulus checks coming soon to taxpayers. She said both Obama and his opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton, had supporters say things that both candidates later repudiated.
McCaskill said the anger seen in Wright’s sermon spoke directly to an anger that exists in the black community over racism and feeling they are not full citizens. She said an Obama presidency would help heal those old wounds and rid some black churches of some of the more divisive rhetoric.
The Obama campaign has been on defense since comments made by Wright after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as some more recent sermons, surfaced on the Internet. Wright stepped down last week from an honorary position on the Obama campaign’s African-American Religious Leadership Committee.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Wright preaches hate, and bigotry whilst blaming all the social ills of the world on anyone stereotyped as white. Wright is a disgrace to organized religion. He calls himself a Christian, but his words speak other wise. Until recently I was undecided as to which Democrat candidate was the better candidate of the two, but no longer.
Forget the argument guilt by association given Obama has been a member of Wright’s church for 20 years. Obama’s marriage was officiated by Wright as was the baptism of his two children. Do not forget, Obama would have made charitable contributions to Wrights church over this 20 year membership. Wright’s church was not a house of worship but a house of bigots. Over the years church goers become well versed in their minister’s beliefs and habits. So Obama’s excuse that he never heard or was aware of such inexcusable comments by Wright seems unbelievable.
Watch the film clips available on internet and you’ll affirm for yourselves that if Obama and Wright’s beliefs ever conflicted which they should have, Obama would have left the church a long time ago. Ask yourselves why would anyone bring their children to such racist charged house of worship? Remember children are not born with racial hatred. They learn such loathing behaviors from others.
No doubt Obama’s popularity will be negatively impacted and more than likely he’ll lose the Democrat nomination as a result of both men’s racially insensitive comments, beliefs or behaviors.
Do the right thing Obama. Religion teaches us that Obama and Wright should both confess their sins to God and ask for his forgiveness. Obama should drop out of the presidential race for his speeches and vision for change have lost their meaning. Find out for yourselves by watching the other film clips on the internet that show Obama reiterating verbatim the collective phases of other before him. One can therefore on question whether Obama is genuine. Obama appears to be no less than a charlatan.
Americans regardless of their political party need to speak out against racism in the strongest terms by vocalizing their disapproval. Let your voice be heard by calling your democrat congressmen or women. Talk among your friends and share your uneasiness for Obama as our next president.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Senator McCaskill is wearing hipster glasses.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Barack for President in 2008.
March 21st, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Claire is pretty dead on. I grew up in a church full of bigots, white racists who love you if you look, act and think like them. The people who raised me were closely acquainted with these community figures. Race and bigotry and distrust in government are omnipresent in America today and historically. As a gay American, I have found myself lashing out against this country and its backwards ways. The only difference is that I am not speaking to a congregation that eats up my every word. It is unfortunate that Obama’s pastor has made the statements that he has. That being said, it I were to turn my back on the people who love me just because I disagree with them politically or morally, I would be very alone.
Keep building bridges Barack. You are an inspiration to my generation.