On Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama spoke in Philadelphia, PA, on matters not just of race and recent remarks but of the fundamental path by which America can work together to pursue a better future. The full transcript of the speech is also available.
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I don’t understand why the country, particularly White Americans act like they are shocked about Wright’s remarks. All he did was tell the truth!!
2ND……YES BARAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLACK IS THE NEW PRESIDENT B!T@#!!!!!!!!!
2nd….Yeah, But Barack shouldn’t even have to address this issue, it’s good that he is though, but the church that he attended is one of the most prestigious churches in Chicago and Im from chicago so I would know. These types of messages are preached in the majority of black churches across America. These is just another case of White America refusing to face the truth and trying to hold Black America down
ALSO…THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST ENDEARING/MEMORABLE/PTOLIFIC SPEECHES I’VE HEARD SINCE THE DAYS OF MLK
Barack felt he had to say something and he did. We need to support his campaign and not bring him down. People act like it’s Barack’s fault, he can’t control what his pastor says and that has nothing to de with what Barack stands for.
Barack we’re still with you my brotha!
I have mentioned this before that the media had began focusing on Barack’s race instead of him possibly being the next JFK. They have continued to make this a distraction to scare whites from listening to ideas ( which are good, by the way).
They see Barack as a threat, especially after they saw a majority of white voters agreeing with his theories.
They don’t want people to see that it wasn’t just the black vote that helped Barack win these states, but it was the WHITE vote also.
AS STATED BEFORE: Just because I am an American doesn’t mean i agree with George Bush!!!!!!
*So why do they believe that just because he went to that church that he believes every word his pastor says???? I don’t agree with everything my pastor says. He is human.
*Obama 08
good post! even better speech! people, take a break from your normal, everyday celebrity news, and hear some wisdom for for a change. this is the “i have a dream” speech for 2008.
Simply amazing and just what this nation needed to hear. It’s so rare to hear the truth about race laid out there but someone has to do it. Obama was the perfect person to lay it all out there because he can truly speak on the black and white experience in this country given his biracial background. I urge you to watch the speech in full before commenting because it’s something we all need to hear.
I was so moved. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a President who is eloquent, knowledgeable, diverse and open enough to having these candid conversations with the citizens. Imagine.
Barak Obama has proven why he has the following he does. It’s not just about words. He is willing to tackle issues head on instead of hiding behind them. Let’s see the Clintons explain why they are using race to keep Barak from winning. Let’s see the Republicans explain why they are using race to keep Obama from winning.
The fact is, most black churches have pastors who preach in that manner. I know mine does. Do I agree with everything my pastor says? No. But I still support my church. What Rev. Wright said is no worse than what is said in a lot of homes.
There’s no way he could ignore this issue. They were crucifying him over it. Sans the fact that this was available at the beginning of the race, Hilary or McCain’s camp (both are looking pretty similar in their attacks) rehashed this. I think he said as much as he could say without alienating anyone. I think it was a marvelous speech. I really hope America doesn’t fuck this up.
The media and Hillary’s people continually bring up Obama’s race but then they accuse him of playing the race card. I’m tired of the BS and the blatant racism in the comments on CNN.com. Focus on the issues people!
I love it! Enough said.
He’s GREAT. He should not have to defend another mans words. However, since he is running for the highest office in the land, he must. It’s a shame, but he had to do it. White America is having a field day, but his speech was eloquent and hit all the rite spots, you can’t get any better than that. They can’t touch that, but they will find something else. We have to be careful about what we allow the media to feed us.
Black churches have preached this for years and now it’s an issue. Gimme a break!
I still support OBAMA. White America was looking for a reason to say I told you so and unfortunately his preacher may have given them exactly what they wanted. He should have kept his mouth shut. He should have known better!
I am just an awe of this speech. This is real talk. He could have ignored this entire thing and let it die down but he chose to confront it head-on. That’s the kind of president I want.
Obama ’08
Still don’t trust him,
or any of the other candidates.
but thats just me.
You guys better do your research,
instead of relying on the media,
and jumping on the bandwagon
before you vote in November…
*in awe
(typing too fast)
This is why I voted for him!!
This is why I BELIEVE in him!!
This is why he WILL be the next president of the United States of America!!
This is Barack Hussein Obama!!
OBAMA 08′
HEY CONCRETELOOP,
I KNOW THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL BLOG, BUT CAN U LEAVE THIS AS THE FIRST POST FOR AT LEAST ALL OF TODAY. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE EVERYONE SHOULD BE A PART OF, AND I DO ENCOURAGE EVERY READER TO LISTEN TO THE WHOLE SPEECH. NO SNIPPETS CAN DO THE SPEECH FULL JUSTICE.
He kept it completely P.I. on the way white folk see affirmative action and blk folk. That’s some sh*t I aint eva heard no politician say. Obama is some some real… The problems that the black community face is not just in our minds! I don’t understand why all these whyte folks acting shocked.
I hope the people that are hating Obama because of his pastors words aren’t the same people who still go to Mass every Sunday, even after they found out that their Priest was molesting little boys. I mean really though. Besides, there are really so many more issues to be worried about.
Obama’s correct to do this, he’s trying to run a different type of campaign. We need to get over the this anger shit. We are about the majority of the prison population, yet we are around 10% of the American population, that’s just sick. Misdirected anger is at the root of this. The last thing we need is for anger and hatred to be preached in the church.
Ya listen to that shit, and all it does it make you mad and who can function constructively walking around just mad. That’s part of the problem with our young men. Not a day goes by when I watch local, or national news, there is not a picture of a black youngster accused of killing someone. That’s anger. In these instances, two lives are lost, the victim, and the perpetrator. Be like the jews: Never, never forget, but use your history as fuel to succeed, not revenge.
PROBABLY THE GREATEST SPEECH OF OUR GENERATION. AND ONE OF THE GREATEST SPEECHES EVER IN AMERICAN HISTORY. WE WILL BE STUDYING THIS SPEECH IN HISTORY CLASSES ALONG WITH Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” ,David Walker’s Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World AND FREDRICK DOUGLASS’S “THE PRESENT CONDITION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE NEGRO PEOPLE.”
One last thing: a lot of our folks keep at the “white folks” diatribe. Obama’s mom is white, so he can’t disavow his mom. Come on y’all.
@16 – you know what? that’s fine that you have your point of view and your opinion and i respect that. but i am tired of people coming on this site all johnny-come-lately talking about we better do our research and look at the issues blah blah… what the hell do you think we are doing? go back and look at all the posts j has made on ALL of the candidates and you will see there has been some very intelligent and lively debate for and against all of those involved. We are able to debate because, unlike some unfortunate souls, the majority of us on here can look beyond race and gender and talk about what’s important to us. regardless of this being a “black blog” you will notice there are a diversity of opions and ideologies represented. to me, a president has to be selected and these are the candidates we have to choose from based on issues, based on humanity based on ability to change this nation. i rarely come out the box like that, but i swear that irks me when folks come outta nowhere like they know something. so you go do your research buddy.
What I most appreciate about Obama’s speech is his truthful clarity and his refusal to let either blacks or whites off the hook in regard to the state of racial politics. He realizes, as any intelligent person does, that the race problem in America is a complex one in which both parties have fault and responsibility. And he recognizes that it is a problem that will require participation from both in order to be resolved.
It was hard for me not to feel that I was witnessing some great and memorable event in American history while reading and watching Obama give this speech. It marked a shift in the American consciousness and a huge, veracious step in the right direction.
He reinforced for me why he should lead this country. He’s simply brilliant, honest, awe-inspiring, thoughtful, and clear-headed. I think that’s precisely what we need, now more than ever.
I’m so sick of Barack being held accountable for comments that others make. They know he is going to win this nomination, so they are doing whatever to throw dirt on his name. He can’t control who likes him and endorses him.
Thanks #24, u pulled those words right out of my mouth
Thanks #24, u pulled those words right out of my mouth.
great speech. i can’t think of a better person to highlight the chasms that exist in our country, while, highlighting our commonalities all at once. we are collectively, one america, comprised of many different parts, however, at the core, we all have the same wants and desires. we’re only as stronger as our weakest citizens, which, means that we the people must do our part to raise the level for all as it relates to health care, education, treatment of our veterans, employment, and the elderly. race is really insignificant when you put it in that context.
This was one of the most important speeches given in my lifetime.
But I fear he was preaching to the choir and the “ignorants” of both races will ignore the message and attack the messenger for better or worse.
Honestly, I think the speech’s impact won’t really be felt and totally appreciated for another 20 years.
I just don’t believe that White people are ready to acknowledge the true faults of the United States and why there are so many negative disparities between groups, and I don’t think Black people are ready to acknowledge that at this point, WE are the only cause and solution to any further advancement and progress.
Until both sides are ready to look in the mirror instead of at each other, nothing will change for another generation or two.
What is really sad is that black folk like Kimora Simmons, Magic Johnson, 50 cent are supporters of HILLARY!!… when will you people learn you can never say anything about “WHITE AMERICA” … they can hang noose’s and not call it a hate crime but when a pastor speaks the truth about America and he is African american he is racist! why is he racist because it is happing to his people and he is speaking out against it? i think all of the AFRICAN community should be behind OBAMA and if you have a VOICE in the public eye “Movie star, Rapper, NBA or NFL Players’ you have the power to voice your opion were as regular black americans dont! OBAMA needs us and MARTIN Luther KING jr must be turning over in his Grave to see black people not standing up for equal rights in AMERICA! and yes the black CHURCH is real and PASTOR’s do speak there minds over the Pulpit and i have heard it in many black churches but im not there for the pastor im there for JESUS!….
Mr President (Obama) is the VOICE of A NEW GENERATION!!!!!!!
He deserves a PEPSI Endorsement! LOL!
#16 – TPC2
And what issues do you speak? I don’t like when people make don’t address the specific issues because they’re rather make vague statements just to read the reactions of others.
The fact is there is virtually no difference between Hillary’s and Obama’s positions. Hillary authorized the war in Iraq, Barak wasn’t in a position to vote. Hillary wants universal healthycare mandates for everyone, Barak only wants it for children. Barak would be more open and willing to speak to our allies and enemies directly, Hillary would deploy a army of surrogates first before she would meet with our enemies directly so she can speak with them on her terms.
Beyond that, there are no BIG contrasts between Hillary and Barak in terms of the issues. As far as John McCain, he stands for everything that George Bush stands for as there are no BIG contrasts between McCain and Bush this time around in terms of the issues.
All three of them are INEXPERIENCED because none of them have executive experience but they’re running for CEO of the United States. None of them have ever owned or operated a small or large business. None of them have ever held a executive or higher rank in the United States military (no, a Captain in the Air Force is not a executive position McCain). And none of them has held a executive position on the municipal, state, or Federal level. And while in Congress, none of the three have took such large initiatives and been successful in relation to the Truman Committee. Those in Congress typically lack executive experience which is why no one from Congress has been elected President since JFK…..almost 50 years ago.
And no matter who you elect, they will need a veto-proof majority in both houses of Congress to get ANYTHING done. Because of all of the checks and balances, it’s possible for just one Senator to hold up legislation.
To be honest, this race isn’t about the issues, it’s about the character of each candidate. Between the three, I trust Obama more than I trust McCain or Hillary. You can agree or disagree, but don’t pretend like you somehow got a monopoly on knowledge when it comes to this race and everyone else is ignorant when you fail to demonstrate how.
So speak to what you know instead of trying to assume what we do not.
Preach………….brotherman………….Preach.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great speech. Did he write it?
LOL…J/K
But on a serious note I’ve witnessed alot of members here who’ve expressed the EXACT opposite of what Obama’s speech and campaign is all about…UNITY. Now all of a sudden unity is such a good thing and people are open to change where before it was simply acknowledging and accepting who public enemy #1 was. Are these people still here, or have they had a change of heart? Just asking….
this is beautiful
To GG BOO (24),
First off, I’m sorry to get you all worked up, I promise to pass you the Kleenex when I’m done…
This is the typical reaction from people who are in denial, uninformed and just can’t handle the truth.
The problem is that nowadays people in America don’t read; we take shit as is, without asking questions and finding answers. Yeah, J. Dakar has put out numerous posts about all candidates, however all this information is only based on what the candidates WANT the general public to know about… And the last time I checked, watching the news and visiting blogs is not doing personal RESEARCH (no disrespect to CL).
The problem is that many choose not to have an open mind and think outside the box, instead they have the media to do that for them.
People need to realize that there is a lot more going on behind the scenes:
http://youtube.com/watch?...NCImI&feature=related
http://youtube.com/watch?...eHd6I&feature=related
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AvoKBPX3mVo
Instead, everybody is too focused and distracted on trying to make “history” by electing the first white woman or first black man into office.But whatever. It’s “your” choice and “your” vote SMH…
You can have your tissue now, don’t worry its on me, my treat!
This is why Obama is getting my vote
I have not heard a speech from any candidate that has moved me or made me clap loudly in my seat (I have headphones in the computer lab in my school mad hype and the onlookers are making fun of me…… lol)the way this one has.
He was a man about the whole issue with his pastor.
He could have pulled a punk move and completely deserted his pastor, but instead he stated where Wright was wrong (no pun intended lol) and defended him like he was family.
Then he went on to on to discuss the real issue as to why Wright’s comments would be deemed offensive and as well as to why people like Wright and other people within their communities of all ethnicities and walks of life might harbor similar feelings of anger and resentment towards people of other races (ie Black and White people)…..
J. D. I was pissed because I thought I wouldn’t get to hear this speech because I’m at school…..but your brilliant post made it possible….
I could kiss you for posting this…..well *ahem* but I’m sure a thank you would be much better and more appropriate ^_^; …
Black is the New President……………..
In regards to number 33, I made another comment about the REAL issues that I’m concerned about in this election but apparently my post is “awaiting moderation” aka WILL NOT be posted. I guess if we were calling each other names, cussin each other out and arguing about “she who’s name shall not be spoken”, CL would of post it SMH.
Well I didn’t see the speech during the live taping but 3 white co-workers went somewhere to watch it…when they got back they were saying…”I was so moved, he is such a great speaker, he certainly has my vote, mine too”….I smiled.
I couldn’t wait to get home to watch it…I applauded, got teary eyed and applauded some more…I felt so proud that he was able to speak to AMERICA on Race…and most of them listened. Perfect timing.
Now if some trickery goes on during the primaries where he doesn’t win…I will BOYCOTT the November elections in hopes that they put another dumb ass Republican in office…cause I WILL NOT vote for Billary.
OBAMA RULES!!!
This is surprising well actually not the comments on CNN are opposite. Mostly from white people talking about Obama not getting their vote now and has switched sides because of this I am so hurt that this speech and his countless interviews still didn’t make a difference. It seems that most white people will always be the same and never want change they are letting CNN and other media outlets control their way of thinking. I am so frustrated.
I thought the speech was wonderful and I damn near wanted to cry. I really liked how Barack really spoke the truth about how white people see Affirmative Action. Sometimes its hard not to dislike white people because I know when I go places and I’m around some white people they always give that look. I never know when they are sincere. They always grab their purses or their kids like you’re about to rob them or something. i really hope people take this speech for what it is and understand that Race will not go away. Everyone I’m sure has said something racist about someone other race and if you haven’t then good for you. Because really hatred starts at home and kids learn from it. Also, we need to take out kids around other cultures and learn from each other. One thing I always notice is when toddlers or kids who are around 5-6 stare as though they gave never seen anyone from any other race. I was at work and an Hispanic caller asked a co worker of mine if we had any bilingual representatives and said are they losing ground. Speaking as though he can’t go and learn English. We really need unity and we really need it amongst ourselves as a people. I hope that we can stop tearing each other down. Our entertainers we say this one sucks she cant sing. We really need to stop. Yes, maybe this singer can’t sing as well as the other one but they are still doing great things for US as a representation of being a black woman or man.
Lets work together and try to be unified together for the sake of our people.
um y is barack fine
>> i have something for light skinned guys they are bictches and i cant spell. and i am dark and i need a tan.
As one of the other posters mentioned I went over to CNN and their comments are takings us 3 weeks back. I mean some of them are disheartening. It’s hard being black in America because when we listen to political commentators we are forced to listen to old white men that have black people and white, and maybe one Hispanic person on. What’s up with that??
Obama 08!!!!
I normally have so much to say, but today, I am just so moved, so impressed, so touched, so proud and so soothed that I am speechless. I do not believe that this issue has been addressed on such a level in my lifetime.
He had me at “We” oh yesss!
The hardest thing to do as a politican is take racism head on, like he just did. It wasn’t like watching a speech, it was more like a conversation that he was having with the American people. This speech is completely FREE of BS.
I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren.
REALEST STATEMENT EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
I AM SOO PRO BLACK AND I MAKE IT MY MISSION TO UP LIFT MY PEOPLE BUT WHAT I CAN’T DO IS BLINDLY SUPPORT ANY ONE. I HATE THAT FACT THAT SO MANY ARE SUPPORTING OBAMA JUST BECAUSE HE IS BLACK.
IF YOU’RE GOING TO SUPPORT HIM DO IT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. MOST OF YOU SOUND SO RACIST ITS NOT EVEN FUNNY. THE HATE THAT YOU ALL HAVE FOR WHITE PEOPLE IS AMAZING. YET YOU FIND IT SO EASY TO OVER LOOK THE FACT THAT OBAMA IS HALF WHITE.
ALSO WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO TO NOT VOTE AT ALL IF OBAMA DOESN’T GET THE NOMINATION. YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT THE SYSTEM OR THE GOVERNMENT. ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS GETTING SOMEONE BLACK IN OFFICE.
WE HAVE TO MOVE PAST THIS YOU GUYS. LET ALL THAT HATE GO. IT REALLY DOESN’T MAKE YOU ANY MORE RIGHT JUST BECAUSE SOME WHITE PEOPLE DO IT.
BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN THE HATE THAT IS OUT THERE.
THIS WORLD IS REALLY SCARY. YOU CAN’T TRUST EVERYONE DOESN’T MATTER WHAT THE RACE IS.
i was for real tho
This man right here
is a GENIUS
They were trying to bring him down and they definitely turned it around on them and how they been playing dirty and being petty and just saying things that are plain untrue I hope every Obama supporter actually got to watch the speech because it was brilliantly delivered and well spoken.
I love barack! white people have always run from the truth, today is no different.
@Bigma so what if some black ppl support hillary? what does that have to do with them being black? if prefer hillary, let them prefer him. you’re supposed to vote for whoever you like, let them do so. and also, if the preacher had been white, we would hear the same thing. bottomline is that most ppl in america HATE to hear criticism about their country. they turn a blind eye to everything so whenever someone tells them the truth, regardless of this person’s race, americans make sure to crucify that person. i mean the pastor was mostly telling the truth (the only thing i didn’t agree with was that 9/11 was a conspiracy-i think that’s what he said- but i do believe that we had it coming and i don’t mean to offend anyone but when you go around acting like you own the world, there are ppl who will want to bring you down)
the man is a beast!!! the level of intelligence is astounding and i believe he has the tools to lead this country like no other before him. once he gets in, i don’t think 2 terms will be enough for what he may be able to do for this country. some heady stuff!
Great! Ignore all of the negative comments about Obama and keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t let anyone distract you!
@51-
Wow stop assuming that you are positive people are refusing to vote in November if the Democratic candidate is NOT black. People do not want to vote in November if Obama doesn’t get the candidacy because they do not like what McCain or Clinton stands for. They indeed care about the system but find little hope in the two runners that will be left in the race. How ignorant do you consider your fellow Americans to be? Its no way I’d vote for Hillary and its beyond her race or gender.
Also, very sick of people like you coming in preaching about Blacks being racist and stupid. A preference for a presidential candidate is just that, a preference. Relax, you are only throwing out the negative. I voted for Obama in the primaries because he’s the candidate I prefer. I will continue to support him. And no, in November McCain or Clinton would certainly not receive my vote if he isn’t elected.
@38 – well since you want to try to antoagonize rather than just have a conversation i see that you are not really worth a very long response. if someone has a different thought than you or disagrees you want to pass them a kleenex, but that’s fine it shows your lack of maturity. me pointing out the other posts that j has made does not mean that is where i or anyone else on here get all of our information from. in order to have relevant discussion, we are clearly learned beyond this blog – so again, as Mr. Anderson explained to you, don’t try to ASSUME anything about what we know and to what extent we know it. just stay in your lane, especially when the best you can do is post 3 youtube clips. here ya go – i don’t need your kleenex, but here’s a mop since i just wiped the floor with ya. good nite
OBAMA IS DONE. WHITES ARE NOT COMING BACK, TIME FOR SUPERDELEGATES TO GIVE IT TO HILLARY SO WE CAN GET A DEMOCRAT IN OFFICE. IF HE IS NOMINATED HE HAS NO SHOT AT BEING ELECTED BECAUSE OF THIS IDIOT PREACHER.