Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky: Obama's message couldn't be more different than his pastor

At the Take Back America conference, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, (D-IL) speaks about the 2008 election and the firestorm surrounding Barack Obama and his pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright just minutes before Obama's speech on the subject. (11:35)
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[Mary Gaskins]

Obama's speech on race was eloquent as well as manipulative.

Wright was his pastor for 20 yrs. Obama said Wright was like an uncle; He was his mentor; He is his spiritual guide, and campaign adviser. Those have much to say about the degree of influence Wright must have on him and the extent that Obama must have assimilated Wright. 20 yrs is a long time of moulding. This makes me recall and wonder also on Michelle's candid statement "... for the first time in my life I am proud of America." She must be having the Wright sentiment prior to Obama’s candidacy.

It is convenient to be proud of America when your husband's candidacy is at stake. It is convenient to disown Wright's words and behavior when Obama's candidacy is threatened. For all we know, the speech was more tactical than genuine and even guided by Wright himself.

Everything in the speech was good for the hearing but it was suspect nonetheless because Obama went into the campaign knowing Wright full well - Wright's bitterness and hurt. Yet he took him with him as guide and adviser in a campaign that was suppose to be about unity. It would be impossible not to know the passion and sentiments of the one who moulded you has been a friend to you.

Obama's words simply do not match his judgment and his behavior. If there is one thing I give Obama credit for – it is his ability to be alternatively savy and savage in attacking his rival one moment and then at the next moment lecture on America to “change and to hope and to unite” after he has stirred or at least allowed a negative word to be spun or a negative behaviour to be exhibited from within his own.

[siam]

Mary, I think you listened to the speech with one of your ears tuned out. No matter what Baracks does or says, you will not support him. Since when has a person ever been convicted of a crime simply because he happens to be associated with the guy who committed the crime? Should blacks demand compensation from whites simply because the grandfathers of white people indulge in slavery. How on earth do you blame a person for the crime committed by others is a mystery to me. I wish you fall victim to your own analysis and see how it feels

[Richard]

Obama is the only politician in recent memory who brings nuance and intelligence to these issues; not poll- and focus group-tested soundbites.

How dishonest for the above comment to say that "For all we know, the speech was more tactical than genuine and even guided by Wright himself."