Obama Responds

Presidential front runner Barack Obama responded to criticisms stemming from controversial remarks made by his longtime pastor and spiritual adviser Rev. Wright.

"I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies," Obama wrote on the liberal Web site Huffingtonpost.com about recently surfaced sermons from Wright -- his longtime pastor at the Trinity United Church of Christ.

"I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit," Obama continued. "In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue."

Obama's denunciation goes on and on. This story, as inflammatory as it is, is not as big as Fox News and the Republicans will make it out to be. Crazy preachers belong to both parties and John McCain is no exception. True McCain has never called John Hagee a spiritual adviser, but John McCain proudly accepts the endorsement from Hagee and Rod Parsely for which he actively sought and held press conferences with. Obama has done no such thing. It would be easy to make the connection that McCain, since he actively sought, pursued and lobbyied for the right wing, Christian moralist endorsement that he too subscribes to their preachings and teachings. And least we forget that Mitt Romney, the one time Republican presidential candidate and current VP hopeful, is a member of one of the most hate-filled churches in American history. Denouncing mormonism or any of his spiritual adviser's comments was never asked of Mitt Romney.

Obama, who has always been held to a different standard while on the national scene, should not be condemned for remarks he didn't make, a sermon he was not in attendance, and for a preacher that obviously has a different opinion on mainstream views and one Obama has routinely rejected. Aside from denouncing Rev. Wright there isn't much else he can or should do. That won't stop Hillary or Hannity from routinely attacking him, however. Which is fine because if religion is to be an issue than there's plenty to hit back on.

As I said earlier Rev. Wrights comments were no help to Obama, not in the least bit. And this story will continue all the way through November.