Wright's words could leave Obama's campaign in pieces
ANALYSIS | Obama's former pastor says his piece in a move that could leave the senator's presidential campaign in pieces
(AP)
WASHINGTON -- Instead of dousing the flames, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. has rekindled the fire that erupted after his videotaped sermons became fodder for conservative pundits.
"This most recent attack on the black church is not an attack on Jeremiah Wright," he told a sold-out crowd during a speech delivered at the National Press Club.
"This is an attack on the black church."
Wright, who remained silent even when Sen. Barack Obama was forced to distance himself from his former pastor, delivered a double-edged speech in which he defended what he called "the prophetic tradition of the black church."
Although he touched on the theme of reconciliation, Wright mostly reaffirmed his belief that America has unfinished business when it comes to race.
Maybe now, the religious tradition will be "celebrated and even embraced by a nation that seems not to have noticed why 11:00 Sunday morning has been called 'the most segregated hour in America,''' he said.
Wright spoke from a prepared text and also responded to written questions.
Since his fiery remarks surfaced on the Internet and on TV news shows, Wright has been forced to cancel speaking engagements across the country because of threats.
But he let loose on Monday, peppering his remarks with sarcasm as well as humor.
Apparently no longer willing to sacrifice his reputation to keep from hurting Obama's presidential campaign, Wright reveled in his spotlight.
When asked about his relationship with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, Wright told the audience: "How many other African Americans or European Americans do you know that can get 1 million people together on the mall? He is one of the most important voices in the 20th and 21st century. That's what I think about him."
When asked why he is speaking out now, Wright described a street creed familiar to most African Americans that basically means he had no choice.
"In our community there is something called the dozens. You think I'm going to let you talk about my mama and her religious traditions, and about my daddy and his religious traditions?'' he asked. "You've got another think coming."
Wright was also reminded by the questioner that his critics have characterized him as being "unpatriotic" because of his harsh remarks after Sept. 11. Pointing out his military service as being ample proof of his patriotism, Wright brought up a fact that is overlooked.
"I served six years in the military. How many years did Cheney serve?" Wright asked, drawing loud cheers.
But he refused to answer questions directly related to Obama, although Obama is the reason Wright is now a top media target.
A dozen photographers bunched between dining tables to snap Wright's photograph while he sat on the dais chit-chatting with other guests. More than two dozen television cameras were trained on him, and the balcony was filled with print journalists.
In fact, I haven't seen a black man get this much news coverage since Obama announced his intention to run for the presidency-- an irony not lost on Wright.
"I'm not running for office, but I'm open to being the vice president," Wright said at one point, causing the audience to erupt with laughter.
But, really, the turn of events isn't funny.
Fair or unfair, Wright's fresh remarks will reignite the fear-mongering, and that will cost Obama votes.
Fair or unfair, Wright's comments won't change the heart of the media pundits who are driving the backlash.
Fair or unfair, Obama will be deemed by some as guilty by association, even though his words are a lifetime apart from Wright's.
And fair or unfair, if Obama loses the Democratic primary, all fingers will point to Wright.
I can't blame Wright for fighting for his good name.
But while he may feel vindicated, his new words will do nothing to repair the damage his old words caused the Obama campaign.
In this circumstance, Wright needed to be a pastor more than he needed to be a man.