Richard Cohen Puts Olbermann Out To Pastor
March 18, 2008 at 10:02 am
Here’s something you don’t see all that often — Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen attacking Keith Olbermann. The subject: Barack Obama and Pastor Jeremiah Wright:
In other words, how is it possible that a man who has made judgment the centerpiece of his presidential campaign has shown so little of it in this matter?
One possible answer to these questions is that Obama has learned to rely on a sycophantic media that hears any criticism of him as either (1) racist, (2) vaguely racist or (3) doing the bidding of Hillary and Bill Clinton. You only have to turn your attention to the interview Obama granted MSNBC’s fawning Keith Olbermann for an example. Obama was asked whether he had known that Wright had suggested substituting the phrase “God damn America” for “God bless America.”
“You know, frankly, I didn’t,” Obama said. “I wasn’t in church during the time when the statements were made.”
But had you heard about them? Did your crack campaign staff alert you? And what about Wright’s honoring Farrakhan? Had you heard about that? Did you feel any obligation to denounce those remarks — not Farrakhan’s, as you had done, but those of Wright himself? Don’t you consider yourself a public figure whom others look to for leadership? Do you think you failed them here?
Olbermann asked none of those questions.
Cohen had to be serious about the subject matter: He didn’t cite his favorite sourcing — himself — once in that entire excerpt.
Stanislaus said,
March 18, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
It’s not only about Jeremiah Wright. It’s about the congregation was well. If Obama wants non-Black America to relate to his parishioners who week after week in their several thousands clap, sing, dance, shout, leap into the air to exult hallelujahs and amens in support of the sulfuric anti-American, anti-White, anti-Jewish vile, here are some questions for Obama, the presidential aspirant who wants to take us into a realm beyond race: Bear in mind Obama has told us before he hasn’t heard his spiritual advisor and “mentor” whom he calls a “Biblical scholar” “repeatedly” say these “controversial” bile.
Senator Obama what were you and Michelle doing in the pews during this time of exultation when any of this toxic poison was being uttered from the pulpit? Did you alone and your family stand or sit still in the pews? Were your young daughters with you at the time? Did you confront your pastor? Did you show concerns? In what form, if any? Did you write him so much as a mild letter of protest? Did you speak with your congregants about this? In what way did you manifest your “audacity”? Why did you keep coming back to this church Sunday after Sunday and make a $20,000 contribution to it?
The audience is listening
Andy Maikovich said,
March 18, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
As someone in a mixed race marriage, I hear statements that are racist just because some people think I’m white and won’t care. While I might challenge someone who is middle aged or younger (and you should see the backtracking when I tell them I have a black wife), I typically don’t challenge anyone who is elderly. First, I don’t think I’ll change their mind. Second, I understand they grew up in a time when racism was a part of life. (Not that it isn’t today.) Maybe I should, but that’s my rationale.
Mr. Obama explained his reasoning to my satisfaction today. If you don’t want to accept his explanation, that’s your right. I guess a lot of people, myself included, were hoping race wouldn’t be a major issue in the campaign. But it’s still America and that just isn’t possible. Better to air out these issues with a strong person such as Barack Obama than someone else.
Not That Richard Cohen said,
March 19, 2008 @ 8:56 am
As I said: I, I, I, I, I, I, me, I, I, I, me, I, I, I, I….