Thursday, April 3, 2008
I like how Obama talked about all of the diversity that he has experienced in his life, and how we should value America for the diversity that it holds, and that we are a unique country because of this- It was very effective in grabbing my attention. I also think that Obama handled the situation about the pastor really well because I believe that you can know and like someone, but disagree with certain aspects of their beliefs. For example, if I have a friend that has always been there for me whom I love, but I disagree with one thing that they stand for, I shouldn’t be looked down upon because of their one flaw. I think this example coincides with Obama’s situation.The news can twist stories to produce whatever reaction they want, and I think that this is what happened with the pastor, and though I believe that this situation will hurt Obama’s campaign, I think that he did a good job of standing up for himself, saying that yes, his pastor introduced him to his Christian beliefs, but even so, Obama doesn’t agree with everything the pastor stands for, especially in this situation. If the pastor has been family to him his whole life, he isn’t going to disown him because of one disagreement. Also, I don’t think that Obama should be looked down upon because of what his pastor believes, because there are probably many really good characteristics and beliefs that the pastor has, but many times people only focus on the bad. Finally, I think that Obama did a good job of taking the focus away from the actual problem, and instead of continuing to defend himself; he rather created a discussion-like atmosphere to grasp the attention and respect of the audience.
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2 comments:
I completely agree with everything you have to say here. Your statement about not being looked down upon because of a flawed friend is very insightful, and I hadn't even thought about Obama's situation in that light. I feel that Obama did a great job of making it abundantly clear that he did not agree with Rev. Wright's "incendiary remarks," but that he could no more disown him than he could disown his own grandmother who had made equally racial and unwarranted comments "that made him cringe." There is a difference between befriending an individual and agreeing with and embracing their every idea and belief. Obama actually includes a passage within his speech where he seems to build up Wright, talking about how Wright "led him to his Christian faith, how he served his country as a U.S. Marine, and how he has led a church for more than 30 yrs that serves the community and does God's work here on Earth." I really respected that passage.
I also agree with you on the point that this incident may hurt Obama's campaign, which I think is unfortunate. I haven't had any qualms with Obama until now. I think that the most damaging aspect of the whole situation was not Wright's remarks, but the time it took Obama to bring them up, to make it clear that he didn't agree with them, to apologize to those whom the remarks had offended. It was very much as if Obama was feeling the situation out, as if he wouldn't have apologized for Wright's ideas and beliefs if he didn't feel they would negatively affect his campaign. Do you know what I mean? How do you feel about all of that?
I agree with what you said. I also thought he handled it well and he is such a good speeker that he did grab your attention. I also agree this probably hurt Obama's campaign but also that this was one of the best things he could do for it and he did an excellent job with it. I like how he stood up for himself and his pastor even after what he said. That says something about Obama's character.
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