In order to add context to the debate of over Obama, Wright, and race PRX has annotated Wright’s speech to the NAACP in Detroit, his Q&A at the National Press Club, and Obama’s press confrece in Winston-Salem, NC.
So far the national media has been devoid of context so we are offering everything raw but still in a usable way. I urge stations to resist going after the usual sound bites, much will be lost if you do. If you listen to as much as you can I think you will find Wright to be clear-minded and very funny at times.
So far I have seen very little MSM discussion on this. Shame on us.
Wright believes this controversy and criticism against him is actually an attack against the black church. Here, Obama artfully/despicably dodges by saying that the black church is one of “struggle” and that instead of “black liberation theology” he uses “social gospel.”
Just looking at polling data (and to some degree the tactics of the other campaigns) race will be a deciding issue. I hope local stations can raise the timbre of the discussion. Question local religious scholars, black church leaders, and others in the black community. Find out how much race will actually matter in your state come November.
Also, we have WHYY’s now famous interview with Bill Clinton on “the race card”
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