One small step for David Axelrod, one giant leap for Barack Obama away from Jeremiah Wright . . .
When chief Obama strategist Axelrod appeared at the end of this evening's Hardball, I expected him to dodge the current Rev. Wright controversy with some bromide about the reverend's right to express his opinions. But—in evidence of just how badly Wright's current comments are hurting Obama—Axelrod surprised me by acknowledging that he wished Wright hadn't piped up and suggesting that the good reverend's out for Numero Uno. Axelrod did manage to work in a blame-the-media angle.
View video here. [Note: Axelrod comments come after Matthews takes shot at Bill Kristol.]
MATTHEWS: David, what do you make of the decision by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright to go on this campaign tour through the NAACP meeting last night in Detroit, to coming to Washington with this full dress performance before the National Press Club?
DAVID AXELROD: Well, I must say it wouldn't be my first choice. And, you know, I think Reverend Wright felt that he had been done a disservice in this process, and he decided to go public and he did. And, frankly, the news media was very eager to accommodate that he had three hours on the cable stations last night, full coverage this morning and so on. So he's gotten himself quite a platform.
MATTHEWS: Well, the thing is that when you understand what's been going on here, it seems to me harder to understand. How come your candidate, Barack Obama was so careful and sensitive in the way he severed himself from the remarks, the sermons of Reverend Wright, but never dissed him or hurt him personally? Never, very careful to stay with him as a human being, as a friend. And, yet, in payment for that, the Reverend Wright goes on this book tour, basically, to basically put it back in his face.
AXELROD: Yeah. Well I can't speak to Reverend Wright's motivations or why he's out here now. Obviously, you know, it isn't helpful, and I don't think it's necessarily meant to be helpful. I don't think it's about Obama. I think Reverend Wright is out there speaking for Reverend Wright.
Not that Axelrod would "speak to Rev. Wright's motivations," of course.
BONUS COVERAGE: Matthews Mocks Kristol
Newsflash: look for Chris Matthews to endorse John McCain any time now. After all, the Hardball host apparently believes that only veterans have the right to call for military action. How else can you read Matthews's mocking mention of Bill Kristol today? Here's the entirety of the Hardball host's discussion, on this evening's show, of Kristol's NY Times column of today.
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Is Republican Bill Kristol showing the Republican strategy for the next few months? Here's what he writes in today's New York Times as one of their regular columnists. Quote, "we see the liberal media failing to give Hillary Clinton the respect she deserves. So, since we conservatives believe in giving credit where credit is due, it falls to us to praise Hillary."
What is it that makes me doubt that Bill Kristol, the five-star general of Iraqi hawks, wants the Democrats, Hillary or Obama, to beat John McCain this fall? Is he giving advice to the Democrats that's of use to the Democrats, or to their November rivals?
The Matthews Doctrine—that only veterans can advocate the use of military force—clearly renders illegitimate Obama's declaration that "if we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will."
And by the same token, we must reject Hillary as a chicken hawk for her threat to "obliterate Iran" should it attack Israel.
Forget the notion of civilian control of the military. Veterans rule in Mundo Matthews!
Bonus Coverage: Obama's Axelrod Rips Wright
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Comments Policy
Why has Matthews ever made
April 28, 2008 - 19:54 ET by TEWhy has Matthews ever made any comment related to war when he has no military experience?
Because TE
April 28, 2008 - 20:13 ET by Airforce_5_OHe knows a 5 star Iraqi War hawk when he sees one!!!! Chrisy Isn't running for President.
Isn't that enough?
Lou Dobbs was on Imus this
April 28, 2008 - 21:06 ET by steve2526Lou Dobbs was on Imus this morning and said Wright should just zip it and disappear. Sorry, but I think he should keep the tour going -- oh, until right around November!
A member of the right-wing media
I watched this tonight
April 28, 2008 - 20:09 ET by Airforce_5_OI watched this tonight because I wanted to see how much Chris would out and hug his choice for President. It was a Obama damage control Love fest.
This was a fun filled sugar coated diatribe of whining liberals "whoes chickens have come home to roost."
It was laughable to watch Chrisy and company suck their seats right up their collective rear ends. This is not going away for Obama and Chrisy, not now or in November.
I can live with the matthews doctrine
April 28, 2008 - 20:10 ET by JWFI am a veteran. And I thinks Iran needs a smackdown. Missles away in 5...4...3...2...1...
Hee Hee Hee. Just kidding. We of course will confer General Kristol first. Bill? Ok. Missles away in 5...4...3...2...1
Wait, someone is yanking my chain, that is why they put a civilian in charge.
I get to vote?
April 28, 2008 - 20:25 ET by soosan5, 4, 3, 2, 1, works for me.
Rev. Wright should have taken a humble pill before attending the press club shindig.
Comment on Axlerod segment
April 28, 2008 - 20:42 ET by Logic over emotionI can only think of three reasons that Rev. Wright is doing his "I Hate America Tour"
1) As Axlerod said it's all about him and he's selling his book.
2) He's getting revenge on Obama for his audacity to disown him.
3) He wants Obama to lose so he can continue his rant that rich white America will never elect a Black man.
"3) He wants Obama to
April 28, 2008 - 21:31 ET by Blazer"3) He wants Obama to lose so he can continue his rant that rich white America will never elect a Black man."
ditto Logic, my sentiment's exactly. If a black man is nominated for or elected to the highest office in the land, it would be a slap in the face of Wright's belief system and over thirty+ year's of race hustling down the tubes. He is either consciencly or subconsciencly sabotaging Obama.
No surprise given Obama's background and upbringing he would be attracted to unsavory figures such as this man and influenced by him as a mentor and most likely a father figure........and no surprise either that an anti-American racist and divider like the Rev. Wright would throw his prodigal son under the bus to keep him the victim.
However you spin it Wright, Jackson, Sharpton, all cut from the same cloth.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Blazer "However you spin
April 29, 2008 - 07:41 ET by RayRioBlazer
"However you spin it Wright, Jackson, Sharpton, all cut from the same cloth. "
Yea, the new three stooges.
Ray
More options
April 29, 2008 - 11:09 ET by Cooper4) Wright wanted a prestige position in Obama's new America and Obama said no deal. Wright says, look , you bein like dat to me after all I done for you? Fine, you play me, I'll play you!
Just a possibility which could come out in the details later.
Hey
April 29, 2008 - 15:30 ET by BondPlainBondYou may be on to something here, Cooper. What-what-WORD! Fer shizzle manizzle.
To prove his point that
April 28, 2008 - 20:52 ET by HumblepieTo prove his point that black people can not receive a fair shake in America, Rev. Wright contiues his whirlwind tour to promote himself and possible book and movie deals. Film at eleven.
Possible actors to portray Rev. Wright.... hmmm.... how about Danny Glover?
During this time with political correctness at its zenith, I reserve the right to let you know you're an idiot.
Jeremiah Wright
April 28, 2008 - 20:54 ET by Jaywalk65The Communists and Socialists scare the daylights out of me. Hold your nose and vote for McCain. OR Did Obama join Wright's church for political support when he was running for office in Chicago? Is Obama really a closet Muslim?
The pundits are crying
April 28, 2008 - 20:59 ET by pbthinkerI've been watching the pundits, albeit only on Fox News and Glenn Beck, comment on the Pastor today. Many of them have been saying Obama needs a Sister Soldjah (?) moment. I don't believe he can do that. Michelle Obama appears to believe this stuff, given her demeanor, and it may cause some problems at home that we just can't envision.
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
Does Wright want riots?
April 28, 2008 - 21:08 ET by Parker1227We know he sympathizes with terrorist groups in the Middle East. And we know that Liberation Theology is a thinly disguised form of Marxism. Maybe this nut-case thinks that he can create some chaos by pulling the rug on Obama an inciting his "people."
I don't think the Dems will dare to steal it from Obama, but Mr. Wright is bad news. Not only for Obama, but for the country.
Does Wright want riots?
April 28, 2008 - 21:09 ET by Parker1227Sorry for the double post.
Rev
April 28, 2008 - 21:15 ET by opnpt0Obama used him when he was an up and comer and now Wright is using him to become a player on the national scene.
Dag nabbit!
April 29, 2008 - 11:11 ET by TheDeuceAnd here I thought I was going to be the first to post a theorum that Wright wants to add his name to 'Jackson, Sharpton' whenever black 'leaders' are discussed. It's done both of these two race-baiting morons good business for decades.
Its too late for Obama to throw "Rev." Wright under the bus.
April 28, 2008 - 21:37 ET by R D HelmThose two have been joined at the hip for two decades.
The damage, as they say, has been done.
Theme for Election '08: Who cares?
The Chickens... have come
April 28, 2008 - 21:41 ET by bigtimerThe Chickens... have come home.... to roost...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
lol BT
April 28, 2008 - 21:42 ET by Dee Bunkgood one!
bt, LOL.
April 28, 2008 - 21:49 ET by R D HelmYeah, and those birds haven't even started laying eggs yet.
Somethings tells me the foul odor of sufur will soon be engulfing the Obama campaign, shortly followed by the even fouler odor of chickin sh*t.
They are going to be up to their eyeballs in it. :-)
Theme for Election '08: Who cares?
RD... Oh... they've laid
April 28, 2008 - 21:56 ET by bigtimerRD...
Oh... they've laid their eggs already...they have it all planned out...or so they thought...all of them...the only problem is the person they have there incubating those eggs are no better than them....
I love it! All of them!
...and the show continues....As the World Turns....
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
bt......your correct, but.......
April 28, 2008 - 21:56 ET by BEGRUNTyou need to enunciate............." Thaaaaa chickenssssssssssssssss......have come to.....roooooooooooooost ah". LOL
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Hi Begrunt... Thank
April 28, 2008 - 22:01 ET by bigtimerHi Begrunt...
Thank you...I thought about that, but I just knew somebody would come along and do it for me so much better than I could have...for that I thank you...we got the point across...I think.
Well, maybe... we do have a few liberal trolls, trolling around after-all....heheheee
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
bt, we can only hope
April 28, 2008 - 22:07 ET by BEGRUNTEverything I've seen tonight, "O'Reilly", "H&C", and several others, I share your anger and disgust as to what is happening. But as you said, we made our point......lets hope they listen.
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Amen Begrunt...Amen... I
April 28, 2008 - 22:11 ET by bigtimerAmen Begrunt...Amen...
I too saw the shows tonight, just to throw that in real quick...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Bingo bigtimer
April 28, 2008 - 23:35 ET by Logic over emotionObama thought he was slick by using Rezko, Ayers and Wright to start his Chicago political career. The great thing about it he's probably not corrupt like Rezko, radical like Ayers or off the wall crazy like Wright. The probably part is what's going to hurt him badly.
The chickens have come home to roost!
Loe... Yeah that fork
April 28, 2008 - 23:40 ET by bigtimerLoe...
Yeah that fork stuck in him isn't going to be taken out 'til he is well done..we have a wee bit a way to go yet...
I love the show though...so does the Hill/Bill Machine.
Pass the popcorn... open a cold one we have a long way to go.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
→ Logical, Logic one
April 28, 2008 - 23:41 ET by Cool ArrowBut If John McCain had donated $27,000 to the Aryan Nation last year, would he still be in the race?
♣ a seal
CA... ...NO. "Never
April 28, 2008 - 23:45 ET by bigtimerCA...
...NO.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
If the democrats are stupid
April 28, 2008 - 22:38 ET by mostlymoderateIf the democrats are stupid enough to choose Obama as their running mate, then consider McAmnesty the next President because this Wright saga is not going to die-down.
♪♫ B-O-L-O-G-N-A ♫♪
April 28, 2008 - 23:10 ET by BondPlainBondTwenty-odd years of Obama's silence is deafening and speaks volumes about the complete lack of mettle in this man.
Obama says his faith is his foundation. His faith is Black Liberation Theology and it's foundation is racism.
Those saying, so very proudly, they are separating Obama and his personally held beliefs from those of his pastor of twenty years are fooling themselves. They hold to the same beliefs! Twenty years of silence confirms this fact. Obama is attempting to pull the wool over your eyes with the "look away" comments from his camp. How can his racist religious instruction be overlooked, denied, and completely misrepresented? By Obama, his handlers, and by the press?
It's a politically-motivated and manufactured distraction that each and every talking head (and hobbled mind) will buy without further question or further investigation into Obama.
Black Liberation Theology, Obama's faith according his church's website, has been, for the past forty years, and continues to be, the cradle of racism in America. Jeremiah Wright is applauded by his followers and the Left for being an avowed, practicing, and preaching racist. Although, Wright did instruct us today during his National Press Club speech, that his racism is not really racism, it's just... "different." Who's buying this load of crap? The media? The Left? The hobbled minds? Yup.
How could anyone of rational and reasonable mind, anyone of good conscience, vote for a man that sat silently while preached to, and privately instructed in, racist theology for over twenty years? Obama refuses to answer any questions regarding Black Liberation Theology. Why?
Believing Obama is a "post-racial" candidate in becoming more and more difficult to stomach given the more we learn about Black Liberation Theology and its' mandated Afro-centric instruction for (all) children. Wright spoke about the importance of Afro-centic education at the National Press Club this morning.
Even in his much-lauded "Race Speech", Obama made blatant racist remarks about the ills of black society being the explicit fault of white America and said it is white America's responsibility to invest their time and their money in black America to fix all the ills white America caused black society, to give to black society the ladders to success America has never given them. Did you miss that part? Go back and really read and comprehend what Obama said. Don't accept what the media has told you he said, or meant to say. It's there. Plain as day.
It seems impossible to me, but, after watching the news today, is it the new liberal chic to cuddle up to (insane) racists, Soledad O'Brian? Soledad was practically giddy and giggling during her report. Pathetic!
That the talking heads have completely turned blind eyes and ears to Obama's radical and racist theology, one he and his wife continue to practice and teach their two small daughters, is beyond the pale and paints all talking heads with the "hobbled mind" brush. One exception, Juan Williams. He gets it. But those he speaks with do not, or refuse (O'Reilly, for example).
Why have responsible talking heads NOT done exposés on the founders, followers, and practitioners of Black Liberation Theology and the mandated Afro-centric education of all children? Are they afraid? Are they afraid of being labeled "racist"? They already are racists in the eyes of the Black Liberation Theology followers, so, they have nothing to lose.
Where the hell are the reasoned, rational, and responsible members of the media? Do they even exist?
Bond....
April 28, 2008 - 23:13 ET by BlondeThe substance of your post....was so cogent, and well thought out.
But seriously, dude....your intro...how did Renee Zelwiger post the question?
Dude, you had me at hello!
Too funny.
And spot-on, too!
\David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde!
April 28, 2008 - 23:21 ET by BondPlainBondLong time no see! But it's sure nice to feel the love. Can you feel it? *LOL* Gimme more. *wink* HeYYyyyyYYYyyYyyyy... weren't we supposed to do a show together at one time? Blonde and Bond? *more LOLs*
Oi..Bond....
April 28, 2008 - 23:25 ET by BlondeNot sure about that...but hey! It's kinda cute!
Your analysis was spot on, tho....most excellent work, there James.
***Wink****Wink****
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Bond... Hear! Hear! Goes
April 28, 2008 - 23:17 ET by bigtimerBond...
Hear! Hear! Goes to your fact-filled, wonderful post...it is rich.
In answer to your last question....
No.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
bigtimer
April 28, 2008 - 23:30 ET by BondPlainBondGood answer! *applauding and nodding Family Feud-style* Good answer!
*LOL*
Thanks, very much, for suiting up with me.
→ Bond
April 28, 2008 - 23:21 ET by Cool ArrowYou missed the most damning element to the relationship.
Obama has been donating money to this racist organization. There can be no more pure endorsement than dedicating one's treasure to a cause. OK, suicide bombing shows more commitment.
But still a great post.
♣ a seal
Cool Arrow
April 28, 2008 - 23:34 ET by BondPlainBondWow! A very important financial fact I did overlook! To the tune of damn-near $30K a year, isn't it? Excellent call! Thank you.
→ Yes, Bond
April 28, 2008 - 23:38 ET by Cool ArrowI believe it was $27,500.
♣ a seal
Oh, so now Obama's outraged
April 29, 2008 - 14:07 ET by Chris NormanOh, so now Obama's outraged by Wright's comments. "Distancing" himself now from Wright doesn't undo the tacit agreement with him made by staying in the Church of Hate, Paranoia, and Bitterness for twenty years -he can't unbake that cake.