Note that I say, “because of their faith.” If you attend a church for social or political reasons, then it really doesn’t matter what the preacher/rabbi/imam says because you’re not there as a matter of faith, you’re there to get ahead.

And so the whole Wright thing provides two insights. First, Obama is very comfortable around anti-American evangelists for socialism who center their world views around race and class. And Obama is every bit the cunning politician, climbing on the back of the black activist community in Chicago when it was politically advantageous to do so, then kicking it to the curb when his national ambitions demanded a larger group of supporters who would be turned off by the more radical elements of his Chicago support.

Obama’s speech on race, while eloquent (what prepared speech of his isn’t?), was simply a perfectly-crafted diversion away from any serious discussion of why he would provide tacit support to people like Wright for two decades. Don’t make the conversation about Obama, make it about race. Brilliantly played.

One of the things I have not liked about the McCain campaign is the way McCain and Palin use the same patronizing manner that Bush so often uses — they explain things as if to a five-year-old. I appreciate that Obama does speak as though he’s speaking to intelligent adults. The speech on Wright and the race issue is a prime example.

I thought his speech was a knock out of the park. I think the continued pressure about Wright is water under the bridge. Pundits spew everyday about “20 years!!!’ without thinking that maybe, just maybe, he was a member, but not a dye-in-the-wool devotee every sunday. They assume spiritual mentor means “policy advisor” and “political teacher”.

The speech proved Obama could be direct and forthcoming about a supremely personal issue and I agree with your conclusion.