HIGHLAND PARK, ILL.–Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said his Philadelphia speech on Tuesday will touch on Rev. Jeremiah Wright–whose controversial comments could cripple Obama’s presidential bid–as part of a broader explanation about the African-American church community.
At a press conference in Monaca, Pa. Obama said, ” You know, Im going to be talking about not just Reverend Wright, but the larger issue of race in this campaign which has ramped up over the last couple of weeks. So I dont want to give a full preview or you might not come to the speech.
” But as Ive said in my statement, I think the statements that were the source of controversy from Reverend Wright were wrong and Ive strongly condemned them. I think the caricature thats being painted of him is not accurate. And so part of what Ill do tomorrow is talk a little about how some of these issues are perceived from within the black church community for example, which I think views this very differently.
Asked about the impact of Rev. Wright statements, Obama said “l I think thats going to be You guys are in a better position to assess that than I am.”
Asked about the way Rev.Wright characterizes White America, Obama said, “I know you guys are curious about this. This is why Im giving a speech tomorrow that will be a lot more fulsome than a press conference. Does that make sense? I will absolutely address it.”
