I wanted to post a quick diary in response to some of the rather panicked comments that I have seen in some of the diaries regarding Rev. Wright's interview with Bill Moyers. I know that Matthews and the folks on MSNBC are completely hyperventilating over this (I watched in abject horror for 30 minutes and then turned the TV off) but this is a really good example, much like Bittergate, of when the pundits truly don't get it.
When, tomorrow, asked about Wright's comment that he was doing what he has to do as a politician, Barack's response will be
Well, I don't think that's quite what he was saying but I disagree with that, just like I disagree with a lot of things he says. I understand that Rev. Wright feels he has been mischaracterized, that some of his controversial statements were played without their context and I understand that he is trying to clear his name. I respect that, and although he is no longer my pastor, he is the person who brought me to my faith and I will always be grateful to him for that.
That's it, and that's all he needs to say.
Look, Wright didn't choose his words as carefully as he should have. But the GIST of the interview, if you read the transcript is: 1) I have been grossly mischarcterized and 2) Barack and I don't discuss politics. That there would be an attempt to twist Wright's words to reflect badly on Obama was a foregone conclusion. They will do this EVERY day until November. But Barack can handle it. And so can we.
So please, calm down. We can't let our emotions be dictated by cable news hysteria. This too shall pass.
Fretting on the internet doesn't help, folks. I have been calling Indiana and they are FIRED UP. They are talking to their neighbors and their friends and their families about why they support Obama. There is so much energy and goodwill for him in the state. We have a real good shot at winning.
So let's do some work. Write letters to the editor of your local paper, phonebank, donate....and stop watching cable news.