Bill Moyers Journal
Rev. Wright and Obama–Legit Political Issue or Smear Campaign?
April 28th, 2008 at 11:18 am

The Bill Moyers interview with Reverend Wright last Friday night (WATCH), the first interview since the controversy erupted, Moyers engaged Wright in a conversation and gave him a chance to defend himself. Wright said to Moyers that he has been the target of a smear campaign:

“I felt it was unfair. I felt it was unjust. I felt it was untrue. I felt that those who were doing that were doing it for some devious reasons.”

Smear campaigns are nothing new in U.S. politics, particularly around election time. Is Wright a victim of negative campaigning or are his controversial comments a legitimate political issue? And, will political smears influence the result of the 2008 election? Find out more about the “Anatomy of Smear Campaigns” on NOW on PBS.

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3 comments

#1
4/28/08 :: 6:37 pm
Selma Jackson Says:

How many people watched the Bill Moyers Journal’s interview of Rev Wright?

#2
4/29/08 :: 7:09 pm
Brenda Wright-Lucas Says:

In my opinion, Anyone black or white who lived in the 40,50,60 and on into the 70;s, should be able to visualize much of what Rev. Wright has to say. He is not inventing any situations that he describes. He is simply telling the truth. Perhaps the emotional expression attached to his statements make it appear to be unjust rage, however, if you are a Black American, who experienced racism in the community, schools, employment, and other areas that the white population took for granted, you know the pain of struggling to survive. Racism is alive and well in America, and this is a time when folk want to claim that we are all equal. Not so. Further, when we think about what the Jews went through, no one minds reminding us of how terrible it was. Their plight did not take place on American soil, nor by any American government. Never the less, our government continues to pour money into helping them to get back what was taken from them. I don’t disagree, I feel they were victims of horrific incidents, and they will forever be haunted by it. Yet , I believe, Obama, should not distant himself, nor be concerned with the comments. Rev. Wright has the right to preach whatever he wishes. At least he is telling the truth. What Hillary should do is admit that the horrible injustices did, and continue to take place, and swear to change it once and for all it she is elected. No, what does she do. She acts as a desperate person who will stoop to any level to discredit someone who is in the same party, and who stands tall no matter what. There have been many others who speak frankly and opininated about the African-American experience in this country. If what he says is offensive and not true or considered unfair, then lets review the African-American experience and prove that there has always been equality and justice for all. I will be waiting to watch the show. Let us not forget the recent incidents, such as the Bell case, and countless others where lives have been lost, and there is no justice. The Foreclosure situation, many minorities were trapped into such, that speaks to the system not working for some, but for others. Wesley Snipes he has 3 years in jail, how much time did Helmsley get?, or Willie Nelson. I can go on and on, but I hope I have made my point.

#3
4/30/08 :: 10:28 am
j. jones Says:

Why is not ok to speak the truth about the racial divide in this country when it concerns african americans. Racism and injustice happened, its happening and it will continue to happen. Clinton, McCain, Obama and everyone in this country need to acknolowedge the truth about life in america and move on.

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