I've concluded, on a very short term basis, that the dynamics of the race changed yesterday morning, at least so far as Obama is concerned. I had thought that the Obama campaign would wait until the nomination was secure, then Wright would appear publicly and rehabilitate his image and that of the church. Quite obviously, Wright had other plans.
I thought going on Bill Moyers show fit, loosely, within that frame. Timing was not the best but his performance was low key and well done. I even thought the NAACP appearance could be shoe horned to fit, like a badly fitted pair of shoes.
But the appearance in Washington Monday morning, changed all that. At least that's where my thinking is now. The distance between Wright's views and Obama's views is now distinctly drawn. I, personally, as I said to Rambi, have no problem separating those. Nor do I have a problem seeing the good that came out of the Trinity Church, nor the mixed legacy that will be Wright's.
What I can't tell yet is the political damage done by Monday morning. To some degree that depends on how Obama handles it now and in the future.
I'm going to post Bob Herbert's New York Times column this morning if I can find the time. He and Eugene Robinson are the best sources I have. They are quite definite as to what needs to happen. My own views are still developing. |
