On the Fox News All-Star Panel yesterday, Nina Easton made the odd point that the recent Wright developments have been good for Obama, a Sister Souljah moment:
Her rationale is that Wright’s bizarre appearances forced Obama to break with the pastor, and that’s good. True enough.
But weigh that against the bad: Before this, it was possible for Obama to say he had no idea Wright was like that — Obama never heard Wright say stuff quite that bad, and the comments are out of context. But when Wright proudly declares those same “soundbite” beliefs, and gives no indication he’s changed his mind lately, Obama runs headlong into the question, “How did you choose this pastor, and why did you stay for 20 years?” That’s the Wright-Souljah difference; Clinton denounced someone he didn’t have extensive, documented ties to.
Also, I think Easton overestimates Obama’s sincerity. Yes, the candidate appeared angry — angry that Wright had come forward to damage the campaign by sharing his true feelings, not angry that Wright’s attitudes had shifted 180 degrees overnight (they hadn’t).