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Originally Posted by jeff3  One thing that bothers me about Obama is that he sat and listened to this guy for about 20 years, only when it became politically inconvenient to associate with him did he walk away from him. I don't know about you but I feel pretty sure that Obama shares a lot of the same attitudes as this guy or he would not have associated with him for so long. If he believes half of what Wright spewed off that pulpit it's way too much. I have him pegged as a hater disguised as a lover and a taker disguised as a giver.
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My understanding is that the choice to join Wright's choice was primarily a strategic decision for a young local politician. Joining the church helped Obama connect with the African American population of Chicago and gave him some important contacts (such as Oprah Winfrey, who also attended).
As strange as it might seem for you and I, politicians often do things based on how they think it will impact their political career, not based on their personal feelings on the matter. That is why Benjamin Franklin was a member of the Christ Church (an Episcopal Church in Philadelphia) even though he considered himself to be a deist. If Obama's political career had never expanded beyond the City or possibly State Level, his association with the Wright church may have continued to be considered an asset.