As long as we’re at it, TPM Reader DZ …
A couple of points:
1. As an Orthodox Jew, I have heard pulpit rabbis say some offensive things — and I’m not talking about things that are part of normative Jewish law like rules regarding gentiles — but all sorts of thoedicy-type claims about why God allowed particular tragedies to occur, usually involving very Jew-centric views of the world and often ascribing the worst of intentions to gentiles or non-Orthodox Jews. Nonetheless, I never felt the inclination to walk out mid-speech or cut my ties to my synagogue or the rabbi himself. Maybe I am applying a double standard here, but to me my rabbi’s political views are just one narrow aspect of a broad relationship I have with both him and the institution he leads. Based on Obama’s statements, I assume that this is Obama’s view of his relationship with Wright.
2. The question is whether Obama should be doing more. One option is for him to give a Speech sort of like the one Romney gave regarding Mormonism. The reason why this might be successful is that it is precisely Obama’s oratory that has given me and many others the comfort that he doesn’t agree with Wright’s views. He did this most clearly in his convention speech where he convincingly painted a picture of national unity and togetherness transcending race and religion that is so contrary to Wright’s views. I think he can give a speech touching on the same themes while at the same time explicitly rejecting Wright’s views and explaining his relationship. Given Obama’s strength as an orator, I think it can only help.
