Originally published Monday, April 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM
"I'm not divisive," Wright says
The outspoken former pastor of Sen. Barack Obama told an audience of 10,000 at an NAACP dinner Sunday that despite what his critics say...
The Associated Press
DETROIT — The outspoken former pastor of Sen. Barack Obama told an audience of 10,000 at an NAACP dinner Sunday that despite what his critics say, he is descriptive, not divisive, when he speaks about racial injustices.
"I describe the conditions in this country," the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. said during the 53rd annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner held by the Detroit chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
"I'm not here for political reasons," Wright said. "I'm not a politician. I know that fact will surprise many of you because many in the corporate-owned media made it seem like I am running for the Oval Office. I am not running for the Oval Office. I've been running for Jesus a long, long time, and I'm not tired yet."
By speaking at the event, Wright was following in the footsteps of Obama and the senator's rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well as former President Clinton. It's a $150-a-plate fundraiser billed as America's largest sit-down dinner.
"I am not one of the most divisive" black spiritual leaders, he said. "I'm one of the most descriptive."
Wright received a long, loud standing ovation.
He became an issue in the presidential race in March after the circulation of videos of old sermons in which he accused the U.S. government of racism and accused it of flooding black neighborhoods with drugs.
Wright, who is retiring as pastor of the 8,000-member Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, is scheduled to speak today to the National Press Club in Washington.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 01:19 AM
AP sources: US troops likely for Afghan in January
UPDATE - 12:34 AM
Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
UPDATE - 12:16 AM
FBI reassessing past look at Fort Hood suspect
UPDATE - 12:37 AM
D.C. sniper mastermind set to be executed Tuesday
UPDATE - 12:04 AM
Case against Ohio bodies suspect expands overseas

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
253 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
246 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
165 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
141 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
118 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
96 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
69 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
63
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor








