Rev. Wright Breaks Silence--and Obama's Campaign?

Rev. Wright Breaks Silence--and Obama's Campaign?

Story Highlights

Video clips from Rev Jeremiah Wright interview last Friday with PBS' Bill Moyers
Wright's speech on Sunday to the Detroit NAACP broadcasted live by CNN
Wright appears unapologetic and unruffled by the national controversy surrounding his sermons

Rev. Wright Breaks Silence--and Obama's Campaign?

DETROIT (AP) _ The former pastor of U.S. presidential hopeful Barack Obama whose words have rallied many but offended others told an audience of 10,000 yesterday that his critics get it wrong when they call him divisive and polarizing.

"I describe the conditions in this country," the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. said during the NAACP's 53rd annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner broadcasted live on CNN.

"I'm not here for political reasons. 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," Wright said. "I am not running for the Oval Office. I've been running for Jesus a long, long time and I'm not tired yet."

Rev. Wright, who is scheduled to speak at the National Press Club in Washington today, began making his first public appearances since the controversy broke, last Friday, April 25 on Bill Moyers Journal, PBS. Listen to four video excerpts, here.

"The persons who heard the entire sermon understand the communication perfectly..."

"I've been preaching as I've been preaching since I was ordained 41 years ago...being at odds with policies is nothing new to me...[but] being the target of hatred is."