Obama 'Disappointed' By Priest's Comments

ANOTHER PREACHER PROBLEM

Obama 'Disappointed' By Priest's Comments

Barack Obama moved to distance himself from another preacher at Trinity United Church of Christ on Thursday after controversial comments by the Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago, were circulated online.

"Don't hold me responsible for what my ancestors did, but you have enjoyed the benefits of what your ancestors did," Pfleger said from the pulpit of Trinity on Sunday. ". . . Unless you are willing to give up the benefits, you must be responsible for what was done in your ancestors' generation. We must be honest enough to expose white entitlement and supremacy wherever it raises his head. . . . When Hillary was crying, people said that was put on. I really don't believe it was put on. I really believe she just always thought this is mine. I'm Bill's wife. I'm white, and this is mine! I just got to get up and step up to the plate. Then, out of nowhere, came Barack Obama!

"I'm white, I'm entitled, there's a black man stealing my show," he continued, feigning tears. "She wasn't the only one crying -- there were a whole lot of white people crying. . . . I'm sorry, I don't want to get you in any more trouble."

Obama released a statement saying he was "deeply disappointed" in Pfleger.

"As I have traveled this country, I've been impressed not by what divides us, but by all that unites us. That is why I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger's divisive, backward-looking rhetoric, which doesn't reflect the country I see or the desire of people across America to come together in common cause," Obama's statement said.

Pfleger issued his own apology: "I regret the words I chose on Sunday. These words are inconsistent with Senator Obama's life and message, and I am deeply sorry if they offended Senator Clinton or anyone else who saw them."

-- Krissah Williams

A NOTE FROM OBAMA'S DOCTOR

Former Smoker, Current Runner

Barack Obama is in "excellent health," according to a letter from his longtime physician released by the senator's campaign. And yes, that gum he's often chewing is Nicorette.