Political Quotes

On the recordMarch 17, 2008
The profound mistake of Reverend Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress had been made; as if this country -- a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black, Latino, Asian, rich, poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past.
Said by
Barack Obama
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Obama addresses the controversy surrounding Reverend Wright's sermons, emphasizing the progress made in society and the importance of recognizing it.

Share & report

More from Barack Obama

Jul 24, 2025

These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.

nypost.com
Apr 3, 2025

Look, I don't think what we just witnessed in terms of economic policy and tariffs is going to be good for America.

abcnews.go.com
Jul 17, 2025

Those of us with daughters, we've got to have good guys out there... not necessarily to get married, but to make sure that what we're learning isn't undermined.

newsweek.com

Other voices in this conversation