The Public Record
Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States from January 20, 2009, to January 20, 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate from 2005 to 2008 and served in the Illinois State Senate from 1997 to 2004. Obama is known for his signature policies including the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and his efforts in economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. His presidency was marked by significant legislative achievements and a focus on healthcare reform, climate change, and foreign policy initiatives such as the Iran nuclear deal.
And so when I start hearing comments about conspiracy theories and AIDS and suggestions that somehow Minister Farrakhan has been a great voice in the 20th century, then that goes directly at who I am and what I believe this country needs.
And, so, you want to know who I am? You want to know what's in me? It's a love for this country that made my life possible.
I want to be very clear that, moving forward, Reverend Wright does not speak for me. He does not speak for our campaign.
And the fact that Reverend Wright would think that somehow it was appropriate to command the stage for three or four consecutive days in the midst of this major debate is something that not only makes me angry but also saddens me.
I am outraged by the comments that were made and saddened over the spectacle that we saw yesterday.
I have known Reverend Wright for almost 20 years. The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago.
He doesn't know me very well. And based on his remarks yesterday, well I may not know him as well as I thought either.
When I say I find these comments appalling I mean it. It contradicts everything that I'm about; and who I am.
It is a love for this country that made my life possible. It is a belief in the American dream. That's why I'm in this race.
I cannot prevent him from continuing to make these outrageous remarks. But what I do want him to be very clear about, as well as all of you and the American people, is that, when I say I find these comments appalling, I mean it.
I've known Reverend Wright for almost 20 years. The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago.
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