big day for obama

The Reverend Wright controversy has emerged in the last few days as a serious problem for Obama. The raw anger on display in Wright's sermon raises doubts about Obama's claim to be a healer, somebody who has moved beyond America's divisions. It has also been rolled together with other incidents, like Michelle Obama's comment about not being proud of America till now, to impugn Obama's patriotism, a tried and tested GOP tactic.

Most of all it has forced the question of race to the forefront of the campaign. Race has been an issue before, after some black figures accused the Clinton campaign of stepping too close to the line. But this time it is Obama on the defensive. Up until now, he's managed to rise above questions about his race. But now he has to confront them head on.

After giving several interviews on TV, Obama has decided to make a big setpiece speech about his relationship to Wright, and more generally about race in America. He has to explain his closeness to Wright, without being seen to be dishonest or to be putting distance between himself and his black supporters. It will be a terrifically difficult balancing act. But it's the right thing to do, despite some of the advice he's been receiving:

Some associates advised him against giving the speech. “Race is now officially on the table. It’s not going away after this,” a senior aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, recalled one adviser saying.

(As if, if he doesn't speak, it will just fade away. The stupidity of comments like that make you wonder about the quality of people on his wider team).

Will this be, as mooted a few days ago, a Souljah moment?