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Obama Rips Rev. Wright, Dem Candidate Says He's Outraged By Ex-Pastor's Remarks, "Saddened" By "Spectacle" Of Recent Appearance - CBS News

(CBS/AP) Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday he was outraged and appalled by the latest comments from his former pastor, who asserted that criticism of his fiery sermons is an attack on the black church and the U.S. government was responsible for the creation of the AIDS virus.

The presidential candidate is seeking to tamp down the growing fury over Rev. Jeremiah Wright and his incendiary remarks that threaten to undermine his campaign.

"I am outraged by the comments that were made and saddened by the spectacle that we saw yesterday," Obama told reporters at a news conference.

"Obama's decision to address Wright's recent comments after several days of trying to stay away signals concern over the damage that was being done to his candidacy," said CBSNews.com senior political editor Vaughn Ververs. "His strong denunciation of Wright's remarks, particularly those made yesterday at the National Press Club, was aimed at voters in the upcoming primaries, a national audience and the Democratic superdelegates who hold so much power in the nominating process. It may bring even more attention to the issue but Obama clearly felt he needed to make a very clear and public break with his former pastor."

Labels: Election 2008, Obama, Rev. Wright