Will Jeremiah Wright Prove a Political Liability for Barack Obama?

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright married Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, baptized their two daughters and gave Obama the title for his book, "The Audacity of Hope." According to ABC News, he also exhorted blacks to sing "God Damn America" instead of "God bless America". Obama turned down the endorsement of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan to avoid controversy, but has he embraced an equally controversial figure in the Reverend Wright?

Barack Obama has been riding an incredible wave of popularity in his bid for the U.S. presidency. He has received endorsements from such Democratic royalty as Ted Kennedy and John F. Kennedy's family. As primary results come in, Obama gives the aura of being unstoppable.

Though Obama's own aides concede that Jeremiah Wright has a history of inflammatory rhetoric, Obama likens Wright's rhetoric to that of an old uncle who sometimes makes disagreeable statements. Obama's evolution as a person and politician is so closely tied to Wright that any formal separation seems unlikely if not impossible. As Wright is now retired, Obama says he likes to focus on the good works that Wright has done.

The situation was further complicated when Wright's world view seemed to emanate from Obama's wife, Michelle Obama. During a campaign stop, Mrs. Obama stated that for the first time she was "proud" of her country. The OpinionJournal.com also reports that Mrs. Obama has characterized her country as "downright mean" and "driven by fear". It appears the crazy uncle has gotten through to some family members.

Will Obama's characterization of Wright as a controversial yet well-meaning figure in his life succeed? In short, Obama has quite a bit to overcome. In addition to visiting such U.S. pariahs as Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, Wright has blamed the U.S. for the 9/11 attacks stating that U.S. sponsored terrorism was responsible. Wright also stated that the intended target of the 9/11 attacks was "white America".