A reader comments:

It has been my feeling that the TNT has been generally pro Obama during the current campaign, so I say congratulations on stepping up to the plate on this topic (Today’s editorial). Much easier to dismiss, ignore, or minimize his relationship with Pastor Wright than to tackle it head on.



Even my son, who has been an Obama supporter, is becoming more skeptical.



Mike Day

Tacoma

My response:

Mike,

We did endorse Obama in the presidential primary, but that has no influence on news coverage. The newsroom and the opinion section operate independently.

In the editorials since the primary, I don’t think we’ve leaned one way or another. I couldn’t predict right now who we will endorse in November. McCain, Obama and Clinton all have large vulnerabilities, in our view. It’s a long time until November, and a lot will depend on how McCain and the Democratic nominee conduct their campaigns and flesh out their positions. There will no doubt more exploding grenades to be taken into account.

Regarding Obama and Wright, I’m shaking my head at how a black preacher may end up undoing the best chance in a generation for a black man to attain the White House.

I recall seeing a profile of Obama in The New York Times Sunday magazine last fall, long before Pastor Wright came to national attention, in which Wright acknowledged that Obama would probably have to disavow him if he became the nominee. Wright seemed philosophical about it then; he sure doesn’t now.

Thanks for the feedback.

Dave Seago