Obama Prolongs Wright Controversary

In a serious escalation to the controversy over the remarks of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Obama campaign today released a photo of Bill Clinton and Jeremiah Wright. In addition, the campaign released a thank you note from Bill Clinton to Rev. Wright.


(source)



(source)

Why This Photo Release Was a Bad Idea

• It keeps the issue of Rev. Wright in the media. It is highly unlikely this will do much damage to Hillary Clinton as she is not in the photo. Moreover, for whatever damage this will do to Hillary Clinton, it will do far more damage to Senator Obama because it keeps Rev. Wright in the press and Rev. Wright is far more associated with Senator Obama than Senator Clinton.
• It makes Rev. Wright, who vehemently criticized Bill and Hillary Clinton in a recent sermon where he basically endorsed Senator Obama, look even more absurd.

In short, although releasing this photo will bring Bill and Hillary Clinton into the discussion of Rev. Wright, it will not make the issue go away. In fact, it will only give it more life.