Faced with his pastor’s (Jeremiah Wright) “inflammatory remarks,” Barack Obama on Tuesday in Philadelphia condemned the remarks, but argued that they should be understood in a historical context of black anger. Obama urged the nation to move past “a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years.” He spoke in a formal auditorium, flanked by eight American flags, before a racially mixed, invitation-only audience of about 200 elected officials and community leaders.

Obama’s delivery and demeanor was utterly presidential — projecting intellect, trust, strength and leadership. Sen. Obama was honest, bluntly critical of himself, his black community, whites and America at large. Read the full story

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