Reverend Wright

This is an issue that Sen. Obama thoroughly addressed during the primaries, all questions were answered satisfactorily, and the subject was laid to rest. But we're just guessing that it is going to come back up again, since the McCain campaign is trying to sling as much mud as possible in a desperate attempt to regain some footing.

Back in March when this topic was all the rage, Obama gave a speech that clearly addressed not just the issue of his relationship with Reverend Wright, and his feelings about the Reverend's comments, but also the broader issue of race relations in America.

If you have ANY concerns about this issue, you owe it to yourself to listen to this entire speech. (You can also read the transcript, which will be faster, but you may miss some of the nuances. And if you have a really really short attention span, at least listen to the 5 minute section that goes from 6:00 to 11:00.) Either way, just don't make the wrong choice for president because you were unwilling to devote 30 minutes of your time to decide the future of our country.

How well do we really know Barack Obama?

John McCain and Sarah Palin are trying to convince you that you don't know the "real" Barack Obama. "Who is Barack Obama?" they ask. They are trying to scare you into thinking that he's a complete unknown.

If you feel that you don't know him, either you haven't been listening, or you have been actively trying to ignore him. Barack Obama has participated in nearly 200 town-hall type meetings with prospective voters. He regularly gives speeches that give unique insights into his character, his ideals, and his vision for America. His web site is chock full of information including his plan on every significant topic. He even answers reporters' questions on a frequent basis (unlike Sarah Palin, who the Republican party wisely keeps locked in a cage unless there are teleprompters in front of her).

Below are several sample speeches that should give you excellent insight into the man and the makeup of his character. If you get on YouTube.com and search for "Barack Obama Speeches", you'll find just about every word the man has ever uttered at your fingertips. Then you'll know him. Odds are, you'll also come to the same conclusion as millions of your fellow Americans: this is the leader and visionary that America needs, right now.

• Barack's speech on race relations in America, directly addressing his ties with Rev. Jeremiah Wright (Link to Video, Link to Transcript)
• Barack on America's Role in the World (Link to Video, Link to Transcript)
• Barack Campaign Commercial on Changing our Economic Future (Video)
• Barack's 2008 Convention Speech (Link to Video)

Some of the speeches are long, but they are worth the time investment. This is the most important election in many of our lifetimes, and you need to know who you are voting for.