The CNN link:

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/politics/2008/03/15/cooper.obama.pastor.intv.cnn

The Fox News link:

http://www.breitbart.tv/html/62894.html

I think that Senator Obama has essentially done all he can now to clearly differentiate himself from Rev. Wright. While I know the talk show media will continue to make hay of this… I think he’s done about all he can do.

I think the Fox interview was quite good. Having been one who would willingly be interviewed by the Administration’s biggest critics, I appreciate him sitting down with Fox news. Takes a measure of fortitude to sit down and do that. I also think that his straightforward answers to Major Garrett were excellent examples of how to deal with crises and problems of this nature.

Although I don’t plan on voting for Sen. Obama - I must admit I’m quite impressed by his oration skills, his fundraising, and his organizational skills. A year ago, when Sen. Clinton looked like the presumptive nominee, discussions I had with peers about Sen. Obama posing a threat boiled down to “its big Mo v. Big O - and Hillary’s got Big O.” Well - Sen. Obama built a very good organization I think - he’s relentlessly dogging Clinton at every turn. For all intensive purposes they’ve fought each other to a standstill. I find that quite impressive as a political… I also find impressive that he ultimately did come out strongly on this issue with Rev. Wright - but did so plainly. I do believe his best course was to say “Look he’s a friend, but he doesn’t speak for the campaign.” The fact remains, we all have friends who make complete jerks of themselves - sometimes trying to advocate for our positions. While Rev. Wright’s comments are caustic and anti-American, I can appreciate that Sen. Obama doesn’t want to just toss the guy aside after knowing him for 20 years. Quite frankly, I’d have been a bit disappointed if he had… in the end, Republicans prize loyalty and friendship as well.

I think this whole mess will hurt him - but it won’t be fatal.