We have picked up and left. It is so easy to conceive of being Jewish, and finding a comfortable way to practice or be Jewish without going to shul.

I suspect, that is, I'm not going to say this is a fact, but I think Christians see regular church attendance as a central part of their spirituality. In an odd sort of way, assuming that Obama did sit and disagree with Wright on so many issues, perhaps he sees himself as becoming America's Pastor. That he sees this run more in spiritual terms rather than political terms--that he is truly trying to break with the diseased foundations of America's racial past and present.

I haven't heard any pastors of Black Churches truly condemn what Wright said--perhaps it's a little more mainstream in the Black community than what we would like to think. Any head of a congregation has to essentially play to his audience--and if the anger is that high, then a pastor has to play to that, and if he has to create some anger, he'll do that too--because right after those sermons he asks for money. The key to the job is getting folks to reach into their pockets. And whatever moves those hands, the heck with their hearts, whatever moves those hands is what will play week after week.

My point is that, again speculating, that Obama just didn't see himself following a conventional pastor pathway, given his incredible talent as a speaker. Because right now, he's pastoring. He is being both inspiring and astoundingly vague. And then he asks for ten bucks.

The Israel issue also becomes more complex given Wright's speeches. Is it possible that if Obama is seen as too 'pro-Israel' he would alienate quite a few Black voters? Don't know the answer there.

So much more to see as time moves forward.