Obama Quote by Ronald Kessler
![“Just before Obama’s nationally televised campaign kickoff rally last Feb. 10, the candidate disinvited Wright from giving the public invocation. Wright explained: ‘When [Obama's] enemies find out that in 1984 I went to Tripoli’ to visit Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi with Nation of Islam leader Louis…” quote by Ronald Kessler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/342/ronald-kessler-13022_obama_just-before-obama-s-nationally-televised_2818006.jpg)
““Just before Obama’s nationally televised campaign kickoff rally last Feb. 10, the candidate disinvited Wright from giving the public invocation. Wright explained: ‘When [Obama's] enemies find out that in 1984 I went to Tripoli’ to visit Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, ‘a lot of his Jewish support will dry up quicker than a snowball in hell.’ According to Wright, Obama then told him, ‘You can get kind of rough in the sermons, so what we’ve decided is that it’s best for you not to be out there in public.’ But privately, Obama and his family prayed with Wright just before the presidential announcement.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Obama Presidency: Promise and Performance, 2012
Wright claims Obama’s campaign avoided his controversial remarks about a past trip to Libya, fearing backlash from Jewish supporters.
In simple terms: He says Obama’s team limited Wright’s public exposure to protect political support.
Key Takeaway
Political image management influences speaker selection.
Themes
politics
media
campaign strategy
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
media
When to use this quote
- campaign rallies
- media interviews
- advisory meetings
- public relations
Key Concepts
image control
public perception
religious sensitivities
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should personal history play in political endorsements?
- How do campaigns balance free speech with electoral strategy?
A Different Perspective
The account may be anecdotal and reflects internal campaign decisions, not public policy.
![“I was living in New York, so I just rode my motorcycle up to the set [of New Jack City]. So first day of work for me was kind of tough. I get ready to get off my bike, and I'm surrounded by the security guards, who were Louis Farrakhan's Nation Of Islam guys. Who had the double-breasted suits and…” quote by Judd Nelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14d/judd-nelson-4498_bike_i-was-living-in-new-york-so-i-just-rode_2472825.jpg)
![“I talked to Minister [Louis] Farrakhan many times about this subject - there is our reality that we have to deal with on an ongoing basis because we have to exist in order for certain things to get done.” quote by Steve Harvey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/28a/steve-harvey-1668_bases_i-talked-to-minister-louis-farrakhan-man_603067.jpg)
