Obama on O.J.

In an interview with Nightline following his sweeping speech on race in America this week, Barack Obama shared his thoughts about O.J. Simpson's 1995 murder trial:

"I'm somebody who was pretty clear that O.J. was guilty," Obama said (full transcript here).

Wow. That's kind of a bombshell, no?

Obama had mentioned the murder trial briefly in his speech as an example of how Americans "tackle race only as spectacle." Later, when the Nightline interviewer asked him to expound about how the Trial of the Century divided many whites and blacks, Obama said:

"...that reaction had more to do with a sense that somehow the criminal justice system historically had been biased so profoundly that a defeat of that justice system was somehow a victory."

No word yet from the Simpson camp about whether this affects his voting plan. Then again, when the election rolls around in November, Simpson's Las Vegas armed robbery trial will be over, and depending on its outcome, Simpson may not be allowed to vote

--- Evan Benn

Comments

[Linda Gaskin]

To all of America,
The speeches on race over the years from many indiviuals has all but gone void without American listening. It is the belief that Martin Luther King, Jr. had the dream of bringing people of all colors together. So I would say with his untimely death, America felt that racism is a dead issue from anyone who had power. It would be in America's best interest to talk about racism because it is not going away. Much of this was started by the Clinton's who I have voted for in the pass and even prayed for Hillary when Bill was in a adultery state of mind. They have become like "throw the rock and hide their hands." Somethings I would have never expected of the Clintons, but one thing I realized now is that wanting POWER will change your voice, mind and heart.
American should be honest and say, "We don't want a Black President and we really don't want a women. The Republican's should say in reality they don't want John McCain, but have no other choice. Florida and Michigan understood the rules, what was the Dem Chair of those states thinking when changing the rules. Florida was dealt a raw deal in 2004 dealing with the Bushes. We as Americans have much before all us in either party. But, one thing I do know is that God is on the throne and whom he chooses to go to the White House will be in his purpose. Bush cheated to get into the White House and look at all the turmoil in his presidency and life. God, hates a liar and a thief and God will not judge them. Those that do not want Obama in the White House is trying to create division among the races and this is really, really sad. But, what they have provided is an open forum - we now must talk about it. God has a great plan for the life of Obama and no man can stop what GOD has in the plan - even those who don't beleive there is God.I can only pray for my country and have hope that we can beleive that we can all get along and learn to Love one another in spite of the pain that all of America has suffered in one way or another. Peace and Blessings.