. . . I don't think Reverend Wright was trying to make anything easier for Obama.

Here's my take on the Q&A from his appearance at the National Press Club.  Reverend Wright perceived that his reputation had been severely damaged and he took the several opportunities available to him in an attempt to repair that damage.

His behaviour at the Press Club was part of a "challenge/repost" scenario that can be seen in several places in the gospels.  In each case in the NT, the aim of the exchange is to "win" honour from one's opponent.

Unfortunately, members of the press did not understand what was going on . . . they were asking for information or clarification (or engaging in "gotcha" questions) while Reverend Wright was doing something else altogether.  What he undoubtedly perceived as "zingers" with his answers, many of us found cocky, arrogant, disrespectful and damaging.  Reverend Wright, on the other hand, clearly perceived that he was "winning" - besting the press, and displaying his (superior) knowledge and wit.

Since he had the support of most of the audience members (but not the working press), his emotional response during the Q&A seemed to be that he thought he was being successful.  He was standing solidly within his own hermeneutic and displaying solidarity with African Americans in the audience.

This was as deep a culture clash as I have seen played out on the public stage.  And while I would love to believe the Reverend Wright was really acting in the best interests of Obama, I am more inclined to agree with Bill Moyers: his behaviour led to an irrevocable break with his parishioner and has left grief and scars that both men will carry to their graves.

FWIW, Walter Wink transformed my understanding of Christianity, and the continuing contributions of social science have done the same. "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild" has gone out the window - replaced by a Jesus who was indeed as wise as a serpent, and as gentle as a dove.

If only Reverend Wright could have included the "gentle as a dove" part, then I think he would have helped Obama.  This performance, however, did not.