It wouldn't be debate night without a media attempt to drum up some eleventh-hour controversy. Tucker Carlson's Daily Caller yesterday released what it termed a "racially charged" video of a speech then-Sen. Barack Obama gave to an audience of black ministers. In it, Obama gives a "special shout out" to the infamous Jeremiah Wright, calling him a "great leader." He also scolds the government for its handling of Hurricane Katrina. But many pundits are panning the would-be "October surprise," saying the footage is old and not terribly explosive. Here's what people are saying:
- The Drudge Report has been showcasing the video on its front page, and Matt Drudge gleefully tweeted that the speech "undermines Obama's carefully crafted image."
- Fox News is likewise having a field day. Gawker has a cringe-worthy video of Sean Hannity attempting to do an impression of Obama's cadence, which he calls "Al Gore preacher mode."