Listening to the Reverend

Some people are wondering how Obama could listen to Jeremiah Wright's hateful sermons for years.

Does Obama really buy Wright's vision? Or does he just admire the preacher's ability to sway a packed church? Cass Sunstein, in his defense of Obama, says that Obama is always interested in multiple points of view. Perhaps that holds a clue as to what's going on.

Maybe Obama's a smart guy who doesn't mind listening to a lot of contrary viewpoints. Maybe he just went to that church because his wife liked it or something. After all, Obama wasn't raised in any particular religion at all.

Maybe he's basically a pragmatist who is playing the "project your hopes on me" game.

Project your hopes, and cast your vote,
and pray the nation stays afloat.

UPDATE: Some additional thoughts along similar lines here.