Do you think that if those moderating a debate asked the GOP candidate about these relationships for the first time, after 22 previous debates had been held, that other journalists would become apoplectic at the moderators for merely asking about the relationships? Not only would there be a near-universal consensus that those questions should be asked; there would be a moral urgency in pressing for answers. We would, I predict, be seeing an unprecedented media “feeding frenzy.”

The truth is that a close relationship with a white supremacist pastor and a friendly relationship with an abortion clinic bomber would, by themselves, torpedo a conservative candidate running for president. There is an enormous double standard at play here, one rooted in the fawning regard many journalists have for Barack Obama....The reaction to Stephanopoulos and Gibson is a revealing and depressing glimpse into the state of modern journalism.

I agree 100%! I don't understand how so many people think these things are insignificant. We are known by the company we keep, aren't we? I don't see how anyone subjected to the types of sermons his pastor gave could not be influenced by them, despite what BHO says. He has other associations that are just as questionable, i.e. Farrakan (sp). It's not racism to expect the president of our country to love America and want what's best for ALL Americans.