If you keep up with politics at all, or even just news in general it would have been hard to miss the media frenzy over the comments made by Presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s ex-pastor, Jeremiah Wright.

In a sermon, Wright denounced American politics and claimed that the US was at least partially responsible for the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Wright went as far as to say that blacks should sing ‘God D*** America’ not ‘God Bless America’.

The backlash from these comments faced by Obama’s campaign from the mainstream media has been extreme.

But what do Baton Rouge Magnet High School students and staff have to think about the Wright’s comments, the media coverage, and Barack’s subsequent speech about race?

“It hasn’t really had an effect on me at all. I’ve never really cared about candidates personal lives,” said senior Gabe Loupe.

Loupe’s statements seem to voice the opinion of the majority of BRMHS; most students and faculty interviewed said that the incident would not effect whether or not they would vote for Obama come November.

Spanish instructor Dan Miller did not view Wright’s words as a personal vendetta against him, a white man.

“I didn’t feel threatened by his words. I think there is a genuine outrage there and if Obama is elected I do think it would be a catalyst for unity and make a statement across the world,” said Miller.

In response to the controversy Obama said, “I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies.

“He has never been my political adviser; he’s been my pastor.”

Barack’s speech about addressing the remarks made by Wright and race in the U.S. in general, many students were impressed by the content and maybe even more so the political savvy of the speech.

“I thought he did a good job at turning it around,” said Loupe.

The media portrayal of Wright and Obama since the comments surfaced as led some to question the honesty of the news networks

Math instructor Edris Ennis viewed the media coverage as completely overblown and ignorant.

“Those statements were taken completely out of proportion. There is a misunderstanding of the culture of the black church ,especially the black Baptist church. These type of comments are not unusual because of the African American experience is unique,” she said

Throughout BRMHS, most students are more focused on the candidates’ capability than religious views.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with Obama’s ability to run the country that his pastor is a little crazy,” said junior Anne Laplante.

Math teacher Clarence Antoine doesn’t find the news a surprise at all.

“It is not unusual at all- what he did-for black ministers to say negative things about white people.

“It’s no different than what Malcolm X was saying back in the 60’s,” he said.

(Emmi Aguillard contributed to this story)