Was Obama Present at Wright's Church on July 22, 2007? (UPDATED x2)

Barack Obama's camp denies that Obama was present on July 22, 2007 for services at the Trinity church, and was in Miami giving a speech. It is pretty clear that he WAS in Miami in the afternoon, but it's not yet clear whether he could have attended church and then left for Miami. But, it would be a pretty outrageous, easily provable lie to say he didn't attend on that day if it wasn't true, even though he was reported last summer to have attended on that day. Simply because it would be such an easily provable lie (you would think), I am inclined to believe Obama at this point on this one instance, so the powers-that-be will no doubt continue to look for evidence of Obama attending a 'bad' sermon elsewhere. However, the journalist who originally reported on Obama's attendance at that one sermon, Jim Davis, is standing by his story, (at least to the extent that Obama attended a service sometime in July at which Davis was present, although the clarification is a bit muddled. It still seems to allow for the possibility that Obama was at an earlier or later service that day, but we've asked for clarification on the 'clarification' from Newsmax).

So, whom do we believe???

I'm not sure at this point, but this new twist of 'he said, she said' will keep this story going a while more. Davis says that the Secret Service was in attendance when he observed Obama at the church, so you can guess where the next stage of this story is going to head...

Also, Little Green Footballs has a video link to Obama praising Wright effusively at some conference. Take a look here. Then tell me that Obama knew Wright as just "somebody" at church. No way. Hat Tip: Backyard Conservative.

UPDATE: Here's some more on the issue of Obama's schedule and whether he attended church that day. Looks like Obama's camp is sticking to its guns that Obama was in Chicago that morning, but did not attend church. Now, given this flap, the question of whether the reporter, Jim Davis, bollixed up the dates may overshadow the point of the story in the first place, as to whether Obama attended a fiery sermon or not.

UPDATE x2 Monday 3.17.08: First, happy St. Paddy's Day evening, and drive home safely, if you're out and about. Second, check out the Fox News report on the tweaking that the Trinity Church website is undergoing. According to Fox:

The Web site for the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago had described its congregation as “unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian” but has made changes to the “About Us” section. The section no longer contains the “Black Value System.” It has been replaced with videotaped testimonials by church members. The explanation of the Black Value System still exists on the church’s Web site, but it has been moved from the “About Us” section to the bottom of the home page, where it says “Click here to read about the Black Value System.” The Black Value System urges members to follow a list of 12 concepts such as a commitment to the black community, commitment to the black family and dedication to the pursuit of education and excellence. The system also urges black families to be strong in order to “withstand warping by our racists competitive society,” and says God will provide followers the strength to become “soldiers for black freedom and the dignity of all humankind.”

I find the timing of this VERY peculiar, especially in light of the recent press statement by the church defending Pastor Wright and the doctrine of the church, and also the speech that is anticipated in Philadelphia tomorrow in which Barack Obama will try to 'explain' his church to the rest of us. Can't wait for that, especially as to what this particular church thinks is the "Black Value System." Considering the Trinity Church at least initially seemed quite unapologetic for its beliefs, but is now rewriting its webpage, you have to wonder if perhaps the Obama campaign is coordinating, or at least being consulted on, this revamp, before this story gets any more out of control.

So, after coming out and very strongly condemning the words of Pastor Wright, why is Obama vacillating back to being an apologist for these viewpoints? Is it perhaps because he knows it is inevitable that somebody, somewhere, is going to come up with evidence that ties him to viewing/cheering on a nasty Wright sermon, perhaps? Or does he really think he can toe the line on this and explain to white voters that black preachers are just different? See some real-time reaction data for viewers watching Wright sermons here, and see if you think America is going to buy it.