Obama Pastor: I Had Death Threats

Racial divisions loomed over the Democratic race last night as Senator Barack Obama's controversial pastor Reverend Jeremiah Wright admitted his church has received bomb threats.

Wright, whose fiery sermons on America and race relations have stirred anger among some critics, has re-emerged into the headlines just as Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton kick off 10 days of campaigning in Indiana.

In his first interview since videos of Wright preaching began a storm of recrimination, Wright was asked by PBS journalist Bill Moyers if he had received death threats. 'Yes ... and bomb threats at the church,' Wright replied. 'What have we gotten into here? People ... telling us how they are going to wipe us off the face of the earth in the name of Jesus.' He also described how journalists had been harassing church members, including one who was dying in a hospice.

In the lengthy interview, Wright defended his criticisms of America, which included saying: 'Not God Bless America, God damn America.' He said his remarks had been misinterpreted by the media and defended his church's record in helping Chicago's poor.

Wright has undoubtedly been the biggest thorn in Obama's side during his campaign to be America's first black president. The controversy derailed Obama's plans to run a 'post-racial' campaign and forced him into a landmark speech on race in America. That was aimed at settling the issue, but since then the contest has become increasingly racially polarised.

Read more: Guardian.co.uk