Sebastian Mallaby, in todays' must-read Washington Post column:

If Obama clearly does not share Wright's views, of what precisely is he guilty?  Of befriending someone with repugnant opinions?  Anyone who condemns Obama on that basis should examine his own circumstances.  Real human beings present one another with complex social choices: The dependable work buddy may be unfaithful to his wife; the salt-of-the-earth neighbor may despise Hispanic immigrants.  How many Obama critics have themselves been friendly with someone with misguided views?  What about Bill Clinton, who counted the one-time segregationist William Fulbright among his mentors?