New Orleans Political Figures Sees Message In Obama's Speech

New Orleans area political figures gave a mix of positive and guarded responses Tuesday to Barack Obama's attempt to quiet an uproar about racial rhetoric in the presidential campaign.

In some circles nationally, critics dismissed the speech by the senator from Illinois as a self-serving effort to distance himself from his longtime pastor's comments about white people, Israel and America's role in bringing terrorism upon itself. But a smattering of local leaders saw healing potential in Obama's remarks.
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