Wright, Pfleger tone message down for law group

Sen. Barack Obama's former pastor and the Catholic priest who got in trouble for mocking Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton both delivered toned-down remarks to a black lawyers group in Chicago on Thursday.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright said young people need to see role models like Clinton and Obama because then they'll have something to aspire to.

The pastor, who came under fire after sermons in which he cursed America and accused the government of conspiring against blacks hit the Internet, did not veer from the theme of his keynote speech in front of the Cook County Bar Association.

"I am not here to preach," Wright said.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger introduced Wright, calling him a hero and a friend. He also said Wright was "a gift to Chicago and a gift to this country, whether it realizes it or not."

Cardinal Francis George asked Pfleger to step down from his post for two weeks to "reflect on his recent statements" after the priest mocked Clinton and her bid for the White House at Obama and Wright's former church, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Pfleger said the New York senator felt "entitled" to the Democratic nomination for president. He also pretended he was Clinton crying over "a black man stealing my show."

Pfleger has apologized for his comments. He also promised George he would no longer mention any presidential candidates by name.

The Obamas recently resigned from Trinity, where the Wright was the longtime pastor.

Both Wright and Pfleger got standing ovations from the crowd of about 600 people.