[anglian]

Most importantly, Rev. Wright preached the gospel of Jesus, a gospel on which I base my life. In other words, he has never been my political advisor; he's been my pastor.

In truth, we have been assured that Mr. Wright was the most important influence in Mr. Obama’s life. That he was Obama’s “spiritual mentor,” and the reason he joined the church and got into politics.

From a more than year old edition of the Chicago Tribune:

Pastor inspires Obama’s ‘audacity’Though Wright and Obama do not often talk one-on-one often, the senator does check with his pastor before making any bold political moves. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/religion/chi-070121-relig_wright,1,271630.story?page=1&coll=chi-religion-topheadlines&ctrack=1&cset=true

[anglian]

“What I value most about Pastor Wright is not his day-to-day political advice,” Obama said. “He’s much more of a sounding board for me to make sure that I am speaking as truthfully about what I believe as possible and that I’m not losing myself in some of the hype and hoopla and stress that’s involved in national politics.” http://hotair.com/archives/2008/03/14/2007-profile-wright-provides-spiritual-guidance-for-obama-oprah/