Sen. Barack Obama : ` ` This nation is more than the sum of its parts '' ' says his former pastor ` ` has been like family to me '' Obama has been on defensive after controversial comments from ex - minister . But it has been difficult for the senator to distance himself completely from the retired minister of the church where he has worshipped for two decades . Senator struggled to regain control of campaign narrative after weeks of tough headlines .
Sen. Barack Obama : ` ` This nation is more than the sum of its parts '' ' says his former pastor ` ` has been like family to me '' Obama has been on defensive after controversial comments from ex - minister . Senator struggled to regain control of campaign narrative after weeks of tough headlines .