Rev. Wright: "Jews" won't let Obama talk to him (audio)

HAMPTON, Virginia (AP) -- President Barack Obama's controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, is blaming "them Jews" for keeping him from speaking to the president.

The former pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ told the Daily Press of Newport News, Virginia, that he hasn't spoken to Obama since he became president.

In an interview, Wright said "Them Jews ain't going to let him talk to me." He spoke to the newspaper following a Tuesday night sermon at the 95th annual Hampton University Ministers' Conference.

The White House declined to comment on Wright's remarks.

Obama was a longtime member of the church but resigned from it and cut ties with Wright after videos of Wright's sometimes provocative sermons surfaced during the presidential campaign.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.