A busy news day as we dealt with so many issues in the 2pm hour that I was hosting today … the fallout from Barack Obama’s association with his former pastor Wright continues to dominate the news cycle.

Despite Obama’s efforts to move the dialogue to the big themes on race in America, he is taking a hit in the polls. Our new Fox News Opinion Dynamics Polls – which was conducted March 18th to 19th and sampled 900 registered voters – asked this question:

“Has Obama’s relationship with Rev. Wright made you have doubts about him?”

The percentage of those saying yes is as follows:

• All -35%, Democrats-26%, Independents -27%, Whites – 40%, Blacks – 2%

I interviewed Democratic Strategist Mark Konblau, who’s a former senior adviser for John Edwards — he noted that it’s the independents that could end up being problematic for Obama in the long run if you’re looking at the general election against Republican John McCain. The independent voters have worked to Obama’s advantage so far and if this controversy continues to dog the candidate then there will be some real challenges ahead.

Here’s another interesting aspect of that poll. When asked, “how much do the friends you choose reflect on you and your values?”

• 39% percent said “ A lot”, 30% percent said “some” and 15% said “not much”

This would back up why we’re seeing an erosion in the polls right now, which shows for the first time in many months that Hillary Clinton is now leading Obama. Kornblau also told me that this is something where the Obama camp must claim the high ground and show that the nation is ready to transcend racism and not be on the defensive. Our political analyst Dick Morris says regardless of this controversy, Obama has already won the Democratic nomination when it comes to the elected delegates.

He contends that Wright’s “rantings are not reflective of Obama’s views on anything. Why did he stay in the church? Because he’s a black Chicago Politician who comes from a mixed marriage and went to Columbia and Harvard.” He goes on to say “Suspected of not being black enough or Sufficiently tied to the minority community, he needed the networking opportunities Wright afforded him in his church to get elected. Obama stuck by Wright as part of a need to get ahead.”

If that’s the case, then Kornblau adds, Obama needs to come out and just say that the relationship helped his political career in Chicago and cement his ties to the African American community and move forward. This is a story that is sure to continue to generate heat even though the Obama camp wants it to go away.

Just this afternoon we received word in my show from our Washington Bureau that Obama himself made some controversial comments in an interview where he was talking again about his white grandmother.

The interviewer from a Philadelphia sports radio network was talking to him about the Obama’s speech this week when he referenced his grandmother and that there was a time when even she feared black men and occasionally use a racial or ethnic stereotype. Obama responded by saying, “ the point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity she doesn’t – but she is a typical white person who you know if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn’t know there is a reaction that has been bred into our experiences that don’t go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way.”

It’s Obama’s statement “that she is a typical white person…..” that is raising even more controversy. Just what does he mean by typical white person? Does he mean all white people?

Those questions are being asked now it’s a story that keeps him in the headlines about race in America. Judging by the cable news ratings over the past week viewership is very high. Our Fox News viewers are keenly interested in this political firestorm – and it cuts across party lines…Judging from all the e-mails I’ve been receiving it’s Democrats, Republicans and Independents who’ve been raising concerns.

Could a crisis management team be called in now to help Obama? Some pundits are saying that the only good news at this moment for Obama is that the election is in November –months away and perhaps this crisis will take a backseat in the voters’ minds. We still don’t know of course how all of this will play out in the days and weeks ahead – but it’s certainly high drama!

Let me know what you think about the controversy. Let me know here on the blog — I look forward to hearing from you !

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I love to interview fascinating newsmakers and I’m lucky enough to host a series of specials that we call “Secrets of Success.”

It’s a close look at inspiring people who’ve led remarkable lives and have achieved great success despite some tough challenges along the way. Right now I’m very excited because we’re in the midst of production for our latest installment. We will include one of America’s most popular preachers, Joel Osteen; NBA star Dikembe Mutombo; and the rags to riches saga of visionary philanthropist and business mogul, Chris Gardner, whose life story influenced the movie “Pursuit of Happiness.

Now, on this St. Patrick’s Day – an interview with Sir James Galway – nicknamed “the man with the golden flute.” Click here to watch a video of him playing!

Born in Belfast Ireland, he’s widely regarded as the world’s most celebrated classical flute player and a consummate entertainer who has endeared himself to millions of people across the globe. A musical master – he has sold over 30 million albums and continues his extensive touring giving recitals with the world’s leading orchestras. He’s received countless awards – including a special honor from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II with a Knighthood for services to music.

Though his career has spanned decades, you won’t find him resting on past accolades – instead his boundless energy keeps him focused on making a difference in the lives of young people. Now, a new generation of artists are receiving special encouragement through Sir James’ master classes. I had a chance to see firsthand the impact he’s having with aspiring musicians who were given the opportunity spend time with him over the weekend and today. Youngsters as young as 8 years old were selected to take part in these special master classes. In the world of these young talents Sir James is indeed an icon. So many of them were awed and inspired to be in his company. A few were quite nervous at first, but soon found that Sir James is quite unpretentious and very eager to help them become better classical flute players. You could see through their eyes their happiness and excitement as they spent quality time with “the master.”

Music is Sir James’ passion and he hopes that he can influence aspiring students to never give up on their dreams. What’s remarkable about his approach and manner is that he’s totally hands on and accessible. He told me that growing up poor in Ireland has taught him important lessons about faith, courage and a will to succeed. Sir James donates his time and extensive resources to helping young artists around the world who often can’t afford classes or teachers. Through his Galway Network both Sir James and his wife Lady Jeanne reach out to touch thousands of lives in amazing ways. Their philanthropy also includes raising funds for children’s hospitals, orphanages and schools.

In New York, of course, it isn’t St. Patrick’s Day without the annual St. Paddy’s Day parade and I accompanied Sir James as he met up with a local band of young people called “The Young Colonials Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.” These kids were so anxious to have a chance to meet Sir James and show him what they’ve learned along the way. It was so cold today on the parade route, but you’d never know it by seeing how proud these youngsters were to have Sir James play the flute alongside them. As they played their music, a big crowd gathered around with lots of folks taking pictures. In those moments — there was a spirit of positive energy that can best be described as magical. Sir James believes that music is truly a language of the heart…and it was clear he made a lasting connection with these youngsters. It’s an experience they soon won’t forget – nor will I.

I invite you to stay tuned to Fox News Channel to watch my interview with Sir James as part of our special program “Secrets of Success.” In addition to the folks I’ve mentioned that we’ve interviewed – we also have a few surprises ahead….. I will be updating you soon on what you can look forward to and an airdate.

This is one special that you don’t want to miss!

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