Watch Obama sing 'Amazing Grace' during Pinckney eulogy

President Obama sang the lyrics to "Amazing Grace" and brought the congregation to its feet to sing with him.

AMAZING ... GRACE! This is one of the emotional highpoints of eulogy delivered by President Barack Obama for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was one of the nine people who was killed by white supremacist Dylann Roof.

The eulogy itself was one of the president's best speeches. He was in front of a friendly audience and he drew from the cadence and spirit of other black orators who had their training on the pulpit.

At first glance, even though the eulogy might appear to have nothing to do with Asian America, it has everything to do with being an American and that's why I am writing about it in Views From The Edge. 

It would be difficult to not say something about this singular powerful moment in history because of what it means to race relations, all people of color and to America's future. Even die-hard Republicans have to admit that it was a moment to remember.

If you missed it because you were at work or the gym, this MSNBC video captures ... that ... moment.

The Rev. Clementa Pickney

The audience was nodding in agreement, "Amening" to the President's statements, punctuating his every phrase. Besides race relations, talked about gun control, faith, forgiveness - and grace. Boy, did he talk about grace.

I can't remember any other president soaring like Obama did, moving into song and singing a cappella the old spiritual "Amazing Grace."  I don't think any other president could have pulled it off. It seemed so spontaneous but, you know it had to be planned and when the president reached that point in his speech, it was up to him to take it down that road, or not. It was a daring ploy, but it was so natural, so fitting and not at all fake or insincere. He was obviously feeling it ... in the moment. He paused, and repeated "Amazing Grace!" He looked down to his notes, paused for a good 25 seconds as if he was pondering, "Should I do it? Should I do it?" 

He went for it! When he sang his first note, the ministers behind him realized what he was doing - a technique they probably all employed in their sermons - and they were laughing and applauding in joy. The entire congregation stood up with him and joined the president in those inspirational lyrics. 

It was a daring decision to take it to the next level. The incredible moment will go down in history. Simply, amazing.

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