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As I understand it those concerned with Obama's past with Ayers, Rev. Wright, etc.. (at least those on this forum) are not so much concerned with his connection with those individuals but his answers explaining those relationships today. I imagine as a young polititian he accepted fundraiser help from Ayers (and almost anyone else who would help) and also joined the largest black church in Chicago in part to connect to the black community. Like most polititians Obama will of course try to downplay any past associations which might negatively effect his current campaign. Polititians who do not play this game well will probably not win many elections.
I also expect McCain, Biden and Palin to downplay their past associations with fundraisers, separatists, lobiests, etc.. for political reasons. McCain had a reasonable position of smaller government and less regulation as a path to future prosperity but with the current financial meltdown this position is not working with many voters and they are getting desperate. His recent proposal to buy back all the troubled mortgages is truly desperate and almost like abandoning the capitalist ship. All the mudslinging is a distraction from what is really important and to answer the OP I don't think past associations will have much of an effect on Obama's (or the other candidate's) positions going forward.
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