October 10, 2007
Posted: 10:21 AM ET

Mrs. Obama was on her way to a campaign event when the accident happened.

(CNN) – Michelle Obama, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, escaped injury Tuesday when her campaign van was involved in an accident in Hampton, Iowa. A motorcyclist who struck the van was injured.

The accident happened as she was en route to a campaign stop. A motorcycle collided with the van on U.S. Highway 65 in the central part of the state.

The Obama campaign said in a statement, "The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital, and Barack and Michelle's thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time. Neither Mrs. Obama nor any members of the campaign staff were injured in the accident."

Police identified the motorcyclist as Timothy Scott Emerson, 41, of Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was taken by medical helicopter to Mercy Medical North Hospital, where a nursing supervisor said he was treated and released.

A report from the Hampton Police Department said the van carrying Michelle Obama was trying to make a left turn when it was struck. The motorcycle, which was three vehicles behind the campaign van, attempted to pass and struck the left side of the van, the report said, while traveling on the wrong side of the road.

The campaign event she was headed to was canceled.

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

– CNN's Steve Brusk, Devon Sayers and Chris Welch contributed to this report

Filed under: Iowa • Michelle Obama


Joe, Columbus Oh   October 24th, 2007 11:36 pm ET

Michelle Obama does not look like a first lady- she does not have that materials in her. However, I wish him (motorcylist) best of luck. It's a sign-GOD blocked her from campaigning.
Posted By providence, RI : October 9, 2007 10:02 pm

Granted i do not believe what providence is saying, but for people to assume he is racist is pretty lame. If i say O.J. Simpson DID IT (wow big surprise) am i racist? because hes black? If i say Hilary Clinton is not cut out for the job (which i don't believe she is) am i a feminist? People are titled to their opinions. and maybe i should correct when i assumed providence is a male by saying "he or she". stupid politically correct world

Liberal Chic   October 12th, 2007 12:50 pm ET

Dave, Cheverly, MD :

Look, Dave. I am not going to be one of these irritating parents who think every little cute thing a kid does indicates that he's destined to be a genius.

Studies have found that South Korean children are not as confident and self-assured as are American children. But they are much more academically capable than American children are, especially in math and science, the engine of a thriving economy. Just look at what their economy has done in the last 20 years versus ours.

I am a liberal, but I can admit that Kennedy was really not a very impressive president. He didn't get much accomplished. But people loved him, his sound bites, that whole crazy Camelot junk. It's the same with Obama. People love his inexperience and his rambling talk. The man has never done anything impressive with his life. He's barely been challenged for his politicial seats. One of his colleagues from Illinois atually thinks Obama was ordained by God to lead the US. Maybe that's why Obama's campaign is so empty on specifics and full of hot air. He thinks he'll just get there by being "fresh."

And you cannot form good judgement without the necessary experience on which to base them. Maybe in ten years, if he can hack it in DC, he'll be ready to run for the presidency. Until then, he's just a black dude who's popular because Americans want to believe themselves to be egalitarian and found someone with whom they can identify.

Dave, Cheverly, MD   October 12th, 2007 10:27 am ET

To Liberal Chic,

I sure hope you are not sharing your non-motivating conclusion with any children. OMG. Also, right now we Americans just need one (person with that dream, the drive and GOOD judgment) to lead. Obama08

Liberal Chic   October 12th, 2007 1:53 am ET

Dave, Cheverly, MD :

Yeah and how many of those seemingly precocious little girls and little boys actually turn out to be gifted singers and swimmers? Hardly any, that's how many.

Dave, Cheverly, MD   October 11th, 2007 12:57 am ET

BOTTOM LINE; It was not fair for Obama to get his CALLING right now. NOT Right NOW Hillary. We AGREE with that point. It was supposed to be YOU right now. We have all been there, were you are right now. So we can all sympathies with you. BUT we all have to put out COUNTRY first! There is just too much going on. If we ALL put our insecurities, hate, jealousy’s aside. We can see that the greatest nation on earth is about to show it and lead the world with a candidate that we All can see he was BORN to lead this Nation at this time! You know how we see our baby daughters in diapers singing with the hair brush and we say Oh lord she is going to be a some singer or our 2 year old sons playing grab the ducky toy at the bottom of the bath tub with their mouths while holding their breath and we say Oh lord he is going to be some swimmer. THAT’S what we see in OBAMA. ANYONE who heard him speak at the Convention 2004 though t what I did at the time. WHO THE BELL IS THAT? HE SHOULD BE PRESIDENT. HOW DARE HE GET UP THERE AND TALK ALL THAT TRUTH AND HOPE!! HIS COLOR DIDN'T MATTER AS I WAS NOT INITIALLY WATCHING THE TV SCREEN. He just seems born to do this. LETS LET HIM…

Liberal Chic   October 11th, 2007 12:47 am ET

Jen, Gainesville, FL :

I pray for the safety of the Obama family, who is making a huge sacrifice for the American people (they have many better options than being on the campaign trail everyday.)

That's the funniest thing I've read in a long time. A man who cannot verbalize a specific reason or a goal for wanting to become President (other than "to bring people together") is sacrificing terribly to become the most powerful man in the world when he was a nobody-state-senator just three years ago having won that seat barely challenged.

If he wants to do some good for the country, he could have used his overwhelming popularity as a freshly elected senator to buck trends in the senate and speak his mind for the people instead of going with the flow with his senior colleagues just so he can posture for a presidential run in 2008. This man is simply unqualified to be the President now and given his incompetence/failure to come up with concrete ideas/plans (not fresh-sounding platitudes), I am not sure he will ever wisen up enough to become one.

Instead of admiring an unqualified person for reaching for something he cannot attain, let's be honest and say his ego is out of control. While we're at it, let's admit that ALL politicians running for President, competent or otherwise, do so because they have giant egos.

Juanito, Washington, DC   October 10th, 2007 11:53 pm ET

Wow…such ignorance and hatred in 2007? Couple the racist comments in here with the recent noose hangings all over the country, and I'm almost scared for Obama shoud he win.

America is in trouble.

Dr. Kildare   October 10th, 2007 11:05 pm ET

Something's fishy. How often do you life-flight an accident victim and then they're immediately "treated and released."

BTW, Michelle Obama is SMOKIN' HOT.

Mike, Cleveland, Ohio   October 10th, 2007 9:21 pm ET

Obama haters and myth spinning bigots:

Obama lived for most of his childhood in Hawaii and spent four of his pre-teen years in Indonesia. Obama's parents separated when he was two years old and later divorced. Obama’s father went to Harvard University to pursue Ph.D. studies, and then returned to Kenya, where he died in an auto accident when the younger Obama was 21. His mother married Lolo Soetoro, an Indonesian foreign student, with whom she had one daughter, Maya. The family moved to Jakarta in 1967, where Obama attended local schools from ages 6 to 10. He then returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents while attending Punahou School from 5th grade until his graduation in 1979. In, The Audacity of Hope Obama writes that he "was not raised in a religious household." He describes his mother, raised by non-religious parents, as detached from religion, yet "in many ways the most spiritually awakened person that I have ever known." He describes his Kenyan father as "raised a Muslim," but a "confirmed atheist" by the time his parents met, and his Indonesian step-father as "a man who saw religion as not particularly useful." He served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004; launching his campaign for U.S. Senate in 2003 (technically he’s been in elected office longer than Hillary).

Anon, Ottawa, OH: Sometimes no matter how hard people try to prove you wrong, you still aren’t going to believe the truth. People misquote the bible all the time; technically you prove my point because you misspelled Moses (Mosses, your spelling, not mine). But hey we’re all human right?

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama

If anybody can refute the above statements with REAL FACT, let me know and list your source. Four years in a Muslim country and people think that was enough time to become a brainwashed, radical Muslim? Furthermore, even if he was Muslim or worse, a fundamentalist, do you really think that would radically change the whole country’s religion or course in world affairs in 4-8 years time? Anybody who answered “yes” to either of my questions above needs some serious help. I remember hearing about JFK getting bad press when he ran for President for being Catholic. People said “Kennedy’s gonna bring the pope in to convert us all to Catholics.” Of course we all know that never happened.

Stop the paranoia and hysteria for once and listen to the man. If you don’t like what he has to say, don’t vote for him. For God’s sake, start acting like adults instead of children on the playground.

Tom - Dedham, Mass

Though I don’t always agree with your politics or your posts, I think you are to be commended for defending Obama’s wife from the empty rhetoric and white noise coming from these other posters. Thank you Tom for bringing real debate and upstanding, upbeat REAL rhetoric to these blogs.

Arshad:

We need more people like you to correct the misinformed people about Arab/Islamic/Muslim countries.

Eric Steinback, Chicago IL

I’m a former motorcyclist and avid turn signal user (wish more people would use them). There is one other factor that might be interesting, was the motorcyclist passing in a double yellow line or an intersection? I suspect you “conclusions” about Obama’s wife and the campaign are more based on partisan politics more than based on the innocence before being proved guilty. Don’t you think the campaign would receive a lot of press by now if they were guilty in the accident?

Melissa, Waterloo, IA   October 10th, 2007 8:40 pm ET

Here's an update on the story from the a local paper. Motorcyclist hurt in collision with van carrying Michelle Obama

Emerson was taken by helicopter to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa where he was treated and released, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The van carrying Obama and five others was heading north on Highway 65 after a stop in Iowa Falls, according to Tommy Vietor, Barack Obama's Iowa press secretary. Michelle Obama was to speak to Franklin County supporters at Maynes Grove Lodge at 946 Highway 65 South at 3:45 p.m. Earlier in the day, she had been in Waterloo.

As the van prepared to make a left turn into the driveway of the lodge, Emerson, also traveling north, attempted to pass the van. When the van turned, it collided with the motorcycle, Vietor said.

…"We are not going to go on with the day as planned. Our hearts just aren't in it," [Michelle Obama] said.

CNN could use a commenter registration system like this little paper does & cut down on the propagation of misinformation & hate.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 10th, 2007 8:05 pm ET

Oh my, sounds like a lot of you good folks are simply jealous of Mrs. Obama. Personally, I kinda wish it were me.

Melissa, Waterloo, IA   October 10th, 2007 7:58 pm ET

Why do trolls get to have their comments left up on here? I cannot believe real Americans post this crap.

As the article says the motorcyclist was 3 vehicles back, & tried to pass on the left as the van was making a left hand turn. We do have idiot drivers in Iowa, and on a 2-lane highway, some crazies are always trying to pass. Hopefully he recovers, but he's the one who caused the accident by driving recklessly.

As for the comments on Michelle Obama's looks, what in the heck? I saw her an hour before the accident in Waterloo, & she was gorgeous & refined as always. More importantly, she spoke the truth and showed she cares about the issues. She will make the best First Lady we've ever had.

All the non-racist, non-idiot Americans need to vote this time!! Don't think change will come on it's own. As you can see, the trolls are noisy.

Dave, Cheverly, MD   October 10th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

Steinback, Chicago, Il.
If your vote depends on some dumb things YOU would like each candidate to do. Then maybe YOU should be on the ballot, cause no one else live perfect lives. This was a car accident. As you see neither Obama nor Michelle are commenting and making this into any issue. We are all glad everyone is ok. So I guess if YOU have an accident with your car and YOU do not drive for a living. Your Employer should fire YOU then? Maybe someone lacking common sense and education would ramble on and on and on about this.

Scott, California   October 10th, 2007 7:06 pm ET

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Abdul Kane, Stroudsburg,Pa   October 10th, 2007 6:51 pm ET

In what sura does it say that you women should be veiled and not drive mr.Kazim? because i happen to be muslim and i have read the Koran the only explanation would have to be you ignorance…

RA The Framing Wizard LV, NV   October 10th, 2007 6:11 pm ET

Maybe this a sign that she should just give up on her efforts for her husbands nomination; go ahead and jut get out too celebrate and have a couple of glasses of Quats. Liquid fungicides that attack decay organisms. The quat preserve is used in swimming pool chemicals, shampoos, hospital mop washes, and many other human contact applications.

Bryan, Cherokee, Iowa   October 10th, 2007 4:42 pm ET

You republicans are a joke!!!! I'm a Hillary person but to say Micelle Obama doesn't look like what a First Lady should look like come on. It was a traffic accident people could have died. Where is the compassion, you compassionate republicans.

Eric Steinback, Chicago IL   October 10th, 2007 3:31 pm ET

Two important questions:
1. Who was driving the van?
2. Was the driver using their left turn signal?

As a motorcyclist I am always careful when passing cars that are slowing down. All motorcyclists are, as we are constantly reminded how stupid and selfishly most people drive.

I do not believe a motorcyclist would have missed the turn signal or proceeded to pass if it had been on.

This leads me to conclude that the Obama Campaign does not believe they are subject to the same rules of the road as the rest of us. I know another group like this, they're called bad cops.

I expect a fully apology from the Obama campaign, an acknowledgment of guilt and a commitment to send whoever was driving to driver education again - or my vote has just been lost. Barrack says he wants to bring integrity back to politics, well let's here the whole story folks.

Tom - Dedham, Mass   October 10th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

So anyone responding to your dumb comment, would be bringing up Hillary?

I even wrote that of course this accident was just an "accident".

Do you support anon, providence and Kyu, Hillary supporters all, on their totally racists comments on Michelle Obama?

I don't, and I am a mean "hillary hating Republican" who happens to love Michelle Obama for being strong and "real".

Pat, Huntington, NY   October 10th, 2007 2:48 pm ET

Tom Dedham, Mass: I only wrote my comment because this was such non-news having nothing to do with hillary, that I could imagine hysterical hillary haters like you somehow spinning it to satisfy your own baseless anti-hillary agendas. Thanks for proving my point.

Donnal L   October 10th, 2007 2:18 pm ET

CNN is not removing racist comments — they only remove comments that point out how they are provide a platform for racists. This is not about free speech. CNN loves this hate spew because it brings them more blog traffic. Its unfair to Michelle Obama and extremely unhealthy for our country.

If you are going to censor my comments, please post your comment policy.

Leila, Long Beach, CA   October 10th, 2007 1:58 pm ET

For all you manipulating folks who are spinning the story:

"A report from the Hampton Police Department said the van carrying Michelle Obama was trying to make a left turn when it was struck. The motorcycle, which was three vehicles behind the campaign van, attempted to pass and struck the left side of the van, the report said, while traveling on the wrong side of the road.

The campaign event she was headed to was canceled."

Did you READ the freakin' article?!? The FACTS are right in your face.

Mrs. Obama was NOT driving, it was NOT the van's fault (as stated by police), and the Obamas DID CARE (they canceled their event).

Enough is enough.

Josh Maloney, Oakland, CA   October 10th, 2007 1:46 pm ET

The critical statements made about Michelle Obama only serve one purpse - to show how ignorant the people are who are making those comments. Michelle Obama is an inspiration.

Dave, Atlanta, GA   October 10th, 2007 1:39 pm ET

I don't know whether I'm more concerned that this is the news, or that this article now has 60 comments. I got stuck in traffic on the way to work. Do I get an article in the ticker? Or do I have to run for office first?

Kate, Aurora CO   October 10th, 2007 1:23 pm ET

Some of these comments are so full of hate. It is just so sad that in 2007 some of us are still obsessed with race and are so ignorant. I won't vote for Obama not because of his race, I would love to see America led by someone other than a rich white old man, but because I do not agree with his politics. Same with Hilary. I would love to see a woman in that position but again I do not agree with her politics. I was hopeful for the future of our country when both a black man and woman are in the race towards the presidency but then I read comments like these and it makes me realize many people in this country are still ignorant and full of hate. I pity your children.

anon, ottawa, OH   October 10th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

Truth hurts. Hussein Obama could be a muslim, for the reasons I listed earlier.

As an alledged christian, he could not even quote the bible right when he said he was like Joshua (should be Mosses).

I can see his supporters are angry without providing proof otherwise, although I said earlier that religion is not the only factor for qualifications to be the next president. Obama's resume is simply a few pages shorter than Hillary.

He is a rookie politician, with his speech performance up in one town hall and down in another townhall. He is an inexperienced politician without substance. If he were white, there are lots of politicians better than him in washington dc.

Karen Planalp, Saint Joseph, Missouri   October 10th, 2007 1:14 pm ET

RELIGION and RACE are non-factors! If you are a registered voter and plan to vote, then follow the laws of this United States. In 1964 Congress passed Public Law 82-352 (78 Stat. 241). The provisions of this civil rights act forbade discrimination on the basis of sex as well as race in hiring, promoting, and firing. In the final legislation, Section 703 (a) made it unlawful for an employer to "fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions or privileges or employment, because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin." When registered voters cast their ballot, they essentially, are employing the elected candidate for the position.

Franco   October 10th, 2007 1:10 pm ET

Mrs. Obama runs over biker.
Gotta love how the media spin has the biker hitting her!

Al, NY NY   October 10th, 2007 1:10 pm ET

Anyone who says she doesn't look like a first lady…

does the chimp currently sitting in teh White House look Presidential?

Coach Haughton NH   October 10th, 2007 1:08 pm ET

Arshad that was the greatest comment ever.

Coach Haughotn NH   October 10th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

He was born a muslim, with a muslim african father, and raised by a muslim Indonesian stepfather.

- He was given a muslim middle name, hussein.

- Once muslim at borth, he is considered muslim for life, per their tradition.

- His mother kept a koran at home.

- He was raised by muslim Indonesian stepfathr in Indonesia, a muslim country.

- Based on his book, Audacity of Hope, Obama admitted that he went to a muslim school in Indonesia.

- His United Church minister said Obama did not regularly attend the church.

Many muslim are killing our soldiers. It is ironic that we may have a muslim president.
- He bought a parcent of land at a big discount from a muslim lobbyist.

-

Posted By anon, ottawa, OH : October 10, 2007 9:02 am

Just so you guys know this is 100% BS!

He never knew his father and his stepfather became aetheist.

All of this crap suggests that someone cannot be saved. If you militant christians believed in what you defend you would try to go out and save some muslims instead of slandering good christians.

except that barack did go to a basra as a young child…about the only good school available in indonesia…where the school is sponsored by a local mosque but they do not teach religion.

Craig H, Mpls, MN   October 10th, 2007 12:40 pm ET

I agree, good post Arshad. Are we to be a nation ruled by fear or a nation ruled by logic? It is up to us.

Jay, Edgartown, MA   October 10th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Anyone else think Ahmad Kazim might've been…. gasp…. being sarcastic?!

Robert M. Reidy N.Y.   October 10th, 2007 11:54 am ET

I would suggest to all who would like to see just how wonderful and caring and professional Michelle Obama would be as a First Lady, to check out her story on the right hand side of the Obama 08 home page on their website.

Please consider the courage of this man
running for president as a black man even with the arrogant and ignorant
racism that is apparent on this CNN
site. Not to mention the hatred spuing
from religious bigots of all kinds.

Also consider Barak Obama's resume of real life on the ground experience in
community organization and teaching constitutional law as well as being a state and federal elected official.

Barak Obama and Michelle Obama are a
rare gift of leadership that comes around only once in a century. I hope
we as a nation do not miss the boat
and elect the same corrupt bunch
of the old and stagnant politicians
who are bought and sold by the corporate elite.

Time for real and creative change!

The world is watching!

Vote for the smartest guy in the room!

Baarock the vote!!!

Tom Dedham, Mass   October 10th, 2007 11:41 am ET

I'm sure the hillary haters will somehow blame this on her.

Posted By Pat, Huntington, NY : October 10, 2007 10:04 am

Sorry "Pat" the three who wrote the most hateful things here (anon, providence and Kyu) are all Hillary supporters. Sorry when facts get in the way. The accident was simply an accident of course.

I know Bea likes to say that men who don't support Hillary are sexist, blah, blah, blah, but the fact of the matter is that I indeed do HATE Hillary based on the facts and her words and actions, I respect and admire Michelle for her words and actions.

Me, Fullerton, CA   October 10th, 2007 11:22 am ET

"Obama is NOT Muslim. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being Muslim. Muslims are a peaceful people. Except for the extremists (but, of course, every religion has extremists)."

Posted By Leila, Long Beach, CA : October 9, 2007 11:47 pm

Obama might be "not" muslim because if he is explicitly muslim, no one (or a few only) will vote for him. But his "true faith" is muslim. You can observe his behavior carefully in more details to see if all his main behavior will reflect muslim values or christian values.

Second, it's true every religion has extremists, but muslim's extremists are the worst. If there is any other religion extremists have caused damage to the world, compare it with muslim's extremists, how much damage each extremists have caused. You tried to persuade people that muslim is a peaceful religion?
You won't succeed, because facts are more important than words! The fact is muslim is a destructive religion not a contructive one! I bet you must be a muslim Leila. If you are not, than let me give you a lessson about what Koran is.

Also you Bradley Schaubs from Greeley, CO. If you are really not a muslim, I can teach you about Koran and you will be amazed what Koran teaches about killing and destroying the world. Those are Mohammad's commands! He is the man of sword!

Robert   October 10th, 2007 11:21 am ET

I'm starting to think we were living a lie. I thought there was hope for this country. But I see the truth now especially with the majority of these post. A vast majority of white people really are racist and only care about themselves.

I hope the motorcyclist (who caused the accident) is okay. I prayers go out to him and the Obama family.

Colony 14 author, Mount Prospect, Illinois   October 10th, 2007 11:09 am ET

Thank goodness she wasn't killed, or Obama would win the election with the sympathy vote.

Allan Parsons, New York, NY   October 10th, 2007 11:06 am ET

I couldn't agree more. The headline to this story is misleading, and it has appeared on the front page of CNN for two days. Seriously, CNN, stop trying to get the click throughs. And while I'm venting, please allow us to READ the news on your site instead of offering only commercial-laced videos. I'm going to switch to msnbc.com starting today.

Arkay, MI   October 10th, 2007 10:58 am ET

Arshad, Bravo. Good posting

Philip, Elkhart IN   October 10th, 2007 10:51 am ET

Sorry about my last post that got taken down. I didn't realize biting sarcasm wasn't allowed on here anymore.

82Silk, Atlanta, GA   October 10th, 2007 10:30 am ET

Why did the wriers of this article deceive people on the front page of CNN. tHE FRONT PAGE READ "Ms. (its Mrs.) Obama's car collides with motorbike.

Then when you click to read the article, the heading is "Michelle Obama's campaign van in car accident.

Why did you writers try to underhand Mrs. Obama and the truth. You are terrible writers and would not be my employee.

Mike Dallas, TX   October 10th, 2007 10:29 am ET

CNN:

Could you please use EDITORIAL JUDGEMENT and remove this peace?

This is a NEWS that came and already went. Sensible people whether they support Obama or not Should just offer their prayers to the people involved in the accident and move on.

Instead by leaving the post on you are allowing the forum to become a stage of hate speech.

Again, editorial wise there is nothing to be discussed here: a traffic accident except one of the people happens to be Michelle Obama.

Can you please remove this? Can we move on?

Tom - Dedham, Mass   October 10th, 2007 10:27 am ET

I'm glad to hear the motorcyclist will be allright. Please ignore the childish ramblings of the hate radio sect.

Posted By Sam, IA : October 10, 2007 3:43 am

Guess what "Sammy", the next correct thing you post will be your first.

Guzzle your kool-aid and sit back, the grownups are talking.

This has nothing to do with hate radio or Republicans or Concervatives.

Kyu, Providence and anon are all Hillary supporters and I have to tell you, I am disgusted at their comments.

Even as a Republican/Independent I think the world of this woman (sorry Bea, I love her and HATE Hillary) and for anyone to make light of this accident is unfathomaable.

Megan, Atlanta, GA   October 10th, 2007 10:26 am ET

Gravel was right, Americans are getting fatter and dumber. Just look at the comments posted here.

Arshad   October 10th, 2007 10:08 am ET

Ahmad Kazim,
Are you a muslim? Your name suggests so. You may also be a non-muslim Arab.
Or you are just a plain ignorant person that is faking a muslim name.

For ignorants like you, without knowledge or wisdom, Hussain/Hussein is an Arabic word. The meaning of this word is "NICE". You will find many non-muslim in Arab who has an Arabic name. Being Arab is their culture, nationality is which country they live in and religion is what they believe in. Since the religion Islam started in Arab, Quran is written in Arabic, muslims around the world (even not from middle east) having an Arabic name.

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, had 2 grandsons, Hassan and Hussain. Sons of his only daughter, Fatema. During early day of preaching Islam, Muhammad was attacked time and time again, to prevent him preaching from Islam. He defended the religion with his values, integrity and character. He also defended in battle field when a battle was imposed on him. During one of those battle, these two young men (Hassan and Hussain) sacrficed their lives to defend the religion and the prophet. Muslims and Arabs tend to name their kid after the name of Hussain or Hassan to show respect to their dedication and sacrifice. This is coming from 1400 years ago and has nothing to do with Saddam Hussain in Iraq. So stop this crap.
If I do a goggle or yahoo search for George+criminal, I can find many Georges who are robbers, murderers, rapist, serial killiers, arsonits…
Don't tell me these criminals earn a bad name for George Washington, George Bush 1 or 2 just because they share the same name.
Face Obama if you can, on ideas, values, integrity, passion, wisdom, knowledge. That's a fair game. Don't spread irresponsible and nonsense notions when you have no clue what you are talking about. First learn yourself and then share your opinion with others.

therealist   October 10th, 2007 10:07 am ET

Do you think CNN want Obama to win the Dem nomination? Do you think they hold any power to sway opinion??

This is why the media should be called on its bias no matter who the target is. CNN's liberal corruption hurts everyone, on both sides.. Join me in the call for political equality from the media..

Pat, Huntington, NY   October 10th, 2007 10:04 am ET

I'm sure the hillary haters will somehow blame this on her.

STRONG ECOMONY FAN   October 10th, 2007 9:58 am ET

PLEASE lets get the facts straight is true the next first lady in the white house will not be black or a white woman it WILL BE A MAN>>>>>>>>>!

Mark B, Minneapolis, MN   October 10th, 2007 9:53 am ET

"Obama's campign team on the van cared only their goal to arrive campaign place on time, never cared others."

Wait, what? So a motorcyclist blatantly breaks the rules of the road and passes a column of vehicles without caring what that column is doing; how is that not his fault just because he struck a vehicle carrying a VIP? I'm sorry, this is ludicrous.

Doug, Warsaw, IN   October 10th, 2007 9:46 am ET

My goodness, bigotry certainly is alive and well, isn't it! As I look at it, if Michelle Obama doesn't look or act like a first lady, that will become increasingly apparent to everybody as the campaign continues, and as more people meet and hear her.

As for her husband, IF he is really Islamic, he clearly is NOT a hard-line conservative one. And, IF he is really a Christian, he clearly is NOT a hard-line conservative one. I really think we can write religion out of the equation for this candidate, and take him at face value. If you like what you see, go for it. If you don't, vote elsewhere. But, for crying out loud, can't we leave the petty, small-mindedness out of it?

As a motorcyclist myself, based on the police report, I can see that the motorcyclist is to blame, as motorcyclists often are, for riding dangerous vehicles in aggressive manner. I don't see any reason that this should be used to smudge Michelle or her husband.

B, Baltimore   October 10th, 2007 9:46 am ET

Hussein Obama is not muslim as if Larry Craig is not gay

anon, ottawa, OH

You are a bleeding IDIOT. Get you head out of your rear. Nothing you listed makes Obama Muslim, if anything it makes him well rounded.

KEITH VANZANDT HUDSON MI.   October 10th, 2007 9:42 am ET

Barak should look no farther than to his side when he gets ready to choose his running mate. Michelle Obama is one very savvy ,sophisticated and oh so attractive women and would only enhance his campain.

Brian, syracuse NY   October 10th, 2007 9:39 am ET

The idiots making jokes about this are absolutely sickening.

Chris, FL   October 10th, 2007 9:38 am ET

I'm not for Obama, but you guys really suck. People are hurt and you only care about attacking them more.

My God you should be punished. Some of you are even ignorant in your speech. You critique Obama with faulty speech and incorrect grammer. It is you who should be ashamed.

If you don't want to vote for Obama, then don't. I'm not going to. You do need to learn some respect though.

bukky, Baltimore, MD   October 10th, 2007 9:38 am ET

SHE WAS NOT DRIVING. SHE WAS NOT DRVING. SHE WAS NOT DRIVING.

I find it hard to believe that EVERY publication of this story CLEARLY states that SHE WAS NOT DRIVING. the even go so far as to state the name and age of the person driving the van, BUT CNN chooses to gloss over that fact.

I used to laugh at people claiming CNN was part of a conspiracy against Obama, I'm not laughing anymore

slinkymalinky   October 10th, 2007 9:37 am ET

Or maybe it was just a dream..

Michael, NYC   October 10th, 2007 9:31 am ET

Did some of you actually read the article?!? Ms. Obama's van was stopped to make a left turn. The motorcyclist was three vehicles behind her and tried to pass them all. When he made it to the intersection, the van was making it's LEGAL turn. This guy was in the wrong, not Ms. Obama's driver. Geesh.

al, San Francisco, CA   October 10th, 2007 9:30 am ET

Michelle Obama must have thought that the motocyclist was Hillary or her supporter, as she smashed her car onto the motorcycle. Well, Obama has just lost another vote.

Lee, syracuse, NY   October 10th, 2007 9:24 am ET

If I were a betting person, I would bet Michelle Obama's van was at fault of this accident. It is possible that the Michelle's van not familiar with the local Iowa road, slowed down to get direction, and made a sudden turn to the left without signalling or without advance warning, causing the accident. While slowing down and without turning the left signal on, the motorcyclist behind would try to overtake the van from the left side of road…

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   October 10th, 2007 9:23 am ET

Providence and Jack, I agree with you. I paid a lot of attention about Obama and his wife. Obama is naive and inexperenced, his campaign looks like belong to the commercial street, Michelle is mean, sharp, cruel and heartless woman by her speech. Her manner is very low. I think she needs special cultural education for herself first and mature her personality as a lady before standing on the stage in public. Certainly Obama is not even ready for Presidential candidate, Michelle is not ready as spouse at all. Obama's campign team on the van cared only their goal to arrive campaign place on time, never cared others. I hope Michelle learned the lesson by this accident.

John Chicago   October 10th, 2007 9:17 am ET

HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM……..YAWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN…..

Robert, Cleveland, OH   October 10th, 2007 9:04 am ET

I guess, if this news came about Clinton's company this blog will be full of postings such as "why this is a news", "shame on you, CNN, you're swayed to Clinton", "I went to the restroom, please post it" etc. Hey, Obama's supporters, why no such uproar now? After all, we have >20,000 people DYING in car accidents yearly in this country.

Sly Domber, silver spring, MD.   October 10th, 2007 9:03 am ET

I see lots of KKK folk in here. You may wish the Obamas all the ill you want…at the end of the day, they're in this position because they've worked hard and actually DID something with their lives other than sit and spew hate! Columbia, Princeton (mrs. obama); columbia, harvard (mr. obama). Tell me where Laura Bush went? Mrs. Clinton failed her bar exam, didn't she?

Bel Peoria IL   October 10th, 2007 9:02 am ET

I see Hillary Clinton supporters are showing their true hateful colors again.

Another candidate's wife is involved in a car crash that was not her fault, and Hillaryland somehow tries to put an anti-Obama spin on it.

Shocking to say the least.

anon, ottawa, OH   October 10th, 2007 9:02 am ET

Hussein Obama is not muslim as if Larry Craig is not gay! While Larry Craig conveniently "married" a divorced woman with kids to hide his gay behavior, Obama joined a united church which he not regularly attended.

While I realise the state and religion are separate and is not the only factor to determine the qualification of a president, I just dont like politicians not honest with their voters, so as to increase his chance of getting elected. Obama could be a muslim for the following reasons:

- He was born a muslim, with a muslim african father, and raised by a muslim Indonesian stepfather.

- He was given a muslim middle name, hussein.

- Once muslim at borth, he is considered muslim for life, per their tradition.

- His mother kept a koran at home.

- He was raised by muslim Indonesian stepfathr in Indonesia, a muslim country.

- Based on his book, Audacity of Hope, Obama admitted that he went to a muslim school in Indonesia.

- His United Church minister said Obama did not regularly attend the church.

Many muslim are killing our soldiers. It is ironic that we may have a muslim president.
- He bought a parcent of land at a big discount from a muslim lobbyist.

-

life08 Dubuque, Iowa   October 10th, 2007 8:58 am ET

I can't believe the people on this post. It states clearly that the motorcycle was passing illegally while on the wrong side of the road. I am a republican and I am embarrassed by all the idiotic posts. Come on, get over yourselves. I even know that Obama isn't a muslim and God would never do this to get back at a Democrat. You people give democrats all the ammo they need. I may have to change my party.

Matt - Atlanta, GA   October 10th, 2007 8:56 am ET

I think Amahd from Philly just got wiretapped. Why would you post something like that?

Skeeve, NYC, NY   October 10th, 2007 8:44 am ET

Umm… and this is important…why?

Janice T, OHIO   October 10th, 2007 8:38 am ET

I think it's amazing that CNN let's some rascist comments be posted, I guess that's why know one watches their cable news programs anymore. I switched to MSNBC, I would never watch FOX if you can call it news. RACISM is alive and well in the USA!!! Let's see if Hillary can get elected without minority support…

Anonymous   October 10th, 2007 8:32 am ET

Can someone clarify exactly what it is the Koran says about women operating motor vehicles?

Janice T., OHIO   October 10th, 2007 8:26 am ET

RACISM is alive and well in the United States of America. That's why the rest of the world hates you clowns. Let's Hillary win without the minority VOTE!!!

Bubba the Outlaw Biker, Swainsboro GA   October 10th, 2007 8:22 am ET

"Fall down for us!!!"

Jen, Gainesville, FL   October 10th, 2007 8:21 am ET

I pray for the safety of the Obama family, who is making a huge sacrifice for the American people (they have many better options than being on the campaign trail everyday.) I pray for the motorcylist and wish he will better follow traffic rules next time. Some of the comments in this blog are disturbing. People with mean words have reduced themselves to "nothing" and I feel sad for them.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   October 10th, 2007 8:11 am ET

Who cares?

Cory, SLC, UT   October 10th, 2007 7:50 am ET

Hope the motorcyclist recovers and is alright.

This really should not be a reason to put down any potical party, a person was injured, our prayers and hearts should go out to them.

Matt, Orlando, Florida   October 10th, 2007 6:46 am ET

I think the Obama Campaign may have just lost a vote in Iowa.

Brenda, Cherry Hill, NJ   October 10th, 2007 6:27 am ET

Ahmad from Philly, You are a loser like the rest of the city. Since you don't know what a winner looks like, look a little harder. Glad she is all right, maybe it is a "plant".

ilikesex   October 10th, 2007 6:13 am ET

Michelle Obama is to blame. She didn't assure when she change the direction. I've read other sources and … she's her fault … I do like the connotation or this message - Michelle and her stuff is oke … come on, what about the poor man ?

Jen, Washington, D.C.   October 10th, 2007 5:23 am ET

"This is why Barak HUSSEIN Obama's wife should wear a veil and not drive - as it is written in their religious book the Holy Koran"

Hmm, the last time I checked we weren't in a strict Muslim country. She has every right to drive in this country, if she so wishes. However, I would imagine that she wasn't driving at all but that a staff person was, not to mention it was a MAN who was driving on the wrong side of the road, around three vehicles, when HE struck the van she was in.

Mrs. Obama, I'm happy to hear that you and the staff members, as well as the motorcycle driver, are ok.

Anonymous   October 10th, 2007 5:07 am ET

Thank God she's okay. For a minute there when I saw the headline I freaked out. Take a bus woman, you're too damn important to the future of this country to go driving around.

Seriously, I was freaked. Obama needs to have his head in the game, not worried about accidents.

Whew.

A,   October 10th, 2007 4:33 am ET

Ahmad,

First off, the Obamas belong to the United Church of Christ and are NOT Muslim. The fact that you were aware of his middle name probably is indicitive of the fact that you've done some research so either you have been too lazy to research his religion and prefer to jump to conclusions or you are just a fan of spreading lies on the internet.

Second, Michelle wasn't driving.

Axel, RKDA, California   October 10th, 2007 4:20 am ET

I would like to make three points here, if I may…

1: I would bet Michelle Obama was Not driving this "campaign van".

2: Yes, this story is news, but just because it is a story about a accident involving a presidential campaign's van doesn't make it "political" news.

3: While I feel for the lady for having been in an accident and all, I still have no plans to vote for her husband. I still do not believe that he can win the Democratic Party's nomination, much less win the general election if he did, because I do not consider him to be qualified to be President of the United States.

Sam, IA   October 10th, 2007 3:43 am ET

I'm glad to hear the motorcyclist will be allright. Please ignore the childish ramblings of the hate radio sect.

Steven, South Orange NJ   October 10th, 2007 2:57 am ET

Wow I cannot believe that the CNN moderators let comments like the first one about this accident be posted.

First off you do not know that Michelle Obama was driving and secondly… Barack and his wife are CHRISTIANS not MUSLIMS. He is a member of the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. A sect of the Christian religion which could easily be considered the most liberal out of all the sects.

So next time you wish to post something negative make sure you at least post something that makes sense and isn't blatantly racist towards muslims. Which if you knew anything at all you would know that Sen. Obama and Michelle are not. I could say that your name looks muslim and make racist comments not knowing you at all but I feel it is not an informed or proper way of going about things. So good day and I hope you find it useful in the future to pick up a book or learn from a news source other than Fox News which most likely fed you this misinformation.

Catherine Saint Paul MN   October 10th, 2007 2:34 am ET

This is why Barak HUSSEIN Obama's wife should wear a veil and not drive - as it is written in their religious book the Holy Koran

Posted By Ahmad Kazim, Philly, PA : October 9, 2007 8:36 pm

Michelle Obama does not look like a first lady- she does not have that materials in her. However, I wish him (motorcylist) best of luck. It's a sign-GOD blocked her from campaigning.

Posted By providence, RI : October 9, 2007 10:02 pm

YOU PEOPLE NEED HELP!!!

1. I doubt she was driving.
2. A sign from God? Please, if your "God" is so good and kind why would he try and HURT someone. After all YOUR "God" Forgives sin Right?

Trust me God isn't into Politics! If he was he would have many many others to toss lightening bolts at LONG before Mrs. Obama.

By the way my God…, would never intentionally hurt or try to hurt anyone. Even for the greater good. All are equal.

deroy W. palm, FL   October 10th, 2007 2:18 am ET

a publicity stunt when you are losing.

Dennis, Los Angeles, CA   October 10th, 2007 1:50 am ET

God speed Mrs Obama and the motorcyclist - and you look so cool, cetainly the most intelligent and most beautiful first lady ever!!!

Jack Williams Jamaica NY   October 10th, 2007 12:56 am ET

The comment from Providence RI was right. Michelle does not look like nor have the manner of a First Lady.
Look at the photo…you've seen that face full of AT-TEE-TUDE in every supermarket and PTA meeting in America. Get back in the van and go home.

Don, Lakeforest, CA   October 10th, 2007 12:40 am ET

I could see your headline if it was a republican candidate’s van…”Motorcyclist nearly killed as Giuliani’s motorcade recklessly plows into him”

a person sorry to see the U.S. Slip away   October 10th, 2007 12:30 am ET

Gee It is amazing to me how many politicians caravans are are involved in wrecks, is it because they have one agenda? to get to where they are going and ignore all laws and posted signs and drive safely, A BIG YES, but then again they will blame the poor ole common citizen for getting in the way of much greater good and their agenda and haste to get to the next stop and suck in a few more votes from people who actually believe they are for the common man. Who the hell is she anyway, the way I look at it is a Damn shame the wrong person got injured

Better Informed, Scottsdale, AZ   October 10th, 2007 12:30 am ET

What? Michelle Obama doesn't look like a first lady? You mean because she's not lily white? Dude, grow a brain then grow up! The world is a changin'.

Robert, Shelton CT   October 10th, 2007 12:09 am ET

They are Christian who said they were Muslim…thats propaganda..I hope the motorcyclist is ok though, and they were right to cancel the event. (I'm not an Obama fan, but still)

Christopher, Orange County, CA   October 10th, 2007 12:07 am ET

"Michelle Obama does not look like a first lady- she does not have that materials in her. However, I wish him (motorcylist) best of luck. It's a sign-GOD blocked her from campaigning."

So, Providence, just who does God support in campaign '08? hahaha

what a tool

Bradley Schaubs, Greeley, CO   October 9th, 2007 11:52 pm ET

This is why Barak HUSSEIN Obama's wife should wear a veil and not drive - as it is written in their religious book the Holy Koran
Posted By Ahmad Kazim, Philly, PA : October 9, 2007 8:36 pm

This kind of ignorance never ceases to surprise me. I thought it was clearly stated in the constitution that anyone can run for president regardless of religion? And for Christ's sake, stop calling Obama and his family Muslims. He CHOSE to be CHRISTIAN. And even if he accepted Mohammad (which, I'll say again, he DIDN'T), I don't think it was in Mohammad's interest to pursue violence. Would people PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP ASSOCIATING ISLAM WITH RADICALS AND TERRORISTS?! It's people like you that give Arabs the impression we're waging this war because we're "antisimetic" against Muslims! In short: you preached not to combine religion and state, so shut up about it!

I am sad to hear about this accident, but am glad nobody was killed or seriously injured. It was foolish of the cyclist to try to cut traffic - that's why there are so many people with road rage these days. Pray for the cyclist, Mrs. Obama, and the future of our nation.

Obama '08

Leila, Long Beach, Ca   October 9th, 2007 11:51 pm ET

Providence,

Your comment is despicable and shameful.

Intelligent Americans do not vote for or judge people based on what they "look like." They vote for candidates–including 1st lady–based on their character, vision, and judgement.

And to suggest GOD caused the accident to block her from campaigning is very disgusting on your part.

Leila, Long Beach, CA   October 9th, 2007 11:47 pm ET

Ahmad Kazim,

Lets get the facts straight:

Obama is NOT Muslim.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being Muslim. Muslims are a peaceful people. Except for the extremists (but, of course, every religion has extremists).

But, again, lets please get the facts STRAIGHT.

Mike, Milwaukee, WI   October 9th, 2007 11:40 pm ET

"Michelle Obama does not look like a first lady"

—————————————

Oh I get it! Perhaps this is due to the fact that other first ladies have been white women. Is that apart of the criteria for First Lady…to be white? People like you need to get a clue my friend.

Christian, Tampa FL   October 9th, 2007 11:04 pm ET

Well, let's hope the motorcyclist is all right… Good thing it wasn't more serious.

providence, RI   October 9th, 2007 10:02 pm ET

Michelle Obama does not look like a first lady- she does not have that materials in her. However, I wish him (motorcylist) best of luck. It's a sign-GOD blocked her from campaigning.

Sarah   October 9th, 2007 10:01 pm ET

I am thankful that you and the staff were not hurt, and that the motorcyclist will be OK as well.

We are so glad that you are out on the campaign trail Michelle!

Obama 2008

West Hollywood, California   October 9th, 2007 9:11 pm ET

Maybe John Edwards will want to represent her if she decides to file an injury claim with the auto insursance company :)

sonya, atlanta, ga   October 9th, 2007 8:54 pm ET

You and the motorcyle driver are in my prayers. I hope he is alright and am glad that Michelle is ok.

Ahmad Kazim, Philly, PA   October 9th, 2007 8:36 pm ET

This is why Barak HUSSEIN Obama's wife should wear a veil and not drive - as it is written in their religious book the Holy Koran

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