How much you wanna bet the Hillary has something to do with this?

I guess Hillary didn't know about this either.

Obama didn't do much for Illinois except raise taxes. He has zero leadership experience, not having run anything. You wouldn't hire someone for a job if they didn't have experience.

"We were not saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” Obama said. “We were singing the Star Spangled Banner."

And that's a defense?! What in the world is this guy thinking?!

SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING HAS REALLY HIT A NERVE WITH HIM. I WONDER WHY???

I knew you are not a Muslim, they just know how to mud sling people…..I just like your honesty and I think that is what we are lacking with our elected officials and those in the white house. We need to restore trust in America. I just want my country back!

Here come the attacks from Hillary's camp. Personal assaults via email circulation.

Of course poor Hillary won't know ANYTHING about it!

is this really news? CNN stop trying to entertain and start reporting. And this especially does not belong in the "political ticker" section, there's nothing that relates to politics in this article.

I guess Hillary didn't know about this either.

Posted By David Branch, Waco, Texas : November 13, 2007 5:58 pm

Hehehehehe, she went into hiding after question planting scandal. Cnn has nothing to report about her. Now that they don't know what to report about Obash they are waiting till something alittle catchy comes up. It is all Clinton News Network. Let's see what is coming up after Thursdays debate….
I hope Obash hit her hard again if she try to double talk…..

Note:In the pic Obama's left jacket collar does not display the pin of the United States Flag.
Every other candidate wears the pin, President Bush,Jay Leno also display the pin on their jacket collar.
In an interview on the Jay Leno show, Jay pointed out Obama not wearing the pin ? Obama replied he lost his some time ago and never bothered to get another. Not to mention him not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance!
And Obama wonders why people question his patriotism!

hillary is behind this stuff…im a dem and i hate the clinton royalty

I'm so glad to hear the Senator's response to this recent attack on his patriotism. If we want to question someone's patriotism (or lack thereof), we should start by examining our President, who may stand for Star Bangled Banner and put his hand over his heart for the pledge, but clearly has no respect for the Constitution of the United States.

Well I see the Clinton attack machine is gearing up. Hold on to your hats, there will be a flurry of e-mails and anonymous letters to the media and voters.

The lies and inuendos have just begun. The Rove / Penn / Wolfson textbook of slime will be precisely followed by the Clinton group.

To Hillary and followers: If you weren't so devious and just a little honest, you wouldn't get caught in such embarrassing situations. As usual, you are your own worst enemy.

I am Southern, I am Christian, I am white, I am male, I am politically moderate with conservative leanings, and I have just one question for everyone out there:

If Barack Obama WERE a Muslim, does that mean he shouldn't be President? Sorry, I wasn't aware that someone could be precluded from serving in the White House based on religious beliefs.

Oh, I'm also a veteran, and I could not care less whether or not Barack placed his hand on his heart during the national anthem.

I'd rather the neocons not speak for me, thanks just the same.

Honestly CNN, how many stories of no value can you post about Obama like this one. You continue to post this garbage and pass it off as news. How about reporting on real issues of importance instead of wasting people's time with these smear attempts

The best choir in town? You've gotta to be kidding me. This guy is no presidential material.

I heard that when he took his oath of office he used a koran - is that true? If so, it sure sounds like he's a muslim to me.

This is a good guy who has a lot to offer this country and it's people. If I were a front runner on the democratic side, I would keep this guy as a friend. I agree he is not ready to be president due to his lack of experience. BUT… He would make an awesome Vice President on either side, Democratic or Republican. His time is not now, but as a vice president for 4 or 8 years, he would make A Great President. We need to quit judging by color, religion, beliefs etc so we don't miss one of the best people in this country to be president some day. Besides, he would be a great chance to break the Bush-Clinton-
Bush-Clinton chain. Give him a chance. We wouldn't be sorry. WAKE UP AMERICA

Barack, we want you out of Chicago soon, from 95th street south side to 600 penn AVe….Keep the hope, keep the candle burning……
Miriam

Here we go again–Swiftboating. How low can US politics sink? Maybe America is not ready for democracy…

Before we make a decision of quite a magnitude I think we should all take a deep breath — then check our favorite media source and follow their directions.

Why do we place our hands over our hearts anyhow? Our heart is really in the middle of our chest and not on the left side.

I don't place my hand on my heart. If you don't believe in what you speak, hand guestures mean nothing.

I'm not for you Obama, but I agree that you should smack down anyone that comes your way with false doctrine.

Can you believe this?

Obama came in 3rd in Iowa of Republicans. If the Republicans are going to cross the aisle to vote for a Democrat, it would be Barack Obama, wayyyy before Clinton. I live in IL-10 a swing district, Kirk, Clinton won this district his time in and then it went to Bush. These Republicans and Indies are very moderate leaning, which you would think they would like Clinton, but they do not. Again, I hear this all the time. Which make me suspect of this Mark Penn and his polling that Clinton will get 25% of the Republican Women vote. Down south no, but you would think in a moderate swinging distict that I live in, no problem, but many do have a problem with her. They know deep down they like him. So, go figure.

The people who say they wouldn't vote for Sen. Obama because they think he's really a Muslim weren't going to vote for him anyway.
His "faith" is simply a front; a convenient fig leaf for people who don't want to say they ain't voting for anyone African-American.

love the appropriate use of the subjunctive, "if i were…", unlike the first george bush, a yalie who should have known better, but (in)famously said, "if i was…."

interesting the news header used the incorrect "if i was," (which, of course, would refer to a condition in the past). this obama guy understands and respects language. can't argue with that.

This is a typical right wing tactic, bring up nothing and try to make it something. It would play in Bush country a.k.a. Nutland, but if your in the Blue you know it’s bull.

ah yes, spreading false rumors that Obama is Muslim was the first shady attempted hit-job orchestrated by the Clinton campaign in an attempt to nip his candidacy in the bud.

some people clearly have not noticed that the rumor has long been PROVEN false.

planting questions, spreading lies about other candidates…shady, shady Clintonian politics

I wonder if he actually said anything at the speech. We'd never know from the "reporting" done on this site. Only hear about the ridiculous claims he has to defend against.

" "We were not saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” Obama said. “We were singing the Star Spangled Banner."

And that's a defense?! What in the world is this guy thinking?! "

I would call it a defense seeing as how I don't recall that covering your heart during the national anthem was ever taught to me as the norm.

What boggles the mind is where the term 'madrassa' came from. I feel like I need to inform all these news agencies that MADRASSA JUST MEANS SCHOOL IN ARABIC.

IT IS NOT A TERM USED FOR ANY SPECIFIC TYPE OF SCHOOL.

Get it? So, if I was going to a school called Oakwood Highschool, in arabic it would be 'Madrassa (t) Oakwood'

Can CNN please clarify, along with fox news and half of washington politicians, where this ridiculous term originated? How can you transform a word from another language and give it your own meaning?

Oh my god…whoever had to make the jog across the world to debunk…I'm so sorry.

WOW! I post the truth and CNN cesorship removes the comment time and time again. Time to post else where!

I thought that was a great answer.

As for people who argue that Obama has no experience…what do you say to a man who got C's in college and was merely a governor of a state with ZERO congressional experience?

Obama, you're the man.

The man has been exposed to other religious belief systems in his life and CHOSE Christianity over all of them. I would say that makes him "more Christian" (if there is such a thing as "more Christian") than those who have never known anything else. It also places him in a unique position to understand and respect others (in America, as well as abroad) who do not share his perspective.

Isn't that what it means to be the leader of the free world? We need an Obama or person like him to be president. But, I see no reasonable imitations, so I must support the real thing. Go Obama.

Yuck, Obama doesn't do a thing for me. Empty suit?

The most significant aspect of this story is how many people suggest that Hillary had something to do with it. That in itself says a lot about what people think of Hillary — do we want to elect someone in whom we have so little faith and whose morals we believe are so low?

In communist countries the most important was to wear politicaly correct pins, salute the red star, post and shout politicaly correct slogans.

The easiest way to get rid of a person was to accuse them of being "unpatriotic". People were executed in the name of symbols. God forbid if there was no red flag in the window during the Labor Day parade…

Think about it, all of you, for whom gestures and symbols are more important than character and real deads.

I love reading the comments hear, just proving how dumb people really are. This man has invested his life into running for office, being a leader, while you sit behind your computer questioning his patriotism by where his hand was. Amazing. The fact that you think it speaks of his character, something that silly, and may change how you vote is absurd.

I may not have put my hand on my chest during the Star Spangled Banner either, but you would never ever come up to my face and tell me how unAmerican I am. I'm so glad he's dealing with these idiotic rumors, the people that start them, and obviously the people here that let it affect them, head on.

We should all be disgusted by this mudslinging and looking to actually discuss issues and why grandma is having a hard time with medication, not 'dude, your hand wasn't on your chest!'.

Question your "patriotism"? Tell me Hero - What have you ever done .. that is beside disrespecting our national Anthem

What's the real reason you took the American Flag off your lapel? …is so you could put on the cresent moon of Islam? Are you a closet Muslim?

You make me wanna puke with all your arrogrants - I gave 30 years of the best years of my life defending the best country in the world and your total disrespect of your nation is appalling to say the least

Right or wrong - I'm a man of my Convictions - Hate me if you want - But remember this Osama — Vets like me earned you that right

Out!

So…

Since when do we not place our right hand over our heart during the singing of the national anthem??

According to the Flag Code of the United States…
(b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

According to Obama and his ignorance,
we place out hand over our heart during the Pledge of Allegance and…
Get this…He says, during the National Anthem, were supposed to sing?!?!??!

I would suggest he brush up on his flag/anthem protocol before he really embarrasses himself.

What an idiot.

So being a muslim is unpatriotic?

The best choir in town? You've gotta to be kidding me. This guy is not presidential material.

Portland, OR
—————————-
What should he say? How is that not presidential when you have the entire right wing screaming religion, religion, religion every day. So they are presidential and he isn't because he mentioned a choir?

No Portland, Are YOU kidding? I love how it when critics and those that spew hate claim not to like Obama, but have nothing substantive to say about why?

It just reaffirms the fact that he is to be taken very seriously.

Wallace

Sorry, Barack. You still have middle name with 'Hussein' which is a muslim name. Also I have not heard anything from your side on Al Qaeda neither about muslim fanatics. Go public my friend otherwise I cannot believe your rhetoric.

HILLARY STRIKES AGAIN !

1. What a lame defense for not puttinng his hand over his heart! He should learn from Hillary to admit mistakes made and move on. Obama is simply not presidential.

2. "If I were a Muslim I would let you know." The truth is that you were a Muslim when young, although you have not admitted to it, because (a) you were born Muslim by a Muslim African father, (b) you were raised by a Muslim Indonesian stepfather, (c) you studied in a Muslim school in Indonesia, (d) your mother kept a koran at home, and (e) the minister at your Chicago church said you did not regularly attend his church, at least until you ran for public office.

While there is nothing wrong to be a Muslim or Mormom, the American people need honesty from their politicians.

Barack Obama is a muslim. He just plays smart to not show it until he becomes the president. I know where the madrassa is in Indonesia. If CNN wants to have the picture and the address of the madrassa, just drop me an email.

Second, regardless of either Pledge of Allegiance or Star Spangled Banner, as a presidential candidate, Mr. Obama should always put his hands on his chest as a symbol of his patriotism. He only talks about his patriotism but no action at all including the small pin of American flag that he doesn't want to wear. I don't know what America will be if the president is like this.

I love this - the dumber they are the smarter you look, Barak.

And we welcome those of you who are waking up from the Clinton deep sleep sprinkled by the stardust of the charismatic man of the people - BARAK OBAMA.

We cordially invite you to join a winner overtaking the Clinton
machine.

Get behind the smartest person in the room - Obama 08

This is such a non. OBAMA-Bash, POS story. These trolls are sooooo desperate for a little dirt on the man. It's sad and pathetic. If you don't like him , don't vote for him…just sit in your mother's basement scratching your…and leave politics to the grown ups.

It's a shame that we really have no idea who these candidates truly are and what they truly believe in.

Money, marketing, and trickery should not be driving these elections. Capitol Hill is a dark place.

God Bless America? Why should he?

If Obama is or isn't a Muslim who really cares. I do not think he will win but give me a break if he is a muslim then good for him. I would like to know when I will be able to afford to live the American dream. I actully would like to know when I can afford to live and be happy with out spending 3 bucks or more for gas.

Doesnt matter what religion the guy is. What matters is that he doesn't have the know how to run this country.

Amen BArack
I am in your corner 100 and I am Black

Barack is a true Christian, a bit more than we can say about the Republican frontrunners now, isn't it?

Star Spangled Banner, turns out different parts of the country do it differently.

His grandfather on his mother's side, a WWII vet, taught him what to do with the National Anthem, I'm not arrogant enough to question that advice.

How old are some of you Obama supporters? Please grow up! What does the Clinton campaign have to do with this email? Nothing!

The email questioning Obama's patriotism first appeared in the conservative blogs and it spread like wildfire before the other blogs picked it up. To the right wingers Obama is almost as "dangerous" as Hillary. If they consider her a marxist (LOL!), they consider him a muslim and no amount of talking is going to convince them otherwise. The best thing is to just ignore those kinds of attacks and move on.

"We were not saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” Obama said. “We were singing the Star Spangled Banner."

Senator Obama, the correct protocol and law (according to paragraph 301 of Title 36 of the US Code) for the Star Spangled Banner, which happens to be our National Anthem in case you forgot, is:
all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

This is true whether the flag is displayed or not.

It is my personal opinion that anyone running for an official office in this great nation of ours, especially those running for President, should be well versed in proper execution of such a sacred act as paying respect to our flag and our nation.

This is not the first faux pax you have made in your campaign, your also not the only candidate to make mistakes. All of you need to get your act together.

Oh jeez, god forbid Obama be MUSLIM!! Heaven help us! *clutches her pearls and faints dead away*

Seriously…the fact that this would even BE an issue at all (if it WERE true, turns out it's an issue even when it's not true!) just shows how backwards and intolerant the Christianists are.

Keep religion out of politics please!~ We'll be better off for it!

1. So he's IS NOT Muslim.
2. He DOES NOT accept corporate money for his presidential campaign.
3. He tells it like it is and DOES NOT hide the truth from the American people.
4. He wants to bring our country together.

Sleepless in Chicago

Why should it matter if he was Muslim or not? they're not all fanatics anyway.

I also think that "We were singing the Star Spangled Banner" is a very good excuse.

I think the bottom line is "Obama is Black". There are many people in this country who would rather die than have a Black President. So the rascist folks are using the "M" word to scare the silly, quivering masses.
I particularly would like to see a Clinton/Obama ticket. Maybe then we could move forward and evolve a little bit!

I think Obama is exactly what we need. You guys should really read about his past, he's a pretty darn decent guy. His honestly is why I'm voting for him–he tells it how it is, good or bad–sugar coating and leaving out important information is for N. Korean communists… or did we all forget that? I don't care about his religion or race, that's not important at all. He might not have made Illinois a state of which all others are compared, but come on … really … he's not (insert your deity/superman).

Good to know he won't roll over and do nothing like Kerry did.

He's learned from the mistakes of past incompentent democrats.

10 +years city council Chicago - what an experience. He is defenitly ready to be our next president.

I think this guy is an atheist but chose to be president to buy religious voters. I bet he is not religious at all and he has Muslim influence no doubt!

We all no he is not a president material, he should join HOllywood

So what if he was Muslim? Religion is not a basis for the Presidency of the United States, and now neither is Democracy. Anyway, a mainstream Muslim would at least have some ethics and morals, which are disqualifiers for political office here.

"He has zero leadership experience, not having run anything. You wouldn't hire someone for a job if they didn't have experience."

Well, Hillary's experience isn't much different, and Bush's was laughable. I think his experience was a net negative. Clearly if people care about leadership experience, they sure haven't shown it at the polls.

Why not do something novel and vote on the issues?

well everything is already being taken away from america.all they need to do is put someone in office is to take away everything else we got.why get upset about something if you are not guilty.

I am sure OBAMA is atheist and he is buying Christianity to open presidency gate thats all he is not christian at all and his church is pretty racist.

It will be disaster to the US to have OBAMA as a president.

calling someone muslim is mudslinging???

"If I were a muslim, I'd let you know"? Then denouce it you terrorist pig!

An indepth listing of Barack's experience and voting record from the Illinois Senate…
Obama in Illinois

And no one actually believes he's muslim, or that he's some secret terrorist plant. Just a few crazies trying to stop America's greatest politician in ages… I'm sure Hillary's campaign forwarded that message along to CNN. If THAT is the best swift-boat material the Republicans have to throw at Obama, he is in a VERY GOOD position to win!

Maybe next week, they'll be trying to pass around an email trying to suggest that Obama is actually a white man wearing make-up….

Viewing the photo of Obama with clasped hands during the "alleged" Pledge of Allegiance, I have come to an undeniable conclusion. Obama is clumsy.

Bryan of baton rouge and so many others.

Has nothing to do with politics? The substance or specifics of the article may not be but the person involved is running for president so yes it is political. Stop bashing CNN you chose to read it….right?

Gee "xtina" and your from Chicago? Well my name is Bill and I'm from New York City. Clinton is a carpet bagger born and raised right here a few miles from you in Park Ridge, Illinois, which if you remember correctly is about 15 minutes from the LOOP. Do you know what the LOOP is? Your from Chicago after all? Right? Raised taxes? Didn't do anything? Yeah, nicely posted after another slanderous headline. Get bent.

Hey, I have a great idea… Since the founding fathers were mostly traditional Christians - sorry liberals it's true and documented, why don't we just ask each of the candidates what they really believe?

So, Obama, are you a Christian? Do you believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? Do you believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary? Do you believe he was sinless, died on the cross and rose from the dead? Do you believe that payment was God's required atonement for our personal sins? Do you believe that he is the only way to achieve salvation and entry into Heaven?

Do you believe that those that don't believe and accept this are going to Hell?

I'll bet there are very few politicians that would answer these questions even though most of our founding fathers not only would have made statements affirming these beliefs, many did.

If a politician isn't willing to state something this "core" to his/her values how do we expect to get a straight answer from them on anything else?

this is the case with America these days.

"The best choir in town? You've gotta to be kidding me. This guy is no presidential material.

Posted By Portland, OR : November 13, 2007 6:26 pm "

Hey Portland, you're right. Bush's "Englishifcation" and ability to talk "straightize" with the American public is much more fitting for a President. And, Hillary's condescending and arrogant attitudes aren't much different then Bush, Cheney and company. For all those in favor of continuing the American monarchy with Clinton, move to the UK.

Let's bring back democracy to the USA.

Who would believe this nonsense? The man running for president is not patriotic? Ridiculous. And, if anything, Obama has maybe made his Christian beliefs too much a part of the speeches that he gives. This is downright silly. Lets all just forget this nonsense and simply compare the candidates based on actual policy differences.

Even if it was the Star Spangled Banner, he was still supposed to have his hand over his heart! He should know that.

I think the Democrat party has lost its mind. What are they thinking, even allowing a candidate named Barrak Hussein Obama to run this cycle. Is this some kind of message that Americans need to be self deprecating. Obama sounds like Osama who attmepted to destroy the U.S. on 911 by taking out tourism and the economy. Hussein is an evil dictator who we launched an attack against before he could hurt the U.S. Maybe if he changes his name to Smith or Jones yeah Barrack Smith for POTUS… It has a good ring to it.

Don't worry Senator Obama, lies are the weapons of the weak and desperate. Only weak and desperate people will spread them or believe them. Good people whether they're for you or another candidate, won't accept blatant lies. God help anyone who wants their candidate to win so bad that they'd resort to deliberate and malicious lies.

The Clinton attack machine is just getting started. Keep on watching these "circulated e-mails" to keep on popping up in news organizations from the Clinton campaign.

WatchingHillary.com

Why some people are so concerned about Obama's religion. Who cares? People have a bad image of Islam because radical terrorists. We also have some radical self called Christians that promote hate and bigotry, people like Russ Limbaugh or Ann Coulter are good examples that of what Christian should not do.

Religion should not be a big issue interms of voting for a Presidential Candidates. We need to focus more on how the candidates or the future President can deal with the issues at hand. Muslim, Mormon, or Orthodox Jew, I don't care. Aslong they can fix the mess the is presented before us.

I am tired of the bipartisan government we have…all of the mudslinging and dishonestly. I want my country back from the war mongers who lied to get us into a war in Iraq that's not only costing us lives of our bravest, but is taking it's toll on our reputation worldwide and at home. I don't trust most of the presidential candidates, but Obama has my complete support. He is one of the few that could unite our country. Joe Biden would be the only other one I see hope for the future with.

People that bye into the "gossip" that goes around meant to deface candidates are those who are party to the destruction themselves. They forward these ridiculous emails before even checking to see if they are correct. When is the last time you took the time to check to see if the e-mail that is forwarded is actually true? I don't listen to any of that garbage without checking it out. …snopes.com is a great place to find out what is true. Our country deserves for us to know the truth. Look what has happened with the leadership we have had. We need to know the truth about what is going on with these candidates.

"Madrassa rumor" is a polite term. "Madrassa lying smear" is more like it.
There is no limit to the Repugs' dirty tricks.

Obama is least likely to be a Muslim than our your door neighbor. And you better believe this government has looked under the bottom of Obama's feet. We know there are Muslims out there, but it ain't Obama.

Actually, his defense is no defense at all. You're supposed to put your hand over your heart at the playing of the National Anthem, too. If he's a real patriot, shouldn't he know that?

so being a muslim is now a shameful thing? 1.5 billion people on this planet are muslim. 8 million of them are here and they are productive members of society. how we let being a muslim become a smear campaign is beyond me.

"We've got the best choir in town" is actually a great response. What would you have him say Portland guy/gal? It's a response to someone calling him a Muslim. He's saying "I'm not a Muslim, b/c this is where I attend church and I'm proud of it."

EJ in AZ, it's an explanation b/c he's explained before that you place your hand on your heart during a pledge of allegiance…you don't do so when you sing the national anthem.

The poster trying to mock 'The best choir in town' phrase makes me laugh…it's an expression so you should understand it that way and even if it wasn't what makes it a non-presidential material? It is meant for even the layman American to understand..so knock it off!

Flag pin? Hand over the heart during the pledge? Really? Is this a presidential election or are we starting a pep squad?

Obama is clearly a thinking man who deos not see the world in terms of good vs. eveil. He is too well travelled and his experience is too diverse to pretend otherwise.

America has made mistakes domestically and abroad, big ones. It's America the beautiful, not America the infallable. To question blind patriotism is not unpatriotic; in fact, it's heroic.

"The best choir in town? You've gotta to be kidding me. This guy is no presidential material."

Sounds like he's more presidential than most in my opinion. It's time we had a new direction and somebody that doesn't come from the same mold we've been using since Washington.
BTW CNN your late people were blogging about this over a week ago, not to mention rumors are not news.

Even at this late date in the campaign, I still question Obama's electability in the general, as I do Hillary's. This death wish will end in either an electable nominee or a long slow loss of a slam dunk into the White House.

Would it matter if the guy is a muslim?geez what the hells a matter with people

Who cares if he is a Muslim? That is nothing but anti-Muslim fear and bias.

The obsession you folk have with Hillary Clinton can't be healthy….I mean this is an article about Obama and you have folk talking about Hillary Clinton…if yall are so sure she can't win seems to me you would want her to get the nomination…but therein lies the problem…you guys know who can beat you in 08…I wouldn't be surprised if Republicans aren't donating to other Dems campaigns

This has 'C-L-I-N-T-O-N' written all over it (as long as we're subjecting the public to media-driven side-stories on the personal lives of candidates, why can't I just throw out the assumption (unfounded, of course) that the Clintons did it?

What's good for the goose…

Oh, and 'Xtina', I am from Chicago, as well. Exactly what tax did Obama raise? He's a US Senator. He cannot just 'raise taxes'. That's an irresonsible statement by an irresponsible person, Xtina. I call you on it and add this…

All I know is that, serving in the US Army, two weeks after taking the oath of office for the US Senate, Obama took Illinois from being in the bottom five states of veterans benefits and took us up to the top 30. Within two weeks. Why do you hate the troops, Xtina?

This reminds me of the disgusting email that circulated before '02 and '04 presidential elections that had pictures of the World Trade Center and a completely fabricated lie and video that was supposed to have Ollie North warning the Iran-Contra hearings about Bin Laden and Al Gore stumbling over Osama's name.
It was all a pack of lies tied to the terrorist attacks.
Bin Laden was actually a friend of the US in 1987 when those hearings took place.Oliver North himself said that he was talking about a Libyan terrorist named Abu Nadel and never once mentioned Bin Laden because he didn't know anything about him.In more than 15,000 pages of testimony Bin Laden was never mentioned.

This is how low the conservatives will go to get their candidate and their agenda in the whitehouse.This is just more of the same.

Who cares what a persons religious beliefs are, as long as they are qualified to run this country.

E.J. what cave do you live in??? Have you gone to any sporting events or watched any Olympic Games how many people or Athletes do you see placing their hands over their heart at the playing of the National Anthem??? This is just some concocted story designed to get non thinking idiots like you all riled up. This has nothing to do with Baracks patiotism or love for his country!!!

I remember back in the day they used to judge political candidates on their platform… now we're analyzing religion and how someone stands during various songs. Nice.

" We got" and "You all" and religion is not SUPPOSED to count–just patrionism-which is lacked here.

I guess Obama it hurts when shots at you. Taste of your own medicine. I don't buy any of his crap. He really shattered his image by acting like a Pitbull and attacking other democrats.

He isn't ready to be President because he tries to defend himself. We all saw what happen to John Kerry when he didn't respond to negative ads. The idea that he thinks his choir is the best is town makes him not qualified to be president why?….

People please! The guy is trying to be as straightforward as he can with us, and people just aren't use to this type of honesty. When we get another fake Christian claiming to be a compassionate conservative don't go all shocked, as a nation many of us don't know how to react to a guy who is trying to talk straight, not just tough!!!

What is it that bugs people about such an honest, sincere politician. It must be that our political system has been so dominated by liars and thugs recently that Americans can't even spot a good, caring man anymore.

Lets stop wasting time and energy on these petty disagreements. We need Obama because he has a vision for the future and well-articulated policies to achieve that vision.

Obama will not only bring fresh, enthusiastic change to U.S. politics, he will also improve the lives of millions of middle and lower class Americans. Obama will heal our image around the world and catapault the U.S. back into a position where we can lead a coalition of allies not only in a battle against terrorists, but also in the fight against global warming, poverty, and disease.

This truly is a monumental opportunity for Americans to retake their government and unite the world. Please don't let it go to waste.

Obama 08 (and forever)

So far the criticism of obama hear is dumb…Very dumb

Obama is a good guy, he's honest. The same cannot be said about Hillary Clinton. The Clintons are so shady that they cannot even release their archives. Don't you think that's a little suspicious? Hillary's biggest fear is her records being exposed.

hey republican nazi fascists, your crap is not going to stick. we will overcome and kick the worst administration of the last 200 years OUT OF OFFICE. So long linbawian,savagian,fox fair and balanced bs artists. get out of our country u dont deserv it

So what if he was a Muslim? That doesn't make him a terrorist. That would make him a follower of Islam, which is a RELIGION, and not a terrorist organization. Americans are so ignorant to think because someone is black they are Muslim. It's just another sign of how desperately this country needs what his campaign offers: CHANGE.

I guess he don't like it when he is questioned. No wonder he doesn't vote the wrong way . . . he doesn't vote at all. What a backward idiot.

I guess CNN is trying to tame Senator Obama's rise in polls recently.

All other networks reported this long ago where were you then CNN?

Oh, I forgot Hilary is in hiding and has nothing to say therefore in preparing for her to resurface,Obama negativity has to continue.

CNN, be a reliable independent network

Since when did becoming Muslim prevent somebody from being the president of the United States? Oh, I forgot, this is the United States of America. Now it's not blacks and women that can't be president. It's Muslims.

No slight against Obama for any of this, as it is not news. If there is any story here, its CNN's editorial choice to make this newsworthy when it is not.

If I have one cringe with Obama on any of this, it is to use the term "swift-boating" to describe a political attack with no merit as being "swift boated". Kerry rated the truth being told, and the characterization of having been "swift-boated" as he was is to have been judged about past performance not as you say it was, but as your contemporary peers so judged you. Peer review, nothing more, but more importantly, nothing less. If your peers were/are full of crap, then get better peers next time.

I'm just wondering, why is being a muslim so looked down upon, in the political world seen as a crime? isnt freedom of religion somewhere in our constitution?

E J in Phoenix:
You seem appalled that Senator Obama did not put his hand over his heart while singing the National Anthem. Many people do not put their hand over their heart while singing the anthem, and in fact if you go to almost any sporting event in this country you will notice that most people there aren't even paying attention, let alone even singing the anthem.

For the past six and a half years we have had a president who has constantly trashed the United States Constitution, has forever tarnished our reputation around the world, has nearly depleted our armed forces with a war which was started on false pretenses (while Bin Laden continues to thumb his nose at us six years after 9/11) — and you're worried about whether or not Barrack Obama puts his hand on his heart???

Sounds like some misplaced priorities (or some phony patriotism).

Really? This is what people are attacking Obama with? He didn't hold his hand right during the national anthem?

I could have sworn we had substantive issues like a war and health care and the economy to discuss. I guess I was wrong.

To EJ in Phoenix: Yes, technically proper behavior during the Star Spangled Banner is to stand and face the flag with an attitude of respectful attention. I wish more people would inform themselves before getting so indignant.

Cheap lying shot at him…yea, sounds like a Hillary deal to me. I just can't believe the polls, either. This guy's gotta be in the lead. Only one person out of around a hundred I've asked, would vote for her; and I've asked a lot of whites and women! And we've swung to a democratic majority here in this state. So..What's up with these polls?

I wouldn't vote for him just on the remote possibility he is!

Remove this or at least change the headline! The "Fact Checker" by Michael Dobbs dispelled this weeks ago as have others. By reprinting it you are irresponsibly promoting the hoax — especially if you don't give us a date or background as to how long it's been around.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2
007/11/obama_nabbed_by_the_patriotic.html

The headline for this article said "Obama: If I was Muslim I'd tell you"

Mr. Obama actually used the much more appropriate subjunctive mood, saying (as the article actually quotes):
"If I were a Muslim I'd tell you." I find this very interesting. When I saw the headline on the CNN homepage I thought, "Wow, Obama should have used the subjunctive there, is he that dense?" Does CNN want people to think that?

If anything, it's a misquote.

Does singing the Star Spangled Banner deserve not much respect then? What a DUMB argument. And yes, the people have every right to question Obama's patriotism or the lack thereof. This pathetic naive hypocrite doesn't deserve to hold the highest office of this land. He can't even properly serve the people of Illinois with his record-breaking absences. What a shame!

If he respects the pledge to the Flag, and disrespects to the Star spangle banner which I conceder as one. Then I don't thank he should be
conceder as a Candidate for the president of the — U.S.A.

Why did he place his hand on a Koran book instead of the Bible when he was sworned into congress. We are not stupid in America? This is the only leader to do such a thing. Talk is cheap!!!!

The usual tactics of the "morally upright" conservatives. Attack one's patriotism, religious beliefs, dedication to one's country. These people represent the worst of us…

do we really need someone named obama in whitehouse…..more confusion..obama..osama…doesn't take much to confuse

Some of you have lost the point. Again they are posting negative news in attempts to sway ignorant American votes. I agree with some posters this is not News worthy and doesn’t belong on CNN.
We people are tried of the bickering so conduct your selves in a mature and respectful manner. As representatives we expect nothing less.

OK, not Pledge of Allegiance…. Now what is the proper etiquette for The Star Spangled Banner!!!! How about hand over heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When will we quit saying "It was the Star Spangled Banner, not the Pledge of Allegiance"? Can someone advise him of what the flag means and that we hold our hands over our hearts while that is played also.

Kinda sounds like ahmadinajad,,,'if I were a terrorist I'd tell you'…just trust me!! yeah right! Both his father and stepfather were muslim as well as his brother and sister!….he has a lot more connection in that regard than we need in a United States President! By the way check out this 'church' he's a member of…it sounds like all they are interested in is a black agenda!

Its sad that because of your name or apperance you are lumped into a faith category; I look "Jewish" supposedly and have an Italian last name, but I am neither Jewish or Catholic, I'm a proud Lutheran; faith has nothing to do with heritage; people need to realize that.

Considering taxes in Illinois weren't raised while he was in the Illinois Senate, I'd say "xtina" isn't really from Chicago. But that's ok.

yeah ,hit a nervie,the church you joined 3 months before running uhh…
OMG the best choir,that just proves more religious Gospel preaching,to Americans,get" real "get "substance " before you run for "President".

Obama just starts to experience a tip of iceberg of political scrutiny what Hillary Clinton has experienced and endured in the past 15 years. Saying you are nice to Republicans will not stop them attacking you. What a naïve person.

Furthermore, he indeed did not show respect to our national flag as everyone else does. I am an immigrant who became a US citizen in 1998. Every time I hear the national anthem, I put my right hand on my heart after became a US citizen. How can this guy who is the US Senator and running for president of our country does not know this?

If you want to see change in how the country is run, vote Obama in 08!

I wish people here would stop using the word Madrassa to mean something awful. It's literal meaning in Arabic is "school", so you would say church madrassa, or elementary madrassa…. it is a shame how things get distorted in the translation.

I distinctly remember Obama NOT standing in traditional American honor during the Star Spangled Banner (it's on utube - see for yourself) and the flap about his lapel flag… and the fact that this is an issue…. Hello? Born yesterday?

I suppose if he was a crack smoker, he would let us know that, too.

Oh, wait… he is.

2000 George Bush : I am an uniter, not a divider.

Result: 8 years of anarchy.

2008 Barack Hussien Obama: I am an uniter, Hillary is a divider.

Result: Atleast 4 years of disaster.

2000 & 2004: George Bush: I am the more likeable guy. The other person is a flip flopper.

Result: Showed the true colors once elected.

2008: Obama: I am the more likeable candidate. The other person is not.

Result: Just imagine.

At least with George Bush, he had been Governer of Texas so he had the experience and track record to back him up.

With Obama, No track record except all votes which were highly liberal lfet-wing voting.

Why should I believe Obama that he will unite? I am not a dreamy eyed person hoping for change. I am a pragmatic realist who has come across many people in US, in world, in business, who talk big. Only those who have a track record, have succeeded. Others were all con, who tried to fool people.

Why would a person jump in the fray with no track record as a uniter? Because the person knows deep down he will never be a uniter and if he waits longer, it will be difficult to fool people.

If you think otherwise, please share your thoughts. Onlyt intelligent, pragmatic people please.

Please CNN let's have a grownup conversation everyone is patriotic and I mean everyone Republicans,Democrats, Independents. Now let's talk about Pakistan,healthcare,the War,economy,Job security,Illegal aliens,Education………..

Among Obama's many postive characteristics… proper use of the subjunctive!

CNN headline: "Obama: If I was Muslim I'd tell you"
Actual Quote: "If I were a Muslim I would let you know"

Better off-the-cuff grammar than CNN's editors. Tisk tisk.

Wonder if anyone watched the video from "Star Spangled Bannergate"..? If you did you would have seen him singing along with the vocalist…and rocking… He was getting down with it.

This is ridiculous. I don't put my hard over my heart during the star spangled banner. I bet Hilary had something to do with this because there is no dirt about Obama unlike Hilary where you can ask anyone that knows anything and they will tell you a dirty story about her politics. Obama is honest and he doesn't treat me like an idiot, unlike Hilary.

I'm sorry OBAMA… Not respecting the pledge to the Flag is Unpatriotic!

We need a true patriot like Pete Grasso. http://www.GrassoForPresident.com

Hey Mr. O.

If you are reading this then you probably are already losing the presidential race, so good luck, but I wanted to ask you another question; Are you a muslim?

I'll drop this address in case you want to answer.
http://www.golden-lamp.com

I received the email about this story from the usual channels of half-informed, dim-witted, Republicans. In reading about it here, and upon reviewing the comments by others, I was disappointed to see that none of the comments mentioned how the email also tried to slur him by mentioning that "Hussein" is his middle name. Personally, I found that the most offensive. My brothers first name is Mark…should I be concerned that he is molesting hill interns? I have an uncle named Larry, and ironically another named Craig…maybe the two of them are double-teaming men in the Minneapolis airport!

How about someone posting something that is not about mudslinging? We have real issues in the United States and the rest of the world. Real issues that need calm, intelligent, leadership.

Wake up people.

Not only zero leadership experience, as xtina said, but he needs to explain why he insisted on using the koran instead of the bible when he was sworn in. He's vague about everything, he has no concrete ideas about how to improve the economy in this country's recession, and he's all smoke and mirros when it comes down to how he genuinely feels about the issues.

This man is NOT presidential material, unless he's a repug in dem's clothing.

First, if this is how we determine patriotism we are in big trouble here folks. Second, we have major problems in this country which require serious thought, debate, answers and serious leadership to address those issues. Let's not get sidetracked by such inane issues such as this.

this is who i am voting for, so many people keep talking about experience, look at the mess " experience" has done to our country. we need honesty, not any more experience.

As a life-long Democrat and a union member for 39 years, I think that you are our best hope to solve the problems of America. I love it when you came to Detroit and told the auto executives what they NEEDED to hear. You are a straight-shooter and someone we can trust. We know you are patriotic and someone who will restore America's reputation. It's probably those 'waco' republicans or hillary's people that are questioning your patriotism. They are just trying to distract you. I believe that you can help the auto industry become competitive again. We need new leadership. We're behind you 100%. Lead on Mr. Obama.

I kind of wish he were muslim. At least if he were truly muslim he wouldn't be attending such a racist church…have you checked out the Trinity United Church of Christ principles on the web? All their goals promote the black community….Obama and his church really need to be a bit more open minded and inclusive!

Nit Picking! If that's the worse thing they can drum up on Obama then he is one lucky man who has led a good life. I consider voting for him just because he is less full of it then the rest. I'm just looking for honesty and a real desire to help people.

Obama didn't do much for Illinois except raise taxes. He has zero leadership experience, not having run anything. You wouldn't hire someone for a job if they didn't have experience.

Corporations hire graduates straight from college all the time, so I'm guessing the answer would be yes, they do.

Proper American etiquette and protocol doesn't require placing your hand over your heart..

Should Obama apologize for knowing appropriate American cultural traditions?

I don't think so. Hillary is desperate and so are the pathetic evil war profiteers..

Typical white American crap. I knew it would not take long before the bigots would come out of the woodwork.

CNN……….The word Madrassa means "School", that is all it means, not reilgious school or anything else.. all it means is School. When u translate the word school into arabic u get the word Madrassa, and vice versa. Please understand this .. THANK YOU

Why does it even matter..
"Cnn Sent a corespondent and determined it was false.."
geez, what nonsense.

… so what if Obama was a Muslim (which he isn't) ? Is this a Muslim-hating country? Is that the American anti-racism and anti-faschism? There is nothing wrong with Islam; besides, it's the latest of the three big religions from Middle East.

I don't care if he is Muslim or not, I still have no plans to vote for him.

I believe this is news and should be in the political ticker, because people care whether the next President is patriotic…. This article shows how honest Obama is.. He did not lie about the situation whatsoever. AND.. Do YOU put your hand on your HEART during the national anthem?! I doubt it.. most people do not, they stand with their hands in front of them, as Obama did. ALSO, please note that Hillary Clinton was just accused of planting questions during campaigns… How HONEST is that? It's not.. It's Clinton that cannot be trusted..

Last thing… How can you gain experience, without being given a chance to gain it? A fresh mind is what is needed in this country!! And besides.. if you think it's experience that he lacks.. would you not have voted for President Kennedy, who was only 43 when elected President?
*THiNK!*

Hey EJ, he was thinking that singing the National Anthem was a patriotic act in and of itself. Get it? If you watch the vid, he is actually the only candidate singing it.

And if you want more of his "defense", check out this link in which he also states that he has LEAD the Pledge of Allegiance ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE!!!! http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=180214

This whole attack on him is just a ridiculous attempt to play on the fears of uninformed Americans. If you fall for it, shame on you.

Being a Muslim is not incompatible with being an American.

The right has really embraced these efforts to play on the fear and bigotry of dimwitted people. He's a secret Muslim educated in a madrasa. Indeed! Barrack is a sleeper cell! Good job in sussing him out! How astonishingly pathetic.

"We were not saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” Obama said. “We were singing the Star Spangled Banner."

And that's a defense?! What in the world is this guy thinking?!"

So he is not as fake as other politicians…big deal

I'd say that Bryan from Baton Rouge is the only one who's got it right. Who cares about any of this superficial crap that distracts us from legitimate political concerns? E.J. from Phoenix — I'm sure that throughout your childhood you placed your hand over your heart and numbly recited the Pledge because you were told to do so, but we don't all make it a practice to cover our heart during the national anthem, so yes — it absolutely is a defense. And Portland, the guy was trying to lighten the mood up with his choir comment, so stop making judgements based on anecdotes. Read a book, get a clue, and realize that there's more problems with America than a corporate-sponsored two-party system.