CNN

Obama is a liar. He will be the catalyst for the destruction of the United States

Why does everyone leave Obama's middle name out in the papers and news. They put in every other candidates middle name out. Why are they trying to hide it.

I feel that because Moslims are a threat to world peace we should not vote for any one that is or has been with Moslim faith. During world war ll, would we put a leader in office that was had parents that followed hitler.

This is scary for me and others who question his background.

Hillary has no political background except for following her husband around in office. That is not enough for me..

Lets have a leader in the office this time without worry about a racial, religious, and no experience candidate.
From;
We the people....

These are not just questions about his religious beliefs.
Everyones real questions:
* Was Barack Obama raised in a home whose father and step father were radical Muslims.
* Can this presidential candidate and his family pass a background check, in order to have access to all the classified material a president has access to?
* Would this candidate wage a war against his own people or at the very least his parents people. This really needs to be answered honestly.
* Why has the news media not ask these questions already?

I and the American people have a right to know.

Hmmmm... why not saying my great great great great great grandpa is homo sapiens... it was like over 400,000 years ago... that time there weren't any religions... but yeah they did have a belief their god is trees.. .cause trees give every sapiens food.... and by the way he is probably your root also....
vote for candidates who believe in trees not flowers, great we go back to sapiens period

It does very much matter if he is a muslim because America was founded on God not the God that the muslims worship We can not let someone worshipping a strange God run our country

"Barak Hussein Obama" is a Muslim name given by his parents to Obama. His father Barak Hussein Obama Sr was born and brought up as a Muslim in Kenya. Maybe, as a college student he did not practice Islam, and he married Obama's mother who herself was not a practicing Christian. After the divorce, she married another Indonesian Muslim and moved to Indonesia, where Obama attended a Muslim public school for two years, then a Christian school for another two years. As most people know, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world.

It is quite possible that Obama had had early education in Islam through his step father; it is also possible he even attended mosque accompanying his step father. Unless, Obama specifically says otherwise truthfully, most men and boys attend mosque at least on Fridays in most Muslim countries including Indonesia.

To me it looks that Senator Obama has NOT given the total truth of his upbringing, his early days in Indonesia etc. If he has changed to Christianity then why he keeps his "Hussein" as middle name?

From Saddam Hussein, most people in US know that Hussein is a Muslim name, not that it is wrong or being a Muslim is bad. But the Senator is NOT telling truthfully and candidly his whole life history.

His early school records will tell whether he was registered as Muslim or not in Indonesia. If he was not registered as a Muslim, then his name needs to be changed officially not to include Hussein as his middle name.

The confusion and doubts come because of his name and his refusal to publish is early school records.

Being a Muslim is NOT bad. But the US electorate needs to know whether Barak was a Muslim anytime in his life.

Senator Obama is tall, handsome and has good speaking skills. But, as he called himself as "a skinny guy with a funny name", his experience in public life is very slim and skinny and clearly his name is confusing.

His victory in Iowa and his ability to raise so much money is quite unbelievable. Press must scrutinize him thoroughly.

Senator Obama, release your early school records immediately.

We need to be very concerned as a nation founded on Christian principals that whoever we elect to any office is truthful in all matters.I understand that all who do not believe in Allah,who by the way is not the God of the Bible, are considered infidels and are to be destroyed.
We do not automatically become a Christian because we were exposed to those beliefs in home and school.There has to be a point in time that we come personally to the only one true God of the Holy Bible in repentence,confessing that we are sinners,believing by faith that Jesus Christ ,God's only begotten son paid our sin debt in full by His death on the cross of Calvary and that He was raised from the dead on the third day and rose bodily to Heaven and will return one day to judge the living and the dead.
Just because we sit in a garage does not make us a car.

Did it ever occur to anyone that just maybe Obama is not actually downplaying his Muslim background, but rather telling the truth about it? So he lived in Jakarta and attended a Madrassa; but he also attended a Catholic school. Which is what he has said all along, as well as written in his book. And any way, who cares?! Are the citizens of this country so ignorant and paranoid that we actually believe Islamic terrorists have somehow controlled Obamas career and steered him into running for president? Come on now! Our country is founded on religious freedom – it doesn't specify that freedom for only specific, popular religions, but rather ALL of them. We, as a country of voters, should be paying attention to what Obama is going to do about education, health care, social security, and getting our troops home, not what religion he may or may not be.

Just had the facts brought to my attention. My first reaction is IF this all is true (and it appears to be so), in this day and age how did he even get to be a Senator, let alone Heaven forbid the President of the USA?

WAKE -UP AMERICA ! Is he a muslim or not , even the question beggs an air of causon...why take a chance with a possible "MUSLIM PLANT" in the highest post in our government. Don't say ,thats rediculas, because the muslim hords have pulled the same trick in other countries, move in ,get your numbers up, get elected and take over.... somthing like the Mexican illigals are trying here ! WAKE-UP befor it's to late..........................................................................................

Some of you seem to be under the impression that muslims are bad people, it is inferred in the concern you have for obama being a muslim. Do you realise what this makes you? It makes you no better than the fundementalist morons that want to kill you. In fact i would go so far to say that you are indeed facists much like hitler in WW2.

If you really want to respect your country read your own constitution and stop trying to bend it to suit your own facist desires for a christian fundementalist state also stop propagating dubious information.

i wonder if this joker will recite the pledge of allegiance during any tribute to the 911 victims........probably not.
a likely candidate for a president...........think again.....

What religion a canidate practices and his background does effect American's. Perhaps if we weren't fighting in a Muslin war in Iraq, Afganistan and Pakistan we could overlooked the background of our Presidental canidate. I for one am not willing to take a chance on him when there are other viable candiates where this is not an issue or concern. I am sorry, I am fearful of the Islam and Muslins. I cannot forget 9/11.

HOW DOES A "CANDIDATE" GET AWAY WITHOUT RECITING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. IF YOU ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENCY, YOU MUST RESPECT THE FLAG AND COUNTRY...
Forget the religious background of this joker.......RESPECT THE COUNTRY IN WHICH YOU ARE TRYING TO WIN THE ELECTION FOR.

Were in the middle of a war on terror with radical Muslims. It"s unclear whether Barack is a practicing Mulim, but the fact is he was raised in the Muslim faith. It would be foolish under the present circumstance to elect this inexperienced "question mark" to the highest office in the land. Who is he? What is he? Where is his campaign funding coming from?

Were in the middle of a war on terror with radical Muslims. Barack Obama may be a secular Muslim, but he was still fathered and stepfathered by Muslims. This nation can't afford to elect this guy. His Inexperience disqualifies him as much as his upbringing. His name might as well be Osama Obama.

Barack Obama is not qualified to be President. He's intelligent, well-spoken, and many other positive things but he really doesn't have the experience to run the country nor is it at all clear from the passionately pronounced platitudes he spouts what the heck his real positions and thoughts are on the issues. dd to that the fact that he had a Muslim father and stepfather and attended a Muslim religious school that taught the Karan during a period of his formative years and has artfully played down his Muslim roots, and he is one candidate who makes me very uneasy. maybe after a few more years of experience and demonstrating his true abilities we can gain a clearer picture of him as a leader not just an orator.

Obama is a shady character. He reminds me of the guy who ties the damsel to the railroad tracks while laughing... I think he's got ulterior motives for wanting to be President. Listen to the rhetoric. Something smells here!!

I am a military man and a Christian.........hard to discern if you are a Jehova's witness who does not believe in service to anything/one other than God. Bombing inocents in the name of Mohamed does not compute with the religion of Islam. Catholics don't go to church as often, but feel they have a passport to the promised land if certain guidlines are followed.............Tired of it being about religion......so many differences. Who is this guy really? Tough question; my vote has to come from something other than an endorsement from Oprah! America pull your head out, think of what is really best for this country. Not saying Sen. Obama is not.....just look into all options. Examine his answers to the tough questions and if he passes the test..........vote. I honestly will wait till the end; listen to all and do what I think is best for me and my family. My family isdivided democrat and republican; me personally, |I am for what brings back the best in us....the actual caring for one another and what this country is all about........freedom. I want my kids to grow up in a town like I did; a place where we did not worry about crime or much of anything. These days, I am afraid to let them out of the house without me. If you want to vote and be involved, be educated; otherwise, you are basing your decisions on falsisms and/or misinformation; something of which, politicians are very good at deceiving us with. Give me the more simple times!

Well it is your loss senator, being a muslim should be something that honores you and ultimatley saves you. Defending that you are not a muslim will one day haunt you, if yo know what I mean

A person should not be judged by his ethnicity, if some one does then it is against our own constitution, All of these politicians (Hillary, republicans) who are against Obama are trying to make this an issue and now they have lost my vote for them.

I am a registered Republican but now i will vote for Obama.

As an American it is our responsibilty that we behave according to our constitution and make this country an example in the world.

This is a presidential election and we should talk on the issues which we are facing now like jobs, economy, security, medicare and national debt.

We can not continue this non sense discussion.

why does he consider being a muslim being wrong,but then if he said he was nobody would choose him.....

I wonder why Senator Obama considers himself a black man? His mother is white and he was raised by her. I am the grandmother of a bi-racial boy. He is white and black. But we consider him an American of black and white heritage. When Senator Obama was in South Carolina with Oprah, he said it was time for a black president. I did not hear him say that in Iowa. Will he say that in New Hampshire? He can't be on both sides of the fence. He is an American, running for president of the United States and is of black and white parents. My grandson wants to know why he considers himself a black man when he was raised by his mother who is white?

If I am not mistaken Obama's father started out as a Muslim but is now an antheist. Obama went to Muslim schools in his youth and now belongs to a fairly new church that doesn't believe in the bible itself. Is that correct?

Anyone ever take the time to check out his NEW CHRISTIAN church?
Only for blacks and allegiance to Africa....check it out:
http://www.tucc.org/about.htm

I don't believe any politition at his word only their actions. Barak has no accomplishments, other than he was a state Senator for a brief time as well as a U.S. Senator for about the same time. As far as his religion I don't care, I know his dad and grandmother is muslim, his mom has remarried a muslim, and they may have lived in muslim neighborhoods as christians but, I bet they did not preach it not in kenya anyways, Dez says religion don't matter well tell that to Romney or Huckabee. I want to know why a no time and grade senator is the next savior for america. republican or democrate.

I'm happy to see that others understand. Why is it that a country's government that seperates church and state, make such a big deal about the religion of their candidates? Nationalism & Christianity are not the same. Christians hate and support killing more than other religions it seems. I see people, not religions.

I see other Black Americans on this and other blogs, touting the "fact that they are supposely "African American" , and they dont support Obama. Is that suppose to give people the " his own people dont support him" thought or something? Please!! How many times have Black people ever really supported their own, in terms of their own being Black? There has been an issue in this campain of Black voters not voting for Obama, because Blacks seem to not believe he can when. That says alot about what Blacks in America really think about the "progress" made in the area of race relations. And if white America can really accept leadership coming from a Blackman. Or if we as Blacks can. Do we still have a mentality that only whites can lead? Oh, some of us agure that Obama may not have enough experience. Well. What experience does his rivals have that would make them better suited to be the President? I see the experience being that, they know, know how, and do more political trickery that he. How many voters really think that the president will make decisions without his or her advisors? I recall when George Bush came into office, the many highlighted the wisdom of him pulling in the experienced people he did. Although much of this was planned long before he became President. But he did it. And was praised! Well. Look at all this "experience" has done to our country. Within, and without. SAD!!

Obama is getting away with murder and nobody in the press is raising a finger. His State Senator record of hundreds of votes as "PRESENT not VOTING" has not been questioned. He touts his judgment but does not leave a record trail behind to debate his judgment on issues / bills?

Obama may have the press honeymoon for a while but he can not get the nomination without greater scrutiny. And scrutiny we need. Operations Research on Obama is not a "racist" action but part of legitimate politics and campaigning.

For example: "Kerry Apology for MUSLIM remark on Obama":

Kerry does not have to apologize for STATING FACTS:

He said "It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and his father was a Muslim and this his paternal grandmother is a Muslim,” he said at the time."

Yes Obama's father is/was a Muslim and his mother an American White female.

So what! Hillary/Bill do not have to get defensive about their comments, language, remarks on any forum be it Charlie Rose Show or Kerry's event endorsing Hillary. There is no parsing or apology required.

Obama needs to be brought down from the pedestal if he has to compete fair and square in this election cycle of 2008.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

The Hillary Swift-Boat tactic has been exposed. Truth be told, America has a problem with Muslims. Since 9/11, we don't say it, but we are still freighten beyond rational thought. When you go into a mall, or a public place you get nervous with you see a young lady wearing a hijab (traditional muslim head dress). What are your thoughts.

How we soon forget the youth that took the lives of 9 (including self) in Omaha, NE. I don't thank he was muslim.

The title War on Terrorism is merely subtitled in the minds of most Americans, "The War on Islam". God hath not given us the spirit of fear.

So. Being Muslim is Bad uh? to all of you out there who fear muslims. You so ignorant! Americans are some of the most ignorant, and arrogant people in the world. You dont even really know why your country is at war. It is so easy to dupe you. You dont know what your country does to other people in the world in your name. They only tell you what they need to keep you from knowing whats really going on. LAIRS!! But you believe them. I am a Muslim. And very proud of that. I dont hate christians. But I'm pretty sure that most of you hate Muslims from what I read in blogs like this one. So if Barack Obama was a Muslim it would put him as a 2nd class citizen uh? That would make him unfit uh? His name is under attack. You hate Muslims for being Muslim. You have been told garbage like, " they hate us because we are free." "They hate our way of life." And you go for that! You just refuse to believe that its two sides to every story. Or. You dont care. Ignorant!

It is sad, that a person has to defend what religion he or she is. In America! The other week, John Edwards was asked if it would be dangerous to even have a Black President. Because he may have an agenda of revenge against white America for what they have done to Blacks in this country. This only shows, that on some level, many white Americans really fear any Black person with real power. And although they say Blacks people are Americans, with all the rights of White Americans; there is a mind that makes sure Blacks are not afforded the same freedoms, and opprotunities as White Americans. That question was based on the fear of a Blackman havin power. And the fear of a lesssing of white peoples power in America. Instead of seeing us as Americans, its always in the mind of many whites, that Blacks will repay them for what they have done to us. That goes to show that you dont know us that well! We dont have that mind. We want to be at peace. We love the Promise of America. We dont hate you. We only want to be treated with justice. Just as you do. Why is that so hard to understand. I am a muslim. I dont hate America! This is the country of my birth. If I see a person trying to blow up a bridge or whatever, he gon wish he never crawled under there to do such a thing! It is interesting that many whites love to play the victim! You dont see your own hand in whats messing up the country you say you love. Please!! lets just put those things aside. Barack Obama. Whatever his religion, seems to have a plan to make America work again. Have you been watching what is going on? Come on people!!!

It has to be annoying to get these gossip questions, when you would expect people to be more concerned with you leadership direction and qualifications for presidency. How sad that our country's fascinated more by rumors then issues.

Fair play for all, Immigration, Talk to our Enemies, Ethics Morals & Values

Obama has made his religious background statement loud and clear what about you?

Isn't having a muslim background an asset? We all know Obama isn't a terrorist so the fact that he's been exposed Islam should only make us more confident that his views are sound and unprejudised, and that he'll be better at negotiating with Muslim leaders.
I think he should be clinton's VP or she be his VP..that way they'd get the democrats, women and african americans

How did this get morphed into Hillary's fault? Where is her name in this article? You Dems are so stupid – tearing apart your party BEFORE the nomination! You'll lose this one too – hello President Huckabee. You think Hillary would be bad...

Hillary is weak. Her husband cheated on her and she did nothing about it. When there's a problem in the U.S, would she just ignore it and hope it goes away. Hillary, blow away.. No pun intended.

Is Barack running to be the next president? What does his religion have to do with anything? Seperate church and state? Remember Katrina? How did Bush react to that? Does that mean that people of his religion hate blacks?

I chuckle at some of the ignorant comments below. If he was Muslim, does that make him a bad person or is that what Mr. Bush has done by dividing the world? Let's vote for Obama because he is clearly the best person running! We haven't had someone like this in my lifetime. Stop the ignorant smearing campaign Hillary. Hillary = Bush. Giuliani = Bush. Our Economy can't survive with Hillary or Giuliani. We have one choice and that's Obama. If you don't vote for Obama, you're either racist or just plain ignorant.

Barak Hussein Obama was registered as a child in the schools as a Muslim in Indonesia and attended weekly 2 hour Islamic religious classes and the mosque with his stepfather on Muslim major holidays! For him to say he was never a Muslim is misleading! The Muslim faith considers him born into Islam by his father and paternal grandfather's faith even though he is now a practising Christian who is subject to the death sentence declaration ( fatwa) put out by radical Muslim clerics on anyone who leaves Islam and converts to a different faith! There is no freedom of religion in any Muslim country!

i am confused. this country has religious freedom, right? SO WHY DOES IT MATTER IF OBAMA IS CHRISTIAN, MUSLIM, OR HINDU! and if this topic is worthy to make an article, then i think that this nation has seriously been corrupt-no religious trolerance.

A few of the comments above say "Obama rules" . Well the sad fact is that if Obama does "rule" America loses big time. Is that what some of you want. It really isn't about the religion part , it's about the Muslims "holy jihad" and their plans to take over the US from the inside. What does it take to make some of you see what is going on here with Obama? There are plenty of other candidates out there to vote for that would do a hell of lot better job than this muslim "plant" could ever do for our country, Hillary excluded..

There are still to this day peeps who believe that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9/11 and that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction!!

The ignorance of the masses is astounding, the gullibility of the American public is amazing, and the attention span of many voters is shorter than a nanosecond...

And everyone wonders why Kerry got torpedoed by the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" (& BLATANT LIARS = most didn't even serve on a "Swift Boat" and most weren't even in Vietnam when Kerry was!! After one local District Attorney appeared in one of the Ads, some people started looking into his allegations, and he finally admitted that "one of his buddies had told him the story, and he felt it was his duty to share it w/the rest of America"! Meanwhile T. Boone Pickens, the oil tycoon and the rest of the Good Ole Texas Boys laughed all the way back to the White House.)

The point is those who discount the UNITED GOP Attack Machine are only deluding themselves. Ask Harold Ford Jr. what sunk his Senate bid in TN? (HE was the bright & rising star who gave the Key Note Address at the 2000 Democratic Convention.) Ask Senator McCain about the hatefilled dishonest whisper smear campaign in SC primary in 2000 (which maliously implied that he had broken as a POW & become mentally unstable, and that his adopted daughter was his child by a black woman!NOT!! Rove the Mastermind behind Bush even devoured one of their own when it appeared McCain might win the GOP nomination instead of Bushbaby.)

Has anyone seen what the national rags have on their front covers NOW?? Imagine all those folks standing in the check-out lines... soaking in the headlines like unsuspecting sponges –> Here's a couple of train wrecks waiting to happen:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0702240237feb24,0,4469899.story "A land sale recorded this month ended the neighborly relationship between U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and indicted political insider Antoin 'Tony' Rezko, Obama's friend and former fundraiser."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070323obama-youth,0,4794506.story?coll=chi-homepagepromo440-fea "The glare of the presidential campaign is shining on people previously hidden behind pseudonyms in Obama's memoirs. One of them, a convicted felon, demanded money from the campaign. Or else."

OLD NEWS = Just Dust It Off, Spice It Up, and Sell It to the brain-dead American Public... Rove & Co. are already probably snickering behind the Demwits backs.

I live in Barack Obama's district and just wondered when I had snail mailed him twice and e-mailed once that he didn't even acknowledge me. I was writing him about a problem that I was having with Socical Security Disabality and yes Mr. Lane Evans (after his retirment Phil Hare) looked into it. It was important enough for these two people but not Barack Obama?

Kerry does not have to apologise for STATING FACTS:

He said ""It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and his father was a Muslim and this his paternal grandmother is a Muslim,” he said at the time."

Yes Obama's father is/was a Muslim and his mother an American White female.

So what! Hillary/Bill do not have to get defensive about their comments, language, remarks on any forum be it Charlie Rose Show or Kerry's event endorsing Hillary. There is no parsing or apology required.

Obama needs to be brought down from the pedestal.

People should not be afraid to attack Obama because of his Muslim / Black heritage.

We can not be labeled “racist” for relevant attacks in this election cycle.

Like Obama and Oprah are BARGAINERS and Bill and Hillary Clinton are CHALLENGERS. Thus Obama brought by his white mother and maternal relations is whiter than Clintons in the abstract!

Obama has not struggled like any Black has or has he experienced segregation like any Black in the US has. Thus Obama does not have a single “Black” bone in his body.

Through their politics, positions and staff hiring the CLINTONS are “blacker” than Obama with all his ex-Clinton aides!

Obama may have the press honeymoon for a while but he can not get the nomination without greater scrutiny.

And scrutiny we need. Operations Research on Obama is not a racist action but part of legitimate politics and campaigning.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

Obama is getting away with murder and nobody in the press is raising a finger. His State Senator record of hundreds of votes as "PRESENT not VOTING" has not been questioned. He touts his judgment but does not leave a record trail behind to debate his judgment on issues / bills?

Obama may have the press honeymoon for a while but he can not get the nomination without greater scrutiny. And scrutiny we need. Operations Research on Obama is not a racist action but part of legitimate politics and campaigning.

For example: "Kerry Apology for MUSLIM remark on Obama":
Kerry does not have to apologize for STATING FACTS:

He said ""It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and his father was a Muslim and this his paternal grandmother is a Muslim,” he said at the time."

Yes Obama's father is/was a Muslim and his mother an American White female.

So what! Hillary/Bill do not have to get defensive about their comments, language, remarks on any forum be it Charlie Rose Show or Kerry's event endorsing Hillary. There is no parsing or apology required.

Obama needs to be brought down from the pedestal.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

So many of the people on this post have made the exact decision they were going to make regarding Senator Obama.
*for those who write his full name Barack Hussein Obama in the pathetic attempt to associate him with the negative connotateion of Saddam Hussein, then also please include the title that only 100 people in this country at any one time: SENATOR Barac Hussein Obama!
* For those who argue that he contradicted his book because he says he did grow up in a "religious" household: In this day and age, surely you know someone,(or ARE)someone who who does not beat others over the head with THEIR religion, yet know of God. Also, Where is the focus on HIS WHITE MOTHER FROM KANSAS' religious upbringing??? HIS DAD LEFT WHEN HE WAS TWO!
Long story short, you cannot debate with those who refuse to acknowledge fact, yet make up their own version and CALL them "facts" to suit their narrow world view.

He may be a Christian, but with the name of Barrack HUSSEIN OBAMA (ryhymes with Osama), you can understand WHY people would worry!

Forget about his religion, though, this man is just NOT EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO BE PRESIDENT!!! PERIOD!!! He is naive and cowardly! Even in the state senate, he voted "present" 130 times!!! That's the same as not committing himself or saying maybe, or I'm not sure! IS THIS THE KIND OF PERSON WE WANT IN THE OVAL OFFICE????

IF YOU WANT A QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED AND INTELLIGENT CANDIDATE WHO HAS BEEN BATTLE-TESTED BY THE REPUBLICANS AND IS STILL STANDING, ELECT HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

PRESIDENT HILLARY CLINTON – 2008!!!

Obama is will make a GREAT President, he has my VOTE. Clinton
has been in DC to long and can't
change her way of thinking. I don't know who would be Pres. her or
Bill.

Oh good Lord...I sincerely hope most of you don't vote, as I've never seen so much willful ignorance before. I understand that when facts present themselves, your baseless bigotry will muscles itself in to be heard, but dang...I'm embarrassed to be of the same species as some of you.

I bet most of you that keep spewing "Hussein" like it's a dirty word, probably don't even know John McCain's or Mike Huckabee's middle name without looking it up? Know what that means? That means you've been played by the media and you keep being played while thinking you actually have an original thought.

It's amazing to see the sheer stupidity displayed by those of you who keep harping on Obama's early education. That shows that you don't even understand that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country. Let's see on the flip if a guy raised here in the US ran for leader in Indonesia and the Indonesia people said, "But he went to a Christian school!" Just because it was in the US. See how completely and totally dumb you are?

As for everyone else who are crying that the Republicans are going to be mean to Obama...really? If you guys are voting, that explains why the Democrats in Congress are so spineless. Thanks.

As for the rest of you, there so many lies here, that I wonder if you even live in reality. His father had 4 wives? Ignorant. That moron that wondered why Obama was given his name if he wasn't Muslim? Apparently too stupid to realize that there are millions of Arabs who are Christians and Jew. "Half-Muslim"? What kind of stupid is that? How can someone be half a religion? That doesn't even make sense.

And then there's this:
"You don't become a Christian by being raised by a Christian mom. One is not "always a Christian". You BECOME a Christian when you believe Jesus is the Son of God and you are born of the Spirit of God. If you read the Gospels you will find out how one becomes a Christian. It doesn't happen by osmosis."

Logic dictates that it follows that you don't become Muslim by simply having a Muslim dad. I didn't see "That's Reality" complete the thought.

It is a sad statement about our country that Obama or anyone 1.) had to deny being Muslim, or anything at all for that matter, and 2.) reassure people of his christianity.
Why does this matter to people?? Didn't W. turn anyone off who hides behind religion?

Bruck Obema Hussein Aljdonal (his real name according to The Audacity of Hope, p-152..you have to scratch the silver part off)is a terrorist and George W. Bush knows it!!

OK – let’s wake up and smell the coffee. It’s all politics—that’s why they call this a political process. Let’s review what happened—

Edwards goes negative because he’s so far behind.
Obama goes negative because the “pundits” says he has to in order to gain ground.
Hillary retaliates, albeit badly.

But these are the frontrunners, and anyone who doesn’t think ALL of these folks are spinning is naïve or living in another world. They’re all saying what they think the audience wants to hear. Obama’s contradictions to his own biography about his religious upbringing is a great example of that.

It’s about winning. If you want the straight talkers, go with Biden, Dodd, etc. in the primaries. In the end, let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot and let the Republicans reclaim the White House—all of the Democratic candidates are preferable to any of them.

Who cares how he was raised, or what he practices. This country was built upon tolerance and acceptance. No public servant should be held to a litmus test on his or her religion. It is a truly private matter. And for those afraid of the "Republican Slime Machine" I say grow up, its time to stop running in fear of what could be, a set the terms of the debate.

Is Hillary really a Republican? I mean, she spent years registered as one.
The funny thing is, Obama was never Muslim, although he did live in an Islamic country as a child. AND he went to school there, and schools in Islamic countries are called madrases...Gasp! It is truly pathetic that people can take this bit of information and use it to try and damage Barack's image. Hillary and the Republicans should be ashamed of themselves. The truth is, Obama's experience with Islamic culture will probably be beneficial when it comes to dealing with leaders of Islamic countries. The fact that so many Americans are scared of his name, and the fact that so many Americans are so out of touch with Islamic culture in general really reflects badly upon us.
We need Obama to come in to office and fix our education system so that we won't have anymore numb-skulls going around fearing and hating what they don't understand. It's called culture, Middle America, get some. There's more to life than Church, Big Macs, and Monster Trucks. Obama rules!

Obama is and always has been a White Sox fan. - gangwayjan

Phemi - you do not know what you are talking about. Obama was never Muslim. His father abandoned the family when Barack was about 2. So, I am guessing that the fatherly influence was not great. As for why he never changed his name. Why should he?

it shuldn't matter whether a person is muslim or Christian because..decisions are decision..nuthin shuld b in favor of any cast..shuld be in favor of justice. Statement stated by Obama that he is not Muslim nd he is Christian may somewhat raise criticism because..this is not right choice to say to media..Instead of taking favor of Christain he should have said that "It dont matter if a person is Christian or Muslim or who so ever" Decisions are meant to b in the favor of Justice.Obama may seem like a good person...and indeed he is.. and few ppl also have hopes on him to be next president...bt again..he need to learn more things before he have a seat on presendicy.

Senator Obana,

Sir, why are you afraid of your own shadow?
I’m one of the million Americans who admire your political wisdom; importantly your honesty to the matters.
Sadly, you are turning the wisdom and the honest answer to the matters that attracted millions of Americans like me to a political machine.
The answer you gave to the ladies in the coffee was simply a political answer, but not the truth to the matter.
Sir, with all due respect you father was complete and faithful Muslim; honestly you know it, as Muslim I know it and so do thousands American Muslims.
That fact of matter is, one must be a faithful Muslim to name one’s son Barack Obama; one must be a complete Muslim to marry four wives, and one must be a complete and faithful Muslim sent one’s son to Islamic school (Madarassa).
Please do not disappoint millions people who are willing to vote for you not matter what.
And remember the big supporter for all the candidates, is God self and the almighty has already choosing the next president who will best led America.
God bless America

According to Muslim tradition, your name is one way to track you lineage..wouldn't it be funny if Saddam Hussien and Barack Hussien Obama are related.... I would luve to see that kind of karma...

Lee in Mays Landing asked what is wrong with being Muslim in relation to this story. My answer is that nothing is wrong with being Muslim, but that a lot of narrow minded Americans will not vote for someone they think is anything but Christian when it comes to the presidency. Therefore, every time someone insinuates Obama is anything but a good Christian, he is hurt. Frankly, a paralegal I had a Spanish class with recently said she would not vote for Obama because he was Mulsim. She was misinformed and tried to argue with me, but she basically believed what she had heard and will nto vote for Obama. If he is the democratic nominee she will probably not vote in November. It sucks, but that is the way America is.

"..the United States has been moving toward fascism over the last 100 years." Ron Paul, Meet the Press, 12-23-07. "..when fascism comes to this country, it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross."

"We're not moving toward a Hitler-type fascism, but we're moving toward a softer fascism," Ron Paul said. "Loss of civil liberties, corporations running the show, big government in bed with big business."

Obama lied to the voters. His father practiced Islam. He had 4 wives, the most allowed according to the Hadiths.

Posted By Asma Bint Marwan,

If Obama's father was practicing Islam he would not have married Obama's mother who is a christain. So get your facts right.

This should not be the issue at all. I find it hard to believe on people who question others based on their background, ethnicity, color, religion or even belong to such or such geographic part of the country.I have always admire the american way of living, especially the abondance of multicultural and acceptance of all kind of people who live in this country. That is what this country is great for. I just become a US citizen just coming from a country where people have been instruments of politician and are being driven by selfishiness and politicians agos.Back to obama, if us american question obama's competences and ability of leading, I am totaly Okay with that.But if we question his candidency because his father believed to what religion or his mother wasn't a believer, we are really close to what the rest of the world is doing. I am a survivor of politician slogants and I know how they can ride you without noticing what is happening. if people like Mareshall Petain can betray his people, it is not because he did not have enough experience like some people who are calling Obama for it. Politicians who divide people are so dangerous to deal with, they will never show you their face. PLease do not lead yourself the catastoph. because of the reseons above, Obama got my vote this morning.
HERI.

some of these people on this broad claim to be muslem,then they make thier comment,they are fake because a true muslem would not practice no other religion than islam he will never deneid it his wife and his dauther would not be christian they wuld be raise as muslem no exception.tell me what is your definition of christian.now to be christ like you should not be a racist,murder, lier, thief,fornicater,no boyfriend or girlfried,now are you a christian

Jose from California says, "I am Hispanic and I would love to see Obama my president and my children. I don't care what you think but I am sick and tired of being called illegal immigrant. I would vote for Obama any time of the day."

Jose, Obama is intolerant of immigrants and foreign nations. Please pay attention to the speeches he is been giving in Iowa.

Folks, here is a reader's post I found on Foxnews.com. It is scary to think that the Republicans are hoping for Obama to win the Dem primaries.

Obama says he has always been a christian. Give me a break. His father was a muslim and his mother was an atheist. How could he have “always been christian?” If he was always interested in christianity, why didn’t he join a church (any church) sooner? Why did he join the Trinity church in Chicago only when he decided to enter politics? This man is phony and deceptive! And it looks like the gullible democtrats are falling flat for him….good for the GOP. Our GOP wonderboy Rove and his machinery will eat Obama alive."

This is all so unbelievable.
The man is a member of a Christian church.
When he answered the woman's questions here, I did not feel that he was ashamed of "his muslim roots". I think he probably feels – and justifiably so, just based on some of the comments here – that America will NOT vote for a muslim to be POTUS.
Now if he had changed his name, wouldn't these same people be saying he changed it to hide his muslim roots?
Personally, I don't care what religion he is or if he even has one. I want to know if he is a man with character and integrity. I want to know how he stands on the issues. Anything else is just BS.

And about that Pledge of Allegiance picture? What if that was taken at the very beginning and he was just slower than the others in putting his hand to his heart? I think there are people who are going to grab whatever they can to pull him down.

This hatred and bigotry scares and disgusts me.

Bush says he's a Christian, but everyone knows he worships Satan.

Obama can worship Hanna Montana for all I care, as long as he gets the GIs the hell out of the middle east.

How much you want to make a bet that Santa's gonna give George a taser gun for xmas.

Tony Blair became a Catholic after leaving power in Great Britain so Barak Obama can go back to being a Muslim (if he ever was one) if he is ever elected. We also shouldn't forget that Rudolph Giuliani is a Roman Catholic & Mitt Romney is a Mormon so there are candidates with different faiths who are running in this election. Religion shouldn't be such a big deal in this day and age.

This is yet another reaffirmation of the lip-service of America, esp. when it comes to the "freedom of religion" claim. Since Reagan, and now ramped up by W, American politics has been steadily marching toward a more theocratic society. This is evidenced in both the GOP and Democrat side now, though - not just with Obama. It's what's behind the questions on Romney, and I would presume they secretly wonder about Catholic Giuliani as well, not to mention comments made by Ron Paul regarding religiopolitics. The constitution states "freedom of religion" and we advertise equal opportunity, but in this election we'll see how unrealistic that claim is. Sadly folks like Obama, Romney, Giuliani or anyone who dares question big religion will be quietly, firmly marginalized and never given a chance. It's part of the evangelical co-option of America.

CNN = Hatred To Sen. Obama
Thank To CNN>

CNN Didn't You Be The best Political ON TV?

Not THe the Hatred Uh????????????//

Ofcourse he is a Muslim, his father was, He does not want American public to know about his background. America does not need a person whos middle name is "Hussein" as a middle name.

HILLARY 2008!!!!

Those of you that are for Obama seem to think that anyone that isn't for him is for Hillary. Where do you get this mentality? I'm an Independent ,( just changed) and Hillary is not one of my favorites even though I would never in this lifetime vote for a Muslim, a black person, yes, a black or any other color Muslim, no way. And I'm not voting for Hillary either.

Now that old issues that have been answered are being dragged back up maybe someone can take the time to ask Obama if he is black enough. Why must non-issues get so much attention.

Now that John edwards has been caught with a love child scandal, Obama gonna rise like noone business

What you guys don't realize is that "Josh" is probably a volunteer for Hillary Clinton's campaign. This is the typical type of negative B.S. campaign garbage that she learned from her husband. Give it a rest.

A couple things to think about in relation to fear over Obama's muslim background and the Islamic religion in general:

"Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians...and (all) who believe in God and the last day and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." The Qur'an, 2:62

Hmmm...that doesn't sound to terrible.

"Jim Jones, David Koresh and Meir Kahane do not typify Christianity and Judaism in the eyes of the civilized West, but those same eyes are prone to see Osama bin Laden and Mullah Muhammad Omar as typifying Islam," Richard Bulliet

If you have a few minutes, read a little bit about the Islamic religion, and what it is REALLY about. You might find that you have a little less to be afraid of. The entire world has this little religious problem of saying "I hate you and your religion" and not even knowing what they hate or having a legitimate reason why. That old line your school teachers used to give you, of "knowledge is power" has a good bit of truth in it.

Obama has a fine intelligence, good values, and appears to be authentic. I don't think any other candidate, Dem or other comes close to him.

Firstly, I am a Christian and I believe that Sen. Obama is at well. What your parents are or did does not make who you are. Can it have an impact on who you are and what you believe? YES.. However, Sen. Obama was very much estranged from his father and his Muslim heritage is not one of hate and evil. All across the world people have corrupted all forms of religion, even Christianity. There are those who preach hate and racism, but claim to be Christian, just as there are those who sadly corrupt Islam.

Sen. Obama has the judgment, intelligence, and ability to lead this country. He understands that the President must stand up for what he believes in and be willing to listen to different ideas and viewpoints, even if you do not always agree with the other side.

We need a new and fresh leader who can bring about a new change in our attitudes across the world and once again bring prosperity to the American people.

I sincerely believe that Senator Obama is that candidate!

Peace,

JM

Obama is probably the best candidate for president. Can you trust Hillary? I don't.

No one knows how to spew hate better than the progessively tolerant left..

What is with all this "what is he hiding, why is he ashamed" business. Please paste me the quote from senator Obama that states "I am ashamed of my Muslim background". Anyone? Yeah, I thought not.

People change in thier religious beliefs, sometimes from one faith to another, and sometimes from one level of involvement or belief to another.

Feel free to not support Obama for his issues, but to smear a man because of his religious background is pathetic.

For those blasting him because he "hides" his middle name...how often do you introduce yourslef including your middle name? I can hardly remember what mine is...that's how often I use it.

You people cry that you want change, but guess what? As long as you live in fear of everyone that has a different skin tone, or believes in a different invisable man than you do...nothing will change.

Cole, from Niagara Falls, says "Obama is going to be a role model for youths white,black,asian and hispanic…"

I am a Hispanic male and I don't want Obama to be a role model for my two young boys. He is an insincere and dishonest coward who doesn't have the guts to admit that he was a Muslim. I also don't want my children doing drugs like Obama did.

Posted By Roberto C : December 24, 2007 1:27 pm

I am Hispanic and I would love to see Obama my president and my children. I don't care what you think but I am sick and tired of being called illegal immigrant. I would vote for Obama any time of the day.

I WILL NEVER VOTE 4 SOME ONE THAT IS USEING HIS RACE AS A GET ME BY PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS DO NOT EVEN SUPPORT THIS FOOL AN YOU ALL ARE LOL AT YOU ALL AMERICA WILL NEVER HAVE A MUSILIM PLANT AS PRESIDENT YOU ALL SHOULD BE LABLED TRADERS TO THIS NATION FOR SUPPORTING THIS MUSLIM PLANT TO THIS COUNTRY READ HE ONLY GOT ELECTED IN HIS STATE BY MISHAPS SCANDLE AN A REAL BLACK DUDE ALEN KEYS GOP THAT GOT ONLY20 CUZ OSAMA WAS THE ONLY CHOICE NOW YOU WANNA THROW HIM UP IN OUR WHITE HOUSE SHAME ON YOU ALL TRADERS TO THIS NATION YOU SHOULD BE HORSE WIPED.

Speaking of getting your facts straight, Henry, there is no such person as Bob Kelley.

... senator Obama should be very proud of his Islamic background and he should be talking about that background as he proudly talk about his so many other backgrounds. His so called "White World and Black World" referring to his "Mother and Father" and/ or "United Nations' Like" refering to diversity in his family stretching from Black-African, to White-America, to Asia (considering the Half-Sister of his whose father is from Indonesia). And the point that I'm trying to make is if he is proud of his mother regardless of what his mother's ancenstors did to Black-Americans, he should also be proud of his father's faith and all that embodied Mr. Baraka, "not Barack," Hussein Obama, Sr. Islam is the beautiful thing and the fact that Political-America had talked and said all these aweful things about "the Faith" does not mean that the Islamic faith is what these people say it is. Senator should know this...

Let me get this straight. His father is a Muslim man, and Obama is uncomfortable with that.So he's sticking to his mother's heritage to compensate for it.Apparently only thing he won't mind from his father's side is skin color so that he can appeal to African Americans. All in all, I see a man who's not proud of his roots. This is exactly why even African-Americans don't embrace him.
If his father is muslim, then Obama is half-muslim irrespective of whether he practices Islam or not.So accept that without making a big fuss of it.Why you so afraid of being labeled as muslim? Last time I checked it's not a crime to be a muslim.

Posted By J, CA : December 23, 2007 11:20 am

Half Muslim? Last I checked, Muslim is a religion, not race and therefore is not passed along genetically as, for instance, being half white/half black. You either follow the teachings of Islam or you don't. Either way, it isn't a crime and it shouldn't be a big deal in this country.

The sad fact remains though that in this country, the level of intolerance and ignorance of other cultures has risen to new heights. Not to single any group out, but, Evangelicals claim that there is a war against Christianity in this country when the truth is that they are just as intolerant of other religions as they claim others are of theirs. The same goes for Muslims and Jews.

——————————–
MITT ROMNEY with MORMON HERITAGE vs. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA with MUSLIM HERITAGE (vs. JFK) .. A question of sincerity about one's heritage.
——————————–

———————-

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MITT ROMNEY with MORMON HERITAGE vs. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA with MUSLIM HERITAGE (vs. JFK) .. A question of sincerity about one's heritage.
----------–

I liked reading the article and an earlier comment comparing how Mitt Romney and Barack Hussein Obama are disclosing their paternal heritage in differing ways.

Irrespective of what our heritage is, we should be proud of it. Yes, Mitt Romney has shown statesmanship and tremedous sincerity in coming out openly about his Mormon heritage. In comparison, it is very dissappointing to see how Barack Hussein Obama tries hard to suppress and hide his Muslim heritage.

US is a free and secular country, however, Barack Hussein Obama seems to doubt the intelligence and tolerance of US people.

Barack Hussein Obama's father was a Muslim from Africa, and I see no reason why he wants to hide this truth.

It seems he has selective memory.

Barack Hussein Obama proudly showcases his african-american heritage from his father, but tries his best to hide his Muslim heritage derived from his father.

This is pure political Hypocrisy. Barack Hussein Obama has a lot to learn from Mitt Romney and J.F.Kennedy.

--------

I am really disapointed about this smear campaign going on in a pretending leading democratic country.
When religious minority in other countries are discriminated in getting high political position, the white hous is always the firts to raise the voice to defend them!
Why is it that being a "Muslim front runner" for president is a problem un USA?
Is it written in the constitution that that a Muslim can never be Muslim in USA? If no why this harasment about Obama background?
Even the way Obama is answering the question shows that he's afraid to associate himself with Islam as if this will mislead his campaign!
Does it mean his vision of hope for all americain can never be realised for Muslim children?
I think America should stopp pouring democratic lesson to others until they apply it to themselves in all aspects!

Who raised you people. Why must you think your views on whether or not the man should change HIS name matters to you. No one cares besides you!
Barak has the intelligence to seperate church and state and thats what matters. The man can talk with a level of trust very very very few candidates can. Definetly not The Gropers wife. Cause really its not about Hillary its about the Groper half the time.
Its apparent the Barak is sincere about wanting to fix this country and do some good based on whats right for the people not his religous principles. At least he recognizes and respects everyones right to practice whatever belief you half on life.
This man is the REAL DEAL
OBAMA '08

like it should make any difference in the first place whether he is muslim or christian. both religions have their fair share of brutality and torture throughout history.

Thanks! CNN for all of the Negative reportings of Obama. Actually It makes him look good in the end. Thanks again! You are doing a terrific job!

Cole, from Niagara Falls, says "Obama is going to be a role model for youths white,black,asian and hispanic..."

I am a Hispanic male and I don't want Obama to be a role model for my two young boys. He is an insincere and dishonest coward who doesn't have the guts to admit that he was a Muslim. I also don't want my children doing drugs like Obama did.

I agree w. the poster who said CNN doesn't want to report the real news; but the real news isn't as emotional as the drama of the election. I'd rather be reading about the Fair Tax and its many implications, but for CNN Hillary's drama and Obama's religion debate will bring more ratings, so they always go w/the lowest common denominator. Why don't the commentors who don't want to talk about the religion of the various candidates change the subject to the Fair Tax or whatever else is more important to them ? There's plenty of readers who will participate in more serious dicussions

Posted By Vancouver, BC : December 23, 2007 3:37pm what candidate besides Clinton uses their middle name - Maybe being from Canada you don't know that Rodham is Hillary's MAIDEN name b/c as a woman she has a right to be proud of her heritage too

Thank to CNN May God bless their hatred.

Though, it seem in the fist place that CNN is =Politic

Not =Hatred But, Now CNN=Hatred instead

Posted By stan pitts pa : December 23, 2007 1:19pm - "In america after 9/11 yes it became a crime, do you even follow the news? obama is a christian, most people born in differnet religions convert to christianity as they grow older and learn the truth, he is no exception, grow up america!"

What candidate is stan from pitts pa supporting?? This kind of logic in America is downright scary

Is it a slow "news" day today?

AMERICA IN PERIL
I was hearing when some folks discuss about the election. One of the folks was sharing his dreams. He was telling that he saw a very tall tree falling while at the same time Hillary and Clinton was kissing to each other. He explains the dream as the tall tree symbolize America, and if the Clintons celebrate by getting into the Whitehouse then it is gonna be the end of the times for America and the worst thing than ever will happen all over the world. He further tells what he understood in his mind that the secret of American greatness is its Unity. And if Hilary wins the election then be sure that a spirit of divisiveness, an evil thing for America—call it bad spirit or witch spirit—will get in to the Whitehouse, eroding the unity of America, the secrete of its greatness.
America, do you have someone but Hillary? Stop stereotyping and bring the real issues. Keep America United!!!!!!!!!! Otherwise, there is no other tragedy of Planet in peril than America in peril!

"The real question is; If Barak Hussein Obama is a Christian, why did did he go to a muslim school? Why is Barack's name still..Obama Hussein?
America is not ready for a Leader with a muslim background."

In order....
I'm guessing he went to a muslim school because they are predominant in a muslim nation.
His name is still Barack Hussein Obama because that's the one he was born with. Should he change it because it offends your political sensibilities? Would it have mattered as much before 2001? If not, why should it matter now? Would you like it if I attacked your name – asked it's nationality or meaning?
America may or may not be ready for a muslim leader. But Obama is not a muslim. So the point is moot.
Besides, what does it matter? We're not electing a religious leader, we are electing a political leader. It's that whole 'separation of church and state' thing that the religious right can't seem to wrap their minds around, even though it's been there for 231 years – thankfully.

In response to J, CA

A person cannot be half Muslim and half Christian...those are religions that have very different beliefs. That's like saying my neices who are born from one Christian parent and one Jewish parent believe Jesus is our savior every other day and that he isn't on the off days? My guess is that Barack practiced a religion that felt more comfortable to him based on his beliefs. Therefore, even if he was exposed to Islam, he feels Christianity is the religion for him. I was brought up Methodist, but believe that there are values to all religions, afterall, the monotheistic religions all worship God. What's important is how a person lives their life and Barack definitely has many more good qualities than most of the other candidates in that respect.

Sorry Clintonista's, this probable Hillary plant asked the question and it is posted on CNN and is nowhere to be found on Fox.

This is not the Republicans's fault, it is not Fox's fault, it was one question asked by a "person" who could easily be a Clinton plant PERIOD.

Bob Kerrey a DEMOCRAT and CLINTON supporter started this last week and they are getting great mileage out of it.

Obama is a Christian and he has stated such, WHO CARES what his Father did as he is NOT RUNNING.

Hillary is being TOLD to do this nice as hell tour with her Mommy and Chelsea while her surrogates are spewing the purposeful and hateful dirty politics, that includes Kerrey, Hubby and Shaheen along with PROVEN plants.

Merry Christmas sheep.

And speaking to us from Pleasantville, Iowa...

You Obama people are really something, can't you compliment your candidate without tearing down the others. Grow Up, this is PRESIDENTIAL politics!!!!!

Posted By connie floyd crockett, texas : December 23, 2007 10:43 pm

I totally agree. And also not everyone who doesn't want to vote Obama is for Hillary or a Rebuplican, some of us do have a mind and it's okay to choose another canidate. There are many of reasons not to support Obama that doesn't have any thing to do with race or religion, maybe some people feel another canidate is better and they have a right to choose with out being attack by the Obama supporters. It's not personal it's politics!!!

So, everyone is asking about his Muslim background as it is a felony to have a muslim background. It is a shame that no one is questioning the question itself. I am wondering what will be the media response if he was Jewish and was asked about his jewish background or asked are you a jew!

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. His dad left when he was two (a toddler). Thusly, he'd be inclined to follow his mom and grand parents into Christianity...

However, he didn't start going to church actively until he was an adult and realized the impact of following Christ. There is no such thing as begin "a Christian by 'birth'."

He mentions his middle name in speeches as he talks about how he's overcome the odds in life.

Is Romney ashamed of his name "Williard"? Is Thompson ashamed of his name "Freddie"? Is Guiliani ashamed of his name "Rudolph"?

All this talk about religious affiliation of ANY kind is completely cancelled out in my mind by the fact that some of our worst possible choices in '08....I'm talking about Republicans like Romney....are the most loudly religious. I'm not saying we should ignore moral arguments and family values (which are, in fact, the most important issues to me in this coming election), I'm saying we shouldn't confuse those deeply internal realities with outward words, affiliations, or even actions.

CNN does not want to report about the real issues. Americans do not want to know what one was thinking when they were in kindgarden or what religion they practiced when they were in Kindergarden. You need to let people Know what happened to Hillary Healthcare plan and what she said about the Nurses being overpaid when she was first lady. I think the best exprience she has is the failed Healthcare plan.

So many of these posts are done in the AM hours. That does not happen on here. So ALL those AM comments must be from Hillary’s Campaign. NO ONE else is going to be up in the early AM giving a hoot about this false smear. Everyone knows this is a false smear by Hillary. Hillary’s camp just think that if they repeat it enough times on this blog , that somehow it will change a vote. It will NOT work. She is confusing a General Election smear tactic with a Primary smear tactic. The problem is when she uses this now in early states that already knows Obama and she is currently losing in those states. Makes Hillary look desperate and Negative.

Especially when this country has not the best relations (to put this kindly) with the Muslim world is absolutely insane to consider electing a President who, like it or not, has some connections (and interests) elsewhere.

Posted By Ed : December 23, 2007 6:50 pm

----------–

We have twice elected Bush, whose father has direct ties to the bin Laden family. It is also obvious that someone high up approved that the bin Laden family was allowed to leave the U.S. right after 9/11 when no one else could fly. Bush has also said that he "isn't that concerned about (bin Laden)".

Now give one example of ANYTHING that Barack Obama has done in the LAST 35 YEARS that demonstrates that he is a Muslim.

I was talking to an old black gentleman last night and asked if he was going to vote for obama, he said no. he was voting for hillary. i asked why. he told me that obama was only for obama.but that hillary would be for all people. most blacks that i have talked to do not want obama.

Posted By Hawk,Texas : December 23, 2007 11:43 am Because we blacks do not surpport our own all we do is complain about how white people oppress us but when our own people are out trying to make history we do not surpport them,Obama is going to be a role model for youths white,black,asian and hispanic i am black but the truth is we love to complain how unfair we are been treated but we keep our own people who can make changes from going up the ladder. i am not surprise some black will not vote for obama but Hillary instead because we keep thinking Bill clinton was the first black president even though he is white but one thing we blacks forget is he was the president of unite of america not black people and doing his time more black people were jailed. Truth is we so call african american are the one still enslaving ourself go Obama you have my vote but unfortunately i am not am american but i will pray for you cause i want kid growing up knowing we can can be anything we want in life we just need to have hopes and dreams.

Let me respond to Phemi. In foxnews came out with the story that Obama went to a Muslim school. It was researched by other news stations who actually went to the school and determined it was indeed non denominational. So pretty much your whole argument would go down the drain. Second why should he change his name? It was a name given to him by his father and in truth is a common name by Muslims and is in no way pledging allegiance to Saddaam or any one of those other physcos. Whats in a name anyways I always thought it was a man's actions that mattered. Barack's actions show that he is a true American. So I wonder why some of my fellow Christians continue to smear him or any other candidate (Mitt Romney) over religion. Then Bible says judge not or you will be jugde. It also says how can you look at your brother when there is something in your own eye. I simply say Hypocrites

Mr. Obama states he has always been Christian because he was raised by his Mother and she was Christian. First of all Christian is not a church denomination, it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not something that you can get from your parents or anyone else. It is a choice to by faith believe upon Jesus and live for him. I think Mr. Obama is using the term because he thinks it is what people want to hear.

The name Obama sounds too much like Osama. No Chance.

Obama does not have my vote but I would like to say that what ever his religion is should have no merit on his capability to perform as President. What the American people need to ask is what will Obama do for the middle class who is struggling under high prices, loss of jobs due to outsourcing, the war on terrorism, both Iraq and Afghanistan just to name a few. His religion should be kept private and should not be part of the election process.

Though I don't personally care about Obama's religion, it's a crime the way the conservatives and rivals are slandering him.

Religion.... bah humbug

NO more Clinton dynasty and corrupted Health Industry.

!!! VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA !!!

I don't understand why everyone makes such a great deal about what religion he has in his background, the same card can be played with his race. People need to realize that even though you come from a "untraditional" background, does not mean you automatically have "bad?" instincts or in this case, can not be the next President the United States of America. The realization of change needs to be seen.

THANK YOU HILLARY AND REPUBLICANS SUPPORTERS

YOUR racist remarks post will bring in more votes for OBAMA

YOUR hatemongering remarks bring in more votes for OBAMA

YOUR prejudice aginst islam and muslim will bring in more vote to OBAMA
WE are not at war with muslim or islam, We are at war with extreamist, stop being a hipocrite every religion has there evil extreamist.

I never seen any post on cnn since the election race started. That had solid real documented fact aginst OBAMA

I guess that why Clinton and republicans have to resort to HATEMONGERING and RACISM to convince people not to vote for OBAMA

This election is Evil Clinton and republicans status quo vs Good Obama for change

And evil will use every hatemongering tactic, racist tactic, flat out lie, half truth to get it self into power.

Just hope there is enuf good people voting this primary and general election to get Obama or Biden to win. It seems there a lot of people that need to read about Dr King and JFK the two that changed the morality of hatemongering and racist into tolarance and justice for all. IT is sad hatemongering is taking over our country. STOP the HATEMONGERING and vote OBAMA or BIDEN for change not status quo.

Unfortunately, this is a smear campaign by rivals, specifically Hillary. Of course it shouldn´t matter, but political operatives know that most Americans have a prejudice against Muslims.

I think those same rivals are aware of the fact that America is ready to elect a Black president, but not a Muslim one.

I already knew everything that Obama said here. I knew he was a member of Unity Church of Christ. I knew his father was of Muslim background, but not particularly religious. I knew all of this, and I planned on voting for Obama.

Yet, after hearing Obama's cowardly duck and run here in which he refers to the 2nd largest religious group in America as "these folks", I will no longer be voting for him. Ross Perot was vilified for referring to African-Americans as "you people", and rightfully so. That Obama would refer to Muslims in the 21st Century as "these folks" is preposterous.

You just lost my vote, Obama.

Obama was really putting a spin on his not being Muslim. Of course he is and always has been and why would ANYONE in the United States of America be naieve enough to vote a Muslim in for our president when it's a well known fact that they say they're going to take over the US from the inside. How much more "inside" can you get then the president? Do NOT vote for Obama or we'll be wearing burkas and skirts before the first year is over.

I dont trust hussein obama's explanation on his muslim upbringing.

Obama is a Christian but his name is way too ethnic and the xenophobia that has a grip of this nation will not allow him to succeed. The anti-islam current that is running through all of us because of the propaganda fed by the "Bush machine" will keep us from voting for Obama. It is however, unfortunate that Obama will have to keep trying to convince the american public that he is indeed Christian and a safe candidate. Equally sad is that Muslims have to defend their integrity because of decisions made by their rather lackluster politicians. Kind of like me having to defend my american values with a president like Bush in office. The hippocracy is overwhelming.

This is truly insane! Clearly the damage of 911 has gone far beyond what I could have ever imagined.

How many of you even know people whom are practicing, non-practicing, hiding, undercover, have traces, whatever you want to consider it Muslims??

Home of the free, land of the brave!

Vote Obama'08!

What did he mean "these people"?

Obama says his mother was a Christian?? That's a big lie. She was an atheist. This man will say anything to get elected, just like the Bushies.

Obama is a liar.

Richardson 08

Why does Obama want to make sure that no one falsely believes that he's Muslim? First of all, because he is not a Muslim, and secondly, becuase he is already trying to break a few other barriers. To be identified as a Muslim would destroy his campaign, in light of the revulsion with which most Americans now view people who practice a literalist and narrow Islam.

Did He?

So,....

Man, I don't know how many times or how many ways you can show a hate radio fan that thier mentor is lying to them. They will still set there and tell you he is a muslim. Most of these people casting dispersions probably couldn't get bonded to work security for the waste collection center. Get over it.

Phemi/Asma/Muhammed
As a Kenyan born American I know that Obama is wrong (not a ware) by saying his father was born in a Muslim dominated village, Nyanza province where Obama father is from is 95% Christian, most Kenyan Muslim are from cost province (800 miles away). It is Obama grandfather who was a Muslim, Obama father’s polygamy practice was more of out of African culture than Muslim teaching . If anything Obama’s father failure in Kenya had every thing to do with his American influence, the Kenya of 60s and 70s was just too much for liberal thinking a Harvard PhD graduate. The guy was alcohol an indication that he was not a Muslim. In Indonesia Obama was very young and never attended a Muslim school. Just before you cast your stone how would you like to judged by the choise that was made by your grandfather

Can't we evaluate our candidates IQ and look at their accomplishments instead of trying to brand them as one religion or another?
This religion thing has to go!
It's just assigning people with false attributes they probably don't have and won't uphold when it comes time to act on them.
It's all smoke and mirrors anyway.
Get on with the real issues.

I could careless about any of their beliefs. I do not believe in a superior being or religion. I think all of that should be kept out of political issues. It is bad enough that I have to hear all of the religious talk at this time of year. But atleast I try to avoid it as much as possible.

Muslim, Christian, or? Does this really matters? What matters is EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE and Mr.Obama is lacking in this. We are in crucial times we have enormous challenges in our country and we can not put them in a Jr. Senator's hands in which he has no qualifications to handle them/ Remember, this is our country and we can not put the future of the American people in the hands of a person who represents change and hope, yet is unable to do this because for changes and hope experience is needed. Mr. Obama is just not ready and we need to make sure we vote responsibly..I think that honesty and sincerity starts from inside our soul. Mr. Obama's sincerity comes from his ambition, for if he was sincere with himself, he would know that he is just not ready to be the Next President of the United States. You need to be ready, ready to lead. It takes years of hard work to be ready. Being a 2 year Jr. Senator does not qualify one to leap frog into the white house. It takes knowledge, courage, passion, conviction and experience to lead our Country.. We can not afford to put our country in jeopardy, our lives our future. Nothing has been misreported as Mr. Obama claims, he is an admitted over indulgence of liquore, marijuana,cocaine, and on the verge of heroine these are his words..That he admitted does not make him an honest man with integrity,,its just a manipulation of the American people to make us think he is honest..Did Mr.Obama think this was all going to stay quiet, or did he think,,I better admit it before others bring it up.. Why is do people have to apololagize when we talk about this? Why do we have is it a big deal if we ask about his muslim background? Since this is all known facts, why should it be such a hush hush topic? No all this is fearful confusing and much to do about the truth. We can not vote for Mr. Obama this is our Wonderful Country!!! we can not just put it in Mr. Obama's hands and just suffer the consequences of his Abition...

so let me get this straight..his father is a black muslim, his mother is a white christian, but he is a black christian?? Seems like he has a severe identity crisis..one he is obviously quite ashamed of....

When Obama lightens up on the Second Amendment, I'll vote for him. Otherwise...

Unfortunately, Islamophobia has become a wide spread disease in America. Americans are amongst the most ignorant people in the world towards other religions and cultures. The media and the politicians are to blame for misinforming the American people. Many Americans don't know that constitution of the US recognizes many of the rights and freedoms which are cherished in Islam as a religion and as a way of life.

What is sad about it is, Americans are not willing to even read a book to learn more, they prefer to stay in the state of ignorance. YOUR ENEMY IS WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW.

Americans don't even want to know Islam is not the religion of Al-Qaeda and Taliban and "Wahabism" as a distorted ideology which is sponsored by Saudi Royal family (ironically America's friend) is their ideology not Islam.

The way Obama answered the question is not very convincing. He did not say whether his father was a muslim? He side tracked the question by saying that his father lived in Muslim Dominated village in Kenya but didn't practice Islam.

He should rathers said his father is not practicing Christian or muslim. If has converted to Christainity or is christian as he could not identify himself with muslim ideology for last twenty years.

That would be a clear answer.
I like his confidence and direct answers in the democratic debates. but this was not a clear answer.

Also, question about being Muslim. The challenge is there are good muslims and fundalmentalists. The problem is even good muslims never say that Koran is not good/wrong when talking treating non-muslims. The koran has such offensive things for non-muslim – it is difficult to justify it is a religion of peace unless it is rewritten – The sad part is that even good muslims never talk of re-writing Koran to remove those offensive paragraphs. Or Good muslim never tell that they should be treated as non-muslims by secular/christain governments as Islamic countries treat non-muslims. e.g. non muslim cannot go to Mecca or Medina. Then the same rule to be applied to Muslims in Christain/non muslim countries.

I am a black male serving in afghanistan and it hurts me when i hear my brethern state that "they would never vote for a person who name is barak obama".I cant but wonder is it really the name or might it be the color,and its the same jerks who who say Dr. King was a great man.Tell me America how far have we really come.

“I was raised by my mother. So I’ve always been a Christian”. What????? Having been raised by a Christian parent dose not make one a Christian; though he might be familiar with a Christian tradition, wait a minute didn’t he say his mother did not practice religion????? Any way Christianity is a confession of faith in the deity of Jesus Christ it is not hereditary.

good to know what he isn't a muslim.

now, can we hear about real issues?

Barak Obama has a middle name which is very shy of using! My question is why? If one has a middle name of Hussein it is certain that he was born in to a practising muslim family. Obama is lying about his roots that he was a born muslim. He is not trustworthy to be the President of USA. We do not want another Bush in the WH.

I am not voting for Obama but it has nothing to do with his religious past. I disagree with him on issues. This country was designed so anyone- Mormon, Catholic Wasp, Muslim or even an atheist should have a chance to become a political leader, even ascend to POTUS.

What would be so wrong if his father was indeed a Muslim? Obama Barack makes it sound as if being a Muslim is a crime. This is not the kind of leader I want to elect.

"If his father is muslim, then Obama is half-muslim irrespective of whether he practices Islam or not."

My jaw dropped. What the heck is this belief that a religious faith is somehow genetic? So if my father is a chemist, my mother an accountant, I'm somehow half a chemist?

Children usually acquire their religious beliefs from their parents, but its cultural transmission, not blood inheritance. This Obama – Muslim argument is really ridiculous, and statements like that above sound like the octoroon arguments of old. Instead of how many drops of black blood make a person black, we're now arguing how many verses of the Koran one hears from a parent makes them a Muslim. I can only shake my head in dismay.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays everyone! Whatever makes you comfortable, have a very happy season! I know that all of us who have left a comment are feeling frustrated at our contry's situation. But when will we stop blaming everyone else for our problems? No one likes being a mirror being put up in their face. But if we are not going to be honest how can we expect any of the candidates to be?

You Obama people are really something, can't you compliment your candidate without tearing down the others. Grow Up, this is PRESIDENTIAL politics!!!!!

You don't become a Christian by being raised by a Christian mom. One is not "always a Christian". You BECOME a Christian when you believe Jesus is the Son of God and you are born of the Spirit of God. If you read the Gospels you will find out how one becomes a Christian. It doesn't happen by osmosis.

I know this particular question came from a regular civilian. But guess who planted this kind of BS in peoples minds in the first place. That would be the Clinton campaign .
(Bob Kerrey's "Oh I didnt mean that" BS...which came after Mark Penn's "Oh I wasn't saying that..." bit about drug use – http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070521/berman)

Its about time everyone came to their senses about Mrs Clinton and see her and her campaign for what it is – bereft of ideas, desperate , morally bankrupt and a continuation of the cowardly, calculated politics that the Democrats seem to be preferring the last few elections. For example trying to scare us into thinking that Obama is an easy target for Republicans.. I say BRING IT ON Republicans.. Obama is ready !

Do we really know who Obama is??..What did he think we were not going to find out about his drug use and his muslim back ground. This is honesty? Did we think this was all going to be a secrete? However after saying this..I really don't care about this, what's important is his experience. We can not put our country in the hands of a Jr. Freshman Senator that does not have the qualifications to be the president of The United States. We are in crucial and challenging times. What we need is experience, knowledge of foreign policy. Mr. Obama has been in the senate only about two years and a few months of these two years he has been campaigning . I feel this is very irresponsible of him to run for president without having the qualifications that are needed, specially in the trying times we are in. Mr.Obama needed to wait and at lease gain some experience. We need to really take a look at his accomplishments and resume and compare to the other candidates. And only then we can see that it would be a disaster this time around to elect Mr. Obama. This position is not as the dean of a University...We are talking about the future of our Country.. Lets vote Responsibly! Muslim, Christian does it really matter..not really..Non Experience vs Experience does it matter... Very Much!The future of our country depends on this and we can not afford to vote for someone that does not have experience.

Who cares about Obama. Ron Paul is going to win!

Read his book then read the man. You will see that Obama is already abandoning his own ideals..taking lobby money, etc. One thing stands out when he expresses himself, talking of other people he says "these" people or "those" people. A person who unites instead of divides does not refer to others as "those" people. You will not hear the female candidate refer to others in this derogatory way. Hillery relizes it takes a village to raise a country and all must work together. I heard the same thing when Opera and Obama were together, they refered to a particular group, cutting out the rest of the world. What does this tell you about the man who would be a president, of the people, by the people, and for the people,..not just for "those" people.

Can someone tell me why Bill Clinton is soooo anxious to returm=ning to the White House?

My guess is that he has his eyes on a girl that he wants to do under the table .... again.

His mother was an atheist. LIAR!

According to Tim Jones, Tribune national correspondent: ""She touted herself as an atheist, and it was something she'd read about and could argue," said Maxine Box, who was Dunham's best friend in high school."

God save us if this man somehow gets elected president next November.

To me it seems like he is still dancing around something.

Why does he need to state "but he didn't practice Islam" and "I didn't practice Islam."

What's the difference?

The beliefs of the Muslims are just as crazy as the Christians.

We need fact-based candidates, not faith based ones.

And why is he talking like Islam a decease? Ok you are a Christian, thank you very much. It is okay to be a Muslim too, you know....

WHY IS OBAMA SUCH AN INSINCERE COWARD ? Obama should learn from Mitt Romney on how to stand proudly for his religion. If Romney can speak proudly about his Mormon heritage, why doesn't Obama have the courage to own up to his Muslim heritage. There is no shame in accepting the truth, it is a question of sincerity and respect for one's father. US needs a president who is sincere, not a coward. Republicans seem to be much more sincere about themselves, and Obama just wants to cut and run. I don't see anything wrong if Obama's father was a Muslim, or if his real name is Barack Hussein Obama. Obama should really learn to stand up like Mitt Romney, and not act like a chicken.

75% of all Muslim converts in the USA thankfully apostate (according to research by Muslim Professor Ilyas Ba Yunus).

Islam is the SLOWEST growing religion in the USA!

Obama did a good thing!!

I smell the Clinton smear machine in all of this. Bill and his wife ....... what's her name ..... have not told the truth about much of anything for at least the past 16 years and probably never. When will the American public finally pick up on these two bums ? I am hoping that she wins so that she will get out of NY State.

I am an independent voter. I am not backing for any candidates at this time. Senetor Obama mentioned, Quote "Truth is, he wasn’t very religious,” said Obama. “He met my mother. My mother was a Christian from Kansas, and they married, and then divorced. I was raised by my mother. So I’ve always been a Christian."

Why did his mother get married to another muslim after she divorced Obama's father.

I wish people would ask these candidates about their experience, what success they've had and what they're most proud in how they've handled leadership roles, instead of asking them about their religion.

I hate to be racial, but only white people are confused when black people have names that are not Christian-like. I have a Muslim-like name, and I do not practice Islam. I am Christian, and have been all my life. Black people give their children names that are unique and different. Black people do not name their kids Susan, Bob, Jane, or Sam. Sorry non-black people, but you will never understand. Names do not imply religion.

The tone of this line of questioning seems to be that beig a Muslim is a bad thing. Being part of a minority religion in this country, that is worrisome indeed, although I will add that I am not a Muslim !!

Also, being afraid of what the Republicans will do with this during the general election campaign is the worst kind of reason not to vote for Obama. If that happens, then it will be a continuation of the cowardly, calculated politics that seems to be the Democrats' forte these past few electiond. Playing it safe with Hilary (if it can be called that) will get them nowhere.

Obama's muslim background should be a legitimate issue of discussion and consideration by American voters for two reasons:

1. A child, according to fundamental Islam, born of a muslim father is always a muslim. Conversion to other faith is condemned by death in Islam. A case in point is the muslim who convetred to christianity in Afghanistan and had been the target of prosecution by the fundamentalists.

2. Many young moderate muslims in later life become fundamentalists, sometimes condoning the killing of non-muslim innocent people.

These observations are based on being born and brought up in a muslim country and association with many, many muslims here in north America and listening to their reactions after 9/11.

Not to say history and pattern will repeat here. But why take a chance?

This cynicism has to stop. Hillary is a good person, John is a good person, and Barack is a good person. May the best candidate win. We need to give the people hope- not more cynicism.

Really, this is the only thing that bothers me about Obamas' chances. The fake Muslim issue is so tailor made for the opponent to use to manipulate the ignorant, and as been proven, the ignorant are everywhere.

Seperation of Church and State. I don't care if Obama was, is or plans to be of the Muslim faith. He has my vote on the issues, and I could care less what religion he is...that is his own personal choice. Those that are trying to make a big deal out of this clearly have some racial/religious issues to deal with. Stop living in fear. So his middle name is Hussein??? Big deal. There's plenty of people living in this country with the last name Hitler, and we aren't freaking out about them, are we? Learn the real facts before making judgement...some bulletin you saw on your myspace page or your favorite gossip blog probably aren't the best places to find information on anyone you do or do not want to run this country.

"MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DO NOT PUT THEIR HAND ON THEIR HEART FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. They show their respect by standing at attention, singing the words, and applauding at the end as Obama did. The only thing "CLOSED" is your mind.
Posted By Richard, West Palm Beach, FL : December 23, 2007 3:19 pm "

True, but not Millions of Americans run for president. Those who do are expected to be Americans with all their heart. There is a reason why those not born in America cannot run for president because it is assumed they are still loyal to other countries. Also, becoming a US citizen one has to abandon his/her previous citizenship to avoid possible conflicts of interest.

Especially when this country has not the best relations (to put this kindly) with the Muslim world is absolutely insane to consider electing a President who, like it or not, has some connections (and interests) elsewhere.

Independent conservative, I totally agree with you.

Vote against him because of his recordor a light weight; not because his Father's ethnicity was Islamic roots. Of course, I agree 'they' will see it that way, but who gives a flying turd, maybe they'll get angina then next time Barack visits israel, or choke on camel dung.

As a Jew, I would never vote for or against a canidate just on their religion; I'd vote for a Hirsi Ali in a second for President if I got the chance. But don't blame the son for the record of the father. It is immaterial.

This is America; we don't impugn the sins of the Father against the son. Ron Reagan's father was a serious boozer. JFK's father was an avowed anti-semite; JFK was nothing of the sort.

I probably wouldn't vote for Obama as he's a bit of a lightweight, but last I checked this is America, not Europe(where your Father's station in life is vital).

Who gives a flying camel what the Islamists think about Obama. Obama visited northern israel during the recent Lebanon war, proudly extolling Israel's right to self defence. I would personally trust Barack on Israel as opposed to the Clinton's.

Hillary with her baggage that has never been addressed will bring this country down like noones business.I just don't trust her.

I am HOPEful that this "unteenth explanation" does the trick- The fact is that Barack Obama can and will beat the gop nominee- HRC is divisive and the old "Clinton-Haters from the Right" (Yes, Hillary there ARE such people unfortinately!)are licking their chops.
HOPE nad GOOD JUDGMENT will beat the old-school-Washington-politics everytime!
OBAMA 08!

Phemi: The reason he's still called Hussein Obama. First of all, Hussein is an ARABIC name. Not an ISLAMIC name. There are Arab Christians you know. Something that might not know since I'm guessing you're not exactly an expert on foreign affairs. And Obama is an EAST AFRICAN name with HEBREW roots. If you're gonna smear someone then please use actual facts. Thanks.

Glad to see I'm not the only one who is outraged with this kind of things, . For some reason I'm gonna try to be more diplomatic about it, though.
I don't think Obama is a muslim and if he is America is a country for all people from all over the world. May be it is time to minimize christian domination. just my 2cents thought.

Let them bring it on! All what they are doing is making Obama stronger everyday and keeping him above the water since the media won't cover him anyway. Tell them Obama, tell them!

I'm sure that the few years Obama spent in Indonesia as a child, gave him brilliant insight into the Muslim mentality. Please, this guy is so arrogant. Another Bush-like know it all!

When will the mainstream media stop making an issue of this? The only candidates being houndded about hteir religion are Obama and the Republican candidate who is Mormon. BIG DEAL. Since when is a Christian's denomination a major topic of discussion in politics? We don't make an issue out of Baptist or Presbyterian or Disciples of Christ or Church of God, etc. Stories like this detract from the REAL issues like health care and education and providing a better future for our children.

Nothing wrong of Being Muslim; but after seing all over world with Muslim law which basically trash woman's right; as a American woman i am not voting for presidential with Muslim background, period.
No to the dark society. No to Barack Hussein Obama who is being very disguise.

Absolutely

Some of the right wing media people have said that since no one is contesting what they say, it must be true. Limbaugh, Coulter and many others have said this. No more lying down for right wing lies.

Go Obama!

I Understand where Obama is coming from.

And it should also apply to the likes of O'Reilly, Limbaugh, Coulter, Savage, Hannity, Beck and everyone else. They speak for only themselves. It's not like there has been an orchestrated effort underway to vilify every Democrat (except for Leiberman), most patriots who've voiced opposition to the War in Iraq and anyone who disagrees with the powers that be.

I'd agree with you 100 % Tommy, in a perfect world. But todays world reality is redefined everyday on talk radio and on CNN and even fox news. Patriotism is defined today by people who've been hiding behind it and the flag for almost 6 years now. There is a chorus of right wing nonsense coming from every direction. There is a huge problem. Where do we go from here?

I believe Obama is tough enough for those political machine. None of them is pure they carry alot of baggage!

The art in question was by Andres Serrano (not Maplethorpe), and it indeed depicted a society in which the most pious are "pissing" on the message and the meaning of Jesus Christ (Bush, Robertson, Falwell, the list is long of those who claim to "speak" for Christ, yet live their lives full of arrogance, greed, dishonesty, and even bloodlust.)

The art and thus the MESSAGE is a compelling one to contemplate, as we now celebrate CONSUMERISM ("Go out and SHOP FOR XMAS!") while our soldiers(children)are dying for the greed of a lying "born again" leader. As in all good art, this particular piece was loathed by the same folks who would reject the image within a mirror

Do you really know Barack Hussein Obama? Scary & something we have to take into consideration!

Information I believe the country is entitled to know so that when the time comes they can truly make an informed decision at the polls and have a few more facts, information to research and opinions on a probable U.S. presidential candidate.

I do not have any proof of Obama being a Radical Muslim, but I am also not finding anything disclaiming it either and considering how he was raised...makes me wonder and very concerned for our Country. I have never posted and/or been very political, but I am a Wife, Mother, concerned U.S. Citizen and I vote in every election for whom I feel will do the best job to protect our country.

Obama was born in Hawaii to a black Muslim named Barrack Hussein Obama, Sr from Kenya and his mother was an Atheist born in Kansas named Ann Dunham. His parents met in college and were divorced by the time Obama turned two. However, his father moved back to Kenya and his mother remarried a Radical Muslim from Indonesia by the name of Lolo Soetoro.

Obama relocated to Indonesia when he was 6 years old and attended a Muslim School in Jakarta, he also attended Catholic School for two years. Lolo Soetoro, Obama's stepfather introduced him to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Indonesia. Wahabism is known for the RADICAL MUSLIM teachings that is followed by the terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the Western world.

Obama does not seem to like the public knowing this about him and has said, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school. Notice that he did say, that he converted to Catholicism. Not that he needed to, but why make a comment like that.

Obama's political advisor's are trying to make it appear that is Mulim ties were only from his father, which he had very little influence. Remember to keep in mind the Stepfather & his school environment in Jakarta. Also, since politically Christians are usually more accepted in public office; Obama joined the United Church of Christ in what I feel is a way to downplay his Muslim upbringing due to the fact that when Obama was sworn into office, he USED the Koran (which has very different beliefs from the Bible) and he DID NOT use the Holy Bible.

I just want people to be aware, get all the facts and to follow their gut instinct with Obama and/or any other Political Candidate and ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND...That the Muslims have always warned us Americans, that they plan to destroy the United States from the inside out!!

Would it not be victory in the highest if we were taken down by the U.S. President himself!

left and nutroots throw a collective fit over CNN reporting on Barak Obama’s Muslim connection. I doubt if anyone ever tried to know the truth. Obama has come clean time and time again on this issue.

Wolf Blitzer, "news operator” note situation room, the greater platform it has to peddle unfounded smears against the allegations that was not substantiated.
Hillary need to get a life

Along with the “slip ups” from CNN, et al. this latest bit seems intended to go after Obama and push him down for Obama. Hope he does Keep up high, and figures out a way to counterattack the Swiftboating.

Posted By Pheobe,san franc..ca : December 23, 2007 5:35 pm

ooops I meant push him down for Hillary.

obama will be the next president of the usa, we need to take america back, hrc cannot be trusted, she will sell out america to the highest bidder, if you think bush was bad, u aint seen nothing yet, it will do us no good to replace corporate republicans with corporate democrats,hrc will give us more republican style leadership, not caring what the people who elected them think, obama is our last chance for real change in this country!

I am an Independent voting for Obama!

So will Bushes and the Clintons publicly condemn Saudi Arabia, since they place them as not yet indicted co-conspirators? Really, those scary Saudis, financing the scary Muslims. But it’s ok that shrubco holds hands with them all day long.If I may remember were saudis that killed Americans on 9/11 as larger number in the group. Contrary we went to Afhaganstan.
Do their reasons not to bomb saudi Arabia hold any water? sheesh.

Along with the “slip ups” from CNN, et al. this latest bit seems intended to go after Obama and push him down for Obama. Hope he does Keep up high, and figures out a way to counterattack the Swiftboating.

Hillary Clinton camp is supposedly pushing this story. She needs to get a life and run a better campaign because
Supposing your claim is true, what difference does it make? Does that somehow absolve Fox News and other rightwing dirt bags for pushing this racist, xenophobic lie?

Not that religion matters but Obama has said more than once that his mother was an Atheist so why is he now saying that she was a christian. Maybe he needs to reread his own book. What he should be telling people is that religion should not matter and people should be proud to be in a country where we have the freedom to choose.

The people out there spouting "facts" about Obama need to give the source of their information, most of which is untrue or twisted .

Insight wants Obama to think the Clinton people are slandering him. Sowing dissention among Dems is what this is all about.

They really really really really want Hillary to be the Democratic Presidential Candidate for two reasons. They’ve been preparing for a McCain vs. Hillary contest for years and feel confident she’s beatable. Two, If she wins, they know they can control her and buy her off (she’s already taken money from Rupert Murdoch). This is why the corporate media absolutely shuts out other Democratic Candidates who have better ideas such as Dennis Kucinch. Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine so the media cannot shut out other candidates!

THANK YOU, CNN!

It's good to see the man I support, along with thousands upon thousands of other people, hit the top of your Ticker.

I'm a Reagan Republican. For years now I've held my nose and voted every election for the lesser of the evils.

In 2008 I will finally breathe freely when I vote because I can vote for Ron Paul, a man of principle, who loves the U.S. Constitution, freedom, peace, prosperity, getting this country out of debt before we collapse in on ourselves; he loves the idea of the U.S.A. not building nations but being friends with them and trading with them, while not getting entangled in other countries government and military. Those are the things I love too – that's why I'm voting for him.

Congressman Paul speaks a totally different language from the status quo Republicans and Democrats candidates. He stands out above all of them because his message is from the heart – not his head.

When people hear or read his message – they too become Ron Paulaholics. It's a great addiction!

Thanks again for running a good story on him!

Who Cares! Our current dictator is a friggin "born again" His policies were carried out because "God told him" Anyone with half of a brain can look through history and site mass scale tragedy after tragedy whenever religion is injected into affairs of state. I probably won't support Obama, but I surely don't care what religion his father believes in, nor him for that matter. How about a Pres. that takes a pragmatic approach, and starts leading with NO regard to religion. Look at what 8 years of religious republican screwballs have done to us! This country needs some serious education... To all of you rural American, christian fundamentalists.....Wake Up or Shut Up! You have stained christianity, and because the vast majority of you are so uneducated, we have been dealt the worst hand in American History. You don't even realize that you all have been screwed the worst! But "Gays can't Marry!" I'm so sick of this religious stuff.

This is great. First of all, nobody is concerned about Obama's background. Secondly, if you don't know the guy upto this point then you don't live anywhere in or near America at this time. Who cares about his upbringing that has no harm no foul. But what this really shows is that THEY FEAR HIM and rightfully so, he can beat Clintons.

That’s pretty low, but pretty much CNN news with Clintons Misreportation of Obama childhood schooling,
So…how much do you remember from school when you were 6? I can’t even remember my teachers name, face, hell…even the elementary school I went to at that time.

Well At least he’s not a member of Skull and Bones or a Mason.

Check it out folks – find one president other than Kennedy who wasn’t a member to one of the other. You’re gonna fill your shorts when you google it.

Clinton Too!

God Help Us All.

Obama just lied when he said that he was raised in a Christian household. If any of you Obomb-ites would read your God’s book (do you ever read?), you'd know that he specifically mentioned that his family was not religious.
The guy starts running for president one year after he is elected to the Senate, has had a long record of ‘avoiding’ yes or no in the Illinois legislature, as well as the Senate…then has the nerve to trash others who have the guts to vote one way or the other.
Obama is a Democratic/smarter version of George W. Bush – the cocaine nose, no foreign policy experience (beyond age 6-10), cannot to debate – think on his feet… He should be an actor, because he reads great speeches. We cannot afford to have a spineless, wimpy, comfort-food novice in the White House. He will never get there anyway.John Edwards will have him for breakfast.

Wow, and we’re not even near the Primaries yet!

The GOP Propaganda machine is in full Smear mode… I don' think they have a chance here. All air is cleared by a brilliant man.

It doesn't matter what religion a candidate is regardless of Huckabee's schilling with a highly lit bookcase as a show of faith. The moral values we look for are taught in most faiths. When we push for Christianity in foreign lands, we should be careful to never insult Islam. We should show the thousands of similarities between the Bible and Quran to embrace peace and help between the faiths.

The blurb on the media says that. The media is only available to couch potatoes. If a wing-nut publication says that Hillary Clinton is questioning Obama, and only CNN News reports it, then it is most probably a subterfuge, kill two birds with one stone: sow dissension among Democrats and swiftboat Obama. I mean, this ploy has Karl Rove write large on it and he is helping Hillary to win this elections. Obama has to come out and tell people who he is otherwise Karl Rove will get the mud to use against him.

I like him and am really not too excited about Obama, but this makes me wonder how long it will be till they start having photoshoped images of him with a bomb belt on with Clinton fans calling in saying we knew it!

Ah yes, CNN catering to the ignorant as always. Of course Obama will never get elected because there will be enough ignorant people in this country and enough CNN type outlets to ignore any good policies or qualities this man may have.

Each time we think Progressive and stop hate and bigotry, America moves foward and get respected in the whole world.

Just like we missed to unite with the world and get helped to capture those who mastermined 9/11, the same reason why we are putting someone with so much to offer down and want him go without being noticed. Obama for a long time has been resonating with
American people since they see him as a 'force for change'.

So was Bush. One more reason to oppose Obama.
Tell me one reason why we shouldn't vote for Obama and more reasons why we voted G.W.Bush who is a radical etheist. Bush should be ashamed to have killed so many innocent lives.
let's face it America, everybody knows who is Obama at this time and our pretence will always keep this country going down the drains. Wake up America!

Oh boy the swift-boating of Obama has begun by the GOP goons.suggesting him a closeted Muslim is the best smear they can come up with > pathetic!

And yet, Lush Rumballs will seize on the "Muslim" angle and the fact that Obama's middle name is Hussein and run with it, just watch!!!

Oh crap Obama has been swiftboated. He can stand this Crap as long as doesn't let it go beyond control. I am voting for barack no matter what George Bush think who need to be the next president of united states!

colony14. .... Obama was a constitutional law professor, he knows the constitution more then any other candidate.

On the issue of religion, obama has his fathers name, not his fathers religion. He barely knew his father, how can anyone judge him based on a man he knew through letters.

Also, he is defending his faith, not putting down Muslims, he knows why people are asking for smear and fear tactics. He is ready to defend his background and ready to be president, this is not an issue.

I Had High Blood Pressure

Now it’s down to 120/75. Find out how I did it without drugs

It is by the grace of God I have Obama to know he can fix things in washington.

From what I remember learning in elementary school, the Pilgrims came to America in an effort to escape religious persecution. Today, we are forgetting that noble and lofty ideal of religious tolerance and characterizing an entire civilization as a force to be feared.

This type of immaturity and close mindedness is absolutely detrimental to the future and prosperity of our country. It is painful to see that people-my fellow countrymen-are raising eyebrows over mere rumors that Barack Obama is a Muslim, and even more painful that Obama is not defending the sleeping giant of an electoral bloc-Muslims. I want a President who is quick to defend all faiths and quick to group people based on actions not on faith, race, or sexuality.

I feel-being American born Muslim-betrayed by my fellow countrymen, whom I love. I urge everyone who has reservations about Muslims to go meet some. We will welcome you into our homes with open arms and will love to share our lives with you...give us a chance. We are just like you, we are neighbors, moms, dads, students, and concerned citizens.
We should begin living up to the ideals we cherish so dearly; freedom, tolerance, and respect for one another.

To judge a person's moral capacity as a human being because they are a Muslim (in Sen. Obama's case he is not even a Muslim) is repulsive.

From Time Magazine:
As the Constitutional COnvention of 1787 came to a close, after three and a half months of deliberation, a lady asked Dr. Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic," replied the Doctor, "if you can keep it."
-anecdote from the records of the Federal Convention of 1787.

I sure hope that the descendants of the Pilgrims will remember why their ancestors came here, and that will ensure our ability to keep this Republic intact.

Don't we live in a country founded on freedom of religion? Even if he was Muslim, so be it.

I had enough High blood pressure from Bush administration. Give me Obama for my open goverment accountability this time around!!

I don´t care about Obama´s religion, or lack thereof. I´m more concerned about his (and that of Hillary, et al) leaning toward socialist solutions to problems (both real and imagined).

Instead of asking about a candidate´s religion, it might be refreshing for a reporter to ask how the candidate specifically interprets each section of the U.S. Constitution. Oh, wait, I´m sorry – that might prove that most of the candidates don´t know anything about the U.S. Constitution!

Where Did All the Good Journalism Go?

The argument for not electing sen. Obama as President is so Naive. When was the last time someone said 'I will bring the country together'. It never happened except when we were in so much pain and divided.Nothing else brings this country together. If it's not North Vs. south,,or Red Vs. Blue
States, or Democrats Vs. Republicans, or Black Vs. White or some combination we are a diverse but divded country.

Even our Religions are divided on many issues and our families. So it is Naive anybody not to see what Obama has to offer.Obama to say he will unite our country. It's a cuts through republicans & democrats that are good in good political rhetoric that you hear when you don't have anything else in your tool box. Obama is all what America needs right now. we need to help him too, can't do it alone.
You can't run this country's Foreign and Domestic Policies on a Hope and a Prayer,when everybody is going negative. We do better by uniting our own Mind and Heart because they are divided as well.
Vote wisely.

Whether or not he has a background in Islam from his childhood is irrelavent to me. What concerns me is the emphasis his "Christian" church places on Africa and blacks. In Christianity there is no Jew or Gentile, black or white, male or female. The Church should be about the business of saving souls, not defending a group of people on the basis of their skin color.

How could he ever be a muslim? While he was using early part of his life doing drugs.
His father was a Muslim, and Hussain Obama is uncomfortable with that. Apparently only thing he won't mind from his father's side is skin color so that he can appeal to African Americans for political gains. All in all, I see a man who's not proud of his roots. This explains exactly why even African-Americans don't embrace him.
If his father was muslim, then Obama is half-muslim by birth irrespective of whether he practices Islam or not.So accept that without making a big fuss of it.Why you so afraid of being labeled as muslim? Last time I checked it's not a crime to be a muslim.

Mark makes an excellent point. Why did Obama join the church only when he decided to get involved in politics? Can we trust him?

I was talking to an old black gentleman last night and asked if he was going to vote for obama, he said no. he was voting for hillary. i asked why. he told me that obama was only for obama.but that hillary would be for all people. most blacks that i have talked to do not want obama.

Posted By Hawk,Texas : December 23, 2007 11:43 am

THIS IS EITHER FALSE, Hawk OR THE BLACK GENTLEMAN YOU SPOKE WITH DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR HIMSELF. AN OBAMA PRESIDENT WILL DO WELL FOR AMERICA AND IN ADDITION RAISE BLACK PEOPLE'S IMAGE FROM THE SLUM IT HAS BEEN IN FOR YEARS. BLACK PEOPLE WILL BECOME MORE CONFIDENT IF OBAMA BECOMES PRESIDENT..THE GENTLEMAN YOU SPOKE WIHT IS CONFUSED OR NOT SMART AND SO HE DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ALL BLACKS

ALSO, SOME BLACKS DONT WANT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID OF BEING LABELLED RACIST!

I am Africa and i urge every American to vote Obama cuz he is going to make a great president for America and also help to raise the image of America's black population that was marginalized and enslaved for years...Use Obama, America, to solve your problems and improve your image...how hard is it to see this?

If Obama is the nominee, here are some of the things the Republicans will do:

1) They will repeatedly highlight his name, "Barack Hussein Obama," a name that reminds people of Osama and Saddam Hussein.

2) They will run ads saying, "watch this picture wherein all the Presidential nominees are saluting the US Flag, while Obama/Osama stands with utter disregards for the flag."

I can guarantee that these things will be all over the internet, TV, radio talk shows, and print media. And the democrats will lose like they never have in the past. Let's be smart folks!

Richardson or Hillary 08

Politics is after all, as someone said, the 'residue of business', in practical terms. The brilliant design of the propaganda system in the west, that of 2-party politics, red vs. blue, 'liberal'. vs. 'conservative', and other simplistic fictions, is that when the populace gets sick of the one group's abuses, then the 'pressure relief valve', the 'election' is there to allow folks to choose the other bunch. Since the paymasters are pretty much the same group of elites, and their business interest, for both Dems and Repugs, it is pure delusion to think that change is going to come from either party.

If Obama can cool all this and offer alittle change, why not give him a chance?

What a ridiculous bunch of nonsense this whole debate is! You are not born a religion. The man has said who he is, has practiced his religion for over twenty years and is responding to his faith because it is constantly an issue brought up by hateful people.

As to his middle name...what candidate besides Clinton uses their middle name? Can you, without looking them up, give the middle names of the other candidiates.

If American voters are going to decide on such silly reasons for voting when you and the world are facing such horrendous problems is pathetic.

The rest of the candidates have more surmontable obstacles than this honest, biracial candidate.

In my humble opinion your country and the world would benefit from Obama as president and I wish him and his supporters well.

Barack Obama...

you say your father lived in Kenya, and met your mother...how then did your birthplace be in Honolulu, Hawaii ...are you really a U.S. Citizen?

"He told them his father had lived in a Muslim-dominated village in Kenya, but “didn’t practice Islam."

"Truth is, he wasn’t very religious,” said Obama. “He met my mother. My mother was a Christian from Kansas, and they married, and then divorced. I was raised by my mother. So I’ve always been a Christian."

He also touched on the fact that he lived in the Muslim country of Indonesia for four years of his childhood."

Afterall Obama's mother and father divorced when Obama was 2 and his father being an aeithiest sure didn't give him much of any religion or it looks like sure didn't have time to teach or preach anything to his 1 or 2 year old.

I guess some Americans want us to walk around like we are on the set of KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!!!!!!!!

These BIBLE BOWLERS are why we are in this WAR in the first Place.
They are the one's Who PUT KING GEORGE BACK IN POWER.

BARAK should have slaped each one with A BIBLE.
AND SAID THIS JUDGE NOT LESS YE BE JUDGED!!!!!!

THE WORDS OF JESUS OF NAZERETH

The debates over the personalities are just more of the same circus (in the 'bread and circuses' that we, the masses, are kept pacified with). Many people hope and believe that change can really emanate from one man or woman. One charismatic candidate can effect change to a system when they operate from within it, front for it. None of the front runners, in this US election or in any that have taken place thus far are anything but corporate lackeys, regardless of what they might profess and promise. expect Mr. Obama. The cats are forever promising more cheese to the mice.

What ever happened to religious freedom in this country. Who cares what religion he, or anyone, is? Americans need to get over their relgious intolerences and get on with their lives.

Questions about Sen. Obama's religious beliefs are driven partly by bigotry, dirty politics and a whole lot of ignorance. I am looking forward to saying with pride: President Obama

lb

I'm glad that he cleared this up. Sadly, I know people who stated they wouldn't vote for him solely because of his name and the fact that it's similar to Osama.

I don't trust Hillary but I trust Obama even less. Why does he have to go overboard to try and convince people that he is a Christian? It's as if he is pandering to people who are suspicious of non-christians. He does not have the courage to say that religion should be non-issue in politics. Will he have the courage to take a stand on other issues?

Richardson 08

"I am disgusted by those fundamentalists who are abusing the Islamic religion by perpetueting violence and fear, but I will not runaway from my religion because of them."
Posted By Muhammed, Detroit, Michigan : December 23, 2007 10:26 am

Thanks Muhammed for this comment. I think more Muslims around the world should speak out against the fundamentalists.

As a Hillary supporter, it saddens me when fellow supporters in these blogs use Barack's name and Muslim heritage for cheap political shots. That's just a name and a religion, and neither of those are bad things. Barack's background should not be used against him, on the contrary, it should be praised. For so long, our "representative" government has NOT REALLY represented the heterogeneous melting pot of the American culture. Not all of us are rich, white, Christian men. So I find it great for our democracy that someone like Barack actually has a shot at the presidency. But, with that said, I don't think that Barack is up to par for the task at hand, and it has nothing to do with his race or religious background (in fact, I think he may be the one person who can break all the race barriers). For me, the deal breakers are his lack of experience on a national scale as well as his lack of a core set of political convictions. I think that maybe in a few years, when he has more experience and accomplishments under his belt, as well as when he figures out that "coasting" through the political spectrum and not taking firm stances on explosive issues may actually be counterproductive, I may consider him for the presidency. But not now. This is Hillary's turn.

it seems like republicans and opponents of obama cant find anything bad to say about him so they are acusing him of being a muslim. that alone shows me that he is a strong candidate and deserves my vote. The sad thing is that we were all under the impression that our war was on terror and extremists not on mainstream islam, i beleive that by raising this as a concern we are sneding the wrong message to all moderats muslims in the US and all over the world that we beleive that being muslim is bad. from what i personally know and experienced muslims in america have the lowest crime rates, highest education levels, best reputation, morality and have been and still are good members of american society for many decades. America should wake up and be careful not to be driven back and repeat again the days of oppression, segregation and the holocaust that our ancestors have fought so hard to eliminate! lets not fall backwards, lets move forward!!

While it's exciting to think about the possible collapse of the Clinton/DLC wing of the Democratic Party, which gave us many of the deep structural problems we face today – accelerating deindustrialization via NAFTA, parasitic finance capital run amok via repeal of Glass-Steagall, anti-democratic media conglomeration via the Telecommunications Act of 1996 – please keep in mind the following:

- Not to excuse Hillary's support for empire, but Obama's opposition to the War, while refreshing, was a far easier call for what was essentially a local politician; he did not have to face the intense pressures that politicians on the national stage did. Given his votes to continue funding for the war, people should retain a little agnosticism about him.

- If you want to see some evidence of where Obama's votes have materially affected working and middle class Americans,, look at his vote in favor of the Bankruptcy Act,which was essentially written by the banking and credit card industry. As far as I've seen, he's gottten a free ride on this one. It's a shame no one has called him on it, since it's one of the most anti-consumer pieces of legislation in quite a while, and will be seen as such as the credit/mortgage/financial crisis escalates.

I'd urge people to maintain a little healthy skepticism about anyone who's seeking power, especially in this fallen age. The answer is to revive democracy,economic and political, first in our localities, and then on a national stage, and as a consequence force politicians to respond. Excessive expectations of an individual Savior are themselves evidence of future failure and disappointment.
An independent for Barack!

Well I cannot vote for a guy who did not cover his heart during the National Athem he had his hands down by his waist in front of him, besides if you check on a web site it saids he's a muslins and his mom is white so htere ya go case closed

Posted By Randy : December 23, 2007 1:13 pm

-------–

MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DO NOT PUT THEIR HAND ON THEIR HEART FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. They show their respect by standing at attention, singing the words, and applauding at the end as Obama did. The only thing "CLOSED" is your mind.

Clinton was raised republican, was a practicing republican and worked to elect republicans. That is a fact.

Perhaps that's how she learned her campaign tactics.

The republicans will have nothing to say, Clinton has dug up everything. Obama is the most vetted candidate we have. Who knows what will come out of Clinton's white house papers that for the moment are secret. When the republicans get the leaks and start spreading them. The republicans will mop the floor with her.

There's nothing they can do with Barack Hussein Obama that hasn't already been done. Don't want to vote for Obama because Hillary Clinton and her machine made you afraid – fine. All we have to fear is fear itself. I am not afraid to win. OBAMA 08.

Dear CNN:
I have been watching the Situation Room, reading headlines on your website, and EVERYTHING is slanted negative towards Obama.
My question to you is... Why???? Is it that Obama should "Wait his turn" as some "EXPERTS" may say or are you indebted to the Clinton's?
The only thing I can say is January 3rd, 2008 is going to speak Volumes. The American People want authenticity, and a new way of thinking to govern this country back to greatness again. You have to admit the Old ways of governing is NOT working in this Global world.
In response to this headline, WHO CARES!! BUSH 43 considers himself a Christian and over his past 8 years treated the American People like we were second class citizens. So really ask yourself should we really care??

Obama is our only chance to get away from the corporation-bowing politics that is so accepted in this country.. The fact that his middle name is Hussein is a non-issue. It's a very populary name in the world, not un-like John here in the U.S... Get over your fear of people who are different and start looking at the real issues. And he does'nt say that his mother was his christian influence. He says she raised him, and that he as always been a Christian (i.e. was never self proclamed a muslim). And again, why would it matter anyway?

A WISE RESPONSE AND PERHAPS EVEN TRUTHFUL, BUT NOTICE HE STILL DID NOT ANSWER THE WOMANS ORIGINAL QUESTION:

One of the women asked him how his "Muslim background" would affect his decisions as president.

???

Personally the idea that he came from a multi-cultural background would be a positive one in my opinion.
To be quite honest he shouldn't be giving in to the right-wing fundamentalist racists who believe that everyone has to be a gun-toting, war mongering, Christian fundamentalist to be a good person. His intelligence and his dedication to the improvement of the American lifestyle, economy, and completely destroyed world-image is what makes him an attractive cantidate to me and I wouldn't care if he were black or white, Muslim or Christian, or a coffee or tea drinker.

I say if someone in his family sometime practiced Islam then good for them. Perhaps with someone as President who understands that Muslims are simply people just like us then we can escape the attitude that we should participate in the wholesale destruction of their communities and slaughter of their people like many Americans sadly believe we should

To those of you who are so "stunned" that being a muslim would be so problematic, you do read the news right? Nearly all the world's problems are Muslim related. Muslims fight Christians, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists. Do Christians fight any of them? Hindus? Buddhists? Do they fight other religions? No, what is the common denominator for all these fights?? Muslims. By pretending this isnt true, by pretending that Islam is not violent and intolerant, you are doing the terrorists work for them.

VOTE FOR OBAMA ON HIS RECORD!

WHAT RECORD?

He's a decietful wanna be that rallies the mindless or rather 'sports minded' crowds rather than those of us looking for substance.

Every time I hear him talk about HIS accomplishments in the Senate, I choke. He's the 'also signed',...NOT THE AUTHOR!

But to hear Barak tell it, he's the MAN! That's perhaps his ambition, it is not reality.

Do not think for a minute the Republicans will not Swift Boat Barak Hussein Obama. They will destroy him and we'll be another step closer to a fascist nation.

And, if you think for a minute he can survive an ambitious Republican attack, you better quit smokin the whacky tabackee.

If the neo cons can tear down a true patriot like John (turned Bushie) McCain, well then, you can consider Mr. OpraBama an appetiser for them.

I can not help but agree with a previous post, that it must be the republicans making these WALK ON WATER OPRABAMA POSTS. As for the people who will be caucasing, well I gotta believe they're smarter than to swallow all the OpraBama lies and hype.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, being Muslim is NOT such a negative matter as the media likes to point out– and even as an Obama supporter I think he's walking on thin ice with this one since Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States...food for thought people, I thought the whole "freedom of religion" thing took care of this like 200 years ago.

Religion show not play a roll in becoming President..Just so long as the person is not a muslim..

What a great way to portray our country's true freedom of religion. Among the candidates this time are a Morman (Romney); a Catholic (Biden); a Church of Christ/Muslim (Obama); Baptist (McCain et al); Clinton (Methodist)and on and on. To refer to each candidate in a slurring way about his/her religion is not an attractive thing to do. What matters is character, which should be obvious by now. And what does it matter that Barack Obama's middle name is Hussein? My wife's name is Maurice (a male name to be sure), and she has no connection whatsoever to the famous French cabaret singer, Maurice Chevalier! Think about that. With so little time left, we really should be concerned only with policies and qualifications.

What difference does it make what his religion is, Romney is Mormon, and I have no idea what Clinton, Edwards or the rest of the bunch is.

They should be more concerned with Obama's action ,,,wanting to bomb Iran and missing all those votes. The people who refer to a fable should be asking different questions.

I don't understand why a black man without any experiences with a muslim background is in the race to become the next president of the USA. I am not from USA, but it upset me. He got no chance again the republican

And i thought USA was a secular country... Apparently it is not! Shame on Obama to have felt the need to defend himself on this. A president should be elected based on his policies and how he can make the country better. He defends his Muslim heritage as if it was a diseases or a crime to be from a Muslim background.

Shame on you Obama! Also Shame on anyone who uses someone's personal beliefs as a negative point against him. Let the best person win!

If Bush and Clinton and maybe, Mitt and Rudi are Christians. Well Rudi cannot be a Catholic, he is dirty with Divorce, Infidelity and for no Abortion rights and for Gay rights. I do not want any of these fine Christians to lead my country and guide our laws. No religious government for me!

No...we don't even want to go there with this Obama being president...not after the Fox News Specials I viewed where the crazy Islam extremists are preaching Muslims will be taking over the "White House" soon! Wise up people...This is American, if you still want it that way.

Reading some of the comments in here just make me laugh. It's amazing how many ignorant, racist jerks live in this country.

Yet again, CNN shows its participation in a campaign smear about Obama. It is ludicrous and completely dishonest to post this story at "1:11 PM" as if this is the latest and freshest political news about Obama on the campaign trail. On other impartial sites this story showed up yesterday and it is already buried under more important and current developments while you guys regurgitate the story to keep it alive as a propaganda tool.

Well CNN, you want towrite new stories about Obama? Here is some help:

1. A new poll today shows Obama passing Hillary in NH

2. One of the largest news papers in the country, the Dallas Morning News endorses Obama.

3. ONLY Obama beats EVERY republican candidate. And he beats them by a larger margin than anybody else.

Let me know if you want more.

It is hypocritical that Barack Obama has to defend the fact that his father grew up in a Muslim region of Kenya. Meanwhile, it would be political suicide if anyone even DARED raise the issue of a candidate's Jewishness. Wake up America, and acknowledge the gross double standards of our society. I am neither Muslim nor Arab, yet am appalled by such lunacy. p.s. I doubt that my comment will pass the censors.

Our neighbor living next door to us is more likely to be Muslin than Obama. Obama has been thoroughly investigated at the highest level with our tax paying dollars but we can't say that about our neighbors. I'd feel safer living next door to Obama than any other politician.

"It’s time for a president to stand up and remind the American people that we have promises to keep-promises to the world, promises to one another, promises to our children and to our grandchildren."

Make a New Year's Resolution with me...

Visit: http://www.Dough4Joe.com

"I don't trust Obama. His statement/s in this piece contradict what he says in his book–Dreams from my father."

What? James, this is exactly what he says in that book, as well as in Audacity of Hope. Obama as a person as well as his campaign have been wonderfully consistent with his entire message, one of the best reasons to trust both his judgement and his quality experience.

I don't trust Obama on this issue.
1. He has a Muslim heritage and he disregards it because it might hurt his political image.
2. He is conveniently using the Indonesia factor as 'foreign policy experience' but he denies it in relation to Islamic influence.
3. He is talking too much about his Christian raising and belonging to the Trinity United Church of Christ to impress the voters.
4. And before becoming a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ, what has he done? He joined the Church when he decided to get involved with politics?

And this is just about integrity because he insists so much this is his strong point (I doubt).

When it comes to real issues about policies and experience which we actually need to ask for the job he is running for, he is below ALL other candidates.

I prefer to go with Hillary or Biden or Edwards for 2008.

Whether Obama is Christian or Muslim is irrelevant. The real election question is his African background. Additionally, what is wrong with being a Muslim? The trouble with the Western/ Christian World is that they do not know or understand Islam. The Western Media is totally biased. Part of the fault is ours. We have not taken the trouble to tell non-muslims about ourselves. For instance, does the Christian world know that the Virgin Birth is part of our Religion? If anybody wants to learn the basics of Islam, please do get in touch.

In some good news, Obama leads Clinton (and is up 16%) in the latest NH poll.

We all knows that CNN is a Second to Fox against Sen. Barak Obama. But I do not know why they Hiding their fact. Every one Knows that they are behind Hillary which is Find let them show up. CNN have a right to Choose who they like. But Yet they ran like they are not one of our own. I wach CNN since they were a Bush Fan Becuaes I am a Pres. Bush Fan Too. I know who they are Come on People!!!!!!!!!!!!

CNN Please show up

Obama says he is not a Muslim, even though he has a Muslim name. Hey, many blacks and Hispanics have names GIVEN to us by colonial masters from Europe, but we are not European in appearance. How about a black basketball player named Vince CARTER (Jimmy Carter), or a black football player named Reggie BUSH (Georg WH and Dubya)? Are these pro athletes linked to partisan politics? So what is in a name is not so much imprtant as what is inside the person who was given the name! Obama may no have Hillary's experience, but he is a lot cleaner and more believable. That's why such inexperience is giving experience a run for her money! America wants someone it can trust, not just someone with experience.

Why is this even an issue? Obama has already stated his personal experience growing up. He does not practice Islam and has been a member of Trinity United Church for 15 years (thanks to his wife). It is amazing that the media chooses to focus on Obama's experience in the years of 6 to 20 as the most relevant. Why isn't the media focused on Hillary's or Edward's or Romney's or Giuliani's or McCains or Huckabee's youth and young adulthood? Claims could easily be made that Hillary was a Republican in her youth.

"Kerry Apology for MUSLIM remark on Obama":

Kerry does not have to apologize for STATING FACTS:

Kerry said ""It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and his father was a Muslim and this his paternal grandmother is a Muslim,” he said at the time."

Yes Obama's father is/was a Muslim and his mother an American White female.

So what! Hillary/Bill do not have to get defensive about their comments, language, remarks on any forum be it Charlie Rose Show or Kerry's event endorsing Hillary. There is no parsing or apology required.

Obama needs to be brought down from the pedestal.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

His father is Kenyan, his mother was white – a charismatic fresh face breaks the race barrier as America’s first African-American presidential candidate”! Or so one would think, based on media coverage he is a muslim, that doesn't deter Mr. Obama from his vision to be the next president of United states.
There is little negative about Clintons 0n this race. Enough of baised reporting!!

Well I see it this way I feel he lslam and I belive he is hiding it and if I had to pick which canadate for the Dem. I would not pick hilary or obama he should have never been put on the ticket for a canadate we had better think about what we are doing before it's to late for all of us, I have been a dem. for 57 yrs but can't say I will vote Dem. this go round.

There are so many other substantial reasons he would not be a good President, it is ludicrous to analyze his religious views.

John Edwards–not for sale, dedicated to the common good. The only Presidential candidate of either party who has not waivered on his views and his agenda. The only Presidential candidate with the tools to represent all Americans and stand up to the powerful special interests and machinations in Washington–making sure our interests are always seated with him at any bargaining table.

Thank God, we finally a candidate that all Americans (regardless of race, political affiliation, gender, or economic status) can truly trust to represent them in the White House.

How is it that a non-participatory father's religion is of any importance to the child?

My favorite two comments:

If he was a Christian why did he go to a Muslim school. To the writer: Do you know how many black Baptist children go to Catholic schools? Does this mean we should questions their Baptistness?

To the poster that said Obama is for himself and "all" the black people he knows are not voting for him. Those limited amount of black people that you come into contact with, such as the "black gentleman" seems limited. In my interactions with family members, friends and others in my community, there is a shifting split of sorts between Obama and Clinton, not an overwhelming rejection of Obama. Just my thoughts.

Steve,
Here is more truth.

IN his memoir, Obama has put it clear that he is a christian.

Obama Was Baptized And Attends Church Once a Week When He is Able. In the Audacity of Hope, Obama wrote, "I was finally able to walk down the aisle of Trinity United Church of Christ one day and be baptized." In 2004, he "attend[ed] the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Trinity in the Brainerd neighborhood every week - or at least as many weeks as he is able. His pastor, Wright, has become a close confidant." When asked about his decision to be baptized, Obama said "Kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side of Chicago, I felt I heard God's spirit beckoning me," he said of his walk down the aisle of the Trinity United Church of Christ. "I submitted myself to his will and dedicated myself to discovering his truth." [Audacity of Hope, p.208]

How many times do people wanna twist the truth!

Obama cant seem to decide what he is.I believe he has his own private agenda going,which we know nothing about, on his wanting to be president of the USA. Just something to think about???

Obama Has Been A Member Of Trinity United Church Of Christ For Twenty Years. Monroe Anderson stands up for Reverend Wright's ministry, "For the past two decades, Barack Obama has been a faithful member of the congregation at Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ."

I am a Christian. The type that doesn't attend church, pray to the lord, or devote my time trying to preach to others.

However what I do do is follow Christian Ethos and consider myself a person of integrity, moral courage and unquestionable dedication to the principles that make us Americans. I am also a retired member of the US Military but that does not make me any more of a patriot then an American whom never wore the nations uniform.

The University I graduated from had a large Muslim student body, as most Universities in England do. However the second line it its mission statement was that it is a Christian Ethos based institution and every student followed the schools rules in spirit and practice as my University had room for all.

The two most impressive candidates in this election are Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee. Why? because they both relate to the people. Wake up and smell the coffee Hillary, Mitt, Rudy et. al! The old establishment is on its way out and not a moment to soon!

Vox Populi, Vox Dei

(The voice of the people is the voice of God!)

There are slow thinkers and slow assimilars in this country than any other. Now Obama has to go back for them each time they get memory loss.
Obama is a christian folks!
Obama 08!

With most of the comments posted here!
I guess you can only run for the Presidency if and only if you are a Christian.
Don't know what happened to separation of church and state?

This is another in a long line of bogus "issues" raised by conservative Republicans.

I would have thought that concern about a potential candidate's religion; whether he or she be Roman Catholic, Mormon, or Muslim; was put to rest in 1960.

Apparently GOP Evangicals belive that, by ressurecting this issue, they might gain political advantage.

I hope that U.S. voters are too educated to follow their pathetic lead.

Obama for American=Greatness!

Actually, I'm glad this came up. It had to have, sooner or later. Fact is, why does it matter what his faith is. Question should be, will he make a good President? I think everyone in this country (and the world) needs to distance themselves from religion as such and focus on humanity, compassion, care, love and giving. Doing stuff in the name of religion leads to nothing but trouble. Just look at what's going on around us in the world.

Tell them Obama,tell 'em!

Thanx Obama, now Cruise on, still strong momentum.............

Now we can watch Obama play spin doctor again...

Dad never practiced his Islamic faith while he was in his village in Africa... yeah right, and he was able to live without any repercussions in that village by not practicing his faith? What about his 4 wives?

Yes and Obama was sent to the Muslim school while in Indonesia, even though an American or British school was avaliable for ex-pat kids.

Cut me a break, this smooth talking guy is starting to sound more and more like a spin doctor supreme.

Yes, let's nominate Obama! The republicans are eagerly awaiting this possibility – what a gift, Barack Hussein Obama, yep they have the writers working overtime already on the campaign if his occurs.

No experience, and questionable background?

Let him be a VP for 8 years then he can run with the big dogs, not now.

I find it amusing how we're still hearing, "Obama will never become president, he'll be destroyed by the mystifying force that is the republican attack machine." Give me a break. Hillary's camp has dug up everything they can, made up stuff where there was nothing, hit him low so many times, and yet he's like the hulk; HE JUST GROWS STRONGER!
Go ahead, let CNN continue to call him "Osama". Let his opponents degrade themselves with outright smears. The truth will set us free.

Posted By S.K.M. Boston Mass : December 23, 2007 12:15 pm

S.K. M.,

I don't know if you say "mystifying Republican attack machine" because you like Obama want to act like it doesn't exist or you are new to american politics, either way the Republican Attack machine is very real and there is nothing mystifying about it and everytime someone talks about it to Obama he gives some off cuff answer like , "oh I think people are getting stressed by the polls." That may be right Mr. Obama , but just humor us voters and tell us your response to some of the things that Hillary and others say the Republicans are going to come at you with if you are the nominee. Just on the off chance that you aren't the second coming that everbody on both sides is so enamored with and you aren't allowed to just ride on your charisma and good speeches. Lets start with experience, you think Hillary is attacking you..ha...and please don't answer with that tired argument of coming back comparing your experience to the candidate attacking you, may sorta work with Hillary and the Democrats, but you may be across from John McCain, the former POW. When he gets through with you on experience , then he'll move to National Security and call you out on your stand on Iraq and Iran which you are using as a rallying cry in this primary, but could very well be used by that "mystifying Republican attack machine" against you in the general.

Yet again, Obama shows he is a man of selfishness. These spurious claims that he is somehow open-minded are disproven by his own comments, showing he is not above exploiting his religion to get elected. He somehow finds the idea that he is Muslim offensive, and is willing to do anything to prove his Christianity and win the election.

Posted By Jane, Tampa, Florida : December 23, 2007 11:53 am

he is a christian and has been for the better part of his life, nothing wrong with him defending his christian faith, get a life! im actually glad he chose christ as an early adult, shows he has got good judgement!

Is Obama a Cubs or a White Sox fan? We need the TRUTH!

Oh how pathetic. Who cares if you're Muslim, Daoist, Zorastrian, Christian, Catholic, atheist? It shouldn't matter...what should matter is the ability to lead. By running around in circles concerning this issue, as if he's afraid to confront his family background with Islam, it makes one wonder if he'll be the same with other domestic/international issues. Who needs to write on his/her bio that they're a member of a certain church? It's like overcompensation. I don't think Obama gives voters enough credit. The majority of voters understand that most Muslims are not crazed lunatics bent on terrorism and also that just because glitzy Oprah is on your campaign doesn't mean that you can shy away from all the issues that face our nation today. By playing the race card and the "non-Muslim" card, the only thing that the Obamas are doing are sadly dividing our country.

Yes, it certainly makes a difference if Obama is a practicing Muslim, especially since we are at war against terrorists who are Fundamental Muslims and fighting against the United States in a jhad. That he is a practicing Christian makes a difference, but it also makes no difference if Romney is a Mormon. Mormonism was founded in the United States and is a major part of our Early American History....as everyone should have learned in school. What is a relief...is that no article about the stupid Clintons appears again in the Ticker section. Edwards is going to surprise all, for he is the only Democratic candidate speaking to REAL ISSUES and Identifying the REAL PROBLEMS and how to confront them. Obama has lofty ideals, but he has no experience and no information from experience that helps him define problems. Democrats should be supporting Edwards, not Clinton. Anyone BUT Hillary.

Let me get this straight. His father is a Muslim man, and Obama is uncomfortable with that.So he's sticking to his mother's heritage to compensate for it.Apparently only thing he won't mind from his father's side is skin color so that he can appeal to African Americans. All in all, I see a man who's not proud of his roots. This is exactly why even African-Americans don't embrace him.
If his father is muslim, then Obama is half-muslim irrespective of whether he practices Islam or not.So accept that without making a big fuss of it.Why you so afraid of being labeled as muslim? Last time I checked it's not a crime to be a muslim.

Posted By J, CA : December 23, 2007 11:20 am

In america after 9/11 yes it became a crime, do you even follow the news? obama is a christian, most people born in differnet religions convert to christianity as they grow older and learn the truth, he is no exception, grow up america!

2008–Get ready, the Inquisition reincarnates as political mudslinging. Obama Osama, Muslim vs.
Christian, "crusade," I'm holiler than thou!, etc. ad nauseum. American politics will sink to new lows, reflecting the immaturity, uncivility and us-vs.-them nature of politics USA.

Just because Barack's mother wasn't firmly christian does not make him non-religous. It is possible for somone to become more religous.

No matter the spin Obama puts on it, he has Muslim roots. It would not sit well with me to have a presidents with those roots nor one that has a Muslim name.

Well I cannot vote for a guy who did not cover his heart during the National Athem he had his hands down by his waist in front of him, besides if you check on a web site it saids he's a muslins and his mom is white so htere ya go case closed

Phemi and Asma:

Substantiate your accusations with actual support instead of making baseless claims. You are both Liars and misrepresenting facts to distort the truth. Worthless comments like yours are why politics suck.

The Islamaphobia has to stop.I think its disgusting how so many people question Obama being muslim like its a felony arrest record. People turned a blind eye on bush's alcoholism,drug use, and his suspect military record, But they pick on Obama cause his Dad's a muslim and he lived in a muslim country. Questions like that are just the mark of a bigot.

Sad how Hillary (through surrogates) uses the same bs attacks on Obama that the republican slime machine uses. This whole "muslim" thing is a sad, desperate story line that Ms. "Nixon in a pants suit" loves seeing repeated. This is why a vote for Hillary = "Four more years!" – of Bush!

The plus is – these attacks rebound on the attacker. It bodes well for Obama in a general election. He can deflect theses republican slime attacks by staying above them (and he is already getting good practice running against bush-lite HRC), while Hillary will get more and more shrill, depressing Democratic turnout and encouraging ambivalent Republicans to come out and vote.

I am neither a Republican or Democrat, people need to get their heads out of the sand, I do not have a problem with Islam, my problem is that none of the rest of Islam do anything to stop the violence, or join us in its oppression. They can speak hatred against the Unied States in our County, we have been attacked all over the world by Radical Islam. I am sure that Mr. Obama is a honorable man, but I as an American am not to trust any person with any type of Muslim background right now.

Do not hide in the sand, this is the world we live in.

Norv

I think the disturbing part is how he says living there as a child gives him "insight into how these people think." These people? What does that mean? Muslims think differently than you and I? Is he trying to say they're all jihadists, or what? That's kind of offensive.

As a Muslim American Obama doesn't have my vote. I feel Obama has only perpetuated the stereotype that Muslims cannot be trusted- especially in places of leadership. Islam is the world's second largest religion- it's not ok to refer to Muslims as "those folks." That's fine if he wants to identify himself as a Christian- but why is the very thought of having anything to do with Islam like some sort of disease.

I think Obma will be horrible at our foreign policy- just because his father was a "Muslim" in no way gives him an enhanced genetic predisposition to be a more gifted leader- even with Islamic countries. Islam is not some magic cult- where if you get the Muslim label your ok with the rest with of the crowd. Having been exposed to Muslim culture is not enough to show me he knows what he is doing. You need diplomatic skill and a lot of insight into the individual regional players, our next leader should have the ability to craft progressive relationships in the region.

In addition may I remind folks that he did comment he was ok with bombing Pakistan whenever it pleased him- eventhough it is a soverign nation.

In the United States you have the freedom to chose your faith- that's the beauty of America. That very right is what our forefathers struggled for and we as a society continue to do so today.

So because he said he was raised Christian he is now a liar. I'm pretty sure that all but a few Americans are raised differently than Christian. All it means is that he believes in good and that jesus saved him. Oh and to do the right things like not lie, cheat, and steal. Gimme a break this man is not trying to lie to you he just doesn't want to be criticized for not being in bed with religion.

Julius from Nevada says he is a lifelong Republican voting for Obama. It makes perfect sense–a lot of hardcore Republicans are supporting Obama in the primaries so they can trounce him in the general elections. Republicans don't want to have to face the formidable Hillary machine.

It does not matter if Obama has a Muslim background.
It does not matter if he is now a Christian.
All that matters is that we elect the best person for the job of President of the United States.
That person is Hillary Rodham Clinton.

This is ridiculous. It's nothing but the Republican smear machine trying to make Obama guilty by association (and he's not even associated with Islam in the first place). You might as well go around constantly asking Huckabee and Romney about how they're not associated with the Chirch of Satan and how this non-association with Satanism will affect their ability to perform as president, I mean, being (not) a Satanist and all, y'know...

Socially evolved humans should tolerate whatever religion his fellow man chooses and defend to the death his right to believe. Old world religion is a dinosaur in the land of Science and Reason. Something to be dug up marveled over by archeologogists.

It doesn't even matter what his religious background is. As long as he wants whats best for the American people then in my eyes he is the best candidate for presidency. People need to stop being so ignorant and open their eyes to the real issues at hand here.

The Hiiliacs are at it again. Why don't you people understand she can not win. The craze has only been added to by the intillectual media, the same one that thinks we are all dummies. Wake up Democrats Hillary will push many of us to the othe side. I for one don't want to be responsible for splitting the party and letting the Republican have the white house again. Patience Texas, some village is about to get their idiot back and it can't be too soon.

For those who are Pro-Hillary, there are many, many, Democrats who can not stand her because she is a dishonest, fip-flop, inconsistent power-hungry liar. Just because we don't approve of her, that does not mean we are Republicans. (Or any less of a Democrat). Intelligence equals voting for a qualified person, not just anybody who just crawled from a rock and happens to be a Democrat. I've voted for Democrats all my life, gave donations and on most of their listserves, from Jim Webb, to Mark Warner, to Tim Kaine, to Al Gore. Please do not fool yourself, there are a lot of us who don't like Hillary. I just needed to post this message, because I am sick of people automatically assuming tha that it's the Repubican machine posting these anti-Hillary messages.

I am Hameed T writing again. After reading Obama's response second time, I got the impression that Obama thinks, or least gives the impression of thinking, that practising Islam is a dirty thing. Why else would he deny his Muslim heritage so vehemently?

Just wondering about the picture on the internet that has been circulating with all the Presidential Nominees are saluting the US Flag , but not Senator Obama. Not to swift for someone wanting to be "Commander-in-Chief.Is it true, that he refused?

The real question is; If Barak Hussein Obama is a Christian, why did did he go to a muslim school? Why is Barack's name still..Obama Hussein?

America is not ready for a Leader with a muslim background.

Truth is…Hussein can return to his former religion in future!!!!

Moslim leaders will not sit down with an infidel anyway.

Posted By Phemi, DC metro area : December 23, 2007 10:24 am

You're pathetic, He's not Muslim. He really has no Muslim backround if his father was athiest and He went to a REGULAR SCHOOOL in Indonesia, which has both Christians and Muslims and Why would be change his name, it's his, are you a racist, do you hate christian arabs and africans too who may have an Arabic name. You sould like a Nazi towards Arabic and some Africans with some connection to the Arabic Language. You're lower than dirt! You're gonna call me a Muslim now and you don't even know me but you see my name's AYYUB (Job)! America we can't let everyone think we're ignorant and dumb. Do your homework before you go online and say completely FALSE claims. This is right out of the Republican Attack Mechine and if you're a Hillary Supporter you should be ashamed of yourself!

News wouldn't keep reporting on religion if the people didn't keep eating it up. I'm so sick of people either bible thumping or having to defend their religion that I'd probably vote for an agnostic or athiest if one were running.

A candidate's religion or religious background should be a non-issue in political discourse. Religion informs ones values but so does education, family upbringing, culture, and life experiences. The sad thing is that a candidate's religious affiliation is not a religious issue at its root but a veiled economic issue. Major religious organizations fund political campaigns so candidates have a financial obligation to appease those constituents and their beliefs. A candidate's voting record and position on policies should be the focus of an informed electorate.

I am Muslim and deeply offended that Obama is denying his Muslim heritage. Is it just to get elected? Where is integrity in all this? People of all faiths should be able to run as president.

Go Obama!

With the Bush, Bush, Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush administrations, we need real change. Americans everywhere are feeling disenfranchised with the political process, as it seems that only the well connected are elected to the White House, despite their qualifications.

Obama will unite Americans and bring integrity and hope to the White House, something we so desperately need.

I don't trust Obama. His statement/s in this piece contradict what he says in his book–Dreams from my father. He speaks from both ends of his mouth just to get elected. He should go ahead and admit that he had a Muslim upbringing, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Richardson 08.

It is sad how low Clintons Inc. will bend with the help of CNN.

I have been life long republican voting for Obama!

I find it amusing how we're still hearing, "Obama will never become president, he'll be destroyed by the mystifying force that is the republican attack machine." Give me a break. Hillary's camp has dug up everything they can, made up stuff where there was nothing, hit him low so many times, and yet he's like the hulk; HE JUST GROWS STRONGER!
Go ahead, let CNN continue to call him "Osama". Let his opponents degrade themselves with outright smears. The truth will set us free.

CNN and FOX, together as always in ignorance.

CNN didn't question the 'weapons of mass destruction' claim but now goes 'deep' into trying to prove that Obama is a Muslim?

Perhaps instead of doing entertainment articles (what shoes? new divorce? shocking personal secret! scandal! ) dressed up to look like actual substantive political news, CNN could hire people who are intelligent enough to truly discuss politics?

Instead of pandering to the lowest mindset of the audience, why not provide some substance to help enlighten, educate, the audience?

Those of us needing more, really have to totally avoid CNN.

I saw Obama pitching a snowball it was funny.

What in God's name has happenened to the separation of church and state. One of the fundamentals of our constitution?? And by the way, Obama has been a professor of constitutinal law. In him I trust. All of this backlash can be laid directly on the GOP for pandering to the far right, born-again zealots in order to get votes!
Obama is NOT a MUSLIM but I would not much care if he was. He has my vote!
OBAMA 08

Didn't CNN had to send a journist to go and investigate this issue in indonesia? C'mon CNN, I thought we are past this now.
I will vote for Obama for his record not this fluff!

Now America on a good track of finally settling the critical problem with the muslim world by bringing Obama—a top tier analytical Christian whose father is thought to be a muslim—into its political scene. It seems that America is blessed in having all the playing cards that it badly needs in all the times.

Dear Mr. Obama,

Should you get elected, how would you take your oath as President?

"I Barak Hussein Obalma do ........" or
" I Barack Obalma do,..........." or by any other reference to to you?
Should you not use the first form, would you not be deceiving the public of your paternity and be ungrateful for the man who fathered you?

Mahnda Katugaha

I agree with Christine from Atlanta. If Obama becomes the nominee the Republicans will annihilate him, and it is not improbable that he will lose more than 35 states. I get the sense that a lot of pro-Obama posts on this forum are from Republicans hoping precisely for such an outcome. Hopefully the democrats will not make the mistate of nominating Obama.

Here's the key:
"I didn’t practice [Islam]," Obama continued, but added that being in that area had given him "insight into how these folks think."

In order to really win the war on terrorism, we need someone who knows how they think. Ask any general and they will tell you the same.

Very sad. Well, I guess what can we really expect from the right-wing–so full of hatred for a very caring, honorable and inspirational American Senator. This is just another good example of what the right-wing does best. All I can say is, "Go Obama Go!"

Peace, Joy and Merry Christmas to you and your families!

Now America on a good track of finally settling the critical problem with the muslim world by bringing Obama—a top tier analytical Christian whose father is thought to be a muslim—into its political scene. To have such a citizen in the land of opportunities is really a great opportunity by itself. The question remains, is America ready to take advantage of such an opportunity?

To say the least,No religious test to be an American president!

Isn't this what Sen Bob Kelley apologized for the other day. How long does it take people to get their facts straight. Obama is a practicing christian. Period!

You can live in your "dream world" of how things are supposed to be, or you can live in the world as it really is. I know that Obama never practiced Islam and is now a christian. Those truths will not stop the republicans from a huge whispering smear campaign if he is the democratic nominee. They will compare his name, Barack Hussein Obama, with the names Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, and they will say that he really is a Muslim planning to take over the US. They will all say publicly how disgraceful this is and that they do not believe this, but privately they will sow their seeds of fear, as they always do. None of this is any reflection on Mr. Obama, of course, but that won't matter. They will continue with the politics of fear because it has been so successful for them in the past.

Good point. Likely though, the first Republican candidate who mentions that Hussein was raised as a Muslim will be accused of "intolerance."

Go Obama!

Yet again, Obama shows he is a man of selfishness. These spurious claims that he is somehow open-minded are disproven by his own comments, showing he is not above exploiting his religion to get elected. He somehow finds the idea that he is Muslim offensive, and is willing to do anything to prove his Christianity and win the election.

Why do republicans always try to portray muslims as evil people. A third of the world population is muslim. The majority of Muslims don't even live in the middle east. Why can't we build bridges with them vs acting with disrespect and ignorance twards their religion and culture.

I know many Muslims personally and I don't need fox news to shape my opinion about them.

CNN,So much for that Obama/Edward ticket will be my choice!

I just saw something on TV this morning (Sun., 23rd Dec) that scared me to death. I watch the news stories all morning, so unfortunately I am not sure which show it was on–"Face the Nation" I think, but not sure. It showed a short clip of both Obama and Clinton giving their sort of "closing speeches". Clinton was talking sensibly of the problems she thinks the US and world will be facing, and how they will have to be met, etc. Obama was hollering "Fired up, Ready to Go" three times, and the crowd was shouting it back to him. This showed a lot of enthusiasm for Obama, but ...... This is choosing the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, not a sporting event!! This seemed to me like just a mindless chant, and could have been a cub scout meeting, or a fun thing for a crowd with an average IQ of 57 or so–NOT a group of people you would hope would be voting sensibly for President of the US. I wish Obama would say more of what he really thinks he can accomplish, rather than what he WISHES he MIGHT BE ABLE to accomplish. We all wish and hope, but we desperately need someone who is capable of really DOING this stuff. We need someone with experience and determination. WE NEED HILLARY!!!

To Patrick from Lincoln, NE:
First of all, you claim that Republicans and Hillary have been smearing Obama abut being a Muslim. I am constantly reading and listening to what is going on in these campaigns and have never heard Hillary smear Obama because of his religion (whatever he claims it to be). And, by the way, in so vehemently distancing himself from it, he leaves the impression that practicing Islam is something dirty, something to be ashamed of. He was asked about his "Muslim background", not his "Radical Islamic terrorist background". I think his attitude is an insult to the millions who practice the Islamic religion. Have we ever heard him say, "It is a fine religion, but not one that I have practiced"? I don't think so. He just makes a big deal out of being a Christian and NOT, God forbid, a Muslim. If he wants to be a viable candidate, he should weigh his words more carefully, and think about the impact of how they will be received. It's just another example of his shallowness. He'll say anything and do anything to get elected, including denigrating a decent religion and its followers.

CNN and Clinton sarrogates is the medium Hillary is using to attack Obama?
Bring it on and you know what, Hillary fall as She hit on the one tactic that will endear her to people around here – attack him for the crime of being Muslim. Tell us!

I am at a loss why Obama has to justify his religious background so much. I am not a Muslim but, not electing a person because based on their religious background goes completely against our constitution's segregation between religion and politics

I was talking to an old black gentleman last night and asked if he was going to vote for obama, he said no. he was voting for hillary. i asked why. he told me that obama was only for obama.but that hillary would be for all people. most blacks that i have talked to do not want obama.

This is the question Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s camp is asking about Sen. Barack Obama.

Let the Games begin again with only 7days left!
Go Obama, still suporting you to the end!

The same reasons that President Bush took us to war in Iraq is the same reason they are trying to use slime politics on Obama who has integrity and character.

Obama has addressed this issue so many times. He has said he is a christian and he attends a church in chicago.

ooh, ya,
He also said they have a nice choir down there
Wake up America and confront your fears with facts!

Obama gave a truthful answer to his faith question. I started to like him better after he and his wife toned down the racial card.

Here we go again. Muslim, Mormon, Baptist, "Mr. McCain have you accepted Jesus Christ as your lord and savior?". When CNN and the rest of the media finally get around to reporting on the candidates stances on the issues that are really important let me know. It is my hope that whoever is elected checks their religious beliefs at the door to the white house.

Mr. Obama graduated from Columbia University and Harvard Law School; he became the first black editor of the Harvard Law Review. He later settled in Chicago, joined a law firm and began attending and helping local churches.

Mr. Obama is married to Michelle Robinson and they have two daughters, Malia and Sasha. In 1996, he was elected to the Illinois state Senate. Eight years later, he became a U.S. senator from Illinois.Obama has said time and time again he has been a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ for the past 15 years. The church is in the south side of Chicago.

You get it CNN.Get over this!

You guys should not use a distorted headline. He does NOT have a muslim background, period. So you should not use it even within a quote and help spreading the lies and distortion being propagated by Clinton campaign. Clintons know they are yesterday's old news and their message is not resonating with people and that's why spreading lies and distortion. A responsible media can not and should not help a failing campaign to spread false rumor.

Good job CNN. As undecided voter, Obama just got my vote!

Man you just wasted 10 mins of your day spewing this garbage. Obama is a Christian, a documented Christian for at least 20 years. Take your nonsense to a white supremacist Republicans forum, you'll be glady accepted there.

Well DUH, he is an American citizen born on native soil and raised a Christian. Not like he had a lot of choice in the matter.

Why are you distancing yourself from your European or Asian heritage by dressing like an American? Why are you wearing wooden shoes or eating with chopsticks every day?

Let me get this straight. His father is a Muslim man, and Obama is uncomfortable with that.So he's sticking to his mother's heritage to compensate for it.Apparently only thing he won't mind from his father's side is skin color so that he can appeal to African Americans. All in all, I see a man who's not proud of his roots. This is exactly why even African-Americans don't embrace him.
If his father is muslim, then Obama is half-muslim irrespective of whether he practices Islam or not.So accept that without making a big fuss of it.Why you so afraid of being labeled as muslim? Last time I checked it's not a crime to be a muslim.

Why is it that Americans like putting people who are nice and have all what a human being need to live in this world and prefer someone who would take them to war,use their kids to kill other people like George bush has.
I just don't get it!

I am from Kenya. I lived where Obama father come from.
I would add that, having lived there, there are so many people who bore names with that are muslim to get scholarships. That was an easier way because it was very hard for anyone with a English("christian") name to get one or with an African name. I don't know if that is exactly the reasons why his parents named him that but I can tell you they don't practice islam or christianity but many do have muslim names.

America is a great country and people as well but few people are making it worst. For instance my case. I am INDIAN belong to very INTELLECTUAL and good family in INDIA and educated. Invested lots of money in USA but on APRIL 2007 I decided to bring my daughter 8 MONTHS OLD DAUGHTER and wife to USA for business cum pleasure trip and they have refused me to enter in USA coz they thought I will stay back in USA. I have occurred huge loses but no one is ready to listen to me. Where is the JUSTICE IN THE NATION WHO IS KNOWN FOR "STATUE OF LIBERTY"...I will continue to write emails on all the websites and write letters till I find JUSTICE. Please help me to HIGHLIGHT my case please there are lots of innocent people out there who are not CULPRITS but they are hurt.

I am ready to have a dialogue with any one because my family is innocent. The point which hurts me the most when I was in the waiting room there 4 officers which were not not satisfy when one officer was cancelling my VISA and they even had argument but then they walked in the back. And when they were taking me to the DETENTION FACILITY one officer said to me "If I was in his place I would have never done this to your family". Please help me to support my family. I am very hopeful that some one will listen to me and have MERCY for on MY DAUGHTERS FUTURE, MY WIFE FUTURE & MY FUTURE.
Regards,Zaid Alam

Lee, Mays Landing, New Jersey

Is "Muslim" a dirty word? Since when did any contact with Islam be so toxic?

I think America need to wake up. Obama has been around enough,campaigned enough to know him to the core.
I have this transparency in what he does and say than I do with Hillary. She has never answered any question and if she does she double talks. People don't even know who Hillary is as a person.
I am disguisted by this muslim thing keep being brought up. We are days away yet been a Hillary supporter before has left me no choice but to vote for Obama who I know best.
Hillary will never get my vote!

I am glad that CNN is posting a story about this. Especially with Obama telling it directly. There has been so much negativity from people about this, and it is ludicrous. I have personally received a few emails from people I know, saying things like, "Did you know this! Be warned!" etc... it is just ignorance I think. I also believe that Obama's background and experience makes him an excellent candidate for foreign policy. He is in touch with not only Americans, but also the entire world. That is a very positive thing. Hillary is just in touch with the White House and the drive for power. We need Obama for real change.

Thanks CNN for again highlighting the Obama – Muslim question. I hope his answer to the interested womens question will put this matter to bed for you and the country finally.

My question to you CNN is why are you not highlighting how Hillary again (as with the Clergy list) trys to deceive the american people by padded her list of foreign policies advisors with people who are lobbyist, bundlers and sports writers.

Is it that when Obama has to defend himself against lies from individuals and campaigns thats news; but a candidate (Hillary) who purposfully misleads the american people is not??

Posted By Reggie, Germany : December 23, 2007 10:17 am

Need I say more?

It's truly embarrassing for the U.S. that he has to keep on doing this. Clinton team's tactics working?

Right on Obama. That is why I love you. Let Hillary dance around the country pretending to have a hard side and soft side.
You have my vote!

Every church and religion has in its membership smart people, dumb people, sweet people, bitter people, murderer, rapists, thieves, saints, drug dealers, heteros, homos, lesbos, metros, andros, physicians, day care workers, idiots, jerks, Bible readers, people who don't own a Bible, scholars, cheaters, adulterers, and sweethearts. Knowing that someone attends a church or believes in a particular faith tells you NOTHING about that person.

For example, my friend Fred is a Christian. Does Fred believe in reincarnation? Perhaps you say no, but 1 in 5 Christians do. Does Fred believe in ghosts? Half of the Christians do and half don't. Does Fred believe in the virgin birth of Jesus? 1 out of 4 Christians don't.

So what can we say about Fred? We can say that he's probably a man, but maybe not. It could be my friend Fredericka's nickname.

Why would him having practiced Islam at some point in his life make him a better or worse person?
I do think having lived among them would help him understand them better, and understanding is what we need right now. We don't need a government that strives to make us afraid of shadows.

I don't think it adds one iota to O'Bamas qualifications that he is Christian. That kind of prejudice is what the founding fathers fought against.

Some of the dearest kindest most responsible people I have ever known are Muslim. I wish I could say the same of all "Christians."

Is "Muslim" a dirty word? Since when did any contact with Islam be so toxic?

The whole concept is retarded and it all started when Republicans, for political reasons, decided to start a phony “War on Terra” against The Muslim World and unrelated Muslim countries (Iraq) rather than just catching the criminals that planned and enabled the 9-11 attacks and outing them on trial for mass murder and crimes against humanity.

Instead we set off on some insane “crusade” with an entire segment of the republican “base” hoping that our actions radicalizing the Muslim world will somehow speed up the coming of Armageddon, the Second Coming etc. We have damaged ourselves immensely and gone off the deep end in the service or right wing republican politics.

Barrack Obama is not my first choice in this, but he does have a unique opportunity, because of his unique ethnic background, to change perceptions about the USA around the world, and end this asinine modern “crusade” and the struggle of the American brand of Christendom versus Islam and help bring us to modern times and out of the middle ages.

This whole Muslim baiting thing is so sad. Shame on Fox News, Hillary, Rush and other Republicans for promulgating it!

Obama believes in a god?!? Next candidate please!

Obama saying his father lived in a muslim-dominated village in Kenya and not practicing Islam really worries me about integrity issues. I am a practicing muslim who lived in a muslim-dominated village in Africa as a child. And I know from experience that if you are muslim and grew up in a muslim-dominated village, then you are most likely to have practiced islam. I am disgusted by those fundamentalists who are abusing the Islamic religion by perpetueting violence and fear, but I will not runaway from my religion because of them.

To substantiate my previous comment:

From his book Audacity of Hope chapter 6: Barack Obama states that he "was not raised in a religious household." He also details that his mothers parents (who had an influence on his life) were also non-religious and that his mother was detached from religion.

Baracks spin here seems to be intended as a "sales job" and, for me, puts into question whether his current conviction is more based on the stark reality that an atheist would not succeed politically.

Obama lied to the voters. His father practiced Islam. He had 4 wives, the most allowed according to the Hadiths.

The real question is; If Barak Hussein Obama is a Christian, why did did he go to a muslim school? Why is Barack's name still..Obama Hussein?

America is not ready for a Leader with a muslim background.

Truth is...Hussein can return to his former religion in future!!!!

Moslim leaders will not sit down with an infidel anyway.

Thanks CNN for again highlighting the Obama – Muslim question. I hope his answer to the interested womens question will put this matter to bed for you and the country finally.

My question to you CNN is why are you not highlighting how Hillary again (as with the Clergy list) trys to deceive the american people by padded her list of foreign policies advisors with people who are lobbyist, bundlers and sports writers.

Is it that when Obama has to defend himself against lies from individuals and campaigns thats news; but a candidate (Hillary) who purposfully misleads the american people is not??

It doesn't matter what he says. What matters is how the Repulican slime machine would use this in the General election. I can see the ads now. There will be a split screen: Obama's face on one side/ Osama Bin Laden's face on the other. The caption? I can't even imagine.

I am fine with Obama, but his statements contradict with previous statements. He was not, according to himself, raised a Christian. He was not raised in any religious tradition. His mother was not affiliated any Christian denomination and in fact was negatively inclined toward faith

I don't understand why it would make a difference whether he is Muslim or not. It shouldn't matter and he shouldn't have to be quick to defend that he is Christian. Being a Muslim should not be a detriment.

Yet again, Obama shows he is a man of integrity. These spurrious claims that he is "Muslim" have been a calculated smear by his rivals, both Republican and, sadly, Democrat (Hillary). Strike a blow for freedom and tolerance. Vote for Obama!