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!

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.

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

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.

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??

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.

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

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 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.

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

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!

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."

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.

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.

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!

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

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?

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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

Go Obama!

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.

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!

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

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?

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

I saw Obama pitching a snowball it was funny.

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 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.

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

I have been life long republican voting for Obama!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

Tell them Obama,tell 'em!

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.

Obama for American=Greatness!

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.

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?

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!

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!)

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."

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???

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!!

"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/

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

"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.

"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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

???

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?

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??

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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.