January 19, 2008
Posted: 05:50 PM ET

(CNN) – In an attempt to short-circuit false rumors about Barack Obama that have circulated on the Internet, his presidential campaign has released a “letter to the Jewish community" from seven Jewish senators – none of whom have endorsed a presidential candidate – publicly condemning the e-mails.

Sens. Carl Levin, Barbara Boxer, Ben Cardin, Russ Feingold, Frank Lautenberg, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden signed the letter, which was sent to reporters Saturday.

"Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful e-mails that use falsehood and innuendo about Sen. Barack Obama's religion and attack him personally. As Jewish United States senators who have not endorsed a candidate for the Democratic nomination, we condemn these scurrilous attacks,” they say in the letter.

“We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks arc apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics.”

The campaign sent out a similar letter, signed by community letters representing most of the major Jewish organizations in the United States, earlier this week.

Full letter (pdf)

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Barack Obama


Dula Amarasinghe   January 20th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I need to submit this question to be asked from candidates tomorrow night debate in Mertle Beach.

International Terrorism is the biggest threat to our national security and to many other nations around the world. It has been reported that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), most ruthless terrorist organization in Sri Lanka is funneling funds to Democratic Presidential Candidates with the intention of getting their name de-listed from the list of FTOS that are designated by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I would like to ask each of the candidates whether they received any campaign contributions form LTTE. If so, will you return these funds promptly and take action against LTTE.
Dula Amarasinghe, New York

Lady Eagle   January 20th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Late last week I listened to an interview from a former Republican operative who jammed the telephone lines of a Democratic office in 2004 so that no calls could go in or out. This prevented the Democrats from giving instruction and rides to their voters. He was convicted and served 90 days in jail, and of course, he has a book out.

He gave examples of how they would use a recording of a black male voice to call a white blue collar home and asked them to vote for the Democratic candidate. They also would sometimes called over and over.

His book has numerous dirty political tricks that they played on Democrats. When the interviewer asked him why he is revealing this information now, he said, his friends and his party threw him under the bus, ran over him and then blamed him for getting run over.

Sometimes things are not always what they seem.

GJH in Cincy   January 20th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Where is Ross Perot when you need him!!!!!

Andrew   January 20th, 2008 11:56 am ET

As the Senators said in their letter, Jews are historically the victims of smear campaigns like these, and I applaud them for taking a stand against it.

and, to Jenny from Paxton: grow up.

Mart from Chicago   January 20th, 2008 10:09 am ET

trueblue, read comments in the tickers when Hillary's win in New Hampshire. I know Kucinich asked for the recount, but I was referring to the pro-Obama's people who commented on these tickers and news saying "these votes are rigged", "the computer is hacked", "I agree with Kucinich, RECOUNT!!"… You can ignore what I have to say, but then you are a pro-Obama, so why listen to the pro-Clintons right…?

And to in Calif., if you are referring to video of Hillary's speech on MLK, I watched it! And I don't see any racial slur or offensive word against MLK.. people might think otherwise, that she is referring to MLK's doing is nothing at all, but that is not her intention. I once said to a fat friend of mine who wore a short skirt and I asked her, aren't you cold, and she got offended. It was cold that day, and she got offended, but I never intend or say it to offend her in any way. So my point is, she just made a remark that MLK civil right movement started when a president made a way for him, and all of you already jumped to a conclusion she's racist and insult MLK and with it, all african american people. And btw, do you ever see or hear Hillary say she lose because of Black Americans?? The media is saying that with the polls!! And when have you seen or heard Obama claim himself as a white man?? Oprah endorsed him refering him as him being president as a fulfillment of MLK's dream…

btw, if Obama win nomination, I dont think he can do it either if Hillary's not the VP… coz I for one wont vote for Obama…. not because he's half black, but because I really think he talks of empty promises of his so called Change….

tina ny, ny   January 20th, 2008 10:07 am ET

obama and his supporters are sore losers. Everything is some elses fault.

Jimmy Baldwin (SC)   January 20th, 2008 5:01 am ET

I'm SICK of the SMEARS against Obama.

These Clintons have NO MORALITY!!

in Calif.   January 20th, 2008 3:48 am ET

Mark from Chicago, On MSNBC 1-6 -08 at 12:30am, Hillary made that comment. Exactly 7 hours later Hillary made a retraction of that statement on MSNBC. Please, get these tapes or contact Joe on Morning Joe. Because too much of needed news reports are left out it does harm to us all. My problem with too much truth left out until most of the time the truth/facts become offensive, cast ed off.
I ask you about this 'race war'. As Obama's mother is White and his father is AFRICAN then is it not because his skin is dark that he is associated with we African-American. The only tie Obama "ROOTs"Obama has with Black Americans is the color of his skin and he was born in Hawaii as far as I can say. Now since he is half American-White and half Black-African, I as k you how is it not skin color that you tie him with me?And which half declared racial war?And, if it is skin color please tell Bill and Hill that they are White and that they live in a Black neighborhood and attend Black churches for the Black people will you?As there is more Klan mentality in the deep South I see this as a handicap for them not a blessing to get White majority votes there so do not blame their losses on Black people or Obama. If she gets in as Pres. she can not do so whith him as Vice any way.

jerzee gal   January 20th, 2008 3:36 am ET

GARYO when you support something you'll believe whatever you feel. All politicians are capable of dirty politics!!!!! No one would win if they were all nice.

trueblue   January 20th, 2008 2:01 am ET

Mart From Chicago,

It was Dennis Kucinich who asked for a re-count. Obviously you don't even know what you're talking about here, so we should probably just ignore it.

patty   January 20th, 2008 12:30 am ET

Dave, it's clear Hillary won Nevada because she won the popular vote. You're correct that the delegates matter, but in our society the headline is what matters. Iowa has a small handful of delegates, and yet it is perceived to be way more important then it actually is becuase of all the media attention.

Mart from Chicago   January 19th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

btw I just read how the delegates was divided;

District 1 Clinton 3, Obama 3

District 2 (Washoe) Clinton 1, Obama 2

District 2 (Rural) Clinton 0, Obama 1

District 2 (Clark) Clinton 1, Obama 1

District 3 (Clark) Clinton 2, Obama 2

At-Large Clinton 2, Obama 1

PLEO Clinton 3, Obama 3

So now thats what we call unfair… Hillary won most of the 51% state delegates, but those state delegates was won in big districts and they had to split the delegate.. but then in district 2(rural), they only had 1 delegate and since Obama had more state delegates there, they receive the only delegate coz it cant be split… and what is with the PLEO(Pledged Party Leader & Elected Official)?? Aren't they the same as superdelegates??

but then Im okay with the results, coz we pro-Clintons are not cry babies who call for a recount everytime she loses unlike Obama's supporters… LOL…

jyfranca   January 19th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

clintons will do anything to win nomination but am sure hillary bid will end in november she will be defeated huge

Mart from Chicago   January 19th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Lovell Sewell, the race issue came up after Hillary had her speech of MLK. Obama criticize attacked her right after, distorting her remarks of MLK, basically saying she have a problem with MLK (READ HER SPEECH OR WATCH IT !!)… and that is before Bob Johnson say anything about Obama. And besides, Bob Johnson is African American, and its wrong for him to talk about Obama's past which is a fact?! And for the union issue, I did not say its Obama who's behind the lawsuit, I said you cant blame Hillary and accused her to be the culprit in the lawsuit coz the suing is done by Teacher's Union which has not endorsed Hillary!!! and btw, I'm 23 and Im voting for Hillary… I only see Obama's change as just empty talk…

And Chris, I didnt say I blame Obama for the ads, but pro-Obama-ers have been complaining how negative Hillary is towards Obama when the fact is he has been negative towards her from day 1.. Then you proObamaers have been blaming Hillary personally and saying she is behind this this email, behind the lawsuit in Nevada, so why cant we pro-Clinton blame him for that ad or for the race issues that surfaced? Its only fair… u bash her, we bash Obama… and FYI, Hilaryy came 3rd in Iowa with 9% difference, and she only got 1 less delegate… and FYI look at the total delegates count!!! FYI, eventho Obama getting the news of senators endorsing him, Hillary has over 100++ superdelegates endorsing her already compared to Obama's 60 or 70… So She is still winning overall… so eat that… LOL…

baseman   January 19th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

There is a very good 3rd choice in a fellow that calls himself John Edwards…………….he will get my vote next saturday in S.C. because I personally think he has more in common with my kind of people. (The working class) I ask all of you to look at him and actually compare him to Obama or Hillery. He is better than both combined.

baseman   January 19th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Listen up America…………Photographs do not lie. I an a former Marine who foiught for this country. I fought for you to have the right to vote, to have the right of free speech. This is not about race it's about a man or a women who will lead this country for the next 4 to 8 years. Obama refuses to pledge allegience to a flag of this country but yet he wants to run this country…………….He wont get my vote! Hillery may be good but 8 years of Clinton is enough. If she couldnt get it done in Bill's 8 years what makes her think she can do it in 4 more. Forget race, forget money. Look at who is being honest and is doing the campaining to get rid of the illegal people and are willing to deal with health issues…………………

Dave   January 19th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Correction Chris, Obama won more delegates in Nevada (13 to 12) so Barack is actuall up by two in that count. Since the primary race is about delegates (as the general election is about the electoral college) who really won Nevada?

Chris, Orlando FL   January 19th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Why doesn't anyone ever ask how a group with 4-5% population in this country can have 10% representation in the Senate?

ees   January 19th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

Isn't it a wonder where these e-mails are being hatched? Who knows? These emails could be planted by the Obama campaign themselves to dicredit his opponent? Smart voters are just not one sided thinkers!

Jenny, Paxton, MA   January 19th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

can someone copy and paste the entire letter on this blog, or provide the URL for the letter? thanks.

also, anyone knows who actually wrote and sent the letter, and who knew about it?

Walt, Belton, TX   January 19th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

There's no doubt in my mind that Hillary would do anything it took to get elected President. Just look at what she's done just to protect her faithful Willie………..

Tyler   January 19th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

I can believe that the Clinton camp is stooping pretty low these days but when I see such a polished attempt with disinformation that is damaging to both front runners with no obvious source of the fake stories I see the sinister hand of Carl Rove, who was behind all of the really damaging things that divided the Democrats in the last two presidential elections.
I will vote for Obama because he represents the first real chance we as a nation have seen towards positive changes in the way our country represents the common citizen and working Americans since the days I supported Bobby Kennedy.
We must not forget that as a nation, our goal must be to give the power back to the people and to strip the special interest groups of their ability to buy votes over the needs of the citizens. Our worse days as a nation under the Democrats were still far better than any day under the rule conservatives.

Lisa   January 19th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Wake up America! Any knucklehead could have sent the email just to stir things up and get a laugh with his/her buddies. With all the junk that circulates the internet, shame on the fools who believe what they read in mass emails. Stop pointing fingers and get a clue.

S.S.   January 19th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you…"

This, like many of the comments above, are most likely Rovian disinformation to divide the Democrats. The long record of conscious, intentional Republican dirty tricks is well-documented.
In any case, does anyone believe that Hillary Clinton would be stupid enough to send a letter guaranteed to offend and alienate one of the most politically aware religious groups in the country?
Democrats must stick together. The Republican hate-mongers and class warriors are giving us their best efforts now.

S.S.   January 19th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you…"

This, like many of the comments above, are most likely Rovian disinformation to divide the Democrats. The long record of conscious, intentional Republican dirty tricks is well-documented.
In any case, does anyone believe that Hillary Clinton would be stupid enough to send a letter guaranteed to offend and alienate one of the most politically aware religious groups in the country.
Democrats must stick together. The Republican hate-mongers and class warriors are giving us their best efforts now.

Viv   January 19th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

It's funny how Obama supporters are so quick to point fingers, just like Obama.

- Hillary '08

Sheila   January 19th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Bill Clinton will do anything to get himself back into the White House. His wife will be the figurehead, while he is the "Dick Cheney-type" President.

inner city case worker   January 19th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Hillary cannot win the White House. That is my true opinion regardless of who I vote for. Democrats, please, do not set yourself up for failure.

South Carolina! We're counting on you. Make your voices heard as AMERICANS.

Ron   January 19th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Hey Kate , Media bias at its best ? Have you heard about FOX or Ron Paul…..

Ann   January 19th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

pam Eugene OR January 19, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I can't believe Clinton would stoop this low, but apparently she has. We will soon see another Clinton supporter fired once the damage has been done. This woman really wants to win at all costs. She has no shame.
CNN please don't keep in moderation hell. This really needs to be said!"

And why is this Clinton's fault? Don;t you think you YOU should be accused of accusing her without any proof?

A WOMAN SCRON   January 19th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Why are all the Hillary supports angry.

They seem like a angry bunch, Hillary is a woman scorn, but what about the rest of Hillary's supports why are they so Angry??

Complaining about Obama the system etc.

Lovell Sewell   January 19th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Mart from chicago you need to do your homework. Why would Obama get Robert Johnson to say something negative about him to gain votes, why would Obama get endorse by one of the biggest union and then go back and take them to court, why? You need to understand I am black I have voted Bill Clinton for both terms but they have drove a knife in my heart that I am sorry will not heal. The tatics they have used is so d– f— up that like someone else said I will vote Independent or Republican and believe me blacks or not on the back of the bus no more. We or educated and we love everyone. But we will not let someone sell us off because they husband was called the first black President.

You know what angry me the most. Hillary do have experience and that what she started her campaign on why the hell did you have to change. Because college students and the white american in Iowa saw the change Obama was talking about.

I WOULD NEVER VOTE HILLARY CLINTON IN WHITE HOUSE from what I am seeing from them now……………………………………………..

hus   January 19th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

im Arabic Candaian, i look at the usa as leaders but , if Obmama, nore Clinton get into office your country is on tilt, MR NEW york is trying to win bye the 911 thats i back eye, he missed the whole world he played it to the end look at his ### last last last

Ben   January 19th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Workers January 19, 2008 6:24 pm ET

“COUNT ALL THE VOTES” she yells, except when it does not benefit our side in Las Vegas. In that case Hillary’s operatives file a lawsuit to disenfranchise the voters she wants to silence. More dirty tricks from the masters of sleaze. This is just the beginning for her.

“GET CORPORATE LOBBYIST MONEY OUT OF POLITICS” she yells, except when it does not benefit our side. In that case Hillary takes more of their money than all the other Democrat AND Republican candidates COMBINED.

What hypocrites. The saddest part is this corrupt bunch will win because – “WE WILL BE MAKING HISTORY BY ELECTING THE 1ST WOMAN PRESIDENT” she yells, and the un-informed and naive will flock to her like lemmings toward a cliff.

After, and because of her Presidency, it will probably be another 200 years until a woman gets a chance again.

Chris   January 19th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Hey Mart,

So. You Hillary people blamed Obama for the Spanish ads that went out, so why can't Obama supporters blame Hillary? The shoe doesn't feel so good on the other foot does it?

FYI:::: THE DELEGATE COUNT IS TIED. This election meant ZILCH.

Brad   January 19th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Kate you have got to be kidding me? Almost all the media is geared in Hillary's favor. I really believe the media wants to write and report on a woman running for president. And we know after her so called "voice" moment, the press has turned in her favor.

Do you Clinton people have to complain about everything? We know your candidate does because she has to appear to be the victim, it is the only way she will acquire victories. Regardless, I've changed my mind, don't think I want to vote Dem. in November afterall.

Colleen   January 19th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I don't believe these e-mails are originating from the Clinton campaign. And they are not just being sent to those in the Jewish community. I received one forwarded from a highly conservative Mormon republican. I think it is just general scare tactics.

Mart from Chicago   January 19th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Just FYI, I dont see Hillary telling these people to send those emails to the Jewish community and how can you point fingers at Hillary and accuse her without proof?… Didnt you see how much damage Obama's supporters did when they said Hillary mocked MLK??? Maybe its Obama himself who did it and then tell the media for a truce… that would make him a saint in some people's eyes, but not mine… But o wait, you pro-Obama-ers dont think its Obama or Obama's supporters who did that.. hah! a joke…

Ibeam   January 19th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

People get over race. Race hating and baiting will no longer work..

The Clintons are liars… I am sorry..I'm done with their type of politics. Vote for Obama so we can move on to higher ground.

Please understand this I will not vote for Hillary. I will go Rep if she is the dem nom.

Dave   January 19th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Thank you Sens. Carl Levin, Barbara Boxer, Ben Cardin, Russ Feingold, Frank Lautenberg, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden. Now get off the fence and endorse Senator Obama so we can put an end to this type of disgusting politics once and for all.

Scott, Madison, WI   January 19th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Looks like another underhanded Clintonista tactic at work while they cry about voter intimidation in a state Hillary won. Look over here, while I undermine and destroy the competition ahead of time. The Clinton machine has come to life and is well at work in its divide and conquer strategy that will eventually work against it if Hillary happens to win the nomination. Destroy the Democratic party and the country in your quest for power! Bush politics 101, page 1.

Thanks to some senators who still have integrity and dignity and will stand for the justice this nation deserves.

Kate   January 19th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Isn't it interesting, CNN, that despite the fact that Hillary just won Nevada, you still manage to manipulate the good situation into a bad one ?

Media bias at its best.

Come on. Gain some integrity.

President Hilary   January 19th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Hilary Clinton will be the next President.

In early 2000 a friend and I were having a political discussion, which led to a baffling statement. She declared, “Hilary Clinton will be President in a few years.”

Before I could interject to ask why she was so adamant about her proclamation, she asserted:

“It’s Hilary’s birthright. She sold her soul to the Devil for it.”

That prompted hysterical laughter as I thought my friend was taking a shot at comedy.

But now, I wonder…

joe   January 19th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

THIS IS A RACE ISSUE DUE TO CNN SELECTION OF ARTICLES..

GO TO MSNBC FOR FAIR AND OBJECTIVE REPORTING.

MSNBC…MSNBC…MSNBC
FAIR AND OBJECTIVE….FAIR AND OBJECTIVE

CNN IS REALITY TV…CNN IS REALITY TV

pam Eugene OR   January 19th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I can't believe Clinton would stoop this low, but apparently she has. We will soon see another Clinton supporter fired once the damage has been done. This woman really wants to win at all costs. She has no shame.
CNN please don't keep in moderation hell. This really needs to be said!

Rob   January 19th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

This is the American Way. This country is sadly very ignorant and racists. With blacks usually being the favored target of whites, mexicans, jews, or all the above. It speaks volumes in 2008, a black male as accomplished as Obama still can't get a fair showing.

Larry Buchas, New Britain, CT   January 19th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

What about Diane Feinstein?

She should condemn these false rumors also. I wouldn't expect Lieberman to do it.

jack   January 19th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

If you look at this election, you would realize a couple things.
1. Guiliani method is suspectable where he started from(florida)
2. If you look at how the media reacted after Obama win in Iowa, you would know even the people who are being called"best political team on televion" change with whoever they know is going to win.
3. There hasn't been too much fuel about Hillary lately.
Those are micro things that would tell you, Obama is just trying but nothing like being a president.

Jermaine   January 19th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

It should not surprise anyone. All of a sudden OBAMA is giving Hillary a serious run for her money and now this. First she use the racial issue with MLK and her Husband too (BILL). Then they try to suppress voters with the courts in Nevada. Then they use push polling and inciteing religious fervor saying OBAMA is a Muslim, so what if he was? Then they try to incite racial issue between Blacks and Hispanics, Hillary say she can best bring change to the Hispanic community by eating a Taco? Now they are trying to devide by pushing emails to the Jewish community. AMERICANS WAKE UP! There is nothing the CLINTONS won't stop at. YES, REAGAN did more for this country than HILLARY! If Hillary wins I will either wite in OBAMA, or vote Mccain for the General Elections. Hillary and Bill must be crazy Hillary keep saying that people will unite behind her, she must be smoking something! The OBAMA DEMOCRATS and INDEPENDTS WILL WRITE HIS NAME INJ FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION. YES IT WILL COST HILLARY THE PRESIDENCY, BUT WHEN YOU PLAY TOUGH YOU LOSE!

PW Va   January 19th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Why do I see Hillary's (as well as Bill's) fingerprints all over this??? But of course, this is all unbeknownst to them, upstanding citizens that they are!!!!

Ruth   January 19th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Great job CNN!

Micheal   January 19th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Wow, this country is establishing race against Black People among other community?

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