CNN

The main smear–that Obama is secretly a Muslim–originated about a year ago with Insight Magazine, owned by the same company that owns the Washington Times. YNET news has just reported some versions in Hebrew circulating in Israel. Nine major US Jewish organizations released an open letter a few days ago denouncing the "hateful e-mails." Progressive Christian groups are also speaking out against them, and John Kerry (himself a victim of so-called swiftboating in 2004) is denouncing them.

What we muat learn from these e-mails is that Islamophobia, the irrational hatred of all Muslims, is the new anti-Semitism. The sooner we realize that, the sooner we can stop the rightwing extremists from using it to destroy everything that is decent and liberating about America.

The e-mails are false, because Obama is Christian. But this smear campaign attempts to create a negative image of Islam for political reasons. We should judge politicians by their policies and character rather than their religion. And we must always reject religious bigotry, because it would destroy the American way of life.

Lawrence Swaim
Interfaith Freedom Foundation

BEING AN AFRO AMERICAN FEMALE I FEEL VERY PROUD OF THE RACE THAT OBAMA IS FIGHTING I FEEL THAT AMERICA GIVING HIM A FAIR CHANCE HE CAN BRING ABOUT A REFRESHING CHANGE

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE ONES THAT WILL BE ONE DAY SOON RUNNING AMERICA AND THEY MUST CHOOSE SOMEONE THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO AND SOMEONE THAT WILL BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF AMERICA FOR THEM WE HAVE SLIPPED INTO QUITE A GOOD DEAL OF PROBLEMS AND WE CAN NOT SETTLE ANYTHING ANY LONGER WITH JUST OUR CONCEPTS THE WORLD IS CHANGING AND WE ALL NEED ONE ANOTHER.

I DO NOT KNOW WHO WILL WIN THE NOMINATION BUT I HOPE THAT WE ALL TAKE A LOOK AND VOTE WHAT YOU FEEL IS GOOD FOR ALL IN AMERICA IF IS A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER AND TOGETHER WE MUST STAND AND WE CAN DO IT

Just heard this story. What do you mean there is no way of knowing where the rumors originated and continue to be fueled?

You guys at CNN have investigated this . . . and ABC News.

It principally comes from Fox "News". Why do you now stay you don't know?

Come On!!

Muslim or non-muslim he just isn't the right guy for the job. How can he represent the majority of Americans? He is a minority and there is nothing wrong with that. But as President he will need his judgement for the benefit of the majority, there sure will be a conflict of interest. My last statistics, African Americans made up approximately 10% of the US population, however nearly 50% of the population are female, so with Barak you would have a president who's leanings would represent only this minority. This is the card he is playing in South Carolina. He uses rehtoric like "now is the time". The time for what "payback". His friend Oprah came out showing her colors. She has spent her career becoming a populist with women, "all women", now that an African American is running for President, she is now Black first and woman second. What makes you think that Barak can be anything different. He will probably win South Carolina, but that will be like a Catholic being elected Pope. The true race is after Saturday.The electorate needs to be a little bit savvy in this election, otherwise we will let a minority group elect the wrong Democratic candidate and give us another 4 Republican years. The American people should look through the BS and the CNN spin.

Just watching the news, there was a Republican party headquarters in the Portland, OR area which had the exact same talking points that this email had on its website. Someone called them out on it, and they took it down and issued an apology.

Get a grip sheeple. This is the tactics of the GOP operatives. Until the Obama groupies came on board this election year there wasn't as much unfounded hysteria on the blogs. They are so defensive that every little thing sets them off, making them an easy mark.

Stop blaming Hillary for every failure of her husband's adminstration and then turn around and complain that 8 years of being the First Lady doesn't count. That is an oxymoron. (look it up if you don't know what that means, and then you probably still wouldn't get it)!!

99.9% of the professed hillaryhaters haven't even met her in person, they are just vicariously living their lives through others. Sad state of affairs. So much of the Obama support actually comes from the ABC zombies. If he were the only candidate left, does everyone honestly believe that they would bother to get off their butts to turn out to vote for him? His negative rating before Oprah gave him an instantaneous bling was even higher than Hillary's. Even McCain and Romneys are as high! Every candidate is NOT perfect (except for O'bama according to his cult followers), every candidate has faults. To see or think otherwise is utter blindess and sheer foolishness. See your candidates for what they are = POLITICIANS and vote accordingly.

Regardless of what everyone threatens, the true Democratic FAITHFUL will turn out to vote for Hillary because of what is at stake with the Supreme Court. To do otherwise would be to plunge the country into loss of womens' right to choose and affirmative action. Cut off your noses to spite your own faces, but don't drag the rest of the country along with you. Sit at home if you have to or leave it blank – no one forces you to go vote in the first place.

AND everyone who stands up and cries let's all go vote for the GOP to show Hillary – is already a Republican troll and try to deny it all you want, the rest of us know otherwise.... you leave the same old copy/paste nasty slug trails everywhere you go and merely switching screen names doesn't fool anyone.

BTW put old Abe Lincoln's corpse back in his coffin and let the poor man RIP. This is the 21st Century, not 1860.

If Obama becomes president i think this country will crumble , not because of he's black or muslim but because his lack of running such a worldly position.Clintons or McCain have been through this and know how to handle though situations .Obama has not been in congress long enough to get the experience.Hillary has over 16 years of experience in goverment .I personaly think she ran the WHITE HOUSE while Bill was PRESIDENT. Do we really want a nother studdering ,him / hawing(Obama) preident after 8 years of listening to Bush .NO THANKS

Tom, you asked (and I quote), "Why did Obama insist on using "THE CORAN" instead of the bible when he was sworn into office????????" The member of Congress who used the KORAN was Keith Ellison, not Barack Obama. We all love the eight question marks, thought.

Mike H, it is interesting that you describe Wikipedia as "something somewhat intelligent " because any bozo can write anything on Wikipedia and it might remain there for ages.

Thanks to New Yorker from NYC for joining the conversation with some thought. I believe my Constitutional scholarship may differ from yours, specifically in the area of First Amendment interpretation. There is no "separation of church and state" defined there, nor is there any guarantee that a candidate must answer questions to our satisfaction (but of course anything is fair game for the asking). "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..." Congress had nothing to do with how JFK answered questions about where he went to church, for example.

Why did I get censored?

All I did was point out that the current President is a "committed Christian", and It is the Bible belt area that is most pro war. Sorry mabe I should make CNN happy and only talk negatively about one religon. A change away from a "committed Christian" might be good for this country

Intelligent people, be scared. Be very scared. There are voters out there that will believe anything they hear. And they don't check it out. Their vote counts the same as the intelligent and informed voter's. It is sad and depressing.

A candidate's religion is not important... but Obama is an active member in a Christian Church. He has brought thousands of disinterested young voters into the system and his presidency would encourage more citizen participation. When Dems, Rep, independents and others can work together on issues we will be united.

The Cry Baby's campaign of vile and venomous insults by her hand maidens
Charlie Rangel, Magic Johnson, Robert Johnson and Bill Clinton tells us the kind of WH that we would have again. The secrecy, favors (pardon of Mark Rich–ex-wife Denise is a big contributor) the selling of the Lincoln bedroom and personal
attacks against anyone who is in their disfavor.

Comparing positions is NOT an attack... calling someone stupid...or their positions a fairy tale are.. Especially when the later had to ask What is IS?

F I R E D U P!

Imani de la Perez
Brooklyn, NY

John Edwards is the only candidate that acted presidental during the debate. Obama and Clinton were both giving school yard taunts. Edwards had a plan for everything and a way to pay for it.
Edwards will now be my choice for president.

Americans should judge the candidates on their political records, proposed policies, and (perceived) ability to implement them – not their personal religious beliefs. The implication of this story is that non-Christians are naturally disqualified from high office in the USA. While most of the founding fathers were Christians, they took great pains to separate church from state. This is a necessity in a pluralistic society. In fact, our system of government derives its strength from the combination of pluralism and democracy.

It is sad to see how the popular media has (collectively) neglected to point out this aspect of the story.

once again,
were hurting our own Party MRS. Crybaby Clinton and Billy ??
i have lost respect for him, after all he did for us.

Hillary has no chance vs. Repubs in Nov. they and others will vote
against her just because.......can u blame them ??

Obama has the only legit chance for us and she after Nov
will be torn up by all because she cost us the election to who ??
Old Man "Bruce WIllis" McClain or
SPit Rodman ??

come on Ladies !!!

Too bad Obama isn't a muslim, he would have gotten the votes of the 1.7 Million Muslim citizens in the U.S.

One other thing, John Kerry lost to Bush because they did the most dispicable things. They had guys telling lies about his war record. Pretty much what they are already doing to McCain.

Obama, you think you got it ruff, check out the republicans, they're calling McCain a traitor who sold out other POW's.. If you win, you will be crying foul the whole time, 'cause they'll throw everything but the kitchen sink at you. you stutter or stammer your dead meat.

The Muslims don't believe the way we the american people believe. I was shocked that obama did not pledge the flag. Is it important that we have a President of our courtry that supports our freedom and what our military is fighting for? Yes, I want a President that supports our troops. Our military is over there fighting to try and get them people to do what is right and not have a corrupt country, but be able to hold election and have people in office that can run a country for the people and not for what they can gain and to put a stop to all the killing over there. Do I believe we can change their country and the way they believe, No! because I feel like those people brainwash their children from birth to believe that it is o.k. to kill theirself and all the people they can and it will make them someone that the people can look up to. The only way we can change the people over there and the way they think is to make it against the law to teach their children to be suicide bombers and to teach their children that it is o.k. to kill people along with theirselves. I don't believe in the war, but to pull out before we accomplish what we set out to do and complete it is not the answer either. The military needs all of our support while they are giving up their lives in the line of duty, whether it is right or wrong. We need a president that will protect our country and give our military the very best to fight with and support them in their line of duty while they are over seas. We all need to pray for their safety and their safe return home to their families.

Here is the issue that I have found floating over the internet:

Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that's not how the Arab and Muslim People see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he's a Christian, but they do not. Islam permits lying! It is called “Al-taqiyya.”

I have heard some Christains believe Obama is lying about his true faith. I have even heard that some believe his is the second coming of the Anti_Christ. You know, he will lead a Powerful Nation, bringing all the World at his feet, through lies.. etc etc.. So some believe he is truly a Muslim, lying to achieve is goal to become the most Powerful Person in the World... But some fly over the Coo-Coos nest more than others. LOL

Well for me I just want Obama to Explain exactly what he means by "CHANGE". I think he is delusional if he thinks he can change the way Congress and the Senate is run. There are to many Hard Liners in the Republican Party!

And I don't think anyone from the Clinton or Edwards staff is doing this.. This is coming more from Far out Christian Groups, conspiracy theorist and just plan old worried Americans. Bush got everyone so jumpy about Terrorist people tend to worry. But I'm prepared I have my Duck tape!

Surprise...Surprise...another war-monger!

It has become difficult to distinguish between FOX TRASH AND CNN TRASH. We know ratings is the name of the game but it has become absolutely disgusting to see you play the 'Race' card in this critical Presidential election. I thought Lou Dobbs had the lock on Racism and now it appears it is your whole network.

Where were you when we needed your voices to ask questions that may have prevented this country from going to war ? The media ,especially CNN is responsible for the killing of 4000 innocent American Troops and the thousands of injured American Troops. I'll never forget how all you wimpy weasel so-called journalists (John King, Wolf Blitzer, Candy Crowley, etc.) never had the courage to pursue and ask the right questions at press briefings and press conferences that could have prevented the IRAQ war. Helen is the only real Journalist left in the national media...too bad she's in print. What a great woman!!!!

Get back to reporting the news and stop this RACE WAR. We are smart enough to make our own decisions and do not need CNN to feed us biased, slanted and hateful reporting. Democrats admire Hillary and Barack.

It has become difficult to distinguish between FOX TRASH AND CNN TRASH. We know ratings is the name of the game but it has become absolutely disgusting to see you play the 'Race' card in this critical Presidential election. I thought Lou Dobbs had the lock on Racism and now it appears it is your whole network.

Where were you when we needed your voices to ask questions that may have prevented this country from going to war ? The media ,especially CNN is responsible for the killing of 4000 innocent American Troops and the thousands of injured American Troops. I'll never forget how all you wimpy weasel so-called journalists (John King, Wolf Blitzer, Candy Crowley, etc.) never had the courage to pursue and ask the right questions at press briefings and press conferences that could have prevented the IRAQ war. Helen is the only real Journalist left in the national media...too bad she's in print. What a great woman!!!!

Get back to reporting the news and stop this RACE WAR. We are smart enough to make our own decisions and do need CNN to feed us biased, slanted and hateful reporting. Democrats admire Hillary and Barack.

My God, is this what we have come to in thi great country? I cannot believe that here are people out there who believe this crap. Here is a man who has had to overcome more things in his short life than most of us have had to overcome in our lifetime and look where he is today. He is an outstanding human being and his religion should not play a part in his run for the Democratic nomination. I am white, 64 years old and I have not been inspired by anyone like I have this man since John F. Kennedy ran for President. Whoever is putting this filth on the internet should be prosecuted if found. I just hope the people in the south, the north, the east and west have enough brains in their heads not to believe this smear against this man. We are Americans and we are better than that. I am also appalled at the way the Clinton's are attacking this man, but I am also very proud of the way he has taken them both on and defended himself. He certainly has my vote.

I think alot of people in sw mo believe hillary before obama because ther is a lot of closeted racism in sw mo.

Even if Obama were Muslim, I will nominate him as he is much more trustworthy than the Clintons, who remind me of snake oil salespeople.

Once your candidate is elected, he or she is out of your control till four years later.
You must ask yourself if you can trust the candidate now.

"At least Hillery (sic) makes no bones that she wants to turn America into a pro communist Social Republic"
---------------------------------
Please supply ONE statement that she EVER said that, otherwise it's just "Bull".

whatever they say, Hillary has my vote!

Hey Barb, what is "mis-use" ? Which King's language is that?......

And...for all the Bozo's fans making all these pro obama comments, how many of you know just "where he really comes from" with his convictions, attitude toward " The United States of White America" and our Flag, and adopted spirituality?? This dude is just as scarey as Hillery. At least Hillery makes no bones that she wants to turn America into a pro communist Social Republic.....What do you think its going to be under Obama??.....What are his choices for Judges going to be?.....What will motivate him to either sign or veto bills of legislation into law or not?....Does anybody here know what a sorry state that his state of Illinois is, after his "Help"?....Would you like to see the other 49 states like that??

Have any of you ever checked out his church's web site?.....You say you dont care what his religious beliefs are?......Its not religion at issue......Could you really trust this guy with your life and MY Life too?,,,,,Would you want his finger on the Nuclear Button?? I wouldn't trust this guy's finger on the button of my grandson's squirt gun.....

Better do your homework first and dont eat his bullcrap just because he sounds "cool" and makes a lot of forced and fake patriotic rhetoric in phony accents.

It's incredible how gullible Americans can be in believing emails or Internet postings without checking out the facts. And by the way, there are plenty of public photos of Obama being sworn int to the Senate using his family's Bible. Enough with the smear campaigns already. This accusations that Obama was raised a Muslim have been researched to death and disproven. As have the claims that McCain fathered an illegitimate child. Oh yeah, and did you hear that Mitt Romney is actually a Martian and Mormons are really aliens intent on taking over the universe? Grow up.

It's incredible how gullible Americans can be in believing emails or Internet postings without checking out the facts. And by the way, there are plenty of public photos of Obama being sworn int to the Senate using his family's Bible. Enough with the smear campaigns already. This accusations that Obama's was raised a Muslim have been researched to death and disproven. As have the claims that McCain fathered an illegitimate child. Oh yeah, and did you hear that Mitt Romney is actually a Martian and Mormons are really aliens intent on taking over the universe? Grow up.

Obama says one thing and does the other (or doesn't do any at all). How can he explain 100 votes "Present"? You go to 100 Senate sessions and you don't vote yes neither no. To me that says a lot about a candidate. Enough to tell me that I will not vote for him. And to say Ronald Reagan was the best president ever?! Is he the DEMOCRAT candidate or the REPUBLICAN? I don't buy this guy at all.

I don't believe Obama's saying that it's a bad thing to be a muslim. He's accepting and respectful of every faith. What he's saying is that he's being misrepesented in a tone of fear and hate, completely uncalled for whether someone is calling jew, muslim, catholic, mormon or whatever. He is fighting against fear, not faith, he's fighting for hope, not hoplessness.

He is the most transparent, just leader this country has seen in two generations. He will bring pride to the office.

Everyone worries about how to cast their vote. No problem make everyone mandated to vote when filing their income tax. Those who don't make enought to file would be required to file the portion that requires them to vote. Why should we be required to pay taxes but not to vote?

I've gotten emails that said the Clintons were mafia, crooks, murders... you name it. I don't think the Obama campaign put them out there, nor do I think the Clinton campaign put the Muslim and pledge emails. There are plenty of wingnuts out there that can send this trash around to stir up trouble. If you get one of these emails, just delete and ignore it.

The poster(s) on this board who claims they "heard" Obama does not place his hand on the Bible, that he doesn't place his hands on his heart, etc. should know better than to "repeat" lies. I was always taught not to repeat rumors and personally find it disgusting.

Thankfully the Constitution did NOT mandate that one had to be of a certain religious persuasion to hold political office. What's wrong with this country anyway? Actually, nothing's wrong with the country it's just the people in it. Religion or the lack thereof should be a PERSONAL matter between an individual and his/her God. Nobody should have to justify their faith. It's so ironic that people came to this country seeking religious Freedom and we've turned into a nation of intolerant witch hunters. We're back tracking into the 14th century. There's nothing progressive in that. How did we become so dumbed down that we are engaging in electronic witch hunting and burning? This scares me.

I care about Education, Health Care, adequate housing, social security. I care about us being bogged down in Iraq and other countries. I care about the state of the economy. I don't give a hoot about another person't religious choices.

People always write down things that aren't true and that are based on PURE SPECULATION and whoever wrote that for Neil Simon is just as ignorant as anyone who would repeat it. HOWEVER, the good thing about ignorance is that it can be cured with KNOWLEDGE.

If you accept the word of GOD as true and read one of the books that Paul wrote and PAUL HIMSELF comes to you and says "this is what I meant when I said this in the book of Philippians," would you dispute him? Of course not. The man has SAID that he has NEVER been a Muslim. I think HE AUGHT TO KNOW what his religious faith is.

Educate yourself with knowledge from reputable sources and no one is more qualified to speak about Mr. Obama's religion than Mr. Obama HIMSELF...AND HE HAS SPOKEN!!

He's to good a imitating MLK to be Muslim. Makes me want to say, Amen, Praise the Lord, Yes we can!!!

A picture of Obama, at a pulpit, with a cross in the background. And!

THIS JUST IN! Obama is a Christian! He holds the following OUTRAGEOUS beliefs:

- Donkeys talk
- A fish can eat a guy and then puke him up a few days later, relatively unharmed
- There's a magical man who lives in the sky and loves everybody
- It is not correct to treat people like crap, even if they treat you like crap... for example, by coming into your country illegally, killing people, doing things you consider immoral, etc.

Wow! After reading all the various e-mails, pro and con as to the candidates, the thing that stood out more than anything to me is the grammar, punctuation, spelling, the mis-use of words ( i.e., "ladder" when clearly it should be "latter"), etc. , etc.

I support the candidate who will make it mandatory for any student preparing to "enter this jungle" after graduation from high school to go back to the 7th grade and take a refresher course in the use of the King's English.

I don't believe that America has time to waste with a President like Obama. America is really in trouble, we voted for Bush because we wanted change and now look at America! We need to fix everything before we can change anything! He should wait another 8 years.

Dems will loose to the Republican party if Obama wins the Democratic Election.

Hillary has practical agendas for all issues, she answers each and every question raised! We need a president that KNOWS not ADVISED!

Since when does Religion matter in the USA? Its obvious that he is not muslim, but his experience overseas might benefit us in relations with the islam world where all the other presidents seem blind in doing so. As for the Flag and patrioism that nancy mentioned above.. do you not read anyones explaination for anything? It was not the pledge, they were listening to someone sing the star spangled banner and not everyone crosses their heart for the song. There is nothing wrong with that and doesnt make him less patriotic. OH I bent over and picked my kid up during the pledge and didnt have my hand on my heart. Does that make me non patriotic? To Sher Khan.. you go! Nothing wrong with being Muslim! Wish Americans would get over that.

Why didn't you print it – it's already written. Shame on YOU..

I am saddened at the suggestion that being a Muslim should automatically disqualify you from becoming the President or a political leader in the United States. Our constitution grants all of us in this country unalienable rights, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. How can we as a society turn our backs on these truths? And what kind of example are we setting for our children?

If 10 years from now, if we are attacked by a group of extremist Buddhists or Jews or Hindus, then, are we slowly going to eliminate another group of people out of our political system because of the affiliation with a religion? It is not the Muslim faith that drove those terrorists to attack us. It was political ideology masked by faith.

I am disappointed in Mr. Obama for failing to recognize that his speaking out against the suggestion that he is Muslim and dispelling the rumors is offensive to all the Muslims who try to live their lives peacefully. I don't blame him, given all the propaganda we've been fed since 9/11 about Muslims in general, but he basically validated that in our current environment, we are not equal.

By the way, I don't believe the Clintons bear responsibility for these rumors. This is standard operating procedure for Republicans. Remember the rumors the Bush campaign spread about McCain (that he had fathered a child with a black prostitute) courtesy of Karl Rove? Wake up America, the Republicans are scared that Obama will win, given a chance, against any current Republican in the race. They want to run against Hillary! God help our country.

Regarding the comment by Crobuzon about Christanity and forgiveness I know a lot of devout Christians who believe that I, as a Muslim, am destined to go to hell unless I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Lets focus on the topic at hand and not spread religious propaganda here. To me, as a Muslim living in America, its scary that having a Muslim middle name is such a huge issue for a presidential candidate.

Some of you may not care if he was a muslim, but I do. It doesn't matter what you call me. I believe in the Holy Bible not the Koran. I am glad I live in America where I can vote my choice not Cnn, or Fox's. And speaking of lies : You should not accuse the Clinton's or anyone else of starting things when you don't know what you are talking about.

Becky, you said who cares what religion Obama is?
Are you American? Are you patriot? Do you have children? Did you lose a family member in 9/11? Do you have a family soldier in Iraq or other country where the soldier putting their lives in dangerous every moment? Are you worry for the security of American people ? give me break!! Religion matter.

* about Blitzer. Please don't touch him, he is an excellent reporter,. I watch his program" The situation Room" he is doing his best to give us the information that we need. About Hillary, well in part. you are right. But what Reporters and Blitzer can do about it?. The owners of CNN are doing it. They want Obama for Presidential candidate for the Democrats Party . Republican trying to help Obama with the primaries in each state to vote for him and because he will be more easy to destroy and crash him as a bug. Hillary know what they will do with her, and she is ready to fight with the Republican. I am supporting the CNN Reporters because they are doing an excellent job. WOLF YOU ARE ROCK!!!
gloriab

To Sarah in new York.
No one is implying in Obama's campaign that Muslims are to fear.
This is what the Clinton campaign is doing to divide our nation. Her campaign is trying unsuccessfully to provoke fears of Muslims just to win the presidency. Obama is about unity – the point is not that he is or is not of a particular faith-( he happens to be Christian) but that this is a divisive political scheme to appeal to the worst in us. Most nations and people groups I know carry some form of prejudice- it is by rationality and choice we recognize this and defeat it within ourselves. Obama appeals to our best.

He lived in a Muslim nation and so has a broader picture on the world than most candidates.

we need to choose- more of the Bush politics of fear and divisions driving our decision for president or unity.

I am reading this ridiculous blog in UTTER DISBELIEF! The republicans are laughing because you are all buying into the garbage. For those of you with two brain cells to formulate an indpendant thought. Go home, close the door, turn off the t.v. and shut down your computers and think about what this world will be like if we (democrats) can't get along and another R takes the white house!

Vote your conscience and stop listening to the garbage the media is spewing. Come on PEOPLE! You cannot give it to them again.

Any American who speakes before they ask themselves these questions about someone else' religion should be silent.

1. Are we not a country who values freedon of religion?
2. If we search for another religion are we condemned for it?

Of the three Democratic candidates, Barack Obama has more experience in elected public office. Obama 11 years, Clinton 7 years, Edwards, 6 years. He believes in Jesus Christ and has been a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church for over 20 years and attends there with his wife, Michelle and two children.

What I hear is anyone who says "I am not a Muslim" is not a Muslim. Denying Allah is a crime in Muslim societies, and you cannot rejoin Islam after insulting Allah. There are no 'stealth Muslims' who deny their religion to get better airplane seats or run for senator; what a crazy idea?

Look, you could pretend to be a Muslim, or a Buddhist, or an Elvis-worshipper from California in order to escape a bad situation, and you would be forgiven by Jesus according to the New Testament. Forgiveness is the heart of Christianity (I still say most Americans would rather argue with al-Qaeda than fight them, even now). Muslims don't get a do-over.

I would like to point out that Hillary Clinton's spokesperson "Mo" Elleithee's real name is Mohammad. I suppose the Clinton machine's Muslim spokesperson had no problem with these rumors against Obama once everyone just knew him as "Mo."

If you don't like the flack Obama is getting now, just wait until the Republicans get a hold of him.
How will he hold up then?

Obama supporters better get a grip. The Clinton campaign is not the one spreading these "Muslim" rumors. That would be the kiss of death if Hillary wins the Democratic nomination. The people spreading these rumors are.......THE REPUBLICANS! Seem surprised? Well, don't be. And there will be much more of this coming Obama's way in the very near future. I believe this Republican Neo-con group originates from Florida.
Back off of the in-fighting and get focused on the real enemy. Hillary Clinton already has. This is a prime example of why Obama is not ready to be President. He can't even provide the proper guidance necessary to re-direct his constituents in the right direction, to focus their anger against the Republicans spreading this Muslim thing around. If Obama wins, I will vote for him but he still is not ready for the Presidency. Hillary is, whether you like it or not.

Medicine does not have to taste good, in order for it to be good for you!

How many times is CNN going to rewrite the issue? It's been on here every day forever. Could we please move on now? It's a dead issue with voters with a speck of brain material left in their heads!! Don't dumb us down CNN or you will force me to watch FOX.
God help us all

Take on the Corrupt Clinton Machinery Obama. The whites, Blacks, Latinos, Asians et all are proud of you. You are the voice of the people of USA!

this is getting really nasty. HOwever it was getting very nasty for HIllary too not too long and she stuck it out. Obama is little too thin skin for this kind of stuff. This is just a start how is he going to handle rest of the pressure if he can't handle this.

nirosha January 22, 2008 6:50 pm ET

What is Barak Obama's middle name? and when h was sworn into office what did he use? the Bible or the Kuran?

RE: When he was sworn in he used his families personal bible, from his house. He made mention of this in the last Democratic debate in South Carolina. And for FYI information on all canidates spreads beyond these blogs. All you have to do is google the information. Everything is not so much a conspricy as these blogs and post make them to be. If you did a little research into the question you would be surprised how easy it is to obtain it. And his middle name, again google it.

EVERY Democrat or Independent voting in Saturday's primary better wake up and get it together NOW! Take a good hard look at the 3 major front-runners in this primary and cast your vote not only for who will make the best nominee for the party, but the best person who will be able to defeat the Republicans, and lead this country both internally and externally. The next President will set the tone for the direction this country will move in and will face some very very serious decisions. See beyond all the polls, the press, the pundits and educate yourself. Don't vote for someone because Oprah says so, don't vote for someone you feel bound be gender/race/religion, vote for the person that has the most leadership, integrity, and intelligence to get the job done in the best interest of the American people!

To: Nancy,

Who are you getting your information from?? Who said Obama wouldnt pledge the flag- or goes to a church that doesnt allow whites?? This is the exact reason why the media and tabloids are so dangerous- because there are people out there gullible enough to believe just about anything they read or hear !!

In regards to the flag issue- maybe you are thinking of the lapel flag that all members of US Government and candidates are wearing. He stated that he did not feel that by wearing the flag on his lapel or not did it represent his patriotist- and I dont blame him- people only started doing it after 9/11- I was a NY resident in 9/11, my brother almost died in tower 2- and I dont need to where a flag on my clothes or my car to keep memory of those who didnt survive 9/11, or to honor this country or our soldiers- I honor them by standing up for them- I honor them by electing a president who will bring honor back to our country. Flags and bumper stickers are nice and all but I want a president that does more than than appear to be patriotic- Actions speak far louder than words, pins, stickers etc... as for the church- even if the man's church is has mostly african american patrons- I am sure if a person of a different race wanted to worship with them- they wouldnt be denied access to God's word- just think of the obsurdness of what you are buying into.

I really do hope and pray that people really take the time to learn about the candidates. I am not telling you to vote for Obama- its a personal preference- but don't not vote for him or anyone else based on rediculous accusations that once spoken out loud sound even more obsurd. Now is the time that mudslinging will be at its best- please keep an open mind and think logically- and do your research yourself. There is always three sides to every news report- The reporters version, the candidates version and the TRUTH. Research for the truth- dont believe all the hype!!
Look at our country- and our sad excuse for a President- that is what happens when you vote blindly!!

To all who are so emotionally involved, instead of being calm, smart, and thoughtful.

By now, you all know or are programmed by the media to know that Obama and Clinton are rivals. So immediately who do you think behind all this when Obama complained that he's wrongfully labeled as a Muslim.

Of course, most of you'd think Clinton's supporters do these behind-the scene work, right!? Then you'd be so angry, right? then you'd be turned off if you were previous Clinton's supporter, right? or you'd turn to Obama if you're undecided, right?

That's what Obama's campaign want you to think and react.... they pretend not knowing the answer of 2 plus 2, but rather give you the gratification by finding it all by yourselves.

Of course, they surely know that we're all raised and taught that discrimination is bad...whether it's a discrimination on race or religion...that we can't accept even just a smell of it. Very smart tactic, indeed!

I decide to stay out of this because I know these tactics have been used all along not just by Obama, but from any.

Apparently I am having problems being politically correct enough for CNN to post MY OPINION on the Obama muslim/Christian BS that is circulating.
Please keep in mind this is MY OPINION and not intended by any means to be a statement of fact!
With that being stated, let me try once more
IN MY OPINION :
I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that every time something negative comes up about Obama it will be Clinton's fault. I'm not quite sure if people realize Hillary is the one running for office and not Bill anyway.
I didn't see anywhere in the article of him taking the issue of not saying the pledge or saluting the flag "head on"
I do my own research because I for one find the media biased. Very sad and shame on you CNN!! I THINK CNN wants Obama in the White House and only report positively about him. If the Clintons sneeze it some how becomes a racial issue. I really don't understand Americans anymore.
What happened to making up your own minds about a leader and not being cattle led to slaughter? Don't back a candidate based on color or gender.. vote for the one that you believe will do the job the best!

Trinity United Church Of Christ . Look it up… and make sure you click on the about us link on the left side. It is very informative on the beliefs and practices of their Christian religion. Let the facts speak for themselves.

So ridiculous....it is obvious this garbage is coming out of the Clinton campaign.

Obama is upfront and straight forward. He has said many times that he is Christian. I cannot believe people believe these rumors.

Obama has brought so much positivity and a new generation of voters to the DNC that if he is not the nominee, the DNC WILL lose a large number of supporters.

They have two fundamentally different views in their governing styles. Obama is for OPEN and TRANSPARENT government, not taking money from special interest groups. HRC is for special interest groups. This is THE MOST important issues because it ends up affecting HOW the people's interests are being represented in D.C.

I was a long supporter of the Clintons and believe Hillary could do the job. But, what our country needs right now is a unifier, who can build relationships across party lines, without the baggage of the past, special interests groups, etc... Furthermore, I am shocked at the campaign of the Clintons. They are turning off voters.

HRC did NOT have top level security clearance as first lady in the white house. She could not sit in on national security meetings, nor did she get a daily intelligence report. She cannot claim that experience. Obama has THE best opportunity to beat a republican. The GOP is just waiting to pounce on HRC if she won the nomination.

We need new ideas, new faces, a fresh breath back into the DNC.

Let move forward and not take us back to an old era.

OBAMA '08!

Robyn
Ft. Lauderdale,FL

Did it ever occur to you that neither the Clintons or the Republicans are "behind this" but that there are individual Americans that have researched this and found things questionable. The website for his church is disturbing to say the least, "allegiance to Africa"?? I thought he was trying to run the United States of America. Obama doesn't like what gets said and its all about race. Well, race is an issue here, like it or not. That last debate had all 3 of them stumbling over themselves courting black voters, they weren't worried about white voters. Listen to his wife give speeches. I am of Dutch-Irish ancestry but I am JUST AN AMERICAN. Why do people insist on being labeled black American or mexican American or the green toed American for that matter. If they truly are looking for equality they should be satisfied being AMERICAN. I sure didn't see this much sympathy /apathy for Mr. Romney concerning his being a Mormon.
I loath the Clintons, but I would vote for Hillary in a heartbeat over Obama, he scares me.

It's easy to see from a number of the comments above that there is no shortage of people willing to believe absurd and baseless rumors - not simply those circulating about Obama's faith. I mean, for example, those claiming here that Hillary Clinton is the source of the rumors about Obama, or that freedom of religion will fall under a second Clinton administration.

Good grief, people. Where is your proof? Where is the basis for such irrational notions? It's as foolish to believe any of that as it is to believe that Obama is a Muslim.

I despair about the future of America knowing that so many voters fail to properly inform themselves about the facts and instead so readily believe and repeat the most transparently false urban legends.

The emails are ridiculous! I have been asked about them and have redirected to scopes.com search "Who is Barack Obama." There is an excellent True/False article refuting these emails at this site.

However, I will vote Hillary 08!

Obama is in the center of the clinton Storm

He poised with his supporter

The polls around the country are dropping on hillary.

Rant Rant as you may

Only Truth can come out the victor today

Change by the people

Obama 08

I find it unAmerican to strictly vote for a party rather than a person. Forget the Republican and Democratic parties and vote who you believe in. Not to mention, as a Democrat, why should I support a Democrat nominee that I do not believe in. . . . . cough, Hillary Clinton, cough. If Obama doesnt get the nod, we should draft him as a 3rd party candidate. He attracts Democrats, Republicans, and Independants. My loyalties are to my principals and my country. Nothing can be accompliched with a 51% majority. .. . . . . look at Congress.

If Obama is not the Dem nominee, he should run as himself.

I had begined to balieved . that we had got over dirty politics' but after watching the Dem. debates i saw and herd the same old game.i wish they would sotp cutting each other down,and tell more about how they are going to lead this country now that would be a real change. by the way iam a dem.

Anybody who would vote against Senator Obama based solely on his religion doesn't deserve the right to vote. Period.

No one knows if the emails about his faith and the photos of Obama not saluting the flag came from the Clinton camp. And if you accuse them without proof, then you are guilty of the same mudslinging you are critizing. How can you say that a President's faith is not important? A person's faith guides their life and all the decisions they make, a Muslim and a Christian will always use different principles to guide their choices.

I am female, white and an independant. This the first time I regret not being able to vote in a primary. Barak Obama is my man and my husband's too. He stands for everything we believe in. CHANGE!!!

Can't help but wonder if Hillary and Bill aren't a tag team. He makes the comments and she can deny she made them, but the words have been spoken.

She and her husband are deceptive people.

Here is hoping we will get an honest, educated man for President.

Apparently I am having problems being politically correct enough for CNN to post MY OPINION on the Obama muslim/Christian BS that is circulating.
Please keep in mind this is MY OPINION and not intended by any means to be a statement of fact!
With that being stated, let me try once more
IN MY OPINION :
I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that every time something negative comes up about Obama it will be Clinton's fault. I'm not quite sure if people realize Hillary is the one running for office and not Bill anyway.
I didn't see anywhere in the article of him taking the issue of not saying the pledge or saluting the flag "head on"
I do my own research because I for one find the media biased. Very sad and shame on you CNN!! I THINK CNN wants Obama in the White House and only report positively about him. If the Clintons sneeze it some how becomes a racial issue. I really don't understand Americans anymore.
What happened to making up your own minds about a leader and not being cattle led to slaughter? Don't back a candidate based on color or gender.. vote for the one that you believe will do the job the best!

Chicago’s Trinity United Church Of Christ is the Church Obama belongs to. Look it up… and make sure you click on the about us link on the left side. It is very informative on the beliefs and practices of their Christian religion. Let the facts speak for themselves.

I think there is no difference between some Americans and tribalists we have here in Africa. In Africa they use tribe and religion to influence people's voting patterns. I thought Americans were above this. Obama's mother is a white isn't that good enough?

Jon Schenkemann New York, NY,

Don't start that garbage, there is no proof he ever was Muslim

Have those who are offering up one negative snipe after the other ever thought that no matter who is running for office they'd be dissatisfied. Some people are unhappy about any number of things and scapegoat other people to release the wrath that they have against themselves and their own lives. I suggest everyone open their mind that none of these candidates - Dem or Repub - are going to meet your every need, taste, or desire. These people have strengths and weaknesses just like every human being, you and me alike. The candidates are not running a friendship contest, competing to be our friend, sup at our table or marry into the family. Back off and shut up and LISTEN an LEARN about their character, their work philosphy, their voting record, their life history and family history and their position on the issues that face this country - the economy, health care coverage, education, immigration, the war, the justice system, govt mismanagement, etc. Show them respect for at least stepping forward to be considered for the presidency and give them credit for their achievements whatever they may be. So far the electorate sounds like a lot of bickering children complaining about every thing under the sun as far as the candidates are concerned. Use a level head, study/read and get educated about the candidates rather than go on a rant about what you don't like about them or worse spread lies or deliberately make misleading statements. Let's show some dignity in this process. If we want a dignified, well-educated, capable leader to represent us, then we should expect no less from ourselves.

To all those people claiming it was the Clinton campaign – there's a good chance it's not.

All the republican powers that be (in the party are throwing their weight behind McCain. This is because McCain, according to polling, has the best chance of beating both Hilary and Obama. Right now, he matches favorably (up 2-12% againt hilary and about even (from about 5% up to 5% down) vs. Obama. It's just as possible that the GOP is behind these attacks, to get the "weaker" Dem candidate to face [what will be McCain].

Just a thought.

Erik Viker,
The U.S Consitution Does state that. But it restrict Gov't from asking that question. But the U.S. Citizen has the right every which question it want to a person running for president . That right is protected by 1st Amendment.

When ppl like JFK were asked about his religous belief then i thinks its fair game. I am stanuch believer in all the Amendent of the U.S. Cons. and Separation of Religion and Gov't. By know what person believes i can make judgment if that person is Presidential or not.

HRC won't beat John McCain. It will be funny to watch actually. Can't use that 35 years of experience or her Rose Law Firm and Walmart Board experience against McCain.

Will people give Obama a second look in 2012? That will be the big question.

I sure hope the Obama campaign reads some of these blogs. They need to get in the face of Bill Clinton and let Barack do what he does best, inspire people to do better. I can't believe that smart people actually believe this crap about Senator Obama. We all know what the Clintons are capable of doing, just look at what they did for 8 years in the White House. The thought of Bill Clinton back in the White House makes me want to take a shower.

Obama says this is the "United States of America". Hillary and Bill infer that Muslim is bad, black is bad, living in the inner city of Chicago is bad, saying anything good about another person, BAD. She criticized Bush for pandering to the Saudis and called him pathetic. Does she and Bill think taking Saudi money is pathetic?? Can she maybe get the price of oil lowered with their being in bed together? Oh, I forgot, that is a Muslim nation and they must be bad even though their money is good. She is pathetic!

We have the right to worship in ANY WAY WE CHOOSE or will that change too under the Clinton administration.

Maybe they can form a new band "Smears for Fears" and sing about ruling the world.

not all Black will vote for Obama stating with me as one sorry, I do have a lot of respect for the guy, but he just not ready to be a president Mcain will eat him alive.

This constant biggering between Obama and Hillary and their supporters makes me so sick to my stomach that I am just gonna vote republican or independent if there will be someone.

REMMBER OBAMA MR>BILL CLINTONIS NOT RUNING FOR OFFICE ,HE IS AND NOT .NO WHAT I TALKING ABOUT.GET BACK TO WHAT YOU RUNING THAT WHERE IT AT .DO NOT FORGET THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY TRYING TO SET YOU UP,BIG TIME.SIT BACK AND THINK ABOUT WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!PLEASE LOOK AT THIS!!!!! DO NOT FALL FOR IT OK .THE TV PEOPLE ARE IN ON IT, TWO THINK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

there you go. Clinton, who says she cares about blacks in south carolina, flys out to california to get an edge on obama, and leaves her husband to get the black vote in south carolina.

SEND HER A MESSAGE, WE ARE NOT AS STUPID AND YOU AND BILL THINK!!!!
VOTE OBAMA!!!

BILLARY IS AN ACIDIC DIVISIVE FIGURE, A TWO HEADED MONSTER.

BILLARY IS DISHONEST.

BILLARY IS GREEDY.

BILLARY HAS AN EGO BIGGER THAN TEXAS.

Let us join our hearts and minds and voices and bring a positive, uplifting, experienced, and honest candidate to the highest job in the world.

Don't we need that now?

I have lot of respect for Obama, But he'll not get my vote

Above comment is directed towards first post in thread.

My name is Steve.

That's not true, and I just wrote it down.

The polls are RIGHT!

Hillary supporters are really uneducated...Probably never been to school. Only thing they know is blindly follow the Hill-Harry.

Obama's spiritual adviser, J Wright gave Trumpeter Award to a man it said "truly epitomized greatness. Louis Farrakhan. maybe for Wright and some others, Farrakhan "epitomized greatness." For Americans, Farrakhan epitomizes racism, particularly in the form of anti-Semitism. Over the years, he has compiled an awesome record of offensive statements, even denigrating the Holocaust by falsely attributing it to Jewish cooperation with Hitler "They helped him get the Third Reich on the road." His history is a rancid stew of lies. Any praise of Farrakhan heightens the prestige of the leader of the Nation of Islam. His anti-Semitism and particularly his false insistence that Jews have played an inordinate role in victimizing African Americans.
Farrakhan's dream has vilified whites and singled out Jews to blame for crimes large and small, either committed by others as well or not at all. (A dominant role in the slave trade, for instance.) He has talked of Jewish conspiracies to set a media line for the whole nation. He has reviled Jews in a manner that brings Hitler to mind. And yet Wright heaped praise on Farrakhan. According to Trumpet, he applauded his "depth of analysis when it comes to the racial ills of this nation." He praised "his integrity and honesty." He called him "an unforgettable force, a catalyst for change and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and his purpose." These are the words of a man who prayed with Obama just before the Illinois senator announced his run for the presidency. Will he pray with him just before his inaugural?
The New York Times recently reported on Obama's penchant while serving in the Illinois legislature for merely voting "present" when faced with some tough issues. Farrakhan, in a strictly political sense, may be a tough issue for him. This time, though, "present" will not do.

"I have trouble believing that Clinton, Obama, Romney, and Giuliani care about the American people. They have raised 90 million, 80 million, 60 million, and 45 million respectively."

They have no choice. Until the people DEMAND public financing, candidates have no choice: raise money to be heard, or don't win. It's that simple.

Instead of belittling candidates stuck in the system, demand that your representatives vote for public financing.

really its the people they should care about
not ones beliefs
what does beliefs have to do with how Obama is going to help the community

Why is Obama so against Muslims?? I might be missing the point, but if someone said he was Lutheran would he still be acting this way?? Everyone is equal, everyone is the same, but he is having a fit over being called a Muslim??

Hmmm...funny how Hillary doesn't know where the rumor's originated!

I used to like Obama, but he lost his cool. He's prefernce for personality attack is obvious as he lacks in substance on the issues. I am no huge fan of Hilary, but I was proud she responded to Obama and I am glad she's calling him on his record. We need to know who he is and what he has done other than being a great rhetorician. I used to like Obama, before I realized his only appeal is emotional, there is no substance, no content to his policy soundbytes. I am fed up with great talkers, I need to see WHAT and HOW these candidates are going to do to bring us back into a modern civilized world. Metaphors, pathos, soundbytes and platitudes are simply not going to do it. Wake up Dems, before you send us into pre-history with pathetic squabblings and rants. Drop the metaphors and bring in the facts. Got it?

How many of these comments are coming from Ms. Clinton's office to fuel the fire?!
Senator Obama, you are a composed, rational & most intellingent person. You are the best candidate & you have my vote.

I agree with several writers. I don't want an inexperienced politician running the country. We need a person who is used to running a large entity with business acumen and world wide experience and knowledge. Just because Barrack Hussein Obama is an engaging speaker who appeals to young people does not make him a good President. The Democrats are coming up short this election and this worries me. As a Democrat, I can't go for either Clinton or Obama.

'Barack started this attack on the night of the last debate'

Jimmy in Springfield: The Clinton tag-team started laying in to Obama before the Iowa caucus. As soon as the numbers started slipping in the polls, they pulled the gloves off and went on the attack.
They don't even care if what they said was true, as the subject of this article proves, too many people believe enything and everything they read; "If it's on the Internet, it must be true."
We don't need someone in the White House that feels entitled to be there, we need someone that's humble and grateful to the American people for giving them the opportunity.

That was an terrible display of mean politics and smearing at the debate...we as a people looked awful. The continuing remarks are proof we've become proud to walk with smear on our faces. Would it be a shock to anyone if perhaps the ones behind this tactic are not from either party and 'we' have willingly and eagerly played into this game of manipulation. What a good laugh some are having as we took the bait of the 'feeding frenzy'. Why now discount the era of 'Clinton'? How easily we forget the hard working 'political machine' during his whole term...that threw everything at him including the kitchen sink at every second. Clinton fought 'every minute' and the machine was unyielding, unrelenting, with endless distractions and roadblocks in trying to prevent him from getting his job done...he stuck to the core of the basic Democratic principles...that all people are equal and deserve to live with dignity, prosperity and to never accept anything less than all the basic human and American rights that should be afforded to every single one of us. And in all this constant domestic battle all it took was a cigar...and Hillary rose above that; wiped the smear from her face and continued to work with her head and heart for Americans in the red and blue zones whose voices she heard. Kudos for her for her courage to stand up, wipe the smear(s), and to show all of us that we all must continue too and not cower...I wished I had her in my school yard; but we have her in our country to be on our side...to get the job done.

Honorable Senator Barack Hussein Obama is not a Muslim.
He is a Christian now ok.
He says he is not a muslim so why can't we all just believe him and move on.
I mean we know technically he is born a Muslim beacuse his father is a Muslim that is a fact in Muslim religion, just like you are Jewish if your mother is Jewish that is just a fact.
But why can't we keep the religion out of politics. Let us bring Hope and unite the country. Let us hope that the Republicans and the Democrats will come together in November and unite the country. Lets us Hope and hope and hope. Hope is all we have

This message goes out to everyone that has any respect for humans. We (humans) would like to throw negative forces at any canidate that we don't like for one reason are the other. Yes, we should displays positive behavior at all times and make good intelligent decisions at all time. But for whatever reason we made a bad decision, should we be accountable for it the rest of our life. God doesn't operate in that matter, human does. As christian, we should be forgiving. We all have done or said something that is not of God. Your religion title is not important. Do you believe in God.? Do you pray and seek what he has to say? I voted for Bill Clinton, I believed he made some positive changes. Check his record. I love Bill and Hillary. Will I vote for Hillary? "no." Why, because I believe Obama has a better plan. Not because Hillary is not a good candidate, I believe that she is. I also believe that Obama is a stronger candidate when it comes to certain battles. Let stop throwing mud and focus on what is better for this country. A positive change for everyone future. Obama if any of the allegations that are being made against you are true, not for presidency, but , because you are a man of God, please make them right. My prayer gones out to all the candidates.

I often hear round table discussions about how the clintons are in danger of alienating black voters with their negative campaign tactics. What everyone is failing to realize is that Obama is garnering approximately 40 percent of the white vote nationwide; they too will be disenfranchised and not motivated when november comes if the clintons strong arm their way to the nominatioin. I am a white person who normally votes with the democrats. I will not vote for the clintons if they win the nomination; notice i said they. There are tens of millions of democratic voters like me in this country, who feel very strongly in this manner. The democrats are about to score the winning touchdown…for the other team.

if hillary wins the nomination for president...i guess i will have to vote "present" and vote for no one...

Almost two months ago I warned Sen. Obama how dangerous the Clintons are. Both Hillary and Bill will destroy their competitor's image through false innuendos, deceptions and lies. Please do not underestimate the carnage the Clintons can unleash. Through political connections and skillful maneuvering, they are able to erase their scandals from the past and fabricate an elaborate attack on Obama. Kudos to the Clintons– give credit where credit is due.

Obama brings honesty, integrity and hope to all Americans. But in the end, the Clintons can twist this election into black vs. white. They will be elected (and please note that I said "they") and this country will be more divided than ever at a time where our national security and economy is most fragile and vulnerable. This is very sad!

"Johnny Canuck"

Your point about the western (European) democracies not being concerned as much about religion is TRUE, and well-taken.

However, if a candidate raises the issue of their religion, it should be fair game to PERUSE it. Obama HAS brought it up in the past, and did comment about "Jesus Christ," etc. during the last debate.

Given our (America's) religious history (the Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution in old Europe, etc.) and our founding Constitution acknowledging a deity (albeit unspecified which) Creator, it would be naive of any Candidate running for President to ignore religion altogether.

I am not saying they should preach to us (God forbid), but it should be OK for them to be FORTHRIGHT about any religious issues/beliefs that MAY CONFLICT with their performance of their duty as President of these United States of America, given the FERVENT NATURE of deeply-held religious beliefs.

It is well-known that Jehovah's Witnesses, for instance, have serious issues with pledging allegiance to any nation's flag. Now, while they are free to practice their religion, any one who clearly cannot SALUTE or PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE to the American Flag WILL NOT GET MAJORITY OF AMERICANS' VOTES.

Period.

Sen. OBAMA: Please Come Clean.

The Clintons will do and say anything to get elected. Once again I ask: Were Bill Clinton's pardons for sale? Why isn't anyone asking that question?

zhuguangping January 22, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Can he explain his middle name?

You mean that he coincidentally has the same name of a deposed leader?

Can you explain yours, zhuguangping?

To the individuals speaking about Obama putting his hand on his heart during the Pledge of Alligance, the picture was taking after the Alligance was finished. Secondly G.W Bush 1&2 and the Clinton(s) said the pledge of alligance with hand over heart and they all sold the US out to the highest bidder what does that say? He doesn't wear a flag pin so what? I don't either. My significant other who is a soldier doesn't wear one unless it is on his uniform. So what are we unpatriotic? Educate yourself and make educated decisions not based off of rumors or someone's religious beliefs ie Bush 2 tauting his Christian beliefs in both elections and getting in office literally becoming the devil incarnate.

I'm almost laughing (almost)... it's simply absurd how ignorant many people in this country are. We're America – aren't we supposed to do better then this? The fact that people believe this type of thing reminds me of the old Red State letter that circulated a while back.... so sad.

Being muslim, or not isn't the issue. It's whether Obama can lead the country without Sharpton meddling in everytime someone disagrees with Obama. Sharpton is only hurting Obama by all his race talk. Sharpton is a divider and Obama needs to speak out against Sharpton's bigotry–and that would impress and win votes. Especially mine.

The media is also fueling this issue and needs to focus on the real issues like the economy and how Bush has us in the situation we are in.

We need change .

I agree with Colonel Ray. I do not trust a person who does not recognize the bible and the national anthem. This man is a wolf in sheep clothing.
Anyone who believe what Farrakan says is not on the american side or the flag for what it stands for.
I for one will not vote for Obama and believe he is such a liar. So far he has not said what kind of change he wants. I am sure the change will not be for America.
Just be careful American what you wish for because you may be in a war right here on our own soil.
This would be the perfect way to corrupt American and all it stands for by having this man as president.
I hope we are not gullible to this man and if he sold drugs what makes you think he would not sell this country down the drain.

Oh please.................

Jimmy said: "Would he bet that if I attacked Michelle he would not stand up?"
I guess he's as confused as the rest of us on just which Clinton is running for the presidency.

You don't what you're talking about, Mary. Obama is a christian. He has been with the same church for 20 years. Why would he hide his religion for 20 years, if he was a muslim! You people are soap opera nut balls, serisously. "

Any lie that is thrown out there by the media, and the opposition, you easily accept as the truth. it's election time people. the public is displaying such a lack of critical thinking that it scares me.

Anyway, vote for somone with charecter enough to run an honest campaign.

Vote for Obama in 2008!

If Obama loses the nominee, I would rather see a Clinton/Edwards run for President/Vice President. Obama has messed up his chance even for VP. The truth has come to light.

To imply that any politician is honest (including Mr. Obama) is naive pure and simple.

I don't care what lies are flung where because they are all lies! From Clinton or Obama or Edwards. That’s what politicians do. Those of us who have been 18 for longer than 10 years (read: pre-bush) know that none of this matters.

The only real question is "Can this person do the job?"

The fact is Obama can't do the job. Edwards maybe... It will take someone who can stand up to all the politicians in Washington AND all the politicians elsewhere in the world that want to see the USA fail! In other words it will take a slimy dishonest manipulator to get it done! That's REAL politics!

Hillary is obviously the best choice for the nomination precisely for all the reasons why Obama "Fans" Hate her.

Most of the people posting here are young. I can tell.

Actual this entire topic needs to be put to rest. Faith should be and must be returned to a non topic in politics. Thank the republicans for equating themselves with God and democrats as godless liberals intent on ruining the "moral fiber" of the United States (this started with Regan campaign in the 80's). I would love to see a candidate when asked about their faith respond back with "I dont ask you about when you have sex with your spouse, I'll mind my business and you mind yours". The minute a candidate starts stumping on their faith then they should be removed from running for office at any level, state or federal.

Seperation of church and state is fundamental seperate the candidates from their faith and their politics. Then correct decisions based on the letter of the law for the will of the people and the good of our country will be made.

Do we not have any type of crisis facing us that should be swept aside with concerns on where someone goes to practice their faith. Oh I forgot, $600 tax credit makes the world allright again...

The fact of the matter is if Hillary win's the nomination John McCain will be president.

This why,
Hillary depends on the democratic base and did not broaden the base.
Hillary do not attack independents
Most of the new democratic voters are anybody but Hillary voters (they are voting for Obama or Edwards now.
And you and I know she just energize the republican base.
SO all Hillary has is the democratic base.

John McCain is likeable, he might not have the republican base now but with Hillary he would not have to ask and they will show up.
Independents like John McCain.
And do not forget the new democratic voters who are anybody but Hillary voter.

Guess what, John Kerry lost to GWB because of this same scenario. John Kerry did not broaden the base. Carl Rove did (he brought in evangelicals and independents)

One there other hand, Obama being smart broaden the base, brought in the anybody but Hillary voters, independents and some republicans as his base. So in the general election all he needs is the democratic base and he wins.

I'm a Democrat, and I'll vote for George W Bush for a third term before I ever vote for Hillary Clinton.

Many voters do care (although they should not). That's why the Clintons send these rumors out. These dirty tricks have always, always, always worked with voters that have a short attention span.

For my part, I will even vote for a republican candidate if Billary would be the the democratic nominee. I would even donate for a republican campain.

The past election have been cliff hangers for us Democrats with decent or somewhat decent candidates ... the blast from the past, back to the future will not cut it this time. If we look back and are afraid to reach out we all will be stuck.

A Billary on the ticket would sink the boat ... the good news would be that there will be another election in 4 years. I am not sure how much would be left of the Democratic Party after a post-Bush defeat though ...

OBAMA 08 !

Frank

OMG, They let you people vote!?!?!

Muslim or not what difference does it make??? Is he less of a man for being a muslim? what do we say about the other billion people who are muslim?

We are a nation of immigrants who unite under one flag, One Nation Under God . Until now we thought only White men had the right to be President of the United States. We have a chance to shatter that myth. I hope in the end we'll have the courage to elect Barack as the next President of the United States. He's more than qualified and his opponents are using all the dividing tactics they can think of to try to stop this man... It's sad and yet typical.

Who cares what religion he is...but the problem is probably coming from the fact that his middle name is Hussein....He would have been a bit smarter to have changed it if he knew he had ambitions to be President of the United States...but there is such a fear after 9/11 of anything that has to do with Islam and the middle east...............In that interview did he touch on the subject of his middle name?? I know it was his fathers middle name...but as he says he had no part in his life growing up...so then my question is....why keep that name..????? It is causing a lot of problems for him.....Bush didn't help by telling the whole world and especially the American people that Sadaam Hussein was a terrorist who was going to destroy the United States of America.....and inferred that he was part of the bombing on 9/11...of which he was not.....but you know as well as I do that a lot of Americans still believe Bush's lies..........................................

Yamaka....my school records do not show my religious status.

Geri,

that is not true. He has stated that his mother is white and father black, but in this country, if you are any part black, you are black. It is very wrong, but that is how it is in this country. Plus he has not been stating he is black either, he is saying he is an American and skin color does not matter.

This proves to me that some Americans will believe anything.. Obama is a christian. People pushing this rumor or any other rumor are voting for the Billary anyway..

Hillary supporters should be ashamed of themselves for using Barack's middle name against him and corrupting his first name to Osama. I have seen this over and over from Hillary supporters on the ticker.

Its not that I believe the Clintons would approve of these derogatory statements, its just that I find it sad how low alledged democrats will sink to slander a fellow democrat. If you are using this kind of hateful language you don't belong in the democratic party (Jimmy, Springfield ILL).

What is even more troubling to me is the vast amount of uneducated people who believe this just because it is spoken.

This doesn't matter too much.

Whatever moron thinks Obama is a muslim because of an email, probably wouldn't be voting Democrat anyways.

"He's not a muslim, OK, OK we understand that – who cares? Can Obama explain being a so called prominent member of a radical church with a spiritual adviser who endorses and promotes racists? I think that's the bigger question here – a champion of equality with the guidance of a racist? Interesting."

We need a fact check on asile ten! Look it up. It isn't true. The church nor it's leadership promotes racism.

This is obviously REPUBLICAN subterfuge. Let the Democrats fight like dogs over the table scraps and bones that are sling to them, only for the fat cat Republicans to feast come election day. Why do we do we let this happen to us all the time? Why?!

Oh, God we're such an easy and gullible group aren't we.....we listen and accept the crap out of the mouths of media, religious fanatics, politicians, etc. etc.....it's time to put our brains back in business.....

Nobody cares.

Even if he was a muslim–that should make no difference.

"I also agree with Bob W from NY. He may have converted to Christianity, but at one time he was a Muslim."

That is NOT what I said. You are not born into Islam, you choose to Islamic. They don't even have a "conversion". If you want to be a Muslim, you practice the faith. If you don't want to be a Muslim, you are not one.

Please don't misquote me.

"John from NC" said: Folks, these are FAIR questions to ask of ANY Presidential Candidate of ANY COUNTRY or democracy, not just the United States of America.

Actually John, they're neither fair nor typical of what any candidate would be asked in any real secular democratic country. The obsessive concern with the religious beliefs of political candidates is a phenomenon exclusive to the United States and other religious theocracies. Look at election coverage from Britain, France,
Australia, Canada, etc. and see if you hear candidates talking about their faith in Jesus Christ. Faith should be a personal matter. In America, it's political.

Thank you Erick about the information on Obama's father's tribe in Kenya, the Luo tribe. Obama's candidacy offers a great opportunity to learn more about Africa. In Obama's book, Dreams From My Father, his father, Barack, Sr., said all of Barack's siblings in Africa excelled in school so that reflects what you say about the Luos value of education. Also, Barack's father earned his PhD from Harvard. His mother, Ann Dunham, was a well-educated lady as well. Many people do not understand that Arabs infiltrated Africa, but that many Africans remained faithful to their own religions rather than adopt Islam. It would be helpful to hear from scholars about Africa's religious and general history in this regard and research the subject on our own as well.

It's o.k for everyone to condemn the Clintons whether they know if they started the e-mails or not. I could personally care less who started it. I'm tired of all the crap the Clintons are taking over Obama's whining & crying over everything that is said about him. He has no idea how to run a country, doesnt claim to be biracial, just wants to be the first black president. God help us all if that happens.

Barack started this attack on the night of the last debate. I watched it as he went straight on the attack against Hillary when asked an all together totally unconnected question. Then Hillary hits back and Barack's team of losers suddenly pounch on her. Months before the primaries, he had been attacking her left, right and center and when suddenly Bill shows up to defend his wife he cries foul. Would he bet that if I attacked Michelle he would not stand up? Then I guess it's better to vote for anyone else but Osama Hussein Barack.

I am sick and tried of all this talk about people wanting to know the candidate's policies. How many time will these candidates talk about their policies, JUST PAY ATTENTION AND YOU WILL HEAR THEM. They have had about 19 debates and if you still do not know what their policies are then you need to go back to school.

First of all CNN and their reporters are bias ....they clearly show they do not like the Clintons ... (they have showed and talked about Hilary when she was at the Coffee Shop ...when the person in the crowd asked her the question over and over >>>to try and breakdown her support ... she stood her ground and did not shed a tear ... I am proud of her standing among eight men ... to try to do good things for USA . .
She was great at the debate ... answered promptly did not seem to have to look for words as Obama did , he sometimes went around the question .
Question to him about Bill Clinton being the President for the Black people ,
this is where he showed his qualities .... by the answer he gave >>>
could he not have said thanks for the good things Bill was able to do for his fellowblack folks ? I am sure some Black people in the audience would have appreciated this by simply saying Great Job Bill . CNN -keeps showing Obama all the time , where's John and Hilary ... they only show when it's negative over and over .
About who is sending these Bad Rumours about OBAMA ... could it be the Republicians .... are trying to stir trouble among Hilary and Obama ...... ( this is one for you CNN to send your reporters out there to find out ) .....
What about the interview with Obama .... about the Ad .you guys are running this over and over looking for sympathy voters for Obama as he speaks of his Religion and the BIBLE .

CNN -Wolf and the gang .... give Hilary a break >>>>>>>>>>>>>she is a woman
well educated , and experienced .
They are all great people .... may the best one win .
Please do not leave out John Edwards .... give him some coverage too , he is a good man . I am not a supporter of any one ... just views CNN >. Question for you . If Obama wins , do you think he would do like Bush and chose someone outside ( like Chenney to tell him what to do ?) as he does not have the experience

Obama is a muslim or a christian, is not that important.
Obam claimed to be a Uniter ??? Are you, Mr. Obama? You can not even unite your own party. You broke them apart. You divided us as a nation more than ever.
Mr. Obama,
- We're color blind. Stop telling us your "true" color.
- We're color blind but we're not deaf. Don't shout but if you shout, we need to hear the real issue, real solution.
- We're color blind but we're not brainless. Stop defend yourself. We need the leader to defend us.
After all, you're not the inspirational person as you claimed... You're not different from them (the politics). You're just ONE of them.

Hillary was 17yrs old when she helped in the Goldwater campaign.
Ronald Regan’s speech “A Time for Choosing” is one of the top 100 speeches of the 20th Century. It’s worth reading – also it was his stump speech in 1964 for Barry Goldwater.

Oh, and Hillary’s speech to the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women’s Rights in Beijing China (1995), “Women’s Rights are Human Rights”, it made the top 100 list also, it’s #35.

Just Google for top American speeches of the 20th century. There are several different sources.

Head On? Remember, once you cast your vote – they will not give it back, they will not give it back.

The Clintons' tag-team wrecking crew reminds me of why I was so READY to see the Clintons leave the White House. If she's going to run on 35 years experience as the wife of Bill Clinton, then she's going to have to answer to some of his decisions. Hey, Wolfe Blitzer, why don't you ask Hillary this: Were Bill Clinton's pardons for sale?

Oh, bravo Mary, well said! That was sarcasm if you couldn't tell.

The funniest thing about the Clinton supporters....they say "I would never vote for someone who can't take the pressure" – OMG....he's defending himself from the Clinton lie machine....he basically is setting the record straight....

Now...Hillary says "she is used to the attacks" – ummm...because they are true??

35 years experience....where?? as a surgeons wife?

Was on the board of directors of Walmart and a partner in the Rose Law Firm (btw...where they did a midnight shredding of documents they were being investigated for) – and this counts to Hillarys 35 years experience??

Supports licensing illegal aliens – and her healthcare plan will insure "everyone" – including the 12 million "illegal" aliens....its almost like saying someone shouldn't be punished for perjury ....wait...Bill Clinton never served a day in jail...so...I guess some people aren't (other than losing his license to practice law for 5 years)

Theres so much more....could you people please read up....

The people who believe these lies are probably the same people who believed the lies that have caused 3931 of our soldiers to die in Iraq.

What amazes me is you people don't grasp how utterly absurd it is that a country that is supposedly a secular democracy demands that it's political leaders proclaim their love of Jesus Christ.

In real democratic countries politicians who talk about their religion are, rightfully in my opinion, viewed with suspicion. In America it's a prerequisite to achieving political office. How sad.

I could care less what faith he is or if he even has one. He is the best man for the job.

I am sick of a do nothing congress and a President that runs on self -will , and that is what Clinton brings to the table.

Bea, thanks for the thoughtful comment!

Senator Obama will win South Carolina because of the emotional response of Blacks there. This will create a backlash among Whites and Hispanics.

Therefore, on Feb 5th he will lose big time. Obama is NOT a true Black American in a historical sense.

If Blacks support him because of his "race/color" then he will lose the support of ALL OTHERS in US.

Cheers.

About being muslim.

I am prejudice against any Relgion.
I am from NYC.
btw : If you forgot What Happened on 09/11/01 In NYC. I was there to see it up close. When Majority of Faith Leader are against ppl of west and other Religions that scares me a little. Read More about Barrack Hussein Obama church in chicago.

I AGREE WITH MARY AS OBAMA IS A LIAR . ALSO, HE STRONGLY COVERS UP SOMETHING IN HIS MIND BEFORE HE TRIES TO BE SELECTED AS A FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT. HE CAN HURT OUR AMERICA THEREFORE WE MUST NOT VOTE HIM!!!! VOTE FOR HILLARY AS HILLARY IS A CAPABLE EXPERIENCED WOMAN!!! OF COURSE, HE IS IMMATURE ANS NEED MORE GROWING UP!!!!
PRAY FOR HILLARY TO WIN FOR SOUTH CAROLINA!!!! NO WAY FOR OBAMA TO WIN FOR A BLACK FIRST PRESIDENT IN WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!

Why did Obama insist on using "THE CORAN" instead of the bible when he was sworn into office????????

I really hope Obama would not accept a VP slot with Hillary. Another CLinton administration would be full with just as much controversy as their first 8 years. They'er tied to so many shady people, not to mention the poor White House interns who'll have to run from Bill. Obama needs to stay far away from them or his reputation will really be ruined and he'll never be able to run again!

If Hillary is the nominee, I sure hope Bloomberg gets in.

The most powerful country in the history of the world with its people behaving like a third world country by falling again and again for lies and non factual story telling by the Clintons. Have we forgotten that it was a Clinton that looked the American people in the eyes on national television and stated that "I did not have sexual relations with that woman"(sic) When are Americans going to realise that the Clintons are power drunk and will stop at nothing to achieve this regardless who they hurt or drag down into the gutter. The Clinton Smear machine is alive and in high gear .Hillary is behaving like a spoiled child that if and when she doesn't get her way runs to daddy Bill and he unleashes his venemous attacks on her wrong doers until poor Hillarious Hillary gets her way,she believes that she's the rightful heir to the white house regardless of what the majority of Americans think. Maybe someday the people will see her for what she really is and elect a Republican again.

Obama's Muslim religion and Muslim connection was first brought up by Rush Limbaugh of the Radial Right Wing Attack Machine, and NOT by Hillary or Edwards.

Joyce memphis, tn

I completely Agree.

FEAR fuels bigotry. People are fearful after 9/11, Osama Bin Ladin created fear because of Jihad. The Patroit Act was inacted out of fear. Pearl Harbor made us fearful of all Japanese. Is it wrong to be fearful? Not unless, FEAR COST US OUR FREEDOMS.

Sen. Barack OBAMA can solve this problem simply by clarifying the key issues:

1. Did he/has he refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States ever before?

2. Does he consider the placing of one's hand on one's heart when the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is being said, contrary to his beliefs?

3. Come forth and be FORTHRIGHT about his relation to his father's (and step-father's) Muslim faith ... Did he "CONVERT" to Christianity, or was he ALWAYS a Christian? Not that there is anything wrong with either religion. JUST BE FORTHRIGHT, and answer the specific concerns that people have. That's all. Then fair-minded Americans can make up their own minds. Period.

Folks, these are FAIR questions to ask of ANY Presidential Candidate of ANY COUNTRY or democracy, not just the United States of America.

Obama "fans" will blame Hillary for anything. Well you can blame her for kicking NObama's butt when she kills him on Supre Tuesday!!!!!

Obama is not a muslim. His father was not a muslim, he belonged to the luo tribes that are found in East Tribe. I lived in Kenya for a while and i know for a fact, luos are not Muslims, they are christians. Never heard of a luo becoming a Muslim, that is unheard of in africa.

His first name Barack, means blessed in swahili language. His last name is obama, can be found used mostly in the Luo tribe, the tribe of his biological Father. Muslims use muhammed or suleiman or sheikh as there names.

Don't believe in dirty political tactics because he is the stronger candidate. most luos are doctors, scientist and i'm not surprised he's smart and has fore sight something that he must have inherited from his late father.

Google his tribe and you will learn more, don't let other people sling lies about him.

Mary, are you judging someone's Christianity? What kind of a Christian are you if only you are one. What kind of bible do you use?
If Jesus Christ was to judge all of us according to our deeds, only God know how many of us will enter heaven.

Even if he was a Muslim and changed to be a Christian, what is wrong with that? Isn’t this what this whole Christian thing is about, to speak to people who do not believe in Christ to believe he's the only way?

And even if he is a Muslim, how perfect are we, do we think us better human beings than Muslims?

No wonder some people do not think Christians do not live up to all this Christ talk

Christian this, Muslim that, whatta 'bout us atheists? Good christians. OMG. Everyone now, lets pray. This isn't about polotics anymore, it's about religion. Should change from President to Pope, or Supreme religous leader. Screw seperation of church and state. can us atheists have our own state when the chips have fallen?

As a member of the UCC, I strongly resent the accusations being thrown at Mr. Obama and at the United Church of Christ. The United Church of Christ is a wonderful, warm, welcoming, and all-inclusive church. The UCC is proud of it's many "firsts" in ordination (first woman, first black, first openly gay male). Our forebears were instrumental in the defense of the mutineers of the slave ship Amistad. An early member of my particular church was a signer of the Delcaration of Independence (William Ellery). At our last General Synod (also our 50th Anniversary of the UCC), Mr. Obama spoke eloquently of our responsibilities not only as Christians, but as American Citizens.

I'm proud to call him my brother in faith, but I would vote for him even if he were not. My choice of President looks not to his/her religion, but to what he/she can do for our country. I say the purveyors of this Muslim e-mail nonsense are appearing to be very desperate and terribly afraid of the refreshing change he would bring to our country. Perhaps if they did worked a little bit harder on their own homework they'd be spending less time trying to scare people.

"Vote for Real Change. Vote for Hillary or Edwards. Not for a fuzzy Change of Double Talk."

You have obviously not read his book, or it is over your head. Either way, double talk and fuzzy politics are Hillary's forte. This man has been nothing but honest, and talked about every issue that has come up during this race.

Hillary dodges every hot topic possible, and the press is simply afraid of pissing off Bill by really hitting her with the hard questions. Please! Bias? The press cannot ask Hillary tough questions for fear of losing any press access to her.

Real change comes through voters saying "we're tired of this," and choosing a candidate that does not support these tired attempts at slandering the opposition. By the way... why hasn't the Clinton camp come out and said "what Barack said is false?" Is it possible that there is truth to it? Notice she counters with an attack on him that is false instead of combatting the real point that he has made. It's clear as day that instead of discussing any attacks leveled against her (which are truthful and factual) she would rather misdirect in order to take the attention off of herself. It's a fairly old trick that has been used for centuries.

I have trouble believing that Clinton, Obama, Romney, and Giuliani care about the American people. They have raised 90 million, 80 million, 60 million, and 45 million respectively. What good will they do for the American people when they squander that much money slandering each other? I wouldn't vote for a candidate that doesn't understand the value of a dollar, and I urge other voters to do the same.

I have trouble believing that Clinton, Obama, Romney, and Giuliani care about the American people. They have raised 90 million, 80 million, 60 million, and 45 million respectively. What good will they do for the American people when they squander that much money slandering each other? I wouldn't vote for a candidate that has doesn't understand the value of a dollar, and I urge other voters to do the same.

I was sent a picture of Obama thru email a long long time ago that shows him, Clinton, Governor Bill Richardson of Mexico, and Ruth Harkin standing during the playing of the national anthem and everyone–except Obama–has their hand over their hearts. They say a picture speaks volumes and if this is any indication of what he is all about forget it. I also agree with Bob W from NY. He may have converted to Christianity, but at one time he was a Muslim. I was taught the” truth will set you free”. He needs to acknowledge his 'roots'. Candidates should know that you can not 'hide' anything. I will vote for the person I feel can change this country around and right now I am leaning towards Hillary. You folks who criticized her for showing emotions at one press conference should be ashamed. We all have emotions and should they hide them while on the campaign trail. We are humans and yes she showed the schedule she was keeping was catching up with her. That was NOT fake! Let's hear more of the issues that bother you and not who cried and who did not. After all folks even 'Jesus wept'. He even had emotions–imagine that!

since one being a muslim is a crime thatone must clear his name from?
Obama is acting as if he is called bad name or something... even people sending him such e-mails are acusing him of being muslim as if they are acusing him of murder or something..... thats STUPED

Who is who? I don't care! The only thing I care is our children and grand children. Why we need to think and decide wisely to VOTE SMART. Because right now we not need a fresh, young man with excellent speeches, (someone is writing it for him) etc. We need someone that will bright up our economy.RIGHT NOW, WE ARE IN RECESSION, and who will be the right person? someone that will make the right policies and do the best for our country. If we have an excellent economy we'll have health care, education, jobs, social programs, immigration, etc. WE NOT NEED someone with a lack of experience in the White House. It is the best and hard job in the world to be president of our country. We need someone that will be a leader in the world, right now, our reputation is lack in foreign policies. WE NEED our economy back and our jobs. WE NEED TO DECIDE SMART AND VOTE SMART. For me ,CHANGE means, change the president, change our economy, change our future, change our health care, change our education for the best, change our social programs, change immigration policies, etc. UNITED for me, means united to vote for change president, united to vote smart, united to decide the best for our children and grand children. THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE IS VOTING SMART TO BRING OUR LEADERSHIP IN THE ECONOMY AND CONTINUE TO BE # 1 IN THE WORLD. WE NEED CHANGE THE PRESIDENT AND BE UNITED TO DO SO.
I am an independent person that is worry for our nation and future.
Gloriab

I would first of like to say that this fear that our Government has installed in America is rediculous! I have studied many religions and Muslim is nothing but a peaceful religion. And secondly for the Clintons to feed on the fear the Bush admin. has created is contradictory to her so called anti-war stance. If she truely was against what we are doing in the middle east she would not be playing on America's fear. And thirdly, Obama is a great leader, no matter what his religion is. And obviously its Christain and always has been! People need to realize how munipulative Hilary is and put a stop to the deception America recieves from its leaders!

Fear fuels bigotry more than anything else. After 9/11 people are fearful, after the likes of Osama Bin Laden and his Jihad rantings people are fearful, after Pearl Harbor people were fearful. The Patriot Act was inacted out of fear. We stand to lose our basic rights if we allow FEAR to rule our lives

Barack has never been a Muslim or practiced any other faith besides Christianity, and in January 2005 he was sworn into the U.S. Senate on his family Bible.

Mary,

When has George W Bush – since taking office – professed his faith in Jesus Christ? Even once? Come on.

While Barack Obama has been attending services at evangilical Christian churches, Bush has been spending his summers attending Bohemian Grove meetings speaking in tongues, burning effigies, and worshipping an Owl god. And yet I don't see any of you maniacal, war mongering wingnuts challenging his faith.

The sooner the candidates quit trying to find faults with the other (which are usually not true or we don't care if they are or not) and start telling us their views on the issues and how they plan to make changes, THE BETTER! We just want to hear what they stand for, believe in and how they're going to improve our nation.

As I sit here and read these comments from people regarding these rumors about Mr.Obama and yet they will have you believe that everything they see and hear must be true. The fact is when someone is trying to spread rumors they don’t show or report the whole story. No where have any of these allegations by HRC been verified to be true, yet you people still continue to bring these matters up. If any of you would take the time to do some research you would find that they are exactly what they are” lies” and misrepresented statements to only show that HRC will do and say anything to mislead this country. Sounds kind of similar to someone else we all know of recently does it?
I watched the debate the other night just as I watched the Situation Room last night where it was confirmed that Obama was being truthful and that Hillary’s accusations were untruthful. My suggestion to all you is the future check your facts before making comments that are unfounded and you may find out who is really going to lead this country with conviction and truth.

I am for Hillary -Go girll!!!!!There are rumors that float around about all the candidates Obama play just as dirty as they all do. He is no different than any of the others. I just hope whoever wins puts as much effort into fixing the economy as they do telling people how great they are! Obama what is your plan still have not heard or seen a definite plan from you! I think this ticker needs to publish or display all the opinions and not be so one sided! Open up the debate for the public to decide and not the media!

Obama always says "change", but as a senator, he voted "present " over 100 times.
I am so surprised for this big number. did he know how to be a responsible man?

A huge majority of blog contributors accuse others of being "slanderers" and then
slander the "slanderers" by repeating things they do not absolutely know to be
true. Those pro and con need to get a life, focus on the issues not personalities,
and commit to the serious thinking that makes for educated voting. That is the
only hope for the nation.

Yamaka you are very out of line.
If we are really going to stand for what is "TRUTH", some folks need to pay close attention to what is going on from the "CLINTON CAMP".
It really shocks me that Folks can question a persons Faith and Religion and completely forget that someone who once sat at the most powerful and respected position in this country and the world, "CHEATED ON HIS WIFE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN, TRIED TO COVER HIS ACT OF ADULTARY and LIED UNDER OARTH is not being taken in any consideration. We don't need to be reminded of any defilements of the past. We need a new legacy that is ready to stand for what is right.

With all due respect, if I were Bill Clinton I would keep my mouth shut....

Anyone in Obama's position would "feel frustrated" if "someone" with a different color skin who defiled the diginity of the highest office in America is being compared to a "black brotha". That's an insult period!
Moreover, I thought that "we all shall be judged not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character..... wouldn't we??

Mary...what is your point. true christians would not wear a cross on their chest or earring in their ear or rings on their fingers (other than wedding band) etc. get a grip and give us some real facts.

To all you know nothings talking about indonesia...I used to live there too...and "technically' I was muslim because of family ties...However I never believed any of this retarded religion non sense (and as a kid till you are older it dont matter) so if someone asks me if I was ever muslim....I say NO, because I wasn't..you have to actually believe in the great juju in the sky to be muslim.....You don't inherit religion dummies!

Obama might not be a practicing Muslim but according to Islamic law, there is no such thing as inter-religion marriage. The non-muslim spouse would have to convert to the Islam .( But I don't think this is practiced in Western countries). However, the off-springs are definitely and automatically Muslim. This is according to the Islamic law. So though Obama might not be a practicing Muslim, he is definitely a Muslim since he's father is.

There are so many little things going on in South Carolina right now... in my town, Clinton supporters are pulling up any Obama sign on the road, and replacing them with "Hillary" signs. I have seen this happen several days now..... (Obama signs early in the morning ... replaced by the afternoon)

I'm sure this is not a direct order by the Hillary campaign, but it does reinforce a bad attitude and image that is slowly growing between the two campaigns and in particular a bad image in my mind at least about Hillary's campaign.... Obama seems to be reacting while Hillary seems to be proactive in political criticisms and not letting up.

I think I'm changing my mind... I'm now leaning towards Obama!

I see CNN is also lacking quite a bit of courage, as my previous comment was "moderated". Okay, boys. I'll tone it down for you.

The disgusting continuation of the "Obama as Taliban Agent" myth by those on this blog (and everywhere else) is nothing more than a smoke screen for rampant racism. These comments I'm reading? This is fear talking and walking large. This is fear that for once in our lifetimes there is a credible African-American candidate for the highest office in our land.

I won't waste any more time trying to educate these frightened nincompoops.

Why are we afraid of an inspirational speaker who tells the truth. I am tired of the devisive tricks the "Older Style" politicians are doing on both sides of the aisle.

I want to vote for someone who wants to work for ME and the people of the US by listening to OUR problems and NEEDS.

Hillary knock it off you are making a fool of yourself and Bill needs to take a back seat and tune down his hearing aids. They are from the "OLD GUARD" and we need a breath of fresh air, not some older style politicians who decides a way to get rid of your opponents is to ruin them in the public eye and stay clean.

We are tired of the old style politicians thinking we are all stupid, we aren't !

Signed by an Republican who is voting Democrat this year if Barak Obama is our candidate. Otherwise, I'll back Republican candidate.

so being a muslim is offensive? Is this the America we want to be part of? Whatever happened to not judging someone on their faith? What happened to treating everyone equal and with dignity? That was the America I grew up in!! Its time we put all these racist agendas behind us and move forward to make this country a better place than what it is now.

Obama is the only person that can take this country to new heights. We cannot have 4 more years of the same nonsense, which the Clinton campaign will give us. Hillary Clinton is no Bill Clinton. She has resorted to cheap tactics and antics to win over Obama. Its disgraceful that Hillary Clinton is hurting the standards and values of her entire party for her personal goals. Its pathetic. I hope she doesn't lower herself further.

This is a position for the President of the United States. If you want our votes, try acting like the President of the United States.

First off, I'm a Black woman who supportes Hillary. But Obama is loosing focus. He his sooo busy with this "he say she say" mess that he is not talking about his policies. Well maybe that's all he has to talk about besides "peace, love, and soul." When John Edwards asked him where and how he will obtain the money for his programs, Obama stumbled. When he is asked tough questions, he stumbles then sings "Kum Bah Hah." Okay Obama..WE GET IT!!! You are not a Muslim (and I don't care) and you are "fighting both Clintons." (Just like Hillary is fighting against the media, the republicans, both Obamas, and his biased supporters but she is not complaining, is she?). So shut up and tell the American people how you will fix this country without the tools.

Hilary & Bill are only pretending that they love blacks and the blacks are really falling for this garbage. I cant understand what she means by 35 years of experience – Yes she may have 35 years experience – but the question is -In What? Is she counting the years her husband was governor and in the white house as her experience. If this is the case – then the fact is the US is really voting to put BILL back into the white house as it would be HE that will be running things. I imagine this is the case, since he has been going on like a dirt back in recent weeks.

I don't see why being a muslim is a problem.

this is to Paul W. in Tampa Florida......who said "As Neil Simon says: Why would anyone go to the trouble of writing it down if it wasn't true?"

that is a pretty naive statement, paul. obviously someone wrote it down because they wanted to hurt obama. THINK. please.

who cares? whatever happened to separation of church and state? are not we all the children of abraham?

Obama's opponents are trying to keep him on the ropes. He needs to talk about his ideas and plans and quit responding to the Clintons. Who cares what they think. I'm tired of Bill and Hillary. Enough is enough.

These e-mails are a product of Karl Rove and the republican party.

If the man says that he is not a muslim, then he is not a muslim. What does it matter anyway if his message his on track? George Bush is a Christian but look at all the pain he's causing. People need to get a grip and stop being sidelined by all the hoop-la because it's just a distraction from the things we really need to pay attention to.

who cares about his religion, can he handle the presidency that should be the question. All he does is fuss and defend his position, can he do anything else?

Obama has my vote! He is exactly what this country needs right now.

I could not figure out what it was that bothered me when I listened to Mr. Obama speak. I felt I was waiting for something, but it never came. I watched him today and finely figured it out. He spends all his time defining the problems facing the American People...but dosnt very often come up with any solutions. We dont need someone to tell us what the problems are, we know them, we live them. What we do need is for him to tell us what he plans to do to solve the problems.

The ignorance in this country is shocking. What happened to separation of church and state?!?!?!

Obama/Edwards 08!

Obama seems to think it's okay to be "black" sometimes, but just an ordinary citizen at other times. Quite frankly, I was offended when he was asked if Bill Clinton was "the first black president," and Obama replied that he didn't know, he would have to see him dance. Now, had Hillary or John Edwards made that remark about a black person, it would have been headlines in the new the next day. Based on that remark alone, he lost my vote. Call in the race card when it's convenient? NEVER!

I don't think I've ever read so many ignorant comments all on one page in my life! Considering CNN is moderating the incoming comments, this is a disgrace and totally repugnant. I will be moving on to another news source which emphasises a higher journalistic and reporting standard.

"He has a Muslim name. His biological father was Muslim and in the Muslim faith if your father was a Muslim so are his children. His step-father was a Muslim and he was raised in Indonesia, a Muslim country. He may have converted but he was a Muslim when he was young and to say he wasnt is disingenious."

Where do you get this stuff? Obama spent a couple of years in Indonesia. He did not grow up there. The faith of Islam is not dictated by birth. Every individual has the choice to be Muslim or not. (Read the Holy Koran) You are not born into the religion or baptised into the religion any more than you are born into being a Baptist or a Lutheran. I would suggest people post the facts and not perpetuate the ignorance that seems to abound.

Slim, Last time I checked, there was no requirement that an individual be christian in order to run for office.

Too bad he has to surround himself in Christian iconography to placate the stupid sectors of our society. It just shows that religious tests are alive and well, and this country is too backward to accept an atheist. I would have infinite respect for somebody who stood up and said, "I am an atheist, and I do not believe that the acceptance of Jesus makes anybody more or less fit for office."

Ignorance = prejudice

CNN, PLEASE WAKE UP!! WE TRUE AMERICANS CARE NOT ABOUT WHAT FAITH OUR LEADERS ARE, WE CARE ABOUT ISSUES, AND RIGHT NOW IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!! LET'S GET OFF THE PERSONALITIES, PAST HISTORY, ETC. OF THOSE RUNNING FOR PRES AND LET'S GET ON THE ISSUES, FOR ONCE!!

Swiftboat politics , they have started again – karl rove politics, it is quite shameful and unbelieveable that the Clintons campaign could stoop this low just to win primaries. It is just too shameful.

For the record there has only been one member of congress who has taken their oath of office on the Koran, it was Keith Ellison of Minnesota. He swore his oath on the Koran that was owned by Thomas Jefferson. But do not take my word for it look it up, its easy enough to do. As for those who comment that one should only take an oath of office or in court on the bible, that makes no sense since if one is not a Christian than they have no reason to keep their oath if they are swearing it on a document that holds little value to their faith. As for an oath of federal office there is nothing in the Constitution that says how one must swear the oath, a president could place his hand on the Sunday comics page if they want, it's clear from the actions of the current and previous 3 presidents that they don't take an oath on the bible seriously anyway. So why get so excited about something that clearly has no meaning in the first place?

We much too much of a big deal about a candidate's religion. This has become an issue ever since the Religious Right hijacked the Republican party. If I had to judge Christians on the actions of the "born-again" Christian in the White House, however, I would conclude that Christianity breeds nothing but hatred, intolerance, and war.

I would vote for an atheist if he valued the Constitution and treasured individual liberty. Unfortunately, we haven't had a President who has done that in many a year. That is why I am an American who holds little hope for this country.

Speaking of the Constitution, why isn't anyone talking about Barack Obama's 10 years experience teaching Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago? If there was debate question about the what the Constitution means to America Obama would win hands down. Please read his book "The Audacity of Hope" and understand for yourself what drives Obama and why he thinks the only way to get this country back on track is to work together. He has witnessed first-hand the dysfunction of our Congress. He wants to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Can we say that about all the candidates?

I think it's ridiculous that this has even become an issue. As most of you have said, this country was founded on the ideals of freedom. This war of words between Clinton and Obama is petty, I think. America doesn't need this bickering, they need strength and purpose. I support Obama, and I think that the wisest action for him would be to just turn the other cheek. Maybe then it would show that America needs a president who actually believes that "sticks and stones my break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

It's pretty clear that this is an election of change.

Of course, any change is better than the imbecile who calls himself our President,
but for me, Obama is the right change.

Another stir it up story. I , very seriously doubt, the Clinton campaign had anything to do with this. Since I made the mistake of sending comments to these sites, I've been getting e-mails from all kinds of spammers. Yamaka said it all quite well. You knew the Obama supporters would jump on this as dirty trick by the Clinton campaign. The Christians would jump,the fearful would jump, and you keep the pot stirring

Let prove to the world that Americans are not racist crazy ppl that been portrayed by others. let us practice what we preach. let make history. if we do , then and only then we will be the greatest generation. Let us all be one regardless of color and believes. The beauty of America is in her diversity, and for others to say otherwise....
its injustce to American. we are good ppl we're democrats republicans. we are black , white ,and blue. we are everything that others not. We are Americans.

Article VI of the United States Constitution (you know that old chestnut, the operator's manual) states "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

Enough with the religion thing already. Ignore the small-minded cultural bigots who sent those silly e-mails around. Anybody who is gullible enough to believes Senator Obama is some kind of malicious "stealth Muslim" should stay out of adult conversations about who might become our next President.

I vote for H.Clinton. She will bring our country to the time of bill. Clinton.

YOU GUYS-IT'S THE CLINTONS BEHIND THE SMEARS-THEY REALLY WANT TO WIN BECAUSE BILL WANTS TO GAIN BACK OUR RESPECT AND HILLARY WANTS TO HAVE BILL BACK-OF COURSE, IT WILL NOT WORK-SOME TIMES THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT AS THEY ARE-I HAVE LOST EVEN MORE RESPECT FOR BOTH OF THEM AFTER THAT LAST DEBATE-AND HIL-DO NOT COMPARE ANYONE'S HUBBIE TO YOURS-NONE OF THE OTHER SPOUSES THAT ARE HELPING THEIR MATES ON EITHER SIDE WERE EX PRESIDENT! BILL,YOU HAD YOUR MOMENT-IT'S OVER, YOU MADE IT VERY HARD FOR AL AND KERRY-YOU DON'T SEEM TO EVEN BE AWARE OF THAT-THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SELF CENTERED ATTITUDE AND A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT WITH THE CLINTONS=MOVE ON AND LET THE NEXT GENERATION HAVE A PLACE IN HISTORY!

let's stick to the issues. Anyone who goes this length to deny his allegiance to a religion should be taken by his words. If I were
christian, and deny being christian, I believe that it means that I have abandoned the faith, right? So, if Obama says "I am not a muslim", then it means that even if he were muslim, his statement means that he has abandoned the faith. So, let's drop this and face the real issues. whether he is muslim or christian, let's hear his stance on the issues, period. BTW, Obama is not a muslim...just to set the records clear.

-Chuks, Dallas TX.

The really brave thing would be to say the truth:

"I don't believe in Jesus, Mohamed, Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. I don't know if there is a God and if there is one I think he's nothing like the scriptures say".

But that's a few years off still..

And you Americans claim religion and politics should not mix? Ha! We see your true colours (or rather you don't like all colours) .

Dudes, start practising before you preach, Bubba Bush

OK...pay attention... RELIGION AND POLITICS DO NOT MIX !

If everyone would just sit back and see that most ALL the world problems these days (as well as most wars fought in the past) are/were CAUSED by religion in some manner or form. It's not just the Muslims....it's ALL religion across the board. Muslims are busy killing non-believers, Catholics are busy with their sex lives with little boys and girls, Jehovah's Witnesses think they're the only ones to be saved when the world comes to and end, etc., and the list goes on.

Of course, this is my opinion and belief but let's face it, folks.....religion will be the downfall of humanity someday and most likely, sooner than we think. When you see the mushroom cloud rising over the horizon, you can probably bet it was some nutcase religious lunatic claiming that 'his god' directed him to do it.

So if you think there really is a hell, and you think I will burn there because of my 'opinions and beliefs', I am sure I will see most everyone I know there and will also save you a seat.

I know why John Edwards was backing Hillary Clinton. Because John Kerry didn't endorse him and he was the running mate!

As an ex-Muslim current atheist I know that, according to Islam, if you are born to a Muslim father you are by default a Muslim, but this is of course only acknowledged by Muslims, those who don't believe in Islam wouldn't consider such a definition.

Obama was born to a Muslim dad, had a Muslim step-dad, and went to schools in Indonesia were only Muslims were admitted, all of those facts can't be denied.
But he personally never believed in this faith hence he doesn't consider himself a real Muslim, and that is definitely his prerogative.

The thing i don't understand is that Obama is distancing himself from one religion; Islam (for personal and undeniably political reasons) and yet fiercely linking himself to another religion, Christianity. I think Christianity is not any better than Islam; both are awful religions full of hatred, lies, and blood and I think both religions shouldn’t be practiced any more. I am all for an atheist president.

Although a big opponent of all religions, I think his fierce denial that he was ever a Muslim will offend Muslims, and I think we’ll hear more from them now!

"Even if Obama were a Muslim, so what?"

"i relly dont think that religion counts in this democratic debate.
if he is muslim let hm be."

I seriously have to agree with these two. I never comment on these blog posts, but..

Who cares about his past? Let him say whatever he wants; it's not right to poke into ANYONE's personal business, not just a presidential candidate. And I thought the election was about choosing the person who you think is REALLY determined to solve problems and bring people together again. Not about finding out who or what they were in the past. The past in the past. You can't alter or change it; it already happened. I don't understand why anyone would try to nitpick the truth out of a course of events that've already occured. Even if Barack Obama was Muslim before, what're you going to do about it? Focus on the now, not the before.

And Only God Knows.

I'm going for Obama. Frankly, I've seen Clinton play a few tricks here and there throughout the campaign so far, and I'm not so comfortable with it.

NOW–FOR –MY TRUE COMMENTS ON THIS ISSUE, RELATED TO THE MUDSLINGING OF SEN. CLINTON AND HER HUSBAND. MRS. CLINTON NEEDS TO CONTROL HER HUSBAND'S MUDSLINGING MOUTH. REMEMBER, FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON, THOUGH I LIKED HIM AS PRESIDENT, IS NO STRANGER TO BEING UNTRUTHFUL. HE WAS UNTRUTHFUL AS PRESIDENT, AND I THINK HE'S BEING UNTRUTHFUL NOW, WHEN HE'S ATTACKING SEN. OBAMA ON HIS WIFES BEHALF–BASICALLY SLINGING MUD AT THE SENATOR.
ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH NOT TO SEE WHAT HE AND SHE ARE DOING ARE JUST DEAF, DUM, AND BLIND. PEOPLE, FROM MY EXPERIENCE, WOULD RATHER BELIEVE WHAT IS NOT TRUE ABOUT SOMEONE-THAN WHAT IS TRUE...THAT'S THE NATURE OF AMERICANS. YOU, DON'T BELIEVE ME ? WELL THEN, LETS LOOK AT BILL. WHEN WE KNEW THE TRUTH ABOUT BILL HAVING SEXUAL RELATIONS "WITH THAT WOMEN",AS HE STATED HE DIDN'T, ON NATIONAL TV, WE, AS AMERICANS, STILL WANTED TO BELIEVE THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH THAT WOMAN. WE WANTEED TO BELIEVE HE DIDN'T, EVEN AFTER WE KNEW HE HAD. SO, COME ON...GIVE ME A BREAK. SEN. OBAMA SHOULDN'T DIGNIFY THESE QUESTIONS WITH AN ANSWER, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO BEARING ON THE ISSUES, AMERICANS HAVE CONCERNING THIS COUNTRY FUTURE.

"Even if Obama were a Muslim, so what?"

"i relly dont think that religion counts in this democratic debate.
if he is muslim let hm be."

I seriously have to agree with these two. I never comment on these blog posts, but..

Who cares about his past? Let him say whatever he wants; it's not right to poke into ANYONE's personal business, not just a presidential candidate. And I thought the election was about choosing the person who you think is REALLY determined to solve problems and bring people together again. Not about finding out who or what they were in the past. The past in the past. You can't alter or change it; it already happened. I don't understand why anyone would try to nitpick the truth out of a course of events that've already occured. Even if Barack Obama was Muslim before, what're you going to do about it? Focus on the now, not the before.

And Only God Knows.

I'm going for Obama. Frankly, I've seen Clinton play a few tricks here and there throughout the campaign so far, and I'm not so comfortable with it.

Your voice I mean Obama's voice (not yours) can definitely change tomorrow...no doubt! we must stop the Karl Rove slice and burn kind of politics otherwise we would be loosing great people who can lead this country.

Commentators often point to Obama and Clinton's identical votes against US supreme court justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito as an example of their alignment. But the two have split on other nominees chosen by George Bush, whose habit of appointing industry allies and personal friends has been bitterly criticised by Democrats.

Obama voted alongside 83 colleagues to pave the way for confirmation of Bush interior secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Clinton supported a failed attempt to defeat Kempthorne, who earned a 1% lifetime score on environmental policy from the League of Conservation Voters.

Clinton also opposed the appointment of George Casey, who spent three difficult years as chief US commander in Iraq, as army chief of staff. The former first lady revealed her decision after publicly challenging Casey to explain a Pentagon audit that found US troops lacking in equipment needed for combat and training of Iraqi recruits.

"I believe that our soldiers deserve the very best we can offer for their protection; therefore I voted to oppose general Casey's nomination," Clinton said before the vote one year ago. A website maintained by her campaign still calls Casey "one of the chief architects of the war".

John McCain, who some Democrats anticipate will be the Republican nominee, joined Clinton and a dozen others in voting no. Obama, by contrast, signed off on Casey's bid.

--
What does this tell you about Obama? Is he Bush-lite more?

Obama's voting record shows he is more Bush-lite. Sighs, I fell for his lies.

Values, Insurance, the economy, education – those are my issues.
I have yet to see a 'plan' that Obama has put out for either of these – I am black and educated with several degrees – Hilary is 'wishy-washy' – voting to 'keep' the war in Iraq – Everyone, be informed – educate yourselves – A news clip or reel is not enough – Listen to the messages the candidates are putting forth -
Having Bill Clinton as a front runner for Hillary gives me goosebumps in a bad way – Could hurt her campaign – But this is how me and hubby are looking at this:
The republican party is 'hoping' that Barack wins the nomination – Why?
Because they know that America is thinking, "Do I want a black man for president who is a democrat, or should I forfeit my Democratic card and vote for the white republican male?" Americans and this America are not that progressive just yet.
Then when Americans get to the polls in November – they are gonna have two choices – A black man or a white man – We see it that folks will abandon their party affiliation and vote behind that curtain their skin color – bottom line – That's just Americans keeping it 'real'.
Americans, brace yourselves for another 4 years of pure hell and empy checking accounts, Ladies and gentlemen.
THanks for the opp to vent.

I don't care about Obama's religion.What you should all know is that this guy is a politician like the rest.They appear perfect during campaigns and turn out different once elected. Obama has never taken responsibility about anything, he wants to to be Mr perfect, he has a reason for everything no matter how it comes across to people like me. When he is challenged or questioned, he gets angry. Beware of those that come in sheepskin.

Lets not forget Obama is still human even if he is a Muslim. like I said before I'm a none American but closely following every debate of both parties sitting in my home in Sweden, so why don't these seemly intelligent men and women understand that the whole wide world is having a very watchful eye on the US elections and therefore act more responsible and constructively?

@Kirsten

Because Obama doesn't call himself "The Spiritual Lead for America", isn't an ordained minister, and "The Audacity of Hope" can't be found at most Lifeway Christian stores.

Also, while Obama would be a Christian president (like many, many Christian presidents over the years), he would not be -the- Christian president, as Huckabee is selling himself.

Obama's faith most likely would have never come up were it not for these vicious rumours.

American government tells us all the time how in other parts of the world people don't respect women, other faith,... and yet I don't see them condeming any false attack that would have affect the outcome of a ballot.

I have always known Sen Obama was a Christian.. That was never a question to me.. He would not be speakin unity otherwise...

But what bother me is when people say he is not a Real Black American? Define for me what is a True Black American? Comparing Obama to men like jesse Jackson and al sharpton is a slap in the face to Obama.. Thsoe two can take any thing a person says and turn it racists. Just because they say "I'm black and I'm proud" does not make them black.. Jesse jackson had a child while he was still married and has the never to call himself a Man of God.. So lets not go there with Jackson ok... Al sharpton is one who prays on people to get media coverage.. So is this people's Idea of "Black American Men?" It shouldn't be..

Being biracial doesn't mean a thing except in the White race you are "too Black" and in the Black race you are "too White". And we (black americans) say we are not racist!! wake up... !!!!

What better person to not only unite the parties but the country then a man who can speak and talk from "Both worlds"?

Neither Bill or Hilary Clinton can tell what its Like to be a "Black American" Cause I live it.. they never have or ever will..

How sad that in the year 2008 people still judge others by the color of their skin!

Barak Obama would make a wonderful President. He is a great Senator,
honest and speaks from the heart. He is a good family man.

Bush stole the election and has run this country into the ground.
America is at the steps of financial disaster. Americans are hungry and
homeless. Under the current administration Americans have acted
arrogant and full of pride... I don't think that is the "Christian Way". We
have become a country of torturers, liars and killers. We have never
had an administration that was more corrupt than the Bush administration.
They don't care in the least what the American People want.

What we need is a President and administration that listen to and respect
the American Public... I don't care what religion that person is or what color
their skin.

Take a good look in the mirror, what measure could you stand up to???

It may be true that we don't know that much about Obama.

The problem is we do know far too much about the Clintons.

Change? Maybe change back to 8 years ago. Not the direction I am choosing.

I voted for Bill the first time. I will vote Republican before I vote for Hillary.

I am a muslim. And no true muslim will denounce there faith for any cause. Barack Obama is a great Christan man who i respect deeply. We should get past the days of swift boating and vote for whats good for the country and whats good for you personally. No matter who you support Obama Clinton or Edwards get past the smeers that have worked against the democratic party in the past and be smarter that to believe bogus emails.

Let's put the religion a side. It is the right time and place for Obama to be the next president of United States. Everyone is sick of old politics over and over. Its time for change and get the country. Only Obama can do this because he is very bright and intelligent person. I am sure he will give a fresh start to this country in right direction. Thats why he is getting my vote. God bless

Yamaka, he was in a Christian school.

Obviously you didnt do your math properly. Stop Spreading lies. We are all sick of it!

I don't know if the voters are actually aware of this FACT, but this is the bottom line: If we all want the situation to stabilize in the middle east and other eastern and African countries that America has NOT SO GOOD relations with, Obama is the only MAN that can actually come closer to a resolution with these countries of the third world who could finally relate to an american leader. I'm sorry but this is the truth people lets all get real here. Muslim leaders will not consider a female president(Clinton) as something they should pay attention to. We all want our troops home right? But yet nobody seems to pay attention to the fact that weather we like to believe it or not this world has everything to do with race. This is why race can finally work in America's advantage. A man of African descendance and good political background can sit down eye to eye with third world leaders from those regions of the world that are not so open minded and view America and Americans as The Devil, only because Obama doesnt 'look' like The Devil to them and his name doesnt sound like it.
(I.E. George Bush)

The United States will continue to face growing challenges over the next presidential term. It would be wise for voters to cast a vote with wisdom and not the emotions that the presidential marketers are stirring up.

Our economy, the continuing drift economically between the have and have-nots, the sell off of American companies and real estate to foreign interest; the national debt; the continual influence of the military industrialist complex; an approach to ridding our dependence on Middle East oil, the nuclear energy alternative; are just a few major issues.

The last two presidential terms should remind us how critical our decision making process is, in determining who to pull the voting booth level for.

Paul W.,

It's also written down that Obama is Christian, so either there's a discrepancy in your analysis or they're both true. I don't have anything against Neil Simon (he's one of my favorite playwrights), but it's a bizarre analogy, unless of course, you're being sarcastic. Then, I'm just being silly.

Honestly, I'm not sure why his religion should be such a focal point anyway, seeing as how were supposedly "tolerant of all religions" and a "secular" state. We cannot avoid prejudice in any form (that is impossible), but we shouldn't see this blanket statement and delve into our own personal tirades based on our gut feelings as opposed to evidence. Rather than making issue with a viral e-mail, we should be considering the current issues at hand and making conscious decisions based on the candidates' stances on a variety of topics, whether they be a Republican or a Democrat. And this is coming from a teenager.

Please stop the nonsense ok. Obama is pure christian. He is good for america.

So let me get this straight:

Obama attacks Clinton as the old status quo for months, questions her judgment on Iraq when he admits he doesn't know how he would have voted, questions her integrity by saying she can't give a straight answer, allows his campaign manager to suggest she is responsible for Bhutto's death, did nothing when his South Carolina campaign chair said on national TV that Hillary didn't care about Katrina victims, tries to paint the Clintons as racists, calls out Hillary for sitting on Wal-Mart's board, implies that Reagan was a better President than Clinton, and now insinuates that Hillary is spreading rumors that he's a radical Muslim?

I'm sorry, who's the divider here? Who's playing dirty politics? This guy and his supporters are total hypocrites!

Anyone who believes everything they hear or see without questioning it is setting themselves up to be duped. As many times as we have elections and votes in our lives we always fall for the same tricks every time.....question everything or you will believe anything and know nothing.

Does it matter?
I am voting and praying for Clinton and Edwards. They will make America an even better country than it us, and has been the last eight years!!

How come Obama did not effectively deal with this earlier when these emails first appeared? The fact that he didn't is a major tactical error. This, coupled with his "musings" on Reagan, just prove he is really way too inexperienced of a politician.

I can't believe that in a country, the great United States of America, where we have freedom of religion, that we would allow the demeaning ANYONE'S religion! Whether it is Christian, Jew, or Muslim.

Obama clearly is not a Muslim. But how do you think that makes any Muslim-American feel? Many American Muslims who are doctors, engineers, your neighbors, and just plain hard-working honest American.

And because some underhanded politician wants to get elected, they have chosen to take the word Muslim and act as if it is a dirty word. It is a disservice to our country and disrespectful to any person of the Muslim faith.

America, are we not better than this?

Muslim is not a dirty word. And Obama is not a Muslim. He is a Christian. Stop letting underhanded politicians divide this country for their personal gain. It is beneath our character as Americans and it hurts us all.

I went to a catholic school and I am not catholic. It doesn't matter if muslim law says because his father is muslim he is muslim it matters what he believes.

NBC News with Bryan Williams had a feature on this item tonight where the Republican party was spreading these rumors in small rural towns – not the Clintons. Everyone should stop their speculation; who knows maybe its a republican strategy to splinter the Democrats.

Don't believe a word of it. He says he's a Christian so he can run for office.

In the pics, he is not saluting the flag during the singing of the NATIONAL ANTHEM. There is no OFFICIAL (modern) protocol for this. The standard is to be respectful during the song- WHICH HE WAS.

Why don't we keep religion and politics separate? What is best for the country isn't necessarily what's best for one particular religion or group of people. Lets look at his ideas for future policies an then decide if we want to vote for him or not.

When will racism end?

Americans need to get over their "WASP in the White House" fetish. Seriously.

I very much doubt this e-mail was started by anyone in the Clinton campaign, this has all the hallmarks of a Republican smear tactic. I know a couple of people on her team were fired for forwarding on this e-mail awhile back.

I find the not-so-subtle attempt to link this e-mail with Hillary Clinton a little bit distasteful. It dooesn't reflect well on him.

I've been told that when a rumor hits the airwaves such as the one accusing Mr. Obama of being a Muslim, not saluting the US flag and refusing to be sworn in with the Bible, that one can go to Snopes.com and find out if the rumor is true or not. According to Snopes.com, Mr. Obama is a Muslim, etc.

Your inference that it is Hillary's camp is not only ridiculous but pathetic and offensive!

Everyone,

What is with all of these same false rumors that have been proven to be false also of sudden being brought up again? It is great to see the smear emails/ campaign live and well. I hope all of you are being paid a lot by Clinton campaign because it is unethical to do what you are doing.

Jason,

That was also proven to be a false rumor and another email smear.

The Democratic party has three very questionable candidates. Obama lacks experience, Hillary lacks the ability to unite America, and Edwards is just simply lacking nearly everything. What happened to the Carter/Johnson/Kennedy Dems of yesteryear?
The Repubs should win easily in November, regardless of their nominee.

Obama will bring this Country together. I vision him as another JFK and that is what we need.

We surely do not need Clinton back for fear they, yes they, will come up with NAFTA #2 and give the rest of our jobs to other countries. They have to pay back their contributors someway.

As I watch this campaign unfold, it is like I entered into a time warp and it is the 1990s. I had forgotten how nasty things can get and how polarized the country becomes when a Clinton is running for political office. What I don't understand is why the Democrats would nominate another Clinton - did we not have enough fighting in the 1990s? Who wants to go back to that?

I am a Democrat and proud of it ... but I will never vote for a Clinton again. Period. End of story. And, I know many other Democrats who feel the same way.

This country deserves a lot better.

I love my country...but you people are silly. The Clintons are full of it. They are morally corrupt. I will never vote for people like them. The Clinton are trying to split our country and you folks are falling for it. The Dems will lose in Nov with her as their cand. Go...McCain

Religion aside, did he or did he not place his right hand over his heart during the pledge? I have read time and time again that he refuses to do so. if this is the case..OUT WITH HIM PERIOD!!

Well, since Huckabee became a major news story after standing in front of a cross during a commercial, will the same happen to Obama? (Read the last line of the article).

Those of you who blame the Clinton campaign for these rumors are doing the very thing you criticize. You are trying to slime Senator Clinton without any evidence. That is exactly what is being done to Senator Obama by these idiots. There are coming out of the republican smear machine. You should expect that this and much worse will continue to come at both Clinton and Obama.

Kim – The false email claimed he refused to recite the pledge and as I understand it that is a false claim.

I am now appalled at the ignorance shown by Harrison (9:28pm ET). Hindi is a language. No one can be "hindi". What you were trying to say is you don't care if he is "Hindu". Get it, Harrison?. Even if you made a typo (considering i and o are next to one another on the Christian (oops I mean English) keyboard), one should take time to check the spelling before hitting submit!

CNN, I am keeping this civil, but I cannot handle erroneous posts propagating.

I have seen the pictures of him not saluting the flag or saying the Pledge of Allegiance! That is the explanation I am looking to hear!

It's not the Muslim that I am concerned about... it's the Black Supremest church he belongs to.

Try this again – the rumor started on Debbie Schlussel's site in December of 06.

The country was built on Christian Faith. If you are a Christian then there is a problem. I'm not saying that anything is wrong, but if you are a Christian then you have a certain belief. A belief in one Lord and his name is Jesus. Telling me that religous freedom is in the United States does not change the Christian faith. If you are a Muslim then you believe something else. If you are a Buddist, the same thing.

Faith does make a difference if you truly have a "Faith".

I voted Obama into the office he currently holds and was quite happy when he won. He's the first reasonably honest politician Illinois has had in decades. In an age where voting is boiled down to choosing the lesser of evils, it was refreshing to vote for someone who actually deserved a chance to represent the people of his state.

As for his religion, I don't think it's relevant to his ability to run the country. I'd rather have a non-Christian in office do a decent job, than a faux-Christian run politics-as-usual and give Jesus Christ and His cause a bad name. Going to a Christian church does not make one a Christian. Take a look at the person's works, words, and actions! Therein you will find if what they say about their faith is true.

I received one of those Obama is a Muslim emails from a high school friend in Ohio last fall. I was offended by it. I never replied to the sender, but it made me, a Democrat, a supporter of the victim.

I agree with John Rellick.

I also think Carl Rove and his cohorts are behind this. This kind of rumor-spreading is what they are skilled at. Don't underestimate the diabolical protégée of Machiavelli (Rove) who is skilled at starting "whispers" and making it look like it came from the other side.

That is precisely why I left the Republican Party and became an Independent. They are shameless in how they use religion to promote their agendas. Thank goodness there really is a God...and a day coming when they will be judged for their evil works...

Yamaka, you make me ill!

And Amy, obama is very much a victim here as Clinton supporters were yelling these pathetic rumors, some of the most ridiculous ones which have not been printed. These rumours have to be addressed and he is doing that.

I am disgusted that CNN continues to publish blogs that continue this slander!

This didn't begin with the Clinton campaign. It's long been part of the conservative smear campaign against Senator Obama, and it's part of a well-coordinated effort at disparaging all who don't espouse narrowly defined conservative ideals.

You don't have to look any farther than the CNN Newsroom to see how such things manifest themselves. CNN's own political commentator, Bill Bennett, marveled at Obama's success in his comments on the evening of the Iowa Caucus and referred to Senator Obama as, "Barack HUSSEIN Obama." (The emphasis was Bennett's, not my own.) That no one picked up on it was stunning. That you can hear this repeated by conservative pundits regularly and read it in letters to the editor that quote conservative talking points speaks to the degree it has worked its way into the broader population of conservatives.

This should not come as a surprise to anyone, especially since such techniques have been successful in the past. Let's not forget the attacks on the patriotism of a Georgia Senator who lost the use of his limbs fighting in Vietnam, etc., etc., etc. What a sad commentary on this country's inability to engage in meaningful discourse on something so incredibly important as the selection of the next President.

Why is it when Mike Huckabee has a bookshelf in the background on an ad he gets pounded for it, but when Obama has a cross in an ad it is ok? Is there a double standard here or I am simply missing something here?

I agree with Kirsten; look at the double standard here. Huckabee is attacked with claims that he has used his Christianity to garner votes, while nobody speaks out when Obama actually does this. Huckabee is a consistant Christian whenever and wherever he is. He was a Christian in Iowa when it was helpful, but he was also one in New Hampshire when it hurt him. Obama on the other hand just happens to mention his religion now, three weeks into the presidential primary season. I guess it's only a coincidence that right before the South Carolina primary Obama remembers his faith.

I think it is a very big deal if he is a Muslim. I don't dislike Muslims in general, but I think it is scary that at a time like this when we are at war over terrorist acts people would think of electing a president who was even rumored to have any ties to our enemies. Of course he wouldn't admit to being a Muslim! He isn't stupid! It could all very well be false, and I sincerely hope it is, but can we really afford to take that chance!? Exercise caution America!!

What really happened regarding his refusal to recite the pledge? I know several people who absolutely will not vote for him because of that. If anyone does know the truth to that please fill in the public.

thanks

Only in America is it SO important that our president be a Christian. Frankly, I don't care what faith or lack thereof, our president holds. There are PLENTY of corrupt and evil "christians" out there writing their homilies and in politics already. Labeling yourself a committed Christian shouldn't be used as currency. All it is is pandering to the voters. Show us you're a good, honest PERSON. That is what really matters. Stick to the issues and you'll get votes. I understand Obama wanting to clarify that he is not a Muslim, but just leave it at that then. You've said it, now quit playing the victim and move on to more important matters. please.

Well it seems the dirty tricks have already started and we have not reached the general election or campaign for the general election. We need to catch the people that is doing this and send them to Iraq. However, when we send them to Iraq, we need to emboldened on their forehead a cross so the terrorist will clearly see them for what they are. How dirty can you be to smear someone just because they are Black and want to be President of these United States. Me.

So what? Obama's a Muslim! I don't care if he were Hindi! His policy statement are wrong! They lack insight, depth of thought, and a gross lacking of "just plain 'common sense!'"

I like his name and respect his religion. If any America really believed in freedom of speech and religion and has no state religion; then, no one should have a problem unless his record appears devilish.
Good luck Brother. Your name lets the whole world of people know that champions need not be European, but African, Asian, etc.

Obama has been seen not respecting our pledge or our flag. He placed his hand on the Koran rather than the bible. I respect all beliefs but this country places it's hand on the bible in our courts we place our hands over our hearts during the pledge. I want the best person who believes in our countries beliefs to lead us. Obama may be a good man or he may just be a great talker. We need to decide this.

I believe Obama is a Christian.He looks more genuine than the other 2.
Henrietta, Ohio.

He had a muslim father. That must mean he is part of a joint commie-taliban-satan plot to destroy the presidency! Run to your churches and pray that saint Huckabee and Romney will save us!

Whoever is behind that email shouldn't have watched 'The Manchurian Candidate'

Just what the muslims want us to think. He's a christian and he's good for AMERICA. Vote Republican!

I may be unclear but wasn't it the case that not that long ago a Clinton staffer lost their job for forwarding a similar email just before the Iowa debates. It is odd how coincidence works...If I'm not mistaken the story broke on CNN.

There are false statements flying around about most of the candidates. I think the Clinton Staffers have more to do then sit around and make up some email that has been going around for some time. I saw it long before any primary/caucus. There is just too much unknown about Mr. Obama.

This email was horrible. Much like the teachers union in Nevada I have a feeling Hillary Rodham Clinton and her staff had something to do with this.

What is up with him constantly telling Edwards the white guy, it sounds racist.

Of course, it is again & again & again Clinton's dirty game..... Vote for her and we will have more 4 or 8 years of the same game, but with the American people....

America needs Obama, and the world needs a strong America!

Obama for President
Hillary for Chief of Staff
Edwards for Attorney General

What's wrong with being a Muslim?

I wish we could all just get along

I am a lifelong Democrat, and I just wish the two front-runners would quit bickering and concentrate on what is REALLY important, and that is to make sure we don't have another four years of disaster ahead of us – which will be ensured if a Republican gets elected again!

Think of it – a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton ticket would be UNBEATABLE! AND make history EITHER way! Most importantly, it will ensure that we DON'T get another four years of voodoo "trickle-down" economics, a continuosly bloating deficit (which will be made worse by the idiot incumbent's plan – he wants to borrow another 150-200 billion dollars to save us from the mess he got us into! – which will make things only worse), unbelievable arrogance, erosion of basic rights, useless bloodshed, and religious kookiness!

I am a Hillary supporter and always will be, but if necessary, I'll be an Obama supporter since I believe NOTHING could be worse than the mess we are currently in, thanks to that incumbent idiot, his ridiculous religious kook party, and his equally idiot brother the former Governor of Florida who probably ENSURED that my vote (along with many others) wasn't counted a few years ago

GET ALONG, Clinton and Obama

If you can't manage to do that, you may win a few battles, but you'll BOTH lose the war!

Please! Look ahead – who will you choose as a running mate when the time comes? Edwards??????

Somebody sent me one of the e-mails and it was SO OVER THE TOP that I suspected immediately it was a bunch of garbage! I researched it and sent a debunking link right back to the person. It just amazes me that when people want to believe something they instantly become the most incredulous people you ever met!

i relly dont think that religion counts in this democratic debate.
if he is muslim let hm be.

Kirsten,

Two things. First Obama is having to defend himself against false rumors about his faith that Huckabee is not. Second, everyone knows that Huckabee wants to amend the Constitution to establish a "National Religion", Obama does not.

Obama has left his religious beliefs as well as his race out of the political spectrum until FALSE information was put out there.

I have to agree with Sitara on this one. Even if he were a Muslim so what? But that is OUR opinion. Most (80%+) Americans are so-called "Christians" who fail to realize that both religion's roots are Abrahamic.

If he was a muslim growing up? Fine, just be honest about it. No one is going to judge him b/c his parents were of the muslim belief, thats fine, just be honest about it.

I've been hearing these allegations since he was sworn in (supposedly not on the bible). The point is by talking about it he is only giving the gossip and rumors merit.

I have seriously considered voting for Obama a lot here lately, but after doing my own homework on some things he said Pres. Clinton was not truthful about I have found that Sen. Obama was not completely honest either. Hillary gets my vote.

Obama is obviously not trying to push his faith on anyone, just clear up a misrepresentation. I would do the same thing. It's not necessarily good or bad that he's Christian, but everyone deserves to have their beliefs represented accurately.

Gotta love Bill and Hill. Ends justifies the means.

I must be missing something here: what's so bad about being a muslim?

what happen to the seperation of faith and politics, we are getting far away from what we want this country to be.

In 1960 there was great mistrust of Kennedy because he was (gasp!) a Catholic. People called him Papist, there were rumors that he'd be taking orders from Rome, and there were questions whether he could really win in non-Catholic states.

Between these rumors and the anti-Mormon smears that Romney has had to put up with, it's really too bad that we still have not gotten past religious bigotry in the past 48 years. I guess this just shows how far we need to go, and how much we need a President who truly believes in unity.

In response to why the different standards for Huckabee and Obama:

Huckabee is on record as saying he would try and enforce his faith through government, his main segment of supporters desire that he do so. Where as Obama has never said he would do anything like that, and his supporters are vehemently opposed to that kind of legislation.

what does it matter what or who people believe in? Let's not discuss the moral decay of this country, or the immoral action of invading a sovereign country, let's discuss an individual's religious belief system. Why is one god better than another? Who cares! This country has real problems and which god someone believes in is not one of them!

What a complainer for a candidate, the email has been going around for over the last 6 months, it did not magically appear. I recieved it 10 times already for goodness sake. People aren't stupid, they no fact from fiction when it comes to some of these stupid emails. He should never had addressed it,

He dares to make allegations when his surrogates, put out the phone ad to the hispanics in Nevada saying Hillary was disenfranchising thier vote.

People don't buy it. He doesn't take on attacks very well, he just calls anyone who makes allegations a liar and then never states what the truth is or blames someone else.

He is not the hope I have for this country, some one who can't admit his own errors, weaknesses and does not take strong stances. Except "I will be the next president" " I will bring change and hope". People are tired of hearing it. Tell us HOW you are going to have a viable plan for the economy, healthcare, and on the war.

It's about time people are seeing him for the illusion he really is. Just an illusion. The obama effect is gone.

It shouldn't matter to reasonable human beings. Unfortunately, half of the electorate are not reasonable.

John Edwards is the most electable Democratic candidate that won't have to worry about such ridiculous issues, nor issues of gender!

This election is too important to have to worry about such issues!

Edwards in 2008!

It's an offensive tactic not only because it's a lie but because it preys upon the kind of racist fear-mongering too many politicians have used in the wake of 9/11. The source of these claims (gee, I wonder whom? couldn't possibly be the candidate most threatened by his charisma, honesty, and soaring popularity) should be outed and taken to task publicly. For shame.

The ugliness of politics disappoints me. This email is just another reason to show my support for Obama. He will have my vote two weeks from now. I hope he wins and these fearmongers can be set aside, if just for four or eight years.

Sitara I'm with you, but there are many stupid people in America, and those are the people that actually vote for Hillary Clinton.

The Clintons are known for their nasty political campaigning. And this sounds like a Clintonian tactic. I hope it will backfire.

Amen, Sitara! Let's bring an end to this unnecessary and false xenophobia.

As a born again Christian who believes in the power of Jesus's love and His forgiving spirit ......I agree, if he was a Muslim ....so what! I also received that email about Obama, and was laughing at it!!! I deleted it because any intelligent person could see that it was propoganda!

Barack is starting to fight back against this political machine known as "the Clintons".
This type of dirty politics & fearmongering is not what America needs in a time division & war. We need a leader who will ATLEAST tell us the truth and be open and honest with us.
All we should expect from HRC is another four years of fighting and getting nothing done. We Americans have played the fools over the past two presidential elections, let's not let fear cloud our judgement anymore.

Obama 08.

I'm glad to see that Barack Obama is fighting back. It's unfortunate, however, that he, or any candidate, should have to spend time doing that, when our country so desperately needs leadership.

Just think we have to put up with this back lashing for another 10 months

I fully support Obama, regardless of his religious faith. After this past debate, ive pledged to give full support and encourage others.

Please Please Please no more Clintons.....................or Bushes for that matter.

What the heck difference does it make what religion a candidate is? I have been supporting Barack Obama ever since he announced his candidacy. I am a middle aged white woman. And I do not like what the Clintons are doing AT ALL. They are just turning me off more and more to them, and I have a feeling that the way they are trashing Barack Obama will backfire on them. I don't see how anyone could vote for her after the nonstop attacks.

What is scary to me is that the people who base their beliefs on such baseless, hate fueled emails show up on election day and vote.

This malacious rumor has been on the internet boards such as Craigslist not long after he announced his candidacy. On these boards, it's almost always spread by racist whites or rightwing jerks, so I don't think you can pin this on any democrat. We all want to see a Democrat win, Hillary or Obama, in November.

What else do you expect him to say?

Senator Obama has an entire christian church that can overwhelmingly vouch for him on this issue, and no political smear tactic is going to change that. He's stabbing off these vicious lies from his competitors, and I applaud that wholeheartedly. It doesn't take a rocket scientist too see that he's being unjustly attacked! Obama will persevere and keep trucking along until he's in the whitehouse by a very large group of smart, distingushed and special people in this country who want him there. In other words, the intelligent voters of america!

Sitara, the "so what" can be encapsulated in three things – a) it's not true, and should be corrected, b) the e-mail's clearly trying to feed off anti-Muslim xenophobia in the U.S., and c) he may feel that his faith in Jesus Christ is being questioned, something I myself would not tolerate, either. I hope he moves on soon, however – too much time can be spent defending yourself, and the person spreading that e-mail knows as much.

There needs to be a test of intelligence before you are able to vote. People only want to believe rumors and are too lazy to do research and find out the truth.

Let's get religion OUT of the race and pick the best qualified candidate.

To Kirsten in fredricksburg, the difference is this. No one was questioning Huckabee's faith. His ad was a gratuitous attempt to garner the support of christian conservatives. In Obama's case, his faith is being questioned with falsehoods, and he has every right to defend against it. If people were spreading falsehoods about you, would you not do your best to correct the impression? Obama is not trying to push his belief on others. He is trying to correct the falsehoods being spread about him. If you believe in truth, then support him in this. If you believe that the spreading of lies is fine, then do nothing.

I agree with Sitara.

Religion and politics should stay a part. Who cares what religion the candidates are? Our country does not have a specific religion. There is no law saying the president of the United States has to be of a certain religion, or a have any religious beliefs at all.

People make a big deal over things that don't really matter. We need to focus on the important issues, such as the war and the economy.

I think any intelligent person knows by now that he is not a muslim.
But I have to say that the media is not helping this because they never write his full name as Barack Hussein Obama.
It seems like the media is going out of their way to make sure they never write his full name in any of the articles and this may look like they are trying to hide something by doing this.
If he been a muslim or a christian is not an issue then his full name Barack Hussein Obama should not be an issue also.
I think it is the media fault that allow rumors like this to ignite.

When it comes to politics, unfortunatly, they will use whatever they can and spread any stupid rumor that they can come up with in the hopes of dragging the other down. Ridiculous, abolutely ridiculous. I wouldn't be suprised if it was Bill Clinton doing this. He's been attacking Obama more than Hillary, that's because she can't handle the competition without her hubby. Pathetic.

Can CNN be any more biased in Mr. Obama's favor?.....why not report fairly for a change and give the other candidates a chance ?

Why can't Mr. Obama be honest to admit the truth about his faith before he became a christian 15 years ago? 15 years ago was reported previously. Then recently he said he became a christian 20 years ago. If he was a practicing Muslim 15-20 years ago why not just say so and end the story? What is he hiding?
A candidate for the presidency of the U.S. should be honest and trustworthy about his/her faith to the American people.

This has nothing to do with a campaign to be President.

It's simply a non-issue.

Quite funny though that we know about his religion, his church, his minister etc., when we don't know anything about John Edwards or Billary Clinton's.

...and kin'a dumb.

This story implies that being a Muslim is something bad
I believe prejudice against Muslims is alive in united states the country of freedom and liberty which make me feel sad. I hope that people are more understanding and respectful .

I know he is not a Muslim ... but I am not voting for him anyway ... John Edwards for a New America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seems we went through this not 1 month ago when Mitt Romney had to defend his LDS faith...and all of this goes on in a country where church and state are seperate? I really don't care what Obama is...he can believe that the universe is under a rock...as long as he can run the country best...(bytheway, I am a republican)

Sitara:

Its because america won't stand for a non-christian in office. Mormon, was pushing it even.

Every member of congress and this administration claim to be christian. If you think about it, there is no way not one person is an athiest or of another religion. Yet they all claim to be because they know if they don't, they won't have a career in politics.

Its sad really.

I thought this country was founded on Freedom of Religion. Why does that matter? Even if he is Muslim maybe he would be able to understand the Middle East far greater than any of our past or current President(s). Plus Obama doesn't push his religion on us like the Huckster does.

Who didn't hear Obama say he is a proud christian yesterday in the debate, or it is worth stating the obvious?

CNN reported that the researched evidence regarding Clinton's comments were of course unfounded and that Obama's remarks were indeed true. I believe it was another attempt of a Clinton "spinning" public opinion. It reminded me of the Famous "sexual relations" definition debate. The Clintons are masterful at verbatum deceit of the American people. We need a new type of politics and I now see that Obama is that leader.

Rumor is good enough for me not to vote for this guy. Let's dig up his whole past, that might make me happy.

Get serious. Sen. Obama has a point here: people like you under-estimate the intelligence of the American people. Keep spreading the lies, the hate, and the conspiracy theories. It may swing an election or two, but it won't pay off in the long run. As Dr. King said, "The arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice." You're on the wrong side of history, my friend.

Who writes the headlines for your articles? Cheap shot.

i would not be surprised in the slightest if the Clinton campaign was behind this

and i agree with Sitara, who cares if he's Muslim

if hillary gets the nomination,
im joining and voting for the green party this time

His commitment to JC is irrelevant. It's his commitment to the US that's important. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing about candidate's religious beliefs. I would rather the focus be on the issues facing the nation.

Did Obama use a Bible when he was sworn in as a Senator? I've heard rumors that he did not.......Maybe this is where the internet rumors began...?

I agree with Sitara–even if he were a Muslim–who should care. When Joe Lieberman was running as V.P. he didn't get this much discussion over being a Jew. There are many faiths–let's embrace them all.

Hilary is clearly a devious, calculating, insincere and shady lady. I use to think Bill was cool but he has def lost alot of cool points from me. I mean people, don't you find this a bit disturbing on the lengths these Clinton's are going for inorder to be back in the whitehouse? America voted Bush a 2nd time..C'mon a 2nd time? The Clintons dishonest political tactics has shown that voting for her would be like voting Bush back in the white house.

"Obama did not hypothesize who was behind the e-mails"

That is a sign of his dignity, because it's well known that Hillary Clinton fired two of her campaign staff members, Judy Rose and Linda Olson, following her "discovery" that the two staffers were personally responsible for circulating the libelous emails. This was detailed in an AP news report that appeared on CNN.com, in this column, the Political Ticker, on December 10, 2007. The article has been removed from CNN.com but it can easily be found on the AP website, or other news sites.

The fact that her staff instigated the smear campaign is also a sign of Hillary Clinton's leadership: a kind interpretation is that she didn't provide the moral guidance to let her staff know that, while aggressive negative publicity is ok, defamatory lies are not. A cynical interpretation is that she knew about it and gave her permission, implicitly or explicitly. Shades of Dick Cheney...

Barack Obama has the constructive mindset and the honorable character that is so badly needed in the White House following the skulduggery of Bush and Cheney. Obama will rise above the lies, and do much more than Clinton to repair America's image around the world.

If obama can't take on hillary and bill clinton how is he going to handle the republican party when they come at him, and the world as well as congress no free ride there.

I raely don't care he is a Muslim or not, what I care is does he tell us the truth, he should not be shame as a Muslim and try to hide this, it will be more be shame about is he lied to us.

He not Muslim and that what he was stating that fact. The Hillary is making up all these stories, I voted for her husband, but if she continue to make negative campaign against Barack and she does win I won't vote peroid, and she fine many people will not 40 million people not voting for her either. I just don't like how she campaigning it's very negative.

Here we go again, Hillary looks at negatives in regard to Barack. All he said was he needed an organizer. Every executive has one including the President. She is narcisstic and everything is I, she will be your next Bush her way or the Highway

Hillary asking Obama to "take responsibility." What a great piece of advice.

How I wish Hillary had given such an advice to Bill when he looked Americans in their eyes and said: "I want to make it clear, I did not have sex with that woman, Miss Lewisky." This man lied to this nation and does not deserve to step foot back in that White House. The world is watching us shoot ourselves in the foot, again!!!

How can someone in his/her right mind not expect that any Republican candidate has the above type of response READY to go (plus more) for Hillary, when/if she raises issues of taking responsibility?

Has Hillary taken responsibility for her initiative to provide health-care to the nation? Bill was in office for 8 years, why did Hillary not make these types of issues her cause? Maybe we should call on Laura Bush to help here!!!

Democrats are kidding themselves, if they think any Republican candidate will NOT draw Bill's scandals into the general election. How dumb can some people really be, this baffles me all the time!!!!

This proves American people are not really as open minded as they think they are.

I am a supporter of Barack Obama. I am deeply saddened by our country's ignorance . I"m a white middled-aged woman who was brought up in a U.C.C. church outside of Hartford,Ct. Barack Obama is a highly intelligent CHRISTIAN man.

Yes, he is not muslim but there seems to be something out there against muslims as political leaders. I think nobody should have to defend their faith especially when they run for political offices. The focus should be on issues not religious faith. All faiths are equal

That's right Alex, play into exactly what Obama is insinuating... What other inadequacies will he blame Hillary for? Stay tuned - sure there's more to come.

I'm just glad that Obama is finally showing HIS true colors. Don't forget, they're ALL politicians and they all work from the same book of tricks.

I suspect right wing religious fanatics are behind this. They are THE most intolerant people.....

What about the Christian Church brochure that appears to be racist. If you replaced the word Black with White, Chinese or Hispanic the message sent is racially biased. Why is it OK that your church is only interested in the Black alliance instead of the American alliance?

I have received such an email and wonder how many thousands of people have received the same and actually believed the lies told in it. I have nothing against Muslims but it bothers me that there are opponents of Obama who start and continue to send emails geared to influence recipients to vote against him. I, too, have a Muslim name and have been a Christian all my life.

Obama is a Christian.....period. No more discussion needed. Why do people believe random emails from anonymous people?

I personally don't believe that any rational person believes the email/rumors.....the only people giving this any credit are supporters of Hillary and Bill "I lie to federal prosecutors" Clinton.

that anybody in this country (and especially in our political process) has to defend themselves as being non-muslim to gain the public acceptance is in itself a clear sign that our freedom of religion is no more than writing on the wall that we pretend to uphold. Open your minds America. We are founded on principles that people of every religion are equal in this country.

I had heard this from a woman at my church so I went on the internet and checked it out. I found that the only thing Muslim about him is his middle name.
If more people would research the rumors, they would not sprout legs and run. I am not an Obama supporter but I detest these type of rumors going around.

Yeah Obama! it's about time the press acknowledge the fact that folks are trying to use fear as a political tool against you. I think your respect for all faiths and people will do this country well. You don't see Mitt Romney getting badgered like Obama.

Brother, why do you not embrace your muslim faith. Nothing to be gained if you do not embrace who you are. Allah will be with you.

Shame on Obama for implying that one of his Democratic opponents is behind this stuff. If he can't recognize Republican style racism when he sees it, then he doesn't have what it takes to beat them in November. If they did it to McCain in 2000, why wouldn't they do it to you now. Stop your whining, Barack. It's not very presidential.

Only a black man would have to constantly deny these false allegations- and this isn't a coincidence. I admire Obama for having remained positive for so long when he has been attacked by so many people.

Congratulations Senator Obama! I am sure that the good Lord will continue to sustain you.

I find it highly offensive that ANY political candidate have to defend their religious beliefs. It's disgusting. One can see the hypocristy that obviously leads some to believe that somehow Christianity is THE religion and any other is not worth mentioning or respecting. This foolishness needs to stop. I couldn't care less what faith another adhers to.

I find it incomprehensible that Senator Barack Obama has to reply to anoynmous e-mails. If the cowards can't put a name to their e-mail or show proof of what they're saying the slanderous e-mails should not be mentioned in the press.

But untalented reporters, greedy for any dirt they can find on others in order to get ratings are the most despicable of the lot; worse even than the nameless hateful idiots sitting behind a keyboard trying to derail Obama's bid for the presidency.

But the mere fact that he's asked to defend himself against anonymous trash is outrageous.

I'm glad Barack Obama is tackling these rumors head on. I've personally received at 3 emails all trying to connect Obama to a radical Islam, one of which came from a fellow church-member.

Bravo CNN, on credible and socially responsible reporting. Please continue to bring us more articles along these lines and not every slanderous word that proceedeth from the mouths of candidates.

Spread more Truth and not Deceit!

If you want more facts (and less rumors) about Sen. Barack Obama check out factcheck.barackobama.com. I haven't had to opportunity to review the section on Senator Clinton, but the stuff of Obama is correct.

People of the United States of America, come on lets get real here, can any of you read between the lines, take a closer look at wording of candidates, and the terms used from war tactics-strategies. Get yourselves informed, read our constitution, check out past history, do we really want to keep putting the same old reteric in power? Bush- Daddy's prodigy, Clinton both mr. and mrs. wow, come on get fired up and do the right thing this time. Quit going on heresay and popular opinion. Get to your local Libraries and check out the facts, and quit closing your eyes and ears to the truth.

The fact is Obama is a states man and since I have read in American news that he is a distant relative of Dick Chiney and had he been what these poeple claim he wouldnt have gone far,and his campaigns have proved him good allow him a chance rule America.The issue of religion is being used to deny him a vote the man knows what he worships.

I see racism is alive and well. Obama is someone who will bring us to where we need to be as a country. He is strong enough to fix what years of a republican run have destroyed.

I am a muslim and am appaulled by the inuendo that it is bad or wrong or somehow inferior to be a muslim. This view that is being stirred up by Right Wing is extremely unproductive, and downright racist. I have noticed in recent months the increasing tendency of the Right and indeed mainstream media to make the same implications. Lowlife behavior from so-called Christians. It saddens me as I live in the US.

I am really disappointed in some Americans for the false rumors concerning Obama. We must give it up for him, he is every bit capable of being one of the greatest presidents that the United States has ever had.

He is a Christian man with morals and values. I simply say leave the man alone, allow him to campaign, my choice in the beginning was Hillary, I am democrat and if she is the nominee for the party I am definitely voting Republican. Very disappointed in Clintons.

Definitely an Obama voter, lets speak truth, leave the lies out.

I received that email and I became really scared. Why does Obama not reject what is said per batum in the email and tell us where he was born, who is mother is, his father and where he went to school. Did he live with an uncle after his mother's death, etc. Until then I don't know who to believe.

Please we don't want a Muslim running this Country. Obama please clarify everything so we can believe in the real you.

What is really offensive is not the false accusation against Obama, but the implication that a muslim here in the US is to be seen as some sort of enemy or someone to fear. That just goes to show how much fear and hatred the Republican warmongers have built up over the last six years.

More to the point is how on earth Obama can rule out universal health care which would benefit so many in the black communities who have looked to him for leadership. I am at a loss too when he puts forward a job creation strategy that involves increasing the military by 100,000. I would have expected that many young black people would prefer to have the opportunity to go to college rather than fight to preserve the profits of oil companmies.

Even if Obama were a Muslim, so what?

Obviously this is part of the Clinton "dirty tricks" campaign.

Can he explain his middle name?

Those who spread lies about a candidate's religion respect neither Christianity, nor the Muslim faith. Nor do do they respect their country and its democratic system.

He would make a great modern MLK. His speeches all have a ministers tone. He says things that make you want to say amen, praise the Lord. Follow me and I will show you the promise land. Great speeches, great speaker. Just add a few spiritual songs and you got a sermon.

Why take a chance given the current Islamic threat? These Islamic fundamentalists are very patient. As they have said, "we will get the infidels from the inside out," wake up America. I myself doubt he's a practicing muslim; however, I would almost guarantee that he is sympathetic to their cause to some degree. And once in power, only god or should I say allah knows what might come.

Well, it looks like Obama is insinuating again that the Clintons are behind anonymous emails.

The Clintons have been the victims of vicious and false internet rumors for years. And yet the Clintons are not insinuating that Obama authorized them.

Once again, Obama is looking fo pity points. His whining has become the hallmark of his campaign.

Don't you think it would be better if just addressed the issues?

i recieved one of these emails and i am least to say i am So mad that the "C's" would do such i mean we all know who is behind them. Obama is a true leader.

So what if he's muslim....am i missing something?
I know very little about politics but when did religion become a determining factor in whether someone will make a good leader...

You know they made a big deal about Kennedy being a Catholic and look how good his presidency turned out to be.........no wait, scratch that.

I would just like to thank the person or persons responsible for clearing up this rumor. I received this email last week and have to tell you that I was really taken back by it. I am a registered Republican and have been very impressed with Senator Obama and what his campaign stands for. I had went as far as to say that he would probably get my vote. I am feeling much better after reading this clarification.

I am not an Obama supporter; in fact I am a register republican. It is interested that NBC went to court to prevent Kucinich appearing on the debate in Nevada. One of the reason for this censorship is that they are afraid that Kucinich will talk about what happen in New Hampshire. The polls were actually correct; indeed there was a fraud benefiting the so-called surprised winner. Eventually the American people will know the truth. And when that happens the propensity will clearly go toward the leader with the sound judgment not the divider. Kucinich really believe that there was a fraud. He supports this belief with hard cash, by paying for the recounts that is now in order. Kucinich believes that Barrack Obama has won the New Hampshire primary; And Hillary Clinton came in second, if the machines were left breached. Technicians who support the Diebold machine were allowed to break the security seal to change the memory card on the very diebold scanning machine during the Election Day under the pretense that the diebold machine broke down. There seems to be evidence that the surprise winner got a bump of +4.5% and the second candidate’s votes count were subtracting by 2.5%

I don't care if Obama is a Muslim, I don't care what his religious beliefs are, but I'd like to know why he doesn't put his hand to his heart during the National Athem or why he thinks it's beneath him to wear the American flag pin. Obama, you don't need to do these things to run for President, but it's just a simple sign of respect for all the men and women who have fought and died supporting the freedom the flag and the National Athem represent. I would expect more from a man who wants to lead this country as its' President. Issues or not, these simple gestures say more to me about your intentions than the thousand words you churn out during your political speeches.

Those of us in Hawai'i who are familiar with Barack's background cannot believe that the press has not pounced on the "Muslim" smear...not that being Muslim is bad, but that trying to lie about Obama's background is getting even this far. He grew up in Hawai'i, and attended Punahou School...a private Christian academy. He has been part of the United Church of Christ for a long time, and the church is proud of him and his record as a leader, and as a man. UCC is seen by some radical right-wing zealots as a "left-wing" liberal church...but only because we as a faith do not judge others, are tolerant of divergent views, and respect the right of anyone to believe as they wish. I'm getting pretty fed up with the hatchet job attempts, and whatever respect I once had for HIllary is fast waning.

Who cares what his religion is?

As long as he does a good job, that should be all that matters.

This has gone a long way to re-affirm my thoughts about the pointlessness of religion, and the problems it creates where none existed before.

That email, which my wife has received repeatedly, is an ignorant smear for an uninformed electorate. Regrettably, that's the very reason that it and those like it are effective. The voting public has largely abandoned its civic responsibility to seek reliable information on political candidates, and as a result we end up with small men like George W. Bush. I'm not an Obama supporter, but I'm glad to see him dismantle this nonsense directly. It's the only appropriate response.

I'm surprised that there are many it seems who care about the faith of the candidate when it really makes no difference. The US president will take decisions that are against basic tenets of any faith so why the worry?

Gee I wonder who is responsible for puttin those out on you... She is shrewd and untruthful, are we going to stand back and have 4 more years of george bush,only a different party. The answer is wake up America... I will not support a Clinton dyabsty... I am for amendment 22.

I think we need a new person–from a different family other than the BUSHS and CLINTIONS–in the White House. What has this country come to?

I think Mr. Obama is hiding a lot of his life behind closed doors and wether it is good or bad it will come out so in the end run this guy should either confess to al his mis givings or quit the race i prefer the ladder because he keeps promising change well that's all good exceppt I am one of the poor people who struggles to get by daily and every time the goverment make a change all it does is put me and my family further in debt. so I say quit making changes that keeps costing the poor and fix the problems we have in this country now and the only candidate that has shown that SHE can and has done that for the little guy is H CLINTON ALL THE WAY

Not only is it insulting to americans that he appears on a TV network owned by Pat Robertson,who praised the 9/11 attack,but he called the allegations of being muslim "scourilous" as though it was such a big deal. I thought he was above the bigotry. He's only above racial bigotry,not religious bigotry? And isn't CBN the height of bigotry in itself? Barack is heading down the road to obscurity. He never should have started attacking Hillary six months ago. Just because she let it go for a while doesn't mean it's acceptable form for our future president. Most democrats are going to have a hard time voting for him. I guess that was their plan from the beginning. To elect a republican and fan the flames of racism.

Dear readers,

I hope everyone does not believe the comments posted here. Research the questions you have, use reliable sources, and be guided by common sense.

I think Obama is all vetted by now to stand any heat!

Oh yeah sure let's all just mindlessly play pile on Hillary shall we...

This kind of stuff has been going on for as many elections as we can remember and lately one was traced back to some young kid who had 527 status and was making 100s of automated calls and emails concerning Romney's faith as well Probably the same kid and the same fanatical organiztion who has a problem with anyone they perceive as being different than they are – which is virtually everyone! There are an over abundance of whacked out wierdos out there, and some way over the top religious groups.

But don't listen to reason, just jump right in and start flaming away – I'll get the hot dogs and mustard. This is America, is it not and everyone is entitled to vent their hatred at will. Listened to a former Civil Rights activist in SC who was pointing out that if Obama gets the Dem nod that he needs to toughen up because the Republicans will throw everything including the kitchen sink at him. McCain already remembers what happened to him in SC 2000 GOP primaries and the tactics Rove used. But carry on... don't stop to think for a change... the hillaryhaters and the Obama fans will be out in full force... the rest of us should just move on to the next topic and leave them to drone on endlessly to themselves – for the most part they do anyway... Meanwhile we're going to go over to check out what the Repubs are up to.

Are all the critics happy now??? Thank you for setting everyone straight. OBAMA 08!!!

Shows again the slow growth in power of the religious right in America – call me a simple European who believes that chuch and state should be separate, but who cares if he is muslim, christian, hindu or jew, or hopefully an athesist, as long as he can do a good job...

Anyone with any intelligence knows where they come from. Without lies where would the Clintons be. It all began with "I did not inhale", and continues today.
It is hard for me to understand how anyone can still take anything they say as fact or truth.

all i can say is that Sen. Obama better get used to all the exaggerations and close combing thru of his record because he's gonna get hit hard by the republicans and all their 'swift boat' groups that are after him.

in fact, these faith questions floating around are only the tip... you should see what they are saying about him online and in the conservative blogs. its horrible!

and wait until they start in on the drug rumors. all they have to say is that sure, Hillary may have been on the board of Walmart but he was out selling drugs in the poor neighborhoods of Chicago.

he should be happy he's getting hit so hard right now.. i can see them salivating over the possibility of him winning the nomination.

It is tremendously sad and pathetic that there are hateful individuals who seem to get some thrill out of spreading such malicious rumors about Senator Obama that are proven to be untrue. This type of mud-slinging makes me sick!

What is Barak Obama's middle name? and when h was sworn into office what did he use? the Bible or the Kuran?

Why is his religion being made into such a big deal??? Isn't this election based on candidate credentials and how they can move this country forward? It shouldn't matter if he is a Muslim, Christian or Jewish thats not what the election is about.

This has to stop!! I really don't care if Obama is Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or atheist or whatever.

This is a dirty ugly attempt to make people think he is a potential terrorist.
I hope we find out who is behind this.

It is incredible to believe that in this day and age we are worried about someone is "supposed to be according to those that are in competition with him" and make no mistake the presidential primaries are like the playoffs before the big game. If we start looking at a person's record whether it be Obama, Clinton or any of the other candidates and quit listening to the rhetoric put out by the opposing team ( psych out time) we become a better informed voter. Too many times I have heard " I voted fro the monster I knew rather than the one I didn't." We have a responsibility to ourselves and our children to make informed decisions about who we select to run our country. I can only imagine how many of us would vote for Obama if all we had to go by to make our selection was a list of the candidates' record ...no picture...no preformed opinions based upon media and campaign hype. Cathy Manton, MI

I AM SO SICK OF THIS MUD SLINGING. WHAT I WOULD ADVISE TO OBAMA IS ,

LET THEM CONTINUE ON........... SLINGING. BUT DON'T GET IN THERE BOAT.

CONTINUE TO DO RIGHT AND RIGHT WILL COME TO YOU. OBAMA YOU HAVE GOD ON YOUR SIDE.

I should imagine that this is some more slander in the name of politics rather than personal matters. I'm sure there are plenty of extremist Christians, NRA members etc who are secretly relieved that a black Christian man with allegiance to Africa (what a refreshing change) is out if front of them.

We all know that these emails are just part of the Clinton's smear tactics.

America is smart enough to know who is behind this garbage and why.

Clinton's only know one way to play , dirty , dishonest ,say anything , do anything , to get elected.

Bill needs to go hang out at his girl friends house until this thing is over.

This "systematic political strategy" is just a small taste of what would come if Obama became the nominee. If he is worried about what the rumor/slander/bigotry mill will do to his standing among Democratic primary voters, just think of what it will do to his standing among the general presidential-year voter.

He being Muslim is not a problem. What scares his fellow democrats is his belief in God and being a committed religious person. This scares democrats because Hillary is mostly seen as godless, or moreso, her own god. Historically, she has no position on faith. It's a question that will soon come up...and Obama will be the victor in that regard.

Ok, So what if Obama was muslim, suddenly we are all terrorists. Quite frankly, it is disgraceful how people who are suppose to be well educated enought to preside a country and make such cheap, petty allegations. Muslims, Islam is a religion it has nothing to do with terrorism and apparently those idiots have not learnt that yet. Why do we not discuss the facts that so many terrorist attacks were caused by white people, why do we never hear that? It is a disgrace to live in a world where our leaders are idiots and has no common sense.

Does that mean Hillary and company started the rumor? Will Edwards be Hillary's VP? Lots of questions but no answers.

Shame on whoever is spreading these lies on Senator Obama. I believe him but frankly, it does not matter to me what faith he subscribes to. He strikes me as a caring, honorable, and someone with integriy. That is the standard we must all aspire to regardless of faith.

my question is, which Hillary will show up during wartime? She appears confused or at the least indicisive

It is time for unification not division for the United States and Obama is ready to give us this. America has lost its most credibility in the outside world. Let nobody try fool you there. Time has come for change, we are tired hearing the same old 35 years experience that Clinton is claiming. Doing the same wrong things over and over. 35 years experience doing what???? Wake up America!! This is right time to take our country into the right direction. BARAK OBAMA is the best candidate.

It wouldnt surpise me if a Clinton staffer was behind this, shes been quietly turning this into a race game when she realized she couldn't win without it.

It's sad that Mr. Obama has to defend his religion. I applaud you for standing up against rumors. I think your eloquence, sophistication and respect for all Americans will take you straight to the White House on Jan. 20, 2009.

I'm actually quite heartened by this article. So some old southern cracker believes Barack Obama's a "secret muslim"? So what? I'd be surprised if some of the older southerners don't believe he's a secret martian. Next, one of Obama's campaign backers is under indictment. Not yet tried, not yet found guilty, just under indictment. So what? I'd be surprised if there's a candidate – Republican or Democrat – who doesn't have a backer with a little smudge on his or her reputation.

It's high time America had a president who did what the president needs to do – to provide goals to aim for, principles to stand by and an image to respect – as opposed to 'deciders', warmongers, torturers and defilers of the Constitution.

Obama has succeeded in bringing to the voting booths what has been said to be the largest group of young first-time voters in history. His optimistic speeches have washed away the paralysis, cynicism, and apathy of voters and his clear stance on the issues: better education, universal health care, environmental friendly energy bills, ending the war in Iraq, closing down Guantanamo, and building a better foreign policy face to the world all show that in this defining moment we are the ones who have to step up to the challenges of the 21st century by voting for those who best represent the interests of our generation. We are generation hope. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for!

Obama,

just eat a piece of bacon in front of the cameras and get rid of that rumor.

By the way, I could care less what Obama's religion is, I'd vote for him over any Republican candidate.

John Edwards is the only candidate that acted presidental during the debate. Obama and Clinton were both giving school yard taunts. Edwards had a plan for everything and a way to pay for it.
Edwards will now be my choice for president.

I would not vote for a candidate who can't take the presuure, who shed tear for losing single primary?? I think she will be confused to take decissions in any chiotic situation, and become tensed and disturbed??