CNN

John McCain's middle name is Sidney?! I'm changing my vote to Democrat this year!

Nice touch. What will the RNC do to prevent the next Swift Boat organization of knuckleheads? Forgive my cynicism, but I'm thinking this is merely a smoke screen so the RNC can say it wasn't them and it wasn't official.

Want to impress me? Denounce the "southern strategy". Denounce the strategy of claiming anyone with the gall to disagree with George W. Bush is unpatriotic. Denounce the strategy that implies that those of us opposed to warrantless wiretaps are "on the side of the terrorists". Denounce the implication that those of us that scorn the use of torture in our name somehow "hate America".

I won't hold my breath.

327 days till the end of the Bush administration.

JUST ANOTHER WAY TO MAKE IT EASY FOR HIM!

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!

IT IS HIS NAME!

GO HILLARY!!!!!

Soon the GOP will be trying to convince the fine people of the United States that Obama ALSO has WMDs hidden in Illinois.

Well the press sure uses Clinton's middle name a lot and nothing is said about that. Obama's middle name scares the heck out of me. I do not trust this man. Words are cheap. I have always felt this man is a plant and the American people are playing right into his hand. God help this country if he is elected!!!!

I thought we were living in a civilized world where people are judged by their deeds not by their names. The far right should be ashamed of their smear tactic. Since they are secluded in their own world their eyes are blind and cannot see what is going on in the world. I think they are missing a golden opportunity to adjust themselves with the future. They are people of the past.

Can we also ban the use of the name Hillary as well? We can denounce and reject it's use.

Why does it matter, Obama should just say it is my middle name. By making a big deal of it seems as if someone has something to hide.

Well , here we go again, they find another way of making it "all about him",
where there is smoke , there is fire, and I think the media should be digging deeper in Obama 's past.
Boy , are you Americans in for a surprise, if he is elected.
Remember this is the one whose wife is only proud of her country , now that her husband is running.
I watch in amazement , how you are all falling for his "bull" and no substance.
This is the guy who thinks Canada has a President, doe he even know where we are?

It's not just a name that's at the heart of this matter. It is context and tone and everyone knows that. There is absolutely nothing wrong with his name, but to say his name in a manner that implies he is bomb-carrying psycho is pitiful and downright awful.

Nice duck n cover GOP. If nothing was wrong or inaccurate then I expect no retraction of what they were doing. If you’re correct then don’t back down. Because they did speaks for itself.

People who do this stuff are who we refer to as leaders. Those who suck it up are called idiots and our ‘leaders’ rely heavily on that!

It seems that the Obama campaign is getting more upset about this than they should. Wasn't it them that that claimed the picture of him on a visit to Africa was a terrible plot by the Clinton campaign and he went all negative? Now they don't like using his middle name or having it mentioned? It seems that Obama supporters have no problem in calling Hillary Clinton every name under the sun but are upset about a picture that no one should have complained about or using his real name. Who is making a fuss more than the Obama campaign? It seems they seem to be using it to their full advantage and to again claim some kind of racism? Sorry, but I am getting tired of this whole thing and it stinks! Can we say anything about him anymore without his supporters claiming foul?

I don't think the RNC is the biggest worry right now. Billary still lurks out there, and if I were Obama, that is what would keep me up at night. This country needs to put the stake through Billary's heart now!

If his middle name is HUSSEIN then use it.............................................
barack hussein obama that is what I go by....big deal.

Barack is not ashamed of his middle name, nor is he ashamed of his paternal links nor is he against anybody using his full name nor is any of his supporters against that too. What he and we are against is someone insinuating things and generating baseless fear in people by using his middle name in the context that it is evil, that he is Saddam Hussaine, that he is moslem, that he is anti-semitic or that he is Farrakhan. These are falsehoods, inuendoes by shameless individuals with no substance in them and who have no arguments whatsoever to make in issues concerning this nation now. This is the basis for the complaint. No one has used HRC's middle name in any suggestive manner as they have that of Barack.

For all those people who say what's the big deal about using his middle name – What is John McCain's middle name? And why is it not being used? Obviously those who are stressing Barack Obama's middle name are doing so in order to create a false impression about his origins and his intentions to activate the nation's bias and stupidity.

I am disgusted with the anti-Islamic bigotry displayed on this forum and in the press. So what if he has a muslim name? Is that such a bad thing? There are millions of Americans with muslim names. It is shameful that no one at the national level is questioning the underlying premise of these allegations. This is as bad as anti-semtism.

When is the media going to take their kid gloves off Obama. A name is a name if we're all proud Americans. If you're trying to hide something, or if you're not proud of something, you're not a proud American. If Obama is afraid of America finding out what his middle name is, what else is he afraid of us finding out?

I have noticed politicians dgoing to countries around the world and paying respect to their traditions by wearing the traditional garbs. I do not understand why Obama wearing Kenyan traditional attire is such a big issue.

Thanks
Trisha

The republicans know that there is a lot more excitement on the Dem side than Rep and are afraid of having Obama as the nominee. These attacks are part of their tactic to help Hillary win in hope that the hate they have for Clintons will energize and unit the Republican Party.

I think it's pretty disgusting and is very much akin to the school bullying that I encounter every day as a teacher...I mean, seriously, who makes fun of a person's name as an adult?!? Not to mention that is racially profiling a person.

Lay off already – you're doing more harm to your party than good.

Whether it is used to create fear or not - thats not the issue... what is the problem of using one's middle name when that is in fact his middle name.. if he is afraid of being linked to muslims by his middle name, then it just shows what kind of person he is

According to the new logic imposed on common names by the conservatives, if your last name ends in those suffixes you are now Jewish, even if you are not jewish. Whoopi Goldberg take notice.

This change is due to the fact that Obama's middle name means he's muslim. If you know any white conservatives whose last name ends in Stein, Berg or Man, please enlighten them of the new change.

Thanks and goodnight.

Now that he is a perceived threat to winning the white house – the attacks and focus on his origin truly begin in the media. Hmmmmm!

Indie in Iowa: " it just makes me wonder what Obama has to hide."

What a perfect example of how petty we can get.

The simple fact is that if it people were just using to pronounce his whole name that would be fine, except there are a few caveats. first, I don't see any other candidate being referred to by their middle name. Second, it is only used when he is being criticized so to add a bit of fear into ignorant people (which unfortunately there are a lot of), its not what he goes by so why should it be important in public discourse? as mentioned a few times earlier, it is a popular middle eastern and african name. third, he has had to dispel, ignorant, unfounded, and ridiculous accusations every time he has ran for office base solely on his name. If we want to make our country better we have to get past this stupid stuff, unfortunately there are people out there who do and make this a big deal because it incites fear and a cognitive reference to our war of terror even though any accusation about the is FALSE. That is why I support Barack because I think he is the person who has the best opportunity to unite people on so many different levels that, for common causes and common good.

There is nothing wrong with his middle name, or the tribal garb he was presented with while visiting the birth place of his father. What is wrong is the use made of it by the human garbage who are trying to frighten people into believing he is some kind of middle eastern extremist. I think they should continue, it is this sort of thing that has middle america looking for something different.

IT'S HIS NAME!!! GET OVER IT!!!
How ridiculous that we have come to a point that we cannot refer to someone by their given name! Political correctness at its worse!
IT'S HIS NAME!! SUCK IT UP AND DEAL!

As far as we can't debate Obama on the issues, I think it is Obama that does not want to debate the issues.
Again people! IT IS HIS NAME! MOVE ON!

The only people "concerned" about Mr. Obama's middle name are, in fact, the wingnuts and Faux Noise (same thing).
They seem to think they can extend the administration's playing the fear card with tactics such as this, as well as substituting "Osama" instead of "Obama," and now capitalizing on the photo mentioned in the article. How many past presidents, first ladies, and other elected officials have traveled to other countries and dressed in a particular country's traditional garb? What's the difference in this case?
Personally, I don't care WHERE Barack Obama is from, whether he does or doesn't use his middle name, I don't care about his religious affiliation, and I certainly don't care whether he chooses to dress or not dress in a particular style on any visit he makes to anyplace, be it Somali, Kenya, Seattle, or Kansas City!
What I care about is how he plans to "drive the bus out of the ditch."
So far, I like what I've heard and will proudly cast my vote for him.

There ISN'T anything wrong with his middle name. HIS PRIDE OR HERITAGE IS NOT WHAT'S BEING QUESTIONED.

What is being called into question is the CONTEXT in which it's being used... a fearmongering attempt by the right to attempt to slander him, or suggest that he belongs to another faith, or misrepresent his convictions or beliefs.

I cringe to think that our public school system hasn't taught you people how to think critically or behave like civilized adults.

Obama '08!!!

What is going on here? Is Obama not proud of who he is? His father was from Kenya and his mother from US. He is not an African American. I wish he would stop saying that. I am an African-American woman voting for Hillary Clinton. GO HILLARY!

U know what.....although they used his name in a attempt to freak people out, IT IS HIS NAME, and obamas just going to have to get used to that, because its not going to go away. If he is proud of his name he should just roll with it, its part of him and its going to be used against him forever..thats the bottom line

Hillary Rodham Clinton! Oh my! What's in a name...

This is exactly why Americans are moving away from the RELIGOUS RIGHT. This is if anything discreet racism. The republicans are trying to fear mongering their way back into the white house. A sad shame that most of you don't realize the rest of the world is watching. And if they see these type of tactics being used how do you think they will respond to U.S. leadership. How do you think the Muslim world will respond to all of this? If you think your oil is high now wait until the Repbulicans are done blasting a man with a Muslim last name. Most of you guys will be walking to work.

Nowhere in this article does it say Obama is not proud of his middle name so I don't know how y'all are drawing that conclusion. It's the DNC and RNC people who are causing a stir...and rightfully so! It's at the point where the right wing has repeatedly used it as a tactic to elicit connections to the infamous Hussein family from Iraq and the Muslim faith. Oh no! Islam will take over America if Obama is elected!!!!!!

It's despicable. Grow the F up.

I pray there will come a day, when a name is just a name, a skin color is just a skin color and a gender is just a gender. It's the person we are voting for, not the ethnicity, color or sexual orientation.

If and or when Obama is elected, he will represent the entire United States, not the black United States, or the Hussein's of the United States.

If that scares some people... well.. I feel kinda sad for them.

And another thing........are we to believe the RNC isn't happy with this when they sat on their hands while McCain was getting skewered in South Carolina in 2000 with the same style of tactics?!?!?!

If anyone be offended by Senator Obama's middle name, then he obviously has no business being President of the United States! And, by the way, how did he get to be a Senator? Did his name change?

America will become a Muslim country. No more attacks from Osama.

Good if Obama elected. America will be part of Middle East countries.

Be prepared to become isolated from other Christian countries.

OK Republicans, here we go again!! Don't act like you didn't intend to spread fear and hatred by playing up Obama's middle name. Wake up America!! Do the words "Willie Horton" mean anything to you people?? Do we have to continue being fooled by the Republican hate machine every four years? Tell you what – I'll break bread with 100 muslim citizens of this country any day instead of 1 conservative christian zealot!

Don't let this stunt influence you. Remember those immortal words – "Fool me once, shame on you – Fool me twice (or 4 or 5 times), shame on ME !!"

Hillary Rodham Clinton....is NOT her full name. Rodham is her single
surname. Just what is her MIDDLE name ????
OOOHHH........MUST BE A CONSPIRACY !!!!!!!

I've known Muslims before and they are good, hard working, honest people. Just because a person is a Muslim does not mean they are a radical terrorist. Yes, some are, but the VAST (and we're talking 99.999999% here) majority aren't. The comment made by the Tennessee RNC was meant to prey on fears that the name would bring up. Hussein is as common to the Muslim world as Smith is to us. There are at least several hundred million people in the Muslim world with that name who are honest and upstanding citizens of wherever they live.

I don't care if his middle name is used as long as it is used with respect. As it was used by the RNC in TN, there was no point for it and as such it is suspect. Sen. Obama is a died in the wool American, raised here. He doesn't have ties to zealots simply because his name is one of the most common names in that part of the world. That's like saying everyone named Smith must be a blacksmith because traditionally that's what the name meant.

These are the people who demonstrate that racism is still alive and well in the US today. They wonder why so many other countries distrust us and you just have to go back to these tactics. What's in a name after all? Why is it that one usually disrespects and makes fun of names of Islamic origin? Who can anyone blame for how the Islamic countries feel about the US? We are the ones asking for it. As long as we allow such bigotry to not only exist, but to thrive, we are just burying our heads in the sand. Christians, jews and muslims, if you really study history, you know that many of these names are exactly the same, just expressed in a different way or language. Ignorance is the scourge and these "uneducated" bigots should not be allowed to destroy the basic tenets of humanity.

Hillary Clinton uses her middle name all the time. Obama's middle name Hussein is the first name of this father and he should not be ashamed to use it. The RNC should keep their comments to themselves and not get involved in candidates names. His middle name is what it is. Maybe because it is the last name of Saddam. However if the Clinton campaign wants to use that name there is nothing the RNC can do about it. I don't know why his mother didn't name her son since he was born in this country, Why give him a Kenyan name . His father was not even a citizen of this country,. What was she thinking.

Of course it is his name, and without the slanderous intent, there is nothing wrong with using it. Unfortunately, we live in a country where politics mimics grade school name calling. No one is so stupid they could not understand the purpose behind the comments of Tennessee's Republican Party - or to have understood the attitudes of those party leaders. Makes me glad I don't live in Tennessee and makes me doubly glad I changed my registration from Republican to Democrat for this election!

How many of you have ancestors who were immigrants to this country? A lot. I think you'll recall the practice immigrants had of shortening their foreign names so they would not stand out. They weren't ashamed of their names, they just knew weak minded humans have always tried to divide people based on irrelevant and meaningless differences, even being willing to condmen someone for their very name.
I bet a good number of you pretending like you don't understand what's going on, have some fake name that wasn't what you're grandparents were really born with.

Obama is proud of his name, but weak minded and evil people are trying to use it as a weapon of fear. You look foolish for pretending you don't understand this. How transparent.

Maybe people should just address Mabus as Mr O since its become more and more policy to handle Obama with kid gloves afterall we dont wanna hurt anyone's feelings. Give me a break people this is a run for the most pwerfull job on Earth, he will literally have the future of the world at his fingertips....With one decision, he could throw the world into chaos....We should crawl right up his cavity and inspect it with microscopic closeness....As a people we not only have the right but we have the responsibility....I dont care what Cnn or anyone else says...America has the responsibility to know who they put into that office and give the codes to the nukes they possess!!!!!! Have a nice Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob

This is the kind of thing that turns off Independents like my self. I think if Reps continue with this hateful fear mongering, they'll loose the election on every level as they did in 2006!!

In support of Obama alot of us are adopting in middle name into ours. eg. Jane "Hussein" Doe!
It's a type of protest against ignorance which leads to racism.
Bringing our attention what American Muslims endure all too often. Most muslims are peaceful and just want to be part of the American dream. We are proud of our "new" middle name "Hussein".

It is his middle name, his parents gave that too him. He should be proud of that. I have heard many politicians use thier FULL name. He will have to use it when or if he is SWORN into office. That is how things are done. Is it what you want to hear, the President of the United States, with the name Hussein?

This will be actually the problem Americans will face every day if Obama becomes the president. Bye-bye freedom of speech.

Now, if you say "I don't like Obama'" you are asked "why, are you racist?" Can you imagine if he becomes president that nobody will dare to say anything against him? Do you think you'll feel comfortable to openly criticize the president like you do now with Bush? And don't tell me Obama will do everything perfect so there will be no reasons for critiques.

What was so dramatic about using his middle name or photo? Nobody has a problem to show any photo they want with Hillary or to use Rodham. Why is everybody afraid to touch this man?

Some of you are trying to be coy and say, well, thats his name, isn't it??? Or isn't he proud of his name?/ You know good and well that the speaker was trying to get people to make some kind of mental connection to Saddam Hussein, and instill "fear" in people. It is that he couldn't just think of something positive to say about John McCain, who I believe is a fine man.

Well we know who leaked the PIC, Hillary and we know who said the name, McCain and guess what that is, Its Fear Mongers from the Washington Status Quo. As the American people, we dont have to put up with that, this election we should run all the Staus Quo and Fear Mongers out of office and change for the good.

Such silliness. Such bigotry.

People are speaking his middle name, Hussein, as if it were somehow "bad" or "derogatory" in an of itself. That is so very disturbing.

General Omar Bradley, was one of the main U.S. Army field commanders in North Africa and Europe during World War II and a General of the Army in the United States Army. He had a Muslim name. Omar was the name of the 2nd Sunni Islamic Caliph.

Senator Obama is a Christian. His name is a beautiful American name.

There is another issue that I don't see much discussion about. It is not criminal or evil to be a Muslim. There are many law abiding, contributing Muslims that are citizens of this country. They are part of the American Dream. They condemn the actions of fantatics, they love their families, and try to make life better for the next generation. They have given their lives fighting as US soldiers in Iraq. They died as innocent workers in the World Trade Center on 911.

Flames of hatred burn fast and harsh. We must stop flaming them.

What bothers me about this, is that Hussein is his name...it's not like the RNC or others are making it up. I don't understand why people can't say his name?
I think it's racism to not say it...and Barack should be proud to say his name is Hussein...it brings the ideas of people together.

How about calling him Osama Obama? I kinda like that better!

Stop walking on eggshells with respect to Obama. Why should anything about him be held to a different standard? I don't believe it impies anything. If the electorate is naiive and doesn't respect that this is in fact his middle name....

Six year olds do that–make fun of people's names and then act like it was a clever basis for judging.

If you want to use the same tactics as a six-year old to judge who should be president, nobody can stop you. It's a free country.

But don't call me naive for focusing on the candidate's platforms and character instead of their middle names. The RNC was right, for once.

We are a very sick Nation that has some dumb idiots living in it, so how low can we go? What's in a name anyway?????

Let the record show that Obama has never said anything about the use of his middle name so all you people who want to imply he has something to hide get a life and move on. Next.....

Yes We Can!!!

Howver, many on the right are purposely using his middle name (unlike any of the other candidates) due to the easy scare tactic that it is. Look at what many right-wing folks call him. Barack Hussein Obama. They do it with purpose - to scare folks who relate it to Saddam Hussein or any concept of "terrorist." It's blatant and shameless.

But, as I said above, I think it's the RNC that's trying to tone that down - Obama's camp hasn't said anything as far as I know. At least according to this particular article.

na

all these people on here who are trying to spin this to "he's not proud of his name" are just morons. Notice the RNC denounced the use of his middle name, not Barack himself. People read and hear just what they want to and then run with it. And the whole "where there's smoke there's fire" question – you're a racist. Thanks for publicly admitting it in an internet forum.

The problem with using his middle name is that you same bozos that elected Bush are easily mislead by such garbage.

What's wrong with him using his complete name? After all it is HIS NAME. Is he embarrashed about it? Is there a double standard here somewhere?

I hope you'll accept my participation as my name ends with "ibrahim", If you " Americans" are going to think this way, then, thousands of americans like the scientist Farouq Al-baz in Cape Kennedy, professors in univercities must be kicked out as they belong to a religion or color or an ethnic group. You know, then i advise you to put your democracy in the nearest garbage. I think if you " Americans" think this way, it's the end of what you always fight for " Demcoracy".
Welcome back to darkness
A man believing in freedom and the American Democracy if it's there.
Say finish to wars and vote for Senator Obama """ Husein" whatever it's.

I had no idea there were so many bigoted ignorant people out there. This is not a soap opera. How about actually focusing on issues? I guess it doesn't matter how you win just so you do. I have always been proud of my country but I sure am not proud of the way we conduct our elections. Stop trying to scare me. I am not stupid. I will vote based on facts, positions, and the things that I know not on speculations about what could happen. That's what we have had for the last 7 years. I do not want more of the same.

I am an ardent Obama supporter and volunteer. However, I think to combat this and to reveal the true racism behind Cunningham and other conservative's comments, Obama ought to use his middle name ALL THE TIME. It should be on campaign bumper-stickers and t-shirts. Shove it in their faces, Obama. Then, conservatives won't be able to do anything, or else the true racist motives behind emphasizing his middle name in the first place will be revealed. We shouldn't be afraid of a name. And really, it's not that he shares the name with a cruel dictator that bothers people... many people share a name with Joeseph Stalin. Any discomfort with the name "Hussein" is strictly racial. This is why Barack Hussein Obama's campaign should saturate the media with the name. Supporters are already doing it on the blogs!

Is this a free country or not? I can't believe this. You can exploit anything with a evil intention.

This is P.C. run amok, I don't care if his name is Adolf Bin Laden Hitler, he is either a qualified candidate or he isn't. Does anyone really think anyone who is moderately intelligent gives a Rat's Butt (I censored myself trying to get at least one post approved) about the name? Why else would so many people want to hear about his plans, and policy ideas?

BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, cannot stand for his middle name, HUSSEIN, how he can stand up to face critical issue our country has.

The fact is, he is a talket than doer. Look...... he never has hearing as member of Foreign relation for Afghanistan. His whining was during the debate I only 13 months in the office and then running for campaign. For 13 months you cannot do anything for something you brag in your campaign. Even HILLARY busy campaign hold hearing.

I know why B. HUSSEIN OBAMA cannot have hearing, because he is to unorganize and too lazy to read paper that stuck-up on his table. Barrack admitted that about his organized skill during a debate.

The only Barrack proud about his record is OPPOSED the WAR. Hello ...... everybody, he was not even in the senate to cast his voted to oppose the war. Barrack Husein Obama said opposed the war during a speech. When he came to senate, may be by then he read, then Obama cast his voted to support funding the war. WHAT A FLIP FLOP.

Barrack couldnot even make-up originality of his own words. He took the title of his book "Audacy of Hope" from his minister that support FARAKHAN. He picked-up Govenrnor's Patrick word for his campaign. No wonder his policies that he campaign are identical with Hillary, because he also copy Clinto policies. I saw Clinton policies first came up in website.

GO HILLARY, DON'T GIVE UP, EVEN YOU LOST TEXAS AND OHIO.

3 days in a row, You refuse to publish my comments.......why?

Whats the problem? Is that NOT his name? Names come from family backgrounds, beliefs, and religous factors. His name is Barack Hussein Obama!

Why isn't the story focused on Tennessee Republicans distorting Obama's record with the Jewish community? Why arent' the people who are responsible being investigated by reporters?

There's a difference. Nobody goes around calling Clinton "William Jefferson Clinton" all the time, or "W. Jefferson Clinton" like Coultier would like us to do with Obama.

It's Gerald Ford, not Gerald Rudolph Ford. Are we going to call her Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton? John Sidney McCain? Michael Dale Huckabee?

When you're not using any of the other's middle name, and you are insisting on using Obama's middle name, which just happens to be the same as a former Iraqi leader, there is only one conclusion as to why you would use his middle name.

I have now decided that the Republican Party as a whole promotes racism. Few are standing against what is wrong. I can't believe what I am seeing and hearing from them. McCain stood up like a man the other day and denounced the remarks by Cunningham. But, then lied about meeting him before. This is most likely because he wanted to distance himself as far as he could. There is some good and bad in that. This is politics as usual. Get the uniformed people (Stupid People), to fear a man because of his name and color. What the Republican Party is not ready for is that we are smarter than they think. There is going to be a backlash that they have never seen before. We are going to vote every Republican out of office that even takes one step towards this racist rhetoric.

McCain is dirty. He knowed this man. He met him two times. He knowed what he was going to say. I am not voting for him under no circumstances. 100 years of war!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think so!!!!!!!!!!!! What a fool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To all those DUMB Americans who think Obama is ashamed of his Middle name "Hussein"-

Deep inside you also know – his middle name has been used to instill fear among people.

Now- Rodham is not Hillary's middle name- for Christ's shake....

Okay....first of all, all you people are stupid....

I spend everyday 5 days a week for an hour a day looking up news! Maybe y'all should do the same!!! Get more informed! I'm 18 years old and I know more about all this than y'all!

He is a MUSLIM!!!! Who attacked us??? We are in a war with Muslims, why would we elect one as our leader???

Do any of y'all have a brain one in your head????

I don't care if he's ashamed of it or not the fact is his middle name is Hussein!!! How much more Muslim can you get??? (go Huckabee!!!!)

peace out.....boo yah!
get an education!

Well then use the middle name of ALL the canidates? Sindey is a girl's name John McCain...are you Gay?????????????

I don't get it. Why is it so bad to call someone by their name? This country has fallen off the political correctness deep end.

why, do people spend so much time worrying about Senate Obama's middle name, and not the fact that He just might get us all together and get something done in this time of trouble. Just get over the names people liberal or conservative, white or black, red states or blue states. We are all in trouble one way or the other because with out Green power or Gold power, We can not buy that gas power for our cars and homes and businesses.So get real people and work together for the good of us all, because the Roman Empire fell apart from within.

he may be doing well now.. but if half the country thinks this way, i worry about how well he could do IF he gets to the general election. i think democrats are a little too excited about him without realising the unfortunate truths about what country we live in.

americans are idiots. if his middle name is swaying a vote, that just shows pure stupidity on our parts. it's a freakin name people. GET OVER IT. my name is chad. i'm now automatically for the country of chad in africa. ridiculous.

Reality Check....what is Hillaries middle name? I have never heard it used!

I'm so sick of hearing the "it's just a name!" argument. You know exactly why people use it and exactly what they are trying to conjure up. It is absolutely foolish for anyone to feel negatively about him based on his name, but it happens. My 85 year-old Irish-Catholic aunt responded exactly that way to his name. She's not a stupid person, but she's an old republican lady who for some reason trusts politicians.

Stop playing dumb and admit that this is all stupid!

Oh, for the love of...

>>just makes me wonder what Obama has to hide.

In case anyone hasn't been keeping up with current events, Obama has been fighting false rumors that he's a Muslim, rumors stirred up to inflame Americans' prejudices. Using his middle name is a transparent attempt to pander to the same bigoted fears.

Is this really so difficult to analyze?

I don't know if CNN would publish my comments since they seem of late to be publishing news with a negative overtone on OBAMA.

AP

______________________________________

It's about time! Hillary hasbeen putting up with it for months, and the Obamabots saw nothing wrong with it. Guess it's wrong if it happens to Obambam, though, huh?

Americans complain about how politicans treat them, complain about the media and say things like "we can think on our own"

but then you guys play right into this whole middle name stupidity! Republicans want you to think he is a muslim, then you do. Republicans want you to think he is a undercover terrorist, then you do. If you really did your own research, you wll would know that these claims are false!

I do not recall once when Obama said he was ashamed of his name, so people really need to get to the issues now...the game is over!!!

stop the hate, obama 08

Obama kept his Middle name for 46 years that tells you that he is not ashame of his middle name. What is at stake is an idiot like Bill cunninham saying his middle name over and over for cheap for personal gain, political tactic and fear-mongering might swey some narrow minded people from believing that he is a muslim.

To paraphrase the Obamabots:

Let's jump on the Hussein train – woo woo!

Yikes, with a middle name like that I don't think I can vote for him.

Jose Hitler Alvarez

When Barack Obama ran for U.S. Senate in 2004 in Illinois, noneother than Karl Rove advised the republican candidate, Alan Keyes, not to reference Barack's middle name because it would be an obvious play on trying to paint Barack Obama as an unpatriotic muslim, with no substantiation behind it, and would come across as petty and divisive. Alan Keyes heeded that advice and never went down that path. Now I ask, if even Karl Rove gets that it crosses the line and refuses to attack an entire group of Americans who use that name (which is an ancient and well respected name), I can't understand why other people don't get it. Could a lack of rational thought be the problem here? Interesting that the first group that started attacking Barack because of what his name happens to be is the Clinton campaign. Members of his own party willing to go where the opposing party leaders said they wouldn't go. In fairness to Sen. Clinton, she rejected her campaign's use of the middle name as well.

And for perspective, how many people know Sen. McCain's, Sen. Clinton's, Sen. Edwards, and Mike Huckabee's middle names? I'll go on record saying frankly, I don't know any of the above names. And I frankly don't need to know Barack Obama's middle name to distinguish him from other candidates.

"...Blasted" - how ignorant!

A candidates name or religion should not matter. Any person that has a problem with the use of Obama's full name has a serious problem that stinks of discrimination . Shame on the 'blasters'!

The true colors have been revealed from those that would think using of one's full name, which is not unusual for a dignitary, was somehow a negative thing - you are 'All in the Family" of which I want no part.

There should be no secrets about a man running for the President of the free world. We as voters have the right to know all about a possible leader. AS for myself I'm surprised this is not a bigger topic.
What other things is Obama keeping from us.

How did we get here? the talk show host has taken a national stage and it does seem appropraite. Give me abreak this shows how we allow big empty mouth to have a big mick,we need a leader who can heal this nation from backward styled mentality.America is a nation full of opticism ,diversity&yes the American dream. Vote for change.

What really bothers me here isn't that Obummer's full name was used, it's that Obummer supporters as well as \the media and others don't question why his name was kept so quite for so long. A campaign of transparancy doesn't have deception. It's obvious that a majority of Americans don't know his middle name and I agree it was said to make people think., but let's really be real, if Obummer and his campaigh as well as the Democractic party hadn't been trying to keep it out of the public eye this wouldn't be an issue. It's his real name for Pete sake and should be said all the time.

I am from Tn and let me tell you that these hate-mongers will do and say anything, so do not believe a word that comes out of their camp.

I still remember the trashy actress they used again Harold Ford in a blatant attempt to put fear in the minds of the good ole boys!

I don't think that Obama is uneasy about his name or ashamed of it. It's the REPUBLICANS who basically want to scare everyone into thinking that since it is his middle name that he is a Muslim Terrorist. You know, President Bush is so for this war against terrorists that he has ignored the terrorists of his own political party. If this is the best that they can do, the REPUBLICANS are in serious trouble and should be considered racists. Disgraceful and you claim to be for all Americans – I doubt that. Only the rich white ones!

Osama Bin Ladens son is an advocate for peace but he uses the name Bin Laden.

Have you ever heard of a name making a man for itself? No. But you will hear about a man making a name for himself.

Is Obama saying that the American people are stupid enough to believe that just because his middle name is Hussein he is somehow linked to terrorists? I think Barry O'Bama owes the Muslim community an apology for shunning his heritage (yes I know he isn't Muslim but his father was so it is still his heritage) and he owes the American people an apology for insinuating that we cannot differentiate between a power hungry evil dictator and a borderline socialist senator from Illinois.

Perhaps if his agenda weren't so socialist nobody would mind his middle name was Hussein.

But he represents a real threat to coming anywhere close to a balanced budget, returning our nation to the welfare days of the 60's..but worse, and has shown contempt for flag ceremonies and wearing of the American flag.

He is getting accolades from the most radical Islamic leader in our country!

His entire agenda could have been photocopied from the Democratic Socialist Party mission statement!

2+2+=4 no matter what party you're in .

I'm not saying any of this adds up necessarily. But it should provide for some rational thought and deliberation.

By using the middle name for Obama, the republican and Hillary want to gain more votes...They just playing the dirty game...I simply don't understand why would we think about neighbour's problem rather than worrying about our own problem within the country like economy, health, education and many more. They have been finding Bin Laden for many years and what they have found...nothing...Its all false hope and promises. The republican are simply misusing army power to ruin our contry just for the sake of filling their own pocket. Everyone needs to wake up and act for it...Everyone need to decide whether we want to make our home better and more secure than worrying about Afghanistan and Irak. Obama is the best candidate for the nation...

Did he "denounce" it or "reject" it?

What's in a name ?

I just cracked open a cold one, a "Coors" to be more precice. Yes this cold one was produced by the "Adolph"- Coors Brewing Company.

I really don't believe that any nazis or terrible dictators had anything to do with this fine brew.

I'll drink one for you too !

If anyone thinks Obama is going to be a friend to Israel, they are crazy.
I find it hard to believe that Republican conservative white men and independent/quasi Republicans are voting for Obama over Hillary in primaries in Texas and Ohio because they want Obama to win the presidency. This is just a tactic to keep Democrats and most of all a women out of the White House. Does anyone actually think Obama will win Wisconsin, Texas, or Ohio in November???? What Republican would be in favor of electing someone whose grandfather had four wives and whose father had two? That is far fetched. This is dirty politics, and the sad thing for us all is that we are possibly losing out on a brilliant, hardworking, experienced candidate like Hillary.

The name isn't important. The problem Obama is having is he is late to realizing when something is important. With Rezko, he gives the money to charity but only after the press notices. With Farrakhan and his minister, he denounces and rejects but only after the press notices. With Al Qaeda in Iraq, surely he noticed? With the chair of the sub-committee, he should have held hearings but said nothing until the press noticed. He knows there is a puppet government in Russia but doesn't know any details until the press notices and Clinton explains it to him.

What this buttresses is the charges that he is long on rhetoric and short on real experience because all of these are the kinds of details a leader absolutely must be aware of at all times. It's no good to be in California when a hurricane roars into New Orleans as Bush was.

Why will moderate Democrats vote for McCain? At the age of a lot of us, we've been watching "movements' all of our lives. Most failed to deliver so we are very cynical about that and not just a little creeped out by Obamamania. We know by experience this kind of thing doesn't deliver. We don't want 'a dream'. We want a plan. We know Obama may someday be a good leader but these gaffes in judgement are too frequent and too noticeable.

At voting time, we vote for real change, and we do what Obama says we should do: we cross the party lines to get leadership and a practical approach to government based on our perception of the person best qualified to lead. If the Democratic Party has decided it is more important to make a statement than it is to lead effectively, then the Democratic Party has abandoned us to its feel-good politics which we know don't work when the choices are hard and unpopular but ultimately the right choices.

I'm a Democrat and I support Hillary Clinton, but if I have to choose between party loyalty and loyalty to the country, I choose the country. Had the Republican Party done that, the last eight years would not have happened. I didn't make that mistake last time and I won't this time. It isn't that Obama is the same thing as Bush; it is that a choice for Obama is a choice for the same kind of thing: feel good over experience.

It comes down to doing the right thing and if we lose doing that, we lose doing it right. If we win, we won for the right reasons.

Is Senator Obama ashamed of his middle name? Does he have something to hide? If not, then what is the big deal? I have a
hard time with the idea that the President of the United State of America could be President Obama. Take a more in depth look at
Senator Clinton and you'll like what you see – no secrets there!

They should. Middle names mean nothing. It's Barack's lack of originality (stealing ideas and speeches - please, come up with your own) and experience that scare me.

The Republican Party has a great strategy even better than the Swift Boat lying that brought down a veteran who saved others in the line of fire – get CNN to air trash like this article that accomplish the same thing and RNC and its allies don't need to spend a dime or having to hear cries for equal time.

Same thing with that conservative talk show host who wound up getting all that air time with his putrid views about Obama. America, don't fall for the same stuff that was put out to you in the last two presidential elections. Look at the substance of the person and the issues. You'll make the right choice on truth, not smokescreen directed by the rich and their cronnies.

I don't understand what is the problem, we all know his middle name. In fact, Barack is an arabic word and his middle name 'Hussein' is an arabic word and his last name is a Muslim family name in Kenya. Obama should not be ashamed of his first, middle or last name, that's who he is and he is ashamed of his name and his background, then he does not deserve to be the president of the United States.

I respect him for who he is and if I were to vote for him, I will not change my mind because of his names and backgroud. But he says that he is ahsmed of his name and background, I will not vote for him. Be who you are and don't try to hide anything or media and the voters will turn against you.

The underline tone of the message is racism... that's the point.

The RNC have been known to be racist against non-whites and this will not only tear the US apart but start a civil war they are not quite ready for.

You have hispanics, blacks, poor whites, native americans and yes... even jews that will denounce AND reject the RNC. Racism on any level will not be tolorated. They are using the middle name like they are shouting the N-Word and that is their intent.

And Peter, as far as your middle name being Joseph, did you attend schooling at some point in your life that led you towards the extremist idealism that Stalin supported? That is just stupid....

Is he ashamed of his name? Where's the outrage when people refer to Sen. Clinton as Hillary Rodham Clinton, huh? He's obvious got something to hide. I personally think he is a secret Muslim.

Let's review. Do you remember the "Curious George" spam mail that - in oh, such a funny way! - compared facial expressions of W with those of monkeys? Did we hear a peep of outrage?

I guess it's OK to compare a sitting president to a monkey, but it's shameful to use Obama's middle name.

If he is SOOOO ashamed of his middle name, he can go to a Social Security Office and drop it. Until then, it's his legal middle name.

I'm sure Barrack is not ashamed of his middle name or dressing in traditional African costume as part of a goodwill visit. The Republican Party of any state should not consider unsolicited support from any corner to be an indictment of shared values, not when you consider where some of the Republicans have received voiced support- Osama Ben Laden hailed the re-election of George Bush, does that mean President Bush should be sent to Guantanamo?

You're kidding, right? All this hoopla about someone's middle name? Come on!!! What in hades is wrong with us, people? What a joke!!! The fact of the matter is, his middle name is Hussein. And whether he likes it or not, that's Obama's own problem.

Well, why is he trying to hide his name" hussein"? If he is not a muslim then what is his christian name? where was him baptised?

JFK

MLK

HRC

SO B,H,O,;;;BARACK HUSSIEN OBAMA,,,,
I M MUSLIM ,,WHATS SO OFFENDING ABOUT THIS TO OBAMA,,,

The Israel lobby is terrified that they may have an occupant in the White House who doesn't automatically dance when they pull the strings.

This is getting way beyond petty. It is a name his mother and father gave him. Wish I had been named differently myself, but for God's sake it is a name.

This "non story" always flourishes right before a big election day. To borrow the words of his bipolar opponent, shame on you CNN.

The name does not convey "who" he is or "what" he stands for. He has stated time and time again he is a Christian. If people will vote for or against someone based on a name, gender, or race, they will believe any headline of the day.

We need people who can think for themselves. We need people who believe that WE CITIZENS can DEMAND this contry DOES AWAY WITH POLITICS AS USUAL.

Good for the RNC!!!

I am a democrat and a Obama supporter, but I have tremendous respect for John McCain. His determination to keep his campaign issue-oriented instead of allowing the Republicans to do to Obama's campaign what they did to McCain's campaign in 2000 just solidifies that respect.

seriously, y is being a muslim a bad thing? fact of the matter is that his middle name, is the same name of the islamic prophet mohammad's grandson, who shia muslims honour as a martyr. he should be proud of who he is, and where he comes from... and think about it.... if a person in his position was denying so strongly that he is not jewish or christian,.. think of how the public AND media would react.

islam is not a scary religion (this is coming from a catholic)... how it is protrayed in the media (since the only people who get any news are terrorists) is scary.

A rose by any other name smells just as sweet.! He could be named Barack Bin Laden for all I care–I've voting for him.,

Here we go again...politics as usual-just silly. This is really not about what the politicians do..it is about all of us who reject this type of stupidity on both sides of the aisle. It should be about the substance of the campaign for all candidates. But the campaign season is early–let the sillyness begin and let's see if we can prove them all wrong. That "we the people" are really not stupid.

it's a name! John Sidney McCain III. I'm so offended!

I have no issues with the use of his middle name. But the INTENT is to spread fear to the American people that "Muslins" are taking over America. This is subtle, directed, racism.

America and the American people are smarter than this. So I thought.

Obama was raised by his white mother and white grandparents. He was born in the United States, educated in the United States.

Will the RNC also disavow the lies and "whispers" about all of these Obama stories that are floating through the churches, blogs, radio talk shows, and Fox News ("fair and balanced", my eye):

Obama went to a fundamentalist Muslim school when he lived in Indonesia - that's a lie.

Obama isn't patriotic because he doesn't place his hand over his heart when pledging allegiance (or other such nonsense) - also a lie, Internet photos were of a playing of the Star Spangled Banner, not the Pledge of Allegiance. Turn up the sound, idiots!

Obama will be sworn into office as President with his right hand on the Koran - another lie. He is a Christian, and will be sworn in with his right hand on the Bible.

I am sure there are others I've missed and many more to come. The RNC's only hope is to depress the vote in November through smear, innuendo, and "whatever it takes".

Lets be Clear, Obama has not complained about the use of his middle name. For all those who say that he must have something to hide if he doesent want people to say his middle name. The problems come in when his name is used as a fear tactic. The only sensitivity to the situation I think Obama has is because of the rumor that he is Muslim here to destroy the world is going around. The use of his middle name is openly trying to fuel that rumor. Nobody says middle names! Think about it.

Obama should tell the American People; that this election isn't about who has which name.
-But rather who will change NAFTA, and save manufacturing jobs here in America?
-Who will lower the cost of Health Care so it's affordable for all Americans?
-Who will do more to change the failing education system here in America so that we don't have more kids dropping out of school than graduating...?

Barack has not once complained about anyone using his middle name. He is not running from it. Everyone from CNN to the GOP is making a big deal about his middle name. The only person who isn't making a fuss about it is Barack himself.

Reality Check: Reality check yourself, Hillary Rodham Clinton.. you do know Rodham is her maiden name and not her middle name, correct?

It really puzzles me that this is being blasted. The fact is that Mr. Obam's name is Barack Hussein Obama. We certainly have heard Hillary Rodham Clinton expressed enough over the past years. It's the man's name and like it or not if he is elected president, that will be what history and the nation will know him as. Why hasn't anyone jumped on the Hillary Rodham Clinton issue, that certainly has been utiilzed to try to forge the impression of feminist. This is much ado about fact, and the fact is Mr. Obama's name is Barach Hussein Obama.

Keep doing stories on this CNN, so that there is no one who does not know that Barrack Obama's middle name is Hussein. By the way the names "Barrack" and "Obama" are no picnic either. Lets change his name to John Henry Smith. That should be normal enough.

Obama didn't pick his middle name, his father did. I'm an Asian American, I vote for him not because of his minority status, not because of his religion (I'm a christian!), but because I truly believe that he's a truly aspiring candidate and he has the gut to lead our country and he will definitely defend America. Shame on you people who don't vote for him just because of his middle name! There's no place in America for racists like you!

Why has the Clinton campaign called Bill Cunningham's radio show and offered to be a guest?? As heard on NPR 2/27/08

he should be proud of his name. double standard w/ capital letters

I just would like to say that there seems to be alot of people who feel as though this was Barack Hussein Obama's request. He didn't ask the idiots/ power's that be, to use thyere ignorance to incite more hate and decension using a man's birth given name. Interesting enough, if he hypothetically was a muslim by birth, there is a such thing as a conversion. There are many African Americans with jewish last names because they were owned by Jewish slaves masters, but guess what, they are Christian. So, Barack has come out and stated that he is a chrstian, so what's this foolishness about him having something to hide. IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Tennessee Republican Committee included Obama's middle name and the photo from his trip to Kenya. Only an ignorant fool would think this means he is a Muslim, and only an ignorant fool thinks all Muslims are evil. Therefore, the Tennessee Republican Committee has a very low opinion of its state's citizens.

Silence!! Any Critisizm or questions about Obama will consider you either as a Racist or UnAmerican. Ask, Chris Mathews from msnbc's Hardball!! Now our freedom of speech is under fire!

Obama is who?, whats in a name/ the Media is placing this MYTH out there to give BARRY the downtrodden beaten up black muslin man mantra. Well it is working for them, if they can't pin it on Clinton they will try to make McCain the bad guy. The MEDIA IS THE ONE PUSHING THIS GARBAGE!

most of you people are missing the point entirely. It's not the fact that his middle name is Hussein. These people are using it pejoratively and are playing to fear mongering. If you want to deride Obama for being too liberal or being all talk and no action, that's where the fight SHOULD be. It shouldn't be implying that he is going to have a prayer rug in the oval office and start lining up poor saps willing to strap on a bomb. It's just ridiculous and it will lose the election for the Republicans and McCain knows this. This election needs to be about issues, and there are true policy differences between these candidates.

Barack Hussein Obama is the man's Legal Name. Why shouldn't the full name be used? For the GOP to disallow or complain about the use of a full name that is his Real Legal Name is ridiculous and absurd. If he is elected, his title will be: President Barack Hussein Obama, whether the GOP or the Democratic Party likes it or NOT.

"He should start going by Barry again and put an apostrophe between the 'O' and 'Bama' so people just think he's Irish. Barry O'Bama? Oh, he sounds like a great guy!"

Kyle, that is hilarious, but oh so true!

Who cares about the use of the middle name? It's the content of the the Tennessee release that's disturbing; typical garbage that comes out of these idiots! I'm glad to see that they have denounced the statements but shouldn't they also "reject" them? I'm hoping this is just a Republican rouge and is not indicative of the Republican party in general.

This is ludicrous!!!!

Why should something like a person's name have such an impact on whether he's electable? We instead should look at the core values that matter...

I'm not muslim, however my parents both chose to give me traditional Arabic names. These names do have meaning and are common in other parts of the world like Africa and Asia. My name is Rasheeda Safiyah - does this make me a muslim? I don't denounce anyone's religion, however I am proud to say that I am Christian.

Furthermore, why do peope insist on believing that a person who is a muslim is bad? Or has ties to extremist muslim terrorist?

Who are we to judge a person's character based on his or her name?

And why must we make this such a huge issue in a presidential campaign. That's why people look at Americans as imbecils because often lack intelligence and focus on the real problems. We're so superficial! I can't stand this!

Obama '08.

Why is it not appropriate to use Obama's real name. His name is Barack Hussein Obama and he should be proud of it and not ashamed of it. What is the big deal. Is the media darling offended? If so why doesn't he change his name to OPRAMA!!!!!!!!

I find it so interesting that for those people leaving comment saying " oh it's his name right?" or "it is his name" are missing the point here. Yes it's his name but everyone on this board knows that since 9/11 and the invasion into IRAQ, it would not be a wise to use it!!! Because as you can see some folks like on this board lack the intelligence to move and see beyond racial stereo typing!!!

Exactly the point Peter. It is the kind of fear mongering that certain radical sections of the republican party wants to use. It is the inference that some Muslims hate Jews and that some how he is loyal to islam. Islam is a great faith; no one is questioning that. As a centrist republican, I'm very happy McCain and the RNC rejected it.

Hey Reality Check,
Why don't you tell all of us what Hillary's middle name is.
Here's a hint...It isn't Rodham.

IT IS his name!!! i don't understand why the public loves this man, check his backgound AMERICA. Where are we headed with him, what has he done for this country as a Senator?? His talk is cheap, he is saying whatever it takes to be elected, even stealing words from other people. What is his power over you, please look at the facts!!

I fully understand the concern. As a woman in a predominately male work environment I can tell you I have been called dear and sweetie in ways that are completely innocent and actually endearing. I have also been called the same words in a way that is insulting, degrading and down right repulsive at time.

Its not the words that matter, its the context. If people were simply using his middle name for clarification (as though we had 2 Baracks or Obamas running) it would be one thing, but each quetnionable incident has used his middle name to perpetuate anti-Islamic sentiment which is an insult not only to Obama but to the majority non-violent Muslims. Read the posts on CNN and tell my where you see his middle name used in any way but as an insult?

How ironic for the republcans to try to demonize the middle name of Barack "Hussein" Obama. Our country has American heros dieing in (Iraq) a muslim country. The same same peolple that we demonize we also seek their help to fight insurgents. It is beyond childish and it can undo the little good will we have in the middle east. This republican party has hit a new low. It's a bad idea. This can do more harm then good. Going down this path is to win an election is not surprising. What does that say about our country to others in the world?

Its is truly a shame that this man's name has become such a hot topic. With the ste of the economy, the middle east, Korea lurking around the corner, public education, poverty, forclosures, etc. etc. etc. I would think reasonably intelligent people would have something better to talk about. People still try to capitalizeon the wave of Muslim fear that 9/11 ushered into this country. Although that was the platform George W. got re-elected on, I am glad to see that the RNC will not continue those fear mongering ways. I don't believe Barack has ever said he was ashamed of his name, and he shouldn't be...its his grandmother's last name in Kenya. The surname Hussein in Africa and the middle east is as common as Smith or Johnson is here in the US. My last name is Manson, but I am not going to walk around in fear that people are going to equate me to the infamous Charles Manson. Its his name, and you people who try to spin more out of it than that..(i.e. he is muslim or he took his oath of office on the Koran) really need to grow up and become educated. Who ever you vote for, don't base it on race, gender, or the irrational fear of a name

His middle name is not an issue for the people who support him. Why not just stick to the issues-if you can. I live in cincinnati-and Willie Cunninghham is the most racist and decisive person I have ever met. It's no surprise that racist people like him. Obviously Barack is proud of his full name. America needs to grow up-with all the damage that has been done by this past administration-you should be grateful that someone has stepped forward that may be able to ease the tension that has been caused in the middle east.

I'm sure if his name were Barack John Obama, we would not be hearing his middle name nor would we even know it at this point! So, the fact that people have used his middle name in this race is a clear attempt to connect him with terrorists and is simple "fear mongering". I would like to think the American people are smarter than this, and the fact that the RNC has put an end to this style of tactics is a good jesture. This race should be about the issues rather than "OMG he has a middle name!" My last name is Solis, but I do not speek spanish..the horror!

~Carl from Pa

Obama '08

All the people who say using his middle name is ok, think about it this way. When your mother wanted to get your attention for something you did wrong she'd use your full name.

It may indeed be his name, but it's also insulting to use it in everyday conversation. Those of you who think this is ok, try it in your day to day life. Try it with your boss. When you get fired for being disrespectful, you can say, "It's your name isn't it? What are you hiding?"

Some of you are really dense or are not aware of how shallow the American public is.

There are people who still honestly believe that Iraq brought down the towers and this is 7 years after the fact. So you honestly believe those same people given a photo of Barack in a turban and emphasizing his middle name won't think that he could somehow be sympathetic to our enemies.

It is obvious they are trying to tie his name (which to many appears to be a name of someone of Middle Eastern descent) to possible affiliations or sympathy towards those who intend to do America harm.

Why you guys try to say that he is ashamed of his name is beyond me. It is how individuals are trying to use his name or imply something about him through its use.

All you have to do is take today's climate back to WWII. Imagine if a white male of German (I can's think of a neighboring country) descent tried to run for Prez with the middle name Hitler.

Now do you see?

No one knows John McCain's middle name. hillary's is Rodham. Some people have names that are used. I don't understand why Barack is ashamed of his middle name. I applaud McCain for denouncing Cunningham's speech.

The Obamites would say that those that use his middle name are afraid to debate Obama on the real issues. I strongly counter that. Obama can't debate on the issues because he doesn't know what they are. Too funny. Either way, it looks like John McCain will be our next president.

Hillary is tough on Obama, but not nearly as tough as the GOP will be. Obama is toast. AND he is burning bridges with Clinton's supporters.

I don't think Obama is ashamed of his middle name, but, the fact is that those it use it do so to give the mistaken impression that Obama is a muslim and therefore must be a terrorist. If his name were used in a respectful manner and not for the purpose of propaganda, I'm quite sure Obama would have no problem with it. Those who argue that "its his name, isn't it" (like Rush or Cunningham) are just acting obtuse and pretending they are not trying to encourage a stereotype and misconception.

Barak Obama is not ashamed of his middle name. The reason that it is an issue is because the hate/fear mongers on the far right are trying to use names and pictures to scare people into not supporting him to be president. I would put his in the same category as the swift boating of John Kerry that occured in 2004.Words and visual images have a strong influence on people.Why do you think companies use commercials to help sell their products because the visual images work.

O'bama is not retracting his name what media do is to give him more pillows.I know obama has good sleep.His end is in texas and ohio he must lose

Seriously? Guys? Please tell you don't vote if you are confused about this situation. This is politics 101.

The problem is NOT his middle name. What the republicans are apologizing for, and rightfuly so, is using his middle name in an attempt to incite racist fears. They are NOT apologizing for using his middle name.

Honestly, how can you claim to be an educated voter when everyone is completely missing or ignoring the entire POINT of an issue because they lack the complete ability to understand subtext at all unless it is spoon fed to them by political pamphlets.

Honestly, I don't think most Americans have trouble with his middle name. His PARENTS chose the name, not him. How stupid is this?

It's his position on the ISSUES that are important to ME that I have a problem with.

Peter – you're right. That's exactly what it is...fear-mongering.

And for those who imply that Obama is ashamed of his name or his heritage ......you're kidding right? He's never said or implied that. The argument, however, has been that the emphasis on his middle name is to evoke fear or distrust because he shares a name and background with our "enemy"......and to continue the perception that ALL people with Islamic/Arabic/Muslim names or heritage must be terrorists (you know, like all blacks are ignorant, lazy people on welfare ready to rob or kill you, all whites are red-neck, racists, all latinos are here illegally, and all republicans are neo-con, right-wing christians who have the only lock on intelligence, morality and are the true patriots of this country).

But, if he has nothing to hide, why does his middle name bother him.
Hillary all the way

If Obama is the nominee then this is the kind of thing that will be rampant between now and November – get used to it. People will make the comments and the RNC or Senator McCain himself will denounce it, so that they look like the good guys.

But it is out there – and fear mongering works. As 'Petite Maoiste' says, being a muslim is not a bad thing. Being an extremist is. But many people do not make the distinction.

It seems all the fuss was about someone else, not Obama himself, making the name Hussein a shame or related it to being a Muslim. So the question should have been "what is wrong with having the name Hussein as a middle name or with being a Muslim?" (Obama is a Christian, not a Muslim, and Muslism is not outlawed in the USA.)

I'm sure Barack Obama is very proud of his middle name. The difference here is that Barack doesn't normally use his full name. There are some folks who do- Hillary Rodham Clinton was an example given as was JFK. That's fine, and those people have chosen to do that. But that's not what Barack Obama normally does. No one refers to him as Barack Hussein Obama except these right wing conservatives who are trying to make people suspicious of some Muslim connection. Why are the same people not introducing John McCain with his full name? What's the problem? Is he not proud of it? Give me a break. We all know what's going on here. The republicans are desperate and it shows.

What!!?? It's his NAME.. what's so offensive about using it? If he's so offended by it, he should change it..

I don't know if CNN would publish my comments since they seem of late to be publishing news with a negative overtone on OBAMA.

For those of you who see nothing wrong with putting emphasis on OBAMA's middle name...its called fear-mongering!!! So quit the act. I am pretty sure he is comfortable with his name. If he wasn't he would have changed along time ago. Whats stopping him from doing that.

Know it off people!!!

Obama is in no way ashamed of his name nor his heritage. Lets get real, there are plenty of people that are not informed about who this man is. Just look at the postings they will all refer to him being a Muslim, what is he hiding? I at this point in the campaign would not care if he was a Muslim. I believe in the constitution
1. Freedom of Speech Farrakhan
2. Freedom of Religion: Trinity Church
3. Separation of Church and State:
If everyone truly believes in the constituition and the "words" that are in it Why would religion, race or speech matter.

Obama 08

Where does it say he asked them not to use his middle name?

Obama is not ashamed of his name. But I am ashamed of all the shameful people in America who act like they are using his name innocently. They know it's a lie! They are using his name to inspire, fear and doubt because they know America on the whole is still a prejudiced nation not just against a black man, but against anything that is different from what has been defined as the main stream.

Isn't it ironic, that that once defined 13 colonies.

The Tennessee press release was misleading for far more important reasons, particularly with respect to the anti-semitism charges. Obama has strong ties to the Jewish community, has received major endorsements from Jewish groups, and has repeatedly denounced Farrakhan.

For the RNC to tell their people not to use Barack's middle name is ridiculous. He's not ashamed of his name. There is nothing wrong with his name.

What the RNC should have done is denounced the ENTIRE false, misleading, fear-mongering press release.

You guys miss the point. Trying to exploit his middle name because it sounds "islmanic" or reminds people of "saddam" is trying to invoke the politics of fear, hate and anti-semitism. If I were a Muslim, I'd be outraged. This is clear, overt racism by politicians and the media. They are equating islam with terrorism. They are implying if you are a Muslim, you are a terrorist. The fact this is happening here in mainstream America, the land of tolerance, should be a bigger issue than the presidential race itself. The bottom line is they are trying to play on the underlying fear and racial tensions caucasians have against muslims and blacks. How can no one see this for what it really is!!!???

I applaud the RNC. Now the other republican talking heads on television need to apologize to those who are Muslim for implying that it is shameful to be a Muslim.

Can somebody explain to me why the use of your own middle name,(not a made up one its your own name!!!) is causing all this outrage from obama suporters???
sri
CA

For all those asking "but isn't it his middle name", answer this question. What are the middle names of John McCain, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, and Rudy G.? Unless you look it up right now, you probably don't know. Why? Because they don't use their middle names. Neither does Barack. The only reason you know his middle name is because his opponants realized they could use it to instill fear and to appeal to people's negative bias against the name Hussein. It's a pitiful attempt to link him to a wicked dictator who, by the way, happened to be a Muslim. I guarantee if Barack's middle name was John, Malik, or Omar, you still wouldn't know what it is.

Why should you change your reporting just because Obama is ashamed of his middle name.....just goes to prove that CNN is catering to Obama and I thought he was not beholding to anyone.
yeah, right.

So every time someone says Hillary Rodham Clinton... we are to have a hissy fit???

Barack Hussein Obama is his real name, right? So, what's the problem...? Exactly...my next President, if I can help it, won't have Hussein as his middle name and he won't have ties to Muslim beliefs, won't interact with FarraCON and won't be the most liberal of liberals...besides, if Barack Hussein Obama wants to be President he should toughen up and accept the fact that his real name might deter people from voting for him...why can't we talk about it? I will do my best to talk it up with as many people as I possibly can. Can't hide from reality Barack!

This is typically Right Wing Nutso tactics. They play on peoples fears of muslims by making sure everyone knows his middle name, and perpetuating the myth he is Muslim (not that there should be anything wrong with him being one). The constitution is specific that no public official should have to make an affirmation of religion. Wish the republicans would actually read it from time to time. So they scare you with boogy-man tactics, then turn around and say, "oh we didn't know it would cause such a distraction" Again I agree with Peter, who points out that no one places emphasis on McCain's middle name. Wake up people.

The RNC knows exactly what they are doing. They want to make a big issue out of this in an effort to promote the continuous fear mongering. People are sick of this, and the fact of the matter is there are a ton of Americans of all different races and ethnicities who have non-American names, so get over it.

We as Christians should embrace our Jewish brothers and sisters just as we should our Muslim, Hindu, Tao, Ba'hai, etc. ones. Islam is not a bad religion people. Unfortunately Al Quada and this war in Iraq has made everything think that though. Besides, Obama has said repeatedly he is Christian, so get over it!

Can't say I'm surprised that the DNC is trying to play this out as a religious thing and tout that "many in the middle east" are concerned about O'bama becoming President. Doesn't the middle east consist of both Jewish and Muslim nations? Why didn't they just say Israel is concerned instead of trying to make it a huge regional concern?

Is there really something to fear from this man?

There's nothing wrong with using his middle name if there are no alternative motives. I think most people are smart enough to know there is motive behind those that stress his middle name.

I am surprised that there are some people that raise red flags when they hear his middle name is Hussein. FYI Barack is a junior and I'm pretty sure his dad was given his middle name when Sadaam was crawling in diapers or possibly even born. People that stress his name are extremely shallow.

I really hope we can move beyond the silliness of politics, because after the current administration, we Americans have a whole lot of work to do, at home and across the globe.

I could care less if Obama's middle name was Jimmy Crack Corn, Adolf, Snuffalagus or Huessin, neither do I can about the middle names of Clinton, McCain, and Hucabee, what I can about is the person who is the owner of that name, and the stance on the issues.

Wake up, America! Wake up!

Anyone who denies the fact that people like Bill Cunningham blatently using Obama's middle name is not a problem are in the dark.

Yes, it is his name. No, it should not matter. But it does, there are several uninformed people that vote that would hear that name and be scared. It is unfortunate, but that is the way society in the US is right now. Cunningham knows this, that is why he said it the way he did. If you think it doesn't matter, then you are wrong or in denial.

It is not the fact that they are using his middle name (although to correct someone above, "Rodham" is Hillary's maiden name). They don't use John McCain's middle name, nor Mike Huckabee. Anyone who believe this is simply about a middle name is naive. The Right-Wing intend to use his middle name as an inflammatory item.
The fact that they produce pictures that state he is in Muslim garb, without checking to facts is enough to prove just that.
I am tired of the fear tactics the RNC uses. They are becoming the terrorists, terrorizing middle-America that just because Obama's middle name is Hussein he is linking to terror groups or the Middle-East for that matter. If someone's middle name was "Adolph" would that make them a Nazi?
Start thinking America!

You almost wondering if they (the RNC) are announcing they are denouncing it to just get that much more mileage out of the story.

I don't think Obama himself has ever had any problem with his middle name or asked anyone to treat it/him differently.

If this is the best attack his detractors can come up with he has nothing to worry about.

it's not about him being ashamed, it's barely even about his middle name. What it's about is it being used to prod on those who want to claim he's a muslim extremeist. And no those people are not gone. I have many relatives who believe stupd stuff like that and who took Bill Cunningham's speech to heart, just when I was starting to get them to believe different. It's about looking at the real world that we live in. The fact is, there still is a large group of bigoted people and the republican party (or rather, some of the republican party) was knowingly (and they knew, they're not stupid) was using his name to entice those bigots.

What is wrong with using his complete name, including his given middle name? Since this primary has once again turned into a personality contest, shouldn't the public be aware of all aspects of the man? If he or his supporters have a problem with his middle name, then perhaps they have some explaining to do.

My middle name is "Tater Salad", and if I ran for President, I would expect all of you to jump on my tater salad wagon....

Oh wait, If John McCain also changes his first name to Obama, etc, maybe he will win the elction! New campaign strategy...

Oh poor O'Bammy his briefs are in a knot. If he isn't proud of his name he can change it again.
Sorry, he and his wife have always been proud–for the 1st time.

Its is truly a shame that this man's name has become such a hot topic. With the ste of the economy, the middle east, Korea lurking around the corner, public education, poverty, forclosures, etc. etc. etc. I would think reasonably intelligent people would have something better to talk about. People still try to capitalizeon the wave of Muslim fear that 9/11 ushered into this country. Although that was the platform George W. got re-elected on, I am glad to see that the RNC will not continue those fear mongering ways. I don't believe Barack has ever said he was ashamed of his name, and he shouldn't be...its his grandmother's last name in Kenya. The surname Hussein in Africa and the middle east is as common as Smith or Johnson is here in the US. My last name is Manson, but I am not going to walk around in fear that people are going to equate me to the infamous Charles Manson. Its his name, and you people who try to spin more out of it than that..(i.e. he is muslim or he took his oath of office on the Koran) really need to grow up and become educated. Who ever you vote for, don't base it on race, gender, or the irrational fear of a name.

OBAMA IS GOOD MAN,,IF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWINGG HIM,,THEN OBAMA SHOULD SAY,,HE IS PROUD OF HIS NAME,,,,,HILLARY NEVER SAYS,,,DON,T SAY RODHAM,,,,,

PLUS,,,,,,WE ALL ARE PROUD OF OUR PARENTS,OUR COUNTRY AND OUR BACKGROUND ,,,AND OBAMA SHOULD STAND UP AND SAY THAT HE IS,,,BETTER NOW THAN LATER ,,,

There is no problem with Obama's middle name. It is fine. However, to suggest that Cunningham and the Tennessee Republican's Party (TRP) aren't using it in an attempt to create fear is naive. Both Cunningham and the TRP were attempting to create some connection between Obama and the regimes in the Middle East that are poised against Israel based on nothing but his name. John McCain isn't regularly identified by his middle name. Neither is Huckabee. And nobody is likely to be confused as to which Barack Obama you are talking about if you don't use his middle name. The suggestion that Obama is somehow out to get Israel because he has a middle name that is the same as Saddam's last name is nonsense. He didn't pick his name for one. Second, there are plenty of Husseins that aren't dictators that support terrorism. These types of suggestions are immature and disrespectful.

Why is it such a bad thing to be thought of as a Muslim, most of us are not fanatics, and we don't deserve to be insulted on a daily basis.

You know, our international counterparts couldn't understand why Bush was re-elected. Now we're probably getting ourselves into more criticism if we elect Obama. . . Think hard before you vote people!

Rasism right in our faces!!! this is simply ridiculous and unbelievable. Ignorance at its best!!! OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!

Isn't that his name? I'm sick of everyone tip toeing around this subject. His father was from Kenya. If he is so afraid to use his name then he should have changed it prior to the election. It isn't like he didn't go around calling himself Barry for years.

What a bunch af nuts. Is he ashamed of his name I don't get it. Maybe he should change it, if he don't like it. You name is what it is , and if that happen to be Barrack Hussein Obama to bad.

John McCain should change his middle name to Hussein.

This is the silly season. It's called election campaign. Anything goes.

And what is going right now is a movement led by Obama that is riling traditional political and ideological bases. That explains why we are reading all these silly non-news items.

Well that is his name , so that is what they should call him , while growing up my name ryhmed with everything , GROW UP BARACK . Because the name has a bad connotation with the American people as a whole , it is still his name and thats what he should be called .

What is wrong in using the middle name? I hope he has not denounced it.There is less scrutiny around this candidate and all Americans are entilted to full facts.Bill Cunningham is right,he is yet to be challenged by the media.

For over Seven years the Republicans have been using fear to win votes and power. LOOK LOOK what they have done to our beloved Country. The US dollar is week, Inflation is soaring while the Republican major Donors like the Drug Companies, Exon Mobile, Dick Cheney Haliburton, have all become super wealthy. It is very clear to see what the Republicans are doing. They are trying to smear Obama by playing on fear, how pathetic. I am no fan of Obama, but I will vote for him. Remember if you want to live like a Republican vote Democrat

"Me thinks he protests to much"

who cares what his name is!!! let get to real issues, economy, International matters.

My name is Hussein, and I am deeply offended that everyone keeps referring to my name as if it was an insult or a curse word. What's wrong with my name?

`
QUOTE: " Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan formally denounced Thursday the Tennessee Republican Party's use of Barack Obama's full name "

Denounced? Not good enough. I call upon the RNC to REJECT it.

McCain '08 – A Change We Can Live With

It's not that he has anything to hide but do you think if his middle name was John anyone would say Barack John Obama. No. It is just used to play on people's fears and stereotypes. I don't know about anyone else but I had no choice in what name I was given and neither did he.

No matter they denounce it now..but when Barack win the president the middle name of Hussein will come out again.

I'd say they are running like scared rabbits and will say anything at this point. Heck, Hillary probably gave them postage money to mail the thing.

LETS be realistic here. In a perfect world it wouldn't matter what someone's middle name was and it certainly wouldn't have any influence.

But in the REAL world, sadly, a large percentage of people in our nation would either be scared away from him or would simply be bigoted simply based on his middle name.

People who stress his middle name are indirectly aiming right at those people.
It is a good thing the RNC denounced this because we as a nation don't need to be stoking any prejudicial fires.

'Roger'

'I don't see the problem with the use of his middle name. It isn't like a rival made up a nickname and tagged him with it, it is his given name. If he is ashamed of his name he should change it. If he is not ashamed of it and feels there is nothing wrong with it then it being used should not bother anyone.'

Roger, he is not ashamed of his name. The problem is the WAY people use it to psychologically instill fear or doubt.

The RNC can both denounce and reject it because the Clinton campaign will just pick up the RNC's tactics. The Clintons are nothing but a bunch of slick losers.

I would like to read that story too, but he didn't really have many facts about who wrote it, if it was in a legitimate newspaper, or exactly what it said. Anyone can say, 'well, I read a story about that' to further their cause. Hell, I heard a lady on TV say this pill would melt away my spare tire with no exersize or dieting. She was on TV and she looked pretty good so it must be true. Start backing your accusations up people, or don't bother. What an ignorant way to spread ignorance.

Obama has never been ashamed of his middle name, nor has he ever condemned anyone from using it. He's of Kenyan descent.

The sensitivity comes from the horrible middle eastern war Bush got us into and the GOP's fear mongering tactics.

To Independent's comment above........good one!

If using his middle name doesn't carry any racial or religious overtones than why aren't they using Hillary's middle name or John McCain's middle name (which are Diane and Sidney respectively). They are trying to play up peoples fears of more terrorist attacks, the middle east, and Muslim people in general. Barack does not routinely use his middle name (i.e. he is not introduce with his full name, etc.) so it is just the efforts of the conservatives in this nation to retain control of our country by playing on the fears of the American people. We cannot live in fear, we can only try our hardest to make a better future in our country. We should be focusing on the problems at hand such as the Iraq war and the faltering economy of our nation instead of focusing on this politics of fear.

What is the big deal? If Obama has a problem with his name being used, he should have changed it. I'm sick of him whining about everything. What kind of president would he make? He acts like a spoiled child.

I am SOOO tired of people talking about Obama's middle name. If you judge a guy based on the name his parents gave him you're an idiot and you shouldn't even be allowed to vote. Seriously... I wish they had IQ tests at the polls....

First of all this is not coming from the Obama camp. Obama I am sure has no problem whatsoever with his birth given name. Clearly the problem is that in addition to using his full name they also have the picture in what appears to be Muslim attire when in fact it is traditional Kenyan garb. That is the issue. How does this have anything to do with Obama hiding anything. He is proud of who he is and has never shown anything to the contrary. He is the first to state that his mother is white and father is African. Where in this article does it state that Obama has come to them regarding their statements. When have you ever heard Obama say anything about not using his middle name. Further, how many of us actually go around introducing ourselves using our full names unless you do not have a middle name? Lord have mercy... let the games begin.... Oh and you folk who believe people are walking on eggshells with him are delusional.

Very good. Let's prohibit the use of Rodham if Hillary gets the nomination. We should also rename JFK airport to just JK, MLK Day to just MK day, FDR Drive to just FR Drive, etc.

If Obama is this sensitive about his middle name, he can legally change it. If Democrats are so upset about anyone using it, then they must have a very weak opinion about their candidate.

Mr.O, please change your name.

It's not the use of his full name that is wrong. It's the fact that idiots like Bill Cunningham and the Tennessee GOP use it with the political purpose of questioning his patriotism and his loyalty. The truth is that the are a number of ignorant Americans who will not vote for him because of his middle name and they wish to exploit that fact by bringing attention to his middle name. Just like with the photo: it's not displaying the photo that is wrong, but showing the photo to try to portray him as a Muslim and discredit him that is wrong.

For you fools that don't know, Obama is not hiding anything with respect to his name. He's not the one asking for his name to be removed. Obama has been dealing with this all his life, so it's nothing new for him. He expects ignorant people to place a lot of focus on his name. It's those idiots out there that use his middle name as a cheap attack. The most ridiculous thing about this whole matter is that it causes harm to Muslims. There is nothing wrong with being a Muslim. They are good people. It's a shame Muslims are so disrespected, because of STUPID people in this country. Muslims are not Terrorists. Extremists are Terrorists. Shame on our ignorant, uneducated citizens of America. CNN needs to bring this to light.

Oh the guy switching?? He is black, what do you expect. 80% of blacks are voting for Obama. 80% is more than the curve allowed for any group in surveys, the only factor that allows a candidaite in a survey this kind of support is a biased opinion.

A black superdelegate (California or New Jersey) that supports Hillary was asked, "Will you switch to Obama?" He replied: "Why does the media only ask the blacks superdelegates about switching to Obama, How come no one asks the white delegates to switch to Hillary??
The media person could not answer!!! I thought it was funny as hell, that the media person and the Obama superdelegate could not say anything.........

This is what people need to understand, blacks want Obama because when he says that he will help people get jobs and there is hope. He is referring to the blacks and their misfortunes. Hope is for them, not the rest of America.

CHANGE is what he is going to do, blacks will be heads of depts and policy will be biased towards them.

Give me a break – it IS his real, legal name, isn't it?

Nobody goes around calling people by their full names. Seriously, when did anyone regularly call Lyndon Johnson Lyndon Baines Johnson? I don't even know what Reagan's middle name was. George W. Bush's initial is used to differentiate between he and his father. Yes Hussein is Obama's middle name. But is there any doubt as to why people bring up that particular name? So enough with the it's his name, why isn't he proud of it crap.

lets be real, no matter what your name is , the important things , is to know if this man is experienced and capable enough to run this country.

If the media didn't make an issue of it (they can't help their pitiful selves), then no one else would. That talk show host would have bee n seen as the buffoon that he is. His purpose was to insinuate that Obama is muslim. Everybody knows that he isn't , but do you see or hear the media stressing the fact that he isn't? Even if he were muslim (again, which he isn't) why won't the media let it go? The media has become this country's worse enemy. They remind me of children who push-up fights on the play ground.

Obama fuels these speculations himself.
No one would think anything of it, if he used his
middle name...actually pledged allegiance to the flag,
and magically his wife was honored to be an American
citizen. Taken separately no one would pay attention.
Put these things together, and it raises a few eyebrows..
or it should if CNN wasn't always downplaying them.

Nothing wrong with Senator Obama's middle name or the use of it at all.

But apparently even the GOP sees the waste of time and diversionary nature in which it is being bandied about by the petulant childisih maligners of Senator Obama's character (since this is likely their last ditch effort to stop the momentem he continues to enjoy) who live in their world of ignorant, fear-mongering and are terrified and can't grasp anything or anyone outside their fragile closed minded box of thought. How sad for them and their candidate of choice.

Good for Mike Duncan. This was a smart political move as well as being the right thing to do. The conservative radio talkshow host in Cincinnati who John McCain "threw under the train" deserved what McCain said about him. This kind of rabidly partisan, borderline hate-mongering has no place in our political process. It is all about divisiveness and paranoia, not intelligent discourse. Using Obama's middle name over and over again is nothing more than a pathetic attempt to plant seeds of fear in the minds of voters. More people like Duncan need to speak out. The Republican leadership in Congress should condemn it as well.

Obama can deceive our American people so we cant trust him at all. We all can't vote him for President period and throw him out of the race. Obama would hurt our America if he will be elected for President. No way, please protect our America because Obama did not use the American pin or other things. No way! Obama strongly hides something from us and look at his facial expression. When Obama will be elected, he laughs at usd because we are stupid to vote for him. No way!! Please think twice so we need to protect our America!!

Same old RNC/Tenessee Republican Partygarbage. Critcizing Obama because of a few idiots (who he has denounced!) who praised him. This sounds too much like the fear-mongering campaign that was waged in 2004.

Isnt' that his name? I dont see what the big deal is. Sad days are coming when people can't refer to others by thier full (legal) name.

Being from the Nashville area, you have to understand that the RNC Hobbs is a blogger who is a Karl Rove wannabe. He will stop at NOTHING to defame any person who is not conservative. He is simply gutter trash. He used to be an employee of a Baptist College there hiding behind his computer until he got caught.

I am so sick of those who persist in the divisiveness in this country and perpetuate hate mongering.

Karl Rove, Tom Delay.......really make a person proud to a Moderate

To quote Muhamid Ali, "Whats my name?"

There's nothing wrong with using a candidates middle name. However, in being fair an balanced, you should use the middle name of each candidate.

If you say Senator Clinton, then you should refer to the other candidates as Senator Obama, and Senator McCain. If you say Barack, then you should refer to the other candidates as John and Hillary. If you just say McCain, then you should refer to the other candidates as Obama and Clinton.

To use Senator Obama's middle name alone is just part of the fear campaigning that the republican party has been doing since Bush's reelection.

PUT THE FULL NAME OF ALL THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDITATES ON THE BALLOT PAPER AND LET THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA DECIDE. THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE. SOME VOTERS LIKE ISSUES AND SOME LIKE VALUES. SO IT IS NOT GOOD TO HIDE SOMETHING TO THE VOTERS IF THEY DON'T LIKE SOMETHING ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.

Why can't he use Hussein? Is he not proud of his name?
I'm sorry but I just don't know this person. I can't vote for him.

"The left always finds something to pick at other than to describe the issues; we're not surprised at all." This coming from a guy who used a speech to highlight somebodies middle name. So what exactly are the issues Mr Cunningham? Maybe next time we should find out the name of his cat.
"They told me to fire up the crowd." Well Bill I guess it takes one to know one. We need to mobilize the racist base of the republican party.

I work with kids, and I'm fond of telling them that anything can be used as an insult if you use it with the correct tone. In this instance, the Party explicitly said that the photo was to show him as a Muslim, and deleted it when they found out they were wrong. Yes, it's his middle name and I hope when he is sworn in he uses it. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but it's clearly being used as an insult here.

If someone said of me, "You know, I heard she's *pause* Jewish" I would take it as an insult, and I am Jewish and I'm proud of it. Context and tone are everything.

Obama is the most Transparent candidate in this election. Anybody postulating "he has something to hide" due to his middle name is ignorant; it's a fear and scare tactic pointed at an unknowing, uneducated public.

Take it upon youself to inform someone when you hear propaganda like this; we have a responsibility to uphold the truth.

Oh please! It's his name. If he doesn't like it being used, tough cookies!!

He's even got the RNC sucking up. If he wins the Presidency I hope he won't expect all of the 6.5 billion people on the planet to kiss his butt 24/7.

What the big picture here is what will voters react to.

Oh I won't vote for Obama because his name is hussien which is muslim for "good". I have no clue what Obama stands for, no clue of any thing else, and so far the only attacks that the republicans have against obama is his middle name.

I don't know, I may not Vote for McCain. Seems to me that I have no clue on what his issues are, Am I supposed to vote for McCain because he doesn't have Hussein as a middle name? Seems to me that McCain's campaign only has 2 attacks against Obama, his name, and his childhood. If that's all they have then Obama must be a really good guy, an honest politician, who must be 100% right on all the issues because the republicans won't attack him on any thing else positions or issues. Guess I'll vote Obama then, since Obama does expose McCain's issues.

It's all about damage control and proper diversion. Election 2004 wasn't about Iraq or terrorism, it was about what John Kerry did with his vietnam medals and if Bush showed up for duty at the national guard! that was all 2004 election was about.

Obama is NOT complaining about the use of his given name. That is Silly. The issue here is how people USE his name to try and inflame the still very racist element of this country into fearful shunning of this Democratic leader. The Sad thing is people fall for it. Only because they are DIEING for an excuse NOT to vote for him.

I was VERY doubtful when he said he was going to run because I personnal felt that this country hadn't grown up enough to elect him. FACT: Very early in his run he had to be given Secret service protection, Much earlier that others. While they wouldn't explain why it is not hard to figure out why.

Then Obama REALLY took off ( I eat crow at home every night ) So NOW that Obama is Viable and a little too clean for traditional attacks you see attacks (lies) about his religion , heritage , affiliations etc.)

Even here on these blogs you see in just the last 4 week MORE and MORE Racist remarks posted and it grows everyday. If you REALLY want to be disgusted listen to some of the conservative talk shows and you will think they were talking about the anti-Christ. I listened to a local am radio show here in San Diego last night and the Jock gave 15 full minutes to a caller who said she "Knew a friend who Knew someone who worked with obama in Ill". and "this person" said....then she went into the most CRAZY rant on how Obama will fill the Whitehouse full of members of the nation of islam.These people didn't spew this much hate at OSAMA BIN LADEN Himself!

I hope to be wrong more than anything in the world but I am as ashamed of us right now as I am of Bush. The world is watching people.

The ONLY good thing here is the young people seem to be letting go of the Racist vile past of this country and that is why Obama is doing so well But we older people ( I am 45) need to drop the sillyness and fear and move on.

So Many Racist remarks get posted here by the Mods, I wonder if a positive one like this will.

People- it is his real name! Why is he getting out of shape when he is called his real name? There are a lot of worst names to call him.

I am really SICK of CNN and their obvious bias toward Obama. Only 3 comments allowed on the last story! Oh yea! cut it short! Whatever! You can't do this you can't do that! What is the deal?
He wants to lead this country! Then grow up! Take it like man! You all can ditch it on Hillary but Obama, no way. You say anything against him and you are a racist! Sounds like Bush!!!! You said anything against him and you were considered UNPATRIOTIC! Same old thing..... so much for CHANGE!
If he is such a "uniter" and he is a "shoe-in" why are his supports so mean spirited especially if they want Hillary supporters (like me) to support him! Again, so much for CHANGE! He is a politician just like the rest of them!

I am an HISPANIC, college educated woman with a master's, married, Christian and a supporter of Hillary!

This is obsurd. Does it really matter if Obama was a Muslim or a Mormon or anything else? The fact is that he is a Christian who happened to have a father from Kenya a mother from Kansas who decided to give him the middle name "Hussein". The people that listen to this fear mongering are just plain ignorant. Check your facts and make your impressions of the man before listening to this garbage.

Why should he be ashamed of his own full name?

This is how I am going to vote in Nov 2008.
I am a registered democrat.
1. I will vote for Hillary
2. if Hillary does not get nomination, then John McCain (since I love my country more than my party)
3. I will never vote (now or in future) for Obama (even if he gets nomination and Hillary says 'support' him)

Being successful Executive, I have always appreciated and followed hard word, Sincerity path.
I fought against Nepotism and hypocrisy. I cannot vote for a person, who poses as a nice guy, but behind scene doing all dishonest stuff.
He and his team introduced RACE in Iowa race and then blamed Clintons.
He acted as 5 years old, looking for help to mother in debate when asked about Russia’s successor and then Press declares that he is presidential (Press Guys, please stop your favoritism, it does not help our country)

CNN Moderator, can you please post this? Thanks

If I started campaigning with my middle name of Joseph, would the cowardly and xenophobic among us believe that I'll implement a regime like Stalin's? Or are we no longer afraid of communists, just Muslims?

Sometimes I think it's fair to be disappointed with America.

Kyle February 28th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

He should start going by Barry again and put an apostrophe between the 'O' and 'Bama' so people just think he's Irish. Barry O'Bama? Oh, he sounds like a great guy!

Sadly Kyle, your absolutely correct. And if we could just see him in white-face now and then, then the color of his skin wouldn't be an issue either. A white "Barry O'Bama" would be winning by a landslide right now.

A name? We are denouncing the use of a full name? GOod Grief what next?
If Barack had embraced his name in the first place at the beginning of the campaign season it would not be an issue now. CHange we can beleive in NOT if we can't even BELIEVE in our FULL Selves.

He really has a lot of pillows to keep Comfy.....

Perhaps Obama should use his full name, and everyone will stop talking; unless he thinks he is attracting negative energies.

Re the "where there's smoke there's fire" remark–

You amply demonstrate the truth behind the remark with your post, which was positively blazing... Which Republican are you an operative for?

Of course he's not trying to hide it. The point is that the Republican's are using it to propel their not so subtle campaign to paint him as a Muslim.

Indie in Iowa, I totally agree!!!

There is more to Obama than meets the eye!!!

Hussein is the name of the King of Jordan, one of our key allies in the Middle East. Republicants should often be reminded of that.

It's his real middle name so why can't it be used? Low blow, though!

I don't ever recall Obama speaking on the issue itself.

Obviously, he realizes that it IS his name...I just don't think he really cares enough to make an issue out of it.

It seems that everyone else wants to though...

Who really cares?

Did any of you have a choice of your middle name? Didn't think so...

the middle name was given by his family and there is no reason to be ashamed of it. I wonder what Obama is hidding regarding radical Muslims. I just wonder.

I'm afraid we're going to see more of this. Release false rumors, then denounce. This is how the RNC will go about attacking Obama. Shame on them. If McCain is a party to any of this, he will lose whatever respect I may have for him.

Uhhh....its his name......Whats wrong with the use of his name? Is he ashamed of his middle name? Political correctness is gone awry in this country...

A country in which we judge people by their names has no future. America is not what it used to be, the symbol of liberty where one can be whatever he/she wants… Now we have 15 million Muslims living in America who have to change their names to hide their identity, because the message is clear here: “if you happen to have Muslim name you are automatically disqualified for certain jobs”.
This is all very similar to how Jews were treated in pre-war Germany. They had to hide their Jewish names and identity in order to prosper and later to save their lives.

umm....is that not his name? why the walking on egg shells for obama but when a mccain supporter calls hillary the b word they say nothing. Sexism is alive and well in this country...it has been clearly exposed this election.

I would would prefer the RNC goes further and rejects it all together ?

On the flip side.....where is hillary ???

Why two stories in a row about the same exact thing (rumors about Barack's faith)? It seems the rumors get a lot more credit when you obsess over them. Still, HRC supporters are convinced their candidate is the only one who is scrutinized by the press. If the press gave credence to any of the speculation out there about HRC's personal life, you can bet her supporters would be irate. Barack's campaign doesn't take the victim route, and that's something all voters should consider.

This Government needs to stop doing business with Muslims countries if we are concerned about Obama's name and declaring him to be Muslim. For anyone to put a label on Obama simply because of his name is the most undemocratic miscarriage of justice and should be dealt with in a legal manner. People need to think before they speak and not spread malicious rumors for the purpose of personal gain or simply being mean spirited. I personally detest these rumors and see this as a legal matter.

Using his middle name and not Hillary's or McCain's is a double standard, and the only naive people are those that believe constantly referring to the use of his middle name (which was his Grandfather's name and given to him 18 years before Saddam took power in Iraq) isn't being used to drum up fear. I applaud the RNC for this public stand- it's about all they can do at this point. There are significant issues that need to be debated in the next 8 months and there shouldn't be any need for these tactics given the stakes involved.

Sounds like an odd form of censorship to me.

Let's face the facts, this is politics and his middle name should be used as anyone's middle name will be used. He was given that name by his parents for some reason. I know it is supposedly a rumor that his father and stepfather were radical islamics, but who knows. His middle name would reflect something.

This Government needs to stop doing business with Muslims countries if we are concerned about Obama's name and declaring him to be Muslim. For anyone to put a label on Obama simply because of his name is the most undemocratic carriage of justice and should be dealt with in a legal manner. People need to think before they speak and not spread malicious rumors for the purpose of personal gain or simply being mean spirited. I personally detest these rumors and see this as a legal matter.

I thought Barack Obama was PROUD of his childhood? He cites his foreign experience as living abroad (in muslim country). Why should he be ashamed of "Hussein" or offended if any one else calls him by his GIVEN name. It IS his name, right?

If he does not like his name, he should change it. Many political figures are called by all thre names with no objections; Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Richard Millhouse Nixon.
It's his name & that is that. if he is not a muslim maybe he should change his name to John Smith.

"So the RNC denounces it, but do they reject it?" .....Bravo

Kingssman said: "They say those who have no platform to run on themselves go negative"

So is that why Obama is so consistently negative and attacks Hillary so often?

I guess you're right – he doesn't have a platform, does he? Just a lot of huffing and puffing and airy-fairy dreams. Nothing of substance. No real plans.

Hey, thanks for pointing that out!

Is that his name of not?? If it is, why is he so afraid of it.

I hope these tactics backfire on the dirty people (both in the Clinton camp and the Republican camp) who use them. It is a scare tactic and not a positive comment on our culture.

It's his name isn't it? So why is anyone apologizing for call him by his middle name? Makes no sense. If they called him some derogatory name I can see the apology, but it's his NAME! If he doesn't like it, why doesn't he change it?

Obama has nothing to hide but he is realistic .. The last election was won due to hate mongering fear period.

It's a shame that some have used a simple name to defame a person.
What's even more of a shame is how many people actually believe that Obama and Hussein have something in common.
The only reason the RNC is denouncing it at this time is so any further use of his name in a derogatory fashion will not be attributed to them.

It's both amazing and a disgraceful epitath to the decline of our values here in the United States that a political party would suggest that using Obama's middle name in a manipulative and suggestive manner is "OK" politics.

What's most digusting about what has happened to the Republican Party and their surrogate the conservative right under the Bush / Cheeney / Rove era is that the ethics of the GOP has declined so much.

I left the Republican party lst November, because after 8 years of George Bush tactics, I had finally had it with Reprublicanism. These people don't reflect my values and I hope they don't represent the values of the average American.

Whether it's Obama or someone else – it's far time we washed this appauling rift raft out of Washington and bring some dignity back to our nation.

There is nothing wrong with his middle name – the problem is that some low life individuals with public exposure use it to scare other (less educated) voters to belief that Obama would be a muslim.

It's the same with the color of his skin – which is perfectly, perfectly fine – however if someone calls him the 'Black Barack Obama', then the reference to his skin color or the word 'Black' has to be rejected.

We all know that these klans people don't call Obama by his middle name because otherwise you would not know about which Barack Obama they are talking about.

In the future these individuals can call him 'Mr. President' which should be simple enough for them.

Why do you keep covering these false attacks and then wonder how the rumors continue to be spread? CNN is playing an active role in spreading this bigotry. Why don't you try real reporting for a change?

From the family guy:

"LOOK THERE'S THE SYMBOL OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, AN ELEPHANT AND AN OLD FAT WHITE GUY WHO'S AFFRAID OF CHANGE"

Why not use it? PC run amok again. Is it is his middle name or not?

Is Jefferson the middle name of the former Pres. Clinton? They use his full name often. Same with Pres. GWB.

If Olamabomarama has a problem with it, he should legally remove it.

is this what we are coming to. The RNC relesed that statement just to keep talking about something that is FALSE FALSE!!!!

Why can't people use his legal full name? I see no issue with it. It's his name, like it or not.

but we're still not hearing any response re: why the anti-Israel concerns are being raised. What – in Obama's constituency - gives rise to this fear???

What's the BIG DEAL Mr. Obama. You should be proud of your name, the more you stress this as a problem the more you seem as if you got something to hide.

"i have never been a muslim" obama – pardon my ignorance – but how did he get the middle name – hussein

As Americans, are we that caught up in a person's name as opposed to who they are & what they stand for? I am confident that we're not that shallow.

Mr. Mooney

May I tell you that your articcle is a bit confusing and surly will generate a lot of very nasty posts here by people which had not have the patience to analyze it.

TOM

It is a name people...just a name. Names don't make or break a person. Do the citizens of the United States not have more important things to worry about?

And so it begins.

The concept of unification is attractive in theory, but history has proven time and again that it simply is not realistic.

The hatred shown by Obama supporters toward a candidate in their own party clearly shows that while their candidate may promote unity in their own hearts the concept is absent.

Good luck to you guys, but this voter is opting out.

Why should it matter if Obama is/was a Muslim? Religion has absolutely no place in politics. The current President refers to his Christianity constantly and he is one of the 3 worst Presidents in our history. The people who are trying to discredit Obama because of his middle name, or picture in Kenyan duds, or the fact that he may have been a Muslim are fear mongers who are banking on the average American's prejudice and ignorance to help the republicans win another election.

Wow.

The RNC finally listened to Karl Rove again.

Must be a full moon or something.

Now, on with the election.

Wimps.

I don't understand all the buzz about a middle name. Did Obama say he is ashamed of his middle name? If he is not then why should people applologise for calling him by his middle name. Is Obama above criticism or is there something else to this that you should tell us. When he became a Christain, i think the right thing for him to have done was to change that name, QED. CNN pls give us substance and let rest all these issues of no importance.

Every individual should be PROUD of their names...first, middle and last names. To not be, well...it is not only a character flaw but also reflects some deeply rooted family conflict.

Signed, Diane Mary Demczyk

Funny, nobody ever uses John McCain's middle name.

That talk show host (Cunningham) from Cincinnati–who introduced John McCain with crude remarks about Obama, plus emphasis on his middle name (with no middle name given for McCain in the same intro)– is a typical radio talk show hack / opportunist whose #1 mission is to attract attention to himself with outrageous statements to generate press and ratings.

My middle name is Joseph. Does that mean that I am like Stalin?

Pure ignorant fear mongering to the unsophisticated.

JFK was proud to be Catholic and Irish. He didn't hide what he was he embraced it. just makes me wonder what Obama has to hide.

It IS his name! What is he going to do change it? facts are facts!

Its his name right?

If you are proud of yourself why prevent others use your middle name? That is your name, your full name. Don't you feel proud of that? or you will only really feel proud of your middle name when you have gotten more anti-semitic votes to propel you to be Dem. nominee?

So the RNC denounces it, but do they reject it?

Why? Through out history we have used candidates middle name. Hillary's full name is used. John Fitzgerald Kennedy's full name is used,George W. Bush's name is used, Lyndon Baines Johnson's full name is used. Is Obama ashambed of his name?

He should start going by Barry again and put an apostrophe between the 'O' and 'Bama' so people just think he's Irish. Barry O'Bama? Oh, he sounds like a great guy!

I don't see the problem with the use of his middle name. It isn't like a rival made up a nickname and tagged him with it, it is his given name. If he is ashamed of his name he should change it. If he is not ashamed of it and feels there is nothing wrong with it then it being used should not bother anyone.

Stop walking on eggshells with respect to Obama. Why should anything about him be held to a different standard? I don't believe it impies anything. If the electorate is naiive and doesn't respect that this is in fact his middle name, that is their problem. I don't feel that anyone should be criticized for using Senator Obama's full name. Get over it.

Perhaps the republicans caught on that once the nation realizes that the only way to attack Obama is through petty name calling and making absurd links and trying to use baseless fear against him, they may develop voter sympathy and a backlash against the GOP.

If they can't fight Obama on the issues, they will loose. They say those who have no platform to run on themselves go negative

Where there's smoke – there's fire.

Look at what we ignored about Bush. All those rumors about him being an incompetent oaf.

Don't you wish you had paid more attention back then?

Shouldn't you be paying MORE attention right now?

I am still wondering why none of the news reports about this question the perception that being a Muslim is a bad thing!

No, just your 527's will use it.

If people use his middle name as much as they have been lately at some point people will become desensitized to the fact that it just happens to be the last name of scum sucking toad Saddam Hussein....