Comments on: New Yorker editor defends Obama cover

By: rbt

rbt — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:15:35 +0000

This mag cover not only feeds the problem, but it is a stepping off point for discussions that also feed into the myths and the untruths that are magnified by how it is discussed even on so called left wing cable networks. It is not enough for the pundits to say the allegations are untrue, when they then conflate the untruth to a "perceived" problem that people don't know Obama and that Obama must inform the people. Obama has made many speeches and answered questions about his upbringing through ads. Journalists have a duty to uphold their trust and need to unequivically denounce these untruths period and without opening the door by conflating another "Obama Problem". Wouldn't it be nice if the journalists actually did their jobs and reported the truth rather than discussing the lies which merely perpetuate the myths?

By: Lilbeth

Lilbeth — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:15:34 +0000

Hey, Brooklyn, The reason Obama can't and won't just shrug it off is because he is black. Plain and simple. Get use to it people, don't you know and understand by now that black people are able to say whatever they please, anytime they please, demonstrate their anger in any form or fashion anytime they please and everybody is just supposed to "take it" and understand. Boy, payback is hell. Anybody, black or white must understand that when you're running for the largest, most important (supposedly) office in the land, you're going to be a target for just about anything. Most American people will not see the satire in this magazine cover - why? because this country is divided (lots of ignorance) and, yes, racial. It will always be this way. Grow thicker skin, Obama or you'll never make it.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:15:32 +0000

I think the cover is hilarious. I'd buy a copy but they are sold out everywhere.

By: Gustav James

Gustav James — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:15:02 +0000

The New Yorker cover is much worse than any false rumors I have heard about the Obamas. The cover depicts a United States presidential candidate and his wife as ENEMIES OF THE STATE. I haven't heard that rumor prior to now.

Gustav James

By: Dan J

Dan J — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:14:15 +0000

Obama is playing the victim card. Plain and simple. He knows the cover is actually helping him, he just wants to bring it to attention. New Yorker was supporting Obama, and he's pushing his own "fear the politics of fear" slant. He whines and complains, and all these signs of weakness are not good for a potential President. Plus, I don't understand why the whole Muslum dress offended him. I mean, he did dress like that in photos, he promotes diversity and religious acceptance, yet he is offended when he is portrayed as Muslim. Who cares? He say we're beyond that stuff, yet it still "offends" him. He's having his cake and eating it, too.

By: Maria D.

Maria D. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:12:42 +0000

The reaction from the Obama camp reminds me of how during the lead up to the Iraq war, anyone who said anything against it was labeled as unpatriotic. What is even worse about the Obama campaign is that they are actually critical of what was meant to be a pro-Obama message – This is what really scares people about the Obama movement – the desire to control the propoganda about their campaign and how their candidate is being portrayed – seems like if Obama wins, we may have a thought police . . . And by the way – where is the outrage at sellers of Hillary Clinton "nut crackers" (you can crack nuts between the legs of a Hillary nut cracker) – or is that satire???? Who decides – Obama ???? Think about who he might put on the Supreme Court if he had so little tolerance for political satire gone a little astray – Do we want him in charge of those who rule on our free speech rights? What if someone tries to criticise him if he wins – This is what scares people!!!

By: stuart_zechman

stuart_zechman — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:11:43 +0000

If I had wanted to draw a cartoon that more accurately portrays Obama and his wife, I would have drawn the same cartoon the New Yorker did but have the pair of them surrounded by Kos Kids and Obamabots on their hands and knees worshiping them.

CNN will be too chicken to post this heresy against The Chosen One!

By: Barrie Hunter

Barrie Hunter — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:11:32 +0000

As if the press in this country isn't bad enough, now this. I once had some respect for the New Yorker but not anymore. I've just cancelled my company's subscription.

By: Kris Hussain from AZ

Kris Hussain from AZ — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:11:24 +0000

the cover seems alittle extreme. The article is probably a good artical but poor call on the cover.

By: David, Silver Spring, MD

David, Silver Spring, MD — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:10:26 +0000

Satire is generally directed at an individual or an identifiable group. This cover is intended to satirize a mindset or an attitude or a mental willingness to believe or promote the craziest, most absurd things about the Obamas.

The problem is the cover does that through an illustration, not of those who have that attitude or mindset, but of the Obamas themselves.

Imagine instead a cover of some slob in his underwear, sitting in a dark, seedy room that's adorned with posters of crazy things like the New Yorker cover along with other symbols of right-wing paranoia. That would identify the object of the satire in a way the current cover does not.

By: WoMaN4McCain

WoMaN4McCain — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:10:25 +0000

Comments like the one from BROOKLYN shows the ignorance of American people and why stuff like this is a bad idea.

And Ginger and Theresa from Minneapolis hit the nail on the head.

By: effero

effero — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:10:02 +0000

Wolf Blitzer has to be one of the worst interviewers in history. Ask the question and let him respond, then ask another. Simple format Wolf ... learn.

By: ChrisNY

ChrisNY — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:09:29 +0000

Love it. This is the freedom our soldiers are dying for people. Appreciate it and take it for what it is. Any intelligent person will walk away from these images with a smirk.

By: lenny

lenny — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:09:24 +0000

most americans think that this it true and I am one of them

By: CJ/PA

CJ/PA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:09:23 +0000

What does intelligence have to do with it?? Could it be snobbery and "elitism" instead? Let me see -- Obama dressed in Muslim garb, Michelle carrying an AK-47, a picture of Osama above the fireplace with our beloved flag burning in the fireplace -- oh, wait a minute -- yes, satire. I forgot!! Rubbish is right. It should be pulled from the shelves right now and the Editor of The New Yorker owes the Obama's an apology for "satire gone wrong." This, indeed, plays right into the hands of the Rush Limbaugh followers of the world, as well as many others who already have preconceived and erroneous notions about the Obama's. It is NOT funny OR satiracal. Shame.

By: Scott, Wichita

Scott, Wichita — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:09:17 +0000

so, 26% of Americans think Obama is Muslim, eh?

Well, I'm part of the "Fascist, warmongering" center-leaning-right-Americans, and I have yet to meet someone who thinks he's a Muslim from the conservatives. They must all be the left-wingers

By: Oh! The Irony

Oh! The Irony — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:52 +0000

MoniLuv July 14th, 2008 6:22 pm ET Obama needs to lighten up. If he's smart as people made him out to be he'd realize that the cover is actually meant to help him and portrays him as a victim of fear-mongering by the Republicans. ------------------------------------------------------ I think Obama and the rest of the American population with half-a-brain understands the intent -- satire. The problem is the less aware American, who will see that cover and use it as a means of solidifying their belief in the rumors. The cover may have been well-intended, but it was inappropriate. Understand?

By: sbcain

sbcain — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:49 +0000

For once, instead of the media setting the tone of morals and decency in America, the public and politicians have all agreed this was cover inappropriate. However, it looks as if David Remnick can't accept that someone else besides him and the media should have a say in what is decent. Admit it Remnick, you Fudged this up! Swallow your pride, take your public spanking and go away.

By: jackie ohio

jackie ohio — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:28 +0000

You jnow if it had been Hillary or Mccain then all the Obama people would be jumping on the band parade to have fun with it. But It is Obama and he is Black/white so the black need to cry over missrep. Call out the raciest card. i am sick and tiered of this whinning from Obama. I remimber some harsh cartoons of actual Presidents George Bush 1 and 2 Clinton Bill ect... You put yourself in the puplic eye now deal with the worst part of it. Or just say CLEAN UP YOUR ACT HA JUST KIDING MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! obama needs to clear up his owen act and let the american people know what and who he is. I am a democrat but I have not been sold on Obama. If he wants to win the pres. the Hillary needs to be on the ticket.

By: Jackie from Minneapolis

Jackie from Minneapolis — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:19 +0000

Most people aren't that smart. They will look at the cover and take away their own impressions. This country is still very racist and will likely always will be. I am completely losing faith in human kind. All we do is add oil to the already burning fires of hatred. Clinton supporters are now saying that is a part of the job. Well, they weren't saying that when HRC and her supporters was feeling attracted. That is the problem with people, they never seem to be able to put themselves in someone else's shoes. It's all very sad. If McCain gets into office, they will be be whining too, because this country will never get on track. As a black woman who helps alot people in my community, it breaks my heart that I would be attacked just for being black in this country. The people and media would twist everything that I am about to make me look like a terrorist. I am good person and I always try and do the right thing even when it would be easy to do the wrong, but people in this country would still try to distroy me if I were in that position.

By: Sophie Brown

Sophie Brown — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:05 +0000

If they wanted to attack misconceptions, perhaps they should have drawn a thought bubble coming from a redneck's head, since it is those types of people who still believe this garbage. That being said, however, the editor should have realized that most Americans are not as bright as one would hope, and that they would take this image literally, which would damage Obama's standing.

By: tim

tim — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:03 +0000

I would like to see a cover with the truth not this crap.
Show Obama taking Government money and political shakedown
money his whole career–never having any real job or
business venture–and then giving lectures on the economy and
responsibility.

By: bernj

bernj — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:06:55 +0000

Cheap mag. That is what the New Yorker is now. Just another cheap mag.

By: RM

RM — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:06:07 +0000

Nothing new in those objections to the Obama artwork, merely political correctness running amok, as usual. But like one blogger correctly stated; that cover would be a lot more appropriate to goofy Mad magazine than the self-important New Yorker mahhgahhzine, dahling.

By: Herman in LA

Herman in LA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:57 +0000

Your paper is tasteless and I have canceled my membership... We don't need this kind of satire about none of our political candidates not Obama or McCain...

By: Big Al

Big Al — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:51 +0000

Out of over 50 yrs of living, i've come to the conclusion that this country is still sick in the head over race, a word none of us can help what color we are. it was not like we were in our mother's stomach and said well i guess i will be this color. America is so Stupid with hatred we will never come together until we get over this foolishness. Im like this im a caucasian man and we have had over 40 some caucasian presidents what have they done at least give 1 african american a chance. we are probably scared he would do a better job than anyone else....

By: Jennifer - American in Canada

Jennifer - American in Canada — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:20 +0000

If you don't get it then Satire doesn't work. The real problem here is that Sen Obama is relatively new and often viewed with suspicion by some voters. If this cover was of someone who was better known in the political sphere then we wouldn't be having this discussion. IT IS A BIG DEAL if Sen Obama is constantly distracted with questions dealing with "Who he is". It's a distraction that he cannot afford and keeps him off the more important issues......Jobs, foreclosures, the war in Iraq, and Health Care.

By: Dee Dee

Dee Dee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:16 +0000

There is no justifaction for Hateful Covers that can possibly create more hate among citizens.
Some will see it in print and believe it more than they will believe the W

By: Dem 4 Obama, PA

Dem 4 Obama, PA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:04:47 +0000

Mr. Remnick, I "get it", but I don't think you do . The satire is lost as this election has turned into one that showcases Amercia's true feelings regarding race and culture. Satire is only satire when we can look at it and say how ridiculous it is. But, many American BELIEVE that Sen. Obama is a Koran-toting, America-hating, Muslim terrorist impersonating a good-natured average Joe. Many BELIEVE Mrs. Obama is an angry black woman who despises this country and is an undercover Black Panther waiting to pounce on "whitey". See, it's not witty when it plays right into the actual beliefs of many people right here in the USA. So, your satire is lost. Between this, the "Oreo" comment and the numerous examples of racially charged statements, it's clear that America still has a problem with race. We've never really dealt with the elephant sitting in our living room and now he's tearing up the house! I only hope we can turn all of this around (regardless of the outcome of the election) and use it as another stepping stone to racial healing. We are a country of Black, White, Yellow, Brown and everything in between. We must do better in relating to one another!

By: Bill Tridico

Bill Tridico — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:04:44 +0000

Some people don't get satire, some do. And the next cover may very well be one with John McCain lip-locked with W; the grim reaper standing nearby, with McCain's version of the Beach Boys music playing in the background....."Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran." Surely this will undoubtedly spark hoots and hollers from across the other side of America's great divide, as the US teeters on the brink. Perhaps Phil Gramm missed the mark and may well have said, we are in an intellectual recession.

By: Aries

Aries — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:04:40 +0000

NO NEED TO BICKER < JUST STOP SPENDING YOUR MONEY WITH RACISTS< HIT HIM WHERE IT HURTS < IN HIS POCKET..SLIMEBALL

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:04:08 +0000

Funny how the same pundits who were insinuating Obama was actually a Muslim and that Michelle Obama wasn't proud of her country are now outraged by a satirical drawing that parodies those exact positions.

By: Dina of the Bronx

Dina of the Bronx — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:03:29 +0000

If you can't take the heat .... political satire has been around since the time of George Washington. Barack Obama has to prove he is capable of being president by ignoring this drawing (because that's all it is) and continue to concentrate on his political agendas.

Besides, who reads the New Yorker? Is it even available in middle America? I am sure this cover has brought in a lot more revenue for this week's issue! I know I can't find it at any of my local newspaper stands (which, at any other time, there's always plenty of them for sale).

Yes, the ignorant will still believe Obama is a Muslim. What scares me the most is that they also are voters! God help us all!

Obama '08

By: Edna

Edna — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:02:49 +0000

The cover might be less offensive if it depicted Rush Limbaugh as the cartoonist! Shame on The New Yorker!

By: marty from Indiana

marty from Indiana — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:02:06 +0000

It is interesting that Obama hasn't said anything personally about the cover. He has said; "No comment." So those of you who accuse him of whinning.... you should read the news before criticizing Obama for being a whinner. But would you like a picture of yourself on a national magazine cover which is totally wrong or which insults your family? Would you say nothing or would you speak up to defend yourself?

By: anonymous

anonymous — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:53 +0000

Hey, if the truth hurts, you'd better pay attention now before you elect this Muslim racist to run this country.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:49 +0000

Nothing funny about that. Satire or not, it was really lowbrow and completely inappropriate for a "rag" that calls itself progressive.

By: TDKS

TDKS — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:42 +0000

Think about the readership base of the New Yorker. Now, think of how many people are not part of that base. Now, think of all the people who would have never known this cover existed had the Obama campaign ignored it. They're not offended; they know they can get sympathy out of this, in a time when it's running short.

By: Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:29 +0000

In the wake of the recent New Yorker magazine cover which has generated such controversy, the real facts of Barack Obama's Muslim heritage continue to be overlooked. It seems that in the spirit of transparency and healing, it would have served Sen. Obama well to have embraced his Muslim background and extended family. By denying its truth, Barack Obama has in effect denied an important part of himself. Subsequently, many Americans remain mistrustful of Obama, suspecting " that where there's smoke, there's fire."
And who wants to get burned?

By: Yoda ... You seek Yoda

Yoda ... You seek Yoda — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:19 +0000

We need to stop defending everything in this country.

The words "I'm sorry, I was wrong" need to re-enter the public vocabulary.

It was tasteless ... you blew it ... stand up and be man about it.

By: Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:18 +0000

OBAMA IS NOT A MUSLIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's the most intelligent candidate we have, and by far the best we have to open dialogue with the Muslim countries as well as the rest of the world.
OBAMA '08 AND '12!

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:01:10 +0000

"Bernard Parks, a California city council member and supporter of Barack Obama, told CNN he is calling for a boycott of the liberal-leaning magazine."

BOY!.... I can't wait until the conservative-leaning magazines comes out with their Obama issues. I haven't bought a New Yorker mag in yrs but I will buy this one.

By: Phil-Little Rock

Phil-Little Rock — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:00:48 +0000

BROOKLYN July 14th, 2008 6:42 pm ET Mr. Remnick should NOT have to defend anything… This is his right, this is OUR right as Americans to speak what we feel… And ANYONE that wants to be the Commander and Chief of our Nation should in fact be well aware of this… Seems like Mr. Obama is not. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, how about we take Mr. Remnick, put a yarmulka on that fat head of his, have him hold a copy of the Torah and a '10-Commandments' style document denying Palestine their rights? Let's see how funny that story would be!!

By: 4America

4America — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:00:38 +0000

FREE SPEECH?!!!!! - HA, HA, HA, HA!!!! Right!! Is that why Brush labeled ANYONE who opposed illegally invading Iraq for oil and killing 1 MILLION brown people an anti-patriot and a traitor?

Whining?!!!! Like McCain and his Enron enabling BFF, Gramm, calling us a Nation of whiners? I am absolutely certain those Katrina victims drowning in their homes were "whining" while McCain was having birthday cake with Brush!!!!!!!

HOW MANY AMERICANS HAVE TO DIE BEFORE WE GROW A BRAIN?!!! Look up NORTHWOODS & study physics - the PNAC should be clear.

By: people say No to McCain

people say No to McCain — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:00:28 +0000

CNN this was sooo yesterday....but lets see how many ignorant people still think those things about Obama are true.

By: Voter

Voter — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:52 +0000

Well, I guess Obama is entirely too delicate to be the president. Just think – four years of tiptoeing around His Majesty so as not to reduce him to tears on any given day.

NO HUMOR ALLOWED!

NO SATIRE ALLOWED!

It's been a long time since we've had a leader who entirely lacks any sense of humor or wit. Nor have we had a president in the memory of most Americans who takes himself quite this seriously.

Being Barack Obama is serious business, I guess.

This is just another reason to give this self-important oh-so-moral-and-just fellow a miss this year.

One price Mr. O. will pay if elected (or selected, I can't wait to see how that goes) is that people will go after him with a true vengeance. No kidding-no humor, just attack, and do it very well. He insists on the take-no-prisoners approach because one cannot joke about or satirize or publicly – just go for the throat.

I'm not voting for four years of this.

By: Bob (Maryland)

Bob (Maryland) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:31 +0000

Yes, most people may understand the satire, but what about the 10 percent who believe that Obama is a Muslim? The supposedly sophisticated editors of New Yorker should have been aware of psychology research showing that an image depicting emotional beliefs can be accepted uncritically as confirming a viewer's prejudices, even when accompanied by words declaring that the views depicted in the image are false.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:28 +0000

What is so tasteless about this? People have been saying this anyway. Someone just had to paint the picture. If it's not true why bother?

By: Jean-Marie

Jean-Marie — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:24 +0000

Obama has weathered worse than this arrogant misfiring satire by The New Yorker. This will only help him watch his flanks more, since he already has no illusions about this country's racism and general stupidity, the intellectual left included. Yet he refuses to become cynical about it and he does not lose his bearings in hatred and recrimination, not to mention retaliation. Anyone who can deal so admirably and intelligently with this kind of misguided stupidity, as displayed by The New Yorker, will make a truly great president.

Obama 08 – YOU ARE THE MAN!!!

By: TerryDo

TerryDo — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:22 +0000

Is the satire caricature True or False?
Obvious from the over reaction from the Obama team it is TRUE!
I think thou dost protest to much!
There is always a hint of truth in every joke and in every satire.
He has leaning towards the Muslims as he stated in his own book. To paraphrase, when push comes to shove, I will be on the side of the Muslims.
And Michelle, is a radical as she stated in her university thesis.
We do not change our stripes overnight, as Obama would love for people to believe; especially about his leaving the Black Theology teachings of Rev. Wright.
So, I would conclude that the satirical drawing was right on, and that it is a true reflection of the Obama's hidden mind set.
PumaPac, Democratic Supporters for H.R. Clinton, demand her name be placed in nomination for The First Roll Call at the Denver Convention!!!
Come and join our noble cause!