July 15, 2008
Posted: 05:10 PM ET

From
CNN

Watch part of Obama's interview with Larry King. Catch the full interview with Obama on CNN's Larry King Live tonight, 9 p.m. ET.

(CNN) — Barack Obama on Tuesday called the controversial New Yorker cover that unflatteringly depicts him and his wife an unsuccessful attempt at satire that will likely fuel misconceptions he has long battled over the course of his presidential campaign.

But in an exclusive interview with CNN's Larry King, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate downplayed the impact of the illustration — which depicts him in Muslim attire in the Oval Office, with wife Michelle carrying a machine gun.

iReport.com: Satire or slander? Share your thoughts

"It's a cartoon…and that's why we've got the First Amendment," Obama said. "And I think the American people are probably spending a little more time worrying about what's happening with the banking system and the housing market, and what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, than a cartoon. So I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it."

"I've seen and heard worse," he said. "I do think that, you know, in attempting to satirize something, they probably fueled some misconceptions about me instead. But, you know, that was their editorial judgment."

The cover, which also depicts a U.S. flag burning in the fireplace and a picture of Osama bin Laden on the wall, drew heavy criticism from both political parties after it first circulated the Internet over the weekend. Both presidential campaigns immediately condemned the magazine, calling the illustration "tasteless and offensive."

Earlier: New Yorker editor defends cover

David Remnick, the longtime editor of the highly-regarded publication, told CNN Monday that he believes the ironic intent of the illustration will be clear to most Americans.

Watch: Journalists debate the New Yorker Cover

In Obama’s wide ranging CNN interview Tuesday — the entirety of which is set to air tonight on Larry King Live at 9 p.m. ET — the Illinois senator seemed to give cautious approval of the government's response to the turmoil surrounding mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • New Yorker • Popular Posts


obama is a DISGRACE   July 15th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Are you people stupid???? It's a cartoon. Obama thinks just becauyse he's black he's off limits. Well, get a hold of yourself you whinny little brat.

Shah Man   July 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

I think the story is satire in maybe not a very tasteful way, but still I thought it was funny although I am an american muslim. People take these types of things to seriously.

patricia   July 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

America needs Obama Now!

Samia Ahmed   July 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Samia Ahmed July 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Its funny that some people won't vote for him because they think he is muslim and yet the Muslim Community wont vote for him because he is so ridiculously discriminant towards us! This guy can't win either way

Obama...08...Oh yeah!   July 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Yes, the cartoon was out of line. Judging by some of the comments I've read below, many Americans do not understand the concept of satire (dictionary.com might help them).

Obama is handling this situation with grace and dignity. He was right to be annoyed. He's also right in that there are much more important issues to focus on.

Please check your spelling and grammar when you post anything online. Certain McCain supporters are making themselves look quite foolish. I am appalled by the ignorance represented in some of the comments I'm reading here.

James Hussein, SC   July 15th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

interesting July 15th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Obama's father is Kenyan and was a muslim. Under islamic law, he is recognized as a muslim as he would take the religion of his father. Obama's step father was a muslim.

I am a Muslim and you have zero idea about what you say. No person becomes a Muslim unless he declares to be Muslim. Being a Muslim is NOT a birth right.

It is people like you who lie and lie to convince others you know what you are saying. Here is the truth. Senator Obama is and was never a Muslim.

Lindsay   July 15th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Pathetic
Uninspired
Misanthropic
Agitators

Ratgurl   July 15th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

After seeing some of the illiterate or manufactured drivel that gets through CNN's moderators, I am reminded why I stopped visiting this website & chose to get my news elsewhere.

I'd love to see a news organization who can offer nothing more or less than facts. Unfortunately it seems as though most people (especially here) skip the stories that go with the headlines & choose to base their information on the commentary (but only if it congeals with what they already believe). I'm truly disappointed in a large percentage of the American population. I thought we were better than that.

Maria   July 15th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

So what if he is a Muslim?!!!!!!! Bigotry seems to be alive and well.– I guess bigotry is much more acceptable than racism.

I laugh when people say Bush is a Christian implying he must be a decent person. These self proclaimed "Christian" politians abuse and use Christianity. Bush is a disgrace to Christians.

JonRoss   July 15th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

This hours count. Two stories about Obama – one neutral one positive. Zero mention of McCain.

Uncle Sam   July 15th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

To answer the question from the previous poster: It's OK with John McCain to remove troops from Iraq when we've won. Which, thanks to the surge upon which he risked his presidential campaign, is currently happening. The same surge which Barack Obama prdeicted would fail.

Martin Hussein Goldstone   July 15th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

As a mid-western jew voting for the first time it hurts my head to read some of the right wing moronic postings on this blog site..I support Obama because he has inspired me like nobody running for office has done before. Not even my local congressman who campaigned in my backyard inspired such fervor and devotion from his followers. Obama focuses on the issues that are important to our future and leaves the fluff to his rivals to mull over….I think CNN should screen these postings to weed out fools who have no modicum of common sense.

If not for anything to weed out bad grammar

CHANGE IS COMING…..AND ITS NOT FROM THE OLD GEEZER!!!!!!!

Sean   July 15th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

I like people who can laugh at themselves too….but that would require something funny being available to laugh at in the first place. A ridiculous percentage of Americans still believe Obama is a Muslim (as if that would somehow be inherently bad), or that he's unpatriotic, or that Michelle Obama is some kind of extremist….

For all of those saying Obama needs a sense of humor – can you point out what exactly is funny about this New Yorker cover? Isn't satire supposed to be humorous? This is nothing but a depiction of what a large number of ignorant people actually believe Obama is, despite the fact that he's not. Is that funny? Personally, I find it alarming and sad.

Ebie   July 15th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

I'm afraid the fact that so many GOP-leaning commenters obviously believe Obama actually *IS* a Muslim who hates this country proves that the New Yorker cover was not successful satire.

Too bad about our collective IQ and sense of humor, but that's the way the cookie crumbles…

Kim, Sacramento   July 15th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Bravo, New Yorker! Great job. No wonder your magazine is reknowned for its interesting, provocative, and humorous satire.

Freida, NYC   July 15th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Joe PA,

The internet is the problem! Most of the info you get from the internet is often inaccurate making it impossible to draw any kind of reasonable conclusion, better yet to get to know a presidential candidate. Having said that, then my position remains the same… I do not know Barack well enough to trust him with our country.

Brad   July 15th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

In my opinion, Sen. Obama has more flip-flops than a shoe store on the boardwalk.

Us liberals   July 15th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Once again the we liberals have given the average American too much credit…

Not all Americans are smart enough to understand that the New Yorker cover was meant to be satirical – too many Americans are too ignorant to even know what satire IS!

And Fixed News has seen to it that such misconceptions about Obama persist!

It's very frustrating – what does this poor guy (Obama) have to do? In his insistence that he's a Christian he's managed to alienate American Muslims…

It's truly shameful…

The MSM like to call those who persist in believing such lies 'low information voters' — what a euphemism! They're just DUMB – and no amount of correction or showing them how absurd their views are will change anything…

See why it's in EVERYONE'S interests to fund high quality public education in this country? No? Oh yeah, that's right! If people were smart they wouldn't be able to vote Republican!!!

Urgh!

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 15th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

"It's a cartoon…and that's why we've got the First Amendment," Obama said."

"I've seen and heard worse," he said. "I do think that, you know, in attempting to satirize something, they probably fueled some misconceptions about me instead. But, you know, that was their editorial judgment."

please tell me how obama's remarks are "playing the victim"?? umm, hullo, can you say TRANSFERENCE?!?!?

adm   July 15th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

TO FREIDA

Everyday I read your comments on different articles. After reading your comments, I say to myself that you are ignorant. When are you going to say something that won't have me call you ignorant? I am tired of saying that to myself. Why don't say something thought-provoking for once.

Logic Man   July 15th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

I get such a charge out of these Obamaphobes. Clearly, they are the 70% of the U.S. that believed that Saddam Hussein was behind 9/11.

Abraham Lincoln was right – "…You can fool some of the people all of the time.."

Just read some of the drivel above. After fussing about Jeremiah Wright being a terrible influence on Obama for 20 years – IN A CHRISTIAN CHURCH – they now believe Obama is a Muslim. Do these people really look at what they write and still believe it? Amazing.

Brad - California   July 15th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

"David Remnick, the longtime editor of the highly-regarded publication…"

Highly regarded? You're kidding, right? Mr. Remnick will do anything to boost sales of an already failing magazine. I see no satire in this, but then again I have never wasted a penny to buy this rag.

bob in L.A.   July 15th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

The cover of magazine- is in bad taste. The flap over it – is absurd.
We all get it- ti should not have made it on to the newsstands. Next.

Believer   July 15th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Obama's father is Kenyan and was a muslim. Under islamic law, he is recognized as a muslim as he would take the religion of his father. Obama's step father was a muslim.

Obama claims he is a Christian for 20 years, that means he would be considered an "apostate" muslim.

If you are a muslim by birth, and then another type of muslim, guess what kids, you are a muslim.

You are no more born a muslim than you are born a christian. Apostate or otherwise, Christianity and Islam is NOT a birthright, it is a choice. This has nothing to do with your DNA.

thomas cummins   July 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

this is not satire.

to be so would require that those who think the cartoon is a true view of the Obama's be included to show the object of their misconceptions.

as a result, this cartoon is simply an inaccurate caricature of Mr & Mrs O, perpetuating ignorant beliefs, with none of the saving grace 'satire' might have supplied.

i've loved the New Yorker's cartoons thruout my life. this one missed its intnet, and they should acknowledge the harm it does by being such.

tac

Michael   July 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

I had long ago posted on this website and others that as we came closer to the general election that the insinuations, accusations, rumors and just flat out blatant fabrications of Obama would come raining down upon us.
Many seemed to think that Obama was being given a free ride and everyone was being too nice to him.
So far, we have been pummelled with garbage about his church, his soul, his wife, his skin color, his patriotism, his faith and now we are fed this New Yorker cover that has a little bit of all of it.
Whats next…showing Obama clubbing baby seals?
I long for the days of rationality and enlightened debate and exchange of discussion about the candidates positions.
We seem to have far too many bottom feeders who are once again surfacing in time for the election.

D&D   July 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

TO: New Voter for McCain July 15th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Am I missing something here?
It's people like you who get to the voting center and still don't know why they are voting and who they are voting for!
Educate yourself before it's too late, otherwise, you may never have a firm position on anything in your life!

Anne   July 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

I couldn't agree with you more Joan. Well said.

Wolf   July 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

The only way to address this for Obama is to provide where he was before Trinity – what he was doing and what faith or faiths he was practicing…including his time in Indonesia which he now refers to as foreign policy experience. Then there would be no chance of 'misperceptions' as he puts it. Until then, he was born a Muslim with verified reports of him as a practicing Muslim, so what could be misperceived?

It is relevant because it goes to the honesty of the presumptive nominee. We know for sure he his not to be trusted on his words from the nomination process, we can now only figure we cannot trust him words on various levels. Really, when was the last time a nomination candidate threw under the bus his Church, Pastor and close family friends all for political gain? Never, because there was never so much to hide!

Jan   July 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Just loved it. Their true colors for sure. Those who trust him and his wife should start to remember how many people loved Bush. Look where he has gotten us. This country is already in a huge mess with no relief in sight. It is only going to get worse. You vote obama in and it will only get worse.

H-ROD   July 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

LET ALL HATE BEOOKE!!!

Disgusted Kathy   July 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

New voter for McCain – you are stupid.

Lora   July 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Right on Joan. Slander & unfair. Let's see McCain in a cartoon in Bush's pocket. What a mess we are in with his presidency. Do we really want more of the same? McCain supporters are afraid…afraid of change & change is what we need.

Mike from Westchester   July 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Tully July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET
The cover just shows what the rest of america thinks. Not everybody is brain washed by obama yet!
______________________________________________
I, for one, refuse to believe that the majority of Americans are as ignorant as you seem to think. Please speak for yourself.

The Truth That Shall Not Be Spoken July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET
Why we are not permitted to speak of Obama's Muslim background?
________________________________________________
Obama's Muslim background is that his father was Muslim and his stepfather was Muslim, although neither was a fundamentalist, as each married a non-Muslim American. He lived in Indonesia for a few years with his stepfather. He never adopted the Muslim religion. End of story. If you tell the truth, it is certainly okay to talk about his Muslim background. And, oh, by the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Islam is not our enemy!

Margo   July 15th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

His father was a muslim, so he is too.
Michel looks not a good person on the news camaras, so I don't believe she is a great person eather. Obama likes to copy Repiblicas past, present ( war continuation, and full support day one, send more tanks , copy style , Ronal Regan, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. and etc.)

The photo on the New York times said it all!

McCain is a great man, honest and fair.

McCain 2008.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 15th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

gawd, it's so shameful how ignorant some americans are on other countries and cultures. the world is a big, fascinating place, and thanks to the neoCONs, we are no longer one of the most respected countries on earth! obama is our only hope to gain back the respect of the rest of the world!

sheesh, people, take a vacation outside of the country some time. and NO, Cabo does not count!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EC   July 15th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

I will vote against obama, to keep rev. wright out of the White House, and that ain't a joke. I do not want to see his hands on the knob to the door. For those that read this and think the writer is a White American, I'm not, I am a Black American.

Anonymous   July 15th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

My fear with Barack Obama has nothing to do with skin color, religion, or having a american hater for a wife. It's that he keeps saying he wants to "transform America", but has anyone other than me noticed that he NEVER explains what he wants to transform the country into.

His views on immigration are LUDICROUS! I come from an imigrant family and support immmigrants that come to the US LEGALLY! However, Obama wants us to allow anyone to come to the country, set up shop, and be ok with it. We have laws, and no matter what race you are or what country you are from, FOLLOW THEM. If I break the law by driving an uninsured car, I can go to jail. If an illegal comes here through "shady" means, we reward him with a greencard…go figure!

NotFallingInLine.org   July 15th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Why is Obama still whining about this cartoon?

He hates all free speech that doesn't stroke his ego.

And he knows that playing the victim works to his advantage.

Apparently, he thinks the American people are easily distracted from the truth about him.

Knoxville NFIL

New Voter for McCain = REPUBLICAN IN HIDING   July 15th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

New Voter for McCain?

HAHA I THINK NOT! Nice try.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Irene   July 15th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Whine Whine Whine. I am a victim and everyone falls at his feet

He wants to be President. Welcome to public life. Now grow up and be a man

I suppose this also means that if he becomes President the Washington cartoonists will get laid off because no one wants the whiner and victims feeling hurt.

When is the Press going to show him for what he is? Scared of doing your job?

His MO is whining and playing the victim and everyone lets him.

What a bunch of suckers this country has turned into

JP2Feminist   July 15th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

For eight years, editorial cartoonists and the Left have caricatured President Bush as a monkey and a terrorist. I don't recall President Bush ever once whining about the gross lies and distortions that were leveled against him on a daily basis. If Obama wants to be President, he better learn now how to deal with his detractors. What a cry baby!

Clifford   July 15th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Democrats for McCain – or his VP. This lifelong voter will either not vote or vote for McCain. He's too old to survive 4 years in the White House. His VP choice will be the leader of our country. Go Romney!

Jerome   July 15th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

I know you won't print my comment but I hope you enjoy reading it and see what the world thinks of you.

The once mighty USA is now on the verge of collapse. The only thing you have going for you is your arsenal of nuclear bombs.
________

If you Yanks are stupid enough to vote for McBush than you deserve the crap you are in today. I mean if you can't see the mess Bush has created for your country

- trillions in debt
- two wars…one illegal
-economy totally collapsing
-hundreds of thousands innocent Iraqi's and thousands of US military killed
-country splintered
-loss of rights to privacy
-torture of prisoners
-etc. etc. etc.

My god what does it take to wake you up?

beevee   July 15th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

The New Yorker cartoon of the Obamas is clearly a slander. Inspite of the Editor says to defend its publication it is downright atrocious. I think it is a rightwinger's ploy to tarnish Obama.

KMAN   July 15th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

In the New Yorkers failed attempt at politcal satire … they have only proven that they are not nearly as sophisticated as they would like to believe they were. They have only fueled the fires of stupidity and racism that is so evident from the right winger's comments on this blog. Sorry New Yorker … your 'sophisticated' efforts were lame and you didn't do one iota of good for your candidate!!

Will, NJ   July 15th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I'll admit the magazine was trying to satire rumors about Obama, but there should have been at least a small explanation on the cover seeing as how many Americans are too dimwitted and would take the images literally.

Mike C.   July 15th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

The Muslim world spans several continents and countless cultures. Why is the Middle Eastern outfit that Obama is shown to be wearing immediately regarded as "Muslim?"

Mike C.
Woodlands TX

G   July 15th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

New Voter of Mccain
You know you sound like an idiot right? And just proved Obama's point of the cover fuellng the rumor instead of squashing it. I can't believe that there are still Americans out there with such ignorant opinions. And yet these politicans and the editor of the New Yorker say Americans are smarter than this. I am starting to wonder?????

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   July 15th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Barack,

Just wait until after the convention, and you are the Democratic Party candidate.

The racist, bigotted forces are already at work here in San Antonio. Obama bumper stickers with his picture in the turban and his middle name, "HUSSEIN," larger than anything else on the bumper sticker.

For all the greatness of this country, we still haven't grown-up when it comes to racial tolerance.

We can't afford another Republican administration in the White House – not now!!!

OBAMA – 2008 & 2012!!!

Reality Check Richmond Virginia   July 15th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

boy, alot of the comments on here seem like they came from a nut house. It appears alot of commentors are commenting about subjects not even discussed in the article above or didn't actually read Obama's reply.

Jenny, Rio Vista, CA   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

I am really hoping that most of the people that post negative comments about Obama are either a few of the 25% that still think Bush is a great president, metal patients that are using the hospital computer, or a few of the racist bigots that still live in their trailers.

If you really are democrats that wanted Hillary as the nominee then I feel very sorry for you. Your anger is taking over your common sense thinking. Why on earth would you vote for someone who has opposite policies to Hillary, who wants combat forces to stay in Iraq, wants Phil Gramm as his treasurer, and has no healthcare plans.

C'mon democrats. This is serious. Just look at what has happened these past few months. People are losing their homes, banks are going bankrupt, the war in Afghanistan is flairing up because of the war in Iraq, soldiers are dying every day. McCain is going to continue on this same path AND you are going to vote for him. Wake up please.

Lindo Atangan   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

That cartoon depicting Obama and his wife as terrorists smack of blatant disrespect to the couple. It is stupidity at its height! This is no longer a political satire but a personal attack on the person of the Democratic presidential bearer.

Shame on you New Yorker magazine!

Doug, New Jersey   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

A Muslim would have a very good chance at getting my vote, well as good a chance as a Christian, Jew, Budhist ETC would.

However I don't like racists and people who are defined by hate, so I won't be voting for this black liberation theologist.

Yet, I can see why the white guilt libs who hate whitey more than any minority in America today would, Rev. Wright and Michelle helped secure Obama's support with them. I just ask that if they do ever wish to carry out their grand plans that they start with themselves, thanks for that wgld's. :)

Glenn, Cary, NC   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Let's see… Weather Underground radicals for friends and fund-raisers, attacks on people who wear flag lapel pins as false patriots, first time in her life she's been really proud of her country, his idea of Christianity comes from the teachings of Jeremiah Wright … maybe Obama doesn't think the New Yorker cover is funny because it gets a little too close to the truth.

Beverly, Minnesota   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Dear New Voter for McCain-

I've never heard of anything more ridiculous! I can't believe people still think like you. It's no wonder this country is screwed up. I don't like the picture on the cover of the New Yorker, but the article itself clears up some myths about Senator Obama – some of the stuff you mention in your comment. Did you bother to read it? No, is what I think – you only looked at the cover. Think of a different excuse for not voting for him – if you changed your mind because of a magazine cover without reading the article itself – I would say that is just ignorant!!!

Jerome   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

If you Yanks are stupid enough to vote for McBush than you deserve the crap you are in today. I mean if you can't see the mess Bush has created for your country

- trillions in debt
- two wars…one illegal
-economy totally collapsing
-hundreds of thousands innocent Iraqi's and thousands of US military killed
-country splintered
-loss of rights to privacy
-torture of prisoners
-etc. etc. etc.

My god what does it take to wake you up?

-

Nausea   July 15th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

OldBob   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Satire usually has an obvious target. The appropriate target of the New Yorker satire — the bozos who have complete misconceptions about Obama in the light of obvious evidence to the contrary — are nowhere to be seen in the cartoon. That's the problem.

Geneva Hill   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I have to be honest and say I don't read the New Yorker, and for good reason now. This country is in bad shape and no time for cartoons now.

Come on all young open minded young people and intelligent thinking older people (like myself) OBAMA ALL THE WAY!

King   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

It looks like "We don't really know him" and "He flip-flops on the issues" are the Blog Troll talking points today-

Well if you'd get your news from anyone but Hannity and Rush (a supremacist and a drug addict, respectively) then you'd know exactly who the man is-

And McCain can't hold a position to save his political life- he's flip- flopped on NAFTA, Afghanistan, Social Security, Immigration, the GI BIll et al-

His message changes depending on his audience, and we will not be fooled

randy   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

LISA, your a sure loser barack obama will be president if you vote for him or not.

barack obama 08!

Obamarama   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

It's only a cartoon if it's funny. Also, on the earlier Obama article…CNN you forgot to add that Iraq wants us out of their country…and that alone is reason enough to leave.

Brandon Hillary PUMA for Mc Cain-Pa   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

There will be a "Bradley effect" this november—
Another thing one should consider when reviewing obama's shrink in polls and the image thats being defined for him before we have even had major party conventions

Puma.

Realkman   July 15th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Satire requires at least 100 IQ. Looking at the voting records of Americans in the last 2 elections, it is clear that the majority of the country does not have this minimum threshold. Short of the IQ requirement, this cartoon becomes an extension of the misperceptions laid out by the skilfull fear-mongering Republican machine. And all these people here who make it sound like they agree with the the cartoon, shame on you. Your hatred of who knows what is overcoming your judgement. Look at what happened to this country in 8 years. If you want more of it, vote McCain. I can guarantee you that he will attack more countries and he will destroy this economy even further. Obama is not perfect, but he is certainly the better choice.

Kelby from Houston, TX   July 15th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Good article, bad cover. this is the type of cartoon you put on the inside of the magazine with a small caption saying "This is what the GOP want you to see when you look @ Obama

John   July 15th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I don't see what Obama is so up at arms about. This cartoon clearly points out how ludicris Right's campaign to paint him as a muslim terrorist has become. The title is The Politics of Fear! The cartoon doesn't reinforce the right's message, it tears it down.

Linda Feldman   July 15th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Satire is based on truth. The New Yorker cover is not satire because it is based on lies. We cancelled our subscription.

Fav, Colorado   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

It didn't lie, it spoke the truth – truth that you don't want revealed because you won't get your prize otherwise.

Stop playing a martyr Obama, like most of your people tend to do, face the truth – and leave our country!!

Asian4Hillary   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

WE THE PEOPLE want an AMERICAN PRESIDENT, NOT A BLACK PRESIDENT!!!

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TURN THIS COUNTRY INTO ZIMBABWE NOBAMA!

Teron   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I believe Senator Obama's cultural exhibition (i.e. picture in African/"muslim" regalia) has fueled his own demise and honestly he has only himself to blame. Though, he "won" the nomination he needs to recognize that political cartoons really do have some merit to the truth. In addition, because he too often chose to use racial issues in speeches/debates, again he focused more attention on this area of concern. He doesn't really use good judgement and this is why he continually apologizes for his words time and time again.

Brooke   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Obama is great at playing the victim. I don't trust a man who can't laugh at himself. He sounds like he favours Bush's attacks on the 1st Amendment

Ms. RDS   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Why are people continuing to say stop whinning when he says he could care less about the cover. He didn't comment Sunday when it came out b/c he doesn't care.

jeri Fletcher   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

All of you are willing to let idiots sway your vote or believe that Obama
is a Muslim or that is doesn't love his country are very small minded, even when the magazine says it was trying to prove that they are lies (they didn't do a very good job) but still, PEOPLE WAKE UP, SEE THE LIES FOR WHAT THEY REALLY ARE

Julie   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Obama has such grace. He has been forced to answer to ridiculous issues like patriotism and this nonsense – that none of the other candidates have had to deal with – and yet he has done it eloquently. While, on the other hand, McCain was asked how his military background qualifies him to be president – and he threw a hissie and had to be rescued by one of his caretakers. It's a shame that the same standards of scrutiny aren't being applied to the mccain camp.

Asian4Hillary   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

The truth hurts!

JFK   July 15th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

And it apparently shows how Obama again does not understand humor when it comes to satire. But what makes me wonder is why did he not act this concernred over Rev Wright or Jesse Jacksons comments?

Obamalism   July 15th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

LOL, too ironic. Can someone name the other group that gets all bent out of shape about cartoons?!?!?

To be honest, I'm more afraid of his black liberation theology than the possibility of him being a muslim.

jeri Fletcher   July 15th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

All of you are willing to let idiots sway your vote or believe that Obama
is a Muslim or that is doesn't love his country are very small minded, even when the magazine says it was trying to prove that they are lies (they didn't do a very good job) but still, PEOPLE WAKE UP

aware   July 15th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

It is funny, and it does tap into legitimate fears people have about the arrogant, obfuscating Obama and his wife! :(

The obvious satire triggers the fear button even if the image is over-kill! And, Obama is so stuck on himself that he is losing credibility fast!

nitro   July 15th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

If David Remnick could perdict what millions and millions of people think then we could say that he is psycic. But since we know hes not we call it what it is, A racist attempt to discredit the next President of the United States of America.

bernadette   July 15th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

like all other issues, Obama has faced this with calm and character. He is the type of person we need to lead us, not a hot-headed guy who doesn't know the difference between sunni and shia or the correct name of the Czech Republic, in spite of his many travels abroad and vast 'experience' on foreign affairs. Obama also is the only candidate who has vision – he had vision to know the war in Iraq was wrong and for over a year and a half has been arguing that we need to spend our resources in Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight the terrorists that attacked us – McCain just 'got that' today.

CD   July 15th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Hillary supporters are so naive, bias, bitter, whiners and are all hallucinators. What do you mean by a flawed process? The same process that nominated Al-Gore and no tantrums were thrown, the same process that nominated John Kerry and no tantrums and now a black man wins and the racists and wild clawed feminists are crying the process is flawed. It was Hillary that was throwing the kitchen sink, insulting Obama and praising our opponent John McCain because of her greed for power and now you dare point fingers at Obama? You Clinton supporters can go to hell and sit on a cold toilet sit for all I care, what an audacity and I'm tired of your twisted lies and pettiness. You guys want to destroy the democratic party? Well I've got news for you all today, it takes two to play this game and yes we can also destroy the party if Hillary ever dares to run again. Please stay home this november while we build the future. Nonsense!

deeinjersey   July 15th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Wow. Just wow. I hope a good number of these posts are from a 10 year old just trying to cause trouble, otherwise this country is in BIG trouble.

I guess I now truly understand why we have had 2 terms of Dubya. I truly have underestimated the racisim and lack of intellect in this country.

CLINTON 08 VP   July 15th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

"PUSH THE DEATH PENALTY FOR 9/11 OSAMA BIN LADEN" YEAH SO WE COULD ALL FEEL BETTER BY RELEASING ALL OUR "REVENGE TENSIONS" WE MAY HAVE… THAT'S WHAT McBUSH WOULD SAY ABOUT OSAMA AND ALL AL-QAEDA MEMBERS, KILL, KILL, KILL, WAR, KILL… OF COURSE, IF THEY EVER FIND HIM… (DEAD OR ALIVE, OSAMA IS LIKE 70 ISN'T HE?)

UNITED WE'RE STRONGER

OBAMA (P) & CLINTON (VP) 2008-2014

NO TO "BUSH II" (MCCAIN), NO TO MR. WAR, MR. DEATH, MR. OOPS I BUMP MY HEAD, YOU'RE TOO OLD AND YOU ARE "WAR-SICK" SINCE YOU WERE PRISONER IN VIETNAM, YOU WON'T BE PRESIDENT!

Not fooled by distractions   July 15th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

The problem is that most americans won't "get it". Remember, bush was reelected with 51% – that's not saying much for the majority of americans. The Fox news trolls will definitely not "get it" – and this just gives them what they would consider ammo – I'd consider it, an indication of their ignorance.

I think that even with satire there's a line that shouldn't be crossed, and unfortunately the New Yorker crossed it. This was in very poor taste.

Obamalism   July 15th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Community Organizer? For those of you that are confused about his only experience…. When you think of community organizer, think Al Sharpton.

arc, Lugano CH   July 15th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

The Truth That Shall Not Be Spoken July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET
Why we are not permitted to speak of Obama's Muslim background?
**************************************************************************
You are so afraid. You are so ignorant. And you don't even know why.

Cretin.

Joan   July 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I trust Obama with our precious beautiful country. He is a very smart man. McBush is too old to be taking on such a task. Also how could he possibly relate to the common person who has to try to make ends meet on wages that are not keeping up with inflation?
He doesn`t have to worry with a wife worth millions. I appreciate the fact that he was a P.O.W. but so were many others, and many paid the ultimate price.
I also have to wonder about the character of the man, when he left a wife and children for a rich younger woman.
Obama 2008

Barry   July 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Oh stop Crying!
What are you going to say to other nations when they start to make fun of you?
GET OVER YOURSELF!

G. Penley   July 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Whatever helps keep this unqualified phony from gaining the Presidency is fine with me.

Terry, Butte, Mt   July 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

If the New Yorker would have put either "Lies!" or "Nonsense!" in big letters at the bottom of the cover, there would have not been a controversy. I see what they were trying to do, but there should have been a visual explaination at the bottom.

Sharon in Oakland, CA   July 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Somebody please wake when this all over. All of you foolish people and all of this foolishness has gotten on my last nerve. I think I will go outside and play with the children, they seem to have more decency/respect and maturity than most of the people have posted comments here and elsewhere. Shame for shame…what are we going to do? Please wake me when it's over.

Gone Fishin'

Obamalism   July 15th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Muslim vs Black Liberation Theologist

I'd be less suspicious of the motives of a Muslim. Most are peaceful and loving. Liberation theologist? Not so much…

judge Huck   July 15th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

…talking about REAL American, Johnny here was not even born in the US, so technically he is Panamanian, think there's something in the constitution that you have be a NATURAL BORN CITIZEN to run for president, wish Arnold is in the ticket instead

Ignorant people need not blog   July 15th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

This free speech society sure has exposed how ignorant and outright stupid some people can be in expressing their idiotic views. If you dont like Obama. Fine..hate 'em…scream in the mirror till you are blue in the face.. just dont spew your garbage on this blog site.

Sometimes I wonder if the neanderthals who spew this garbage have any education at all….jeeeeesus and we are supposed to be the most advanced country in the free world WHAT A SHAME!!!!!!!

The Emperor Wears No Clothes   July 15th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

A few posts opposing Obama have slipped through CNN moderation and the Obama supporters are having a meltdown.

Concerned   July 15th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

The cover is reinforce lies about Obama. The New Yorker should be a shamed.

Jeff Long   July 15th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

I like this comment.

Obama says 57 states. Obama says Maliki is the president of Iraq and that got no media attention. Obama says the leader of Canada is the president of Canada. Obama said sunshine florida instead of sunrise florida. Obama said 100 million died in burma and 10,000 died in a tornado in kansas last year.

NotFallingInLine.org   July 15th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

The cover may have fueled misconceptions, but the story within was spot on.

As long as Obama keeps the focus on the cartoon, he can keep us distracted from the fact that some journalists are finally acting professionally and seriously vetting this sleazy character.

He wants you to think he's the second coming, but he's really just an totally flawed human being and a very unprincipled politician.

Knoxville NFIL

NShek   July 15th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Tim Hutchins- Please read a book. And it can't be the Bible. Ready, set, go…

REVEREND Wright is a Muslim now?

Congratulations. You're a proud graduate of the George W. Bush of "I Ain't Know Nuthin."

David Armendale, SF, CA   July 15th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Will John McCain explain what he meant when asked how many more years US troops might stay in Iraq, he said Maybe a hundred. "As long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed, it's fine with me."

Thus, McCain's conditional statement: AS LONG AS US troops are not being injured or killed, THEN he is OK with them staying in Iraq, seems to suggest that IF troops ARE being injured or killed in Iraq, then it is NOT OK with McCain that they remain in Iraq. Is this the case? And if not, are there any conditions in which it is NOT OK with McCain that troops remain in Iraq?

lnab   July 15th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Sweetie…get over it

it's called satire

Louis   July 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

How about a New Yorker cover showing Cindy McCain holding stolen prescription drugs (true story–look it up) and 100 million dollars (from her Dad's beer distributorship) in the other hand. Also, show John cheating on his previous wife (with Cindy) while he supports Charles Keating (who cost the taxpayers 3+Billion dollars) and while he sings "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran…"

DJ, LA, CA   July 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Yes good take by Obama…we shouldn't be rewarding bad decisions made by investors, shareholders and executives by bailing them out.

Let the bad banks fail. The taxpayers shouldn't pay the bill like they did in the S & L scandal.

Obama is way ahead of games and talk about cartoons. You cynics can talk all you want about cartoons, pins, medals, fist bumps, clothes, race.

Larry   July 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Tarla July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Someone needs to ask Bush about that kid down in gitmo.

——————-
that "kid" is a Canadian prisoner. And that "kid" threw a grenade that killed a soldier.

AA   July 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

It really is pathetic that the gop are going to use Mitt Romney to try and get the women away from Hilary Clinton. Unless you are a really stupid gullible women who wants her son killed in Iraq or Iran do not fall for it and don't vote for John "napalm" McCain. Romney really isn't that "good looking" only to himself.

bill pike   July 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

somewhere with these highly educated people are white sheets with holes in them—well hidden from the public and more dangerous than uncle henry with his sheet and gun. why would anyone who loves this country and is proud for the gains we have made ever buy their nazi oriented rag again. why??? it is so obvious when the editor supported this where their sheets I mean minds stand. glad it is in NY and not Georgia.

Merle Mpls   July 15th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Karl Rove and the spirit of Lee Atwater are very much alive!

Hypocrisy Thy Name Is Obama   July 15th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Yea, why doesn't anyone mock McCain's age?
Oh yeah, they do it all the time. Sigh….

BIFF HUSSEIN BIFFINGTON   July 15th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Larry, WI
Obama supporters better wake up and smell the koran.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Aren't you late for your cross burning???

Iowa Democrat   July 15th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

OK, I tried posting something a bit long-winded and intelligent in response to the last story on this. I didn't get posted. I'll be more to the point this time:

YOU MORONS! The cover is making fun of right-wing libel-mongers who would try to "swift boat" Obama. It was not criticizing Obama. If America is too stupid to understand this, then I think we are doomed.

Joseph, Los Angeles   July 15th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

New Voter for McCain is only pulling our leg… no one can be that dumb. Let's all read the article before forming conclusions. Reading is the key to educating ourselves.

Lone McCain Blogger   July 15th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

The beauty of irony us its understatement. This cover is by no means understated. By making an "ironic" cartoon that is targetted to allow bubba to understand it, they are not ironic and basically just flip the bird at bubba, to his face. The New Yorker cartoon broke its cardinal rule of being too high falluty for average people to understand … you ever see Seinfelds episode on this … come on!

Cheryl   July 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

People like New Voter For McCain do NOT, I repeat DO NOT, believe Barack Obama is a Muslim. They are just trying to foment hatred. They can't say what is really in their hearts, that the idea of a black man in a position of authority and prestige is abhorent to them, so they hide behind code words like "Muslim", "unAmerican" "unpatriotic" "scary".

If anyone doubts that this election is all about race all they have to do is look at these blogs. People don't get this worked up about political policy. They only get crazy like this about deep down fears and prejudices.

It's no good telling people this is the 21st century and it's time to get past race. America is just not that evolved yet.

nitro   July 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

If David Remnick could tell what millions and millions of people think then his tired behind would be called psycic. But since hes not then we call it what it is. A racist attempt to discredit the next president of the united states of america.

Saad from NJ   July 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Anytime someone does something with a malicious and evil intent, it will fuel misconceptions. Sad thing is the people who believe the act of evil person to be the truth.

Chris Gifford   July 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

jen July 15th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Tomorrow night McCain will be on Larry King to parse a few of Obama's words, and take credit for figuring out we need more troops in Afghanistan which obama figured out a year and a half ago.
———————————————————————————————–
Obama has not figured anything out about Aghanistan, he has not even been there. He has not talked with the military leaders about either theater

This is what I am afraid of, people lock stepping to party politics and not actually looking at the candidates and the words coming from them or their past voting records. Hillary was the better choice.

ch   July 15th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

No sympathy or outrage from me considering that Obama, his sleazy campaign and the press tried to paint the Clintons as racists despite their well documented history of supporting and promoting civil rights.

So, although the Obama’s are clearly not terrorists, they are closer to being terrorists than the Clintons are to being racists.

Samia Ahmed   July 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Its funny that some people won't vote for him because they think he is muslim and yet the Muslim Community wont vote for him because he is so ridiculously discriminant towards us! This guy can't win either way.

Let's put this to rest, shall we??   July 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

As a child in Indonesia, Obama studied for two years at one Muslim school and then two years at a Catholic school. In both places he experienced religious indoctrination, but in neither case did the indoctrination take hold: during Quranic studies he made faces and during Catholic prayers he would look around the room.

He was age 6 and 7 went he was in the Muslim school. I have a hard time believing that they were teaching him to make IED's.

Idiots.

Brandon in Indiana   July 15th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

I'm just amazed at some of the responses posted here. In the world of soundbites and prejudice, does anyone even READ what the article says? We have posters agreeing that Obama is a Muslim, we have posters saying Obama should stop whining.

Here's an even shorter post that maybe some of you can follow:

#1 It was satire, although poorly portrayed
#2 Obama didn't whine about it

Hope that wasn't too long for you all to read…

Military Man   July 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I think "New McCain Voter" was just being sarcastic … and the rest of you look like fools trying to correct/belittle him.

Pat Riot   July 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

"Obama also repeated his pledge that if he were president, U.S. troops would pursue bin Laden into Pakistan if adequate intelligence suggested he was there."

So, immediately he would violate the constitution by committing our troops to another engagement without a vote in congress? What happened to bringing them home? These aren't robots Barack these are men and women some who have served multiple back to back tours of duty, suffered injury, lost family and friends and you want to invade Pakistan? Our military is cripled our economy is at a stand still and this is your great solution? You're not a power hungry Neo-Con and you're not a bleeding-hear Liberal so you? I've narrowed it down to snake-oil salesman or dictator.

BIFF HUSSEIN BIFFINGTON   July 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Is that the right answer, thought police?
July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

So if your father and stepfather were Muslim, you attended a Muslim school, you studied Islam, you practiced Islam, and most of your relatives are Muslim, then of course you have no Muslim background.
What was I thinking?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

LIAR… you are ONE of MANY spreading lies and falsehoods to promote and benefit from ignorance and hatred, and i call you out on it!

BUT I WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU "WEREN'T" THINKING…
That his father, who did 'not' practice the Muslim faith, left him at age "2″. AND THAT HE WAS RAISED BY HIS MOTHER AND GRANDPARENTS FROM "KANSAS" WHO ARE CHRISTIAN!!!!

Stella   July 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Sorry Italy but Obama is a man and not a little baby. Seems like a lot of little babies like you are on here blogging though. Satire or not, the cartoon feeds into ignorance such as yours and others on here blogging and bashing. I'm sure Senator Obama realizes that ignorant folks are going to believe what they want regardless. It seems to give them a plausible excuse in their own ignorant minds if they want to think that Obama is a Muslim, unpatriotic or whatever. America is really showing her "true colors" and the whole world is watching.

Dave   July 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

To the person who said, "I will vote McCain. I KNOW that he is American and besides he has served his country for years and years." If you are going to believe a magazine cover over the real facts, then that's your business. Keep in mind however that John McCain was not even born on American soil. There has since been a law added to cover military children as American citizens, but it doesn't apply to McCain's situation because it is not retroactive. John McCain isn't even legally eligible to become president. He's already lying to you. Look it up. While researching, try to figure out why Nancy Reagan only reluctantly endorsed McCain. I'll give you a hint, she took the side of the woman John divorced upon discovering she is crippled, and then the very next day he married his current rich wife.

GC from Virginia   July 15th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

People like "New Voter for McCain" seriously depress me. The magazine cover was designed to point out how stupid these accusations are. It is satire, not anti-Obama propaganda. The editor of the NYer clearly thought Americans would be able to see that. Sadly, he was wrong. That's why this magazine cover offends people. Because it provides the misinformed and misaligned an excuse to vote against Obama. It's just so sad that it's worked.

How could anyone, at this late stage in the game, actually believe Obama has a Muslim background. Sure, he was exposed to Islam. But I don't see how that's a bad thing. If anything, it will give him more perspective and positively impact his ability to deal with situations in the Middle East. But to "interesting" and "The Truth That Should Not Be Spoken" – you two clearly have no idea what you're talking about. Not even fundamentalist Muslims consider Obama a doctrinal Muslim. And even if they did, would it even matter? Of course not. Obama's a man of faith – anyone who listens to his speeches or reads his policy proposals will quickly discern that. You and those like you are dangerously misinformed, if not hateful.

Anonymous   July 15th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

This board is truly upsetting. This country won't be around much longer, I imagine.

ME   July 15th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

And if Obama did not respond to this cover, then you would have been commenting on how it must be true, and that he is a lover of terrorists.

Obama '08

wow   July 15th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

How about the New Yorker create a cover with David Duke in the picture of the background, the Constitution and Bill of Rights in the fireplace, Hannity holding a vote for any republican sticker across a bible facing Limbaugh dressed as a evangelistic preacher with a noose, cross and matches somewhere in the room.

Then it will equal the revolting satirical attempt as in yesterday's New Yorker.

Chris   July 15th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Reading some of these comments on this site, the cover did what it set out to do!!! To label the Obama's as Muslims and Black Panther charging renegades in the White House!!!

That cover to me was full of HATE and I'm a professional business/ college educated person who is fully aware of what satire is about!!!

I hate to say it but the average blue collar worker don't read the New Yorker and therefore probably wouldn't grasp the idea that it's satirical in nature. So, with that said those blue collar worker would take that cover straight to heart. The cover is very misleading and therefore the Editor should really come out an apologize for it.

I can say that Obama really is rising above the fray about it but you can see in his face how disappointed was in having to address this senseless issue!!!

Debby   July 15th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Good comments from Obama at least he didn't whine about it like I thought he would.

Nancy of Minnesota   July 15th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Is that the right answer, thought police? July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

So if your father and stepfather were Muslim, you attended a Muslim school, you studied Islam, you practiced Islam, and most of your relatives are Muslim, then of course you have no Muslim background.
What was I thinking?
*********************************************

You might want to educate yourself a bit. He never went to a Muslim school or studied Islam (not that there is anything wrong with that). His mother was non-muslim and Obama himself is a Christian (remember Rev. Wright, the church…). His father was a Muslim and then became athiest. Again, might want to educate yourself.

Election watcher   July 15th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

"Methinks he doth protest too much."

Joe B   July 15th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Ruthie!!
You honor our "vertans" so much you can't even spell it correctly!!

texanne   July 15th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

His middle name is Hussein (an Arab name)- that is a fact which cannot be disputed.

He changed his first name from Barry to Barack..that also cannot be disputed…

Wake up America…he is not qulaified to be president…regardless of muslim, hindu, athiest….what has he really accomplished…he is not even qualified to shine Mccain's shoes.

mama sue   July 15th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Hey, at least they got one thing right! Barack Obama was standing in the oval office!

Linda   July 15th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Just get over it!! Everyone criticizing the New Yorker obviously doesn't read it and doesn't realize that they actually support him. To me the real humor is not satirizing the ignorance of others, but satirizing the so called radicalism of Obama. I'm afraid he's not even a liberal. Did everyone miss how he towed the party line and voted for the surveillance bill — only the party line he towed was the Republican's. Now he's starting to talk a little more hawkish. What's next?

Angelica Mires   July 15th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

If Obama becomes president and I mean that with a capital IF, he heard that he will ban the word MUSLIM.

hmmm, make me sick   July 15th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

You know what's funny about all this talk about Obama. The underlying fact is you are all racist, not just on the black thing, but the religion thing. It's become ok to hate someone for their religion, even though we all know he's a Christian.
I'm sure if Romney is the VP for McCain, then it will be all about him being a Morman, this and that.
Reality check, no one can be perfect as you all think you are, wake up and get a life! Thought we lived in America.

Jayne   July 15th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Nancy of Minnesota you can join Michelle Obama who has NEVER been proud of her country…(at least until her husband became president elect.) You should both move to another country.

NC Man   July 15th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

It was a cover …. the media has been bashing people for years…it's nothing NEW. Oh wait it's Obama "Mr Walk on water"

Selina   July 15th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

Joe B   July 15th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Please don't vote for this clown!!

Oops   July 15th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

lol.. what cracks me up are these fake posters claiming that they are now going to vote McCain because of this… they were already and are most likely in his campaign in some way or fashion… you people are a JOKE and keep fueling hate.

Joey, Philly   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I canceled my subscription to the New Yorker lastnight. There mag will never be found in my home or office ever again.

clearing it up   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Wanted to clear something up to all those who keep insisting that he's a muslim because his father is or because he was born that way or whatever. Being muslim is not a birthright. Its a belief system. You have to believe in islam and its idealogy to be a muslim.
Hence even if you were born muslim but disagree with its beliefs, you are not a muslim….

Just because your father may be a doctor doesn't make you a doctor also unless you go to medical school and conciously decide to become a doctor.

Steve/Houston,TX for Obama   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

If you actually take the time and read Obama's response, he is not complaining about the alleged satire cartoon but stating that it is free speech. He stated that it was in poor taste which it was. It gave Michelle Obama an afro, why? She does not have an afro. The cartoon is in my opinion racist but oh well, like Obama stated we have more pressing issues. Let's move right along to the REAL issues so we can get you into the White House, President Barack Obama

where are the issues   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Geeeze, who really cares. We have an economy that is falling apart, our soldiers are being shot at, gas that is approaching house payments per moth, unemployment going through the roof…..When are we going to forget about this stuff, and start focusing on our country.

I could care less what they put on the cover, I dont read the magazine anyway…. cant afford to, gotta buy gas to go look for a job, and pull out my money from the banks.

Angelica   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Obama's father is a MUSLIM. True statement. What? Are you Obama supporters mad now? Obama's middle name is Hussein and apparently so is Kim Hussein Taylor's. What? True statement. Are you mad now? Stop whinning!!!! You know how the black culture has "STOP SNITCHING!!", well the white culture has this for you, "STOP WHINNING!!".

George   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

No misconception here, that is exactly my thoughts!!

KE   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Even the media outside of America is now aware of and talking about the importance of the Clinton vote with the Republican Party and the Democratic Party in the November election.

Obama supporter   July 15th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Those of you who say that you are changing your vote from Obama to McCain because of that cover weren't going to vote for him in the first place. All of those issues are proving to be rumors or false. This man has work his butt off to be where he is today and that says a lot for the type of man he is and president he WILL be. He has proving time after time that he can come back from being pounced on by ignorant people

clearing it up   July 15th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Wanted to clear something up to all those who keep insisting that he's a muslim because his father is or because he was born that way or whatever. Being muslim is not a birthright. Its a belief system. You have to believe in islam and its idealogy to be a muslim.
Hence even if you were born muslim but disagree with its beliefs, you are not a muslim….

Just because your father may be a doctor doesn't make you a doctor also unless you go to medical school and conciously decide to become a doctor.

Texans for Obama   July 15th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I think the New Yorker was trying to be funny but it wasn't as funny as they thought. It was a verfy ignorant move on the part of the New Yorker. What if they would have had Old McCain being pushed in a wheel chair by his wife Cindy dressed as a viet cong soldier? Is that funny? NO!.

It may have been a good article but the cartoon wasn't. No, McCain! America cannot afford 4 more yrs of Iraq, or the Republican rule. I am employed in the financial field and majored in economics, our economy is going to get worse. Many more people will lose their jobs before it gets better, and more banks are going to become insolvent. The war is helping to make our economy worse, it has to stop.
Vote Obama!

Joe PA   July 15th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Fredia, If you do not know Obama well enough to vote for him do some research. You obviously have a computer. Type in Barack Obama in the Googles (hehehe) and get familiar with the man.

Faye of Ohio   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I think that I am fully smart enough to understand satire, and I have read the New Yorker for years. It's not the first time it has "crossed the line" from humor to vindictiveness, but this time I don't think that it was intentional. I believe that the editor actually thought it would help dispel the main rumors floating around about Obama and his wife, Michelle – and that it was being done in a humorous way. It totally failed and in no way met the criteria for satire. Yes, it will add fuel to the fire for those who have believed the rumors anyway, and the cover was totally tasteless. I can think of a lot of satirical covers about McCain, his wife Cindy, and his first wife; however, I would not wish ridicule or pain / suffering on anyone and would not like to see such a cover. Incidentally, what are these posts about Michelle being a "radial" wife? At least get the spelling right!

Eric   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

New McCain voter is not going to vote for McCain or Obama becouse he is only about 12 years old. He is just trying to get a reaction out of us. I am focusing on the issues and voting for Obama. Not the man who does not understand the economy and has never sent a e-mail in his life.

LB   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I think Obama responded very maturely to some satire gone wrong from within his own team. What never fails to amaze me is how some will continue to perpetuate the myth that Obama is a Muslim : replete with the innuendo that being Muslim is equivalent to the worst negative stereotype – without actually saying why it would be so bad.

That people would be swayed by this mentality of fear speaks to the political immaturity of the body politic. I grew up in India and at one point we had a Muslim president, a Sikh Prime Minister and a Catholic ruling party chairperson, and Indians could not be prouder of their country! The insular view of America scares me.

NShek   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

"I was going to vote for Barack but now after seeing that cover, I just cannot in good concious vote for a man who may be a musllim and also has a radial wife. You just never know. Better safe than sorry."

And this is what we all need to be very scared of. This comment, though yes it's only one person, is the core problem with our country and why we need to take a good look at ourselves. I think it represents a big percentage of our population. Many people don't understand what satire is, and wouldn't recognize it if it hit them on the head. And on top of that many Americans think "Muslim" means "Terrorist" evidenced by the fact that this person is making such a clearly racist statement as if the word Muslim is synonymous with "Nazi." Sad and scary.

On the other hand, this persons comment could be another attempt at "satire" kind of making fun of the ignorance of many Americans. In which case, again its going over most peoples heads. But nice try.

Down with Obama   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I will sure make sure that I won't watch Larry tonight….Looks like Hannity and Combs for me.

You have lost Obama….give it up.

Right On   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Why would anyone think Obama is un-American? Because of the flag pin thing, the national anthem thing…no wait his wife not being proud to be an American, or is it the America hate message his church for 20 years spouts out?? Yeah i don't get it either…

Bush Slap, GA   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I guess getting slapped in the face twice did'nt show you LEFT Wingers enough. I guess McCain will be different from Bush right?
McCain:
No knowledge of economics
He's aware of the Internet though
Keep fighting a war like Vietnam
Flip Floper

Left Wingers, do you wanat to be slapped again… Don't worry about that this time. Obama supporters are here and we'll stop you from taking another slap in the face you left wingers… We help all people.

Chris   July 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I will never read the New Yorker again. Shame on them!

yns   July 15th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

First he whines… then… he makes a speech! Appease, appease, appease…. sounds like good old-fashioned politics to me!

Michael from Mich   July 15th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

I'll vote for McCain if he promises to wear a pirate hat and an eye patch, at least on Fridays.

Nova from NV   July 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

I think the Obama supporters are taking things too seriously. He is way too touchy about his religion. Not long ago some Muslim woman were bared from appearing behind him. He should not discriminate people based on their religion.

Ruth   July 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

I have to be honest and say I don't read the New Yorker. I suspect that only a TINY minority of americans do read it. that said, did they do a cover of John McCain that riduculed his intention of continuing the Iraq war with a crude referene to his time as a POW? Did they call him a baby killer for his service in Viet Nam? No, I am not suggesting they should do so, yet surely this is the same level of crude, hurtful "satire" displayed in the cover on Obama. To suggest the man is anti-american and disrespectful of his country; to say a Christian is a Muslim; to say his wife is a terrorist is no different from calling John McCain a baby killer who seeks to win a war in Iraq because he was in a losing war in Viet Nam. Pleaes note those of you whoare ready to shoot me that oen argument makes as much sense as the other. My profound apologies to John McCain by the way for using him as an example. My husband also served in Viet Nam and I honor our vertans, just as I honor Barrak Obama for his courage in running for President. God bless both of you and may the man who will do the most for our country win.

Sue   July 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

I was offended by the cover. Most people only look at the cover, and never bother reading what is inside. While it may have been a "satire", I found it to be incredibally offensive and in poor taste. I do hope they do reciprocate and do an equally offensive cover of John McCain to keep things equal!

Be for real   July 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

My question is, why didn't they satirize McCain?

SDunn   July 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Don unfortunately most of the public did find it offensive! I can not believe the ignorance in this country sometimes and most of it is portrayed on these tickers every day. I can't wait until Obama becomes President so most of you all can eat your ignorant words. I can't wait!

Sophie Brown   July 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

IT'S IRONIC HOW MY COMMENTS SUPPORTING OBAMA AREN'T POSTED, BUT THE POSTS BASHING HIM ARE….MODERATING EH CNN??? IT'S CALLED PROPAGANDA!!!

Michael   July 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

As someone who reads the New Yorker every week, the notion that this cover is anything but an explicit satire is pretty amazing. The satire is clear, the commentary isn't on Obama, it's on the utter absurdity of the mistruths about Obama perpetuated by the media/McCain/Hillary Clinton/Bill Clinton, Hilary Clinton supporters/DemocratsforMcCain, et. al. I just wish the Obama campaign didn't feel a need to respond to each of these absurd little media tizzy's.

The New Yorker is totally in the right, whatever that's worth, it's sad that there are many people in this country who either cannot understand blatant satire or are so caught up in the media created/candidate embraced game of catching the latest gaffe and turning each remark by or about Obama into a nationwide discussion about race.

Luckily these boards are representative of America, and John McCain is inept, souless, and idea-less.

Ignorance is bliss   July 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Barack Obama is not a Muslim….Barack Obama is not a Muslim….Barack Obama is probably not a Muslim….Barack Obama might be a Muslim…..More Kool-aid quick!

OBAMA MOMMA SUPPORTER   July 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Obama's comment was "he heard worse". What can be more worse than being stereo typically accused of something you're NOT. That is the most despicable thing a person can ever put on an american citizen. It's not right, and it should not be tolerated There is other ways of getting a point across besides putting Americans down.

MJ   July 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

I'm good with it as long as we see an 'equal time' cover depicting McCain as an ole liver-spotted geezer toasting with his rich pill-popping trophy wife over the body of the mother of his children who he dumped for money – cause it's just parodying what detractors are saying about McCain – right???

Mommyof2   July 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

People who are stupid enough to believe that the NY cover is an accurate depiction of the Obamas should stay home in November…. what's wrong with you folks?!

BH   July 15th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Ya I am also dumb that I thought that it is not a cartoon but a real picture of a muslim family.
Come on give me a break, people are not that dumb, I thought the cover was hilarious. Newyorker was making fun of the ridiculous.

John, Long Island, NY   July 15th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

The McCain supporters who are posting there comments are such shills. They make no attempt to be fair or even slightly intellectual in their argument.

Cynthia - Arkansas   July 15th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Do you remember in the last election when Kerry kept saying, "the American people are smart ". Well, boy was he wrong! I can't believe the ignorant statements that I read on here. Have they WATCHED McSame or tried to listen to him. It is absolutely pitiful! This country is in too big a mess to let lies and talking head saying stupid things influence this election. He have got to have a president that is SMART, and will be RESPECTED around the world. We have had 8 years of a bubbling fool representing us, while the world laughs at how stupid we are.

Obama 08

Wang LI   July 15th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

No surprise that people are seeing Americans noaways as has been…
It is really stupid.
Fueling misconceptions

Don't Blame Me... I voted for Bush...   July 15th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

All of you thinking of voting for McCain… 2 Slaps in the face should have shown you… I guess one more slap would pretty much show all of you but you don't have to worry about it will you…

Cartoon or not… Obama the American has done well.. Keep up the good work Mr. Obama… I'll cancel out one of these boys votes this Nov. Keep'em Slapping boys…

Leon   July 15th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Way to go Obama. Well said, we should should all respect this man whether you are democart or republican. I am really leaning my vote towards you. This might seal it.

CBB   July 15th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

God forbid someone be a Muslim or even have Muslim background because all Muslims are terrorists right? Especially since it says in the constitution that presidents have to be devout Christians…

Nancy of Minnesota   July 15th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

And now seriously, I'm no longer proud of our country!!

RED STATE   July 15th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Here's my take.

White people that have no problem with Black people will vote for Obama. White people who are racist will vote for McCain. As time has gone on, Americans have grown to accept people for who they are and not what color they are. Unfortunately, the white people, and some Mexican people, have a problem with black people and their children act out what they see at home; fueling a new generation of bigots and racists.

Hopefully, having an African American as a President will encourage more AA youth to look at themselves with better confidence. Maybe it will inspire the hispanic community to better themselves as well… maybe.

Samuel   July 15th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Is it true that John McCain spied for the Vietnamese for money? Just curious. Please help.

Also, is it true that Obama was a vergin when he met Michelle? I am very curious. Anyone help me on this issue?

Larry WI   July 15th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Cartoon may be funny and Obama might be making light of it but the fact is the cartoon fringes on reality, no denying that. Obama supporters better wake up and smell the koran.

Patriot   July 15th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Missing in the "New Yorker" writers' argument that portrait of the Obamas "is satire", is the fact that a piece of SATIRE CAN FLOP!

This piece of satire is a flop, if the real intended was to elicit disbelief about the Obamas. The so-called satire is eliciting just the opposite intent!

People for the most part are either defending the so-called satire or they ARE NOT laughing.

So the attempt at satire FAILED!
And if the New Yorker people can't recognize that salient fact, then are only contributing to the disrespect and distrust of the media.

Nancy of Minnesota   July 15th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Is that the right answer, thought police? July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

So if your father and stepfather were Muslim, you attended a Muslim school, you studied Islam, you practiced Islam, and most of your relatives are Muslim, then of course you have no Muslim background.
What was I thinking?
*********************************************

You might want to educate yourself a bit. He never went to a Muslim school or studied Islam (not that there is anything wrong with that). His mother was non-muslim and Obama himself is a Christian (remember Rev. Wright, the church…). His father was a Muslim and then became athiest. Again, might want to educate yourself.

Pete   July 15th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Unfortunately, it is the "unspoken rule" concerning this election: Obama is 'off limits'….don't criticize, don't joke about…..normal election year 'give & takes' are not permitted this time around. Which is very sad, because we need to see how someone who purports to be a 'leader' reacts when those around him don't always act like smiling puppets.
And we know what the difference is this year, but no one even wants to say it, for fear of being accused a 'racist', which is even sadder, because the normal "give & take" of a presidential campaign are hushed this time.
Forward? this country is taking a giant step backwards when it is afraid to express feelings….

Mike, Syracuse NY   July 15th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

10% believe the cover is true; 10% hink it's funny, 10% think it's outrageous, and 70% are saying 'huh'? The problem is no one really knows where Obama stands on anything. He has no real record, and he's switched positions on a dozen issues. Will the real Obama please stand up?

Anonymous   July 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

ROLLING MY EYES AT THESE HATE FILLED COMMENTS ON CNN'S POLITICAL TICKER.COM

THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED MY ME!

ANTHONY   July 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Nothing but the politics of fear…..shame on the new yorker cover.
Besides its sad, the kind of people who run the media.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   July 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Frankly, this cover drawing didn't say anything that I found either funny or like satire. I guess that since I don't see the satire or irony in this, I need it explained. Better yet, have the editor explain in nice clear language for everyone so there is no misunderstanding what the artist was trying to say on this; here are all the stereotypes of Obama all rapped up into one? How is that satire?

To Dems be Dopes, Democrats aren't calling for boycotts of anything other than the New Yorker. There are no threats of violence against the artist. If I were an editor of a publication, then I would be saying that I would not hire him and send him on his way.

Monica   July 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Everyone knows Obama is NOT a muslim. Anyone that is no longer going to vote for Obama because of the ignorance of a magazine cover was never in his corner from the beginning. Don't kid yourself, you were never going to vote for Obama. It's not that people cannot make jokes about Obama, but try to have some integrity as a journalist and as a human being.

Freida, NYC   July 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

To "interesting."

You are correct! Once you are born a Muslim, you will always be considered a Muslim for life.

Tim Hutchins   July 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

You had better think hard about just what you will find AFTER Obama is elected. We know we don't know this man — he has no history except of radical Muslim stuff with Farrakhan and Wright, etc. Michelle hasn't ever been proud of this country. Who in their right mind would vote for this man?

NOBAMA 08   July 15th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Go read Podhoretz article on Realclearpolitics.com If his campaign had half a brain…they could have totally spun that cover in his favor…but they are such whinners that they are only putting the spotlight on the fact that he is a humorless idiot! The art of politics is spinning a negative to a positive without the audience knowing! Get a clue! No wait…keep it up:)
NOBAMA 08

OBAMA: Change you can believe in…if you don't require experience or logic.

SDunn   July 15th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

to New Voter For McCain:

Sorry I don't believe you were ever going to vote for Obama. You're the type of voter that falls for the same stupid propaganda every election cycle instead of the real issues. Instead of believing rumors how about doing actual research yourself. No wonder this ignorant electorate voted Bush for 2 consecutive terms.

Obama Supporter from FL   July 15th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

To Andy:

No, there is no value. It's only worth reading if (a) you are procrastinating, and (b) you've already exhausted every other site that might be better.

white trash   July 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Where do we draw a line between satire and saddism? I found the cartoon disturbing and cruel, cruel and vicious to the Senator and his lady. If this display of satire is supposed to be humorous, the TNY has a sick sense of humor. If the cartoon was intended to send Americans a message, it signalled it would debase itself for a few laughs at the expense and pain of the Obama's.

Cruelty is cruelty in whatever guise it is displayed. If a higher level of consciousness and high IQ were a great, shining river, then this funny is sheer gutter and the garbage that floats thereof. "Cause No Pain", the first commandment of the gifted mind.

Pick Me!! Pick Me!!   July 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Actually being an Obama supporter I found the cartoon to be just that, a cartoon. Anyone with any minuscule amount of common sense knows that this cover deplicts the far right, misconception on the Obama’s due mostly to those dim-witted e-mails that have been in circulation. (This one is for you my brother-in-law that doesn’t bother to read any news papers or watch any news reports BUT, believes each and everything that is sent via e-mail (erroneous-Mail).

So, what-ever. You will choose to believe what you want like you did the LAST election and vote accordingly no matter if it is a lie or not.

God help us all.

Bettybb   July 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

The satire was pretty lame. But given the fact that Obama, his supporters the Obamabots, and his captive media did ran an incredibly sexist campaign against Clinton, he deserves what he is getting.

Lee   July 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

interesting July 15th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Obama's father is Kenyan and was a muslim. Under islamic law, he is recognized as a muslim as he would take the religion of his father. Obama's step father was a muslim.

Obama claims he is a Christian for 20 years, that means he would be considered an "apostate" muslim.

If you are a muslim by birth, and then another type of muslim, guess what kids, you are a muslim.
—————————————————————————————

so if YOUR dad was a racist pig, then you……..

Jill   July 15th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

CARTOON????? WHAT CARTOON?????

LOOKS LIKE A PHOTOGRAPH TO ME
AND THE CAMERA DOESN'T LIE

Can we just be American?   July 15th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

From some of the messages on the blog it appears that the cover is only sending out mix messages plus I have never seen such a derogatory cover for any other Presidential canonicate…. The cover is just wrong. I don't care about his religious background – even though he states he is Christian who cares!!!!!!!! Let stick to the issues such as the economy, war, and domestic issues that we have up the yang, yang…. these types of things are just smoke screens to divert us from the real issues…

No one is speaking about senile McSame

Lee   July 15th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

The Truth That Shall Not Be Spoken July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Why we are not permitted to speak of Obama's Muslim background?
———————————————————————

Because he HAS NO MUSLIM BACKGROUD! It's people like you who don't get the NYorker cover, which is why it shouldn't be put out there without a clear explanation of the fact that NONE OF WHAT WAS DEPICTED IS ACTUALLY WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE. Sheesh. Are you people truly dense or do you try to be that ignorant? Surely if you have access to a computer, you can find the truth, so what gives??

2008 or bust   July 15th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Yea, let's stick to the issues. Who cares about character , judgment, or leadership anyway?

Eric in Ca   July 15th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

intelligence will return to the White House, Thank you Sen. Obama !

To New Voter   July 15th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

First, it's muslim, not "musllim" Secondly Obama is NOT a muslim and never has been. And his wife is NOT some gun carrying black panther. This exactly the reason this cover will cause trouble. Because refuges from the trailer park who never bother to read anything…"Rush Limbaugh teaches me all I ever need to know" will use this to say…"See, I knew he was an terrorist!!!!"

CW4Barak   July 15th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Just remember one thing Obama, you have enemies on both sides….you have to be weary of even the people who are smiling and calling you comrade….they all have an agenda, and for some it is not to see a black man elected president, no matter how much they say they are on your side!! Clear example James Carville….still secretly hoping that you fail in your bid to become president, so that he and his friends the Clintons will have another shot in 4 yrs. time. Just don't trust anyone too much with your information….and be careful what you say to them in "private"!

Obama Always!

Marie in California   July 15th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

What misconceptions? I didn't see any.

Brandon Hillary PUMA for Mc Cain-Pa   July 15th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

An image is being created for obama and he barely realizes it–
Remember Kerry didnt realize the affects of the swift boat ads until it was too late.
His defeat will be "bitter"sweet indeed.

Rachelraye- MD   July 15th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Please you weren't going to vote for Obama in the first place. You were just looking for excuses and found one. What a sad sad day it'll be for some when he becomes the next POTUS.

Terry in Denver   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

The New Yorker cover is akin to Orsen Welles 1938 War of the Worlds radio spoof. Because it was done so well, many people believed what they heard, or in this case saw, as being real with catastrophic results and real damage.

Abby   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

New Voter for McCain, either you are brain dead or a lier :)

CD   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Ignorants fools that posts on this blog just shocks me and to think these hateful people slamming Obama with negative lies for no reason have voting rights is just too scary. I think we need to up the ante and subject voters to America 101 for 2 minutes on a screen test in the polling booth before granting them the right to vote.

Obama 2008!

Bob Indianapolis, IN   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

People who still believe Iraq attacked us during 9/11 are like Japanese soldiers lost in the jungles of the Phillipines who emerge 30 years later and still think WWII is going on…

Marie in California   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

What misconceptions?

puma Pa lady   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Obama is a phony.. and i refuse to drink the kool aid and i refused to brain washed… this clinton supporter will be voting for mccain!!!!

Jeff Long   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Regardless of what you say about the New Yorker, it was a good article.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 15th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Why we are not permitted to speak of Obama's Muslim background?

IF he were muslim—which IS NOT a bad thing, folks—-then of course we could talk about it, but his FATHER was muslim. obama is a christian!!! remember his PASTOR that you neoCONs had such a heyday with???

you cant have it BOTH ways, folks, if you want to pretend he's muslim then you cant hold his pastor against him. if you still want to judge obama for his pastor's comments, you gotta stop pretending he's muslim.

we know you just blindly feed on the right-wing hate to feel better about your miserable selves, but those two things are mutually exclusive, folks!!!!!

Robert P. in Indianapolis   July 15th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This guy is so unflappable! For all the mess thrown at him by the right, the media, and some of his "supporters" – he continues to rise above it.

He's regal.

Every day my confidence grows in his ability to lead this country out of the mess made by the Republicans.

Lisa   July 15th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This whole thing makes me sad for America. We need help and can't afford McCain for one day much less 4 years.

Nicole in NE   July 15th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

I am beginning to wonder if it even matters at this point. The people who refuse to educate themselves on truths will believe whatever stupid email they get and whatever media feeds them – it's truly sad.

Try factcheck.org people – it's really not that hard!

The sad thing is the same people they are trying to make fun of in this "satire" are the probably the ones who gave George bush twice.

Thanks for nothing!

Obama 08′

Jerry in Boston   July 15th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

What a load of rubbish.

Obama wants to keep this story front and centre because the OBVIOUS satirical nature of it helps to drive home the stupidity of the notion than he is a secret muslim terrorist.

If this was a cover mocking his sanctimonious sermonising and fawning sychophantic followers, do you think he's be trying to draw attention to it?

Some people are so easily manipulated.

Is that the right answer, thought police?   July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

So if your father and stepfather were Muslim, you attended a Muslim school, you studied Islam, you practiced Islam, and most of your relatives are Muslim, then of course you have no Muslim background.
What was I thinking?

m.   July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

July 15th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I was going to vote for Barack but now after seeing that cover, I just cannot in good concious vote for a man who may be a musllim and also has a radial wife. You just never know. Better safe than sorry.
I will vote McCain. I KNOW that he is American and besides he has served his country for years and years.
I am still trying to wrap my head around what the hell a community organizer is. ??
______________________________________________________

Educate yourself, first HE IS NOT a muslim, second find out about the wonderful job he did as and organizer.

Sorry that you alloud a magazine to make such and importante decision for the country. SAD

Bob Who   July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Obama is very Intelligent.
America just can't wait enough until he becomes the next president and start solving the country's problem that others couldn't solve.

George Bush is now the most richest American president ever because of the war in Iraq. He made billions of dollars from Iraqi Oil using American soldiers as cover up. Americans, Shame on you that you don't know this.

Tim, Seattle   July 15th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

An idiot wrote: "Why we are not permitted to speak of Obama's Muslim background?"
———-

Umm, because he does not have a Muslim background and is not a Muslim.
But thanks for playing….

Michelle   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Why so much focus on the cover?

There's an entire article inside packed with info!

I am pleased that the New Yorker (article) actually contained some vetting of Obama.

It is so disappointing that most of the MSM is playing Rip van Winkle when it comes to vetting Obama.

Tubby The Tuba   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I'm not buying that magazine ever again! What jerks!

Hopeful but Realistic   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

If David Remnick thinks that most Americans will recognize the cover as irony, then he needs to venture out more often. Go west, young man! Cross the Hudson River! You may learn something about America!

Walter, Long Beach   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

It's a measure of how far down the Republicans have dragged this country that satire isn't even possible anymore.

Tarla   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Someone needs to ask Bush about that kid down in gitmo.

Matthew   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

"And I think the American people are probably spending a little more time worrying about what's happening with the banking system and the housing market, and what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, than a cartoon. So I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it."

You haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it???? You've addressed it about 5 times already and are planning a major speech in Berlin on the darn thing!

He really should get some cheese to go with that whine of his!

Cindy NC   July 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Obama 08. He is not whining about the cover like you folks are saying. And I believe he is right. I am sure he has seen and heard worse.

Those of you with that nonsense beleiving he is a Muslim because of the cover are truley ignorant. That just show how truley stupid you must believe a picture, not even a picture a cartoon.

AND ONE THING ABOUT AMERICA… If he was a real MUSLIM, no offense to those that are… HE WOULD HAVE NEVER MADE IT THIS FAR and supported by republicans and democrats. And just because his father was one doesn't make him one. I know plenty of christians who are now jewish and buddas and jewish folks who are now christians and catholics.

You people are just mad because OBAMA is not falling for all the same old Washington politics. He has not been tainted by Washington and that scares a whole lot of people especially big corporations because he can't be bought…

J   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

If you don't vote for change, you don't deserve change.

Vi   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

What is ironically beautiful about the NYer cover is that it gives to Obama a dose of what the left-leaning media gave Hillary. There is a power above looking after us, after all!

Nick - Arlington, VA   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

The Truth That Shall Not Be Spoken July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Why we are not permitted to speak of Obama's Muslim background?
———————————————————————————————————-
-IDK…PROBABLY BECAUSE HE IS NOT MUSLIM……o btw…you're pathetic.

Don   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I can't stand this nonsense. This is so calculated first Bill Burton calls this tasteless and offensive. Such strong words. Then Obama waiting on how people would respond to it before coming out to make a statemnt, comes out and says people have better things to worry about. Yes people have better things to worry about, but they also want a leader who does not claim to be the victim everytime. He thought people were goin to overreact, but most people found it to be satirical.

Rudy NYC   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

When a joke must be explained in such detail, to illustrate the point of the joke, then the joke was in bad taste. Joke do not require explanation, they are self-evident.

The fact is that most people did not see it as claimed to be intended, satire. Most people say it as exposure of a fact, which the article did not address at all.

James , Houston, TX.   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Well lets SEE, Murdoch owns the Magazine, Bill Kristol its V.P and David Remnick its editor; sounds like the PNAC all over again! Dejavue!

HAM   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

You make a picture of me…

I'll invade an ally…

What about (flip) that strong diplomacy (flop)….

This dude (or dud) is getting worse daily… no wonder he won't debate… he can't even think for himself… I guess that's why Hillary ate his lunch everytime they did.

By By Obama… somewhere there is a village looking for you

Freida, NYC   July 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I absolutely can't trust this guy. It is not becuase of his name, Muslim background, militant wife, terrorist friends… It is simply because, I don't know him well enough. I am sure this the main reason why many of us don't feel we can trust our beautiful country in the hands of a stranger, unexperienced, less than one term senator Period.

Nick - Arlington, VA   July 15th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

New Voter for McCain July 15th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I was going to vote for Barack but now after seeing that cover, I just cannot in good concious vote for a man who may be a musllim and also has a radial wife. You just never know. Better safe than sorry.
I will vote McCain. I KNOW that he is American and besides he has served his country for years and years.
I am still trying to wrap my head around what the hell a community organizer is. ??
———————————————————————————————————-
-This is the lame attempt of a McCain (or PUMA) backer trying to show that the public will not vote for Obama because of a cartoon..FAIL.

Tim, Seattle   July 15th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Chuck said "He responds to a cartoon by saying "we should illegally violate Pakistani territory and kill Osama bin Laden?
——————–
Chuck, whats wrong with that? Isnt one of the goals to kill Osama? And where is he likely at?
The answer (from our own military analysts no less) is the tribal areas of Pakistan.

So, what is your point again?

interesting   July 15th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Obama's father is Kenyan and was a muslim. Under islamic law, he is recognized as a muslim as he would take the religion of his father. Obama's step father was a muslim.

Obama claims he is a Christian for 20 years, that means he would be considered an "apostate" muslim.

If you are a muslim by birth, and then another type of muslim, guess what kids, you are a muslim.

Saul Alinsky   July 15th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

In the case of Barack Obama, a community organizer for ACORN means a leftist radical who is seeking to build support for a career in politics by any means necessary.

Independent in Iowa   July 15th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

"It's a cartoon…and that's why we've got the First Amendment," Obama said. "And I think the American people are probably spending a little more time worrying about what's happening with the banking system and the housing market, and what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, than a cartoon. So I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it."

Well put. I'm glad you at least have a sense of humor.

i cant believe it   July 15th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

to New Voter For McCain:
Your comments, and the comments of people like yourself, who are willing to believe PROPAGANDA about Senator Obama simply because of a few thrown around facts, are truly terrifying.

Instead of focusing on the fact that Obama's middle name isn't downright, down-home American, why don't we all focus on the real issues at hand in this presidential election?

Alex GOP   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

HAHAHAHA

John   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

jen July 15th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Tomorrow night McCain will be on Larry King to parse a few of Obama's words, and take credit for figuring out we need more troops in Afghanistan which obama figured out a year and a half ago.

Seriously?

Yes, and on the seventh day Obama did this and Obama did that, My lord you guy kiss up to the guy as if he is God.

I have a theory: Non conservative blacks will vote for him because he is black. Conservative blacks will weigh their options. Spineless white people who think they will get called a racist for not supporting him, will vote for him, and all those that are naive, will vote for him because they don't see him for what he is: a socialist, old fashioned politician.

wake up people, no one is perfect and no one should be treated like they walk on water.

and for all those Bush haters out there, just think, Obama's campaign is running from the very exact campaign strategy of Karl Rove, except Obama is grossly transparent.

andy   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I've (tried to) say it before, and I'll say it again: the people who post comments on this website tend to be a tad less than insightful. Is there really any value to reading anything anyone here has to say (I guess that includes me…)?

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

NEW MCCAIN VOTER: "i was going to vote for Barack but now after seeing that cover, I just cannot in good concious vote for a man who may be a musllim and also has a radial wife. You just never know. Better safe than sorry.
I will vote McCain. I KNOW that he is American and besides he has served his country for years and years."

thank you so much for proving my point about how clueless ad ignorant people can be!

Chuck   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

All politicians say what they think Americans want to hear. Being that most Americans are so stupid that they don't know what they want to hear unless the media tells them, we will be listening and reading the same ole crap for the next 100 years.

interesting   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

So Obama admits the New Yorker Cover had the effect it wanted?

Judgment?

Jeff Long   July 15th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

David Remnick made Obama, his campaign, and all of his supporters look like fools!! LOL!! Obama is only saying this now because he looked like such an idiot for "WHINNING" and getting upset about it.

Substance over Hype!! McCain '08!!!

Stone Sanchez   July 15th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Yeah, I've heard that McCain is really just a spy for the Vietnamese too

Dems be dopes   July 15th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Can anyone name a religious group that gets upset with cartoons?

Darth Vadik, CA   July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Lets just stick to the issues, you know, economy, war, etc etc.

Tully   July 15th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

The cover just shows what the rest of america thinks. Not everybody is brain washed by obama yet!

Obama Supporter from FL   July 15th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Who cares? McCain doesn't know that Czechoslovakia doesn't even exist anymore!! My goodness – I can't believe the trivial crap that people focus on.

lorraine tartaglio   July 15th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

obhma obhma why dont u all give him the presdiency already because he sure dont ave to work for it all the media is giving it to him what a bios country this has become , what a shame when the media has more influance then the people when the media reports half truths , and dont tell stories about amercian troops who are getting beheaded , but want us to fell sorry for aperson who is in prison for 5 years for trying to kill amerciand are u all kidding me what is really the truth is there any1 out there with the b…. to say it like it really is
as for me i am not voting and am encourgaging people i knew not to as it is alrady desided as to who the winner is oh what a country that i loce has subcome to and at wat cost

Nom Deplume   July 15th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

What people fail to comprehend is that the NY'er, a MSLM publication, focused only on the traits that are flat out false or that the Obama Camp feels it can rebut.

Nowhere a mention of his socialist agenda, and the fact that he surrounded himself with far left thinkers that are against gun ownership, free markets, private property rights and conservative speech.

By satirizing muslim and anti-american rumors, it deflects our attention from those unsavory attributes about Obama that they don't want us to focus on, and that they don't even try to rebut.

Got Freedom?

Bill From Florida   July 15th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I will not vote for Obama, but what he said to Larry King, I respect him for that. He could have really played the race card , but he chose not
to.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 15th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

"The cover, which also depicts a U.S. flag burning in the fireplace and a picture of Osama bin Laden on the wall,"

THAT is where they stepped over the line and why many of us are so upset. if it were just the charicatures—no big deal!!!

but the burning flag and picture of bin laden went WAAAYY over the line. there are too many ignorant americans who dont even know what satire means, let alone that that's what the new yorker thought they were doing. for a bunch of smart, talented people, adding those two things was an EXTREMELY stupid decision!!!

maybe when obama obliterates the pathetic No Child Left Behind, americans will get a better education; it's scary how clueless and self-destructive some people are!

Jon in WA   July 15th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Very fair. Political cartoons will happen, and you can't reply to them all.

RyanD.   July 15th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Well said!

Obama 08′

AJ   July 15th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Collect all New Yorker magazines and make a bon fire!!!

Italy   July 15th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Free Country , free spech , this is what you got Obama. Be a man and not a little baby.

daniel   July 15th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Obama is on the money, the cartoon is tasteless, but there are more presing issues to be concerned about than a silly cartoon.

Marcello   July 15th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Obama's right. We have more important things to worry about than a cartoon. It's time to put this subject to rest.

rachel   July 15th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Why no outrage when they showed hillary and barack in bed reaching for the red phone? Why is it that it seems that Barrack is the only person that noone can make fun of?

al   July 15th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

*************************************

CLEAR SOUND JUDGEMENT.

THATS WHAT WE NEED.

STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

jen   July 15th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Tomorrow night McCain will be on Larry King to parse a few of Obama's words, and take credit for figuring out we need more troops in Afghanistan which obama figured out a year and a half ago.

FEDUP   July 15th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Yeah right, Chris Dodd has a primo mortgage with Countrywide, this on the heels of failing banks. Not a good VP choice if you ask me..

Tim   July 15th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Why did Obama's people agree to do an important interview while the All Star game is playing? CNN should replay the segment tomorrow for those who miss it.

Chuck   July 15th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

He responds to a cartoon by saying "we should illegally violate Pakistani territory and kill Osama bin Laden?" Usually he just snickers and calls these things "silly."

Did the New Yorker get your goat there Barry?

Lisa   July 15th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

No more tea parties for Barack and his supporters!!!

german man   July 15th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Lets Drill.
Is that what the people want to hear.

Wait, no we can't drill now.

Wait. yes we can.

No we better not drill.

Signed
Obama

ANGIE   July 15th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

what a great guy hes not whining but focusing on the issuses way to go barack cant wait until you become president!!!!!!

Military Man   July 15th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I'd like to buy the man a sense of humor.

Failure.

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