July 27, 2008
Posted: July 27th, 2008 12:54 PM ET
Sen. Barack Obama places a prayer note in Jerusalem's Western Wall.
Sen. Barack Obama places a prayer note in Jerusalem's Western Wall.

JERUSALEM (CNN) – The rabbi who supervises Jerusalem's Western Wall condemned the removal of a prayer note purportedly written by Sen. Barack Obama, saying the action was "sacrilegious."

The U.S. presidential candidate visited the holy site early Thursday and placed a note in the cracks of the wall - a custom of visitors.

It was subsequently removed from the wall, according to the Israeli newspaper, Ma'ariv, which printed what it said were the contents of the note.

Ma'ariv said a seminary student gave the note to the paper.

Obama's senior strategist Robert Gibbs told CNN, "We haven't confirmed nor denied" that the note is from the Illinois senator.

"This sacrilegious action deserves sharp condemnation and represents a desecration of the holy site," said Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who supervises the Western Wall, in a statement.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama


kulit   July 27th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

whispering your prayer to god when you know some humans will hear it, is like britney making stunts knowing the press will make a big issue of it.
ive seen some of his speeches, one speech he mentioned a lot of names m.king, j.f.kennedy,..... a lot of name dropping,...... i stopped listening before he compare himself to jesus or allah or budda

Chris Hussein, TX   July 27th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

CNN, I am convinced that you do not moderate, you screen (just to make it look like the comments are somewhat balanced). For a person to attack a man after reading this prayer shows a lack of faith. Those that attack have faith issues. True Christian values involve valuing everyone (the unborn and the BORN). Some republicans are some of the most hypocritical religious people around. They hate..which should be blasphemy to their lips and their hearts, but it isn't. It isn't blasphemy because they fully agree with the hatred, war, dishonesty and corruption. All the while appearing to stand for morals by standing on the Abortion and Gay Marriage soapbox. What about the two greatest commandments? Love God first. and your neighbor second. They claim to know God, but do they really?

Megan   July 27th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Oh. And the Muslim thing?? If Americans are so dimwitted that they cannot believe something that is flat in their FACE then maybe we deserve a stupid candidate like McCain for president. Many of you are just too prejudiced and uneducated to understand that if the many is a Christian- he is NOT A MUSLIM. Being Black does not make you a Muslim. Having the middle name Hussein does not make you a Muslim. Going to a Christian church, being brought up with Christian values, calling yourself a Christian pretty much says you are definitely not a Muslim.

Phil, FL   July 27th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

And shame on CNN for repeating it over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over

You get the message. The most re-runs in the news world.

CO   July 27th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

How would anyone know which was Sen. Obama's prayer note among the many stuffed into the same spot? Were they all read at the same time?

Megan   July 27th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

It is fascinating to see how moronic people on this blog will attribute anything to some huge conspiracy by the Obama camp to make him look a certain way. Give it a rest already. If you dislike Obama but have no real reason, just be an adult and admit it. You may look like a fool but conjuring ridiculous reasons out of every piece of news you see has gotten old incredibly fast. I have seen people waiver between him being too 'arrogant' to being a 'victim'. Which one is it??? He did not deserve to have his prayer read by anyone. That was so disrespectful and may God have mercy on the soul of whomever violated his privacy.

fralene   July 27th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Jeff, I am sick to death of you and every other envious jerk that continues to call Obama arrogant in such an insulting way. Is it just possible that what you see as arrogance is actually poise, self confidence and self awareness? If he wasn't proud, I'd be stunned. He has much to be proud of. If you want arrogance without the substance, look to McCain. Look over his life, a life of privilege, opportunism, backstabbing and dishonor. Study his life history, then study Obama's. I did, with an open mind. Making the choice for Obama was easy.

McCain would have made an okay president in 2000, but in the intervening 8 years he has become twisted, playing both ends against the middle. I know because I've studied him every step of the way. Obama may not be the answer to my prayers, but McCain doesn't even come close.

kulit   July 27th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

what did obama prayed for, dont worry God is more discerning than men.
forgive the man when he changes his stand on iraq on other issues for he do not know what he is saying, he'll say anything that pleases you, he can change his mind when he is president, after all CHANGE is his policy.
and yes he will be president popularity is the key, he should have a tv show. the philippines has always seen the US as a model in constitution and politics, im glad now the US is following philippine model for electing officials, Showbiz is the key, the most popular president here is joseph estrada, until now years after they took him out for mismanagement.
goodluck americans

ThePhoenix   July 27th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Well,Obama knows how to play the VICTIM.

Rennae B.   July 27th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

What has this human race become where we feed off of the PERSONAL relationship the mortal man has with HIS Savior?

We should all hang our heads in shame for Our Father must be sorely disappointed in what we have become.

We must all pray for those loss souls who trample on the simplicity of a private prayer of mercy and humbleness.

Funny   July 27th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Wow, you who question this mans prayer and what he said should be careful. I for one appreciate an aspiring leader who wants to guard against pride and wants to do what is just and right. It gives us all something to think about if nothing else. Peace to Senator Obama, it can't be easy being you right now. Bless you for even wanting to be the President of this country and to help us all.

Zach   July 27th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Also sacreligious and disgusting is CNN for publishing it. Shame on you

Christy   July 27th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I think the Obama campaign leaked this themselves. Give me a break!

gotcha   July 27th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

This is a lot of BS. The Obama people intended to have it taken. Wonder what they paid the student to get it? Wake up and smell the coffee. He is definitely a Muslim. Really, take my word for it.

Marj,Paso Robles, Cal   July 27th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Dumbama planned to have the note printed. The man is pathetic.

aaaa   July 27th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

jews play the games anyways. get a life cnn

aaaa   July 27th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

well mccain has done the same thing when he went to Israel.

Mark Ramsey MD Milwaukee WI   July 27th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

If this really was stolen by a seminary student and printed by a paper in order to make money, then I am very touched and I think it really speaks to Obama's character. If this was orchestrated by the campaign for PR purposes then I really think it is the lowest form of low, and I would be deeply disappointed. And yet, I will probably never know for certain one way or the other. Just like politics...

Marvin   July 27th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

There's really no way to keep religion out of politics. It's a worthy sentiment, but an impossibility. There are so MANY americans who still vow not to vote for the man because "he's a Muslim" or because has a muslim name? Honestly I'm looking forward to the debates. At least then it'll give the close minded something more tangible to hang their hats on other than race, sudo-"patriotism," and "religion".

jas   July 27th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

What next for CNN?

Carol, Lansing MI   July 27th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I don't believe it was a seminary student who took it either. It doesn't make sense that a seminary student would defile the most sacred and Holy sights of the Jewish people.

ALECO1 -----NOKOMIS,FL   July 27th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I THINK THE NOTE SAID-McCAIN IS A COMPLETE IDIOT.

PCS / North Carolina   July 27th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Jeff wrote July 27th, 2008 9:30 am ET

"Obama is the most arrogant man alive."

How about your buddy GWB ? Nobody can get more arrogant than him !!

A Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square July 27th, 2008 10:47 am ET

"McCain is not risky. He will support our values and he will support our way of life. He will defend the US of A. McCain will not let Iran develop nuclear weapons. He will win the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan and do it before his first term is up."

Are you sure ? With McCain's temper, he will push the nuclear button in a heartbeat. Not only we should eliminate nuclear weapons in Iran , but also in Israel. We should make MidEast a nuclear free zone. Why ? Did we like to have nuclear warheads in our backyard in Cuba ? No. So why do the other countries in Mideast feel different.

WE ARE IN A QUAGMIRE. DO NOT ELECT McCAIN, WHO COULD LEAD US TO AN ARMAGADDON.

Saved   July 27th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I believe this is another Republican ploy to distort the truth.

James from Hawaii   July 27th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

This is the same as someone secretly recording confessions then posting them. There's a special place in hell for those who offend the sanctity of faith.

KE   July 27th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Senator Barack Obama is right about “American arrogance”, Americans don't know other cultures and Americans don’t speak other languages, and they are ignorant. He portrayed the example of American arrogance.

It’s so ironic that people who complain about “American arrogance” appear to be most arrogant.

First Senator Barack Obama forced Clinton out. He went oversea and acted like a host (and celerity) instead of acting like a guest in the host country. He spoke on behalf of the American people, criticize America, said he will bring better things to the world. He canceled visitation with the wounded soldiers. He said he didn’t want it to “look” political, but everything he does look political, and it sounded like a bad excuse. It’s no miracle that the leaders of the other country welcome any American presidential candidate.

Every culture has little differences in mannerism but arrogance knows no borders.

We are having Obama fatigue and the American MSM fatigue at the same time.

aware   July 27th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

A person's Faith and World View are the same thing according to Pastor Rick Warren. Separate the church and state but you dare not attempt to divorce a person from their Faith/World View.

Faith/World View is the most important indicator we need to look at closely in choosing a president!

When a person's first priority is political expediency it is necessary to question that person's moral center and core principles!

Former Democrat voting for McCain 08 – a man of character and integrity! :)

Denise   July 27th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

This is why dirty politics works so well; people are just thick. Do you honestly think that Obama wasn't well aware that this would happen? There is no security and it was obvious where he placed it.

DUH. The dumbing down of America continues at an exponential pace...

Delores, NM   July 27th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

So what? That was a PR prayer. If it had been something from the heart it would have been different.

HerbTee   July 27th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

I see some very hateful and jealous people on this blog who are against Obama for selfish hateful reasons. No matter what Obama does, no matter where he goes or how well his intentions are, some of you people are never satisfied. Well people, the whole world is now watching! Let's see if America lives up to its self-absorbed lofty words of freedom, democracy and equality for all. We can invade and make war with another country (Iraq) over trumped up allegations of WMDs with the promises of freedom and democracy. Yet we cannot fully exercise such goals in our own country, especially if one's skin happens to be the wrong color from the status quo.

Some of you people are just plain sickening and disgusting with your bitterness, your hatred and your wild-eyed fears that a Black man could likely lead this country so much better than any of the fools currently in the White House or better than that broken down old warmongering McCain. Get used to it people...Obama is the man!

Obama for 2008

A Tarheel for Obama   July 27th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

JohnBoy, Obama ia not "scared" of debating McCain. McCain is the one scared. He just wants to have town hall meetings.

aware   July 27th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Quite a feat Obama! You really should have prayed for the "Peace of Jerusalem" though.

Just give it up Barack. You are losing credibility fast! I pray that Pastor Rick Warren will cut through the slick syrup you serve!

Former Democrat voting for Mccain 08 – a man of character and integrity! :)

linda from South Dakota   July 27th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

well,, theres some stange people out there, one may think that mccain had this all set up, one neva knows do they??? nothing is sacred anymore,,, ummm its a terrible thing for someone to take that note and worse to have it printed,,,, why can tpeople just leave things alone,,,, time to grow up,,, sounds like something mccain would do tho lol,,,,sick minded people,, yuckkk

linda from South Dakota   July 27th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

well,, theres some stange people out there, one may think that mccain had this all set up, one neva knows do they??? nothing is sacred anymore,,, ummm

Lee From Treasure Island Florida   July 27th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

It is wrong the prayer was stolen and anewpaper printed it.
But maybe some good will come of it.
Maybe people will start believing Obama is not a Muslium.

conspiracy theorist   July 27th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

maybe they should write the prayers ,then burn them.send them to the heavens like many native american's do?then again,i never write a prayer to GOD,it's easier to just send it to him with our personal phsychic bond.me and GOD.we be mates!

terry,va   July 27th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

There is a God. He is almighty and all knowing. That is why McCain will will this election, unless he (God) has planned for the end of the world and BHO is the "666"

conspiracy theorist   July 27th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

the student was the illegitimate son of karl rove

Bill, Covington   July 27th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Now that the obama has worn a jew hat I suppose he will claim to be a jew right along with all his other religeons.

Vig   July 27th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

That's interesting. Was it removed because someone wanted a sourvenir or was someone making a political statement about Obama?

Willy   July 27th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

It was all about the TV shot RABBI

john   July 27th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

This is probably McNAMBLA's fault.

conspiracy theorist   July 27th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

lieberman told the guy to snatch it,probably.

The Obamas Rock   July 27th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Those Obama haters who are foolishly claiming that taking the note was a stunt set up by the Obama campaign need to take their Prozac. You hate the guy so much you can't see how stupid you are being. Shameful. You obviously despise the man, so your comments lack all credibility. You are just wasting space.

Obama is probably the most popular U.S. politician since Bill Clinton. Don't hate the player, hate the game. Get used to seeing people fawn all over our future POTUS.

Lisa   July 27th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

You know God don't like ugly and he don't care for Beauty either. The man is here to help us change things in Washington. People with there hatred need to take a step back and look at what is going on. We need a change , and we are going to have a change. Let them throw everything they can throw at him. What ever they do will not stand. They are afraid that he can do a better job then they could, so they are going to say and do anything to try and bring him down. My prayer is with him and his family.

Marie Canada   July 27th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I wonder just how the Republican bloggers will manage to turn this into a negative for Obama. Reading some of the ridiculous and vicious comments from McCain supporters with nothing to do with the facts. Just plain hate will get you right where you are now or a bit worse off.

S. Denice   July 27th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Some of you on this blog site are just downright mean, hateful, spiteful, and despicable. How dare you suggest that this was orchestrated on Senator Obama's part. Why, pray tell, would Senator Obama pay off someone to steal this prayer? With all of the turncoats in this country and abroad, the young man could have turned on him at any time and blown his cover. Do you know how detrimental that would be to his candidacy and to his position as U.S. Senator in the event that he is defeated? Come on now think (If that is possible for some of you) Quite frankly, I think that many of you are just braindead and you PUMA fools are really going to know what defeat is. Senator Obama did not cheat his way to the nomination, he did not steal it either. He had help not only from Washington, DC but across the country. Get over it. This was not staged. It is what it is. Senator Obama has managed to once again maintain dignity in the face of a negative situation. Love this man. For his haters, GET OVER IT!!!!!

Douglas Babb   July 27th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

The Constitution of the United States

Article VI, Section 3: “...no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

"My own mind is my own church. All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit." Thomas Paine

From a letter to Charles Cushing (October 19, 1756):
“Twenty times in the course of my late reading, have I been upon the point of breaking out, ‘this would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it.’” John Adams

Letter to William Bradford, April 1, 1774:
"Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise" James Madison

Letter to his nephew, Peter Carr, August 10, 1787
"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear." Thomas Jefferson

Douglas Babb (DEiST)_Princeton-KY

LaTreetha E. Sharpley   July 27th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Senator Obama, prayed the prayer that many need to pray daily. Asking the Lord, to guard their mind and thoughts. If you have never prayed this prayer, we need to ask for forgivest daily. It was wrong to publish Senator Obama's prayer; however it is the prayer I pray daily. Asking the Lord to make me a better person and the instrument of his peace.

Tired   July 27th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

To: Jeff

I watched this over and over. Everytime there is an African American males show some confidence and who is intelligent, why does he have to be "arrogant". This happens over and over again.

MH FROM KY   July 27th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

VERY SAD NO PRIVACY..ITS JUST A PRAYER !!!!

I WONDER HOW MUCH THE NEWSPAPER GOT PAID TO PUBLISH THIS.

ITS JUST SILLY THAT EVERYTHING IS NEWS
IF BUSH HAD WRITTEN A PRAYER .I'M NOT SURE THAT IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN INSIDE THE NEWS PAPER..

I PRAY THAT SAME PRAYER EVERYDAY......
"GOD PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY.."""""

I'M SURPRISE THERE WEREN'T ANY RUMORS SAYING HES A JEW....
SILLY POLITICS

Terry   July 27th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Prayer should have been left where it was placed. Not published would like to know who if there was links to McCain or Obama.

tom   July 27th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Lee B, I can see that you are the only with an empty head (no brains at all). That is why you are one of the morones that believe that he is a muslim.

I am sure you don't even know what you believe in, GOD or marmon or yourself. SHAME ON YOU. It is your type we do not want on the face of the planet.

TEXAN   July 27th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

This was not right !!!! This was a conversation between God and Obama. This should have been kept private !!!!!!!!

Ron democrat turned independent   July 27th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

this is just another obama texas two step (now you see me now you don't) did he write it or didn't he write it. did he encourage someone to put it on the news for political reasons, or didn't he.where are all of obama's friends from when he started his campaign it seems that all the people close to him like his sister, his grandmother, his pastor, his buddy rezko, farrakhan, ayres ect. everybody has seemed to have been left behind. is that what moving forward means? use them then drop them. yeah go obama

David from Florida   July 27th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

As if Obama didn't know that someone of the many, many camera crews were going to go read the note and release it for a nominal fee to the press.

pimping vote   July 27th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Obama is a shoe in to be the next president. I just don't understand it about those McCain supporters who bash Obama. What do they see in McCain to become the next president? That would be like electing another Bush as president. That would be naive to vote for another Bush when our economy is failing dramatically, gas prices too high, and soldiers getting killed overseas, due to our current commander in chief.

Fitz   July 27th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

I am amazed at how many people think this was some political stunt. Obama actually orchestrated this act to make himself look good to the religious crowd. It's just amazing to me. This man has been nothing but a family man from the start. A father and a husband and never hesitated to speak about his faith but the religious groups rather lean towards a man who obviously doesn't value marraige and family the same way. Speaks aloud and clear as to what role religion should really play in politics.

pam Eugene OR   July 27th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

To the fools who say either McCain or Obama were behind this cowardly event...you are nuts.
The student how stole the prayer and the shameless paper who printed it were should be shunned.
I must however, it was a beautiful prayer.

BJKidd   July 27th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

To those that beleive that the prayer note that was taken and published was a set up. What warped minds you have. That type of thinking is partly what is wrong with this country. This campaign should be about the issues, not all these personal attacks.

IfleftiswrongthenIdontwant2beright   July 27th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Does this mean Sen. Obama is STILL a Muslim? As absurd as it may sound, maybe God wanted the world to know Sen. Obama is a change agent working through the spirit of the Lord.

I noted how Sen. Obama was so comfortable with ALL the world leaders. If he doesn't have the "experience" to b be President, he surely has the intellect.

Conservative and Proud   July 27th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Won't be voting for him and really can't stand his policies, but that was messed up. Also, they don't have security out there watching every person's prayer note, and they shouldn't have to. It's an understanding that people shouldn't do it, but these people left their morals at home, it appears.

Btw, John Mccain had nothing to do with this, idiot.

K   July 27th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Obama makes arrogant Bush look humble. Obama's arrogance and hypocrisy is disgusting. Why have a vote in America? Obama and the media think he is already President.

Obama bring it on we love you 08/12   July 27th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

A Nightengale in Berkley Square.
You can sing with McWar Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran that's your mental smarts WAR WAR WAR with well over 4,000 Warriors dead and thousands of Warriors injured and you fallow a war monger /a war started by these idiots for no reason but to make money for themselves isn't it about time warmongers wake up .
McWar isn't singing "we ain't gonna war no more " .

We could have a war on every street and neighborhood in this country if it wasnt for intelligent people wanting to have peace by negotiating to solve their problems .

Obama is for peace 08/12

Dave in Illinois   July 27th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

While revealing the note's contents was wrong, I'm sure Obama and his advisers considered the possibility when he wrote the prayer.

Doris,Memphis,TN   July 27th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

This is awful. John McCain and his "Campaign of Whiners" have
not commented on this terrible incident!

fellow Americans   July 27th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

maybe its just me but wasnt it stupid of him to let the media film and take pictures of him praying and watch where he put the note?
photo ops people, photo ops... once again explains why he ditched the hospital visit. plus, the note was all about him and protecting him ... not the popular opinion but still.

Tony   July 27th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

In the note, placed at Judaism's holiest site Thursday, Obama asks God to guide him and guard his family.

"Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will," reads the note published in Maariv."

Does this note read arrogant or humble?

Does this most private prayer of Obama sound presumptuous?

If this candidate is given a chance to be the next president, and if he continues thinking the way he does, America is in good hands.

Tony   July 27th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Newspaper Maariv's publication:

In the note, placed at Judaism's holiest site Thursday, Obama asks God to guide him and guard his family.

"Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will," reads the note published in Maariv."

Does this note read arrogant or humble?

Does this most private prayer of Obama sound presumptuous?

Cheryl   July 27th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

What a world we live in where people steal prayers.

And where some of the people in here can blame Obama himself for his terrible wrong that was committed against him. To say that his campaign set this up is despicable.

You people are absolutely poisoned with hatred. Even if you disagree with Obama's politics there is no excuse for this level of obsessive hatred. It makes you look sub-human.

marie   July 27th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Obama campaign trying to make Obama look good–guess it may have backfired–shame on the people who have tried to blame the repubs for this fiasco. It smacks of democratic sleaze.

velmeezee   July 27th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I agree with the poster who turned a negative into a positive by stating that the publishing of Sen Obama's prayer was good because that means that thousands, perhaps millions, of people said that prayer. And all over the world people have said a prayer to God for the benefit of the Senator and the future of America. Although he most likely didn't intend for this to happen, God probably did...

Low level people   July 27th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Disguesting.
The world is so obsessed with this great man that they had to see what he is saying to God.
What next?

Kyle in San Diego   July 27th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

David – "The irony is that as one heckler shouted "Jerusalem is not for sale" the Israeli media proved that Jerusalem IS in fact for sale … disgraceful."

...VERY good point. And please, some of you really come on here showing your ignorance. It must end, whether you support Obama or not; whether you support McCain or not. Stop trying to tear people down, and let's try to come to some common ground. How about we all unite in demanding debates ASAP? I think that is something we can all agree on.

California Gold   July 27th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Proof positive Barack Obama isn't Muslim.

I've been to the Western Wall many times in my travel. As a Christian I am shocked one of the holiest sites in The Holy Land was violated. What kind of media do we have that would stoop to this revolting, sacrilegious action by publishing anyone's prayer! Prayers are between the man/woman/child and God. This is a sad day in the history of the human race.

Nevertheless, this really flies in the face of those who keep claiming Senator Obama is not Christian.

Richard (from Puerto Rico)   July 27th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

July 27th, 2008 2:28 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I am not a first time Obama, believer. The first time I heard of Obama, was in 2000, when President nominee John Kerry introduced him to speak at the Democratic Convention. There he introduced him as a raising Star in future politics. I listen to him and I was in awe, with his speech. And much to my amasement, I saw one clip of the many RFKs addresses in 1968 when he , (prophetically then) that; in forty (40) years we may have a BLACK PRESIDENT. So how about that? huh. So 40 years now, I know from my heart, as I am witnessing with the rest of the world history been written, We will have one of the best Presidents of USA if not the ever BEST since George Washington. As it is said, So let it be written. We all shall see it, and live it for the next eight years. Obama, 2008-12.

Tony   July 27th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Newspaper Maariv's publication:

In the note, placed at Judaism's holiest site Thursday, Obama asks God to guide him and guard his family.

"Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will," reads the note published in Maariv."

Does this note read arrogant or humble?

Does this most private prayer of Obama sound presumptuous?

Why would the RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISTS turn a man who truly trusts in his Creator?

Why would a Senator McCain accuse this man of WRONG judgment?

Who judged WRONGLY? The one who supported the Vice President's WRONG Oil War, i.e. McCain?

Judge all yourself: Look at the accusation - and you know the accusation the accuser wants to divert from HIMSELF! Everybody carries his own mirror ahead of himself.

Poor McCain, how LOW can you sink?

Having been a prisoner of war – does this make you a security expert?

Place yourself next to Obama - why should anybody lucid vote for you?

sj   July 27th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Removal of that prayer was a despicable, blasphemous act. Those who comment on the contents of that prayer, or who without proof, speculate on who might have done (e.g., Obama intended for it to be stolen) have made themselves complicit in the act and need to make atonement as well.

Richard (from Puerto Rico)   July 27th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I am not a first time Obama, believer. The first time I heard of Obama, was in 2000, when President nominee John Kerry introduced him to speak at the Democratic Convention. There he introduced him as a raising Star in future politics. I listen to him and I was in awe, with his speech. And much to my amasement, I saw a clip of the one of RFKs addresses in 1968 anouncing, (prophetically then) that; in forty (40) years we may have a BLACK PRESIDENT. So how about that? huh. I know from my heart, as I am witnessing with the rest of the world history been written, We will have one of the best Presidents of USA if not the ever BEST since George Washington. As it is said, So let it be written. We all shall see it, and live it for the next eight years. Obama, 2008-12.

Nathaniel   July 27th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

The act of removal was dispicable. However, the prayer has no less meaning to Obama public or private. Prayer is prayer. It was a clear act of desecration to remove it from the Wall. It was in bad taste for the paper to publish it via photo rather than simply retyping the contents.

The cynic in me says that Obama must have anticipated that someone might try to remove it. If I were consulting him, I would aniticipate such an act from occurring – not from enemies, but the curious. So write neat and be humbling in your sentiments while acknowledging a Higher Power. Acknowledge weakenesses but be vague. It is the kind of revelation that a news reporter knowing the contents could never ask him to clarify as it wasn't intended for his eyes in the first place and yet makes him more human to the general public. Of course, that is the cynic in me. :)

Mfon Okpok   July 27th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I was expecting a presidential candidate to visit Africa as well.
Do it mean that Africa is not important? I guess instability in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria is creating gas price problems in U.S.A. Which means Unites States relationship with Nigeria (Africa) is Important not Europe and Asia alone.

RJ, CA   July 27th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

WHO CARES! Just more of the Obama dog-and-pony show!

Elizabeth- TEXAS   July 27th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

McCain complaints and whinns about everything Barack says and does. Sometimes McCain speaks for Barack.

McCain isn't wearing a flag pin and now McCain ia meeting with the Dahai Lama. I can only imagine what McCain would have said if Barack had met with him.

Barack Obama's pray was from his heart to the heart of G-d I bet the heaven's are rejoicing, too.

Sue   July 27th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Those who honestly wished to know what is in the heart of Barack Obama, though this admittedly unorthodox act of the seminary student, now know. I'm sorry, but I think it is important for CNN and others to print what has already been revealed. Obama's prayer should be circulated in e-mail as the smears have been circulated. Isn't this what we all wanted - to find out if this man is good, is trying to do good?

SayCheeseObama   July 27th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Did I fall asleep and miss the election? Is Borat really our President? Yak! A very arrogant person that will only get more arrogant and he will leave all of you blinded supporters behind. Mark my words. For all of you that down McCain for his age...don't forget that discrimation is present not only for race, but AGE, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, etc. So if you are any of these SHAME ON YOU..you are discriminating! I've always thought of age as a sign of experience! Experience is what we need in this election! You'll see that when the Fairy Dust settles!! :)

McCain-in-4, Clarksburg, MD   July 27th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Anyone who says the McCain or Obama had anything to do with this theft is trying to sell us on something. What Obama wrote, or was purported to have written, is between him and God. Anyone who tried to spin this unnewsworthy story belongs in Goofy-ville with the rest of the wingnuts.

Obama certainly gave an impressive account of his skill, vision and candor over the past week, coming back to U.S with a clearer picture of his expectations of Federal Government, private businesses, as well as ourselves as citizens of the world. The debate will become much more pronounced, and my choices have become delightfully difficult.

Leave no Paula behind!   July 27th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Paula – did you learn grammar, punctuation and spelling at a bowling alley? Your opening sentence ("What's the rabbi's upset about?") has so many orthographical errors that I wonder how you got past second grade. But the best line from your idiotic screed is "You guys blackmailed Clintion family over a investment some folks make." Good to see someone named Paula actually standing up FOR the Clintions for a change. We all love the Clintions. Heck, I even love DeWitt Clintion. I wonder if the Clintions are any relation to the Clintons.

anything goes   July 27th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

yeah... he will change the world just look like south side chicago and 50 millions illegal got UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE

Peter   July 27th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

this is pathetic

mary kieffer   July 27th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

I would like to know how much this little trip cost and who paid for it? Because if this came out of the campaign fund, then this should be considered some type of fraudulent use of the funds. If this came out of the taxpayers money then the same should apply. Regardless, it is evident that this presidential candidate will not be able to control anything including his spending. Which means he can't control the country's spending. This means more will be taken out of MY paycheck to pay for what?? His frivilous spending? Up till this trip Mr Obama had my vote. Too bad.Finally, how much was spent on this trip and how many poor people could that money have helped? Shame on you Mr. Obama and shame on the press for kissing this guy's @$$.Oh I forgot CNN lips have been puckered all along! My bad.

Mike   July 27th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Texas trail puppy! – Funny that you blame it on McCain when it was obviously the Obama-loving media that pilfered the note. Can't see the truth for the rock star love anymore?

Cindy   July 27th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Man... even the wall is politicized.

Give the man a freakin break. He's visiting these historic, religious places for the first time in his life, and all the press can do is politicize it.

It's no wonder why he wants to keep his girls away from public eye.

MC Texas   July 27th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

As a visitor to Israel I find it difficult to believe anyone could take a note from the wall easily. It is my opinion the 'student' was paid in some manner to do this in order to portray Obama as 'still the victim'. It appears the Obama camp is hell bent on soliciting sympathetic emotional responses from ill-informed folks around the world. Has Obama traded sides again? Is he now posturing as Jewish? He is posing as President of the USA in Europe and the Middle East thus counting his chickens before they are hatched. Who is going to tell him of the broken and rotten eggs in his basket? Someone needs to save him from himself. Personally–I don't want the perpetual victim as my president.

dina osullivan   July 27th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Not only was the student immoral, the newspaper, Maariv was also for printing it. Shame on them.That's bad journalism.

bk   July 27th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Wake up people this was staged in order to reinforce that he is a Christan. He still has to explain sitting in that hate filled church for 20 years and taking his children. Some people believe that Obama is special he is special alright. A fraud. and a empty suit.

WHY IS OBAMA SCARED TO DEBATE McCAIN? OH MR. MOUTH IS AN EMPTY SUIT!

Richard (from Puerto Rico)   July 27th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

CNN, I think you are really against Obama, All your media frenzy of publishing all the "negatives" and hardly any of McCain, is reason enough to think about it. With the exception of Jack, who battles against the Wolf , Bolger,Campbell and the others who want to see Obama fail. I have heard McCain make such blunder and no hype from CNN, to fallow-up like you spin with Obama, leads me to believe whole-heartedly that you are truly Pro-Mc.Cain.

BJ   July 27th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

he obviously paid some kid to take the prayer, did you hear what it said!?!?!?! if it were a real prayer, it would have been for McCain to to eaten by wolverines.

Anna   July 27th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

I dont believe this story. I am sorry.
this has to be a hoax.

This UNIDENTIFIED jewish seminary student who stole a secret prayer at a Holy place in one of the most volatile regions of the World please come forward and tell me I am wrong.

Robert   July 27th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

How foolish are Americans to not realize this whole thing is STAGED! Come on people, wake up! Notes all over the wall, Obama places one and it's carefully watched so as to not lose sight of it and then pull it from the wall and release it to the media. It was a planned event, just like everything else on this man's calendar.

Rob   July 27th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Beautiful humble Christian Prayer from a man of Faith.

Anna   July 27th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

i cant believe this wasn't stage craft.

The idea of a jewish seminary student stealing someone else's prayer off the Wall is just that...off the wall.

This is way too much to ask the literate observer to believe.

Richard (from Puerto Rico)   July 27th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

July 27th, 2008 1:26 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Not wanting to add fuel to the already started fire, but it makes me wonder whether this is the very first time this ever happened, or the first time it is exposed to public scrutiny? It also leads me to believe that such incident; the placing of the personal note by person of such high profile as U.S. senator Barack Obama, represents, I believe there should have been more oversight than there seemed to be. Of course, no disrespect to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowits. After all he made the adecuate observations about the alleged action on the sacred Holy Site and what it stands for to all the people in the Holy Land. It is an utter aciton.

Chris   July 27th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I'm amazed this story is still running. I've seen some crazy stuf in these comments... I can't believe someone called Obama the most arrogant man alive based on such a simple prayer. Baseball players can pray to win the world series, but Obama can't ask for forgiveness or protection for himself and his family?

Yeah, the world has pretty much gone nuts when people take offense to prayers and applaud the presidential candidacy of a guy that campaigned for GW Bush... TWICE.

ET from OMAHA   July 27th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

What a very shamefull act! Pure violation of privacy.
Now Million of people in the world will ask if it's worth to put any prayer note in that wall again.
Israelis should present a serious apology to OBAMA and promisse not only to their people but to everybody in the world that this would not happen again.

PUMA-Jessie   July 27th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Some one needs to talk to the young man who gave the note to the newspaper. Lets find out why? Lets find out if he is a McCain supporter, an Obama supporter or neither. Lets find out why he was there and able to take the note. I can not see where this benefits McCain in any way, but I can see all the media coverage benefiting Obama, because it helps to put to rest the muslim issue. It would also be nice to know why that newspaper saw fit to publish the note. They should have known better! The media and that includes the print, have been so overboard in their coverage of Obama, it has been almost shameless.

Moses, Ca.   July 27th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

To all of the McWar supports, you know as well as I do. that was wrong, if it happened to McWar you would be saying " Oh my God " can you beleive what they did to McWar. All of you McWar supporters can hold a town hall meeting in a phone booth. Get real...

joe   July 27th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Shame only the Seminary student, the paper and all the news net – works that are prying with the fellowship between Senator Obama and God.

Lorna, NY   July 27th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Americans should be proud that they have an intelligent person (Barak Obama) running for the President of the United States. When was the last time we had an intelligent person representing America - George Bush???

Johnny   July 27th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I love people who say Obama is anti-debate, when the full story indicates that McCain will not debate except in limited settings which favor his campaign.

Obama is pro-debate, McCain is pro-politics.

McCain's double talk is despicable. If he doesn't criticize Obama for not visiting troops in the hospital, he criticizes him for staging a political event in visiting those same troops.

McCain is just a bitter man with no substance. Due to this lack of substance, the only thing he can do on the campaign is try to rip apart Obama for stupid paradoxical reasons.

sheila   July 27th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Jealousy is ignorance! also a sin. Keep your Bigot self in your own home or move to anoher country!

Lizzy   July 27th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

To: JohnBoy

Not only are you misguided in your vote, but you are disoriented. What does your comment have to do with this blog? MORON.

Willis, Texas   July 27th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

This was a terrible thing to do! How sad that some people can justify their actions and the actions of their party as acceptable - in GOD's eyes or yours?!

Obama is comfortable negotiating with world leaders, he is confidant that he can solve domestic and international problems. So how his confidence translated into arrogance is a mystery to the majority of us. As I see it, if you have an I.Q. the size of your shoe size, then and only then can you misconstrue confidence with arrogance.

I saw McShame on CNC this morning with Wolf - what a moron! Answering questions: "I know, and the people I know, know that I know, they know I know how to solve that problem"! The man is more stupid than George Bush!!!!

He also said he knows how to win wars! What war has he won - he spent 5-1/2 years as a prisoner of war! He has never lead men, he has never developed a military strategy, he has never negotiated with foreign governments! SO HOW DOES HE KNOW HOW TO WIN WARS? Oh, then this takes us back to: "I know, and the people I know, know that I know, they know I know how to solve that problem"!

THE MAN HAS ROCKS IN HIS HEAD - NO BRAIN, JUST ROCKS!!

His support is coming from people who are voting because he is WHITE! There is nothing substance - JUST WHITE

PUMA   July 27th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

PUMAs for Clinton!

sam   July 27th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

mauri,

The who trip was wonderful, so shut your pie hole and keep your nasty remarks to yourself!.

Dan, TX   July 27th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

How can people support McCain when McCain proposes they pay more taxes than Obama? I don't get it. Why do republicans want to pay more taxes and give more of their money to the government. I thought republicans were against big government?

Everyone posting that this was a set-up are clearly republicans, since they know that's the strategy they would have used. That's not the way Obama works. He represents me. He cuts taxes more than McCain, he lowers the national debt more than McCain, and he provides access to health care more than McCain.

Republicans for Obama.

Eddy   July 27th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Wot, no PUMAs? Gone to the beach?

Ed   July 27th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

McCain will probably come out with "Mr. Obama wasn't careful enough with his note, how can he be trusted to with the care of the U.S.". Poor McCain, you've got to feel for the guy, when the negative and cheap shots come out, that's when you know you're desperate!

kim hussein smith   July 27th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

people, dont let the repugs control your mind anymore, it's a GOOD thing that we have a presidential candidate who is WELL-SPOKEN, INTELLIGENT, and already travelling to europe and the middle east. bush/mccain have NO interest in stability, peace and prosperity for all-there's NO MONEY for them to make in that kind of world!

it's a very simple decision: do you want continued foreign debt for the u.s., continued divisiveness in our great country and the world, continued dependence on oil. PLEASE read something LEGITIMATE to see how unworkable offshore drilling is. and look at our own DOE stats that show the u.s. EXPORTS 1.4 MILLION barrels of oil PER DAY!! ask yourself WHO benefits from an "oil shortage"? who made history-making profits in the BILLIONS? and WHY are they exporting so much US OIL-um, did you see the part about "PROFITS IN THE BILLIONS"?!?!?

dont let the repugs/FOX control your minds any longer, these are desperate times and we need everyone voting based on FACTS!

fafa   July 27th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

why did CNN post the prayer in the first place. CNN you could have just REPORTED. Or is this Wolf's Blitzer " pictures say a thousand words"

hitobito   July 27th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Obama will eat McCain alive in a debate. McCain is not exactly the brightest individual who graduated from the Naval Academy. In fact, he is among the lowest 1%. Debate...bring it on, America will see the difference between a Harvard trained lawyer and a senile fool with limited intellectual capacity.

DS   July 27th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Butch Dillon: "Sadly, this has to be expected from the zionists among the Jews."

Keep your hate to yourself. This was the act of one person. I suspect it has more to do with celebrity fascination than any political motive– there is nothing in the note that reflects badly on Senator Obama. On the other hand, some people such at Butch Dillon use this disgraceful incident to advance their own agendas of defamation.

Karen   July 27th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

The removal of Mr. Obama's private prayer from the Western Wall is not only sacrilegious but also a breach of privacy. I'm not a supporter of Mr. Obama in any way and I decry his trip as nothing more than a huge publicity stunt but the person who removed the prayer from the Wall ought to be ashamed of his actions, especially since once the prayer was removed from the Wall, it was then turned over to a branch of the media.

Mark Webb   July 27th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

McCain and his supporters should avoid manipulating such things. Let's stay focused on the issues.

judy, Wisconsin   July 27th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I don't understand that the media has printed the prayer, which is supposed to be personal, however, serveral of the posts accuse the Obama campaign of staging this. How ridiculous–did they come to that conclusion by some ignorant thinking or did they hear it on Fox Faux noise?

ANGIE   July 27th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

this is terrible the man cant even have a prayer this is nothing to do with politicts this is a man and his relationship with god, the media has resorted to an all time low i know with obama being the first african american presidential nomoniee is historical and the media wanting to be involved but they have gone to far sad sad sad!!!!!!!!! obama it was a beautiful prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! obama08

Unity for Issues   July 27th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

The media stooped to an eye-opening new low by printing this very private prayer.

lambert   July 27th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Why does CNN's Lou Dobbs hates Obama? I know you will not post my comment again but I will keep writing.

People come on   July 27th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

How dare people think that Obama would stage such an incident this man said a prayer to God and someone took it and used it for their own personal gain. this is indeed a disgrace and that person along with the media (CNN you're the head of this) should feel ashamed!!!!

Sam   July 27th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Todays Gallup Poll:

– Obama 49%

– Mccain 40%

Chappy in Jacksonville, FL   July 27th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

This Rabbi deserves our thanks for keeping the wall Sacred.
May He be praised by all who come to the wall for Prayer.
May God Bless him for his efforts.

Bobbie. LA   July 27th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Obama with a Yomulka on? The guy will do anything for a vote including selling his original supporters down the drain which he has done in the case of FISA.

Also the idea of the Messiah being "Mr. Peace" is out the window as he's now pushing an escalation of the war in Afghanistan.

When he said he was the agent of change, he meant change of venue only. He'll keep the war machine going.

Liz   July 27th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I'm glad someone was paying attention. Prayers inserted in the Western Wall are for God's eyes only. Whoever removed Obama's prayer note should be ashamed. CNN should be ashamed for printing it.

Kevin   July 27th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

I have no doubt that this note is going to make its way to ebay and I will bid at least 1000 dollars even though I know I would not win.

Sammy   July 27th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Guess its natural that people do this. But newspapers/newspapers do not have to show it. So while I can blame the guy for going against his religious teachings (and his job) for doing what they did. I blame the media more for going after ratings rather than respecting a persons religious activities.

Whining Tommy Hussein in St. Louis   July 27th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

terry,va July 27th, 2008 10:16 am ET
This is a political stunt to try to convince people he has Christian faith. It won't work BHO.

------------------------–

It's amazing how firmly some people will believe something, without any evidence whatsoever.

SIck Person on Board!!!   July 27th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Paula-For all we know Obama's camp set it up. Like all the Phoro-ops that took place. IDIOT!!!

Ronnie. LA   July 27th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

This whole thing is bogus and never happened, designed to put Obama in a good light. Keep it up CNN and MSNBC; your bias favoring Obama and your excessive coverage of him is starting to affect the polls in favor of McCain. His lead is down to 4% which is statistically insignificant.

Americans do not like favoritism and a backlash is underway.

Steve   July 27th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

BHO is in a presidential election. If he wants to keep his prayers to Allah a secret, he shouldn't defile the western wall with their presence.

Walt, Belton,TX   July 27th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Clever of the Obama camp to come up with the whole charade in the first place. Thank goodness the pro-Obama media is giving it the most coverage it possibly can. Wouldn't want to waste all that effort and talent!

Jasmine in Marburg, Germany   July 27th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Just quickly, in your article above you wrote "...eight-day trip to the Middle East and Europe." in the last paragraph. May I kindly bring it to your attention that Afghanistan is located in central Asia? The sentence should have read: ...trip to Asia, the Middle East and Europe. I don't intend to be critical, but imagine what the locals might be thinking about this geographical faux pas from your prominent international news network.

Ann, MI   July 27th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Those of you who think this was a stunt really need to get your heads out of the gutter. I cannot find any evidence of other candidates, politicians or heads of state having their notes removed. This is an attack on Obama pure and simple, and a new low. If it had been Bush or McCain, your outrage would be everywhere. I hope that seminary student gets kicked out, otherwise some poor temple is going to suffer with a rabbi who thinks its okay to violate trust and the direct, private prayers to God.

My friend recently converted to Judaism and was horrified by the racist and anti-Muslim comments made about Senator Obama. She couldn't believe that a group of people so persecuted could attack a man simply for his name and skin color, neither of which he chose.

Reality   July 27th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

JohnBoy is a loser and extremely stupid !!

Tammie From Cleveland Ohio   July 27th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

To : The person"Obama You Are Blessed" You are a total nut job,
You need to be committed.

deedee   July 27th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

the public is fooled again. It would be of my opinion, since obama was on a magical mystery publicity tour, that he PAID someone to do that so that we could all have a heightened false perception of how pure he is.

4 THE CONSTITUTION   July 27th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

#1 CNN was sacreligious to have posted the prayer on this site, regardless of many readers asking for it to be removed. #2 To all you people saying nasty remarks regarding Obama, concerning this, you are not qualified to judge anothers prayer, are you?

Richard (from Puerto Rico)   July 27th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Not wanting to add fuel to the already started fire, but it makes me wonder whether this is the very first time this ever happened, or the first time it is exposed to public scrutiny? It also leads me to believe that such incident; the placing of the personal note by person of such high profile as U.S. senator Barack Obama, represents, I believe there should have been more oversight than there seemed to be. Of course, no disrespect to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowits. After all he made the adecuate observations about the alleged action action on the sacret emblem in the Holy Site and what it stands for to all the people in the Holy Land. It is an utter aciton.

Taylor   July 27th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Shame on CNN for posting the note and for continuing to revisit this issue. This morning, one of your very own Sunday TV news commentators called the issue "pathetic", but apparently isn't aware that story-hungry CNN posted the note this week, and now continues to write about it.

debkansas   July 27th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Whats all the up roar over. He left the note there on purpose so that it would be found and people would think that he actually prays. Hessin Obama is a fake. I don't trust him. Just who appointed him President anyway, I thought he was to elected by the people NOT selected by the media. Boycott the media. Americans should be allowed to make up their own minds and not be convinced that Hessin Obama is the choice of the people. HE IS NOT MY CHOICE AND NEVER WILL BE. HILLARY/MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT. I am a believer and I feel sorry for those that don't have faith.

Ted van Tol   July 27th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Two days ago I saw Sen. McCain in the Situation Room.
I realy felt sorry for him.
I saw a tired man who told us that he know how to win wars,
he would bring Osama Bin Laden to justice because he knew
the aria he lives and so on………………………..
I saw at his face that he did not believe his own words.
I saw the same face that I have seen by G. Bush the last 3 years.
Sen. Mc Cain, whom I respect, is an old and tired man. When he
becomes President of the USA he wil be totaly depent on his advisers like Bush did.
When Mc Cain would go to Berlin I am sure, no one would show up.

And what a difference when I see Barack Obama, young, strong, wise and loved all over the world. He is surely isnot the Messiah, he is not pretending that but he is a good man with a vision for this world no one ever dreamed of.
He gives so many hope for the future.

Americans vote for the best candidate, Barack Hussein Obama.

With love from the Netherlands.

ex-Republican for Obama   July 27th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

The rabbi is absolutely right of course. I'm sure Senator Obama fully expected that his note would remain private. What a shame.

Obama '08

S. Boatman   July 27th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

John Mccain Had Someone Take The Note To Try And Have Some Dirt On Obamas Religion! Mccain Is A Crooked Politician! This Shows He Is Not The Right Person To Be President!

Chuck, Euigene Oregon.   July 27th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I am appaled that CNN continues to talk about this.

NPA   July 27th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

It was also sacrilegious how CNN exploited the prayer and how the Republican Christians tried so hard to find something wrong with the prayer.

libs be dopes   July 27th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I wonder which one of his 300 advisors wrote it for him?

Wright?
Jackson?
Sharpton?
Pfluger?

Belle   July 27th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Well...let's see...Obama meets with the leader of Iraq, then HIS campaign LEAKS the details of the meeting so it would appear as if the leader of Iraq is in total agreement with him...omitting that the timeline was based on CONDITIONS on the ground.

Then a college student takes his prayer, and it is published globally at a time when he is being called arrogant?

I think Obama is a good man basically. However, he needed to follow his role model, JFK and actually WORK in the Senate for 10-15 years before running for President. He needs experience, and his OVERSIGHT on the war in Afghanistan as COMMITTEE SUB-CHAIR was non-existent! Don't know why he just didn't resign if he wasn't going to do anything....that would have been the honorable thing to do.

Kevin Hart   July 27th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

This is indicative of how far the neo-cons of the Jewish persuasion, and their Republican lapdogs, who masterminded the illegal war and occupation of Iraq, will go to try to find out if Obama is a closet Muslim. The seminary student was hoping to find some prayer to "Allah or Mohammed" which could be fired off around the globe for an instant "gotcha". Instead, a man's private prayer to God is violated and his dignity at a sacred site is desecrated for political puposes. It is time to turn off the money spigot of US tax dollars to Israel. No more GI and USMC blood, broken bones, missing limbs, widows, widowers and orphans for a diabolical lie, generated by the neo-cons.

LeMonton   July 27th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

CNN: "McCain camp rips Obama for cutting troop visit"

Very pathetic of McCain and his camp to criticize Obama for not visiting troops, while overseas, when it was the Pentagon that raised "concerns".

As a matter of fact, McCain would have criticized anyway. If Obama would have visited the troops in Germany, McCain would have argued that he was using the troops for political gain (as the trip to Europe was a political trip). If Obama would have cancelled (as he did) to avoid that perception, then you see their comments now.

Can you believe a politician complaining that the opponent did not visit more people while on a campaign trip? Not only was the pentagon that show "concerns", but it is also highly inappropriate of McCain to criticize Obama on this and it shows the level of desperation, emptiness and lack of message and solutions of McCain.

Michaelene   July 27th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

I don't know what is worse.
The fact that he had campaign posters placed at the Wailing Wall.
or
The disgraceful use of a holy site as a campaign stop.
or
The bs prayer which pleads for humility while the world calls him an elitist.
or
The fact that this senator publicly placed his private prayer for tv cameras.
or
His carefully worded prayer conveniently blasted on tv and web by his own supporters.

Obama is a disgrace!

Will, NJ   July 27th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

I suppose the most disgraceful thing is occurring on these forums where the article is about a man's religious freedoms being violated yet some still feel it appropriate to bash the man on totally unrelated issues. I would expect nothing less from McCain followers after his hate campaign.

stan   July 27th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Comments of note: Oh God, let me be your instrument of change, let me sit at your right side along with Jesus, let me have the power to destroy my enemies, or republicans, for sure, let me walk on water, and cure those who are blind to my promises of change, let all doubters of my true message of change be cast into hell, especially the republicans, oh god, I am your savior, let me stand about you, bah, bah, bah, bah,

LatinosforMcCain   July 27th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

When do the debates start?
Why is Obama scared of the debates?
Let Americans ask the questions.
Is Obama a empty suite?
Vote for a real American.

McCain 08

Why is it that the DEM Liberals are trying so hard to hide when the facts are that Congress which is run by the Dem has a Approval Rating of 9% how pathetic can that be!!! Yes Dem Congress in which Barrack Obama is part of it that Congress and the DEM are worse than Bush!! that right worse!! So Nancy Pelozi, Harry Reid, Howard Dean and Barrack Obama, you all are pathetic leaders. AMERICA wake up and elect John McCain 08

Latinos for McCain 08

Andrew   July 27th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

thereitis: "This has to be expected from the Zionists among the Jews"

What is that supposed to mean?

Sherry   July 27th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

And why did an Israeli newspaper print the note when they should have known it was a sacroligious act?

Jasmine in Marburg, Germany   July 27th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

It was wrong to remove the note, it was even worse that the media published it. It's sad that trust, virtue, and honour doesn't seem to mean much when it comes to money. Perhaps there is still hope for change. A redemption could start with apologies from the media sources which published it (I believe your network is on this list), and of course, perhaps most importantly; the Senator deserves an apology as well, for the invasion of his privacy.

libs be dopes   July 27th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Wrong?

No doubt.

Planned?

Without a doubt.

Anything to keep the spotlight on him.

Anyone seen the Clintons?

October suprise!

iwannatalk2   July 27th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

I just can't believe it. Well, actually, I can. No matter what he does, says or prays, people will hate this man. I am a republican. But I am voting for Obama because we need a dynamic shift in theory and conviction in Washington. I read 1 person smirking say "oh he prays for himself- typical" What do you people want? This is the first black man to achieve what he has, and you don't think people want to kill him for that?! What is wrong with you?! If they shot and killed 2 presidents, shot and killed a US senator, shot and critically wounded another president, critically shot in the head another member of that presidents party- what do you want him to pray for? More sleep on the campaign trail??!! And these guys were all white!!!!!!!! You guys really really upset me that so many people forget the history of race and murder in this country. People bombed a CHURCH for crying out loud– there is nothing sacred to insane monsters. And we all need to pray for our selves and others every day. He asks for help with pride and despair. When was the last time any of us asked God to help us not be prideful? No we ask for help getting more money- or help me get this promotion, or let this deal go thru, or that....just so that we can keep sticking our chests out saying "look at what I did". I feel despair just reading some of your comments! What do people want?! I just don't get it anymore. Jesus prayed for HIMSELF in the garden right before being crucified, and he is the example we should be following.
You know what? I'm gonna pray for every person who has written a comment on this article that God would open up all of our eyes to our failings and shortcomings, and help us to do better. Cause we all need Jesus around here!! And that ain't no joke.

Michael   July 27th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Some of you border on the absurd in your thinking that the campaign would set up something like this. Either you have a very active imagination or just do not like Obama, either way it would be nice if some common sense were used in your comments. The suggestion that the McCain campaign had something to do with this is another absurd suggestion. I believe McCain is smart enough to figure out something like this would destroy any chance of him being elected President. Whether one likes or dislikes Senator Obama this was wrong, the media is wrong for reporting it and it shows the stupidity of our media around the world.

What is more troubling is the fact some of you wish to make this into some type of political play. This has nothing to do with politics; this is a blatant violation of religious privacy and choice. I guess those of you who wish to make political hay out of this wouldn’t mind your personal prayer to God made public and do not care for others privacy when it comes to religions prayer. This is a sad testament really, it has become clear in this election cycle that many if not most Americans support anything goes type of politics. It is because of this, the world will continue to look at the United States the way they do, arrogant, hypocritical, and not willing to change.

stan   July 27th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

and danny, he is about as much about change as hitler was, open your closed mind and see the light, he is an empty suit and appeals to people with empty minds,

PUMA   July 27th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

This is soooo obviously an Obama stunt. It reeks of "holier than thou". And this is the man that the "world" wants as our president?

Nobama

zorba   July 27th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Disgusting. Is nothing sacred or private anymore? This really just plain goes too far.

Go McCain   July 27th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Why aren't the media writing about more important concerns, Such as why, on a supposedly "fact findng" trip, Obama would take the obvious politial photo-op ploy of visiting a military hospital. This dispicable....what? He didn't?...Oh...Why Obama would turn his back on our wounded troops by refusing to visit....

nate   July 27th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Nice use of the word "uppity" Paula. Oh we get where youre coming from...

jason, tx   July 27th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

First, Lee B, you are an ignorant fool. (yeah, I know, you will not post this)

Second, this was a despicable act. I can't believe the news paper printed it and, actually, I'm not surprised some seminary student, probably from the Christian Right, plucked it from the wall. What a calculated move.

Oh, and Lee, HE IS A CHRISTIAN!!! For crying out loud.....

stan   July 27th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

this whole thing was totally staged by nomama, the tv showed exactly where he placed the note and focused on his hand as he was doing it, are we all stupid and let this guy get away with this act, the person who removed it should be cursed, and he was a seminary student, sure, of what religion, muslim, of course,

randy   July 27th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

CNN you can still post the picture as long as i am consign i belive obama is on on christian and on on true christian in did so CNN you can post the letter to let those neo cons anti obama people to see and belive.

David Goldman for OBAMA   July 27th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

I JUST WANT TO KNOW,

IF I CAN CALL OBAMA A FELLOW JEW?

I DO ALREADY CALL HIM THE BEST OF WHAT AMERICA IS.

EDUCATION & LOVE FOR EACHOTHER WILL MAKE THIS

NATION THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, SHE WAS MEANT TO BE.

THEN, FOR A FACT, REST OF THE WORLD WILL FOLLOW SUITE.

Obama to our rescue 08/12   July 27th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Since they know who removed this prayer then turned it in to whoever printed it they both should be stoned .
Read " thereitis " above and you have it in a nut shell .

You M cCain fallowers take a good look at what you are fallowing and you should have plenty to wonder about and McCain isnt moving so fast you will miss him .

Independent for Obama, TX   July 27th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Let us focus on the contents of the prayer. What a nice genuine prayer. This sheds light on the humility of the man.

OBAMA 08

chubby   July 27th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

To obama u are blessed. You really need to go back to elementary school and learn sentence structure and for goodness sake use spell check or a dictionary. I am sure you support obama because he will give you "stuff".

Jenny   July 27th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

PR At a New Low
Wow, Obama, after watching your campaign closely for the last year, I thought your PR people can’t get any lower, but this one takes the cake. Congrats, I think it worked.
Nice letter by the way.

kelly WI   July 27th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Big deal.
Who the heck cares? Just something else to give him more free publicity. But then there are always the ones who can be fooled with anything. He doesn't even celebrate xmas or birthdays with gifts. Not the muslim way.

The Change Express   July 27th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

it wasnt so much of a disrespect of CNN to post the prayer..but the total disrespect of Israel to allow this to happen. Do they not think that Barack is worthy enough of privacy? Do they think him less of a man and that his words to God means nothing?

Joe the Troll   July 27th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

"Taking the prayer away from the wall was not cool. But really, did you read the prayer? I think Obama should have been praying a little earlier for the Lord to help guard him against pride. Obama is the most arrogant man alive."

Actually, Jeff, mow that you've seen fit to criticize him on the basis of his prayer, I'd say YOU would have to be the most arrogant man alive.

cora   July 27th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

I have no respect for a news organization that would publish a man prayer, oh i see the relationship between ,The Time and Fox ,they are both owe by a very conservative individual. CNN and some of their reporters are not always fair and balance in their reporting. CNN should have never publish the prayer, shame on you.

Independent   July 27th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

I guess things aren't sacred anymore....What next someone going to find his diary and read that too??????????

CNN if you haven't removed it, it is time to do so.....must be something for the ratings????????

Cynthia   July 27th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

What did they do to the seminary student who removed the note? Expell him or something.

sen george obinna   July 27th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

i believe dat obama will surely b d nxt america president.he represents true change 4 humanity

Gene from Georgia   July 27th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Youre right, Paula. It is all about Hillary.

Sally in PA   July 27th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Paula,

You are a complete idiot to think Obama's campaign was behind this. Why don't you make an attempt to think logically and, perhaps, a little spiritually? I guess you are a McCain fan, a man who doesn't even have a religion as far as I know.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   July 27th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Silly issue. If he hadn't known it would be made public, he wouldn't have lied. A purely opportunistic ploy to seek support from superstitous fools. Praying for help with his arrogance? I guess his prayers have been falling on no ears at all. If he wants to end his odyssey of bigotry and entitlement, he should just drop out and let someone with better credentials and experience win instead of losing to McCain.

hd   July 27th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Yes, it certainly was. Those were private thoughts. An exploitative move if there ever was one. They could have asked him what he wrote, that would have been more appropriate.

ginololoya   July 27th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

It is the OBAMA Machine that mostly COVERS all of CNN responses. In less than 1/2 Hour they, I mean the machine players who are OBAMA lovers, populate responses favoring anything OBAMA says or does. So, neutral guys and gals, be watchful. OBAMA has rigged this election. He went to internet to get his funds. Most Moslems paid dollars in to his campaign. Most true Americans did not. They favored Hillary, but Moslems won in this country as now they are to install their own Moslem brother in the White House of USA.

God Bless our Country from Moslem perpotrators. But this time the blessings are little too short.

NoMccain   July 27th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I agree. Even though he is not of their faith, does not give anyone the right to be so disrespectful. The person who did it should be widely condemned. He was an honored guest, and that raises the question of the security of such notes with anyone else who prays at the Wailing Wall.

David Newport, OR   July 27th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

anything can be obtained if you throw enough money around. That is the reason humans stink...no morals

Ben from D.C.   July 27th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I read the note from somewhere online (didn't know I was reading it)

I actually returned from Israel and the Western Wall 2 days before Obama went there. Really is a shame that his prayer was stolen from him.

John   July 27th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Shame on Cnn. New for giveing false hope to these lost people!! Obama is not a great Black Leader!! Last year we did not ever know his name!! Obama is not MLK! CNN has been Brain washing these poor lost souls into thinking OBama is the greats Black person on earth!! How far will the media go!! Wake-up folks don't let Obama trick you out of your vote! Obama has lied his way into false fame and he did not pay his way throw School. They check and Obama use the govement and grants to pay his way throw School.Just because you go to the far east for eight days, will not make you a Leader. Leadership comes from years of self giving from inside your self and working hard to gain knowlege. If Obama really wants to be a good leader, he should keep his job in the Senate he started and work his way up.

Tammie From Cleveland Ohio   July 27th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

THIS IS NOTHING ,BUT ANOTHER OBAMA PR STUNT
THE ROCK STAR.

SO SAD< SOME PEOPLE ARE REALLY FALLING FOR IT.

cora   July 27th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

this is totally disgraceful in that your prayers are not private, even his right to pray is not respected. God is with this man so get over and move on .

Sick People on Board!!!   July 27th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

To: Griff, Terry VA,and James From Chicago - (A Daily Dose of Christlike love will heal The Heart Disease Of ENVY!!)

jack debrot, new york, new york   July 27th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

don't be so dumb. the annointed one wrote the note and put it in the wall precisely so that it would be removed and read.

Jason   July 27th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

This man is such a lousy act and its frustrating to see people continue to SWOON. Piece it all together: he has followers 'fainting' at his speeches and he tosses out bottles of water like so many loaves of bread and fish. Then his private letter of the Wall gets mysteriously 'discovered' and circulated in the worldwide media, the same week that it is said that evangelicals may not fall in line with him after all.

What an act!

Texas Hottie   July 27th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Close comments already. This isn't news.

Oh wait....slow news day at CNN.

BC   July 27th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

To -Jeff : How do know if Obama have not been praying earlier?

You need to pray for the removal of that hate..........

sarah   July 27th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Jeff,

The word is "confident," and arrogant. Or, you can call him "successful." Enough with "arrogant" which obviously stands in for "uppity." Enough.

Mona   July 27th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I agree with the rabbi , it was sacrilegious

no McCain!   July 27th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

This is ridiculous! I thought a prayer was supposed to be private! It seems church and state are being fused together. Messages between man and God are supposed to be private.

The whole Muslim thing has to stop, too. He isn't. I don't even see the big deal if he is a Muslim. It doesn't mean terrorist. Karadzic killed OVER 100,000 innocent Bosnians. Why don't we call him a Christian terrorist? Would someone answer that? So we're forming our opinions based on a name? We're being hypocritical.

Obama '08

Sebastian,
By the way... Muslims do refer to God as "Lord" in prayer. But almost every religion does, it doesn't mean anything.

lovable liberal   July 27th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Wingnuts everywhere are cursing their bad luck that Obama's Wailing Wall prayer was not blank. Now, they're looking for any opening to criticize his supposedly confidential prayer.

How low is too low for them? We're not there yet.

Kerry   July 27th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Paula, you need to take a pill before your head explodes with all your conspiracy theories. A visit to a psychiatrist wouldn't hurt, either.

I'm an atheist, and I found the publication of the note abhorrent.

Laura   July 27th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Who cares? He should be addressing the concerns of our country in our country as Presidential candidate, not traveling the world pretending to be our President. He's so arrogant.

Cosmic Queen of the Cosmos   July 27th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Golly gee willikins, duh, what do ya' expect? The guy parades around the world like he is the Second Coming of you know Who and everyone gets upset because "it's private." Oh pooooollllleeeezzzzeeee! I don't know whether this guy who calls himself Obama is a snake oil salesman? A spiritual leader? A peacock? A politician? A vaudevillian? Or actually he does have some steak beneath his sizzle...hey world lets sit in my hot tub at 0300am singing "Kumbaya" and hold hands singing "We Are the World". Kiss-kiss-see how easy it is....Simon says...I am not delusional, am I?

go away mongers- Ventura ca   July 27th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

This action shows the total disregard and disrespect for Senator Obama. His prayer is not "news" to anyone but God. I "pray" that Obama wins by a landslide and starts the healing process needed from the mongers of fear and hate. That is my public and private prayer!

PUMA 4 HILL   July 27th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

PLEASE, Obama wanted his prayer disclosed to the WORLD. He is an attention seeker, egomaniac and the most arrogant to think his short experience in the Senate qualifies him for POTUS.

GAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG me

Get over yourselves. Wake up!!

ruth   July 27th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

It's despicable, how could someone think its news-worthy to publish the private prayers of any one? It is understood, when you are a public person some things will become public, however his right to talk and pray to God is very much a private affair. The person who took his prayer from the wall amounts to an atheist to me. No matter what anyone thinks or say about Sen Obama be they black or white, what gods has for him will happen in Gods will.

barry   July 27th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Note to John Boy...so immature little boy...there will be plenty of debates...so many we will tire of them...can't you myopics think of anything else to do but to come up with empty reasons to criticize the man who the whole world knows will be our president in Jan. '09?

Ben   July 27th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

The media can be truly sleezy sometimes. I thought CNN would be better than this.

And those who have criticized the note itself, clearly you are not familiar with custom at the Kotel (the Western Wall). It is traditional for visitors to write down short, private prayers like the one that (unfortunately) was published and insert them in the cracks of the Wall. It is unheard of for somebody to take one out and give it to the media.

Frank from Peterborough   July 27th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Get used to it people the main stream news medias will publish anything they think might turn some segment of voters against Obama. Look at the difference in coverage of the 2 candidates where Obama gets the most but much of it is geared towards causing controversy with some part of the public.

If the news medias really want something to publish they should get a story on Joe Lieberman changing John McCain's diapers so he will stop his whining. Maybe what John needs is a man sized pacifier because with it stuck in his mouth it might reduce the chance of him constantly putting both feet in it.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   July 27th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Poster number 2 (Jeff) illustrates why the prayer should have remained private.

Jeff goes on to criticize Obama's prayer (like McCain would have done)

Jeff......That is not cool!

PUMA 4 HILL   July 27th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Those of us who are Christian, and those who choose another religious path, pray all the time.

Why, oh why does Obambi's prayer mean anything more? He is a human being like the rest of us and nothing more.

STOP the madness. What has this guy done for you, for me??

The Clintons have done and accomplished a lot more than this Senator and his hateful wife and the thugs who follow them.

PUMA for McCain

Mandy   July 27th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

I don't find it hard to believe that a seminary student was responsible for this sacreligious act, or that McCain's people arranged it. There are a handful of relatively small fundamentalist Jewish communities in Israel that receive a great deal of funding from the Christian right in the US, and use these funds to continuously rebuild settlements in what is acknowledged to be Palestinian territory, i.e. the West Bank. These Jews do NOT want a secular Democrat in the office of President of the US. It must be noted that the majority of Israelis favor negotiation and disapprove of such defiance, and many even view the funding of these activities as support for terrorism on the part of "Christian Zionists."

Mike T   July 27th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

I agree the note should never have been removed and made public.

Swing Voter in Virginia   July 27th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Poor Obama, he just can not win. SO many people have NO idea what it means to have a relationship with God. We have a prayer box at my church and you would think NOBODY would stoop so low as to read the contents in it.
And now you have people that hate Obama so much that they are saying this was staged. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Even when people come against Obama, he is blamed for it.

Be Careful !!!   July 27th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

To Griff– A daily dose of Christlike love will heal The heart disease of Envy

CENTRAL MA   July 27th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I THINK THEY SHOULD JUST BURN THE NOTE, AFTERALL OBAMA WAS NOT AND IS NOT MAN ENOUGH TO SPEND MORE THAN 10 MINUTES IN JERUSALEM.

James Fron Chicago   July 27th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Are all you people crazy or just STUPID.. Obama probably didn't even
write it, his speech writers did. This is all a PR stunt.

Can't you see what's going on...Obama is creating a circus, he will do
anything to get his face on the news.

SHAME ON US FOR FALLING FOR THIS SNAKE>

proud army and navy mom   July 27th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

People keep useing my name on this website (typical Democrats at work with there awful language and childish name calling) I am 100% McCain and anyne that says they are for Obama needs to quit.

McCain 08

Deli   July 27th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

who said Obama was afraid of debates? pls find the direct quote without being out of context. Obama has become very good at debates compared to his early tries. He could stand up to HIllary (tho not as good still cuz she has amazing debating skills) and no way McCain can speak like he can. I've seen all the debates and McCain is not as good at debates.

Peter of Oregon   July 27th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I hope that that seminary student has been identified, and he be put in the public spotlight for what he did, and expelled for his seminary school for his utter disrespect for Obama and his personal Faith in God.

Peter of Oregon   July 27th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

He was absolutely right to condemn it! Many people also condemn CNN and the other media outlets for publicizing and perpetuating the story.

This was a very personal statement between Barack Obama and the God he worships. And CNN's putting it out for the public demonstrated a whole new level of low in tabloid, sensationalist journalism. You showed absolutely no respect for Senator Obama, or his faith.

Dood   July 27th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

CNN has offended the Lord and Savior Jesus Obama and his unwashed slave follower cult.

Meanwhile, the grill is good and hot. Who wants a burger? Hot dog?

Alexis   July 27th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Obama does not have to stage anything to get more media attn. CNN reports on his dam@ near every move and this is coming from an Obama supporter. So NO Camp obama did not hook up with the student to plot this whole thing. Obama hasnt even commented on the darn story yet. I loved the prayer but felt it should have been kept quiet esp. since visinting that wall is on my bucket list. To the athiest I will be praying for you. God Bless

Andrea in Fl   July 27th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Just goes to show how low the media will stoop. Not only do I have faith in the bottom dwelling media, but I also firmly believe the removal was planned. I believe plastic Obama planned that note hoping it would be read and he'd wear his 'innocent, yet holy' look. Nothing his camp does is accidental.

Maggie   July 27th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Obama will be our next president regardless of the smears by McSame and the publishing of garbage like this. Some of the remarks here like Paula's "uppity folks" are sickening. McSame does nothing but screech like a chicken while his campaign must be disappointed that the note was nothing they could use against him. Also, the photo that McBush's team is using to say that Obama went to a gym instead of visiting soldiers, is Obama playing basketball with soliders in Kuwait! God doesn't like stupid.

proud army and navy mom   July 27th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

McCain 08........Our country deserves better then Obama
McCain 08........Our country deserves better then Obama
McCain 08........McCain 08........Our country deserves better then

FMcMullen   July 27th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I was deeply offended by the actions of the seminary student who removed Obama's "prayer note" placed at the Western Wall. . I am a devout Christian who deeply supports Israel. Although I admire his accomplishments, I am not a supporter of Senator Obama.

I visited the Wall about 10 years ago and poured out my heart to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I prayed a blessing on each of my friends (some Jewish) and family members. I remember feeling that I had never been closer to God nor had my prayers been so intimate and private. Senator Obama deserved the same.

I appreciate the condemnation by the Rabbi who manages the Wall. I feel like the student AND THE NEWSPAPER THAT PUBLISHED IT should be sanctioned and publicly reprimanded by the Israeli Knesset. If the errant student (and Israel ) were hoping and looking for the possible future president's support,

What in God's name was the student thinking?
FMcMullen
Texas

Black 35 year old male for McCain   July 27th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Why was Larry Craig on the "Hot Topics" banner for two weeks for his bathroom escapade and John Edwards is not mentioned anywhere ?Adultery, bastardy, and nastiness are news except if it is a Democrat.

Patrick   July 27th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

After all the contributions by African American's for this country starting with the revolutionary war and the current one, Where in the history of humanity that a set of people has given so much and have gain so little in return? People can dislike Obama because of his politic, but he dislike him because of his heritage is sad. When will we ever learn? Hate, Racism, Prejudice, has no place in the world, The Nazi tired and were defeated, we need to fine a way to uplift humanity, of all the things one can do to uplift mandkind, and to make this world a better place when you are gone, some of you choose to be hate-mongers. WOW ! what an achievement.. Some of you will bring the devil to tears.

connie   July 27th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Jeff: Any black man who is confident is "arrogant." The old word for it used to be "uppity."

But Obama is different: he has confidence Plus. Which means, he's driving people with your mindset crazy!

Have fun voting for McCain; it's okay for white me to confident.

conspiracy theorist   July 27th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

i'm certain mccain is behind this.

Alex   July 27th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Lee B, I would really be very interested in knowing how you and your right wing friends came to the conclusion that Sen. Obama is a muslim. Because there is ZERO evidence of this, unless your thick skull only sees what he looks like from a strictly superficial point of view. And just to point out one small detail among those who hold beliefs such as this, if you'd do your homework, you'd find that Judaism, Christianity AND Islam have very very very similar fundamentals. Not all muslims are "Radicals", just like all Christians aren't Nazis. I hope you guys have fun meeting you maker someday.

Capricorn7NC   July 27th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

If you think Obama's arrogant, then he's just as arrogant as every politician in DC. Look at McCain, talking like he was the only one for the surge, which took a body of people to approve, not just him. That's arrogant.

Crush Rush   July 27th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Its so easy to spot the dittoheads,they are the ones that have nothing good to say about John McCain,they just lie and attempt to instill fear about Obama.Some use as many as thirty alias on here just to make it look as though their numbers are greater.

Jason   July 27th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

OBAMA is the future of this country and its sadly that some people would rather see this country sink than see it be saved!

Ron   July 27th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

How disappointing and how very, very wrong. Both the student who STOLE a prayer and the paper that printed it; both should be condemned.

Our trust in the wall has been destroyed. No longer are the words between a man and his god sacred but fodder for the curious and the media.

My heart is broken...

aztec3   July 27th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Gosh, I guess the next question about this is when will this note be put up for sale on Ebay???

Anonymous   July 27th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Exactly! How can such a private thing be published for the world to see? How disrespectful!

Connie   July 27th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

To Johnboy, As an Obama supporter I can not wait for the real debates to begin either.The reason Obama will not join McSenile in the town hall meetings are two-fold, McSenile is not telling him what to do and those places are just to small to hold all of the supporters that would be there for Obama.Besides I do not believe Obama would stand by while a librarian was arrested for holding a sign like McSenile did.Remember be careful what you wish for( this past week an example).Future vs Past. Back to the prayer that was stolen and published,every one remember God rewards those who do good things and punishes those who do bad. Go Obama 08

Connie from indiana

Ron democrat turned independent   July 27th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Sen. Obama is not what he wants us to believe he is. on an interview with people's magazine recently he said he does not buy gifts for his children on christmas or for their birthdays. that is also the teaching of the MUSLIM faith who do not celebrate the birth of christ or any birthdays including their own.this may be why he did not attend MLK's birthday celebration in Memphis thid year.when you add this to his background it gives you food for thought does it not

bobby from MS   July 27th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

what ever story destracts people from knowing Obama went to the gym instead of going to meet with wounded troops. Is that right CNN? The Pentagon spokesman even said they didn't tell Obama not to go but they did say not to make it a media affair.

Damian   July 27th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

This is why I'm an atheist. Organized religion has taken the concept of goodness and thrown it in the gutter! It supported slavery and the crusades, all in the name of the concept of goodness.

observer   July 27th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

This is sick and I clearly do not understand that the Media has no respect for a deeply personal thing like a prayer. Same on all you at CNN trying to start a smear campaign on Obama. McCain has so many gasps and rubbish about going after Russia, that you ought to cover
Just silly journalism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

Ali   July 27th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Lee B. How can anyone with any brains think that BO didn't conspire to have his prayer released? REALLY? The fact that you belive that BO is a Muslim causes me to question your brains. You probably forward every warning email you that hits your inbox. Just an FYI. Those emails are fake about 90% of the time.

dark days   July 27th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

First a Jewish student with no respect for the wall and his own religion steals the note. Then a Jewish newspaper, knowing full well what sacred violation took place, prints the note. Sorry Israeli press, your true colors have been exposed.

Paula Hussein Mack   July 27th, 2008 11:58 am ET

The Wailing Wall is the Holiest of places in Jerusalem, the very act of sending the prayer to God the Holiest.. this man has been ripped to shreds, huliliated and his inner most thoughts scrutinzed by the world. I cannot fathom one person on this blog saying one mean thing. My goodness what kind of hearts do you have?? God Bless you Barack and we are all praying for you..us with kind hearts who love you because you are a child of God like all of us. God Speed. Have you haters forgotten he is a man with feelings and a heart.. God have mercy on all you haters. Shame

jmo   July 27th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Come on people, it’s 2008. It doesn’t surprise me at all. If the student hadn’t removed it, somebody would have. There’s no such thing as privacy, or ethics, or morals any more if there’s a story to be had. I'm not saying it's right, it's just the way it is.

Raymond Duke   July 27th, 2008 11:56 am ET

I am like another person on this . When is Obama the "PHONY" going to debate John McCain and talk to the american people about the problems we face.As far as a veteran I know and have been involved in NATO exercises. They like to play war fake war games with us but have no intention of helping in a real war. They should be giving us all the help we need in Afghanistan and fighting right along with us instead of staying in the safe areas. Maybe when Hitler attacked these people we should have just sent them a few supplies and stayed out of it. I say don't put the anti missile site in poland to protect these nato countrys. I say that we need to get rid of the old Nato and start all over with the new countrys from the soviet bloc. They have provided fighting men and did more than these socialist parasites who call themselves our Nato friends.

allainjules   July 27th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Shame ! Rabbi is right !

Linda of Atlanta   July 27th, 2008 11:55 am ET

So, is the Seminary student being expelled? He obviously doesn't belong in the Seminary!

Alex   July 27th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Jeff, I beg to differ but I believe that the most arogant man alive would be president Bush

Danette   July 27th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Not only is Obama's prayer one everyone says – the "protect my family" part as well as the "protect me from my own transgressions/weaknesses" part – we all include those elements. They are ingrained in us as prayer fodder from a young age in traditional churches.

I love 'john boy's" comment above about Obama being an "empty suite" [sic] and McCain being a "real" American. Right. Let's compare, as a small thing – Senator Obama's ability to string together a sentence and inspire people – as opposed to the childish tantrum-like mannerisms of an old-timer, traditional thinker. Let's not even think about the legacy that his presidency would mean – W lite – where we have seen so little integrity and oh so much emptiness other than sheer and utter arrogance and selfish agenda.

What is it that is so objectionable about Obama? I think we know and it's related to some of the ugliest biases we have in our country – race, background, money, etc. And these biases are either related to the candidate or the candidate's policies.

idumwonyi festus   July 27th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Reading many of the rubbish comment by Americans on the presidential election, i just could not fathom that majority of them are so uncivilised, crude, and overtly dirty. I kept thinking that you only find this in Africa politics but my views have really changed. I challenege Americans of goodwill to make a choice between Esau (John Mc Cain) and Jacob (Barack Obama).

Jeff, Huntington Beach, CA   July 27th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Profiting off anothers faith is the American way. This is how the Bush Administration roped in the "religious, misguided right" and just look at all those "blessed" televangelists. Faith, for the most part has become a monumental joke in this country. To take the hearfelt pleas of the first black presidential nominee for the safety of his family as well as himself when many "believers" are racist who would call it "God's will" if something were to happen to him is showing what a pathetic society we have become. The Obama haters ignorance continues to amaze me, but then they all supported Bush during his 8 year rein of terror.

Read "The Political Brain" by Drew Weston if you want to be "enlightened" to what is going on in American polititcs today.

A CANUCK   July 27th, 2008 11:52 am ET

To all who invaded Obama's privacy.....SHAME ON YOU.....and to those who perpetuate it......DOUBLE SHAME !!!!!!!!!

arkansan   July 27th, 2008 11:50 am ET

i'm not so sure that GOD needs our prayers on paper,anyway.this is why i don't go to church. my conversations with GOD are private.i dont need to pay someone else,to have a connection with GOD.established religions will be the death of this world,and i will not play a part in that silly game.why any group thinks that their definition of GOD is more real than another group's ,is dumb.

Obama 08: mature, white woman   July 27th, 2008 11:49 am ET

When ios CNN going to cover the lies in the recent McCain ad re Obam's decision not to politicize the troops in Berlin.

McCain was turned down for a visit in Pensacola, Florida in Aoril and they complied with the quote from his campaign: "We follow the rule." Also the shot of Obama was from the defense footage of him playing basketball with the troops in Kuwait. As Hagel just stated on "Face the Nation" the ad is totally inappropriate as would a visit by Obama have been.

Dems2008   July 27th, 2008 11:49 am ET

I am with you D Constantine. We all have something we are working on. I support Obama for Presdent of the United States...proudly and whole-heartedly! Not because I think he is a rock star or idealist, but because I sincerely believe he has this country's best interest in mind when he speaks!!

Maggie   July 27th, 2008 11:48 am ET

I am stiil watching CNN's Wolf Blitzer Late Edition and I thought I was suppose to be seeing John McCain in an interview. For the past 15 mins, all I have seen or heard are reports on Obama and his upcoming live appearance. Why say that CNN was having an hour interview ith McCain when all we are hearing is about Obama. The only interest seems to be Obama. Why not just have two hours of Obama as is happening. I am tired of the overexposure of Obama and I am sure there are alot of voters out there feeling the same way. This will definitely will turn the voters against him because we are fedup of this talk every day 24×7. CNN, Please give us a break and at least show the other side.

S Callahan New York   July 27th, 2008 11:48 am ET

I thank the Rabbi for being a respector of those in faith with God.
What many people don't understand is that this note is evidence of his 'relationship' to God, which is personal. May the Lord Guide and Bless him on his journey and know that if it is God's will for him to be this nations leader at this time coming, then nothing will stop it for God's grace and mercy will be leading the way.

Tom   July 27th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Hmm. We've now seen Obama dressed in full muslim garb, sitting in a racist anti-American church that he went to for 20 years, and now he is wearing a yamika at the western wall as if he were Jewish. The truth is considering the note, Obama probably had one of his own people remove it so that the contents would be all over the news. It fits his strategy thus far. Congratulations Obama, you've pandered to yet another group of people.

Josh   July 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

John Boy,

Read the news once in awhile instead of making silly comments. It's McCain who doesn't want to debate.

Who's house? Bama's house!   July 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Obama is GOD!!!!!!

Unshrub   July 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

To Paula

Since your comments are purely speculation and have nothing to do with facts; I will also speculate as to your motivation of your fabricatoin of the truth and claim you are just a McCain operative with the sole purpose of lying to make Obama look back.

idumwonyi festus   July 27th, 2008 11:46 am ET

I challenege Americans today to make a choice between Esau (John Mc Cain) and Jacob (Barack Obama).

R   July 27th, 2008 11:43 am ET

what has the world turned to? I can't believe someone would remove it, and CNN/media are even posting the picture of it. His prayers are nobody's business. Obama should have known with his popularity this could have happen. I wished he didn't do this

CNN why are you posting the picture of his prayer?

David   July 27th, 2008 11:42 am ET

I'm Jewish. To remove that paper offends me deeply. that Is sacrelige to the wall.

Raymond Duke   July 27th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Well it shouldn't had been removed but on the other hand you shouldn't be going to the wall and playing politics and using "GOD" as a political pawn.

Aliou FL for Obama   July 27th, 2008 11:40 am ET

My only problem is with the had he has on. Why would he wear such a hat? Unless he is prepared to wear the turban, why would he wear a jewish symbol?

I am always pissed off when jewish fanatics want anything their way. If Obama had worn a muslim symbol, it would have made headline news in this country. but the hat is not even mentioned.

That is just unfair. Do we all have to convert to jewish and its satelite christian religions to satisfy the power greed of the jews?

wendy lerner   July 27th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I can NOT believe someone would remove a note from the Holiest place on Earth before it's time– let alone read it!!! They wanted to read what he wrote because of who Sen. Obama was, so what's going to happen next? Banning him from the state of Israel because he's black?

Lisa   July 27th, 2008 11:38 am ET

If Obama thought the note would never get out, he's dumb and shouldn't be running to become the President.

Dems2008   July 27th, 2008 11:38 am ET

What was sacrilegious is that the media aired it!! Some things just should'nt be covered.

James   July 27th, 2008 11:36 am ET

"Lord – Protect my family and me," reads the note.

"Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

GO-BAMA

Lisa   July 27th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Obama knew good in well that the note would get out. Everyone wanted to know what he was thinking and I doubt it thought it would never get out.

Jonathan, Hartford, CT   July 27th, 2008 11:33 am ET

What happens in Jerusalem doesn't stay there!

wiser   July 27th, 2008 11:33 am ET

While printing Senator Obama’s prayer was wrong, it was telling. Senator Obama’s hubris and arrogance knows no bound. His prayer was not for his family, not for his country but only for himself. Senator Obama cares only about his own ambition.

Americans will choose integrity over expediency, selflessness over selfishness, and heroism over shallow words every time. Americans will not be fooled and choose Senator McCain for president.

Democrats for McCain!

Mirta   July 27th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Just more free publicity for Obama. Did you notice he didn't mention his beloved country in his Prayer?

maryC   July 27th, 2008 11:29 am ET

nothing is respected, nothing is "special, (even your written,praises to YOUR = Lord and Savior ) the time is short, when our prayers are ":stolen and removed, Sacrilegius ,yes, yes,

Danel   July 27th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Boy, was he LOOK good on that skull cap?

KH   July 27th, 2008 11:29 am ET

That is so sad, what is even worse is the republican advocates who will spin anything Obama does into something bad. It their eyes this man can do no good. Regarding them complaining about the press, it is true that the press needs to dedicate more attention to John McCain and his flaws which usually gets past over.

ALECO1 -----NOKOMIS,FL   July 27th, 2008 11:27 am ET

JOHN McCAIN HAD IT REMOVED--HE WILL USE IT IN HIS CAMPAIGN.

donald westmoreland   July 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

what a shame.they will stop at nothing to hurt obama.to change the mind set of a new america.steal a mans prayer,and use against him a shame.very scared they are.they need to be.no more of a few-running this great land of america,but we the people.the all seeing eye is dead.

Happily Independent   July 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

The actions of the seminary student is sacrilegious. Obama or anyone else that visits the Western Wall should have confidence that their words of prayer will not be published in a newspaper. Shame on the seminary student and shame on the Israeli newspaper as well. .

Jonathan, Hartford, CT   July 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

That is personal. Prayer is personal. Talking to God is personal. No one had a right to pull that from the Wall and share it with the world. It borders of sacreligious.

Noah   July 27th, 2008 11:25 am ET

And the Rabbi is right. That note was private. The media has lost all respect in their attempt to put Obama on a pedistal. Sad thing is, Obama is a good man who will have a hard time living up to the hype heaped on him by the media and his supporters. The bigger they are, the harder they fall some say.

Fred C Dobbs   July 27th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Wow, what a hard hitting article on Barack Obama. What's next, a will he be going to the beach report?

CNN and Wolf Blitzer – the first and last word in garbage!

Q   July 27th, 2008 11:21 am ET

God knows who are his children. The effort to make all humans his children will continue.

OBAMA 08'

Joel - Queen Creek, AZ   July 27th, 2008 11:21 am ET

NOTE TO THE MODERATOR: What have I done to have my comments removed from this forum? I have never used profane lanuguage or made any threats.

Laura   July 27th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Who cares? Obama should be addressing the needs of OUR country, the United States of America.

Carol Orticari   July 27th, 2008 11:20 am ET

He is not my candidate. He is doing more to raise the Black/White issue here in USA than help the issues. It seems we have been thrust into the past and are neglecting our NOW. My relatives are all from Italy and were not here when America was waging its slavery issues so why as a white woman shall I take the blame for something my family was not part of nor did my grandmother teach? I am white, 57, a lesbian who has a host of my own issues re: prejudice. I teach an embrace diversity and my students know it. I am tired of everyone talking about dead issues. I love America, all its people, the world's peoples, and want to move forward. As long as we bring up the past , and fail to forgive, we cannot love. So to everyone who lives there and will not forgive or say it is not okay for us to use the N word, a word used not only in modern music but in the literature we teach in our schools, then we do not embrace love. As a Christian it was Jesus' only message. So when will we allow the love to overscome. When it does, peace will reign.

tsvi   July 27th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Ah, the "religiosity" of religious people.

Rev. Wright   July 27th, 2008 11:18 am ET

It wouldn't surprise me that my old friend Obama had it removed and released to the media by his staff.

Go Obama '08   July 27th, 2008 11:18 am ET

As a Jew, I the removal of Sen. Obama's note in The Wall embarrasing. The notes are for God's eyes only. Curiosity should be the eigth deadly sin.

Douglas F Smith   July 27th, 2008 11:16 am ET

A seminary student did this act? And a newspaper printed Mr Obamas thoughts to God? The student should undergo severe censure, since he is obviously not fit for the role of a religious leader. The newspaper editor who allowed the printing of these private thoughts should join the seminary student in the unemployment line.

Cynamen   July 27th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Such a reprehensible act...which made it all the way to the front page of a newspaper says a great deal about a world being abundantly interested in what this brilliant leader has to say...to God be all the Glory! However, I cannot help but wonder if a note left on the wall by John McCain might have generated the same interest or attention? These are fascinating times in which we now live ~ not only in this nation's history, but also in world history...being written right before our very eyes! May we not fail to realize the magnitude of our choices, be they great ~ or seemingly insignificant. Our world is dependent on it....and God is watching.

Lou R   July 27th, 2008 11:16 am ET

It seems now days nothing is sacred. Most unfortunate. Those who violate personal privacy are doing so from an immature ego centered place or are power/greed hungry. I suspect the seminary student who violated Barack Obama's privacy was acting from his immature ego interests and their should be a consequence for his distasteful action. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.

Julius above Montana   July 27th, 2008 11:16 am ET

In my estimation this is going to be one of the most divisive US elections in recent memory if John McCain wins – yes, more divisive then the 2000. Here is why.
Love him or hate him Barack Obama is sui generis. He has changed the face of US politics for generations to come…can you imagine this election without him? Let’s cut through the BS and tell it like it is there is a genuine small fraction of the population who dislike Obama’s policies for what they are; then there are others who will simply vote GOP and will not stray under any circumstances; then there are those that dislike him supposedly because of____ reasoning yet any educated person knows the reason to be a façade, in reality they cannot in their conscious vote for someone who does not look like them.

John Edwards spoke of the two Americas. Indeed, there are two, I have meet one and know only of the other to exist in the theoretical abstract. I met two people from Boston in Vancouver Canada (two of the kindest most sincere down people you’ll ever met….and recently in Hawaii I also met similar people. This is one type of America. The other is the uneducated hillbillies with two front teeth missing with the most intolerant of intolerant uneducated nonsensical views. These two people live in one world and for that I feel tremendous sympathy for those likeminded folks I met from Boston. Should this election be decided but a bunch of closed minded uneducated people then it is the most of incredible losses in mankind history. When you juxtaposition the two candidates the choices could not be anymore clearer in this election. In any other industrialized country on earth Obama would win by 20+ points but these are the same people that voted in Bush twice. America – the world will stop on November Nov. 4th 2008 to watch. Contrast the headlines with an Obama victory vs. McCain’s.

H-ROD   July 27th, 2008 11:16 am ET

so the wall is no more good they should tear down that wall!!!

jason   July 27th, 2008 11:14 am ET

media:
keep religion out of politics please...

D R   July 27th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Taking that note out was absolutely wrong! McCain pitching a fit over Obama skipping the troop visit, after Obama was told not to by our government was also BS. Making a negative out of the rest of the world loving Obama, by telling the people of America "that we should fear Obama's popularity" is outrageous. The right wing talk show people like, Hannity, Rush, and Fox news getting script from the government to give the public "as news" is BS!! and against the law!

Carl from MI   July 27th, 2008 11:11 am ET

The guy who removed it was the same guy that informed Obama that 'Jerusalem wasn't for sale'. He thought that Obama had stuffed the DEED to the city into the wall....

Peter   July 27th, 2008 11:10 am ET

What did the note say?

LSMaryland   July 27th, 2008 11:07 am ET

If CNN has elected to provide coverage about this matter and the note has already been published, the contents of the note should have been included in the article above. I have read newspaprers that have stated the contents of Obama's note which was a positive prayer.
However, for those who have not read these newspapers and just the CNN article are left to speculation.

By not including the contents of the note in the article, individuals are left to speculate as to what Obama may have wrote in his note. This starts the beginining of false rumors......................................................

Herman in LA   July 27th, 2008 11:04 am ET

I am glad Obama didn't not write anything that was objectionable but just prayed for his own well being. Just goes to show you that you can't trust anyone and religion sometimes can be use against you that is why this planet is so corrupt now to many religions and beliefs.

Bob, Lyons Oregon,   July 27th, 2008 11:04 am ET

I do think that is bad, I didn't realize it was a note placed in the wall, but thought it was an open book or something that he wrote in. I think removing it is disgusting and should be scrutinized.

Mary from Canada   July 27th, 2008 11:01 am ET

What can be said about this? To the person who stole the prayer and to the papers that published it . You need to pray for yourselves now. Peace and Love

NW   July 27th, 2008 11:00 am ET

It is sad to learn about the note being published in the public eyes. The paper that publshed the note should be held accountable. It is a private matter between an individual and God.

Levi   July 27th, 2008 11:00 am ET

Probably a devoted Obama-maniac who wanted to read the note. Obama supporters have no qualms about doing anything.

Loretta from California   July 27th, 2008 10:59 am ET

It was wrong to invade his privacy, and to interfere with his relationship with God. But let's hope that God is not too Angry about this.

pc   July 27th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Obama is awesome! He is going to be the next President of the United States.

We love you Obama – Yes We Can!!!

Cheryl L   July 27th, 2008 10:56 am ET

By placing the prayer in the paper millions have repeated the prayer and that is agood thing.

Remy   July 27th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Is this a NEWS to make any comments?

paul k.   July 27th, 2008 10:52 am ET

i stilkl can't believe someone would do this. thank you cnn for not saying the message this time. Obama's personal issues is his own. After all this how could this bew a scam?

Sherrie F.   July 27th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Let me guess who did it? Media? It was the lowest of a lowly low life to do! And just as low for anyone to spread what is utmost private and sacred! People talk about trust in Obama but do not hesitate to violate his trust in you!

E.Frank MD   July 27th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Perhaps that sacred violation should be grounds that the seminary student lacks the quality of character to be a seminary student...let us see if justice is done.

Susan   July 27th, 2008 10:49 am ET

What a horrible action by a student who knows better! Perhaps He was paid by the Republicans to take the note and hope it was printed in the newspaper. That would not surprise me.

A Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   July 27th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Obama is risky/. I am scared of him and his policies. I think that he is an opportunist as well and a big big ego.

What was the reason for the German speech? Was it to lower gas prices? Was it to sell more US products to Europe? Was it to get the Germans a VISA to come to the US and spend money? What was the purpose of this speech.

McCain is not risky. He will support our values and he will support our way of life. He will defend the US of A. McCain will not let Iran develop nuclear weapons. He will win the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan and do it before his first term is up.

If Obama wants the war over, how come he hasn't introduced legislation in the Democratic Congress. Now that is a test if you ask me.

Matt   July 27th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Thank you for changing the picture CNN.

Charles Eze   July 27th, 2008 10:43 am ET

WHATEVER IT WAS HE WROTE,I SAY AMEN TO IT.

thereitis   July 27th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Could people leave the man alone to run a good campaign. Some people love him but otheres are perpetually digging for something... I mean pulling his prayer out the wall! YOU won't find anything else... this man is who he says he is. The most scandalous thing about him is not even about him; its about his former pastor. About which I say, "who has never stood in a room, sat in a lecturer, watched a movie or (for church goers) sat in a pew, and listened to something they don't totally agree without publically voiced their opinion?" Obama may be a leader of words but those are the leaders that history remember... WHY, because a good word inspires action.

Butch Dillon   July 27th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I hold very few spiritual or religious beliefs and have a fervent disdain for religion in general. But I do respect that others have the right to their beliefs. One of these, of course, is the belief they can correspond with their god in private and through public services. To spy on something as sacred as private communication between a person and that person's god is distastefully Bushian at best and morally outrageous under any set of circumstances. Sadly, this has to be expected from the zionists among the Jews. The rabbi's indignant response to the theft and disclosure of Obama's note is well justified.

Mauri   July 27th, 2008 10:39 am ET

This entire trip is sickening, so this comes as no surprise. As a photo-op, what did they expect?

Enlightened Voter   July 27th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Although I think it was wrong, Obama is a fascination for many.

Karl Clark   July 27th, 2008 10:36 am ET

It's shameful that a Jewish student, or any person, would interfere with a person's relationship with God. I guess it would be expected in some sense. Yet, it hurts that in Israel, whereby the love of its people by all Christians is evidence, that some of its people would desecrate that friendship and love.

AVEMBE The sun   July 27th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Just don' t get it why is it just NOW that the Rabbi complains if Obama did write anything?

randy   July 27th, 2008 10:33 am ET

God will always guide you true all this presidential campaign.and noting will bring you down.

JfromNC   July 27th, 2008 10:32 am ET

On CNN's Reliable Sources this morning, the host of the show admonishes the Israeli paper for publishing Obama's prayer. At the same time, he showed the written prayer on air and CNN posts the prayer on the website. CNN, you are disgusting.

Harry C   July 27th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Guess they even have racists in Jerusalem! American's are not the only racists. Apparently the whole world has JERKS!

randyonwuakor@yahoo.cm   July 27th, 2008 10:30 am ET

His prayer is very torching and i can say it really moved me.barack obama God will always be with you.

michelle   July 27th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Now that's a prayer that the so-call "Christian" right should be critical of. Here, you have a man not full of himself, but humble enough to ask God's guidance. But, I'm sure Dr. James Dobson can find some reason to tell his followers not to support Obama. Maybe they should be suspicious of his penmanship!! By the way, I wonder how McCain prays...
Oh yeah, its never been seen.

Obama 08 and forever!

AB   July 27th, 2008 10:28 am ET

"sacrilegious?" LOL

"Notes which are placed in the Western Wall are between the person and his Maker?"
Shouldn't he have given the note to his mommy and daddy then.

Jeronimo!   July 27th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Try to spin this one folks... YOU CAN'T!

The man loves God, his family and his country.

Obama = Wisdom = Good Government!

KA BRADLEY   July 27th, 2008 10:27 am ET

I just wonder in fair play if the anti-defamation league will come down on the Israel. Or make a a request that the student be kicked out of reglious studies. This is a personal violation of what we all considered scared.

Les from Hampton, va   July 27th, 2008 10:27 am ET

CNN Please stop running this story this is a very serious evasion of pivacy.

the_Voice_of_Reason   July 27th, 2008 10:26 am ET

This sounds like another attempt by the Obama camp to portray him as a victim. It's not like that was a real prayer – it is probably the most generic prayer ever placed in that holy wall. And I think it was removed and given to the paper by someone in the Obama camp.

Non-story, let's move along please.

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 27th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Heaven forbid that CNN should read them or use them in any way...which you guys did; just to make a buck or two.

No other main stream media published the Obama Western Wall prayer; I hope you all in CNN pay the price for this sacrilegious sin!!!

Linda   July 27th, 2008 10:25 am ET

OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, HE HAS THE FAVOR OF GOD ON HIS LIFE AND HE IS A MAN THAT KNOW'S HOW TO PRAY. THIS IS A SHAME THAT SOMEONE WOULD DO THIS.

I AM A BELIEVER, THAT WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IT IS FOR YOU,

OBAMA 08!

Ron Feuer   July 27th, 2008 10:24 am ET

The Illinois Senator seems to have a lot of good intentions in his life! f he becomes president, my hope is that he can stay on track and not turn out like the dunderhead we have now!

frank, las vegas   July 27th, 2008 10:22 am ET

perfect christian prayer!

Rob   July 27th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Hmm wonder what McWar would pray? Maybe, ok god, if there is one.
Let me be elected so I can bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran.

Sebastian   July 27th, 2008 10:21 am ET

I thought Muslins referred to God as Allah not Lord ....oh that's right, they don't ... guess that puts to bed the rumor that he is not a Christian.

Theo   July 27th, 2008 10:21 am ET

I am a Christian and I got to admit, that was pretty evil taking his note away. That being said.... there is no doubt about his faith now for me. i am purely voting for Obama now!

Jim CO   July 27th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Half way around the world in one of the most holy places on earth where you would hope your most private thoughts would be between you and your maker was betrayed by one individual and all the news medias that have reported on it's contents. Shame on all of you. Why not report on Mccains statement about going seismic on Obamas decision not to visit our wounded troops in Germany? Here is man running for president going seismic? I was part of the Veitnam era I got over it a long time ago.Mccain is obsessed with war . When you get angry you say things you really don't mean just to try and hurt that persons feelings. This man is a time bomb who should not be trusted to be elected as the leader of our great nation.

Anonymous   July 27th, 2008 10:20 am ET

"Nothing is sacred anymore."

rachel   July 27th, 2008 10:20 am ET

this breaks my heart. even the candidates' prayers are no longer sacred.

bad job, note-stealer. bad job.

Colin   July 27th, 2008 10:19 am ET

I do not understand why CNN has chosen to publish this deeply personal prayer on the web site. CNN Anchors on television boast that they will not show it in that medium when the website prominently shows it here.

Chong   July 27th, 2008 10:18 am ET

As a Principlist Believer, we directly address our prayer to Life Principle without using any kind of human channel. We all know that manmade has its limits. Thus the Western Wall, as manmade thing, demonstrates its limits. In a word, as Principlist Believer our Authority is only God, The Life Principle we trust and we directly speak to Him.

Michelle   July 27th, 2008 10:18 am ET

sacrilegious: campaign posters at the Wailing Wall

Norm   July 27th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Kinda shows the right-wing fanatics that he's not a follower of Islam!

Separation of Church-and-state? No chance! Religion is constantly politicized which is totally wrong!

terry,va   July 27th, 2008 10:16 am ET

This is a political stunt to try to convince people he has Christian faith. It won't work BHO.

adam   July 27th, 2008 10:15 am ET

so whats the point making a fuss now, why was it even allowed in the first place if it was bad. for this to get out, means organized religion was never sacred to begin with, only another tool to gain power over people. obama did nothing wrong, but organized religion screwed him on this one. i think huckabee said it best, the more you try and demonize obama the more its going to back fire. im happy to say he was right, the people truely will stop at nothing to hurt this man.

James Fron Chicago   July 27th, 2008 10:13 am ET

This whole thing is like a circus. Of course Obama knew the note would be removed and the contents would be all over the news net works. He wanted to get his point across, so people would believe
HE IS A CHRISTIAN. This whole trip was nothing more than a PR
stunt., and his excuse for not goingto the troops hospital is pitiful.

P.Catanzaro - Miami Florida   July 27th, 2008 10:13 am ET

It is the first time in my life I have heard anything like this from that holy site. What a coincidence that this occurred to Mr. Obama! It seems like something orchestrated purposely by somebody who wanted this to be an extraordinary issue as publicity! I would not give to much importance as this sounds to me premeditated! I am not inferring that there was the knowledge of Mr. Obama I believe he is much smarter than that! but somebody who wanted this type of news to occur! I believe it is childish to give importance to this type of news!

AT   July 27th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Who is speaking against CNN posting this very personal prayer from Senaotr Obama? You are telling us that this has happened yet you have posted this letter twice this week. It is indeed tasteless and deplorable. I understand why some people do not read your posts. I searched other news sites and they chose not to run this story. You have no shame. The student that stole this document should be prosecuted. CNN should face consequences as well. It is disgusting what you have done. I pray for Senator Obama everyday that he would rise above people that would do things like this to him and his family. Get this story off your site now.

Jay   July 27th, 2008 10:12 am ET

CNN should also be ashamed for showing the note–please remove it!

Mike Dallas   July 27th, 2008 10:10 am ET

I certainly hope that this is not indictive of the level of integrity and confidentiality being instilled in ALL Israeli semenary students.

This action was beyond contempt.

Fred   July 27th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Why don't they find this "seminary student" and ask his motives? Does the GOP (& friends) have to sink this low to try to find some dirt on their opponent? Something smells very Lieberman-ish about this.

Mike   July 27th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Even as they report that Rabbi Rabinowitz considers removal of Obama's personal note to be sacrieigious, CNN persists in publishing a picture of the note. The lack of journalistic integrity and judgment shown by CNN in this case should be appalling, but unfortunately is no longer unique as the MSM tries to compete for page views with bloggers.

Shame on CNN, and shame on us for contributing to the problem by visiting this webpage.

Jnette   July 27th, 2008 10:07 am ET

This is amazing...then why is CNN still posting it...this has absolutely NOTHING to do with the campaign or how americans are going to pay for food, get to work or get back into homes from foreclosure, ...I can't believe that CNN is still posting this and drawing this out...I question your motives as well. Please remove it, Will we next try to tind out when or how a candidate takes a shower to exactly what time they eat dinner...following a candidate is one this but this is over the top...I can expect this from some of the other unprofessional stations, but I really expected more from CNN...please continue to stay above the fray and be a leader in reporting. This has gotten out of control and definately not on the issues that we care about or care to hear about!!! But, please note that God will be Just.

Brenda   July 27th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Although I heard this story very early this morning on CNN, the commentator also stated that they would not divulge the contents of the note and commented on the debate that was going on in the news room. Well....here it is. Even this man's prayers are not private. This is a sacriligious act by the person who pulled the note as well as the ones who published it. I am so glad that he did not request anything to help the media circus. He prayed as many men pray or should pray after making this public. I am very disgusted at the way that the go after him and give John McCain a free ride or under-report his blunders. I guess John McCain is not news-huh?

David   July 27th, 2008 10:05 am ET

The irony is that as one heckler shouted "Jerusalem is not for sale" the Israeli media proved that Jerusalem IS in fact for sale ... disgraceful

heatmiser   July 27th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Just another example of how there are two different sets of rules, one for the left, and another for the right. If this had happened in reverse, the right and its morons like Hannity, O'Reilly,and Limbaugh would be screaming loud enough to be heard all the way from Mars that this was just another example of leftist atheism. Just like McBush can make dozens and dozens of mistakes, almost daily, but noone covers them, they get maybe 1 paragraph buried somewhere. Let Obama make a mistake however, and it's headline news for 3-5 days. Just where in the hell exactly is this press "love affair" with Obama? Sure he gets more press, but the flip side is his level of error is so low noone else would ever be able to live with it, especially not the senile angry Mcain.

ANDROLOMA, Commerce City, Colorado   July 27th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Mighty lame action on the note-taker's part, for surely. Wonder if Mr. McCain has left a written prayer at the wall, and whether or not his note was molestered in similar fashion? A mild insult, insignificant against the larger scale of more pressing problems which need to be addressed. Just another example of the human propensity to nosiness, and the species' inability to mind their own business.

BJKidd   July 27th, 2008 10:02 am ET

That CNN would print this prayer is appalling. What were you thinking?Are you sinking to the level of the National Enquirer?
This is journalism at it's worst.

JfromNC   July 27th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Shame on you CNN for posting this on your website. Is nothing sacred?

USA FOR OBAMA   July 27th, 2008 10:01 am ET

The Western Wall is a Holy Place. The State of Israel is Holy. I have been there several times. You can feel the presence of G-d.

Barack Obama's pray is humbling and from his heart. He is seeking forgiveness and guidance from G-d.

We need to all do that.

OBAMA U ARE BLESSED   July 27th, 2008 10:01 am ET

BCOS HE HIS SPECIAL THAT IS WHY THE EVIL ONE EXPOSED SUCH NOTE OUT IF IT WAS A VISIT FROM A WHITE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WILL THEY HAVE DONE THAT IN SHUT WHEN U ARE BLESSED AND TOUCH BY GOD NO EVIL SHALL PROSPER OBAMA IS TOUCHED BY GOD AND PEOPLE COULD NOT JUST BELIEVE WHY IS IT A BLACK MAN WELL THAT GODS DOING .OBAMA DOES NOT CARE WHO READ OR EXPOSE ANY SO CALL NOTE THAT SHOULD SHOW U WHO AND WHAT CHRITIANS ARE MADE OFF WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN THE FACE OFF GOD .GOD SHALL BLESS HIS FAMILY DEFENANTELY BECOS HE HAS BEEN TREATED UNFAIRLY AND HE HAS NO CHOICE THAN TO CONTINUE THE WORK OF THE LORD WHICH IS "CHANGE,YES WE CAN"

Godson   July 27th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Believe me, McCain is going through Obama's prayer notes to find an attack ad line. He just went absurdly senile the whole week, his disorientation might last till election day and he might end up voting for Obama. McConfused

LD   July 27th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Now the whole world knows he is a christian. For those who have doubts they will be convinced. I have never seen such deceit as it relates to a man of color running for president of the USA.

outsider   July 27th, 2008 10:00 am ET

this is so wrong in israel, who ever it is that did it, but God is able

OBAMA 'O8   July 27th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Its definitely a shame, but really not that surprising. And Obama's not an idiot– he knew there was a high probability of someone stealing it...

Griff   July 27th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Whe didn't he send it Via E. Mail... (His God), must have a direct link with him...

E.C.Coleman   July 27th, 2008 9:59 am ET

The Rabbi is completely correct, regardless of the religious faith of the prayerful participant. Any person caught removing a prayer note from the Holy Wall should be publicly identified and censored. How dare a seminary student have such lack of moral fiber, integrity and character that he would commit such an act? The act, itself, was a sacrilege, but to publish the prayer was also egregious.

janet   July 27th, 2008 9:59 am ET

I wish that CNN had not published this prayer... it was obviously a personal moment between Obama and God. We do not have the right to know what it is.

On the other hand, hopefully this will give all those people who claim that Obama is arrogant a glimpse into who he really is. I wish my own prayers were that humble and heartfelt.

You Es Ehhh!   July 27th, 2008 9:58 am ET

This is the height of privacy invasion!!! I understand this happening in America but not in the holy site! It's very unfortunate.

D Constantine   July 27th, 2008 9:57 am ET

If Obama did indeed write this, then I have been given one more reason to like this man and to cast my vote for him. He seems sincere and humble. Two qualities that I would look for in a leader.

R   July 27th, 2008 9:56 am ET

what has the world turned to? I can't believe someone would remove it, and CNN/media are even posting the picture of it. His prayers are nobody's business. Obama should have known with his popularity this could have happen. I wished he didn't do this

Janey/Michigan   July 27th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Send this man another 10.00 to garner fake publicity, you Obama followers–maybe you can finance another ego-serving trip for your hero. Or maybe you can pay for him to insert another note in the wall so he can have it splashed all over the world and then claim that no one was supposed to know about it. I am sure this won't be posted, as all postings about this which are anti-Obama have been taken off.

Mike, Youngstown   July 27th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Well that was despicable.

rachel   July 27th, 2008 9:52 am ET

I am no obama supporter, but the rabbi is right, down right disgraceful that the note was printed, that wall is now tainted.

Joan, Ontario   July 27th, 2008 9:51 am ET

CNN, I just listened to a report on your Weekend tv show with criticisms about the student who took the note and of the paper who published it. Well, you have it on your web so what is the difference? That is an invasion of his privacy too.

SPJ, Ann Arbor, MI   July 27th, 2008 9:51 am ET

So, could CNN perhaps show some decency and not keep running the picture of it?

Lee B   July 27th, 2008 9:50 am ET

This note stuff reminds me of the staged antics of Bill Clinton on the Normandy beach piling up stones on a beach that had none to pile up except for the ones planted by his handlers for a photo op.

The Obama camp probably paid someone to remove this note to make it public as there are still a lot of people who beleive the candidate is a Muslim–as I do. I mean, for all the numbers of years those notes have been placed and guarded against such actions without any such betrayal on the watchers' part, how could anyone with any brains possibly beleive that this happened otherwise?

JohnBoy   July 27th, 2008 9:47 am ET

When do the debates start?

Why is Obama scared of the debates?

Let Americans ask the questions.

Is Obama a empty suite?

Vote for a real American.

McCain 08

Beverly   July 27th, 2008 9:46 am ET

I totally agree that it is not only sacrilegious but also extremely disrespectful and an invasion of ones privacy. And then for any news media to pick up the story and print the letter? I wouldn't want to be standing in their shoes when the bad Karma Fairy or better yet "their God" strikes down.

Dennis   July 27th, 2008 9:46 am ET

I have a hard time believing this wasn't an orchestrated event between the Obama campaign and that young Israile seminary student, who would have known better.

Joe - Wilmington, DE   July 27th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Do you think money may have been involved? I guess some things supercede one's religious convictions.

DobermanSpencer   July 27th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Sen. Obamas prayer is one I say myself; but it is his to share with who he wishes. His relationship with God is his business people, he is American and has freedom of religion. Now the note in the wall was simply a ceremonial ritual of the locals. A man's conviction and faith is expressed in his actions to others and himself. He demonstrated his, but it must not be custom to remove them. Unfortunately the inconsideration and curiosity, along with what I would consider greed, has yet again shown humanities inability to resist temptation.

Just my opinion...your's may vary.

Al from Dallas   July 27th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Lord, give me strength and wisdom to have the capability to write like this.

William, from Cali!   July 27th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Is there nothing, that "evil un-Godly beings" will not do?

Paula   July 27th, 2008 9:42 am ET

What's the rabbi's upset about? If they didn't want his note to be removed they should have kept all that security at the wall. For all we know Obama's camp set it up. Like all the Phoro-ops that took place. the Obama's camp isn't short on cash.was the pre-ads in Germany for free food and the only thing you had to do is listen ti this guy speak.Do one favor for us-like when Bill Clinton was in office-unlike with Bush and now Obama-no nic pik at his real estate deal? You guys blackmailed Clintion family over a investment some folks make. It wasn't even a million dollar investment or returns. He never did himsel any favors while Governor. You uppity folks like Obama and the ones that are now foaming at the mouth. You will get your way. Why don't you just say HE WON. THE ELECTION IS OVER. WE WON OUR PRESS CAMPAIGN FOR HIM AND US. YOU NEVER HAD A CHANCE.

John Eblen   July 27th, 2008 9:41 am ET

The person who stole Obama's prayer to God and the Newspaper who published it have all proven that their God is the God of Profit! I am surprised by and disappointed at anyone who does not recognize the sanctity of one's personal relationship with God.

Blayze Kohime   July 27th, 2008 9:41 am ET

Even as an atheist myself, I think this was an utterly despicable act by the person who retrieved it and more by the publisher. And for what? It seems that his prayer was most honorable anyway.
A person's religion should never be intruded upon when they are keeping it to themselves. If more people in the world kept it to themselves we wouldn't have so much violence.

Marc, Seattle Wash   July 27th, 2008 9:35 am ET

My goodness, they just can't give this man a break.

Danny   July 27th, 2008 9:34 am ET

It has become very clear that there is a powerful (and very old) movement that is against Barack Obama becoming president. This just reaffirms me that Obama truly IS a change agent. A very powerful one at that, and if elected, he WILL change this world. There is always resistance to change – that's just the nature of it. But when the resistance reaches such high political levels, we, the people, need to remember this! (Do NOT think this was some innocent teenager – this happened at one of the most holy sites in the world – do NOT be naive!)

Barack Obama DOES represent REAL change. Fasten your seatbelts, because we're about to take off!

Jim   July 27th, 2008 9:34 am ET

and so is the medai in the US for printing it !!!!!

glittergirl   July 27th, 2008 9:32 am ET

and shame on CNN for continuosly showing the private note!

Bud   July 27th, 2008 9:31 am ET

Terrible to treat a man's private act/testimony of faith as public press fodder. It is sacrilegious.

Jeff   July 27th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Taking the prayer away from the wall was not cool. But really, did you read the prayer? I think Obama should have been praying a little earlier for the Lord to help guard him against pride. Obama is the most arrogant man alive.

Texas trail puppy!   July 27th, 2008 9:29 am ET

How low can McSame Camp go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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