(CNN) - After barely a week on the job, Barack Obama's Muslim outreach adviser resigned from the campaign after an old business connection with a fundamentalist Islamic imam surfaced last week.
Mazen Asbahi, a Chicago corporate lawyer, stepped down Monday after joining the campaign on July 26 as its national coordinator for Muslim affairs. The Wall Street Journal first reported the resignation on Tuesday night.
In a letter to the campaign, Asbahi wrote, "I am stepping down from the volunteer role I recently agreed to take on with the Obama campaign as Arab American and Muslim American outreach coordinator in order to avoid distracting from Barack Obama's message of change."
Asbahi served on the board of the Delaware-based Allied Assets Advisors Fund for a brief period in 2000 with Jamal Said, the imam of a fundamentalist mosque outside Chicago, the Wall Street Journal reports. The report links Said to fundamentalist groups Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood and says he was named by the Justice Department as an unindicted co-conspirator in the racketeering trial of suspected Hamas fundraisers that ended in a mistrial.
"I served on that board for only a few weeks before resigning as soon as I became aware of public allegations against another member of the board," Asbahi wrote in his letter to the campaign.
The fund is a subsidiary of a company that promotes a conservative brand of Islam and Asbahi regularly speaks to groups with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, the newspaper reported.
"Mr. Asbahi has informed the campaign that he no longer wishes to serve in his volunteer position, and we are in the process of searching for a new national Arab American and Muslim American outreach coordinator," Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt wrote in an e-mail.
Obama has had to balance dispelling rumors that he is a Muslim while trying not to offend Muslims.
"This is a classic example of a no-win situation, right?" Obama responded at a forum for minority journalists on July 27 when asked if he will visit a mosque as a candidate.
"I have repeatedly on various occasions said I am not a Muslim, but this whole strategy of suggesting that I am is indicative of anti-Muslim sentiment that we have to fight against."
From CNN Politics
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MEMO TO CNN: Hamas is far more than a "fundamentalist group."
A non-story but we can fully expect FOX news to donate hours to this.
It's amazing that such a tenuous connection could be taken so seriously.
Will the real Obamie please stand up!
This is just another in the scandalous tales of "The One" – Obama has so much unknown baggage I hope those smoking the "Hopium" soon wake up! This country is in trouble if he gets in!
Why does he need a Muslim outreach co-ordinator?
Me = not surprised.
It is better that it happen now then after the convention and the campaign be nailed on it. This guy was a volunteer with the campaign. At least this guy is smart enough to know that staying longer could cause problems.
This is not a popularity contest. Americans are in dire straits.
You know, this country is in trouble losing jobs, houses, and all else. And the multi-millionaires of this country go around making jokes. I find them offensive,. Glad I switched from republican. They are the party of the rich for the rich.
I want to hear the issues without the tasteless jokes.
here we go.......
He didn't last long...
If he is not muslim, then why did he have to change his name. Barack Hussien Obama is not his real name, that is name change, to show his Muslim heritage.
And why does B . Hussein Obama have a Muslim affairs rep? Hmmmmm
Now you'll see how the FEAR-MONGERS play this card – GOP!!! Sick!
Wonder If McAttack will get rid of Steve Schmidt (longtime Protege of
Karl Rove) incharge of Low Road Polictics
I would like to know if every American out there does a background check and vetted any acquaintance or coworker they come across before speaking with them? This is getting ridiculous. He joins a board and after a couple weeks quits because he wasn't comfortable and for that he can no longer server on Obama's campaign because of fear the ignorant will draw conclusions without facts as has happened far too often in the recent past.
Grow up and educate yourselves people. Also here's a tip – just because you read it on the Internet does not make it true, gasp, I know right?
Open your eyes people !!! It's right in front of you !!
Great judgement, schmucko.
glad he resigns. let's move on CNN. next?!
Let's see so he stepped down after he found out that the allegations about the man...um sounds kinda noble to me. But of course the repubs will try to spin this around as something that correlates with Obama b/c he knows somebody who know somebody...LMAO.
Whoops! Just another Gaffe from "The One"
when sen. obama makes comments like not believing in buying his children Christmas and birthday gifts which are belief followed by the Muslim religion he leaves himself open to such speculation it is hard for a christian family to understand.
Let the GOP witchhunt begin!! how pathetic!!!
Doesn't sound like the Obama campaign committee is conducting thorough background checks, thus leaving Sen. Obama open and vulnerable at a crucial time in Obama's campaign. Wake up, the GOP are hungry for something to get their teeth into so don't feed them!
By the way whatever happened to McSame's adviser Black has he handed in his resignation. What hypocrisy from McSame's Camp!!!
Job well done, lets see McCain's wife step down from Boards that have Racists on it! (and dont tell me that quite a few of them arent racist)
It sure is a 'no-win' situation for Obama. I'm sure McOld and his camp will jump on that with the good ole' low road politics and show once again they have no plan or new ideas other than beat Obama down.
Where oh where are all the O Bama lovers. If this information would never have been reported, his muslim representative probably never would have stepped down. OB's judgement is so questionnable its unreal and you people love him. I wouldn't trust him with my pets, let alone my security and life.
legal pot!yes we can!
George W Obama hangs with some shady folks. But during GWOT–come on. Last straw–I am for John or Hill.
What a surprise, all of his connections are crooks. Just like his top fundraisers, Lawyers and Investment Bankers... I wonder why are they supporting him, maybe to so he can treat them nice if he ever takes office. Aren't they responsible for our housing crisis?
OF COURSE HE'S NOT MUSLIM.....*****WINK WINK*****. No other campaign has a muslim coordinator. Allhu akbar!!
this means nothing. stupid and who cares.
OH FOR THE LIVE OF.....
DID THEY OR DID THEY NOT DO A FULL BACKGROUND CHECK OF THIS GUY!!!
WHOEVER SUBMITTED THIS GUY'S NAME FOR ANY POSITION IN OBAMA'S STAFF SHOULD BE FIRED LIKE AN M1 TANK!!!
Can the United States take a chance on Obama? His two books and other anti american items must we consider that he just flip-iflopped on these also? Its your choice in selecting this apprentice who only has experience of 143 days in the senate or selecting a United States Veteran with true dedication to our country...
shows your birth certificate!
This is it!
This is no surprise......
If AMericans want small communities demanding their own gov't, enforcing Sharia Law and demanding they are a separate entitiy so to speak.....continue to bow to the Muslims.
TAke a look at Sweden (sorry now that ethey were so kind and took them in), Canada and the Communities that have had beheadings, etc. (Have relative from that area), and how about recently China, and Thailand and on and on.
There are good Muslims, and they have a right to their belief – but should live where that belief is supported....the extremists will end up in the area where alot of them move; and that is a fact.
I'm for immigration, but they need to conform to American Ways.......we are not AFrica, we are not the Middle East or any other Country and nor should we preface our name w/other Countries (if so, move there).
Jack Colson
Seattle Wa
Here comes the flood…of isolationist, ignorant, xenophobic fear!
Will I have enough money to fill up my Suburban so I can go to Walmart next weekend and buy junk food at a discount?
God Bless America.
It's REALLY hard to find a Muslim guy that's in charge of a Mosque that hasn't had ANY dealings with Palestine, Hamas, or fundamentalism of any kind. There isn't a surplus of hardline religious zealous... it's an epidemic.
Heck, I"VE traveled to pakistan. That puts me on a CIA watch-list. I can't imagine if I had to vouch for every last person I've talked with and every last meeting they've ever attended. This guy resigned because of 2 degrees of separation.
A vast number of Muslims are anti-semetic. A vast number of Muslims are pro-Palestine. Those are fact. Read any foreign textbook. Ask the older generation of immigrants. Get a clue. In their world view, Hamas = the good guys in any dispute over Palestine.
So, if you're looking for any leader of the American Muslim community that's never met a pro-Hamas or pro-Wahabbi zealot... you better seek pretty hard. It's not easy being squeaky clean. The rules they live by are simple and harsh. The vast majority are peaceful but fear the few that are willing to blow up homes and businesses out of desperation. Speaking out too loudly about loving Israel or being friendly with non-muslims can get you on the fast track to being a pariah.
Muslims trust Barack far more than they trust Dubya or McCain. Wether they'd become a strong voting bloc is another story.
was this guy veeted
It appears Obama–has some real issues between himself and his colleagues/would be staffers–regarding their various relationships with radical religous leaders.
The one thing all seem to have in common–they toss them under the train really fast–to better Obama's future.
What happens once he is in office? Will all the ties be restored once he's not under continuous scrutiny?
Figures....just another controvertial figure that Obama continually links himself to.
McCain 08
republican fear mongoring start here: ...
loool. sooo much to Mr. Obama's judgement.... wow
Oh yea! Judgement we can trust!
Good thing this guy was smart enough to resign before causing a repeat of Wright. I wonder who else Obama has in the closet just waiting to be marched out into the light of day????
PLEASE BRING BACK HILLARY!!!!
I VOTED FOR NADER IN 2000 and I"M GOING TO DO SO AGAIN in 2008! HILLARY PLEASE LEAVE THE DEMS AND RUN AS AN INDEPENDENT!!!!
DEMS AND REPUBS ARE ALL ON THE TAKE!!! HILLARY PLEASE GO CLEAN!!!
Let me guess, Barack Hussein Obama is now saying "this isn't the man I knew"???
IF CONTACT WITH A MUSLIM IMAM IS OK,
WHY RESIGN ?????
IF YOU WANT A WIN SITUATION, STAY ON AND FIGHT.
SOMETHING FISHY HERE !!!!!!!!!
You cannot have your Cake and eat it.
Will we ever know the Truth about Hussein Obama and Islam?
Or will O'Hussein continue to be in denial for God knows how long ?
It means nothing. Just more red meat for "Obama Haters" to run with.
Obama / Hagel 08
Is he too busy building bombs???
Why did he have to go? Obama has terrorists connections as well. Ayers is an admitted terrorist.
BTW, I think it is a little racist that people supporting Obama would have a problem if he had connections with Arab terrorists But his friend is an American terrorist so that is ok. I can't get this through my head, America is fighting a war on terror and the man running for president is connected with one of the most dangerous terrorists this country has ever raised .
a letter to the campaign, Asbahi wrote, "I am stepping down from the volunteer role I recently agreed to take on with the Obama campaign as Arab American and Muslim American outreach coordinator in order to avoid distracting from Barack Obama's message of change."
Can one of you liberal moon bats explain to me what the this "message of change" means ? – Does it mean 5 times a day a giant tower with a speaker on it is going to start start blaring Arabic rhetoric and i'm going to drive around all these fanatics who are kneeling down praying to Mecca...now that would be change ?... is that what he means by change ? – or maybe he means change as in we'll start forgoing our federal holidays such as Labor Day so we can celebrate a muslim holiday instead. that would be change too....My kids can't say the pledge of allegance in school and Tyson Chicken is cancelling Labor Day for a Muslim Holiday. NUTS
Obama seems to have many advisers that are questionable. Worse he seems unaware of the problems. The people all have one thing in common their groups either are anti America or preach hate. The real Obama is coming to light. The only thing you can count on is that he will throw them under the bus when the public becomes aware.
figures, now had this been McCain the headline would read 'McCain supports Terror Group' Give me a break, While I hate Obama and think he'll be worse then Bush, this isn't a story and really has nothing to do with Obama.
Another one rolls under the bus wheels.....
Birds of a feather, indeed, flock together.
Muslim coordinator, we need these in our campaigns?
Actually Barry you do, as if some of us remember (BUT THE MSM ignored), your campaign pointed out two Muslim woman to NOT BE IN A PHOTO-OP. So much for inclusion.
John McCain does this and he would have been DONE and Keith Olbermann, Katie Couric, Brian Williams etc, etc, etc would have played it over and over again.
So much for bringing people together eh, Barry.
Empty vessel, Empty suit, empty (but well spoken ONLY with a teleprompter) ideas.
Hi Jack,
"I have repeatedly on various occasions said I am not a Muslim, but this whole strategy of suggesting that I am is indicative of anti-Muslim sentiment that we have to fight against."
I could not agree more with this sentiment. A society has to be able to not label people because of an atrocious act done from the >same people>. In that regard, we are all guilty of something atrocious! it is ridiculous!
This just proves how EFFICIENT the Obama camp is. Unlike the McCain camp, it take weeks for John McCain who did nothing but act ignorant to the fact and make excuses that his "surrogates don't talk for him", when we ALL know they DID.
This lawyer immediately stepped down and the Obama camp handled it promptly and swiftly. These are the actions you want from a President, one who is able to "clean house", even his own house at a moments notice. Unlike John McCain who dances around his fumbling staff's inadequacies.
tough spot for brobama (dot org)...this is just like all the other RNC b.s....rumours have no place in a u.s. presidential election.
Soooo... does he plan on fighting against it from the bleachers then?
Oh here we go... Cue the idiot mobs to start tossing around the big evil word "Muslim"...
This sort of reaction is a veil for rednecks and racists. "Oh he's Muslim. Oh he's too different. Oh he might not be a citizen." All of these are modern code-phrases for "Oh he's the BLACK GUY..."
They get away with it because the criminals in the White House this past 8 years have made it okay for Muslim to be a bad word. Even if Obama WAS a Muslim (though he is not), it should not make a difference. But these people get away with it, because it is tolerated.
I say we STOP tolerating it. People should view looking down on Muslims like looking down on any group of people – something that this nation is above.
I am so tired of reading negative talk about Obama, are you people listing to him, when he say that he is about a change, and that mean leaving no one out he can reach to make this world a better place to live in and fill safe. Obama, is trying to save a lot of you sinners that still hated one another. We are in this world for one purpose, and that is doing the work of the Lord, how many lost souls you people brought to Christ. I mean you haters that just don't think that a black man can't do a job a white man can and maybe better, there are lot of blacks that have a good education and very intelligent but ther are even if you don't think so.
Graham is still working in the McShriveled campaign, and he said Americans are a bunch of whiners with psychological issues!!
Barack the vote!
Are you going to post comments on this article or not CNN????
You would think that someone with the judgment Obama claims to have would maybe check for things like this BEFORE he offers someone a job.
Good luck finding anyone in the Muslim community that doesn't have some connection to some fundamentilist The problem is that being a fundamentilist doesn't make you a terrorist. It just means you believe in a very strict version of Islam.
Why in the world did he even join the campaign to start with then?
I hope you guys at CNN will report on John McCain receiving a questionable donation from a NY couple that works for an oil company.
So some volunteer for Obama's campaign felt the need to resign because he once was an acquaintance of somebody.
This witchhunting is ridiculous. Does anybody seriously believe these "Kevin Bacon"-type connections reflect anything about the candidates? Or have we really sunk so far into tabloid politics?
COME ON i DON'T SEE MY POST, COMMENT YOU HATERS, COME ON POST MY COMMENT, WHAT YOU ASHAMED TO BE CALLED OUT.
BRING IT ON, YOU KNOW YOU'RE RACIST, WHO JUST SIT AROUND AND TALK DOWN sEN. OBAMA DAY AFTER DAY, AND WHEN YOU CALL ON IT YOU RUN BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF THIS GOOD OLD BOY COUNTRY OF HATERS LIKE THE REPUBS OF IGNORANT OLD WHITE PEOPLE. I HOPE OBAMA WIN IS A LANDSLIDE. AND MUSLIM COMM TURN ON ALL YOU HATERS BY NAME KEEP POSTING I HOPE THEY RAT YOU OUT JUST LIKE THAT BUNCH AT FOXS NEWS WHO WILL SOON BE OUT OF JOBS, CAN YOU SAY SHUT DOWN OVER AT FOXS NEWS COMING SOON.
oBAMA 08/12
Just watch the right-wingers pounce on this one.
THAT'S IT ??? CNN YOU ARE REALLY STARTING TO GET ON MY NERVES
Fundamentalist Mosque outside Chicago ha? Gee, isn't Obama from Chicago? This guy is involved with so many radical people how on earth can he be our President?
the only reason the Republicans want congress to come back and rule on the drilling issue is because it is time for them to pay their daddy, Big Oil. Their boss will not contribute to their campaigns if they do not do their jobs they were already paid to do and that is get more property for oil companies to drill on.
Barack is not a secret Muslim....as far as I know.
That biased idiot Sean Hannity will be all over this. More of his out of context reporting coming our way.
Obama will get crushed in November. Americans are tired of his lies and his shady dealings with people from his past. Say what you want about Reagan having no experience either, but he did not have ties to anti-american priests and lawyers with ties to fundamentalist islam groups. Hey, I am just quoting the CNN article...
larryh wi ....... stop with this BS .. LOL
What a SHOCK! NOT! Obama has a very bad habit of having friends and aquantinces who have very questionable backgrounds. Including now, several terrorists and terrorists sympathizers. Why does he need to have a muslim affairs coordinator anyway? He, The Chosen One, The Messiah, already has their vote!
You nobamaians better wake up. This doesn't sound too good. Are you guys dead from the neck up? I wouldn't vote for Obama if he was the only one running. Independent and proud of it.
I am glad that Obama decided to have a Muslim coordinator. I am sure many of his supporters are Muslim and that is okay. I think bam is a closet muslim himself. He quit his Christian Church and for what reason? Who knows?
BTW: Paris and obama are celebs without a portfolio. Both are famous for being famous for accomplishing nothing.
Obama is risky so is Paris; Obama has a funny name so does Paris; Obama sounds foreign, duh so does Paris.
Two birds of a feather if you ask me.
good that the Obama camp nipped that in the bud.
We know how the repugs like to blame Sen Obama for everything anybody does. They blame him if the sun shine or it rains. They are pathetic.
The Messiah mad another bad decision. How surprising! NOT!!!
The obamabots will have an excuse for this one too.
haha.
You media guys are a joke.... He never said "Republicans" are ignorant... he was referring to the McCain campain.... & wow the spin is killing me... lets paint someone defending themselves as a whiner...
I'm Sick!
-V
At least he was there for only a week before deciding to leave unlike those in the JM camp entrenched for much longer times, until woops!
And how much overseas money has republican candidates received over the years? I am sure OPEC nations have invested alot in preidents and congress that were opposed to alternative sources of energy.
This issue might need some in deth investigation too?
Finally the poster who calls himself John McShame agree on something. I'm pretty sure it will be the only time.
What else should we know that we don't? Every time I hear Obama say he doesn't take PAC or lobbyist money, I want to regurgitate. I just read where MoveOn.Org is the largest PAC in existence. So if he can say this with a straight face, please anyone, keep up your investigations and let's hear them. We can't afford another occupant in the White House who, like the Clintons, continues to be investigated throughout both terms. DO IT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.
Gee, there's a suprise. Guess they will go back to not allowing Muslim women in their photo ops.
Right, the column was by Maureen Dowd One of Obama's "computer geeks' was loyal to her and called her with this disturbing news. Gee, I searched the NYT for her article on this and it's no where to be found. Maybe because Thomas Moore wrote the smear-mail. You Rethugs can't even get a lie to be plausible.
No...
Not an aquaintance of Obama.
Obama has perfect judgement.
Then how is HE so often wrong?
Obama is dangerous, very very dangerous.
Obama is perfect
How does he always pick the dubious Americans to be an integral part of his campaign?
So someone who was a voluntary advisor was on the same board of directors briefly eight years ago with someone who has was unindicted in a case that resulted in no conviction.
That about cover it?
Perfect judgement once again... followed by refinement based on what polls best.
Do you think that McCain has a Muslim Affairs Coordinator on his staff?
Perfect vision
Perfect judgement
Who wouldn't vote for this media darling?
WE WILL WE WILL TEACH YOU
WE WILL WE WILL TEACH YOU
He was having a "mental recession" like all Americans. Ask McCain & Phil G. In comparison to all the lobbyist working in the McCain camp this is small.
Here come the MORONS who think Obama is a secret muslim. Never ceases to amaze me.
Obama is perfect..... at pandering for votes.
Not so good at judging character.
VERY presidential.
Obama is just going down hill. too bad.
Wake up people – NOBAMA's major contributors are middle eastern countries, China, etc. because they want that liberal a$$ in office!!!
Where is the speech to refine this?
Lets keep in Mind Obama was the first to compare himself to Paris Hilton in 2005.
Obama is refining his position right now....
OH perfect man of perfect vision.
ok anything but the issues...another example of how Obama get more press....BAD press. yet he is still the best candidate.
@larryh wi..great artical but i am so sorry this issue has been proven false...it is a lie. sorry man.
This man can't be trusted! Wake up people.
Please, someone, explain to me why we need to have a special "outreach" to various groups? I thought we were electing a president of the "UNITED States of America. Divisive? You bet it is, and I don't like it one little bit.
John Mccain cheated on his first wife after she got disfigured in a car wreck.
People have to do what they think is right in the interest of a party they are aligned with. Now it is time to move on. Also it is time to move as regards the celebrity ad but before I throw in the towel on this topic I have to put in this last piece.
Both Spears and Hilton have troubling issues and using them in a derogatory campaign ad against Sen. Obama is way below the belt. Sen. McCain should have tabooed this gimmick referencing two women who could be his granddaughters. If this is a hint at how a government can best provide health/psychiatric care for people who are in need (ridiculing them) – then god help us! Moral decay among both young and old seems to be the order of the day and we need someone to redeem us ASAP. I will borrow Hillary’s line by saying: “Shame on you”. Matter closed.
Why do they insist on using Muslim American, what's next I'm a Catholic Mexican, Protestant American, Jew American, Born Again American, Mormon American the whole label system is crap.
Americans who love their country WILL vote for Obama.
Unless they want race riots in the streets of major cities.
Is THAT what you racists want?
Africans and African Americans will vote in large numbers and we will NOT let the redneck racists derail the Obama train.
More racist fearmongering.
Obama will be president.
No derailing this Obamanation.
Black people will rise up.
Poor Repukes...sour grapes to you! In case none of you morons on the right are aware of it...the Constitution clearly state "Freedom of Religion". This means all religion. History would tell us that the Christians have done more than their fair share of horrible things. Sex scandals, starting numerous wars, witch hunts, propaganda, cross dressing and the list continues. This is not one nation under Christians, it's one nation under God. It doesn't say whose God. You like theocracies, move to the middle east, they live it everyday. Please keep your religion out of my politics and the nations' government as it was intended! If you want Church and State to join we should never have left England and for that matter make all the churches pay taxes. This high school mentality of my God is better than your God is juvenile. The Evangelicals are nothing more than modern day Klan members out kill off any other religion that isn't like theirs.
For all of those that continue to find fault in Sen Obama, lets for once just keep it real, you were not going to vote for a BLACK man in the first place, so its more confortable to you to try and find the negatives and put your racist attitude on that. A DOG could be running against Sen. Obama and you would rather take a chance with an animal than A Black man, knowing the bad situation our country is in you would will make yourself believe that Sen McCain has ALL of this experience, which he dosn't. You would rather put a High School Graduate to run the country rather than a College Graduate. I should have my son run for office since thats all it requires.
We are 13% of the population.
We will have Obama as president...
or look out.
CNN, why do you have this as a top story? Where is the story on how the McBush campaign did not allow a black reporter in to a press conference? Where is the story how McBush was was rampling at the topless beauty contest? Why isn't there a story on how McCain encouraged his wife to enter a topless beauty contest? CNN, the worst news organization in the worrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrld!!!!!!! After FOX News of course.
More Poor Judgement-
No surprises-
He's not getting elected-It doesn't matter where his contributions come from-
It's amazing that his media has not bounced on this article by Maureen Dowd but we should not be surprised-
Thank goodness for a long campaign cycle-We learn enough to elect someone with Character-
Fortunately for us-the Paris Hilton types are in a severe minority-
But she even gets a vote-
What a Country !!!
For the record, I am a Seventh Day Adventist and I am not big on exchanging Christmas Gifts either. I also know for a fact that Jehovah Witnesses dont celebrate Christmas or any other holidays. They dont even do birthdays.
I say this to say... You dont have to be a Muslum (not that there is anything wrong with it) to no exchange Christmas gifts. Get your facts correct before you blow off steam.
Don't you think if that fake Maureen Dowd email was true it would have been picked up by the mainstream media instead just making the rounds in email?
The Swift Boaters who fabricate these lies are a disgrace to the electoral process. Unable to win on the merits of their candidate they resort to slimey tactics that play on the worst in human nature.
Do you think Obama supporters should send emails saying McCain likes to dress up in Nazi uniforms or is a secret alcoholic or any other ridiculous crap they could make up? Of course not! So knock off the b.s. and quit dragging this election into the gutter.
Another demonstration of Obama's perfect judgement.... and eventual refinement.
Ron democrat turned independent:
I know that Jehovah's witnesses do no celebrate Christmas and/or birthdays and they certainly are not Muslims. So in all fairness, you cannot use that analogy to Obama.
There are plenty of other things to look at. Lack of experience, no record. Flipping and flopping on all kinds of issues (guns, energy, stragetic oil reserve, Israel). These may keep you busy for awhile!!!
Laura, Boston, MA
Typical. If the press ever gets around to doing its job as objective journalists, we'll hear a lot more about Hamas ties to Obama.
The posting dated August 6th, 2008 at 9:02 am ET by larryh wi is a fraud being circulated by fringe right wing circles. The debunking of this fraudulent article falsely attributed to NY Times columnist Maureen Dowd is here http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/donations.asp . If you'd like to read the actual column Dowd wrote for the June 29th, 2008 edition of The New York Times, you can see it here http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/opinion/29dowd.html . Because the post by "larryh wi" is a complete fabrication, his entry should be removed and he should be banned from further postings on CNN.com.
poor obama. no imam?
What barrel does Obama fish in?
He is supposed to have perfect vision and perfect judgement...
Except in judging character...
How will he be able to spot friend from foe as president if he is this naive about those around him?
No?
Obama has perfect vision and exercises perfect judgement... except for thos all around him making his agenda for him.
Obama is a fraud! He is trying to get elected as president of this country so he can destroy it.
You better vote McCain if you want to survive in this country!
Hey White Female-
Nobody is being Racist except people like you-!!
Your a disgrace-
Live somewhere else-
SEN> OBAMA has played the Race Card-
" I don't look like any of those on the dollars of America "
He is the nominee of your Party-
There is no Racism-
Your type are a disgrace-
You should be setting an example-
Too late. Damage done thanks to this guy. The last thing Obama needs is Muslim outreach anyway. He needs outreach into the red states who are scared of him because of all the fake internet stories and strange 'look' compared to them.
It's amazing that people don't use facts and ears to make decisions, they believe anything. Well, when the US has one of the lowest average IQ's, what do we expect?
This is a racist ploy.
Obama does not err.
Stop with these redneck attacks on our Leader.
Once Obama is president he can do WHAT he wants and he will no longer have to pander to the voters.
Vote for the supreme leader.
TO "LARRYH WI" AND ALL FOLKS ON THIS BLOG:
"LARRYH WI" MENTIONED A MAUREEN DOWD ARTICLE OF JUNE 29TH IN THE NEW YORK TIMES QUESTIONING SEN. OBAMA'S FUND RAISING ON THE INTERNET........THIS IS FALSE.........FALSE!
I WENT ONLINE TO THE MAUREEN DOWD ARCHIVES AND CHECKED OUT THE ARTICLE FOR JUNE 29TH 2008, ITS TITLE WAS " IT'S OVER LADY" ........ AN ARTICLE ABOUT HILLARY CLINTON!!!!!
WE ALL NEED TO BE CAREFUL ......NOT EVERYTHING IS TRUE, THERE ARE A LOT OF LIES ESPECIALLY TARGETING SEN. OBAMA.
WHILE READING SOME OF HER RECENT ARTICLES THERE IS AN INTERESTING ONE ABOUT HOW MCCAIN'S "GREEN EYED MONSTER OF ENVY" IS SHOWING!
Once he is president he can do what he wants and no one can stop him.
Now he has to play the game for the ignorant rednecks and racists.
Let him do what he must to win.
Once in... it is Obamanation all the way.
For all those who take pleasure in repeatedly posting the FABRICATED – that means LIE – story by Maureen Dowd - PLEASE check your facts!
This was a viral email set up to look like it was really written by Dowd – but it was NOT and has been completely denounced by Maureen Dowd... AND thoroughly debunked!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/08/maureen-dowd-becomes-fict_n_111509.html
Do 3 minutes of research people!
Leave the dazzling rock star alone.
He isn't doing anything wrong... his judgement has been right on... for his eventual agenda.
I don't understand this at all. This guy resigned because of another Muslim? What? What is this about?
I think this country is so paranoid, why would you want people to reach out to Arab Americans, key word being Americans. We are getting sillier and sillier everyday.
Inspite of this silliness I'm supporting Obama. The country is whack, we should learn from the young people. Let's try and get along, give peace a chance, etc.
In my observation of CNN site, it appears they are always showing Obama's campain speeches live......where is McCain's? And why does CNN always close comments when responses start turning against Obama, but not against McCain? I cannot believe the bias of CNN and the rudeness of the Obama supporters. I would have liked to have seen more coverage of what is going on at Capitol Hill. I really do not like either canidate, but just from disgust of what I observe I tend to favor McCain. Thanks CNN you are making my choice a little easier.
Wow, people will look at anything to bring down Obama. I'm still struggling to understand how the same person can attack him for Rev. Wright while arguing he is a muslim. But the mind of an idiot is so more complicated to understand than a sane one.
The likelyhood of a muslim having contact, through business, with someone having ties with Hamas or other organisation is 100%. This guy showed great judgement by resigning as soon as possible when he learned of those ties. But it will never be enough for the right wing anyway.
Funny, considering Bush the first received the help of the Saudis with his company, the same Saudis who are responsible for the funding of all terrorist attacks against the US.
Last point, about internet funding, I know it is maths from primary school but when you say internet contributions are around 20/25 $, it implies that the same person, every month, will give that amount of money over and over again. Second, only part of the money is coming from the internet, the other part comes from bigger donors.
Obama is too eager.
He needs to wait until he is actually president- then he can destroy the country along with his friends.
Oh for heavens sake! If I vetted all my friends I wouldn't have any!
I would have to drop everybody who voted for GWB twice! This would include family members. Come on you Obama Haters. Quit trying to make up reasons not to vote for him. We know who and what you are.
Maybe we should vett all voters. Anybody who knew anybody who knew anybody would be denied voting rights. Naw. That wouldn't work.
Who would be left to do the vetting?
Obama/Biden
Obama isn't very smart.
He needs to wait until he controls the white house and power... before he installs his friends into position.
THE BIG JOKE OBAMA AND HIS CIRCUS MEDIA. BRING IN THE CLOWN. AMERICA GETS WHAT THEY ASK FOR.
Be patient!
First Obama must steal the presidency.
THEN he can install whoever he wants to do whatever THEY want.
Too eager to grab that power.
what's coming out of Osamas closet next??? His circle of advisers, friends and ministers seem to have a lot in common and it's not good for America.
For THIS you swiftboated Hillary?
God help us.
We are in the hands of the youth and the left wing.
what seems to be loss in all the you did, no you did, rhetoric going on is that the person elected will be in charge to a great degree of your future. that person's character should give us a pretty good understanding of his true motives. i think CNN and all the media should unbiastly check into these candidates background. they being in the business more than anybody recognize what the power of advertising can do and how it can manipulate. i think they owe it to the voters to use this knowledge to protect us.
YET AGAIN quality judgment by Obama and his camp ..... we are is serious trouble if he becomes POTUS
He shouldn't have resigned, he didn't need to. John McCain's crooks on his campaign are still working for him.
I'm counting how many tries it takes to get this posted:
C'mon CNN you posted Obama suppoters and their vile, vulgar filth… now post those you blocked back then:
Black people want Obama.
White people and the majority of Americans of other ethnicities and cultures OWE it to black people to install Obama as next president.
YOU are all responsible for the slave traders in Africa who sold their own into slavery.
Obama is the redemption.
He and Michelle have told you so.
To: White Female
Relax.....your scaring the children.
Open Your 3rd Eye August 6th, 2008 10:16 am ET
Here come the MORONS who think Obama is a secret muslim. Never ceases to amaze me.
************************
It is the same 'values' voters who voted for Bush twice and who now found have new allies in the ranks of closet bigots which are many Hillary Supporters.
Drop a Koran in a Walmart somewhere in middle America, and you'll have a stampede on your hands of folks running to the exit.
Obama is black
It is time for a black president.
Need I say more.
White people MUST capitulate or there will be hell to pay.
Obama4ever
once again, numerous obama haters prove they have the intellectual capacity of a 10 year old.
they better begin preparing for President Obama! IT'S COMING!
ANOTHER SORE LIP. OR ANOTHER FLIP FLOP.
PARIS FOR VP. REZKO ATTORNEY GENERAL.
PELOSI HAIR DRESSER .
CHARVEZ FOR LIMO DRIVER.
OPHRA CHEF
Now thats change I can believe in.
Didn't he chase off two muslim woman that would have incidently appeared next to him early in his campaign. Wake up people. One more inconsistency in his self proclaimed path of change.
What diversity outreach programs does John McCain and the republicans have? At least Barack is trying to reach out and open a dialogue with diverse groups of people.
NY TIMES:
Big Donors Are a Major Force in Obama Campaign :
MY QUESTION WHO ARE THEY?????????????????????
Obama has perfect judgement
Obama has perfect vision.
Obama is the future.
What a pointless story. The man has done nothing wrong. So long as we continue to generalize and spew hate toward people because of their ethnicity, heritage or religion we are doomed to continue looking ignorant.
hmmm... you right wingers might have a point. Remember that pic of Rumsfeld smiling and shaking hands with Saddam Hussein... ?
To Ron, Former Democrat:
I am NOT Muslim yet I do NOT buy my children Christmas or Birthday Gifts. They are taught that their life is a celebration of joy and should be shared with others less fortunate such as the homeless and animal shelters. Weak thinking skills lead to hate and bigotry.
Obama 08
So a volunteer on Obama's staff resigned because 8 years ago he served on a board briefly with a man now alleged to have fundamentalist muslim ties, and THIS is what you point to as proof Obama himself is some kind of muslim terrorist sympathizer? To quote Obama, is that the best you can do? Grow up already, these third grade tactics are nothing but a turnoff.
Oh, and the supposed June 29th Maureen Dowd article? Google it and learn.
SO can we raise the color-coded threat alert to Orange? Maybe bring back the scary mug of Tom Ridge like it was 2004? If fear doesn't work, can we use bitterness?
Obama4ever August 6th, 2008 10:34 am ET
Once he is president he can do what he wants and no one can stop him.
Now he has to play the game for the ignorant rednecks and racists.
Let him do what he must to win.
Once in… it is Obamanation all the way.
I would say you are the ignorant one. And to prove it you used the racist term rednecks. I don't know how you turned out so dumb as to contradict yourself.
I don't know what to believe about Obama anymore. It doesn't help that he seems to change his position on critical issues every other day. Oh wait.That's right, "Change" is another word for "flip-flop", isn't it?
Just say Nobama '08
Ron democrat turned independent August 6th, 2008 8:59 am ET
when sen. obama makes comments like not believing in buying his children Christmas and birthday gifts which are belief followed by the Muslim religion he leaves himself open to such speculation it is hard for a christian family to understand.
RON,
It is possible that he doesn't buy his children gifts for xmas because he wants them to remember Christ, and not gifts. That's actually a very smart idea. Also-most Muslims in America DO celebrate bdays. I've been Muslim my entire life and I don't know any other Muslim who doesn't celebrate birthdays.
if any obama supporters are all interested, since the primaries nobody not Clinton or McCain as made any reference about obama's color except obama. he has used as part of his platform the reference the odds of him being in this position and constantly educated us about how his daddy left home when he was two being born to a white mother and black father ect. he and he alone elected to say that his white grandmother made racist and ethnic slurs that made his skin crawl and later stated she was a typical white person.he not the McCain campaign he's the one who said that they would remind them that he was black. so lay the blame at his feet when the issue comes up. give credit where credit is due
I fear that Obama is so fearful of what the world thinks of him and the US (Muslim affairs director???) that he will not pay any attention to domestic issues. I hate to say it, but I think this Democrat is voting McCain.
Obama should be the one to resign. Why would he need a Muslim Affairs Coordinator in the first place? If Obama gets in, America you get what you asked for – just like you did with Bush. The only ones that have the power to put a stop to Obama is YOU. Does not matter if the press or CNN has a love affair with Obama, he cannot win if you don't give him the votes. NO OBAMA
Wow! This was swept under the rug!
Oops! Get him out of here! I just hate the way the press does all that follow-up.
Wonder what Obama relatives and long time friends in Africa and Indonesia think of his performance about now.
Oh, well. They don't vote in American elections, so who cares?
McCain’s Record of Vet Support, Just Another Buffalo Chip
John McCain’s campaign for president recently took him to the annual Sturgis biker rally where he spoke with veterans at the Buffalo Chip Campground. He could not have picked a more appropriate setting to offer up his wife, Cindy McCain, for a topless beauty contest and brag about his record of supporting veterans. He failed on both counts, however, to give these veterans the full McCain:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has given John McCain a grade of D for his support of veterans:
Disabled Veterans of America gave him a 20% rating on support for veterans while giving Obama an 80% rating:
Per Vietnam Veterans of America John McCain has “voted against us” in 15 key votes:
John McCain is one of the few veterans running for office that VoteVets has refused to endorse:
To name just a few votes by John McCain against veterans:
McCain voted against an amendment providing $20 billion for VA medical facilities [5/4/06]
McCain voted against providing $430 million to the VA for outpatient care and treatment for veterans [4/26/06]
McCain voted against increasing VA funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate loopholes [3/14/06]
McCain voted against increasing VA funding by $1.8 billion by ending abusive tax loopholes [3/10/04]
The man even voted against giving combat duty troops more time at home between extended tours.
John McCain had the gall to not only be rude, but to lie to a vet
about his record of endorsements from veteran groups and then had the nerve to refuse further questioning on the issue:
“I’ve been endorsed in every election by every veterans organization that do that, I’ve been supported by them, and I’ve received their highest awards from all of those organizations. So I guess they don’t know something you know.”
Later, during his town hall meeting, McCain admitted he does “not have a perfect voting record,” and then announced questions about veterans issues were off limits: “I will be glad to debate a lot of things, but not that one.”
Not only was John McCain a no show when it came to voting on the GI Bill he opposed, a bill which the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars fully supported, he now wants to limit veteran health care to only combat related injury in order to save money. Per retired Army General Robert Gard, McCain’s proposal to limit health care to only combat injuries would “shortchange those veterans who suffer from non-combat related conditions”. McCain is apparently unconcerned about the number of veterans this would affect, including the 15% of female combat veterans who suffer from military sexual trauma.
This comes as no surprise. When the VA was busted recently for
circulating a memo suggesting doctors lower their diagnosis on veterans suffering from PTSD in order to save money, John McCain replied: “it’s not important.”
Older veterans remember well how John McCain and John Kerry shut down all further investigation into remaining MIA/POW in order to open up trade with Vietnam over the protests of family members. They remember full well how these families were treated and talked to by McCain. They also remember how John McCain’s father-in-law immediately opened up a beer industry in Vietnam as soon as trade resumed.
Everyone please try this....it will definately help you decide who you should vote for!!!!
I would like everyone to google Sen. Obama's resume. Please copy and paste it to Word. Then replace his name with any general name, like Mike Johnson. Then replace the address and phone number with your own.
Now, leave everything as is on the resume, except remove "United States Senator" and its relevant information. (we are doing this because well lets face it he has only been in Congress for less than two years and has spent that time running for President).
Now comes the fun part. Go to your local city newspapers help wanted section. Locate ten "prestigous" jobs in your city such as CEO, or senior partner at a law firm.
Mail this resume to the appropriate address. Wait 30 days and tell me how many interviews you have been offered!!!!
This is great I did this....and guess how many responses I got to the resume!!!!!!! HAHAHA thats right people
ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you need anymore proof that he is not qualified to be POTUS???????????
This is kinda bizarre:
Why does he need a Muslim outreach coordinator? The muslim population in the US is about 1%. 1%, and how many of them vote, or CAN legally vote???
This would be the equivalent of creating an outreach coordinator position for Native American Indians with blue eyes.
This will raise some eyebrows!
If obama not a muslim WHY does he need a muslim co-ordinator? Why indicate by having one that thats important.? No other candidate felt the need for muslim co-ordinators! Hummmmmmmmm
This story is not getting any play anywhere else simply because it is a non-story. Oh thats right CNN is depending on a close race...
TERRORIST!
Ghee, someone stepping up and accepting responsibility for prior involvements rather than hide it and let the vetting process surface the situation. Integrity appears to be present within the Obama campaign organization. A good example and sign for things to come.
Another person linked to the Campaign that has ties to an extremist/terrorist group or preaches hatred. What a shock.....
Obama: Mr. Asbahi is not the man I knew.
Neither are Rev. Wright, father Pfleger, his grandma, Ludacris, etc., etc.
LOL!!!
This situation with a volunteer was handled very quickly and appropriately by the Obama campaign.
When will McCain handle the questionable connections within his paid staff with lobbyists Charlie Black, Tom Loeffler, and Peter Madigan?
The Obama rhetoric is getting old and the American public will see the light long before election day.
Vote McCain 2008
Add this to Jeremiah Wright, Aires, Pleger, and the list goes on. Do you really want to elect a junior Senator with no experience and all kinds of racist/radical connections.
"God help us.
We are in the hands of the youth and the left wing."
At 59 and seeing what the older, right wing has done to this country, being in the hands of the youth and the left wing doesn't sound too bad to me...
Hey Tony,
Truth hurt AH, you your bunch of haters can't take it anymore when you get call out, yes I said it and you know it's true you can't find or don't have the smarts to run a country other than being childish or Ignorant racist fools towards others of color. You should leave this country if it not to your liking. I am staying, and I love it here, now that I can be proud of my country that other country can see you racist fools does not speak for all white people here in USA. Eat your heart out because you can't get over the fact that we will have a BLACK, SMART leader for a change who knows how to speak to other people, and other countries like adults that we are, and not like childish old fools of haters who can't grow up. Don't stay stuck on STUPID TONY, life is to short try living it for a change you and no one else can't take this land and country with you when you leave this earth so wise up and stop stressing over the foolishness of these haters from Jojn Mccain's camp, and Bill Clinton Ignorant's of racistism.
You should to be in america and have people of other countries look up to us again our name has been mud to long from that SLEZZZZ BUSH.
0BAMA 08/12
Why bother to moderate these CNN if you are just going to let all the nut jobs run bots to spew comments that are trying to incite anger over and over?
So much hate and contempt in this country. Sorry I can't say I am REALLY proud of my country right about now.
Volunteer role, right?........Some of us would love to continue to volunteer, but thanks to the present administration riches, we are left to commit to a few day's a year.
This is so GOPish...........
It's sad to see Obama's supporters actually threatening "race riots" in America is Obama isn't elected. Sad but not surprising. Threats of violence and Blackmail won't sway many Americans to Obama's side.
NOBAMA 2008
Does anyone believe this fool can inspire anyone who isn't on psyochtropics?
just avoiding the republican smears.not news.
TO MORE RACIST LIES – White people MUST capitulate or there will be hell to pay.
Well please explain yourself. Do we need to start preparing ourselves for another temper tantrum. Like fans at a little league baseball game we may want to participate this time around. YOU MAY AS WELL PREPARE US HILLARY SUPPORTERS WILL NOT SUPPORT OBAMA.
In McCain's first celebrity ad did anyone notice the background music was "Back in Black" by AC DC? I've never heard anybody pick up on that and I think that is significant. Don't tell me that just happened to be coincidental.
So obama's connection to a Muslim organization is a non=story. Wonder if McCain supported some far out organization you would want the MSM to be all over it.
Since the day this person obama crept on the scene this is the type of things people want to conceal about him. READ HIS DARN BOOKS AND SEE WHAT KIND OF PERSON HE IS.
The innuendo of many of you is that every Muslim is a terrorist. You are so off-track with that notion. We can be glad that American voters who are Muslims are likely to vote for Obama.
too bad.the guy probably has a wealth of knowledge ,on muslim-american affairs.but,because of bigoted attacks by repubs,[sure to come],the best guy for the job,had to go.NO MORE FEAR!"WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR ,BUT FEAR ITSELF."franklin delano roosevelt.
These people who think Obama is a part of some great conspiracy to take over and enslave America...what the he!! are you smoking? Are living in a comic book? Do you think dogs are talking about you behind your backs and Martians are stealing your luggage?
Get a grip people! Try to focus on the real and very serious issues facing your country and lose about the sixth grade boogey man theory.