What was the purpose of the Clinton campaign circulating such a photo?

Were they trying to improve Obama's chances of winning a primary?

I've seen photos of Hillary wearing traditional clothing. But I haven't seen the Obama campiagn circulating them.

This is more of the same dirty tricks from the Clintons.

This is the snake vs. mongoose war that we always knew the Clintons vs. the Chicago Machine would always become.

It's on.

First the Clinton spread lies about Obama attending a radical Muslim school as a youth and now this.

Clinton is proving to be a hateful, hateful woman willing to do anything for power. It's disgusting.

Wow! This is the very photo that could sink Obama. This is the beginning of the END for him. Thank you Drudge. What else have you got?

What I want to know is how many Clinton campaign workers were required to restrain Obama, forcibly clothe him and make him pose for a picture?

The Obama campaign is setting a very poor, cry- baby example for supporters--many of whom are participating in their first campaign as volunteers. David Plouffe should be ashamed of himself. The documentary on Obama that finally ran in Chicago was nothing more than a very flattering travelogue--was it approved by the campaign before assemblage?

The Clinton campaign's response was pure Rovian spin.

Why would they be circulating it if they didn't mean for it to be divisive?

And the previous poster was right. There are plenty of pictures of Hillary Clinton dressed in the native dress of the country she was visiting. So what? Why is this news??

Man, Maggie Williams sure knows how to crack eggs. It's really clear that she's doing the job she was brought in to do.

These are simply the death throes of a failing Clinton campaign.

Obama's attire is as easily explained as Cliton's hat or Bush's, well whatever that is.
http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/longisland/politics/blog/2008/02/clinton_campaign_whatever_stic.html

Obama has no substance in any major speeches. He might as well write in all his literature, "Whatver Hillary says plus..little of this and little of that, and less this." I can not simply believe that this country is letting go two prudent Presidents at the price of one..

How dare the Clinton people circulate a true photo of Barack H. Obama!

Don't the Clinton people know that we're all supposed to be united behind Barack H. already?

Wow - the Clinton campaign is in panic mode. Can't wait to see what else they pull before the next debate. She is coming across as a cheap, arrogant candidate if she thinks any of this crap is going sway any thinking voters.

Williams surely knows that a nondenial denial will be understood as an admission--she knows this can be pinned on the Clinton campaign, and they're just sorry Drudge mentioned that. Gosh darn it, mentioning the photo's origin wasn't part of the plan!

Why are they circulating this picture--part of the message that Clinton is ready on Day One? What important point is made by showing that Obama has donned native garb like many a travelling politician? They introduced the topic; they need to explain why they think it's important and relevant.

From the Insult 40 States Strategy, to Rendell's low opinion about his own PA voters, to the current "important issue we want to raise in the campaign, but not if it's pinned on us"--Does anyone really want the people running this campaign, running the country?

Hill & Bill,

Buh, bye.

So apparently the Clinton campaign hates all Muslims. Perhaps we can start a holy war if she becomes our next president.

It seems to me that if Obama had nothing to hide, he would not be so upset about the photo being circulated. Stop whining, Barack! You have had it easy this entire campaign. The press has treated with you like a god. Now that a little pressure is being put on you, you can't handle it! Grow up Barack Hussein Obama!

Marko--there's already a holy war on--and Bush started it--Hilary and Edwards and others were cowed into voting for it EXACTLY as Barack would have been. And since then, Barack keeps (wait for it) VOTING TO FUND IT! I like Barack Obama a LOT better than people who say they support his campaign--which appears to be run by a bunch of thin-skinned children.

Huh...kinda makes all of you who worshipped Clinton back in the '90s finally understand what the rest of us were unhappy about, doesn't it?

What a bunch of sissies. Quit crying and run a campaign. Why is the Obama camp complaining about this picture why??

More sleaze from the Clinton's. Egomanical power mongers. vote ABC (ANybody But Clinton[s])

Barrack Hussein Obama is getting terrific press today, couple the wonderful picture of him in Muslim dress and the praise and accolades showered upon him By Mr. Farrahkan he appears to be a lock.....NOT !

How do we know that the Clinton campaign is circulating this photo?? Every story I've seen on this issue states that the Obama campaign is BLAMING the Clinton campaign for circulating this photo. Where's the evidence? It's just another unfounded attack on Hillary!

Where's the picture of Hillary wearing a pointed hat and riding a broom on her official visit to Hogworth Academy? This type of political ploy is exactly what is wrong with Hillary and her supposed message. Stick to the high-road and the issues or get out of the way.

Slimy.

Maggie Williams, when given the chance to deny Clinton involvement with the photo, didn't deny it at all. She instead issued a weak non-denial saying (effectively) "We don't want to talk about it".

Whether or not the photo represents the same customs all traveling politicans partake in isn't the point. The point is to ask why Clinton released THIS photo and not one of her or one of Bush or one of any other person.

The answer is sadly, painfully, transparent. Hillary Clinton hopes to stoke racial prejudices and fears by painting Senator Obama as a Muslim just as she tried when her camp released false information about Obama attending radical Muslim schools.

Think about it: This woman wants to be our president and represent us to the world. This woman will be tasked with our withdrawal from Iraq, our cold war with Iran, Turkey's military creep into Kurdish territories and a new Pakistani government. And she uses racist fear-mongering against Muslims to score political points to gain the presidency. How do you think the Muslim world will react to a woman who uses their faith as a scare tactic?

Clinton's release of the photo, under the context she did it in, is inexcusable and a frightning image of her possible presidency. If she did not release it, she should IMMEDIATELY denounce the photo and deny any involvement in it.

OMG! Senator Obama showed respect for another culture! He could never be President after that!

What's wrong with you people anyway?

I don't understand why Obama's camp is whining about this picture either. Hillary has had to endure all sorts of lame attacks on her character, her clothing, her emotions, her husband, yet she isn't whining about it.
I wish there was more focus on how these two plan to HELP us, and a lot less fighting. Each time I hear a candidate bash another, or blame another, I feel less likely to vote for them.

Give me a break...the Clinton campaign is over. Did we not see President Bush wearing official Muslim and African garments on his recent trips? This is very petty and racist of the Clinton campaign and she just lost my vote!

How quickly all of you have forgotten 9/11, Obama put that garb on to impress that audience, what else might he do for them!

Why be ashamed of the photo? Go to Sen. Obama's church web site for an explanation of the priority of Africa at:www.tucc.org/about.htm
Forget about Africa and turbans for a minute. Why can't Sen. Obama explain these other stories:
Minister Farrakhan tells us Barack Obama is our savior. Go to the Associated Press. Also, check out Politico.com for Barack Obama's meeting in his early adult career with "former Weathermen" at a political get together. It was his intro into Chicago "liberal" politics. Obama said the weathermen were in their heyday when he was about 8 years old. True enough, but that does not explain the talk he gave in their house when he was a bit more grown up. These people have been quoted as saying they regret not making more bombs. These people blew up a house two blocks from my home in New York City years ago and now they're teaching in the University and saying they regret they did not make more bombs. Weathermen? Farrakhan? Wow, this is change you can believe in. And these are stories that need to be featured and examined for truth before it's too late.

"First the Clinton spread lies about Obama attending a radical Muslim school as a youth and now this."
Interestingly you included "radical." Did he actually attend a muslim school? that is, not radical?

It isn't Muslim dress, Don B. It's Kenyan.

it is so sad to see this kind of campaign from both of the candidates. Will there ever be a candidate where he/she just comes out and say what and how they will help the country rather than just trying to shoot each other down?

nice try hillary, but smart voters smell your fear mongering tactics a mile away. i applaud obama for showing respect to a visiting culture. he will make an excellent U.S. president and global embassador.

Obama in a Turban and African dress is a non-story. The big story is Farrakhan endorsing Obama for President. If Obama does not denounce and reject that endorsement this is going to cause big problems. The majority of American voters will not support a candidate that takers support from hate groups.

Kind of makes you wonder, when Hilery first heard of Bill's use of the Oval Office with Monica, was her first thought "How will this effect my chances to be President"?

With each negative attack that Clinton throws at Obama, it gives permission to McCain and the GOP to follow in the same line of attacks. If Obama were to lose the general election, Clinton will bear some responsibility for that defeat.

this is a much worse tactic than the willie horton issue - at least with willie horton, there was an actual villain (who happened to be black)

this is playing the race card for the sake of playing the race card ...

just like billary saying, "of course, obama won south carolina, so did jesse jackson"

going negative against obama NOW is a calculated strategy and very cynical - if going negative works, then HilLIARy is back in the race, if going negative doesn't help her get back in the race, there remains an upside to going negative on obama for HilLIARy's sake - hilLIARy's negative campaigning NOW will hurt obamas chances of winning the general election and then if he loses that, HilLIARy will be the democratic candidate to beat in 2012

so if going negative NOW works - it helps hilLIARy (possibly now - possibly later) though it hurts the country

when are you people going to see - the clintons love the clintons more than country , party or anything ????

they once tasted the power they craved for so long and NOTHING is beyond them as far as getting back that power - they are exactly like the pathetic gollum (of LOTR) wanting his "precious" ring of power back - at any costs

p.s. hilLIARy is the one who played the "Democrats shouldn't campaign negatively" card early in the race - why ??? because she lived in a glass house and couldn't handle criticism - but she ALWAYS planned to go negative in the general election (and blame the republicans for doing so) - she just wanted to be untouchable during her inevitability campaign - but they underestimated obama, so HilLIARy is going negative sooner than expected - double standard !!!! (what she really meant was , "as long as I'm the frontrunner, let's none of us go negative") just like "let's not count the florida / michigan delegates" - that is until she needs them - then there is a total reversal despite the fact that she ran alone in those races

hilLIARy - always a major part of the negative politics and gridlock of the past two decades - ALWAYS - she never wasn't - in fact, she was chief initiator/instigator as much as anybody - EVER - just listen to her - accusing obama of rove tactics - it's worse than the pot calling the kettle black for two reasons A) she's worse than rove and B) she lies about it

So I guess with GWB visiting Africa lately and probably in African garb while there, I guess that would make him a Muslin too!! Silly People!! When in Rome, you do as the Romans do!!

Obama camp, stop it! You paint yourselves are sooo righteous and can't hurt anyone!
You guys are as terrible as the Clinton Camp! The Democrats will not win anyway this November, your party is such a disgrace for America! other nations specially those that are strengthening their military and their nukes are looking at you and to them you are a joke. They can't wait to crush America again so beware and be prepared.Can you handle it, eh, Rookie Obama?

Don B.:

How about that picture of your President walking around last year holding hands with the Saudis??

What is he so upset about? Is it that he looks like a fool on Halloween?

Roland...she just lost your vote? You mean you were going to vote for HRC before this photo?

Anyway, who believes Drudge - he's a partisan snake who loves to make Democrats fight.

And oddly, I recall that Drudge ran a photo of HRC and Rezko right after Obama was getting heat about his Rezko connections. No one seemed to want to call Obama slimy for that clear use of Drudge.

Obama-bots are really frighteningly naive and hypocritical.

Lets get to the issues! Who cares!

It can't be the Clintons.. They represent the Democratic Party and we all KNOW how holier than thou the Democratic is.

One of the benefits of all this stuff like the photo and Farakkan and Hillary's shrill attack on his speech style, is that it deflates arguments going into the generation election. He seems to have weathered alot of the other attacks that Hillary and the other candidates threw at him, especially his patriotism and experience, religion. Now the sooner these things are dealt with, the less lethal they will be in the general. IF, Obama can handle these challenges now against Clinton's experience, age, and establishment. Then as Clinton likes to say, he has been "Vetted".

better now, then later. and the media will have less to throw at him in the future, and their infatuation will grow. the media "obama-crush" is his biggest asset (but cant depend on it). although hillary seems to be self destructive on her own.

If this is an attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hysteria and use it to defeat Obama, I wonder how far the Clinton campaign has thought this latest move through. Beyond looking like a petty, desperate, and hateful move by Hillary's campaign to all but the most blindly faithful, such a move does nothing to help her in a general election should she go on to win the nomination. Want to fan the flames of terrorist fears and anti-Muslim sentiments? You may unwittingly push voters into the arms of a candidate who has expressed the willingness to fight the LONG fight against Islamic terrorists. Although I find his willingness to keep troops in Iraq for a century to be senseless, McCain does appear to many to have a better handle on international affairs than Obama or Clinton; sloppy and petty moves like this from the Clinton camp don't help their standing.

Also, this may stray slightly off topic for some, but a turban is NOT a Muslim head dress. Go anywhere in the world and tell a Sikh that he's wearing a Muslim head dress and see how quickly he let's you know how wrong you are.

I know how Obama's people can get even: Find a picture of Hillary wearing a skirt.

The headline is misleading. The posting of the photo on the Drudge site clearly states that they received the photo from Clinton staffers. (Jeez, they can't even get smear campaigning right).

Dear Hillary,

I love the smell of your desperation in the morning.

It smells like..

Victory for Obama!

I'm betting on Hillary's Howard Dean moment to happen any minute now. By this time next Tuesday the media will be saying "Hillary Who?"

If you don't understand why the Obama camp is outraged by this picture, you're not paying enough attention. For months now, there has been an internet/e-mail smear campaign that claims Obama is a Muslim intent on destroying America from within. This picture is being taken out of context to plant the idea in the minds of the naive or too busy to get fully informed that maybe he IS a Muslim operative. The man's been going to the same CHRISTIAN church for 20 years. Shame on you, Hillary Clinton.

This is a 2 for 1.
Racist and xenophobic/religious bigotry. This is meant to appeal to bigots- (Alice Palmer, Don B) and it's not the same when Bush or Clinton dress up in African garb because they don't have African names-even in African garb they still seem to racists like "one of us", and Obama is seen by bigots as the "other".

It's painfully clear and simple to see what the intent is. And the fact that the Clinton campaign is so carefully avoiding a straight up denial and is instead acting disingenuous about how such a photo could appeal to racists, and attacking Obama's camp for noticing speaks volumes.

"Williams vowed that the Clinton team would not be distracted from its mission as the Ohio and Texas primaries loom large just eight days away."

What jerks these Clinton people. For this woman Maggie Williams to say that the Clinton team would not be distracted...is ludicrous when they are the ones who are doing nothing more than working their damdest to 'distract' the voters by digging for and then publishing photos like these. They are the most vile peasants, all of them. And even Hillary's "Shame on you, Barack Obama" is not even her own. Bill Clinton just blurted those exact words just last month or so at a diner being interviewed that he did not like, and so he turned to the interviewer as he was leaving, and said, "Shame on you, Barack Obama put you up to this!"

Got to be a reason for having a Muslim name and he sure looks like the getup fits. Do you really want this man running this country? I would like to really know what he stands for and not just a word he says all the time- CHANGE. Change to what Islam? What the hell does he really mean and stand for? If he elected president, then I think I will go someplace else to live.

I WONDER WHY OBAMA IS SO…………………. UP IN THE air about a photo. This man has something to HIDE, because every little thing said about him that is not approved by his staff sends him into a PANIC MODE. This REALLY makes me WONDER WHAT ELSE IS OBAMA HIDING AND AFRAID WILL GET OUT?

The question I have is: If he is such a STRONG Man, why do he let a simple picture scare him?

Something to think about America.

"But Maggie Williams, Clinton’s campaign manager, responded tersely, suggesting that the Obama-ites are just being too sensitive.

“Enough,” said Williams. “If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely.”

Williams vowed that the Clinton team would not be distracted from its mission as the Ohio and Texas primaries loom large just eight days away."

I think the fact that Williams never denied that they are distributing this picture is cause for concerns. If the Clinton campaign didn't think it was divisive, why did they distribute this photo. More dirty politic by the Win at all cost Clintons.

This is the clearest sign yet that Hillary Clinton will do anything to become the nominee. This also indicates if Obama becomes the nominee, selecting Hillary as the VP is a bad idea. She just might do anything to make sure that Obama does not complete his term.

“Enough,” said Williams. “If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely.”

Then why release them? This statement implies wearing traditional garments from countries that are visited are no big deal. But yet, the Clinton campaign is making a big deal out this particular form of dress. The Clinton camp's race bating and fear mongering is just as bad as the repubs.

Hillary seems to be digging her own grave by continuously taking the low road. The Kenyan photo is NOT relevant, issues are. Period. Time to move on & undo the Farakkhan endorsement asap.

It is always a sign of a loosing campaign when one candidate (Hillary Clinton)must continue to focus on why her opponent is not qualified to win rather than on why SHE IS qualified to win. That shows major desperation.

Read the headline people: OBAMA CAMP SAYS the photo was circulated by Clinton's campaign. Apparently now we believe EVERYTHING the Obama camp says? Use your own minds and stop believing the crap BOTH sides of this competition are spewing.

Why are people automatically blaming the Clinton campaign for this just because Obama said it was. There is no proof in his statement.

There is proof that Obama sent out those mailing in Ohio about Clinton.

That's the difference between both accusations. Is that Clinton has a right to blame Obama for the mailings.

Obama is speculating that Hillary sent out that picture. It could have been the Republicans.

“Enough,” said Williams. “If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely.”

Williams vowed that the Clinton team would not be distracted from its mission as the Ohio and Texas primaries loom large just eight days away.

“This is nothing more than an obvious and transparent attempt to distract from the serious issues confronting our country today and to attempt to create the very divisions they claim to decry,” said Williams

Noticeably, Williams does not deny that the Clinton camp put out the photo. This tells us all we need to know about the type of campaign the Clinton's are willing to wage.

Democrats claim to be more open-minded than Republicans but those who look at this and don't smell a foul odor are kidding themselves.

The Clinton camp needs to at least admit they put out the photo. When they do, they can explain to us WHY.

We're waiting, Maggie.

So I guess with GWB visiting Africa lately and probably in African garb while there, I guess that would make him a Muslin too!

Posted by: S. Payne | February 25, 2008 1:33 PM

Only if that muslin were made into a bedsheet.

so glad this photo came out, after reading the article on FARRAKHAN praising OBAMA as the SAVIOR it was scary,but what was worse is when the article came out from POLITICO came out on 2-22 about OBAMA having ties to a TERRORIST group some yrs ago ,but AYERS went to prison and still says he has no remorse for the BOMBINGS. OBAMA was seen at one of the meetings and also got campaign money.

I think you all need to grow up. To think that everytime something comes out about Obama comes from the Clinton camp is stupid. And who cares anyway, for it's said that anytime something comes out about Hillary it comes from the Obama camp. An eye for an eye. GROW UP & GET A LIFE. Every one of you ar a BUNCH of hyprocrits. I think there should be proof of things before we start pointing fingers. Obama & his camp are just whiney. Get a clue.

Leave the man alone, why do we feel we have to strip his heritage? Sen. Clinton can dress as anglo-saxon as she wants and we aren't to say shame on her? Have we all forgotten what Dr. Martin Luther King was talking about?

It is painfully obvious to some of us the hatred that Sen Clinton shows in very subversive ways, admit it or not. We all need to look at some reality now and again.

Let Obama maintain some of his heritage. The white race has tried to strip every culture of its heritage. I know, I am part native american now married to a african american.

That was a horrible move! Smear and fear at it's best. I guess if you can't beat em honestly, then scare the hell out of America with racist tactics such as this. There are pictures of Hillary wearing a Hijab, should that lead to an assumption as well?

Shame on Hillary, and Magie Williams.

Obama was endorsed by Louis Farrhakhan. Americans rallying around this 46 year old like children and treating him klike the Messiah. Shame and disgrace seem to have left Americans. Speeches are mesmerizing and what else....

Who cares.He is what he is.She is what she is.The pitcher makes about as much sense as Hillary's health care plan.

I'm a supporter of Senator Clinton and I find this to be much ado about nothing. My first thought on seeing the picture (before reading anything on it) was along the lines of "Cool." I never thought "smear campaign", I thought "great picture of him overseas". He pretty obviously isn't wearing it as the norm since he's wearing a polo.

Hill Rotten Clinton you and your ugly Maggie Williams can raise the white flag its over girls OBAMA OBAMA just become Obamacans the democrates do not want niether of you in the party

From when Americans are forbidden to other countries dress?

http://fullmetalcynic.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/pelosi_scarf1.jpg

Does putting scarf making Nancy Pelosi Muslim??

Alex,
Say hi to your KKK friends for.
HRC will be toast next week.

I love how people are howling with outrage that supposedly "the Clintons put out this photo"! Where'd they get it? If Obama hadn't posed for it the photo wouldn't be out. So as far as I'm concerned, Obama "put it out".

Apparently, he wasn't embarrassed when he took the photo. He shouldn't be embarrassed now. It's not like he didn't know then that his name and heritage could raise some eyebrows at some point -- fairly or unfairly. Given his obvious panic about the wider "release" of this photo, I guess he feels today that taking that photo was another of his "boneheaded" lapses in judgement. Otherwise, he wouldn't be whining.

Photo is in public domain: reaction Obama camp plain wrong,agree he he seems ashamed that pic is published. Even the comment 'was a gift(dress) you accept but don't actually want' is very demeaning to his hosts and family roots in Kenya. Thought his charcater and speeches were to be above this line of comment and not to fear your adversaries. He could have made a positive explanation, instead a low point in his caimpaign. Childish and utterly unnesessary; little perceived heat and cry wolf. Bad judgement overall in line of comment.

I always thought the Clintons were beyond contempt, but this act probably "takes the cake".

She can kiss that Veep slot goodbye!

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-knew-john-mccain-was-winning.html#links

What do you mean "sent out the picture?" It could've been taken from the many pictures Obama posed for on his taxpayer-funded junket to Kenya. By anyone. Anyone at all who could search the millions of clips by AP photographers Obama posed for on his trip.

If Obama didn't want this picture in the public domain then maybe he shouldn't have posed for it. This is the equivalent of a Playboy centerfold complaining about being objectified after the fact. Even the Obama-loving swampune concedes this: "the photograph, which was taken during his official trip to Africa in 2006."

Why is Obama camp so angry, these are the things which will come out once he stands for national elections.

Does he think Republicans are going to leave him about patriotism, he will be toast this is just a small example.

He needs to face them, and if he is cribbing now itself, then how is he going to face the presedential elections.

this great theatre...and its only the pre-season...I'm just sayin'

;->

All I see is a very inexperienced man with a terrorist name....... It's Clinton for me!

People keep saying why does Obama respond to such allegations as a stupid photo? He MUST have something to hide! No... he responds to these comments because he knows the majority of American people are 1) uneducated in such matters as politics, and 2) easily swayed by visual images. MOST people are so easily swayed that his name alone might convince them not to vote for him. Sure, many knew the story of him being a Muslim was false, but ALOTTA people actually believed it. WHY? Cause most people believe whatever they see on TV. Even in light of Hillary's recent decisions on foreign policy, some people STILL believe she is the best candidate. When are people going to wise up to the fact that the only thing REALLY driving Hillary is her quest for power. LOL, she even CRIES on cue!

wait, why is this photo a big deal? So he's wearing a turban ... so what? This is the best they could do? This constitutes a smear photo? Lame!

Bush is over in Africa. He was seen on TV doing the dances that they do. Sen Clinton, your campaign is desperate. Get a grip!!!!! You want win with cheap shots like this.

The problem with dressing up like a Somali elder is that they favor FGM and there is no likelihood in the foreseeable future that the "Somali elders would repudiate the hideous practice of female genital mutilation." http://www.vdare.com/walker/lewiston.htm

So the Drudge Report says that this is Hillary's doing?

Isn't he one of the same Republic Party losers who attacked Obama with the "madrassa school" smear one year ago, and tried to blame that on Hillary too? CNN proved the "madrassa school" smear was BS - and Paulo has NEVER ADMITTED THAT THIS SMEAR WAS BUNK IN THE PAST YEAR EITHER.

The conservatives are getting REAL DESPERATE!

Why ndoes it have to be Muslim ?
Don't Punjab people of the Sikh philosophy wear similar headpieces ?
Perhaps someone may find a way to make that an issue ?
Please forgive me...my point is ..it is not what is on your head ..but what is in your head that is important...
Ideas, ideas, ideas .....!

The Clintonians are at it again but where is Turban Durbin?

The sheer SLEAZINESS of the Clinton campaign should be enough to turn off voters. OF COURSE the Hillary campaign is behind circulating the photo of Obama. They don't have a hope of winning the nomination on the merits of Hillary's background or personality or judgement, so they have to resort to this kind of thing.

I support Barack Obama 100%, and I am delighted that he is able to relate so well to many cultures and countries.

This story is about as stupid as the story I read about "power pants" in the Trib the other day and elicits the same response:
Who cares?!?!

George Bush danced with Africans the other day. Does that make him un-American. (I'm tempted to say he's un-American for other reasons, but not that one.) It makes him respectful of others' traditions (for once).

Bottom line, if this is from the Clinton camp (let's face it, we don't know FOR SURE yet), it's more insulting to me as a voter that their people would think I was so decidedly STUPID that this photo would make the slightest bit of difference to me. To be honest, it makes me happier to see a politician immersed in another culture on the world stage.

As far as the "it's from the Clinton camp" thing, let's face it Obama's people are using this to their advantage too saying it's from HC. If this is from the HC camp, they're both playing equally dirty and if Obama was behind, don't think for one second in this filthy world of politics that he wouldn't be doing the exact same thing.

Moral of the story: Ehhhh, don't look so shocked. It's an election year, people. We do this EVERY FOUR YEARS and yet it's a surprise to you? Please.

It's okay for Obama's campaign to circulate leaflets falsely depicting Hillary's health programme even after she complained to them and they pretended to retract them. It's also okay for her black delegates to switch over to him because the voters chose him while Kennedy continues to campaign for him in spite of the people of Massachusetts choosing Hillary. Obama said the message in the leaflets was "accurate" and that she was overreacting and desperate. Now who's overreacting, or desperate to mislead the American people? As someone who was raised in Africa, I happen to know that the attire he wore in that picture is not African, it is muslim and worn by muslims in Africa just like elsewhere. I also happen to know that Kenya, like other African countries like Ghana and Nigeria, is not a mulsim country, but a secular country with BOTH muslims and christians. Obama's family happen to be muslim hence he dressed like them. He could not have been forced to do so nor should Hillary be blamed for every thing that happens to him. I don't know that her campaign spread the picture just because Obama says so, or that she put the tactless but prejudice-laden words Michelle Obama spoke the other day in her mouth. The bitter truth is that Democrats should be wary of nominating someone they do not really know. The results could be both costl y and expensive. Even if you don't want to give Hillary credit for her obvious experience and competence, don't cut your nose to spite you face by choosing Obama who will only then lose to McCain. You can rest assured the Republicans will bring out many more of this kind of information the Obama people are whining about now.
Young, black, educated female.

I think this photo of Obama IS RELEVANT !! It makes me want to vote for him EVEN MORE !!! I am delighted that Barack Obama is so multicultural !! I think he will be a FABULOUS representative of this country to the world !!!

Payback is a BEYOATCH!!! Obama should NOT have floated the FALSE articles in OH this past weekend... Hillary isn't behind this - the Republican fringe has been saying all along that Barack - by extension of his father is Muslim.....

I doubt it. His campaign probably put the picture in and blamed Clinton. That's your man of change and hope. Also add devious.

Oh my lord! What are we coming to! An American Senator wearing one of them A Rab outfits! What next, Bush doing some version of his anti- American "Watusi" dance with a bunch o them African natives? Lordy lordy!!!

Oh wait! Bush did dance with a bunch of Africans... if that's what you want to call dancing!

Get a grip people. Millions of Americans will soon be wearing shamrocks and green derbys and drinking green beer! Does that make everyone Irish hooligans bent on converting everyone to Catholics? Grow up!

That is a low underhanded tactic that has definately changed my opinion of Hillary for the negative...

Hillary disgusts me. She is the kind of person who gives politics a bad name. I'm sorry to sound hateful toward her, but I can't wait to see her campaign complete fail. It will happen soon, very soon.

*****

The Clinton camp's race bating and fear mongering is just as bad as the repubs.

Posted by: syj | February 25, 2008 2:06 PM

Just as bad? Try "worse." I don't see McCain and company either publishing photos of any of the Democrat candidates or taking advantage of those the Clinton campaign published. That makes Hillary's tactics worse.

http://www.drudgereport.com/flashoa.htm

using such picture like this at a particular time of campain is an insult to africa,this shows why hillary is not qualify to lead america.shes an anti africa

AMERICAN SENATOR visiting foreign country trying on gift of native garb. BIG DEAL. Happens all the time. Only a mentally retarded person would think it meant anything and only a mentally twisted juvenile nasty mouthed retard would try to promote it as meaning something. I expect this from Republicans. However, Clinton's people are engaging in the same filth juvenile lie smear tactics that she and Bill suffered from the Republicans in the 1990's. No class.

This is the very reason I hate politics. It's bad enough when one party attacks another, but when the same party members do this sort of mean-spirited, stupid antics it makes me want to not be involved in the political process.

Hey Folks! Get the DUNG out of your heads! The Obama campaign SAYS it is Clinton's camp doing this. It's not the first time the Obama people have snuck something in and claimed it was somebody else. The Spin Doctor can make you neophytes believe anything! He's just looking for the sympathy vote, "Oh look what the Clintons are doing. Boo Woo." Study the tacts being used and it might just alarm you how much this inexperienced power hunger candidate has learned from the one in office now! BEWARE!!!!

Her come the real Clinton tactics. Hillary will do anything to win. Take every negative thought about "politicians" and roll them into one persona and you have the Clintons. And this is just the start.

I smell a rat! Show me the e-mail from Clinton's camp...notice none has been produced. I'm sorry, but I am skeptical. The news coverage is making is sound like Clinton purposely began circulating this Obama pic which I find hard to believe. Clinton herself knows that when one is in a foreign country, the native dress is often donned, and she is well aware that she, Bill and CHelsea have done so. Therefore, I find it hard to believe that she would think this could help her campaign. Let's get some facts!

who cares what obama wears, of your gonna judge him by his clothing, might as well judge him by the color of his skin.......all plain crazy. besides hillary should just suck it up and run as VP with obama, that would be nice.

Ah, the sweet smell of desperation, as a prior blogger noted. I am so tired of Bill Clinton shaking his finger at people and now Hillary shreiking at us telling us to be ashamed! What self righteous folks they are proving to be. Barack's photos is a beautiful sign of respect for the Kenyan culture and the home of his father. It is definitely a prettier picture than the last one provided by Ken Starr of Bill Clinton standing in the room off the Oval Office with a young 20 something in a blue stained dress.

For those of us who have already made up our minds from looking and weighing the facts, this picture has no meaning.

Funny how Obama's camp quickly decried the photo's release as shameful, dirty trickery by the Clinton campaign.
I would've thought turning the spin would've been first on the agenda. Play up his sensitivity to other cultures, his respect for his family roots, etc.
Obama's people set the agenda on this photo, unfortunately.

I simply wonder what the country would or the Clinton's for that fact would think if for the remainder of time up to the Democratic National Convention if every public appearance Mrs. Clinton made there would be 15 or 20 or 100 Monice Lewinsky look-a-likes there in blue dress, berets and overly piled on make-up to remind us of what the former Clinton White House got us.

New evidence from the Clinton campaign that the Bushes are secretly african muslims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqy91GnS-Bg

I'm surprised they didn't photoshop in an AK-47 instead of leaving that cane.

What amatures!

Obama is a con man. Nothing more.

If you look into the subject and read, this isn't Muslim attire, it is traditional African (Kenyan) attire.

As for Obama's camp blaming Clinton's, read a little bit, investigate before assumtpions, maybe find more articles (like one posted on Yahoo's Poll '08 section) and notice that The Drudge (website that posted the picture) admitted that "Clinton supporters" supplied the photos.

I hate reading these articles (most of which are just complaining by both sides) and then reading the ill-informed comments below them. Just goes to show that people are easily influenced by the first thing that hits them in the face.

do some research and then form an opinion.

I have never and ever expected of the Bill family to sink down to this scale. It is very unfortunate that Hillary joing the sinking boat never and ever to get back to her political arena. She is missing it all. Not only this election but also the end of her political career. Shame on you Hillary

ummmmmm.... I have seen a trillion pics of Bush in about the worst assinine senarios. Some even faked.
This is NOT a bad photo of Obama AND anyone triggered not to vote for him based on this 1 image .. guess what? they most likely were not gonna vote for him to begin with or even get out of their double wide to vote :O)
(I suppose Clinton was looking for their Dukakis in a tank or Kerry in scrubs pic)

Of course the Clinton campaign is behind this. Who else?? This picture just makes me want to vote for Obama even more !! Iam delighted that he relates so well to many different cultures.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR HILLARY TO HAVE TO DROP OUT OF THE RACE. I WANT TO NEVER SEE HER FACE (OR BILL'S) AGAIN.

Lol. You know what I actually think?...Hillary Clinton might be MANY things, but she's NOT stupid. She wouldn't put something like this out.
To me it's more likely that the Obama campaign put it out to try and blame Hillary for it. Or even McCain. Like I said, she's not stupid enough to think something like that would work. Everything negative she says about him, the backlash comes back and bites her.

I think we can pretty much put a fork in Hillary's campaign now.

She's done!

OBAMA 08!!!

Looking good !

A lot of back and forth and no one has touched on the more serious issue here: THERE IS NO APOSTROPHE IN PLURALS!!

If Obama didn't want this picture in the public domain then maybe he shouldn't have posed for it. This is the equivalent of a Playboy centerfold complaining about being objectified after the fact. Even the Obama-loving swampune concedes this: "the photograph, which was taken during his official trip to Africa in 2006."

Posted by: Jeff | February 25, 2008 3:01 PM

Hey Jeffy,
I'm gonna release photos of John McCain looking rather comfortable, enjoying oranges, tea, and cookies while being a POW. We'll see if you don't cry foul then. After all if McCain didn't want the world to think he was enjoying his 5 year stay he could've thrown a fit and aimed his two middle fingers at the camera. He didn't. You know the still pictueres and movies I'm referring to don't you? If you've forgotten Google will help you remember these historical facts!

I want to point out that we do not know that this picture was circulated by Clinton. Thank you.

Another Rovian tactic by the desperate former Whitehouse wife.

""First the Clinton spread lies about Obama attending a radical Muslim school as a youth and now this."
Interestingly you included "radical." Did he actually attend a muslim school? that is, not radical?"

No. He attended a secular school in Indonesia, as many children do. Media visisted the school and confirmed it. Mr. Kerrey and some other Clinton surrogates were very persistent in their "confusion" on this point.

The issue with the photo is not that Obama is wearing a turban; the issue is that the Clinton campaign thought this photo was an important issue to bring up, and they need to explain why. It demonstrates her foreign policy acumen? It shows she is ready on Day one? Why is the photo important, since they raise the topic?

For those saying "but how do we know it was the Clinton campaign?"--You know what "We had nothing to do with that" sounds like, and the Clinton camp has been assiduously avoiding any such denial. For most observors, including the growing number of former-Clinton supporters, that is a clear admission that they can't stand behind any such denial without being embarrassed.

This is just a sad, pathetic move by a Clinton camp that is losing the support of its core voters and party supporters.

The timing on the circulation of this pic is down right offensive and disturbing, and I don't buy this garbage of photos being released of politicians dressed in foreign attire as "normal", which is a half truth. Sure, it's true that photos of politicians dressed in native dress while visiting foreign countries are released normally, but why release a pic of Obama in African-Muslim attire NOW if not only to take A CHEAP AND LOW advantage of prejudice voters and squeeze a few votes out of racist voters.

It seems to me that the only politician that has been resorting to Karl Rove/neo-conservative/Bush administration tactics lately is Hillary Clinton by resorting to questioning her opponent’s patriotism.

Not only does the Clinton camp suggest that Obama is less of an American because he is in African-Muslim dress, but they also suggest that Africans and Muslims are lesser Americans or not "real Americans'. This stinks of more of the same politics that have been winning neo-cons elections and dividing the country now since Bush took office. Hillary might as well have released a photo of Obama on board a plane that hit the World Trade Center, or release a pic of Obama with monkey like features because the implications to white voters are the same..."Do you really want this as your president?”…”Aren’t you scared of something different?”

It just goes to show me that Hillary offers the same brand of politics that have divided this country for too long now, and that she has no real chance of uniting an America that has been deeply divided by this same brand of politics; and, it’s become clear to me that Hillary mocks change because she doesn’t offer it, and she really doesn’t believe in it herself.

This is disgusting, and I hope it puts the final nail in the coffin of a desperate and dying campaign that is now hoping to find votes within the prejudice population of America....how noble.

The Clintons live on Desperation Blvd. I'll bet it really tears her a new one to have to realize that she is NOT the Queen of the Prom and the whole country isn't anxiously awaiting her coronation. The Clintons are nothing more than career criminals.

Why all this fuss just for a traditionnal clothing ?
Travel souvenirs...And that's all. Hillary Clinton is accused for everything now, Obama should try to be more consistent with his own program, hiw own books and hiw own words...Where are the real issues, how will he finance his program ? I find this campaign very unfair with the Clintons, the medias have played a dirty game and created a superman who sells false hopes...People are nurturing too much expectations about Obama's candidacy...I really hope they won't be disappointed...But it seems difficult...

Drudge - the source of the photo - says he got it from the Clinton campaign.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080225/cm_thenation/45290136_1

i love how crazy everyone is getting over all of this. It just goes to show that it worked!

When the opposing candidate is circulating such a photo this late into the election season, it is meant to demean the other side.
Hillary, I never thought your negatives could go higher, but you proven me wrong.

Right, Camille. Could have been his Momma. Oy!

It didn't take much time to put Maggie Williams into her place..... houseperson for Bill & Hill. Great job Maggie! You should be ashamed! Could you guys stoop any lower! No one is going to be stupid enough to quit on Obama because of a photo. Stay up again tonight and see what else you can come up with. I really don't think you know how much you are helping us out and don't even know it! HA!!! Thanks, Maggie, Hill and Bill

Alrighty then, for once and for all: According the The Drudge, the Clinton campaign IS circulating the photo.

http://drudgereport.com/flashoa.htm

It's a darned shame you folks have computers and internet access, but can't even take the time to Google something so simple.

Sheesh.

Who cares who circulated this picture? Won't it get even more primary votes for the big O?

As I understand it, the DNC sees itslf as the broad-minded party when it comes to personal preferences. This picture just shows that Obama is not afraid to bridge any gap.

Now, to elevate herself to this level, Hillary will have to campaign in a bhurka!

Actually, if you go to www.drudgereport.com, you'll see that Drudge is saying that Clinton campaign staffers are circulating the photo. I suppose that it can be all in fun, but I suspect otherwise. Is the Obama campaign overreacting? Probably, yes. But, it is silly season and, over the course of electoral history, antics such as this should never be left alone. Frankly, I'm surprised that the picture of Obama on the beach of Hawaii hasn't made it back into circulation in an effort to divide innies from outies (he's among the innies).

I'm not really sure what the issue is with this photo. He looks like he's in Africa dressing like the locals do... is that bad?

And if this photo is so bad why is the media publishing it? This photo has been on the front page of the Chicago Tribune online ALL DAY. That's not the Clinton camp's fault is it?

"But Maggie Williams, Clinton’s campaign manager, responded tersely, suggesting that the Obama-ites are just being too sensitive.

“Enough,” said Williams. “If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely.”

Did I miss the denial in there somewhere?

After seeing this photo Al Quida deposited a truck load of cash into Barack Hussein Obama's campaign fund.
Bye Bye Barack!

Paulo

I heard his wife say he couldn't make a bed but this is ridiculous

Until now, I had happily planned to vote for Hillary if Obama lost the nomination. Not any longer, Obama is my first choice, but McCain is now my second choice. Hillary, you just went too far for me. You are begining to make George Bush look good. Shame on you.

Thank you, Brian!

The punctuation of Americans is deplorable. Folks, there are NO APOSTROPHES IN PLURALS!!

Interestingly, the same people who put apostrophes in plurals are those we let decide who should become our next President.

Given this, is it any wonder why so many feeble-minded Americans are impressed with Obama's fluff and turns of phrase?

Let's face it -- Americans aren't that smart. If we were, Hillary Clinton would be ahead, and this mindless drivel would cease.

CLINTON '08!

This is ridiculous. The source for this picture is the Drudge Report? Wow, they're probably right up there with Fox News for reliable coverage of Democrats. They must be thrilled with this. Not only did they get both Democratic camps riled up at each other, but they encourage the idiots who like to blabber about some vast Islamic terrorist conspiracy. I'll be voting for anybody but McBush in the fall.

"But Maggie Williams, Clinton’s campaign manager, responded tersely, suggesting that the Obama-ites are just being too sensitive.

“Enough,” said Williams. “If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely.”

OK class, lets consider what this cyborg Ver 10.3.4 is saying;

If you defend yourself from an obvious negative slime attack your are being negative and slimy?

Whomever did this is counting on the stupidity of the American people to think this is Arab garb, thus kicking in their xenophobic response emotion.

This is something beyond 'triangulation', and into the realm of political nihilism theory.

God, over the years I have told myself to stop participating, stop enabling through sanctioning the process. Here is more proof America doesn't deserve any of it's favored status.

Alternate Caption;

'Left or right?'

1 min ago
I think it's great that the people who never pay attention to politics have finally found a candidate that inspires and motivates them. But, being that we won't have a Rock Star like Obama I have a suggestion for getting these folks interested in politics every 4 years. I think we should give each person who votes a free toy like a video game. This would inspire the Obama type supporters to vote every 4 years and not just when a Rock Star is running for President.

I'm not upset because Obama is shown wearing traditional garb as a matter of diplomacy, but because the Clinton campaign pretends not to understand that circulating this photo is a sure way to scare the sector of voters who are unable to see past the garb and who will assume Obama doesn't represent our American interests as a first priority.

This isn't about what the garb means as much as it is about why the Clinton campaign is acting as if it's no big deal. They are pretending not to understand that preying on the fears of Americans and feeding prejudice has ramifications that move beyond the election

All I see is a very inexperienced man with a terrorist name....... It's Clinton for me!

Posted by: Tom S | February 25, 2008 3:15 PM

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

Racism and bigotry is alive an well in the U.S.A. Okay, you folks named "Timothy", go now and change your names because you share the names of a "terrorist" - Timothy McVeigh , and Tom S won't have you living next door to him. Get a grip. It's just a name.

Terrorism has no ethnicity - think about the Irish terrorist bombings by the IRA in Northern Ireland against the British or the Israeli terrorists who bombed the King David Hotel in Jerusalem or Nichols and McVeigh in Oklahoma City or the BLACK HAND, the Serbian nationalist secret city, that assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and started the events that lead to World War I. There is also the state subsidized terrorism of Israel against an entire people living in depair, the Palestinians; or the government terrorism of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia Terrorism has no ethnicity; it is the result of political agendas or political injustice where the only perceived option is violent extremism.

A name is just a name. The character of the holder of the name is responsible for its meaning.

But Paulo, according to your logic, why would AQ want their man in office? They need another enabler, like McBush.

The picture is no big deal. It is no more a big deal than the picture of Hilary hugging and kissing Sura Arafat. They are both part of what you get involved in when you travel.

Please grow up.

I think either Democratic candidate stands a chance against McCain anyway. Seems like he is the adult running for President.

that picture is available from many places, how do you know it came from her camp. How do you know he didn't send it out hoping to blame her. How come it didn't just appear as part of his trip photos. Why was he hiding it.

She didn't hide her pictures with Sura Arafat, the terrorist's wife and winner of all the Palestinian money.

Pictures don't LIE !!! Obama DOES !!!!!

I'm hoping that once Obama is elected, this attempt at alienating American sagainst each other will stop. There is no better candidate to bridge that gap, both internally and externally (in the global forum). I don't worry about his experience; instead I take heart in his judgment and straightforwardness--something Hillary wishes she had.

THE CHOICE OF OBAMA AFTER VIEWING THIS KENYAN ISLAMIC ROOTS PICTURE PUSHES ME TO RECONSIDER QUEEN HILARY ON TOP OF THE NATION OF THE USA. WHAT IS THE THIRD ALTERNATIVE? I ADVICE TO COOL IT AND DEMOCRATICALLY MODIFY THE CONSTITUTION TO HAVE THEM COMPETE AGAINST DEAR PRESENT PRESIDENT BUSH.

I can place the photo as inexperience.

As sensitive as the entire Muslim thing is, all he had to do is say,
"thank you but at this point in time (considering the tragedy of 9/11 and other attacks on the US), it just wouldn't be appropriate for me to don this outfit at this time".

I'M NOT A DEM., BUT I WORRY ABOUT OBAMA'S SAFETY. THE CLINTON'S HAVE A WAY OF MAKING THEIR OPPONENTS VANISH. THINK ON THAT. DOES THE PHRASE WIN AT ALL COSTS, SOUND FAMILIAR? SLEASEBAGS, AND KILLERS.

I'M NOT A DEM., BUT I WORRY ABOUT OBAMA'S SAFETY. THE CLINTON'S HAVE A WAY OF MAKING THEIR OPPONENTS VANISH. THINK ON THAT. DOES THE PHRASE WIN AT ALL COSTS, SOUND FAMILIAR? SLEASEBAGS, AND KILLERS.

If Obama is not a Muslim, why are all the Muslim groups supporting him, black Muslims, CAIR and that pit called Muslim Bridges. Then again all the Black papers. He doesn't deny this..yet blames Clinton for noticing. Well, I am noticing. How about you.

What is the big deal?

He played dress up in Africa to please the local government. Like all good politicians do. Oh, but wait he happens to look black (his mother was white as snow) and have a terrorist’s middle name…

People either always have and still think he is a secret Muslim or they never did and never will think so. Let the majority vote... the United States is not stupid (I am young and naive)…

Time to join the big boys, Obama suck it up and prove you are ready to go at with your opponents if elected... we need you to be strong in the white house, if you want to get anything done (all of the things you say in your flowery speeches)!! Who will you complain to then? Your opponents will be more cunning than 10 Hillary’s. If you can't handle it now, then you can't do it in a year!! Maybe Hillary would be better but I think you can do amazing things. Show the world that you are strong and resistant, not just another Democrat with his head in the clouds. Hillary deserves to beat you if you can’t overcome her jabs. It’s all part of the game but so far your jabs have done her in 11 times and counting….

I've been trying to remain civil in these threads, but no more. Hillary, you're an absolute, cheap, and low candidate to try to smear anyone who doesn't support your candidacy.

Go Obama!

THIS HALF-BREED MONKEY IS A JOKE!!!

HE SMILES LIKE A COON AND ATTRACTS FEEBLE MINDED PEOPLE!!!

HE SHOULD BE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT OF KENYA NOT USA!!!

I was going to vote for him, but this photo of him not only wearing a turban, but a DRESS too, has changed my mind. I'll be voting for John McCain. He's an American Veteran and has always been proud of his country.

actually, I hope he wears this outfit to his Inauguration. Can you imagine the right wingers! Hilarious! (TM)

Obama already denounced the farakhan endorsement. He didnt want it and he never asked for it. NEXT ISSUE. The clothing he is wearing is KENYAN, not necessarily MUSLIM.

rezasantorini--

Iv'e been telling these lefty loons on the swamp for years to wake-up about Obama!
I was the first to uncover his muslim middle name and the loons cried racist!
The Tribs leftist columnist Eric Zorn wrote a feature article about my
anti-Obama tenacity.
Because of this picture, I can now pat myself on the back and realize my posts are being heard across America!

Thank-You all

Paulo

She didn't hide her pictures with Sura Arafat, the terrorist's wife....
Posted by: rezasantorini | February 25, 2008 7:16 PM

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

Could you please at least get the name right - It's SuHa Arafat, and by the way, to take the words of Irv Rubin(of the Jewish Defense League), "The truth is, one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."*

Also, if you can remove yourself from your selective memory, do you recall the 1994 Boruch Goldstein murder of 27 unarmed Palestinians civilians as they were praying in a mosque in Hebron. What would you call Mr. Goldstein's act - heroism or terrorism?

Couldn't Mrs. Goldstein also be the wife of a terrorist husband? It all depends on perspective, doesn't it?

*http://www.carolmoore.net/sfm/jdl.html

So Obama is a man of many hats. So what.

Wake up and see what is at stake here...the media is making Obama more than he is, as a state Senator his did not care for the working class. He did nothing when jobs were being lost in Illinois. " It a done deal." he told the Amtrak workers back in 2003 when TCU union members pleaded to State Senator Barrak Obama to help them save their jobs. Where have all the objective reporters gone? The truth must be reported or all of us will pay in the future. Wake up America before the real Obama shows us his real character!!!

A picture is worth a thousand words. Looks like how I would want a president to dress.

The Hill-Bill-EES have stooped to a new low. Clinton could neither manage her campaign nor manage her first campaign manager nor her second campaign manager (Maggie Williams who tries to rationalize a racist fear-mongering approach). Nor can Clinton manage her campaign budget (so pathetically inept that she let her team burn through 135 million dollars!
As far as leadership goes,
the The Hilly-Billy voted for the Iraq War - 'nuff said!!! Her experience counts for squat since she has shown such bad judgement that 4000 young Americans have died while tens of thousands more were grieviously injured (not to mention 600,000 plus Iraqis dead). Pn top of that she could not even manage her own campaign efficiently and blew tghrough 135 million dollars like a drunken sailor.
If Clinton cannot even manage her campaign, cannot even allocate her campaign budget effectively (well over 135 million dollars), so that she would have had money after Super Tuesday to run in other primaries instead of being broke to the point that she has to lend her campaign money (11 straight subsequent losses), she is unfit to lead the USA. The reality is that Clinton could not manage 135 million dollars in a Democratic primary (when normally 25-40 million dollars are more than enough), she is totally unfit to manage the trillion dollar plus budget of the USA. This is exactly what Clinton's previous donors are saying. Of course, Clinton will blame her advisers but the reality is that the buck stops with her and she has done a pathetic job of managing that. She will mess up the economy worse than Bush because despite slogans of leadership, she has not been able to manage her own team (plagued by infighting and hubby Bill`s racism), apply a consistent message (her persona changes day by day), and once more manage her campaign budget. All of the above reflects not leadership but rather incompetence of an order that is unbelievable. The fact is that if she wasn`t a former First Lady riding on the coattails of her husband (when it suits her, heh,heh,heh...), after 11 straight primary losses she would have already been consigned to the trash heap of history. As these links show, Clinton cannot neither manage her campaign properly nor prevent in-fighting among her staff nor provide direction and leadership consistently nor manage a budget in an intelligent way. Given all the above, when I hear Clinton yammer about experience and leadership, I just roll my eyes and can simply wonder then if all that she says is true, then how come Barack Obama (a relative new-comer), can develop and organize a campaign so much better than the Hill-Bill-EEE?
I am voting for experience and leadership that you can trust. I am voting for Barack Obama because as the links below show, Barack Obama offers leadership and experience which Americans can trust unlike Clinton's (which cannot even manage her own campaign and budget let alone the USA's trillion dollar budget). The reality is that Clinton's so-called experience is a fairy tale seeing as how ineptly she managed her campaign:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080224/EDITORIAL/778229066/1013

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/opinion/24rich.html?ref=opinion

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR2008022102159.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Senator Obama --During the first eight years of Senator Obama's elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced:
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.
His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included:
- the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law),
- The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law),
- The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
- The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law),
- The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee)
Senator Clinton -- Senator Clinton's, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law, (20) twenty pieces of legislation.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Hon
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty.
Only five of Senator Clinton's bills are more substantive:
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.
In Conclusion, you now have the facts straight from the Senate Records vault.

they'll try anything, read this if you have a good sense of humor about politics
http://johnnydoom.blogspot.com/2008/02/nader-hopes-third-presidential-run.html

As sensitive as the entire Muslim thing is, all he had to do is say,
"thank you but at this point in time (considering the tragedy of 9/11 and other attacks on the US), it just wouldn't be appropriate for me to don this outfit at this time".

Posted by: PG | February 25, 2008 7:54 PM

Why? What is inappropriate about it? How is wearing Somali traditional clothing inappropriate after 9/11? There were no Somali hijackers that day.

I am sick and tired of the stupidity of both sides! Knock it off, and stick to the issues. How are these candidates to be trusted running this country? Haven't we had enough garbage from our current leadership? Stop playing games already.

But I suppose there is always Ralph Nader...

What's the big deal? He looks great in it!

quills,"Got to be a reason for having a Muslim name and he sure looks like the getup fits. "

yes, there is a reason: his parents gave it to him. imagine if he was born (like so many kids, white and black these days) out of wedlock and he had no legitimate name. would that make you happier?

folks have names that don't "suit" their ethnicity: the famous black chicago comedian, aaron freeman, had a jewish name all his life, long before he became jewish does that bother you too?.

all politicians from day 1 doff all kinds of hats and garb, never in the history of this republic has this been used as a weapon against them, until today when the clintonites made history.

usually it is republicans who sink to such levels, i'd be surprised if nixon didn't try to use the pope against JFK.

but hey, hillary was born a republican and by resorting to such a stunt (and giving it to DRUDGE, the man who almost single-handedly destroyed her husband)is just returning to her republican roots.

I am in Texas, and frankly, I have had it with Senator Clinton not answering questions. If her campaign had nothing to do with the photo, she could EASILY have said, "WE/I have had nothing to do with this, and think it is appalling, etc. etc. etc." But no, she decides to tap dance and change the subject.

Enough is enough. Her reaction only solidifies Senator Obama's image in the general populace. She is digging her own grave, and a person that does that does not deserve the Presidency.

Tomorrow I am going to go and 'early vote' for Senator Obama. Whoever is running her campaign now (Hillary herself, Bill, her new manager) is an idiot.

Is this really an issue? Are voters so scared of African and/or Islamic culture that they would let this sway their votes?

Shame on the Clinton campaign for engaging in racist politics.

Shame on the Obama campaign for shying away from his heritage by framing this as an attack, not an integral part of his background.

"Hillary deserves to beat you if you can’t overcome her jabs. It’s all part of the game”

It's all part of a game until you start suggesting that some Americans are less than others. Who is using the "race card" or "prejudice card" now?

SORRY MAGGIE WILLIAMS, but You cannot tell me that in this post 9/11 world that circulating a photo of Obama in or any politician in traditional Japanese garb or any other foreign attire has the same implications of circulating a photo of Obama in Muslim attire. This is down right offensive, and I think it's sad that the media is letting her off the hook about this simply because she dismisses the claims yet refuses to suggest that a Clinton staffer did not circulate the photo.

Where is the outrage? The media keeps waiting for Obama to do something wrong, but with this photo it is Clinton that made the offensive mistake.

If this photo wasn't meant to be divisive, stir up prejudice, and scare white voters into thinking that they're voting for Osama Bin Laden himself then why even circulate it and what is the purpose of circulating this photo?

That is complete garbage. This photo was circulated by a now pathetic Clinton camp because they thought that they could use it as ammunition against Obama with un-educated swing voters who might now think that Obama is Muslim and would be reluctant to vote for a Muslim candidate. If not then why circulate the photo?

The clear implication of this photo is that Obama is like an African-Muslim. If the Clinton camp thought that they could use that argument as ammunition then they are demeaning Africans and Muslims by even suggesting to voters that because Obama is African-Muslim (which he is not) that he is un-American, which suggests that both Africans and Muslims are un-American and un-patriotic.

The thinking of the Clinton camp was as simple as second grade logic (which is how they have been conducting there campaign as of late)...

...If African and Muslim=Bad, and Obama=Muslim then Obama=Bad....

BUT THE CLINTON CAMP FORGOT THAT THEY ARE IN FACT SAYING THAT AFRICANS AND MUSLIMS=BAD!!!!

She should be forced to answer some questions about this. This is sad that the media can let her get away with a tactic that is very offensive to an entire portion of the country and has intentions to divide Americans over race and creed with no consequence. THIS IS KARL ROVE TACTICS BY ATTEMPTING TO DIVIDE THE COUNTRY BY QUESTIONING HER OPPONENTS PATRIOTISM BY QUESTIONING HIS RACE AND CREED….AND HE IS NOT EVEN MUSLIM!!! Give me a break! Where is the outrage by the media? This is such a sleazy tactic. The implication that the photo should change voters minds and could be used as ammo is if not blatantly prejudice then certainly carries prejudice undertones and is at least borderline prejudice and at least somewhat offensive and demeaning.

SHAME ON YOU HILLARY AND SHAME ON THE MEDIA FOR DOWNPLAYING THIS.

He did this in 2006. In other words, AFTER 9/11, he dressed up like a full-blown "rag head" , as the military calls them. Now we find out that his privileged Harvard educated wife has "never been proud of her country until now". Really? She wasn't proud of all the Tsunami relief we sent to Indonesia? She's never been proud of the millions we raise in medical research for Jerry's Kids every labor day? As an "African American" she was never proud of Colin Powell,Condi Rice, J C Watts ? Oh, that's right. They're all Republicans. She's never been proud of our Red Cross ? How about our schools and teachers?

This is no First Lady, and her empty worded lofty orator of a hot-air husband is no President.Neither one seems to have a clue as to what the ideals are that are represented by the American Flag.

It's not the Clinton camp.

It's the Osama camp that Obama is so fond of.

The people who distibuted this photo are merely pandering to the ignorant Americans. Many people probably do think that Obama is a Muslim and he is going to help Islam invade our country. What a sad culture we have become...

Link:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3433485.ece?token=null&offset=0

A British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions of dollars to Barack Obama's fundraiser just weeks before an imprudent land deal that has returned to haunt the presidential contender, an investigation by The Times discloses.
The money transfer raises the question of whether funds from Nadhmi Auchi, one of Britain’s wealthiest men, helped Mr Obama buy his mock Georgian mansion in Chicago.
A company related to Mr Auchi, who has a conviction for corruption in France, registered the loan to Mr Obama's bagman Antoin "Tony" Rezko on May 23 2005. Mr Auchi says the loan, through the Panamanian company Fintrade Services SA, was for $3.5 million.
Three weeks later, Mr Obama bought a house on the city's South Side while Mr Rezko's wife bought the garden plot next door from the same seller on the same day, June 15.
Mr Obama says he never used Mrs Rezko's still-empty lot, which could only be accessed through his property. But he admits he paid his gardener to mow the lawn.
Mrs Rezko, whose husband was widely known to be under investigation at the time, went on to sell a 10-foot strip of her property to Mr Obama seven months later so he could enjoy a bigger garden.
Mr Obama now admits his involvement in this land deal was a “boneheaded mistake”.
Mrs Rezko’s purchase and sale of the land to Mr Obama raises many unanswered questions.

If Obama is not a Muslim, why are all the Muslim groups supporting him, black Muslims, CAIR and that pit called Muslim Bridges. Then again all the Black papers. He doesn't deny this..yet blames Clinton for noticing. Well, I am noticing. How about you.

Posted by: rezasantorini | February 25, 2008 8:01 PM

I support the Bulls... Does that make me a 7 ft tall miltimillionnaire with a model girlfriend?

(please, please tell me it does)

quit being a moron.

Obama wife saying she is now proud to be a American. Can she tell us, which country gave her the opportunity to attend top schools? It is all American tax payers money, and it is this country which gave her and her husband all the opportunities. I certainly do want a first lady, who just realized how great the country is America. I came to America 15 years back and I am proud of this country since day one.

I can't wait until McCain is president and we don't have to hear from all the Obamabots anymore.

Glad to see Hillary's NEW campaign manager is no better than the old one. Hillary thinks she can run the country? She can't whip a young "inexperienced" opponent? Hillary, the exalted one, needs smear tactics, attempts to get votes counted that shouldn't count! Anything, anything! Just PLEASE nominate me! This is going beyond pathtic into the realm of international embarrasment! Give it up Hillary! You never amounted to anything. You never really did anything. You aren't even really from New York.

No wonder the rest of the world hates America. A significant portion of us seem to be idiotic bigots who do not tolerate any culture besides their own. They seem to have forgotten that America is a country composed almost entirely of immigrants and their descendants (with the exception of Native Americans). Being tolerant of different cultures is a part of what it means to be American.

However, these wall posts, which often show an disgusting lack of respect, do NOT make me proud to be an American. The fact that Obama has worn traditional Kenyan clothes should be a non-factor.

There is only one, exceedingly good reason for not voting for Obama: He is the product of the corrupt Chicago/Cook County/Illinois Democratic Machine. Hillary may have her faults, but with her I don't have to worry about there being a black wrought iron fence being built around the Grand Canyon.

Barack Obama is a radical multiculturalist who believes that "our diversity is our strength."

As such why does he consider this celebration of our diversity something of which to be ashamed?

Shouldn't he be proudly putting it on his own website and campaign literature?

Or is it that the leftist Obama acolytes are fearful that they have been talking to each other too much and the larger electorate will be appalled when they learn of Barack's real voting record and agenda?

Looks like Osama Bin Ladne is our next president, only in this country can something stupid as this happen!!

maybe his name should really be OSAMA instead of OBAMA!

Check out more U.S. election news and videos.

http://www.seferm.com/news/us/governementelection/elections.asp

Here we go again, whenever Hillary gets her back up against a wall she only knows one thing, get dirty. This is why Senator Obama will win the election, he stays above the fray, To think that he does not have a backbone or that he is soft is the biggest mistake anyone can make. He understands the mood of the public right now, most of us are tired of politics as usual. We are definetly tired of the Bushes and the Clintons. Let me tell you why the republicans are so scared to run against him, they have seen someone that they know can rally people from all walks of life together and that has not happened in a very long time. I will be happy to place my vote here in Texas for Senator Obama. I hope that millions of others will join me here and across the country. Let's end the last 20 years of bitterness and start off fresh with a leader who will bring the country together despite what his opponents say.

This picture was brought out now to appeal to the fear mongeres. Obviously judging from some of these comments it has worked!

Dressing in tradtional garb is a compliment to the country you are visiting. Many presidents and politicians have done so. Are Americans that fearful of other cultures?

By the way, Obama is NOT a product of the Chicago machine! He was not supported by Daley in his bid for office and so owes him nothing. Daley and the Chicago machinge are late-coners to the Obama campaign as are many of the "old guard" civil rights icons.

Obama appeals to so many becuse he has not aligned himself to established big-guns in politics. His closest tie in Illinois was Paul Simon, his mentor, and a reason that he gets support from downstate. He also reached across the aisle to Republicans in the state senate which bodes well for how he would deal with the fractious U.S. Congress.

This is the most disgusting display I've ever seen in modern politics and it speaks volumes about the Clintons and the underhanded lengths to which they will go to sandbag this man. I truly hope that something like this will only further serve to shoot this vile dragon woman in the foot. I believe that anyone that has a problem with this picture is an ignorant bigot who lives outside of the principles this country was built on. If this man doesn't get the nomination, I'm voting Republican. The worst has been done; nevertheless, get out to vote!

First off, does anyone have definitive PROOF this came directly from the Clinton campaign???
Because I sure have not seen any yet.
And what's the big deal?
He's dressing in traditional clothing while visiting another country. I have no problem with this. Nobody makes a big deal when Laura Bush wears a headscarf in the Middle East when she visits. So why's this a big deal?

All of this just reinforces my vote for McCain! Democrats don't deserve to lead the American people! They need to mature, if that is possible!

This is very funny. Now it is about clothing. This is how you know who has a world view and who does not. The clothing that you are seeing Mr. Obama wearing is not just worn by the Somalian people. There are many different African cultures that wearing of the Turban as a traditional head dress. Wearing the Turban does not mean that you are Muslims either. If you check history you will see other people that were not "Muslim" was wearing the head dress. All this foolishness just really needs to stop. This foolishness with the clothing just shows one's true intent as a person in this race to be President.

"have a terrorist’s middle name" What is a terrorist middle name? Hussein? The same Hussein that the U.S. Gov't trained and backed with money and put in office like they always do. May be if I look up Mcvaye (mr. home grow terrorist) would mean the same thing. Hussein is an Arabic name. There is no such language called terrorist. Call it what it is instead of making stuff up...

IF YOU GUYS REALLY THINK CLINTON WILL WIN THE NOMINATION, AFTER BEING TROUNSED 11 STRAIGHT TIMES..YOU ARE SMOKING CRACK, THIS IS SOOOO LOW, I AM DISGUSTED. I USE TO LIKE THE CLINTONS BUT HAVE LOST ALL RESPECT FOR THEM. AFTER THAT PHOTO, I CAN NO LONG RESPECT THEM,AND THEIR WIN AT ALL COST TACTICS.

Hey Doesn't Anybody Read. Perhaps you should do some research yourself. With just a quick click or two you will find that the Drudge Report is nothing but a shameless gossip and opinion email newsletter run by a rich child with no direction in his life who has found a way to get people to react to him. He has had it out for the Clintons for years. To believe his headline is like believing Bush will save the world.

The Guardian has an open thread seeking advice for Clinton. The best advice so far is from Minesaguinness - throw mud, throw flowers, and after March 4th throw in the towel.
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/open_thread/2008/02/how_can_hillary_win.html

Folks ... let's stop fighting with ourselves. Instead, let's ask who has the most to gain from releasing a photo like this. It seems to me that if I were a staunch Republican, and I wanted to discredit BOTH Democrat candidates in a single blow, I would make sure I realeased just such a photo, hoping that just what is happening would happen. I think that it is time for all of us to learn to overlook this kind of nonsense. Let's get back to the business of picking the most quailfied president for what he/she will do. Let's try to keep this positive, OK?

finally, people will forget me in that tank, amazing what a photo can do, people who wish not to look stupid should not be photo'd doing stupid things.

to swampy:
I'm surprised they didn't photoshop in an AK-47 instead of leaving that cane.

What amatures!

No there was probably an AK in his hand, the cane was photoshopped in....

think about it

I wonder how the families of the soldiers that were killed and later decimated and dragged through the streets of Mogadishu feel about Obama sucking up to Somali "elder tribesmen"? I think it is a disgrace, but to pinko commie Democrats like Obama, it's a badge of honor to embrace those who despise our country.

today's 'american' society is all based on image with no regards or understanding of substance. this is the 'outrage' toward obama by the clinton combo. the useful idiots that power both movements scramble like ants when someone disturbs their image nest.

I know that others have already posted messages to this effect, but I feel as thought I can't sit back and read some posters' offensive comments without responding.

I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that in this day and age there are still Americans who openly and shamelessly call into question Obama's ability to be an effective president because of the ethnic sound of his name and the color of his skin. No one has dared to say this explicitly, but the implication in many people's comments is that because Obama is black and doesn't look like any president we've had before, then there is something insidious lurking under his cool, calm, intelligent exterior. Although I disagree with them, I completely respect people who prefer Hillary's policies or believe Obama is not ready yet, but whenever I hear someone argue that he is substance-less, phony, or not what he seems, I cannot shake the feeling that these views of him emanate from implicit racism. Has any white politician with a Harvard education, 2 best-selling books, and 20 years of experience in government and law ever been accused of having no substance, or not being able to write any of his own words? Was anyone suspicious of JFK or Bobby Kennedy for being fakes because they were such good speakers?

The fact that Farakhan and the Nation of Islam support Obama does not mean that Obama has any connection to this group, or that he shares any of their views. Farrakhan came of age in a time when Black people couldn't even use the same bathroom as Whites, so of course he is thrilled that there is now the possibility that a Black man might become president.... and he has every right to be. But this does not mean that Obama even wanted their endorsement. Bill Clinton has endorsed the Million Man March in the past (1995, 2005)-- but no one insinuated that he had a secret plan to help them overthrow White America, and yet I think that that is what Obama is being accused of.

All I ask is that people take a step back and consider why they're struggling to believe that Obama could possibly be a genuine, inherently good, and remarkably talented and intelligent man with the potential to become an effective American leader. Go ahead an take issue with his policy choices or his lack of experience, but make sure that you're actually looking at his resume and his plans rather than his skin color and his name.

To all those that say the photo was not sent by the Clinton campaign, all they have to do is deny it. They didn't. Even when given the chance to do so, Williams didn't deny it. It has been 24 hours. Deny sending it already. Oh, you can't??

How could a US Senator allow himself to be photographed like that? It is rivaled only by Nancy Pelosi photographed during a vist to Syria, one the white house suggested she not make, in a veil.
How could any american take these people seriously ever again?

It is unfortunate that a country with so many significant problems is focusing on small minded biogtry rather than taking the pains to address the hard issues in a detailed, rational manner. Only in politics and government can one get away with this behavior. This behavior from both the Clinton and Obama camps keys into racial and religious fear and bigotry. Objectification of the other has led to some of the most heinous humanitarian crimes in history. Surely these are intelligent candidates who can do better than to appeal to the basest aspects of human nature. I am increasingly disappointed.

Posted by: PG | February 25, 2008 7:54 PM

Why? What is inappropriate about it? How is wearing Somali traditional clothing inappropriate after 9/11? There were no Somali hijackers that day.

Posted by: Luke | February 25, 2008 9:48 PM

Luke, if you want to challenge me then please use the WHOLE quote. The most important line of the entire post.

I can place the photo as inexperience.

If you can't see the relevance of what I said, (which you must've) because you left out the inexperience line. Then I can't help you.

Who cares? What a complete non-story. Hillary is trying to do anything to postpone the inevitable demise of her campaign.

is it the dress or the man we are voting for?

"have a terrorist’s middle name" What is a terrorist middle name? "

Timothy. (McVeigh)

Patrick (McGee IRA)

John (Kinsella IRA)

Francisco (Garmendia ETA)

Manachem (Begin Irgun)

George (Habash PFLP)

The Facts:
That photo has been in the associated press for years.
Where did this photo come from?
Obama's own film crew took the shot for a documentary detailing the Senators trip to Kenya in 2006.
This film was appropriately entitled "Senator Obama Goes To Africa" produced by Bob Hercules & Keith Walker.

The photo was also a major article in the tabloid magazine "National Examiner" on February 4th 2008.
Now why didn't Obama's people go after that publication?

Obama was given an open invitation to respond to this issue in two ways.
The first way to deal with it; he could have looked into the logic behind it and come to the only possible conclusion; that this is clearly a right wing smear campaign against him, using the guise of being a "source close to Hillary Clinton", also managing to damage her reputation. A two in one, you might say. That way, whoever gets the nomination is weaker from the glance encounter .

The second way to deal with it; Use the controversy to stir up even more racial tension and to accuse Hillary of playing dirty campaign tricks.

So, for those of you who believe that Sen. Obama is a whiner about the Clinton Camp photo-gate:

"Obama was also asked about Monday's controversy over a photo showing him in traditional Somali dress that was allegedly being circulated by staffers on Hillary Clinton's campaign. "At this stage of the campaign, there are going to be dust-ups, particularly at the staff level," Obama responded. "Certainly I don't think that photograph was circulated to enhance my candidacy. I think that's fair to say. Do I think it's reflective of Sen. Clinton's approach to campaigning? Probably not."

Doesn't sound like a whiner to me. Sounds like Sen. Obama is major-league grace under pressure; just what we need in a President; not some desperate old shrew.

http://wonkette.com/360938/hijab-hillary-mrs-clinton-wears-muslim-thing

PG-

What should experience have taught Obama about the inappropriateness of Somali clothing?

It has nothing to do with experience. It has to do with ignorance, and not on the part of Senator Obama.

In 1963, John F. Kennedy visited his ancestral home in Ireland and partook of local customs. How is Barack Obama's visit to Kenya any different?

Many of you voted for King Richard and his weekly scandals and(initial)
$ 800,000,000 tax increase...more to come

Then you voted for the Toddler and his attempted
$ 800,000,000 sales tax increase (not over yet)...oh, but he will give back what is not used

Then you voted for Milorad (a/k/a Public Official "A") and his weekly scandals, free bus rides for seniors, and attempted
$ 7,000,000,000 "gross receipts"tax...more to come

Now you'll probably vote for Tony Rezco's buddy Barack...

you ain't seen nothin' yet.

How pathetic.

More proof that candidates shouldn't pose for "funny hat" pictures with whatever group they're pandering to on the campaign trail that day.

Michael Dukakis tried this while driving a tank and it was disastrous to him, too.

Refuse to put on the funny hats, guys, it'll bite you when you're talking to any other group. The one good thing about the Fred Thompson candidacy was that he refused to wear the funny hats.

Many of you voted for King Richard and his weekly scandals and(initial)
$ 800,000,000 tax increase...more to come

Then you voted for the Toddler and his attempted
$ 800,000,000 sales tax increase (not over yet)...oh, but he will give back what is not used

Then you voted for Milorad (a/k/a Public Official "A") and his weekly scandals, free bus rides for seniors, and attempted
$ 7,000,000,000 "gross receipts"tax...more to come

Now you'll probably vote for Tony Rezco's buddy Barack...

you ain't seen nothin' yet.

How pathetic.

Is it me or has everyone really missed the point of this article.

Negative press sells! It sells advertising for the so-called news media that "purport to report".

The fact of the matter is that you are all (which includes me right now) giving credence to this garbage through your reactions and comments. If everyone just took a "no comment" policy to this crap, it would go away and we could get to the real issues that plague this country.

The media is eating this all up! I chose to ignore this stuff, even though I knew there would be a firestorm of comments out here. However, what caught my attention to read this Swamp article and the onslaught of comments was the tag line in my Daywatch newsletter that said:

"Reader debate flares in The Swamp: MORE »"

Folks - that says it all. They are counting on our ignorance to sell, not news.

You want real news? Ignore this faux news and they'll be forced to actually work and provide us with solid evidence-based news and editorials.

"Wag the Dog" wasn't that good of a movie, but it's times like these where its message hits home.

Ok Luke, it seems you want an argument.

It has nothing to do with Somali clothing. It has everything to do with wearing clothing that resembles/reminds (in this day and age) of radical Islam.
You might not think there is a connection, but there are a lot of people who do. I don't care about the photo, I was talking about experience. That's what I care about, decisions.......
I said, it would have been easy to say thank you but no thank you. But you blew it out of context.

Just as I wouldn't put on clothing that could have connected me with the Pearl Harbor bombing. Or Nazi clothing connecting me with Hitler. I would say no.

If I went to a party today and decided to go as a black man and had my face covered in black makeup, I bet a lot of people would get upset. We could call it the Black & White minstrel show.

And if you want to get upset, why don't you ask the Swamp to do a photoshop of Obama as Black & White man, just like they did with Romney and McCain.

"Just as I wouldn't put on clothing that could have connected me with the Pearl Harbor bombing. Or Nazi clothing connecting me with Hitler. I would say no."

Kimonos and lederhosen are un-patriotic? Can you not see how utterly different "Nazi" clothing is from "traditional german" clothing?

Should I refuse to wear a t-shirts since Timothy McVeigh wore one the day of the Oklahoma city bomombing?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mcveighmugshot.jpg

As to your incredibly off base "black face" analogy....Obama is half kenyan. He was wearing traditional clothing worn in his native land. He isn't mocking another culture, he is participationg in part of his own culture. Obama shouldn't be embarrassed of his cultural background because some members of that community share a religion with some who attacked us (along with one billion other people).

Thankfully the Senator is more openminded than you.

Someone at the MyDD blog found the free republic dot com thread where a reader posted a scanned image of this picture, it was discussed in all kinds of vile ways, and then there were comments about getting it to drudge.

All of this happened in the day or so before it appeared on drudge.

I think Obama owes Hillary an apology for the campaigns obnoxious comments about this stupid thing.

There is an old saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." Why don't some of you try it.

No doubt the so-called knowledgeable readers of this blog have travelled to Islamic countries and are familiar with their dress codes that they can attest that the turban is part of the standard Islamic wardrobe. Wrong - there is no standard Islamic wardrobe. Some Muslims dress like "Westerners". The culprits of 9/11 NEVER wore turbans; they dressed like Westerners, probably even in their own countries.

Ignorance and bigotry has a monopoly in this, the richest and most blessed country in the world. What a shame?

But what do you expect when you have men labelling a girl a "slut" just because she is wearing a string bikini or a guy as being "gay" just because he donned a pink shirt. Unbelievable, man.

I am beginning to believe that our society often deserves all the negative energy and disasters because of the sheer ignorance and selfish evil that seems to have taken over this country.

Join the global community and get rid of the arrogance. That self-righteowus arrogance is what got us in this mess with the help of "Cowboy George" and "Axis of Evil Cheney" and his Neo-con cowards.

Thank you Luke, by continuing to make my point.

I am talking about experience. That's it, making decisions.

"Thankfully the Senator is more openminded than you."

OK, I don't have a problem with him wearing "traditional clothing worn in his native land" on the Senate floor or at his forums in front of 1,000's of people. I guess he's not that open.

I wouldn't even be responding to this but you misrepresented what I had posted. I am talking about experience.

As for the t-shirt, get naked if you want. I don't care. But that would be your decision, not mine as it was Obama's. Live with it.

Structural Racism. America is more racist today than in the 60s, 50s or earlier. We're just better at hiding it.

Again PG experience of WHAT? What would experience have taught him in this circumstance? What reason is there top avoid the outfit other than to pander to the ignorance and bigotry of others?

Why Obama hides (never made public) this picture? And why he senses disturbed about its publication? It's a picture like any other.
May the republicans intent create a dog fight between democrats divulging the photo as if was the Clinton's? Ihe Islam fundamentalists blame for all women in politics (what about a woman President of USA?) and certainly will be glad if Hillary is defeated as they will prefer a man, and one that voted no about the war against them. Perhaps some american muslim give the photo... Or perhaps was Obama who gives the photo to Drudge to feed the fire against Hillary and make a push in the creation of the image of her as a dirt politician. The only impossible in this case is that Hillary divulge the photo because she isn't a silly politician and the photo only reveals that Obama believe that with a disguise he will honored a people rather that irritate that people or provoke its laugh. And talking about diguises, is he disguising himself about what's really thinks, with all this word disguise using the words of King, Kennedy, etc. Personnally I doubt he is sincere but merely use the words as a politcs resource. The people is so credulous when they need to believe in something.

Hey Luke,
You don't want to understand my point, and refuse to listen to what I've read. And now, bigotry and ignorance.

Go back and read my posts. I didn't say anything bad against Obama, I'm not interested talking with people who, well..... Next time

Vote for Hussein Obama and that will be how all of us will be required to dress.

How can anyone be so certain of the source of the release of the Obama picture? Did anyone see the play Doubt?
Certainty is so easy and so comforting but it can be soooo wrong and dangerous.

Finally a true picture of the anti christ Osama oops I mean Obama.
YOU GO HILLARY

PG-

You're willing to blame Obama's "inexperience" for the bigot's reactions.

Way to stand up fror what's right!

Here is Hillary in a Palestinian dress. I am an Israeli and I don't find anything wrong with it.

http://umkahlil.blogspot.com/2007/02/hillary-clinton-gives-palestines-texts.html

There is nothing wrong with that of Obama wearing a traditional dress of any culture. Grow up America.