Stop abusing Obama's middle name

Anyone who uses Obama's middle name repeatedly, like Cincinnati radio host Bill Cunningham the other day, knows what he or she is doing and what feelings they are trying to evoke. There's simply nothing innocent about it.

But..But...all those people said that it is just his name, whats the problem. You mean to tell me they really knew what they were doing? I'm shocked. But they were so cleaver......they just said ..hey it's his name.

ps.Hey Don B...did you see the part where it said useing his middle name is used to appeal to the bigot? Maybe it isn't just me who calls people like you a bigot.

Mr. James, thank you for your thoughtful piece. Unfortunately, I don't think you understand the modern Republic party.

Cunningham was explicitly told by the McCain campaign to 'throw lots of red meat to the crowd'. And that's what he did. The crowd loved it. Your modern Republic is a hate filled bigot. Look at Limpbaugh and Coulter. These people are embraced, not rejected. Expect the continued use of Obama's middle name.

Why don't you marry Obama if you love him so much? I continue to be amazed by the love an worship showered on Obama by the media. I think even I could get elected with that kind of help.

It's a supply-and-demand issue. People like Cunningham are supplying republicans with the "red meat" they demand, as was pointed out. Those people see these attacks as fair game. So it must be taken with humor, because it's not going to stop. Obama understands this. That's why he diffused Hillary's "skies will open" ridicule of him by laughing about it and giving her a few "points" for it in the debate. It's a dirty, filthy little game, and the winner is the one who can grab it, kiss it, and blow it away.

Karl Rove tells operatives that they must not invoke Obama's middle name because it makes republicans look bigoted. We find out that Rove has said that. Cunningham invokes the name repeatedly, and McCain pretends to be shocked and offended. McCain makes a statement that positions him as a champion of justice and fair play. So republicans win on 2 counts -- they get to invoke the name, and McCain is the hero. Cunningham, Limbaugh, et. al. become the fall guys, a believable role for them anyway.

The voters who are influenced by a middle name were never going to vote for him to begin with.

Yet another thing we mere mortals AREN'T ALLOWED TO SAY about Saint Barack!

If it's ok for Barack Hussein Obama to use his middle name in his book, how dare his supporters (like reporters Zorn and James) forbid the rest of us from using it! Have they no shame?

And this from a newspaper. You know, the guys that are supposed to be the champions of open debate and free speech. George Orwell's "Winston Smith" would be proud of the way Eric Zorn and Frank James champion censorship of true statements.

Oh, and just to go along with the Frank James/Eric Zorn usual "everyone who disagrees with me is a bigot", I declare that anyone who defends the censorship of Obama's middle name is a bigot and a fascist.

Obama isn't ashamed of his middle name. The problem arises with it's used with hatred and to stir up fear in its associations.

I voted for Barack Hussein Obama. I can't wait for vote for him in November.

Ah Bruce....the bringer of truth. Fights for whats right. Bruce...say his middle name all you wish, as you oh so very clever republicans say, it is his middle name. We'll pretend wink wink nudge nudge that you do it with no malace wink wink nudge nudge. We are used to that kind of lie when you all claim to be good Americans wink wink nudge nudge. Defend the defenseless. Mind the mindless.

Whatever Obamas middle name is I could care less, but how come he never comes out and defends it. How come he never embraces it and says yes this is my name and SO WHAT! How come he never says I am not a muslim but so what if I were. Why does he run from who he is? I have a lot more respect for people who embrace who they are and could care less what others think of their heritage. Obama comes off as being ashamed of his middle name and his heritage. That I think even the fawning swamp media and Eric Zorn can even admit to.

This episode in the political campaign is turning into a lesson in culture for many Americans. The name Hussein means handsome or beautiful one in Muslim culture. Like most of us Barack did not choose his name which was given to him 47 years ago. If his parents were alive today they would be overjoyed with what their child has become and the prophetic nature of their choice for a middle name for him. I think a lot of us would like to have had names given to us that meant had some deep meaning. But most of Anglos relate to Bob, Chuck, Bill, John, Mike, Tom, Will, or Augustine. Nice, simple, mentally unobtrusive names. Guy names. What the lesson is is how to accept people for who they are and what they stand for, and what their beliefs are. This is a very hard lesson for so many Americans and always will be. What has happened to Obama's middle name is that it is being made into an association with others who were given the name Hussein and did bad things, which is why there is objection to the way it is being used. Associate it with it's original meaning and there obviously would not be a problem.

They can use it all they want, I'll just choose to think about King Hussein of Jordan when they do it. Oh, thats not what they were trying to do? Oh Ok. The Republicans are going to get nasty, we might as well get ready for it. And it has set up nicely for McCain who can continue to use "plausible deniability" and blame it all on the loud-mouthed conservative screamers.

Frank James should stop.

Rather than to have surrogates call for Obama's political opponents to AVOID the issue, Barack needs to have more people like Jon Stewart on Oscar night embrace and, thus, defuse the issue.

When you try to ignore the issue and people "hear" about it from other sources, it has more power.

I know people who believe Obama is Muslim because they find out from some people that his full name is Barack Hussein Obama (which, in case you haven't realized it, ryhmes with "Osama").

In the end, if we cast our votes based on the names of candidates or tea leaves or zodiac sign, we deserve the government which leads us into a hundred year war.

Bruce and everyone else. Stop the doe-eyed "what I wasn't doing anything?" act.

You're obviously trying to frighten people who are as ignorant as you.

They're type of people who believe this tripe about Obama secretly being a Muslim and probably think we never really went to the moon.

I haven't heard anyone refer to McCain's or Hillary's middle names with such repitition, bile and disgust.

What I'm wondering is why we're not talking about Panamanian-born McCain's qualifications to serve as the President of these United States. The Panama baby may have the correct Anglo name, but let's face it, he's a Panamanian.

The same people upset with using a man's given name had no qualms at all about referring to President Bush derisively as "Double-U" until the Bush campaign turned it to its advantage. Nor did Swamp stop using other references to Mr. Bush such as "Shrub,"
"Bush Light," "Chimpy" or other names by people who usually couldn't spell or use correct grammar. Mr. Zorn and Mr. James need to look into a mirror before telling others what to write or say.

What about ageism? When are we going to stop thinking about how old McCain is? Jeez, while we're at it, let's not think critically about anything anymore, it might hurt someone's feelings. These people purposely put themselves in the public eye. Let's not forget that either. If you can't handle being called your middle name, which may invoke fear amongst some, then you don't have the "testicular fortitude" to be the president.

Bruce: Go ahead and use his middle name, we all know you are a bigot. Do it; you only prove (like more proof is needed) what an inbred fool you are.

In 'Bruce World' it's the bigots and fascists that aren't the bigots and fascists, and the people that aren't the bigots and fascists are the bigots and fascists.

Barry Hussein Obama that is his name. Liberal Democrats hushed by liberal academia won't say what's on people's minds. This is censorship pure and simple.
As for John McCain he acts to throw Bill Cunningham off the Straight Talk Express for using straight talk.
McCain is going to have to toughen up to be President not making nice with liberal Dems every day of the week.
Now, Cunningham is going to campaign for Hillary to get back at McCain.
Sorry Cunningham is right if you help a campaign pro-bono and then the candidate denounces you in front of God and everybody --he deserves to be ditched.
John McCain needs How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
I can't believe how conservatives are told by the driveby media and other liberals how to think. Shove it guys. Jerry White, Springfield, IL

ps.Hey Don B...did you see the part where it said useing his middle name is used to appeal to the bigot? Maybe it isn't just me who calls people like you a bigot.

Posted by: bill r. | February 28, 2008 8:04 AM

billr. Just because Zorn / James say it's bigoted doesn't make it so , everybody knows what their agendas' are. Now if they commented on Barrack Hussein Obamas' bigoted and racists church, and the awards they give to demagogues' and haters then it would hold some credence. No, sorry billr. they are just cowards like you, it so easy to just throw that word around, in fact that's the standard comeback from the left when they can't think a little analytically.

By the same token one can not use his last name as well, since it rhymes with Osama. What's truly being censored is not his name, whichever one it is, rather it's his records, his stand and criticism against him.

"Why don't you marry Obama if you love him so much? I continue to be amazed by the love an worship showered on Obama by the media. I think even I could get elected with that kind of help."

Posted by: no name | February 28, 2008 8:08 AM

Maybe it's because people genuinely like him and are interested in learning more about Barack Hussein Obama. Now on to the biggest crybaby in The Swamp. Baby Bruce.

"Oh, and just to go along with the Frank James/Eric Zorn usual "everyone who disagrees with me is a bigot", I declare that anyone who defends the censorship of Obama's middle name is a bigot and a fascist."

Posted by: Bruce | February 28, 2008 9:03 AM

I was beginning to think you had permanently crawled back under your republican rock, never to return. I wish I could say it's good to have you back but...well your annoying.

I'm surprised your not harping on the many virtues of YOUR candidate.

There must be allot of positive things you can say about YOUR GUY.

What's the matter, stagflation got your tongue? I see your other guy GW, is already fumbling his way through another press conference filled with lies and half truths. The great dissembler is fumbling his way through the corny lines that some Kool-Aid guzzling scumball feed him. What a loser. He can't even field questions like a man. A tired, beaten man Bush is. Nice of him to tip off the Kurds and Turks to the fact that Special Operations groups are operating in the north.

Maybe YOU'VE finally grown weary of defending the indefensible. Then again with times being so difficult maybe the RNC cut off your fun money. Then again I doubt anyone would pay for the dreck you spew out on a not so regular basis. Thanks for taking a timeout. It was nice while it lasted.

We all know now where Panamanian-born McCain's loyalties lie. But let's talk about the sweater-vest. Why is 71-year-old, Panamanian-born McCain constantly wearing a sweater vest under his suit? Sweater vests went out of style quite a long time ago. Could it be that the poor health of the Panama baby is becoming a factor in the cold winds of the campaign? I want to know about the sweater vest.

I am confident that Senator Obama will address the trumped-up non-issue of his middle name in a forthright, humorous and thoughtful way when the time is right.

"Bush Light," "Chimpy" or other names by people who usually couldn't spell or use correct grammar. Mr. Zorn and Mr. James need to look into a mirror before telling others what to write or say.

Posted by: Stanford | February 28, 2008 9:44 AM

Maybe you can tell me what religious group or race does "chimpy" offend. You just don't get it do you?

Jerry...I'll save my breath...your a blockhead.

No, sorry billr. they are just cowards like you, it so easy to just throw that word around, in fact that's the standard comeback from the left when they can't think a little analytically.

Posted by: Don B. | February 28, 2008 9:55 AM

Ah...the coward isn't the small minded person who would choose to try and create fear over a different sounding name? Standard comeback can't think a little analytically.
What baffoon could come up with a logical arguement to such a childish act? Leave politics to the grown ups.

Don B,
Even the master of the dark arts, Karl Rove warned Republics that using his middle name is bigoted. You are worse than Satan. Here's something you f*(&heads can try to do. Try going after Obama's ideas instead of his middle name. You might just get people who are racist bigots to listen.

Obama's muslim parents gave him that Islamic (religion of peace) middle name.
What's the [9-11] bid deal?

Paulo

Why don't you marry Obama if you love him so much? I continue to be amazed by the love an worship showered on Obama by the media. I think even I could get elected with that kind of help.

Posted by: no name | February 28, 2008 8:08 AM

He's already married. But your welcome to try to nab him yourself Mr No Name. By the way dinner is at six at the Chicago Dinner.

Cocktails at The End Zone after. You seem frisky today. Growwwl!

......and! McBush is NOT wearing a flag lapel pin! (See pic in blog above)

Obama is not a Muslim and he is also not BLACK. What a racist thing to do, calling a man born to a white woman BLACK. You should be ashamed.

Hey, people, take it easy! I'm not sure his middle name is relevant, except that his parent(s) gave it to him. BUT I will say that the bar should be raised on Barack Obama to the same level of his "competitors." Why the soft glove treatment? The little I have seen/heard of his "views" are alarming to me. I think we are leaving ourselves open to dreadful disappointment if we do not address this inequity. Let's take Mr. Obama from "phenomenon" to "candidate."

"We all know now where Panamanian-born McCain's loyalties lie. But let's talk about the sweater-vest. Why is 71-year-old, Panamanian-born McCain constantly wearing a sweater vest under his suit? Sweater vests went out of style quite a long time ago. Could it be that the poor health of the Panama baby is becoming a factor in the cold winds of the campaign? I want to know about the sweater vest."--------ha ha ====thats a good one. He may also be wearing Depends underware for leaks.

If I wanted Frank James' opinion of what I can or cannot say and what is going on in my mind when I say it, well, never mind. I would never want his opinion. People like him and Zorn who imply that there's something wrong with simply uttering Obama's middle name are the true bigots. They're tacitly implying that there's something wrong with a muslim-sounding name and that it should be kept under wraps and never, EVER mentioned. I don't have that type of bigotry in me.

It's the same as the people who try to denigrate John McCain by calling him "Juan" and other hispanic names. The implication is that there's something wrong with being hispanic and McCain should be ashamed of being called one of their names. Bigotry plain and simple. Where was the Frank James and Eric Zorn thought police on that one? They go after people who use Obama's real middle name yet have no problem with people changing McCain's name to show their bigotry.

It's ant-hispanic mania, anti-muslimphobia and racism all rolled up into a nice democratic party language stifle.

Good thing none of my kids have gone into policitcs. Can you imagine what the republicans would have done with "Moonbeam" and "Dweezil?

It's not a matter of what we're "allowed" or "not allowed" to say, and frankly the argument is stupid. Not as stupid, perhaps, as people who think that calling Obama "Hussein Obama" or "B. Hussein Obama" actually links up the barely-existent Muslim connection or the NON-existent connection of Obama and terrorism, but stupid nonetheless. The people who do it are certainly doing no harm to Obama. Anyone with logic and brains will sort garbage like this out easily. And the ones without logic or brains probably never intended to vote anything but Republican anyway.

So -- BRUCE and JERRY -- far be it from me to tell you what you can and can't say. It hasn't worked in the past for people to point out stupidity to you and your ilk and I doubt it'll work this time. Say whatever you want or keep your mush shut if you want. Whatever. Life goes on, oblai-dee, oblai-dah.

Poor Obama. Always the victim. The media continues to follow him around and clean up after him like he was a little puppy.

"...Your modern Republic is a hate filled bigot..."

Posted by: weinerdog43 | February 28, 2008 8:06 AM

Well- at least your not holding back on your, all-inclusive, non judgemental, "everyone is cool" hippie speak..

This comment makes any opinion you have on the use or misuse of the messiahs middle name - contrived and irrelevant.

Jeff...Very deep. Maybe you can give me the answer to what is on your mind when you use his full name. Then, after you give me your answer, tell me why you NEVER write John Sidney McCain.

Posted by: Jerry White | February 28, 2008 9:54 AM

Ah Jerry, I think we have all known Obama's full name for quite a while. It is the incesaant, clubbing over the head, use of his full name every time, by conservatives, that proves they are into nothing more than race-bating and fear-mongering.

Most rational people just say Barack Obama, or John McCain, Or even George Bush.

I don't hear anyone saying John Sidney McCain, or George Walker Bush.

But EVERY SINGLE TIME conservatives have to say BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA. That proves you are trying to dupe your sheep through some alterior motive.

Keep trying, it will backfire.

Ok, so you can call President Bush - Dubya - all you want. But when it comes to Saint Obama, well let's not go there. This double standard in the media is one reason why most of these newspapers are going out of business. You know it is getting bad when Clinton points out the media bias against her and for Osama (oops - I guess you said stop with the middle name).

Frank, your daughter's name is actually Moon Unit, not Moonbeam. I think her and Dweezil would be fine. Ahmet is the one who'd have the hardest time getting name recognition because Frank James and Eric Zorn would start a campaign to keep people from calling him his own name because it sounds vaguely muslim.

The Right Wing Repugnant Repuritinizing Righteous Republicans better known as Con - servatives, the con stands for contrarians, convicts, condemptables, con - men, conspiracy driven nuts with the help of Talk Radio fanatics are doing what they do best, Hate Mongering, using devisive, despicable, desperate, and destructive attacks to distract waya from what the current president and vice president are up to, which is systematically dismantling government oversight of predatory business interests and installing as many of these radical religious zealots in tens of thousands of influential government positions to promote their religious agenda at the expense of Americans.

The Obama-loving Left loves censorship.

The Obama-loving Left hates truth.

"Bigot" is a word the Left always trots out when they're losing an argument. The ploy is old, and tired. Give it up, guys.

Frank James misses the point. Because of his anti-war stance. Barack is "for" the former Iraqi dictator whose name he shares by being against his removal. Abusing his middle name reminds people of this position. It is a weak political joke but still just a joke. Lighten up!

Barack Hussein Obama, Barack Hussein Obama, Barack Hussein Obama.

Remember it republicans!

I'm Rick James b%tch!

How about Dubya when Bush as running. At leats they aren't calling himAli Baba

Bill R., I invite you to look through my posts and find one time where I've actually used his middle name. What I'm defending here isn't whether you should or shouldn't use it, it's whether or not Frank James can say you're racist for simply uttering it. Him and Eric Zorn don't get a vote. The English language is limited as it is.

Hey it’s his name and we should be over it. I don't know what the big deal is about, I could have cared less and I believe Obama didn’t react, it was actually McCain who overreacted. Say Barrack Hussein Obama all you want as long as you say Mr. President if he wins.

What I do think is funny is how the Republican's ignore the problem with alienating right wing radio. Cunningham is now calling for everyone to vote against McCain, and I don't care what you say, that is not a good thing. Furthermore, McCain was caught in a lie. He said he never met this guy, but in fact he met him on two occasions. Then he said he had no say in what he said, but McCain's staffers told the guy to throw some red meat. This would have been a non-issue for me if McCain would have just kept his mouth shut. Instead he has broken my heart with lies and flip-flopping since the 2000 Presidential race. He is no longer the maverick he once was, but has sold his soul to the religious right, a group that’s not going to vote for him anyway. Funny, I think Nader gets a lot of Republican votes this time.

From Stanford:

"The same people upset with using a man's given name had no qualms at all about referring to President Bush derisively as "Double-U" until the Bush campaign turned it to its advantage. Nor did Swamp stop using other references to Mr. Bush such as "Shrub," "Bush Light," "Chimpy" or other names by people who usually couldn't spell or use correct grammar. "

Absolutely correct. And just like "Billary," "Osama Obama," and countless other names that we "lefty loonies" and "rightwingnuts" continue to call each other, it all just makes it looks so infantile.

I don't know how the Swamp guys (or any other political bloggers) can stand to read the comments.

"A rose by any other name would smell...."
It's the man's name - if he does not want people to use it, he should have legally changed it before running for President! Forget the semantics and realize that this is all part of campaigning baloney stuff!! (a/k/a BS).

John Sidney McCain Loses to New President Barack Hussein Obama!

Just practicing November headline writing. Don't they use full names in the inauguration oath of office? I think it sounds pretty good in that context....

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Prediction:

Barack Obama will be next 44th president of America.

You know why?

Because the politics of today is different from the past where you can use racism, religious affilation or fear to intimidate voters and John Mccain knows this and that is why he immediately apologised to Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama will be a better/greater president than senator John Mccain BOMB BOMB BOMB and by far president Moron Bush.

And by the way President Barack Obama is a CHRISTIAN.

Good catch, Jeff, I've been dead so long I forgot.

Well, we've got a failed war on our hands and have lost all credibility with the American people, so what would you expect us to run on?

We've given you an endless war, damaged this country's reputation and the economy is heading into the gutter.

All we've got is our bag o dirty tricks but the American people are on to that too.

Jeff....You may not have, but you defend the act. Tell me one good reason to use it. Please don't tell me "because it's his name". That just doesn't fly when the very same people NEVER use...say..McCain.

Everyone in here who, as Vinny suggests, have defended your middle name loudly, clearly, at great length, as a strong expression of why you are fit for a given job, raise your hand.

Thought so. It's a nonissue for everyone, *except* certain dogwhistlers. The problem is that it's very recognizable as a dogwhistle. It's insulting--not to use the candidate's name--but to say to your hoped-for convincees "Heh, see, his middle name is muslim-like! Ya gotta vote for my guy instead." Your would-be convert isn't thinking "Oooooh, excellent point." He or she is rolling their eyes to the sky and edging away because if that's all you've got...

And that's what it sounds like: if you're reduced to campaigning against someone's middle name, you must not have anything more substantive. Not a winning message. The RNC can see it; Rove can see it; time for their would-be assistants to get on board.

Before we start lambasting the GOP with charges of racism, or "coning" people, let's examine Blago, the Daley machine, Billary Clinton, well nevermind. They are all contemptible, so be sure you're not the pot calling the kettle black. Obama has yet to firmly dispute Rezko ties, in case anyone is interested in an actual story.

Nikki, et al. The latest polls refute you. John Sidney McCain is ahead of Obama.

The democrats tried to stop the US Civil War before its successful completion and they failed when a republican was elected for a second term. They will fail again at attempting to pull defeat from the jaws of victory in Iraq because McCain will beat this rookie senator like a drum in November.

The truth is that his middle name IS Hussein.  I very much do not like anyone to rewrite history. Why hasn't he filled out forms with the SS administration to have it changed if he hates it so much? No tricks on anyones' part--Obama's mother gave him that name.  He had the name in grade school.  He had it in college--he may have used it on forms to get into college, and to get government help to pay for college. He had the name while at Harvard. He had the name in Chicago. He had the name when taking an oath in the senate. His name is his name. I can make the distinctions. Can Obama?

Obama has yet to firmly dispute Rezko ties, in case anyone is interested in an actual story.

Posted by: Marc | February 28, 2008 11:58 AM

"Actual story" huh? Tell me Marc, what is the story? I don't remember any charges being brought against him. I believe I heard him address the fact that indeed they had some dealings with Rezko and that there was nothing illegal and said he regrets having done business with him. Is that the "real" story? Cause otherwise, I don't know what your talking about, unless it is some wishful thinking on your part. I know I know ......just wait. Sure, I'll hold my breath.

The game of politics is a big boy game and it is naive to think that as the campaign draws on either side (including senator obama)will not use whatever tactic it thinks will work. Please spare us the high mindedness when discussing politics!

Vivian...Are you a sandwich short of a picnic? How thick can one person be or do you get help with that. Ya know, I was going to write a bunch of arguements about your post blah blah blah....and then I realized..ya can't fix stupid.

Illogical, Bill R., I use John Sidney McCain all the time when I'm talking about him in relation to his father (also John McCain) and Grandfather.

I also use John FITZGERALD Kennedy and Ronald WILSON Reagan when referring to either of those politicians. William JEFFERSON Clinton uses his own middle name and even is arrogant enough to put the "the honorable" before his first name whenever he gives a public speech.

Politicians middle names have been used to denote lots of things in campaigns throughout the history of this country. The Dukakis campaign always referred to "George Herbert Walker Bush" whenever they uttered his name. Supposedly it was to denote that he was rich because he has two middle names, but I don't know what was going on in the fevered minds of the people who ran that campaign the same way that Eric Zorn and Frank James can't read the minds of people who use Obama's. Poster "Deborah" says "it's very recognizable as a dogwhistle." I say, you suffer from a prejudice of your own if you identify it as a "dogwhistle" in the first place. I don't presume to know what's going on in other people's minds, so I'm offended by a very common name for people of middle eastern heritage being referred to as such.

We need thought police to know intent, and I don't want thought police in the USA. I defend the act because the supreme court has ruled that Larry Flynt has the same free speech rights as the President of the United States. Why should we self-censor something as innocuous as a man's given middle name in that context? ESPECIALLY when he's running for the highest office in the land?

I defend the right to use it, without accompanying reference to muslims and terrorism of course, for any reason. Since you demanded a reason of me, I'll give you a "Merchant of Venice" reason: "because it's in my humor."

Aren't all of Barak's traits, especially his name and mixed racial identity, assets? As we try to lessen conflict and
regain the world's trust, particulary in the Middle East, a US president with not only Barak's intentions but his cultural and social characteristics are clearly helpful. They provide depth. An attack on Barak from the perspective of his name or heritage would backfire on the Republicans in a very big way, and nobody could turn that around upon them so plausibly and effectively than Barak himself. If you want to consider skin color, isn't McCain a little too white for the rest of the world? And consider his McCain's Goldwater background. Now there's something to get jumpy about. A pro-war segregationist: is that who we want to go face-to-face with Iranian, Pakistani, Afghan and Iraqi negotiators? Then get out the nukes.

McCain makes a statement that positions him as a champion of justice and fair play.

Posted by: Grandblvd03

So McCain is the new "Johnny Fairplay"? Will he be voted off or on the island?

I don't know where anyone is getting that Obama is running from or hiding from his middle name. He doesn't deny it, he's used it in his book - he doesn't use it in everyday life, but do you? Do the people you know? Frank James isn't trying to censor people - he's not saying "using Barack Obama's middle name should be illegal." He's calling out the Republicans for trying to create hysteria around the name Hussein. I don't recall anyone campaigning against Ronald Wilson Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush, George Walker Bush, and no one has campaigned thus far against John Sidney McCain. It's low, and it makes the Republicans look ridiculous.

Barack Hussein Obama. Nothing wrong with that name. Of course, President Barack Hussein Obama sounds even better. Won't that make a nice headline for the Trib?

Sorry--more. Smart, rational people can make the distinction. This almost sounds like a pity party for Obama--a tactic. I know a VERY NICE man today named Adolf--no joke. He is older and lived at the time of WWll. So what? That is his name. He says he did get some ribbing--and survived. He had the right to change his name if he wanted. He did not. Adolf was/is his name. When I think of him I think of him as a person, not a name. When I call Adolf-- Adolf, I don't feel like a horrible person. I also have a friend named George. Calling him George should REALLY send me AND HIM over the edge--but it doesn't because he and I both know that he, George, wouldn't do things to hurt thousands of people. Distinctions.

Megan....These people just don't get it. I can't even fathom that they just don't get it and defend it. I guess when you've got nothing left but cheap shots, you might as well take them.

I think it shows the intelligence of the right when they make fun of Obama's name. You'd think Obama is running for 5th Grade Class President with that level of maturity.n

Obama is Ossama's best friend

This such a PC BS that it is unbelievable. Who really cares? I don't like Obama, only because he hasn't done anything for anybody since being a legislator. Nothing, Zip, Zero. Why should I vote for a ZERO. Because he talks well? So What! Obama is not a scared cow that no one can make fun of him or his name.

Why hasn't he filled out forms with the SS administration to have it changed if he hates it so much? No tricks on anyones' part--Obama's mother gave him that name. He had the name in grade school. He had it in college--he may have used it on forms to get into college, and to get government help to pay for college. He had the name while at Harvard. He had the name in Chicago. He had the name when taking an oath in the senate. His name is his name. I can make the distinctions. Can Obama?

Posted by: Vivian | February 28, 2008 12:14 PM

Vivian, where did you get the idea that Barack is embarrassed about his name?

The point isn't whether or not Obama likes his middle name, because I'm sure it doesn't bother him.

The problem is JERK OFFS LIKE PAULO who continually use it in an offensive way. Yeah you Paulo, you mindless little cave dweller. Vivian we all know the game here. So much so that the RNC has tried to get republicans to fall in line by not bringing it up. It makes them look bad. You know guilt by association. Like if you make a big deal about it then people might think your a lowlife, scum-sucking, dirtbag like PAULO. Then it would reflect badly on the republican party. That's why Mr McCain had the good sense to distance himself from such blatant stupidity. I do not buy into the thought that McCain was behind some idiot throwing Hussein around like it was Beelzebub. I do however get very tired of our village idiot here in The Swamp trotting Hussein out constantly, because it reminds me of the fact that at one time the human race didn't walk erect. Frankly I challenge Paulo to prove he can walk without dragging his knuckles, which I'm sure are calloused over by now. How he fits a computer under that rock of his astonishs me to this day. He must scurry above ground for short intervals to seek out cyber cafes full of like minded quasi-simian wingnuts before having to return back to his hovel like the backward troglodyte he is!

Does that kind of explain things for you Vivian???

I mean really you don't want to come off as some kind of himinid who lives in a pigpen like our verbally challenged savage do you??? Maybe Paulo could get some work as one of the cavemen in those no longer entertaining television advertisements. You know the one where the cave man is having an existential meltdown!!!

Jeff....Thats OK. I know you know what the deal is. If you feel the need to throw in some rhetorical things about your rights and avoid what the real deal is...thats OK. It's ashame that the party of values...have none.

Hello bill r-
I'm trying to figure out what is stupid about the truth, or about reality. Obama can make the best and most out of his truth, then let others who want to connect him by name to another person be wrong.

Have we become so protective of candidates that we resort to telling people not to use a middle name? Wipe your tears, blow your nose and get back to work. Mr. James, how about you reporting Mr. Obama's tax records, rather than whining about a given name.

"I haven't heard anyone refer to McCain's or Hillary's middle names with such repitition, bile and disgust."

Wrong! Every time I say the witch's name it IS with bile and disgust!

then let others who want to connect him by name to another person be wrong.

Posted by: Vivian | February 28, 2008 1:17 PM

Your getting warmer..warmer

Obama is Ossama's best friend

Posted by: Terry | February 28, 2008 1:09 PM

Wrong. Again. No further comment needed.

"Shrub"? Hilarious! I forgot about that one.

Oh, and by the way, Dumbya printed bumper stickers with just the letter "W" during his re-election campaign. Seems to me he was comfortable with that nickname; or just maybe couldn't spell his whole name. . .not sure which.

I know you know what the deal is, Bill r. Assume what you want of others and don't give a care to whether it's true or not. Gotcha.

Megan, your post is wrong, particularly "George Herbert Walker Bush," both the Dukakis and Clinton campaigns used his full name supposedly to denote that people with two middle names are rich and don't understand the common name. Typical of democrats, it's okay for our side to do it, just not yours.

Lame. Nevermind that Hussein in the mideast is like "Rodriguez" in Hispanic countries or "Smith" in middle America. A common name significant of nothing and yet Obama's detractors think they have found the height of symbolic cleverness by stressing it. More odious still is those wits with the fifth grade mentality who think they will impress the cool kids in the back of the classroom by using "Osama" instead of "Obama." That these uninspired boneheads can spell at all without the help of mom is amazing.

Bill r. the "real story" about Rezko is still unfolding. Rezko made hundreds of bundled donations to Obama that have still not been returned. The Times of London is reporting that a British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions of dollars to Obama's fundraiser just weeks before the undermarket house deal that Obama closed with the help of Rezko, whose wife purchased the adjoining plot.

Obama has not fully explained his 17-year relationship with Rezko and until he does the story simply will not go away, ESPECIALLY with Rezko going to trial next week.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3433485.ece

Obama's muslim parents gave him that Islamic (religion of peace) middle name.
What's the [9-11] bid deal?

Paulo

Posted by: Paulo | February 28, 2008 10:34 AM

Paulo = Cave Dweller

I see jeff...it's all about truth. personally, I think it's all about the CHEAP SHOT. At least your candidate recognizes the truth.

Jeff, McCain's father and grandfather are also John Sidney McCain, hence his being John Sidney McCain III. Using his middle name to distinguish him from them is pretty nonsensical--you could refer to "Senator McCain" or "the McCain that's alive."

Using Barack Hussein Obama, when he uses Barack Obama, always sounds like one is making an issue of his middle name. There are no other Barack Obama's in public life to distinguish him from. The question isn't "Is this technically correct?" but "Is this smart if I want people to vote Republican/question Obama's foreign policy record/etc?" It isn't. It raises the question of your intent, whatever you may claim your intent is, in a way that overshadows whatever point you are making. Assuming there is a greater point than "We should run against his middle name."

Thus the RNC tearing their hair out and trying to get this squiched before too many of their would-be helpers embarrass candidates to defeat.

"That these uninspired boneheads can spell at all without the help of mom is amazing."

Gee, I'm glad the angry left isn't divisive and prejudiced like those horrible people who use the man's given name.

since anyone using his middle name HAS to know what they are doing does Obama HAVE to know what he is doing by not using it? Either he is ashamed of his name and is not using it because he knows it is a liability or he hasn't a clue (which is pretty much his voting record). So either way it is ok for him to not use his name but not ok for someone else to use it. Can you say double standard?

Who uses a middle name besides angry parents anymore? "Mark Andrew LaFlamme!" mine used to scream. "You get off that neighborhood girl this instant!"
But I digress.

Deborah, we'll just leave that to the smart people like you, okay? After all, you're the supreme arbiter of what is and isn't smart.

The fact that you just assume it's republicans using his name "raises the question of your intent." How do you know it's not the Hillary campaign? Or the agents of Emmanuel Goldstein, for that matter?

After all, people use William Jefferson Clinton and George Walker Bush with no question coming into people's minds all the time.

The REAL question should be why do you believe that it "always sounds like one is making an issue of his middle name" when they say Obama's?

Could that be your prejudice slipping through? I'd hate to think you'd judge a name by its derivation.

Jeff...I know of no charges against Obama. Thats the truth Jeff. You remember our discussion about truth...don't you?

ABOUT BARACK'S MIDDLE NAME:
Barack should nip this right wing outrage in the bud by having a news conference and put his critics to shame. I am a Christian, white, grandmother, and I'm all for Barack Obama. My Bible tells me to "Honor my Father and Mother so that my days will be long on this earth." Barack did not name himself, his Parents named him; therefore in a news conference I hope Barack will quote the above Biblical scripture, he would be honoring his Father and Mother, (whether dead or alive). And further, he will surely reap the benefit of having long days on this earth to continue the work he started, according to the Word of God! He should be proud of his name and quiet the petty silliness of the right wingers, many of whom call themselves Christians. I question their Christianity when they mock a "brother in Christ." Make no mistake about it, the Bill Cunninghams, the Rush Limbaughs, the Sean Hannitys, etc., of the world are acting like 5th grade playground bullies and loving every sarcastic minute of it. I say stop them in their tracks!

I find his middle name to be about as important as McCain being Panamanian by birth. It really changes nothing at all!

Mr. Zorn's column in today's Chicago Tribune properly criticizes Bill Cunningham for repeating Obama's middle name in order to insinuate that Obama is affiliated with an ethno-religious group that uninformed members of McCain's audience associate with terrorism. Cunningham was engaging in classic McCarthyism.

But why is no one discussing Jonah Goldberg's repeated use of the same McCarthyite guilt by association? Ironically, in today's Tribune, Goldberg's column strains logic and facts in a McCarthyite effort to link Obama to William Ayers to 1960s antiwar radicalism to the 9/11 attack in 2001.

After shamelessly lubricating his slanders with innuendo, Goldberg oh so innocently says, "I don't think Obama supports domestic terrorism, and I'm sure he can offer eloquent explanations for why he shouldn't suffer any guilt by association."

As MSNBC has been observing, this is not the first time Jonah Goldberg has descended to Yellow Journalism. So, why is McCarthyism bad when heralded by an Ohio radio hate-host, but unremarkable when practiced a Chicago Tribune favorite?

Bill, you seem to be under the impression that I said there were charges against Obama. I never did. I said the full story of his 17-year fundraising relationship with Rezko has never been explained. And I said it will continue to be a story until it is. Charges have nothing to do with unexplained cheap house deals, after all. You can't expect reporters to ignore a sweetheart deal that doesn't make sense and do their jobs and keep digging, after all.

Sorry, Kris, McCain is American by birth, not Panamanian. Frank James will tell you you can't use that campaigning tactic next week, maybe.

Gee, I'm glad the angry left isn't divisive and prejudiced like those horrible people who use the man's given name.

No, we're just smarter, richer, better looking and all around cooler than Republics can ever hope to be.

Well, gotta run. Must take the Volvo over to some sushi place and have another latte. Maybe I'll pick up my tie dye from the cleaners and slip into my Birkenstocks too. Ta ta.

Jeff....Hey..you can claim the truth that the right uses Obamas middle name just because its his name. Me..I'll stick to the truth that no charges have been filed so nothing else really matters.

Who uses a middle name besides angry parents anymore? "Mark Andrew LaFlamme!" mine used to scream. "You get off that neighborhood girl this instant!"
But I digress.

Posted by: Mark | February 28, 2008 2:12 PM

At last an entertaining and strangely provocative comment. But wait a minute, that neighbor girl was my sister. Damn you Mark Andrew LaFlamme!!! Damn you to hell with your friend Saddam Hussein!!!

We all know Saddam was evil incarnate and his last name was Hussein. Therefore if we constantly use it when referencing Barack Obama, dumb people will think he's guilty by association. Evil just like Saddam. Like Ronald Wilson Reagan. Six letters in each name 666. Whoa Keanu Reeves, Barack Hussein Obama must be Ronald Reagan, I mean Beelzebub. Whoa...dude.

http://www.montrealmirror.com/2005/102705/film1.html

Reject the agents of hatespeech and racism -
I am Barack Hussein Obama!

Can you imagine voting for someone with a middle name of "Delano"? But, people did....

So we should not be saying Hillary Rodham Clinton either? I mean like the Omamma Man - its their name right? What is sooo bad about names? Bush has been called Hitler - and that seemed just fine by the same that are now crying foul! :)

The liberal presumption of a {little) bigot in all of us - is a bit rich and telling of the people that suggest such things. As is the tired "Evil Republicans" approach. Lets get our politics back to facts and adult discussion - and out of the simpleton, naive, sandbox where little children are frightened by people using ... words??

Grow up - if its his name - use it. It says a lot about this Hate America First empty vessal of little experience and no real new ideas -

I find his middle name to be about as important as McCain being Panamanian by birth. It really changes nothing at all!

Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2008 2:22 PM

Nope it changes everything. He is an evil man just like his kin Saddam Hussein. Plus even though they say he prays to baby Jesus (I like my Jesus as a baby just like Ri