Obama didn't change religions on ABC

Silly bloggers.

Slips are for kids.

Is Frank James with the Obama campaign?

Obama needs to stop fighting imaginary demons and figure out why he is slipping in the polls despite the landscape being as good as it gets for a democrat to take the White House.

Frank James, thanks for clarifying what Obama subjectively meant. You have amazing powers. I thought he just misspoke, and that is why he agreed with Stephanopoulos' correction.

Good analysis Mr. Frank James.
In fact the people that are using this to smear Obama only prove his point. That there are McCain supporters out there falsely claiming that Obama is a Muslim to create fear.

This same gang that blames Obama for anything less than flattering said about McCain or Paylin,

Listen to this guy. Obama is refusing to give any credit to McCain for saying that talking about Obama's faith is off limits and that his campaign staff should not get involved in those attacks. I know this campaign is going to get nasty and that they are fighting for the highest office in the world, but show some humility and acknowledge eachother's civil actions.

As a longtime supporter of Senator McCain, I readily agree that what Senator Obama said was neither here nor there, not even worth noting. What I find striking is the eagerness of "impartial journalist" George Stephanopoulos to help Senator Obama back on his feet when he perceives a mistake on the senator's part. Would he be equally eager to help Senator McCain or Ralph Nader? I think the answer is sadly obvious.

Poor Obama.

Well, sort of like the long analysis of the "I put in on ebay", isn't it? I for one don't think it was any sort of freudian slip or that Obama is a muslim, but when you start playing with other people's words, it works both ways.
Instead of focusing on the issues and what each candidate is going to do, we are now too busy with tabloid stories in the press, and the media will decide this election depending on which candidate they can dig up the most sensational story on. What a disgrace for democracy and the election process. This election will be in the history books of our kids and grandkids and not for the right reasons.

I am not an Obama supporter, but if Obama wants to put and end to this Muslim connection why doesn't he just go public with his Christianity and state that Jesus is the Messiah and not just another prophet...??

This comment was a gaffe by Obama.

John McCain several months back committed a gaffe when regarding Sunni's and Shia's.

Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews replayed this comment frequently and used it to insinuate that McCain was losing his mental abilities because of age.

I wonder if they will replay Obama's gaffe and what they will attribute it too?

The people who will not vote for Obama, regardless, will grab at anything.
Why don't you spend your time on finding out what frauds Mccain/Palin are? Why don't
you confront the republicans for what they have done to our country these last eight years?
Why don't you question the lies being told by Mccain/Palin?
Why don't you just admit none of this matters to you??
And, continue to support the destruction of our country??

A majority of white Americans have proven over and over again that they are petty, racist cynics. They will believe any lies and untruths as long as it is from a white male or female. The democratic ticket has shown class over and over again. The democrats propose real solutions that will help middle class and poor Americans (98% of us). Yet most of white America would rather believe the proven lies of the republicans. Not only about the lies of republicans that make them look good but the lies about democrats solutions and personal lives. White Americans would rather believe lies from two white people than the policies that would actually improve their lives on axday to day basis from a black man. The American media, print and TV, also know this. Every time that they call out the lies of the republicans the media withers a way and apologizes when the white republicans complain. It is a shame as fellow American, that most Americans would rather believe the lies of white republicans that fit their pre conceived ideas than the truth that could actually help them.

Come on I watched the show yesterday and you are trying to cover up a Freudian slip. Stephanopolos knew what he meant, and responded accordingly. The whole interview what a disaster on Obama's part. As usual he can't talk without a script/teleprompter. This wont float Frank James. Let's see if this gets in. My comments usually end up on the cutting room floor.

Come on. What person of strong Christian faith would slip up even for a minute and say "my Muslim faith?" Obama would do well to read the book What If Everyone Lived Next Door to Jesus? (Hannibal Books) Either you are authentic or you are not. Voters need to know who we really are...not just who we pretend to be.

As long as Obama allows the right-wing to frame the issues (and non-issues) he will spend all of his time explaining why he is either not this or that.
Exactly in the spot Repubs want him.
How stupid!

Dan Obama did give McCain credit.

What I was suggesting - you're absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about "my Muslim faith", and you're absolutely right that that has not come -

that he hasn't suggested that I'm a Muslim, and I think that his campaign upper echelons haven't either. What I think is fair to say is that coming out of the Republican camp, there have been efforts to suggest that perhaps I'm not what who I say I am when it comes to my faith, something which I find deeply offensive, and that has been going on for a pretty long time.

I don't get this whole line of attack. Even if Obama were Muslim, WHY would that matter? What makes that a bad thing??!!

I don't think it was a serious slip. He was repeating what his accusers said, I agree. There are many mant reasons not to vote for this man, we don't need to invent any.

McCain/Palin is still the best ticket in town.

This seems like much ado about nothing, although it is interesting to hear Obama speak off the cuff without a teleprompter.

What I want to know is why are they doing an interview in a barn?

The 'Landscape' has changed since Obama first presented himself. The Democrat majority has sunk further in approval ratings, and the Surge worked, contrary to Harry Reid's declarations that we'd already lost in Iraq. Barack Obama finally admitted the surge worked, although he tried to 'lower everyone else's pre-Surge expectations for success as cover for his own previous doom & gloom. Hillary Clinton is not on the Obama Train, having taken some women with her. McCain made a brilliant pick in Sarah Palin, a true conservative who "happens to be a Woman", thus proving McCain knows how to win, by taking carefully-calculated risks where needed {like the surge}. We've been hit with $4 gas and $5 diesel along with the resulting escalating prices of everything. Americans are forgetting Pres. Bush as they start to see the 2 starkly different presidential tickets before them.

I'm confused...who made the mistake here: Obama or Stephanopoulos?

More lapel pins, or face-scratching or misstatements, is that all the media has to offer ??!! The silent partner in the Bush-Cheney years, the MSM, has, time and again, done this country a great disservice. The Bush-Cheney Regime could not have happened if the major Media had done its homework and presented the true, and incompetent, record of President Bush, in Texas. His DUI in Maine, buried, under God knows what !! The true picture of his alleged AWOL from the National Guard Unit, he was supposed to be assigned to and of which, none of it's members can remember him !! Why wasn't this information, presented coherently, to the voting public, when the voting public looks to the major Media for some information to help them to determine, for whom, they will vote !!!?? There is still information out there that hasn't been presented to the country concerning this President, that the media is unwilling to print and that is unfortunate for our country !! Instead, you latch on to verbal slips and allow that to pass as debatable material !!
History is about to repeat itself, the Republicans are getting another pass from the MSM. Why haven't we heard more concerning Senator McCain's involvement with the " Keating Five ", or " The Reform Institute " or his voting record, covering the 35 years he has served in our Congress ?? What about his positions concerning the pressing issues of today !!? Instead, we receive fluff pieces concerning Governor Palin and her moose stew, or her pit bull's lipstick, of her daughter's pregnancy. Come on, MSM, help us make reasonable decisions about our leadership, help us to choose the best candidate, not some cardboard cut-out !! if you do your job, diligently, I know America will be a greater nation, than she is, at the moment !!

This is ridiculous. One minute some people are denouncing Obama for being a member of a CHRISTIAN church for 20 years that has been pastored by someone who they think is questionable. Then the next minute these same people call him a muslim. Make up your mind!

Yep, they whipped McCain for saying shai, sunni.

Let's see if this is even MENTIONED on the news channels that lamblasted McCain for his mis-speaking.

Obama needs to come clean on his past. Where was he, who was he with, what did he do?

Too many years of no information.

Why did he seal his college transcripts? Why haven't the reporters asked? The public has been informed of McCain's schooling and standing. Why not Obama?

Where is the equity in this lack of reporting?

The press needs to press further into Obama.

OBVIOUSLY, Obama's true colors are showing here. Hope you like living under Sharia law!

Why don't you detractors get it? Are you paid Anti-Obama spin-doctors and propagandists? Look it's like this, Obama should have used "air quotes" or said "my ALLEGED Muslim faith" and all of you "Freudian" wannabe psychologists would have no ground to stand on.

Besides, what's wrong with being a Muslim? Don't we have at least one US Congressman thats a Muslim? POTUS Thomas Jefferson didn't have a problem with Muslims - why do you?

PS - IMHO B.O. should not come out officially in favor of ANY religion thereby risking the other religion's vote - duh!

"...(McCain) hasn't suggested that I'm a Muslim, and I think that his campaign upper echelons haven't either. What I think is fair to say is that coming out of the Republican camp, there have been efforts to suggest that perhaps I'm not what who I say I am when it comes to my faith, something which I find deeply offensive, and that has been going on for a pretty long time."

Yeah, this is really silly.

Clearly he meant that the McCain camp's bloggers have been suggesting that he's Muslim, which he says he isn't.

If he were a Muslim and he were entering Christian churches, there would be a fatwa or edict sent out on his head.

Not that the McCainites don't have their own fatwa's or edicts, but as far as I know there hasn't been one announced from the Muslim community.

When it's not on the teleprompter, Obama bumbles and stumbles. Not a great quality in presidential candidate.

I really don't care if he is a Muslim. Or a Christian. The last time I checked, the Constitution of the United States gave no religious preference. As a matter of fact, there was the little blurb about SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE that the folks who claim to be Republicans these days conveniently forget.

I'll consider voting for the Republicans again, when the real Republicans decide to show up. Until then, I'll do what Teddy Roosevelt would do if he were alive today. He'd vote for Obama.

Very clear that the "real" Obama is coming out, or is it Barry?. He changes everything every week. His only steadfast beliefs are in socialism for economics and the continual talking down on how bad America is. What a joke of the far left. America needs a real leader, McCain.

I love that Rank James so THOROUGHLY reported the eBay "lie" and now he's trying to cover for Obama here.
No matter what Obama's religion is, the fact that he'd screw up so badly in a nationally televised interview again goes to show that he's not ready for prime time or the presidency. This is the kind of mistake he makes EVERY time he doesn't have his good friend the teleprompter nearby.
Rank James is the absolute worst kind of Obama apologist doing everything he can to gloss over the news of this story. The news being Obama said "my Muslim faith" on national television and had to be corrected by George Stephanopoulos. You get the feeling that Steph was thinking "boy, there's no way my old boss at the White House would have EVER said that."
Is the water you're carrying for the Obama campaign finally getting too heavy, Rank?

He is slipping in the polls because of closed minded people and Fox Machine is trying to destroy his character by repeating the same bull over and over and ove again.
Repitition does work if your mind is weak enough to accept what is being told to you. BRAIN WASHING.

And also who are they polling because I don't know anyone that has ever been polled in the primaries nor this election. 90% of my associates are for OBAMA 20% of those are Republican converts.

Pat H, What Obama said "my Muslim Faith" was an accidental misstatement and I would not make anything out of it. But many in National News Media will not run that misstatement over and over again for weeks like Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews, who are both in the tank for Obama, did with McCain's misstatement about Sunni's.. The good news today is that MCNBC is replacing the Pro-Obama Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann as new anchors. Although they will remain on the air they will not be so-called unbiased news anchors. It is reported that Tom Brokow and Brian Williams, real news anchors, were upset that Matthews and Olbermann crossed the line in their biased reporting

Having listened to the full context of the "blunder" several times, I think you are being too fair-minded, Frank. No invisible quotation marks are necessary--there is a definite sound of ownership in Obama’s words "my Muslim faith." I believe he embraces both faiths.

I wish both sides would knock off this senseless crap.

Issues, people, issues.

Will no one speak up for freedom of religion? As Steve Chapman said last week, where has the Bill of Rights gone?

I don't believe for a second that Republicans would be afforded the courtesy ro explain their meanings. The far-left co-called main-stream media would attack first, then ask questions later.

Watch FOX if you want "main-stream" media

The Israeli press picked up on this immediately, referring to it as "one of the most astonishing gaffes in American political history" (link below).

The Jewish lobby already has serious doubts about Obama, it will be interesting to see if this has any fundraising repercussions.

http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/13078.htm

"OBVIOUSLY, Obama's true colors are showing here. Hope you like living under Sharia law! --- Posted by: Johnny Corncakes | September 8, 2008 11:52 AM "

Another reason why I won't be voting for these fake Republican anytime soon. Playing people's religious fears - Ignorance, if you will - is the lowest of the low. But that's the only way these fake Republicans can win elections any more.

Barry Goldwater and Dwight Eisenhower would be ashamed.

"chicago truth squad", as a white American, I resent the fact that you claim that "the majority" of us are petty, racist cynics.

I for one have always admired Obama's work, back to the days when he was working only in the state congress. I was raised properly by my parents that everyone is equal, and to respect those of different colors and faiths. A "majority" of my white friends are also the same way. If you're going to make a blanket statement like that with nothing to back it up, then don't say it at all.

Back on topic, I saw this live when it aired Sunday, and I could just see the Youtube videos lining up to cry foul about the moment-- it wasn't a gaffe, it is both prefaced and followed by Obama talking about how the GOP spins this alleged faith that he's not a part of. Stop the spin and get back to what matters-- cover the issues that will affect our lives, and especially our wallets.

Of course Mr James is entirely correct in characterizing Mr Obama's remark as having invisible quotation marks around it. It is the difference between "This is a sentence" and "'This' is a word." It is called the use-mention distinction. Obama was not using the phrase, he was mentioning it, and people who cannot grasp the difference should perhaps consider abstaining from voting.

It is obvious that Obama has conveniently embraced Christianity for votes sake. He remains a staunch believer and follower of Islam.

His dual positions on every topic (religion being one of them) clearly demonstrates that he is not a suitable candidate and will be a disaster if selected.

I agree with the posters who say this is a non-issue and shouldn't matter if he is a Muslim. But that is not the way Obama has reacted. Consider if McCain were accused of being of some other religion - he would laugh, tell you to get a life, and that would be the end of it. Obama, on the other hand, overreacts to this issue and his campaign goes as far as removing women with head scarves from the background of his speeches, and firing people from his campaign at the slightest hint of affiliation with radical Islam. Bizarre actions like that fuel the conspiracy theorists, and make matters worse. The overreaction also leaves the impression that there is something wrong with being a Muslim. My advice to Obama would be to get some conviction and thicker skin. Say you are a Christian, it would make no difference if you were a Muslim, and that is the end of it.

There are plenty of real issues here without trying to interpret what Obama really believes. I don't question Obama's religious affiliation. He strikes me as a Universalist anyway. I agree with previous entries that note that there is purposefully no religious litmus test for candidates seeking federal office.

I do, however, challenge folks like Jack to quote the little blurb from the Constitution that employs the phrase, "separation of church and state". Look hard and long. This phrase was taken out of context from a letter written in 1802 by Thomas Jefferson (who was in France during the writing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and the Danbury Baptists (of Connecticut). The Baptists were concerned because Connecticut had a state church and they felt they would be marginalized. The First Amendment only addressed the establishment of a national church (like what was seen in England and other European countries at that time). The letter to the Danbury Baptists was written in 1802; Connecticut continued to support a state church until 1818.

The point of the establishment clause in the First Amendment (far more accurate than the non-Constitutional "separation" phrase) was not to expunge religious expression from government (as sought by many left wing lobbying groups and liberal politicians and jurists) but to prevent the establishment of a national church (note CHURCH, not RELIGION). The framers never regarded the US as anything but a Christian-founded nation.

That said, the Constitution is likewise intentionally silent about references to Christianity. Quotes by the Framers before and after the fact indicate that they envisioned the US as a Christian nation, though all faiths should be practiced freely and that all citizens should be free to pursue public office. Some Framers suggested that the election of a "Mussleman" would reflect that the nation has lost its way. We do have one or two Muslims in Congress but, regardless of who gets elected, we won't have a Muslim President this election cycle. We have had many nominal Christians, arguably reflective of our nation's spiritual health.

"Listen to this guy. Obama is refusing to give any credit to McCain for saying that talking about Obama's faith is off limits and that his campaign staff should not get involved in those attacks. I know this campaign is going to get nasty and that they are fighting for the highest office in the world, but show some humility and acknowledge eachother's civil actions."

Posted by: dan | September 8, 2008 11:05 AM

That is not what Obama is saying. He is saying that his people did not try to link McCain with the rightist religious groups that accused him of being a Muslim. However Palin flatly did try to link Obama with the liberal bloggers saying "Obama-Biden democrats" spread rumors about her family. That seems to be the point that Stephanopoulos and you both missed.

The Republicans keep hitting below the belt. They keep attacking because they have nothing else to run on. Then a few breaths later McCain will talk about reaching across the aisle. That's the nasty part and that is the utter lack of humility.

I really don't know why I waste my time w a few of you, but TRY AS YOU MIGHT, Obama is NO Muslim...

The problem is some HATE HIM NOW, and will say anything at all, because he's been calling certain people

out, Wright, Jackson, many preachers, and other low lifes. They HATE HIM NOW!!!

Some know nothing of the world except the 2 or 3 blocks of their neighbor, as is evident here, where by

Obama knows the world quite well, quite well indeed..................Thank God!!!!!

Open mouth, insert foot.

Okay Obama has been fighting any and all ties to the Muslim faith. Then he says my Muslim faith, and crazy liberal George had to correct him. I don 't think Obama is a Muslim, but there are so many more negative things Obama is. Even though Obama says he is a Muslim, I know we should ignore that.

Come on people do you really think he is a Muslim...I am soooo sick of Rep. using that stupid tool!

As an American Muslim, every time Obama makes a remark like this, I cringe and fear what stupid remarks he might make as president that will inadvertently cost the US its credibility among Muslims around the globe. Saying that he is offended that someone would think he might be a Muslim is offensive to Muslims.

If he would say, just once, that "No, I am a devout Christian, but I have Muslim family and friends and I can tell you they are just as patriotic Americans as the rest of Americans." If he just said something like that once, he would come across as much more self-confident in his religious beliefs than these nasty denials of having any connection to Islam past or present.

I just wish Ron Paul were still in the race, then we would have a decent choice for president.

"Is Frank James with the Obama campaign?"

The entire Chicago, Washington, NY, and most of the national press is in the tank for the Obama campaign.

They will editorialize anything critical - but remember, it was Obama who reminded us that words matter - they mean something - like when he said those brave young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend this nation and its constitution had "wasted" their lives - that people in small towns are "bitter" and "cling" to their religion, guns, and antipathy toward those who don't look like them - that fundemental questions that have been debated about life and death are "above his pay grade"...

There is nothing the matter with those of us from Kansas - there is something wrong with the double-speak and lack of demonstrated willingness to tackle what is wrong with Chicago/Cook County/IL politics.

The press will continue to look down at the very people Obama needs to win - just as Obama does. We'll get the last laugh though.

Just when did Mr. James and Swamp become the "truth squad" for Obama when you say, "The people trying to push this as some kind of slip in which Obama revealed his true religious alliegiance are wrong to do this." Keith Obermann and Chris Matthews just got fired from the anchor jobs on MSNBC for being shills for Obama. Why can't you just report what happened and let Obama handle his all-too-frequent speech fumbles?

Why should ANYONE have to defend themselves for being of the Muslim faith? This is religious bigotry.

Learn from them all, as was beautifully illustrated in the book Life of Pi.

The whole issue of Muslim or not is moot. A persons religious affiliation has no bearing what so ever on whether said person is a good individual to lead the nation.

The only reason the Muslim issue is an issue is that Republicans know that the un-intelligent masses are fearful of the word Muslim as they associate it with terrorism.

The whole affair is sad and any who would choose to not vote for someone based solely on their choice of religion are proving themselves to be bigots. Sad to see so many Americans fit in that category. It makes me ashamed to call myself an American.

It Depends On What Your Definition Of "Is" Is. Rememder that ? Here we go again ! ! ! Just kidding . . Realy . .
Mr. O'Bama just dosn't Know Who or What He "IS" anymore.

To those who say "so what if he's a Muslim", I agree, except, Obama already wrapped himself up in Christianity. Is Obama's Christianity really Oprah's Christianity, which is no Christianity at all? He might have been better off as a Muslim.

yawn.

can we talk about some grown up issues, now, please?

Don't you love how The Swamp wastes no time explaining Obamas words!

Almost makes you think they're in the tank for Obama.

Nawww...couldn't be.

Look what Obama said, and them judge for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiBwuzl4o-U

Since obama is so sure that Fox is in the McCain, then where does that leave NBC and the New York Times?

Wow! Republipukes continue to astound me. Is Obama a Muslim or did he attend and radical Christian church? You can't have it both ways Republicans....can you?

Is it too late to bring Bill back?

If Hillary Clinton was the nominee we wouldnt be here. No one would be dancing around the muslim issue, experience issue. We wouldn't have a radical Republican VP. We would just be discussing our issues the way it should be.

Instead the Dems had to select a rockstar for imagine and now opened the door for the republicans to get a rockstar of their own and now have a "cool" factor about them.

Nice Job Democrats.

It's not about religion. It's not about being Christian or Muslim. The fact of the matter is -- and you can't argue about it -- John McCain is 72 years old and Barack Obama is 47. McCain is a VERY OLD man. He sounds like an old man. He walks like an old man. In Corporate America as well as in politics, the younger man always gets the job. It just gives further proof that America is obsessed with youth. And why shouldn't we? Youth represents fresh ideas and true change. McCain? He isn't going to do anything to change the irresponsible ways of the past 8 years. Not even with that shrill-voiced VP-nominee of his.

I watched the interview and initially gave him a pass. However, on second thought, if one was never married they would never casually refer to an old romance as "my ex-wife"., unless in fact they were in fact previously married. The same holds true for one's relgious beliefs as a lifelong Catholic I would never "accidentally" mutter the phrase "my protestant faith". HMM, might be something there.

I have never mixed up my faith! Too funny! O didn't even catch it . . . strange?

"chicago truth squad", as a white American, I resent the fact that you claim that "the majority" of us are petty, racist cynics.

I for one have always admired Obama's work, back to the days when he was working only in the state congress. I was raised properly by my parents that everyone is equal, and to respect those of different colors and faiths. A "majority" of my white friends are also the same way. If you're going to make a blanket statement like that with nothing to back it up, then don't say it at all.

Back on topic, I saw this live when it aired Sunday, and I could just see the Youtube videos lining up to cry foul about the moment-- it wasn't a gaffe, it is both prefaced and followed by Obama talking about how the GOP spins this alleged faith that he's not a part of. Stop the spin and get back to what matters-- cover the issues that will affect our lives, and especially our wallets.

Senator Obama says that Senator McCain is responsible for anything that is bad being said about him (Obama), but repeatedly and often states that he can't help it if websites like the DailyKos print horrible things about the McCain team. SENATOR OBAMA.....YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. If you can't control what's said by bloggers in the DailyKos....You know the saying: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!

First let me get this out, I am voting for Obama. I think he misspoke when speaking obout his Christian faith. I would say and do defend McCain and Ms. Palin on certain positions. All of these canidates speak each and every day, so naturally they will be mispoken.I follow them all closely, so I know when they usually misspeak. They both have mispoken on occasion. Even the talking heads mispeak. I know we all are passionate about our canidates we support but lets be fair. You can bet that after the election all of the canidates are going to be better off than the average American. These people are not average Americans.

The Obama supporters don't seem to get it - the vast majority of us don't believe that Obama is anymore a Muslim than we believe that Senator McCain is Bush.

We are far more critical of the way this blog is written - it reveals that this 'reporter' isn't objective at all.

Don Fitzgerald wrote "There is still information out there that hasn't been presented to the country concerning this President, that the media is unwilling to print and that is unfortunate for our country !!"

What is it?
Tell us in this forum.

The setting for the interview is hilarious. Is that supposed to be a barn out in the country?
yeah - right.

Get over it. He's not a muslim. Move on.

Gaines said: "It's not about religion. It's not about being Christian or Muslim. The fact of the matter is -- and you can't argue about it -- John McCain is 72 years old and Barack Obama is 47. McCain is a VERY OLD man. He sounds like an old man. He walks like an old man" .....isn't it that Obama choose Mr Biden for VP candidate ?

Obama's faith is irrelevant. Christian or Muslim, I'm still voting McCain.

"Get over it. He's not a muslim. Move on.

Posted by: Taylor | September 8, 2008 2:51 PM"
No, he's not. His father just was and his half-siblings just all are. That's all. Obama goes to Rev. Wright's Black Liberation Theory church. At least he did until he figured out that he'd never heard one thing the man said for 20 years. You know "that's not the man I knew for 20 years."

I worry that this country will elect McCain/Palin, which would support my most cynical belief...that this country is stuffed with self-destructive buffoons. I guess that I should not be shocked. They elected GWB...TWICE!

Get some experience, proove yourself by actually voting for reform, not talking aabout it.

The fact is simply, he is not ready. He may have been a good president in 5 years, but not now.

I'm tired of the old comments. My grandma is over 100 years old, now that is what I would consider very old. McCain is only 72. Even his mom is still alive, alert & active. I'd say he has good genes...stop with the old comments. You're grasping!

Obama's faith is irrelevant. Christian or Muslim, I'm still voting Obama.

She should get herself some experience, prove herself by actually getting a clue, not just blowing hot air.

The fact is simply that Palin is not ready. She may have been a good hockey mom, but never in her lifetime will she be ready to be a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States.

This is a story? Good heavens! As AJ Soprano put it: "you're all living in a dream."

"I do, however, challenge folks like Jack to quote the little blurb from the Constitution that employs the phrase, "separation of church and state".

Here is a response to you sir:

Is America A Christian Nation?

The U.S. Constitution is a secular document. It begins, "We the people," and contains no mention of "God" or "Christianity." Its only references to religion are exclusionary, such as, "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust" (Art. VI), and "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (First Amendment). The presidential oath of office, the only oath detailed in the Constitution, does not contain the phrase "so help me God" or any requirement to swear on a bible (Art. II, Sec. 1, Clause 8). If we are a Christian nation, why doesn't our Constitution say so?

In 1797 America made a treaty with Tripoli, declaring that "the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." This reassurance to Islam was written under Washington's presidency, and approved by the Senate under John Adams.

The First Amendment To The U.S. Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ."

THAT would be the little blurb that I'm talking about, the one that the PRINCIPLE upon which the phrase "SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE" is founded upon.

Also sir you may find this worthwhile, if irksome reading:

A Nation of Christians Is Not a Christian Nation

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/opinion/07meacham.html

Gus (I worry that this country will elect McCain/Palin, which would support my most cynical belief...that this country is stuffed with self-destructive buffoons) ...that is what I feel about Obama and his supporters. His leadership spells disaster for this country. People following him are wishing on a dream and not on facts. All he does is give fantastic speeches filled with no facts. And the little facts he does provide, he tends to go back on. Seems to me like he is business as usual, rather than change.

I am confused. Obama claims that the McCain camp wrongly accusses Obama's surrogates of talking about Sarah Palin's daughter when he said it was off limits, but then he turns around and accuses the McCain camp of spreading false rumors about him being a Muslim even when McCain has come out against it. That sounds like a double-standard.

I find it interesting that the Republicans are blamed for everything that happened in the last 8 years when the Democrats have been in charge in the Congress for the last 4. The President isn't the only culprit in this mess. He can't do much without the support f the Democratic Congress. The Democrats are just as much at fault as the Republicans, so both parties need to shape up if they are to be believed.

"a Freudian slip"? Do you know what a freudian slip is? He did not slip and say Muslim, he meant to say it. It was part of a point he was making, or did you not read the article or watch the interview?

I really don't care if he is a Muslim. Or a Christian. The last time I checked, the Constitution of the United States gave no religious preference. As a matter of fact, there was the little blurb about SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE that the folks who claim to be Republicans these days conveniently forget.

I'll consider voting for the Republicans again, when the real Republicans decide to show up. Until then, I'll do what Teddy Roosevelt would do if he were alive today. He'd vote for Obama.

Posted by: Jack | September 8, 2008 11:59 AM

What a bunch of nonsense.
Teddy Roosevelt would shun every Chicago pol being the leader of the Progressive movement to clean up politics. Since Chicago pols operate in similar fashion to his time. I find it hard to beleive he would pull the rookie obama and status quo Joe lever.

Kelly:

You state that Obama's leadership spells disaster for this country. I do not know what that is based on. I have heard and read his positions on most issues and find them thoughtful and serious, although I may not agree with every aspect all of them.

He has put together an impressive campaign against enormous odds and has been as cool as a cucumber under incredible scrutiny and pressure.

Disaster is what has resulted from the past seven and a half years of a Republican administration that is bent on creating a fascist state that benefits powerful corporations, particularly the oil industry giants.

I love this country, so I MUST vote for Obama. If you love this country you SHOULD vote for Obama. McCain is not the answer and that was made clear even more evident when he made the cynical choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Are we still talking about Obama and religion? You'd think we didn't have a faltering economy, a mortgage loan crisis, two wars, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and rising unemployment to talk about. Can we get back to the real issues please?

Obama has got to lose the 'Kerry Reflex'; that being, saying stupid things off the cuff.
Hey Barack, here's a list of name to contemplate;
Richards
McCain 00
Gore
Kerry
-
Barry,
You don't seem to get it. You HAVE to go negative, simple, talk to the electorate like they are 4th graders.
It's the only political language Americans understand.

My mouth dropped open when he said that. I saw that interview. The funny thing about it, is that I haven't heard ANYONE BRINGING UP HIS MUSLIM FAITH.

In fact, he has been the only one I've heard bringing that up. He gottne scared because he's behind in the polls and he knows he's in hot water from the RACISM CARD he's over played in the past so he can't go there, so he makes up a bunch of false accusations to get everyone talking about poor mistreated Obama.

There's no story here, well, there is ONE, but it was self inflicted and maybe that's Gods way of telling this wayward child to get back to doing the right things in life>don't bare false witness!

I couldn't disagree with you more, Gus. It has been not just Bush's fault we are in this mess. The Congress and Senate share that blame, and the democrats are in charge of them. Bush's approval rating is nearly 5 times better than that of Congress. What Obama is proposing is turning this great country into a Socialist one. We have seen the effects of National Healthcare in other countries. It doesn't work. If you are so offended by the way the government does things, why do you want them to be in charge of more things? That is the way it will be if Obama wins. Do you really think healthcare will be better off once competition is gone. I am not trying to say we don't need to fix it, but I am saying we don't need to give it to the government to control. A good start would be to limit all the unnecessary litigation, which would help lower insurance costs. The people need to take control of things, not the government. I love this country to my core. My family has dedicated many years of their lives for this country. My husband was in the military for 9 (13 including his college education). Don't tell me I need to vote for Obama if I love this country. I think a vote for him would be a vote against what this country stands for.

And by the way, Gus, I don't know why you think going after corporations solves anything. We live in a free, capitalistic society that should be allowed to run freely. The market takes care of prices, etc (if you want to read more, look up Milton Freidman a Nobel prize winning economist who believed in free markets). Raising taxes on business, big and especially small, affects more than just them. It affects everyone. the price of goods will go up, the number of jobs will go down and the salaries will go down or remain stagnate as inflation goes up. Tell me....where is the good in that?

Posted by: chicago truth squad 11:18 AM

I think you mentioned WHITES seven times in your post. None of us care about what someones race is on here, but I can tell ya we don't have white guilt, so don't try that ridiculous BS with us. I am from Illinois (2 yrs now) and some of the blacks I've run into here are some of the most racist bunch of cryers of false racism I've ever run across in my 46 years. Get off of color and fight ideas. Obama tried cryin race and I can tell ya it hurt him greatly....no one is buyin it. He's havin the same trouble you're having, that BS doesn't work in MAINSTREAM. Get back to your bubble or stand up like a man ,'straight talk' and quite your damn whinnin.

Blacks and whites support both candidates. I don't think you're messed up for being black, I think you're messed up for voting for an naive idiot Marxist/Socialist.

What I find interesting is that Obama will not just say, outright that he *is* a Christian, he just implies it alot, occaisionally refers to "Christianity" in general, whenever it seems politically convenient. Just another way that he continually re-invents his story.

The fact that you can't find much about his actual upbringing is reallllly weird, too.

Only the Obama-controlled, ever-changing "story" that suits his political needs of the moment.

That concerns me.

Noooo. Not that dear innocent soccer mom....

Palin's AIP group has terroists ties

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/8/124910/0364/816/591072

Word, you are concerned?
I remember the right wing in 06 accused Kerry of being a 'Manchurian Candidate'. (!?)
Kinda weird, considering Kerry was never captured by the communist enemy, tortured and broken for 5 years or so.
Hummmmm? Now who would be a much more likely M.Candie?

If it wasn't a gaffe or a "Freudian slip", why did Obama allow himself to be corrected by GS?

if Obama said he is Muslim but still he is not a Muslim ,because to be Mulim he must practice Islam.It is not easy to be Muslim.

Context or not. Barrack Hussein Obama got nothing. This guy, runs on the promise of false Hope and sweeet Talks. If we knew then what we know now about him,during thedemocratic nomination,he wouldnt be sitting there. he just got lucky, all those dirts,came just a bit late. We should have Clinton as the next president.Dirts like, the rezko connections, wal-mart connections,Disloyalty on american flag, Disrecting the pledge,the god damn america. these are all FACTS.america is BLINDED evil charm.:D

I've read several internet sites that the Muslim people believe that once you are born to a father who is Muslim their consider you to be Muslim.

Obama said he's a Christian and he's from a church whose pastor said he preaches Cone's teachings on Black Liberation Theology. So, he would be a BLT Christian.

Time is running out, the polls are showing him going down, he's not in the spotlight and might not be to the very end.... needs some attention and sympathy if he can get it, and he's sure doesn't mind trying to point out that people are trying to make false alligations about his religious beliefs... he hopes it will help when the issues of his BLT beliefs come up, then he can say 'see, they're still trying to say what my religion is and it's just not true, first they claim I'm Muslim and now they're trying to say my church is racist or that I believe in what Rev Wright's veiws are, I've never even heard these things spoken'.

OReilly asked him last night if they put whites down in his church and he WOULD NOT answer the question.