Obama Pushback On the Drudge Photo Flap

I supsect the Obama camp leaked the photo. Isn’t it a coincidence that it appears the day after Louis Farrakhan gives a long speech extoling the virtues of Obama? And look, the tactic worked–all the blogs today are abuzz with negative comments about Clinton on the assumption that she released. There is barely a mention of Farrakhan’s virtual endorsement of Obama, which is exactly the way the Obama people like and planned it.

It’s like offering a drink to an alcoholic and then proclaiming there’s nothing wrong with liquor. “Why is this offensive?” Clinton asks. “Oh we wear Muslim outfits all the time, and no one thinks anything of us?”
I’m proud of Obama, how he handles himself in crisis. It’s obvious what the Clinton camp is doing. They call it harmless but they are disenfranchising legions of Obama voters who will remember this. It’s too bad for her that she could lose the election, even if she wins the nomination, because of the people she’s insulted. I have no loyalty to putting such a person in office, who would smear and lie about it. I’m against putting dishonest, mean people into office. If you think she won’t be divisive in the large election, look how divisive she is the primaries!

Also, Obama people would want a diversion on the day Hillary gives her big foreign policy speech–again no one is talking about her speech, because all the talking heads and blogs go on and on about this stupid picture. Think about it people, why would Hillary make a big deal about that picture knowing full well that she and Bill frequently donned the clothing of other cultures while visiting other countries. Let’s get on with the real issues in this campaign!

Clinton can’t figure out why anyone would be concerned about this, and Obama is acting like he’s under attack. And all this is based on taking Matt friggin Drudge at his word, with no evidence. This is absolutely pathetic.

What’s the negative? Uh … how about playing on the Muslim fears people have?
Duh!!!!!
A cheap shot. Obama doesn’t need to use distractions … the race is essentially run. It’s either from Clinton or McCain, and McCain would have saved it for later.
Wake up … Clinton’s campaign is desperate and scummy.
But at least it’s good practice for November.

I was going to post the same thing but someone beat me to it. Is it not strange that the news today should be the big endorsement of the Nation of Islam leader for Obama, calling him the hope for the world, yet we are being diverted once again from this topic to a silly photo.
Every media house is on this photo and not one concern over this endorsement by Farakhan,once again the Obama camp is skillfully avoiding the Muslim links, bringing the focus on Hillary, and the media is happily going along with this game.
This Nation of Islam endorsement is a lot more dangerous than a silly photo yet no one seems to be concerned at all.

None of us has to play on Muslim fear the Muslim leaders are endorsing Obama, do you really feel they will endorse McCain or Hillary. People endorse persons that they feel are willing to hear their views and take their side in matters when the chips are down.
They all endorse candidates when they think that candidate will give them a hearing and the fact of the matter is the Nation of Islam endorsed Obama and no one else, there must be a reason for that.

Both camps are up to dirty politics, anyboday that thinks otherwise is crazy. Obama is just as bad as Clinton is, this is NOT CHANGE, this is not new politics and this will not produce the change that Obama is talking about. I’m sorry, he has run a negative campaign when he needs too just like she has. Let not all get on out high horse and pretend that this doesn’t happen with both candidates. GET REAL!

First of all, what is the big deal about this photo? Is Obama ashame of his culture? He has always made it known that his father was from Kenya. So why is he taking the time to explain the picture? After all, remember is message has transcended race and gender. Not only does he have the majority of the black vote, but he has white men too. So how can this photo hurt him. Anyway, has it been proven that the Clinton campaign actually released this picture. Maybe they don’t think that it deserves a disclaimer. It is wonderful how open minded people are without knowing for sure. It shows off Obama’s skill as a unitifer to have Democratics pitted against each other. Way to go Big O!!!
Also, I would like to know what is his thoughts on Louis Farkan endorsement of him?

This guy is the biggest whiner since George “Blame it on the Clinton Administration” Bush. And man-o-man, what a bunch of hypocrites the Obama supporters are. When Hilary complained about the pimping Chelsea remark, all the Obama people (and the media) said for her to get over it. When the Obama camp started the whole Clinton is a racist thing and Hilary complained, Obama’s cult said for her to get over it. Then why is that Obama never has to “get over” anything? I swear, when this guy mixes the kool-aid, you idiots will fall over each other for a cup, won’t you? Obama whined that he didn’t know who he was running against, Bill or Hillary. Then why does he continue to run against Bill? Because he knows he can’t really compete with Hilary. Good strategy? Yes. Phoney politician? Yes, again. Attack Hillary on Nafta and then support it himself. Claim you were against the war in Iraq but vote to fund it repeatedly and the Patriot Act too. Steal whole speeches and claim they are your own. You know, I almost hope he does win. But then again I said that about George Bush and “I told you so” really isn’t as sweet as I thought it would be. One last thing: how much does someone get from the Obama camp to get up at the break of dawn, scour the internet and then write trash about Clinton? Talk about being pimped out.

Excuse me but I don’t get this story. The photo of Sen. Obama in local garb was made on an official visit and is part of the public record. What’s the story here? Similar pictures are in the public record regarding many visiting officials. Why is the Obama camp outraged exactly? The press always has the option of printing or not printing matters in the public record.

I don’t understand why people have such a hard time believing that Hill-Dog released this photo. Her campaign had more than one opportunity today to deny releasing the photo and have yet to do so. I’m convinced that Hillary has some campaign people on the board blogging. It’s pretty evident that she was attempting to stir the pot in regards to the propaganda e-mails and other things being circulated that Obama is a Muslim; this photo was an attack.

I have been warning people for sixteen years about how the Clintons care about one thing–themselves. As a Republican in Texas, I proudly voted early for Barack Hussein Obama and will go back for the caucus on March 4.
Thank you, Senator Obama, for doing what Republicans could not do since 1991.

I don’t think her campaign had anything to do with this! I believe all the Obama supporters need to take a deep breath and CALM DOWN!! You people border on irrational.
What is so bad about the picture, anyway? Is the Obama camp emberassed about this? I wonder why?

Hillary is trying to cover all bets. She “leaked” the photo to stir up the fears of terrorist or Muslim ties, but she asks why would he be embarrassed by this. I’ve worn local dress myself when overseas. Do not trust this woman. She will do anything to get elected and we will soon see just how low she will go!

Just another confimation of the Clinton “sleaze factor.” He’ll do anything to be in the White House again. She’ll do anything to ride his coattails.

In the words of Hannibal Smith from the “A Team,” “I love it when a plan comes together”
Devoid of principles and with only plagerized quotes,these two phonies show how intellectually bankrupt the Democratic party really is

Why should she have to deny this? I believe you people will hate anything/anyone who does not believe in the GREAT ONE!!!

The more Hillary stays in the race the more crazy she seems. First she’s honored to be on stage with Obama on Thursday night. Then she is ranting about him on Saturday. Next she calls the millions of his supporters delusional on Sunday. And finally she compares him to George Bush on Monday while simultaneously sending out photos that suggest Obama’s heritage as being un-American somehow. With each passing moment, she’s looking unstable and inconsistent—not the kind of qualities that I look for in a President.

Does Barack have to debate Hillary? I think he should back out of the upcoming debate. What’s the point? We know what’s coming. She is really going to throw real mud at him this time. I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t charge and pounce at him like a cat. The way she was hissing “shame on you Barack” this past week is a sign that she has become frighteningly unhinged. For the sake of his message, and since he has a lot more to lose, he should just say that’s it, I am not talking to you Hillary. He has this thing won anyway. She is just dragging this out hoping that he stumbles.

Hillary supporters keep screaching Obama’s camp released this photo to divert attention away from a Louis Farrakhan “endorsement”.
Actually Hillary’s goon squad probably saw this as a no brainer to yet again “try to” paint Barack as a muslim:
photo + Farrakhan = must mean Barack’s a muslim
…very sad.
Frank
Chicago
Obama ’08

The important thing is that NONE of YOU focus on “what’s NOT being said”. As in “How will you PAY for that, Senator” or “What income is considered ‘rich’ to you, Senator”…
But yeah, the BIG story here is “Who on earth could be trying to distract you” so I can win votes, because [I] am “nicer” or willing to “give” more…

I support Clinton make any issue of it. Don’t you think Obama attacked her on ‘electibility’ is worse than this? His speeches were like brain-wash preaching as if he was the choosing one and you had to follow him and having faith in him…. He preaches that he was more electible than Hillary…
The fact will proof if he ran against McCain. The result would be the worst of Democrats’ election. Worst than McGovern.

Well enlighten me then which was the last Christan leader did the nation of Islam endorse??
Better yet tell me of any candidate in the world that has no Muslim links that the Nation of Islam ever endorsed, or any Muslim fraction for that matter.
They never endorse anyone other than one of their own.

Claire C- Then why is Obama beating McCain in all the polls?
Opinion is nothing when you can’t support it with facts.

Go Hillary!

Photo should be a non issue then if he is ahead in all the poll and going to win this beating both Clinton and MaCain.
Obama supporters should be laughing at this rather then hitting every blog on the net to rant and rave as if this was the biggest crime ever committed.
Get over it just as you advised Hillary to get off the “pimping” remark and the Rezko photo, stop crying in your beer and move on .

As our commander-in-chief in waiting, Barack Obama, said, the Clinton campaign would want the world to believe that the people who live in the 22+ states that he has won are delusional. It is clear, very clear now, who the delusional(s) are. To intends and purposes, Barack has won this nomination. Hillary should just gracefully step aside.

Americans are so simple-minded, for a nation such as yours(self proclaimed intelligence) you guys sure do fall short in the common sense category, it used to be amusing but now it’s simply ludacris, common-sense isn’t so common after all….a photo surfaced with BO in some foreign garments and everyone’s taking something that shouldn’t be an issue at all..as a leader and travelling to a foreign country you should pay respect and try to establish a good relationship regardless of where you are and who you are, a lot of nations envy you guys but now-a-days it’s what is to be expected from you guys when you guys display and encourage such ignorance…god bless America and nowheres else:D

Let’s all vote for Nader!

One Farrakhan endorsement does not make an Islamic trend, for pete sake’s. If anything it speaks to Obama’s moderating effect on Farrakhan and not Farrakhan’s ability to suddenly radicalize a US Senator. Proportion, poeple!
The use of the photo is in exceptional poor judgement considering the odd timing and obvious reference. Media hounds, please go digging. If it turns out it really was from a Clinton staffer, it ought to be shouted from the rooftops– Hillary cannot manage a lemonade stand, let alone the White House, and belongs instead in a remedial middle school.

It is WOAI not WAOI, show some respect for San Antonio!

I now know why I dislike O’bama”, as an LSU fan I don’t care too much for anything with the words “bama” in them.
Geaux Hillary!

First of all, Bonny, Kay had that coming. It’s not Adam’s fault, she had little knowledge of the story and it showed through her foolish yet forceful responses (as if she had stayed abrest of the story). Secondly, the Clintons were never in office. Bill was. What did she prove being first lady? If you’re going to claim that, then there has got to be some explaining to do over NAFTA. Second, Tory, You seem to be an educated bloke, and i assume youre english since you use the name tory… oh so clever. You have put us Americans and our generalized prejudices in out place, with your far greater over-generalized prejudice. Well done sir. I’m afraid I’m not as smart as you, and thus am unable to end my post with a quote from a chris rock movie. I will settle for John Stuart Mill; “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.”

…”So the Obama campaign comes out with a memo about unnamed “Clinton staffers” who sent out an e-mail? Who are the staffers? Who did they send the e-mail, too? Just who is checking out the facts here?”
How hard is it for you to understand that it was DRUDGE who said the photo came from the Clinton staffers? You know, the DRUDGE guy that put said photo on his website…

Ah, the power of suggestion. We don’t know for certain whether the Hillary camp did in fact do this. Course the damage is done in some people’s eyes. Obama should be ashamed of himself and his campaign folks. He’s committing the same old political tactics he claims to despise. He’s really not that special.

Look…if Obama is sooooo proud of his heritage then what’s the big deal then with this photo? It’s a real pic isn’t it? not doctored, not phony. Obama is misleading the public when he he has no ties to Islam or his muslim heritage.
In fact, in 2006 he was in Kenya visiting his cousin from his father’s side – Railia Odinga, who is leader of the ODM. This is the same party responsible for the torching of hundreds of people in Kenya around New Year’s. Why ISN’T the media asking Obama about his muslim heritage a little more. I think if he’s going to be president, Americans should know ALL about his background.

jeez
BARACK OWNS!NO DUH! IS IT THAT HARD?

Members of Hillary’s staff leaked this to Drudge, because they assumed that a right-winger like Drudge would play up the “Obama is a Freaky Foreign Muslim” aspect to it.
Because after all their “experience” with him, the Clintons still don’t understand how Drudge thinks.
Instead Drudge played up the “Hillary Clinton will stoop to anything to win” angle. And the Clintons unskilled attempt at gutter politics backfired horribly.
How many people on the Hillary campaign have had to resign or step down in disgrace for either incompetence or sleaze, in just the past two months?
Who hired a staff of cronies and yes men?
Who decided that the lesson of the Wisconsin primary was “negativity works”?
Who is ready to lead on day one?

In addition to explaining this photo in the Druge report, Obama should ALSO explain why there’s a photo of his foreign policy advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski with Osama bin Laden. Google it folks it’s out there.

What was going through Barack Hussein Obama’s mind when he put this outfit on? Obviously he knew there were photographers there. So what did he think he was getting out of it? Was it one of those overseas visits that politicians put on their background sheet to make it ‘seem’ like they have foreign experience?
HRC said she’s put on traditional attire of other countries – out of respect?
But, I am not a supporter of ANY politician putting on another culture/country’s traditional clothing. So if someone like Barack Hussein Obama goes to Scotland can I expect him to put on a kilt? There was a picture of President Bush floating around today of him wearing some kind of kimono thing. (Forgive me I don’t know what it’s called) He shouldn’t have put it on.
Should a politician wear a Native American Indian Headdress too? What about when they go to Germany, Greece, Poland, Hawaii? I guess my hubbie wouldn’t have minded if Chelsea had visited a luau. What if BHO had visited Germany in 1941? I wonder what he would have worn…
Someone from BHO’s camp said he was just being a good visitor. Ok, so when the royal family from Saudi Arabia comes to the US, do they wear a suit and tie, ‘just to be a good visitor.” No! What about a woman from their country, do they ‘adopt’ western wear for the day because they are just being a good visitor? No!
Does wearing these types of outfits make a US ELECTED OFFICIAL any more capable of understanding these other nations? Do these ELECTED OFFICIALS understand the struggles better? No. So why do it at all? These things can backfire and make a US ELECTED OFFICIAL look silly.
If I was Scottish and he wore a kilt, I’d be embarrassed first and “possibly” insulted second. BE WHO YOU ARE AND BE AUTHENTIC.

If they had the proof that the Clinton camp did this it would be ALL over the internet. I see nothing wrong with them circulating this picture. It’s either a great honor or they wish to sweep this all under the carpet.
I say, it’s time for Obama to start anwering real questions.

Hillary Clinton has been sticking Small Busines Owners with Catering, Printing, Hotel, and many such bills without paying them from New York to California. Is this how you help out the little guys and gals? Does she not know that not paying her bills for goods and services really hurts families, marriages, and the ability to stay in business? Is this how one behaves that has over $40 million dollars? The more you learn about Hillary Clinton the more you see her selfish, inconsiderate, and insincere actions of a person that does not care about anybody but herself! Pay your Bills Hillary quit putting people out of business!

Pledges allegiance to Africa? Africa is a continent, not a country you idiot.

I just wonder if the Obamanites know what the REAL issues are? Obama is causing a HUGE divide among the democratic base. Obama is not a leader he is a divider.

Well, case closed. Racism’s over. That’s a relief. I’m so glad that shinea has travelled the country making a study of this, because here i was still knowing numerous people who will not vote for obama because he is black, and who will not vote for clinton because she is a woman, or romney because he is a mormon and to a lesser extent a giant douchebag. Well, i’m going to go invite a bunch of street hoods to tour my corporate work tomorrow, seeing as how racism is over and all. I think it should go swimmingly. Thanks Shinea, for being so on top of things all across America.

TRYING TO HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH A HILLARY SUPPORTER,
IS LIKE A DRUNK TRYIN TO PICK A FIGHT WITH A THORN BUSH !!
YOU GOT BILL CLINTON THE BOOZER
AND HILLARY THE LOOSER !!!
WHAT A PAIR…GO BAMA GO!!!

The self-righteous indignation is just another ploy by the Obama camp to ignite fanatical followers to fire up the flames of racism such as they did before the South Carolina primary. When they falsely accused Hillary Clinton of denigrating Martin Luther King, and Bill Clinton of calling Obama a “fairytale”, it was done to ignite the African-American vote. Hillary praised MLK for the civil rights journey and sacrifice. Bill Clinton was calling the news media’s lack of scrutiny of Obama’s Iraq War vote record a fairytale. This Obama feigned injury now is another such tactic right before the next debate and the large primaries coming in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He needs to quit crying foul and quit his hit and run tactics. He lies and distorts Hillary’s health care plan and her words on NAFTA in his speeches, then tries to hold on in the debates. He is totally unprepared, and floats on the air with little substance. The photo was made by his own people. What is he so afraid of? Farakhan’s endorsement?

Good thing I will never run for office because I lived in a Muslim country (as a devout Christian) for a number of years and wore their dress out of respect to hosts on numerous occasions. I CANNOT believe how racist and bizarre that many “Americans” are coming across in this blog.

I see the photo, so what did I miss? I’m a Hillary supporter so what does everyone want me to see. I see Obama dressed up in a native costume just like all western leader do when they go over there. Why are the Obamabots so nuts about this? What do THEY see that I don’t? Someone explain this to me.

So you’re really saying that he pledges allegiance to his blackness then, since it is impossible to pledge allegiance to Africa and all. But you’re smart, and you knew that. So you were saying he puts his blackness over his American background, and that’s what makes him dangerous? I know i’m reading into this, but I’ve been left with the conclusion since that first post that you’re a racist, haha. And why do people keep saying “drink the kool-ade”. That is by far one of the most offensive metaphors i have ever heard. Hundreds of people including children died in Jonestown, and it is not something to just throw around like oh you’re an idiot and a follower, just like those people who died in jonestown, many of whom were forced to drink the kool-ade by the way.

Hillary like the three monkeys. Speaks no evil unless its about Obama, Hears no evil because its from her staff. Never sees no evil unless it about Chelsea.

clinton campaign did denie releasing this photo, just heard it on nbc.

Filecabinet how can Hillary release this TWO YEAR OLD photo that the Obama people released themselves on his 2006 Africa trip back in 2006? Well?

OF COURSE Obama leaked this photo! I mean he obviously wants to DISTRACT the media from things like:
- His 11-0 winning streak
- Hi surge at the polls in TX and OH
- The new National poll that he would beat McCain and is the National demcratic favorite
- He has received endorsements from EVERY major newspaper in TX
I mean COME ON, why would he want ANYONE talking about that?? Shame on you Barack Obama!
LOL!!
I was getting sooo angry about this silly trick from the clinton camp…but you know what?? Their clock is tickin’ and I can not wait till they are DONE!
Obama ’08

Someone asked when was the last time Muslims endorsed anyone..
Well, let me enlighten! In 2000, Muslims endorsed GEORGE W. BUSH and called upon the American Muslim community to vote
en masse for him….
Does that make W a closet MUSLIM?

It’s mighty powerful a man chooses to include an entire nation in his campaign. Obama has to be the people’s president, because the people financed him. Wake up america………….when has this ever happened? Clinton started h3r campaign with 100 million of lobbyist money, and her supporters aren’t outraged. You caannot take money with no consequences. Poor, middle class and wealthy Americn have donated their lunch money to Obama, because thwy know he will not forget them. This is a case of power vs change.

You are right, there are some who will not vote for Obama because he is black but MOST intelligent people realize it is not always about racism. A lot of what you perceive to be racism is actually socially and economically driven not color. Case in point, you bring up the issue of “street hoods”, apparently you equate criminal behavior with blacks. One of us may be racist but it doesn’t seem to be me. Corporations prefer not to hire “hoods”, black or white. Perhaps you are projecting your own feelings of “otherness” on your corporate management whether it is there or not. I have been all over the US, and a lot of the world for that matter, for the most part racism exists mostly in the small minded people who choose to keep it in their hearts. Perhaps you are the one who needs to travel, you will find that the VAST majority of Americans are not racist. You will find all kinds corporations who hire “at-risk” individuals and give them a chance to improve their lives. You will find all kinds of people who really don’t see a “person of color” they only see the person. Perhaps you should also learn how to read. The sarcasm would be more potent if it were relevant to what I actually wrote.

keep telling yourself that.

The word has changed we want to live in unity. No one can do anything about their parents back ground. Obama love the united states of america. He is a phenominal. Hillary you cannot break the barell it is full. we the poeple of the united states love obama. My prayers are strong for him. I do not know who sent those photos but if Hillary and her campaingn did they need to pray tonight and ask God to forgive them. If anyone else has sent those photos do the same. We do not need any more distractions, concentrate on this world. Let God into your heart and the world would be a lot better. I hope the word will stop being so cruel. Obama forgive the ones also. We have to be forgiving in order to suceed in this world.

If Hillarious thinks that insults, phony charges, screams of “Shame on you!”, and distributing photos of your opponent makes her Presidential material, then she but a hopeless idiot after all.

Get all you want from the Louis Farrakan endorsed candidate. The spewer of the most vile hate filled rhetoric there ever was. We should all be concerned with this development. He talked about rallying the Nation of Islam in support of Obama.

This woman has just succeeded in alienating over half of the democrats in the United States not to mention the newly registered democrats that Senator Obama has inspired. She cannot win the nomination.

Most Americans have no problem with the government providing services and safety nets, given the fact that 1% of the families in the United States own 90% of the Capital and that that half this capital is received through inheritence and is invested by moronic grandsons. However, they want a government that is competent and efficient. Americans adhere to two axioms. They are “Get the government off my back” and “There ought to be a law.”

What we are witnessing is the inability of the Clinton family to accept the fact that the American public does not want them to be their dynastic rulers.

Less than 100 deligates apart and the Obama congregation wants Hillary to drop out. It’s not over til it’s over. And when it’s over, she will be President of the USA.

You ppl who are suggesting Obama’s camp leake this are delusional. He’s leading in overall delegates. He’s ahead in every national poll, showing he’d do better vs. McCain than Hitlery. He’s gotten this far in the campaign w/o these shenanigans. But all of a sudden, this is Obama’s doing? Yeah, right. The guy has won me over w/his grace and class and dignity, even on issues that I may differ w/him. Hitlery on the other hand is the bull in a china shop. She’s 0-11 in primaries. The idea that Obama would jeopardize his surging lead w/this crap is preposterous. I haven’t been given a reason to not trust Obama. Hitlery has given me plenty of reasons why not to trust her. For the record, if she were to get the nomination, she’d never stand a chance at beating McCain b/c I’d vote Republican this cycle.

How Does Drudge get off as an innocent in this? He posted the picture! He’s just fanning the flames. Does he not have the responsibility to excercise any self-control, instead of posting every cheap shot that comes his way? I’m not for Obama, but isn’t this was supposed to be an independent news site?

I have just been informed that David Duke will make an announcement in the Louisiana State capital tomorrow, in which he will endorse Hilary Rodham Clinton.

It doesnt matter about Hillary or Obama…IT DOESNT MATTER!!! … Neither one will be the next President. I’ll post this again on Nov. 5th ..LOL. p.s.- Nader puts Hissy fit Hillary and All-Talk Obama to shame…lol

Nader has never been the same since his stroke. I think he has lost his mind.

Obeyma, what does the photo have to do with Hispanic voters? This whole photo thing sounds like a vast Centrist conspiracy to me and perhaps it sounds familiar because a lot of people believe HRC had nothing to do with it. But, while we’re on the subject of sounding familiar, it wasn’t eight years ago that we were being regaled with another “charismatic, out-side the beltway, new-idea man who would surround himself with a first rate cabinet” and an even more first-rate Vice-President. This guy was going to “change the way things worked” in Washington. I for one am not interested in another trainee. As you surmise, I would vote for HRC over Obama but I will also vote for McCain over Obama. I am not ready to hand the most powerful office in the world to another bringer-of-promises. I’ve had enough of promises. HRC’s and Obama’s plans are effectively identical. I’m going to vote for the person I think can deliver.

you should leave Hillarey you should out the race shame on you.we need some canges.

Jason is right. This was a diversion by the Obama camp to keep the Farrakhan endorsement off the news today. Can’t blame him…that’s enough to sink him. That’s why the media isn’t talking about it.

Sorry.. It was Karen, not Jason, who had the right idea about the picture being a diversion. Good thinkin’, Karen!

I can’t believe people are making such a big deal out of this. No one knows for sure who circulated the photo. For all we know it could have been some kid working for media. The intention however, is clear, and it is to instill FUD amongst voters.
Anyone who thinks Clinton is behind it is really mistaken. The reason is because it’s so easy to make her the villain if the photo ever got out. Release a controversial photo of Obama so that everyone points a finger at her? I don’t think so. She’s way too smart for that. Chipping at his base at the expense of a major voter backlash can’t be her strategy.
It can benefit Obama, because the number of FUD voters probably pales in comparison to the voters who became disenchanted with Clinton off this fiasco.
The GOP benefits the most, as it is basically killing two birds with one stone. Make one the villain, and cast FUD on the other.
Obama couldn’t have gone after conservatives on this, because it doesn’t help him. It does help if he points a finger, because pretty much everyone, even those in the Clinton camp will believe it. Hell, maybe Clinton herself believes it too if Obama pointed his finger at her.

What a bunch of scared losers. These people writing on the blogs are spewing things without thinking or just not too smart. The Clinton vote is now Women over 65 and dippydydoos who are afraid of strangers. Grow up and read some books, travel….learn something.

I am so sick of people claiming that Senator Obama has no experience or knowledge of government, especially since he has been in government of 12 yearsDuring that thime he has served on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees our nation’s health care, schools, employment, and retirement programs. He is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, which plays a vital role in shaping American policy around the world, including our policy in Iraq. And Senator Obama serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which is focused on providing our brave veterans with the care and services they deserve. In 2005 and 2006, he served on the Environment and Public Works Committee, which safeguards our environment and provides funding for our highways.
Hillary Clinton has NEVER served on any Foreign affairs commitee, so her claim to have any experience in Foreign Affairs, is false.

We are witnessing a Senator Clinton who will stop at nothing to win this nomination – even if it means tearing apart the Democratic Party, and damaging their chances in the general elections.
Respected voters in Texas and Ohio… it is within your power to not only save the Democratic Party, but also save Senator Clinton from herself – a resounding defeat in your states may be the last chance we have before too much damage is done to Clinton’s reputation, the Democratic Party and our nation.

Bugshale,
I know 63 is only 8 years short of the average life expectancy of an American white male, but it is never too late to turn your life around and strive towards becoming a more empathetic and compassionate human being, thus contributing to the world community in a more positive way.
It’s heartbreaking to see someone waste their few remaining years on Earth spouting negative, mindless drivel.
Courage, Bugsplat – we all have “hope” for you.

Why would Obama need to feel ashamed of this picture? He wore the outfit, and a picture was taken…. big deal.
Its his policies and rhetoric that will cost him the election, not one stupid picture.

you people don’t get it. its not the pic, its the accusation from Drudge that the pic was sent to him (along w/an email)from a clinton staffer. the thinking goes, now follow me slowly here HRC supporters, HRC staff wants the photo released to plant/grow the seed in the head of ohio and texas voters that obama is not one of us (american – in mind rather than fact i.e. citizen. that’s the story, the pic is irrelevant

Remember the shambles the Clinton staff left behind when they left the White House? They’re doing it again — this time to their own facilities. Wouldn’t you like to see the screaming, yelling, book throwing, furniture smashing that is going on right now at the “Hillary Executive Leadership Lounge” (note the acronym). They must be destroying everything in sight.
Let’s just call it what it is: “The Hillary Hindenberg disaster.

If I have to hear Obama refer to things he doesn’t like as “silly” one more time, I think I’ll have to scream. We all want massive change, but lets not choose the least qualified, yet most arrogant of the 3 plenty arrogant candidates.Check out last night’s “Nightline” segment on Obama at http://abcnews.go.com/nightline.The guy even had an “It’s about Power” poster in his office in Illinois. He’s been consumed with obtaining Power for a long, long time, playing it safe, voting “present” when he could have voted against porn sales near schools and in the Senate just not showing up for important, but controversial, votes. At least with Hillary, we know who she is. Obama seems to have no character beyond his thirst for power and recognition.

Christine, Lamar, etc.
There is one word to describe your attitudes “XENOPHOBIA”. I simply cannot believe how closed minded you are to Muslim, traditional garb, etc. I probably won’t vote Obama due to policies but not due to xenophobia, give me a break on that.

Hillary Clinton is 60 years old. Nobody who is in their right mind would suggest something so foolish. The issues would be a nice change for us all. In my view Barak is just not skilled enough, respectful enough, or humble enough to lead this great nation. One comment suggest that the Clintons only think of themselves? They are richer than most of us even dream of. What is in it for them? Ridicule, scorn, slander…the list goes on and on. Yep sounds pretty self serving to me!

I sure hope someone is checking to make sure the obama camp didn’t send out that pic. Sure has given them the opportunity attack Clinton AGAIN. Remember what Obama’s camp said about Florida-
He sure does change his mind a lot.

Wow, she admits she can’t control or manage 700 people but she says she is ready to run the US Government. This must be more of that plausible deniability she is talking about.

If anyone thinks Hillary didn’t condone this is nuts. This is the slash and burn politics of old..the scorched earth character assassination tactics for which the Clintons have brought to a state of the art perfection. This old faker will – in the mold of her loathsome and idiotic husband – point her finger and say, “Shame on you, Barack!” when all the guy did was point out she and her husband were HUGE proponents of NAFTA, which has all but brought this country to its knees. In reality, the Clintons should be inducted immediately into the Hall of Shame, tarred and feathered and sent back to Arkansas. In reality, Clinton will not be the nominee because of her nasty mouth and mind numbing ambition, to which end she will do ANYTHING.

Hilary playing dirty?
Just look at another point everybody seems to be missing. Her top campaign funding came from health insurance companies. She wants MANDATORY health insurance from PRIVATE enterprise. Get the connection?

Joyce & Air Force Retired
How pitiful you are, lol.
FYI Joyce it is “muslim” and not “muslin”, at least know how to spell your scapegoat.
I can quote billions of misdeeds and crimes made by our fellow Christians, however i will not generalize like the lowest form of the human kind that is called a bigot.

Hillary is pandering to her base. . She will get more of those votes. She will not be taken down until she is kicking and screaming. She is now tapping in to that great American campaign strategy…”the foreign antichristian antipatriotic card”. Some people are believing it. Beware of the Empress who gets her crown taken away, for you do not know the wrath of an Empress scorned.

The women in my workplace are furious this morning at how Hillary is marking all working women of a certain age (read menopausal) as nut cases, and marking mature women as future liabilities in the work place, with her 5 different personality changes since last Thursday.
Many of us were Hillary supporters. We are no longer. We are worried that she has damaged not only our futures in our workplaces but those of our daughters as well.
It may take decades for a woman executive to break another glass ceiling thanks to Hillary and her team of tone-deaf strategists.
I really can’t express strongly enough how angry the women in my workplace are with her this morning.

Hillary’s erratic behavior is Presidential? I think her strange mood swings would be dangerous in the White House.
And the divisive tactics of her election campaign are just a reminder of what we all hated about the Clinton years when she and Bill were constantly blaming others for everything that went wrong.
I don’t know why she thinks anyone would want to vote for her.

If Obama is a Muslim because he has the support of the Nation of Islam, then he must also be a teamster.
The Nation of Islam despite all their non-conforming views are still Americans and they can vote and endorse whomever they so wish.
The Log Cabin Republicans will most probably support McCain – he must be gay!

I don’t care who or why the photo is out there,I think it shows a lack of sense on the part of Sen. Obama. Unless it is the practice of every Senator on every State visit to get into the local garb, Senator Obama should have declined. I understand the retort is that he was simply being a great guest. To me, when I think of Somalia, there is still the vision of Black Hawk Down, and for him to dress in Somalian clothing made me cringe.

From a Pro-American point of View:
I am personally concerned with a potential president that is willing to wear a Turban, but not an American Flag pin. I realize that he was probably following the tradition of being gracious to the host of this meeting. But after 911, you would not catch me dead with a Turban on my head, regardless of the true meaning of it.

This is the most entertaining comment section of a blog, or website I’ve read in a long time.
Most of you guys, and girls, need to get back on your meds.
Keith Ellison, is a Muslim. He is also a respected member of The United States House of Representatives. He was elected in 2006. The sky has not fallen.
Hillary: Try some HRT. It may help the mood swings.
Barack: Keep on keepin’ on.

No matter who released the photo I think its a sign of where Obamas true loyalties are. he has already said one of the first things he will do as president is get more relief to Africa. I think he should be thinking of so many of the poor kids here in the Southern USA!

Just curious if any readers could be objective enough to clarify whether the “story” that Sen. Obama refuses to wear any type of American flag pin or any symbol of America. How do people know this? Has he publicly refused? This seems hard to believe. Also, I’ve read that he will not put his hand over his heart for the Pledge and maybe even turns away. Really? Have people seen this? I ask as I have no issue with a President with any type of religion or no religion at all. I do, however, have a serious issue with someone who will not embrace certain patriotic symbols and traditions of our wonderful nation.

updated 5:26 a.m. ET, Sun., Feb. 24, 2008
WASHINGTON – Sen. Barack Obama’s refusal to wear an American flag lapel pin along with a photo of him not putting his hand over his heart during the National Anthem led conservatives on Internet and in the media to question his patriotism.

If Hillary wanted to make this campaign ugly she would open the door to Obama’s cocaine use and his rumored pot smoking at Harvard Law School. She has refrained from doing any of that. To crap all over her for a harmless picture of which Obama should be proud of having surfaced is amazing. Especially considering the vicious racist campaign literature swirling all around the Black Community being sent out by many people, all who I have been able to trace back to an Obama connection. Especially the article on Scarlett O’Hara and Mammy where Scarlett is supposed to be Hillary and Mammy is supposed to be Black Women, written to sent out by the tens of thousands into the Black Community with the clear message calling Hillary the worse kind of racist White Woman. Why isn’t that reported by the press? The woman who wrote the article is a professor at Princeton University, a friend of Michelle Obama and it can be verified on her web site. African Americans have had to stand up under a huge load, put there not by Hillary, but by the Obamas and their friends. It is extremely difficult to say to anyone Black today that you support Hillary without being dumped all over. there are two campaigns being run by the Obamas – one in the White community and one in the Black community. Why isn’t the Drudge report all over this? You seem to have all of this other information, why haven’t you surface what are thousands of emails that have gone out trashing Hillary in terms I haven’t seen or heard since the racist campaigns of the Dixiecrats – now Conservative Republicans in the 40′s, 50′, and 60′s?

(Obama) His top films are three Oscar winners — “The Godfather,” “The Godfather: Part II” and “Lawrence of Arabia.”
Strange how his top three movies are about gangsters/drug mafia hitmen and the uniting of the arabs in saudi arabia. Coincidence?

Obama is a phony. He reminds me of that other failure Jimmy Carter. He gets a pass on his paper thin resume and ideas because he is black and God forbid the liberal media ever say anything negative about minorities.

Are liberals really so dumb and delusional to think that we will just adopt Obama’s liberal agenda because he says hope,change every other sentence?
Why doesn’t he spell that out what that means- want higher taxes?, want liberal pet projects?, want gay marriage?, want an america hater in the white house?, want illegal immigrants to receive benefits? He won’t spell those out because he will lose!!!!!!!Instead we get the Hope! Change BLAH BLAH BLAH drivel.

Shaun– Obama stopped wearing the american flag pin during the lead up to the Iraq war. His stated reason was that he did like the way the right wing had made wearing the American flag pin as a litmus test for being patriotic. Those that did not wear it were somehow un-American. His belief that those that spoke out and dissented from the administration were just as patriotic as those that followed.
As far as the not putting his hand over his heart during the Pledge–that is simply not true. First, if this is from that picture of him standing with HRC and Bill Richardson, it was not the Pledge, it was the National Anthem. Acceptable convention for the National Anthem is to either put your hands at your side, or place your right hand over your heart. Obama stated (and I’m paraphrasing here…) that his grandfather taught him that you place your hand over your heart during the Pledge and you stand with your hands at your side during the National Anthem.
All three of these attacks ( the two mentioned above plus the picture of him in Somali dress) are absolutely disgusting. Yes–there’s legitimate questions about his commander-in-chief qualifications and his foreign policy experience. But all of these implications that he’s not really an American or painting him in the same vein as Osama Bin Ladin is outrageous. Just because someone doesn’t conform to the rightwing’s version of patriotism — wearing the flag pin and not criticizing the Bush Administration over anything– does not make you un-American.
It’s because attacks like these that Barack Obama is so popular. People are tired of these swift-boat style of attacks. He’s the first person that I’m aware of that is actually standing up to these attacks and counter punching. I think that’s commendable. Get back to talking about actual issues that concern us–not contrived, half-truths that are used to scare the populous.
Finally, I don’t know who released this picture. I take Hillary at her word when she said she did not know about it. Maybe it was some staffer on her campaign, maybe it was someone completely unaffiliated with her campaign. The point isn’t who released the photo, the point is that it was released at all. This type attack needs to stop. Period.

I wish Obama the best of luck ‘cos
we want peace,no more wars and moreover
he is trustworthy.
O B A M A go for it.
God bless you.

Think about it. What better way to make it look like the other person did it than to do it yourself, then make it look like the other person did it.
I don’t trust Obama. I believe his camp outed the picture, just like I believe that they are the ones who had the NYT out the story about McCain.
How convenient that these stories erupt to throw damaging stories about him and his wife.
Think about it. He is using the dirty politics that the clintons are know for, so that people will think they are doing these things!!!
How clever, and how scary.
Do not trust Barak Hussein Obama!

Why was obama in those countries as a jr senator to begin with?

All of you that are singing praise for Obama and/or Clinton… Please tell me what they have DONE since coming into politics. I have heard what they say they will do. But, they both side-step telling us what they have done. I know that Hillary promised Upstate NY thousands of new jobs during her first campaign for the Senate. Today, we have more than 100,000 FEWER jobs in Upstate NY. I have heard that Obama typically votes PRESENT on many issues, and his people will not answer what he has done as a Senator.
Rhetoric seems like a poor way to select a candidate in a very troubled world.

Ella said:
Those terrorists who killed thousands of people everyday don’t speak out for the all the Muslims in the world. God created and loves us all the same. Americans are acting like they’re the only children of God. In kindergarten, children learn to love and respect people of different beliefs and people who look different than you.
They don’t teach love and respect for other religions in the Muslim
kindergarten.

Wow, amazing how this article doesn’t even use the word “muslim.” Wonder why that is? Hmmmm???

Seeing a woman and a black man in this race is wonderful .. seems we are changing our views on some things..
When many Americans think of Muslim and see the turbans ect. and hear the name Hussein they think 9/11 .. terrorists.
Perhaps the picture could take away some of his supporters.

Kenya, an African Country where Obama has roots, recently had terrible race riots and Obama kept very quiet about it. However if China is aledged to support Human rights violations in Sudan, its a big deal.
Obama Hussein is one of the most dangerous threats this Country has ever faced. And decades of political correctness brainwash and left wing liberal doctrinated educators fabricated the legions of Obama Robots, who don’t question anything that is presented to them under the mantle of socialistic democrat ideology.
One of the most efficent and ruthless gouvernments ever on this planet put Socialsim big on their agenda: the Sovjet Union and the National Socialists of Germany. One should research the context that picture of Obama in turban was made.

Obama is a great man. Praise his courage. Praise hope. Praise Allah!

This picture was bound to surface at some point before the November elections. Anyone that thinks HRC is to blame is a fool. This sort of picture is sure to influence Dixicrats, independents and potential republican cross-over voters in the national elections.
The picture, by and large, does not influence the democratic primary election voters that have been supporting Obama. It does not help HRC.
Wake up democrats! This picture was the work of the republicans! The GOP wants nothing more than to run against Obama, because they know McCain can win against him. When it comes down to McCain and Obama in a national campaign, you’re going to see an increase hate email and negative campaign ads that feature black and white picture of Obama and they won’t worry about being politically correct.
This is definite, his full name will be prominently featured in the ads: Barack HUSSEIN Obama