Obama Calls Muslim Women to Apologize
ABC News’ Sunlen Miller Reports: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called and offered a personal apology to the two Muslim women barred from sitting behind him on stage at a Detroit rally earlier this week.
Campaign volunteers blocked Shimaa Abdelfadeel and Hebba Aref from the seats because they worried the women would be captured on camera behind the candidate wearing headscarves.
In his conversations with both Abdelfadeel and Aref, Obama said in a paper statement he offered "deepest apologies".
"The actions of these volunteers were unacceptable and in no way reflect any policy of my campaign. I take deepest offense to and will continue to fight against discrimination against people of any religious group or background," Obama said.
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Deepest apologies but it does reflect your campaign Mr. Obama because this has happened time and time again at your gathers—remember your wife calling out to get more “white” people in the picture.
Tim Russert’s interview with Obama about “keeping his word” on public financing.I saw this original interview but it has all new meaning now that Tim Russert has died.
http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/d8aff992-e913-42b1-beeb-8a6ef506f355
Posted by: Anne | June 20, 2008, 8:29 am 8:29 am
Anne…his Wife did not say that another silly volunteer did.
Posted by: marie | June 20, 2008, 8:32 am 8:32 am
Am not suprised for obama apologizing to the muslim women cos he is still a muslim and he is going to sell america out to the muslim world cos it runs in his veins
Posted by: Simon | June 20, 2008, 8:38 am 8:38 am
Mr. Obama, Don’t worry about any mistake you made because your team, media will cover them for you.
Posted by: chris | June 20, 2008, 8:38 am 8:38 am
Obama is so sorry he got caught. that’s the only thing he is sorry for. So the media narrative is now that a candidate being beholden to money donors is a virtue. Meanwhile us real Americans can’t afford gas, food, and energy.
Posted by: geevill | June 20, 2008, 9:01 am 9:01 am
So what if he is a muslim? Better than the GWB who claims to be talking to his god, better than the richards (cheney, perle), better than paul (wolfowitz), the good christian Karl Rove, who have all driven this nation down the toilet
Posted by: shaun | June 20, 2008, 9:05 am 9:05 am
How can anyone take this fraud seriously?
Posted by: Common sense | June 20, 2008, 9:05 am 9:05 am
Chris please,if you think high gas and food is Baraak’s fault you are really,really misinformed.
Posted by: aaron Shepherd | June 20, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am
Simon:
You are either an idiot or liar. Which one is it? Are you trying to get attention or are the conservatives so desperate they need to lie?
Posted by: The Unshrub | June 20, 2008, 9:07 am 9:07 am
Yet another indication that Hussein Barak Obama is, in fact, a Sunni. According to sources in his office, former assistant from Jordan, Barak Obama is fooling us.
We must exercise extreme caution. So far, his campaign tactics are in accordance with the Koran.
Notice: while he slams numerous american companies he never slams citibank (a saudi owned bank). Also, he is adding this capital gains tax (in accordance with quaranic law on not ‘making money on money’.
We must not feel “guilty” about the reverse race card. In fact numerous black people are not in support of Obama.
Let’s be smart people.
Posted by: Aunt Sam | June 20, 2008, 9:08 am 9:08 am
I’m not sure who these other commentators have been going to for their information on Barack Obama (the same person that claims to be behind Operation Chaos perhaps). Barack Obama is not a Muslim; I have read his first book ‘Dreams from My Father’ and am in the process of reading this second book ‘The Audacity of Hope’ and in both, he expresses a deep conviction about how his religious values of faith, hope, and empathy are deeply rooted in his life.
In short, he’s not Muslim and he will not “sell America out” as some biased commentator above put it. In fact, he is probably more patriotic than most of his colleagues.
Posted by: Philip | June 20, 2008, 9:11 am 9:11 am
This is an inane, stupid ploy by the media to stir a pot. As usual, the media whores had nothing in the pot to stir, so they created something out of nothing.
Obama is not Muslim, but so what if he were? Huh? HUH? WHY WOULD THAT MATTER!!!!!
Any person with an IQ over 40 would know that Muslims don’t go around propagating fear and terror. It’s only the crazy few. If these terrorist Muslims were American, we’d be calling them CHRISTIAN RIGHT WINGERS.
So, people, learn to use your own minds. Quit believing what the media wants you to believe. USE YOUR MINDS!
Posted by: Julie | June 20, 2008, 9:13 am 9:13 am
As an educated and fair minded American who is a US Army veteran and an Obama supporter I wanted to respond to some earlier postings. I think folks like Chris and geevill with opposing viewpoints have every right to express their concerns about Obama, but I need to take Simon to task for his idiotic and moronic ranting about Obama being a Muslim. If you havent figured out that Obama is a Christian by now then you might want to read the news once in a while – even Fox News has finally figured it out! By the way – why shouldnt any Muslim American be able to run for office? – guess what – they DO and they represent their constituents very effectively!
Posted by: Mark | June 20, 2008, 9:14 am 9:14 am
As an educated and fair minded American who is a US Army veteran and an Obama supporter I wanted to respond to some earlier postings. I think folks like Chris and geevill with opposing viewpoints have every right to express their concerns about Obama, but I need to take Simon to task for his idiotic and moronic ranting about Obama being a Muslim. If you havent figured out that Obama is a Christian by now then you might want to read the news once in a while – even Fox News has finally figured it out! By the way – why shouldnt any Muslim American be able to run for office? – guess what – they DO and they represent their constituents very effectively!
Posted by: Mark | June 20, 2008, 9:14 am 9:14 am
Simon,
Barack Obama is not Muslim. That is a rumour that has been repeatedly denied. But anyway, most Muslim people are not the terrorists Americans have come to hate. I know many Muslims who are kind and gracious people, so would it matter, even if he was? Your comments exemplify exactly why the campaign has to worry about the composition of the crowd. Your comments are racist and only serve to fuel the hatred between America and MOST of the international community.
Posted by: Sarah | June 20, 2008, 9:15 am 9:15 am
“Aunt Sam” you cant be serious… Maybe delirious….
1. its Barack Hussein Obama
2. He’s not Muslim get over it!!!
3. Has McCain slamed Citibank?? Has Barack personally slammed any bank?? Your talking silly right now…
Oh and lastly if numerous black people are not in support of Obama.. it must be the 6 to 8% of the blacks you know…
Get your facts straight huh…
Posted by: Ike B | June 20, 2008, 9:16 am 9:16 am
It’s the right thing to do. Overzealous campaign workers are quite a hazard…
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | June 20, 2008, 9:16 am 9:16 am
I am disappointed by turning these girls away but this is politics: you want the people sitting behind you to reinforce an image that will help you get elected. And to racist America, that means no hijab. Shame, because there are millions of American Muslims who may now change their vote!
Posted by: Tamer Abouzeid | June 20, 2008, 9:16 am 9:16 am
You folks repeating the lie that Obama is a Muslim are suddenly so quick to jump on his campaign volunteers for worrying about the visibility of white people and headscarves, but you’d be the first ones to pull the race card and to falsely “accuse” him yet again of being a closet Muslim if there were “too many” black people or Muslims visible. It’s because of people like you that they feel they have to worry about it so much. Like you’re so open-minded that it bothers you on principle that the Muslim women weren’t seated? Don’t make me laugh.
Posted by: Buncha Hypocrites | June 20, 2008, 9:17 am 9:17 am
I am a believer that in time the truth will be revealed. Hopefully- in time. If the media would be objective with no political agenda of their own- maybe they could help American’s discover the truth about Obama. A lot of evidence is out there that he is 2 faced. A typical politician we all would expect- except Obama is touting to be a different kind of politician. ????
Posted by: this election counts | June 20, 2008, 9:18 am 9:18 am
I love all the fear mongering and ignorance on this site! :)
It means Obama is winning! Keep it coming!
Posted by: Nobodys fool | June 20, 2008, 9:18 am 9:18 am
How can you take any politician seriously? Realistically, they will say and do almost anything to secure a place of power and then their true colors will shine. It’s sad to say but most of these elections are really based on voting for the lesser of two evils.
Posted by: Patrick | June 20, 2008, 9:19 am 9:19 am
Obama isn’t evil and he isn’t a Muslim. However, he IS a mere boy with no real experience or international understanding. McCain has this understanding but he’s an unrelaible playboy from what I’ve seen. His lies and anti-Mormon bigotry in Iowa are what kept Romney from being the nominee. I won’t vote for either Obama or McCain unless a real man or woman is on their ticket and I speak for millions of concerned people (i.e. Mitt Romney or Condoleeza Rice)…
Posted by: Johanan | June 20, 2008, 9:19 am 9:19 am
OMG Obama’s campaign is full of intolerant racists! “Don’t be in the picture w/ the Burkas! The audience will flip!”
The problem is, I thought that Obama was so secure with his christianity that he wouldn’t do a thing like that. huh. I guess that figures.
Posted by: Seth | June 20, 2008, 9:21 am 9:21 am
An ugly politician right here, but protected by his color. Yeah, do whatever you want to, because your skin is too thick to be pinned.
Posted by: wow | June 20, 2008, 9:21 am 9:21 am
Let’s get it straight. There are numerous liberal muslims who stand in staunch opposition to Barak Obama.
Islam is unlike other religions in that the Koran calls for the slaughter of all those who don’t believe. In what other religion do you find this?
That same Jordanian assistant was dating an american model and doctoral candidate, his family found out he had to fly back to jordan and is now engaged to his hideous first cousin who does where the birka. This assistant is an american citizen. He will be killed if he doesn’t follow his family. And yes, these ARE educated people. Educated right here in the USA. Exploiting our system, getting our education, getting our benefits and living a double life.
If you want to ban the burka i suggest you don’t vote for Hussein Barak obama.
Furthermore, what has obama really done? isn’t it alot of blah blah blah
oh and don’t cry for me…his second dad who was also muslim was an oil exec.
His sister hates him.
Further more understand. Sunni v. Shiite is soo similar to Protestant v. Catholic. You people really need to educate yourself. I suggest you read the koran yourselves and learn what a scary, vile religion it is if taken literally. Last time I checked, Kenya, Jordan and Phillipiness (ALLL Obama related countries) upheld honor killing, mandate head covering and breed with relatives. These are FACTS of islam. check for yourself.
Wake up people
Posted by: Krisitne | June 20, 2008, 9:21 am 9:21 am
Cannot believe these comments. Dont hide behind your anger, just come out and say it- you’re all bigoted and don’t like the idea of a black person in charge. It’s not Islam you’re scared of, it’s BLACK, and you know it! Obama is not a Muslim, but why the heck are people so scared of Muslims anyway. There are more than a billion on the planet and most of them are loving, friendly, caring, hardworking people just like you and me.
Barack Hussein Obama? A middle name isn’t everything. Hussein is practically like ‘Smith’ in terms of popularity worldwide.
White, center of the country, regular guy Timothy JAMES Mcveigh killed almost 200 Americans- you can’t stereotype people by their race or religion.
Sincerely, a regular white Christian girl
Posted by: Cwhelan | June 20, 2008, 9:22 am 9:22 am
Hello All.
All of this is good dialogue, however at the end of the day, we just need to pray for whoever gets in. God bless anyone who has a desire and passion to run this country and the issues abroad. No matter what it is going to take supernatural help to get us through what lies ahead. And a unified front from us. We are going to have to come together the same way we did right after Sept. 11. If he truly believes in Jesus Christ, then the world will be a better place under his leadership. Just wait and see.
Posted by: Andre | June 20, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
Ok let’s look at some of these comments.
The Citibank issue: Has Bush railed against them or any other politician who might be pigment challenged? Numerous black people aren’t supporting Obama? Where’s your proof.
He’s going to sell us out to the Muslim world because it runs in his veins. Marie, if i were Irish does it mean I’m going to be a drunk? If I were black a thug, or a criminal because it runs in my veins?
It’s the funniest thing those who have the most flaws look at others, find a flaw and exaggerate it. I think you must first look inward and exorcise your demons and once that’s done then work on changing the world into a better place. And from where I’m sitting that looks like what Senator Obama is trying to accomplish.
Posted by: TMack | June 20, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
Oh, right. You’re sorry, Mr. Obama, but if you had the chance to do it all over again, you would have it the same way. Prove you’re really sorry by having muslim women gathered around you ON CAMERA at your next rally.
Won’t do it, huh?
PHONE FAKE PHONY FAKE LIAR
Posted by: NotFooled | June 20, 2008, 9:27 am 9:27 am
If there weren’t idiots out there that believed everything they read on the internet, FOx News, the Drudge report, Bill O’Reilly, maybe it wouldn’t make a difference who was seated, and filmed behind Barack Hussein Obama. Maybe if people believed there was not heaven above us, no hell below us, maybe if Religion did not exist, and was not used as large political structures, controlling lives and supporting those in power, MAYBE if the insight of the founding fathers of A SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE, was actually believed in by Americans, and MAYBE if science was believed in and trusted by all, MAYBE if everyone believed that the Earth and solar system are BILLIONS of years old, MAYBE if people believed that morals are learn through view the actions of peers, and family, not by the words spoken or read by those who don’t follow them, MAYBE if people could learn the true meaning of love thy neighbor and LOVE THY neighbor no matter what or who they loved, believed in, or were married too, MAYBE Muslims in this great nation would be accepted as part of this country, MAYBE then Barack Obama could be photographed with whom ever wanted to be there and still be judged for himself and on his Ideas. Maybe then, we can live a non judgmental society. Maybe then. Maybe we can change this about society. the question is can we?
Posted by: Separation | June 20, 2008, 9:28 am 9:28 am
Get over it. McCain’s staffer’s posted Cindy McCain’s “favorite family recipes” on his website without permission. Turns out they just copied a few from Rachel Ray’s book. I think some volunteers make mistakes and this is no big deal.
BTW, “wow” posted something about Phillipines being Muslim and requiring head coverings. But the Phillipines is as Catholic of a country as you can get. The head coverings are part of the Old Testament. Ever seen a picture of the Virgin Mary without her head covered?
Posted by: cladner | June 20, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am
Has everyone forgotten that Barrack Hussien Obama is a Muslim name and that he was raised as a Muslim for 15 years of his life? Come on America, he is not what this country needs, maybe the Middle East would love it, but not this American. Anyone who votes for Obama is a trader to this great country.
Posted by: James | June 20, 2008, 9:34 am 9:34 am
Dear Christian White Girl,
Maybe folks fear muslims because:
Statistics gathered for 2006 by the National Counterterrorism Center of the United States indicated that muslims “were responsible for approximately 25% of all terrorism fatalities worldwide”
Posted by: Ed Carr | June 20, 2008, 9:35 am 9:35 am
It is my sincerest hope that all you Hussane lovers get the full rath of oppression he offers. His tax increases, and tax earmarks slated to be turned over to NATO to go to Africa.
Wake the hell up people and take your heads out of your butts before it’s too late!
Posted by: Jimbo | June 20, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am
Separation-
That will never happen. Can you say Israel and Pakistan? If you think we’re bad, look at them. People use religion as a means of faith and morals. When times get tough, it gives people something to hold on to. They feel stronger knowing that there is a greater power than themselves. Two perfect examples: abortion rights and the death of a family member. You can’t just tell people to throw their religion out the window because YOU think the world would be a better place without believing in heaven and hell. I think I’ll chalk that up to the most ignorant thing I’ve heard/read this month. Congrats.
Posted by: Patrick | June 20, 2008, 9:38 am 9:38 am
Just another “typical” action of Obama. First, Michelle, who may not have stated it, but authorized for the volunteer to put more “white people” on the platform and asked the asian woman to move from her seat; now, Obama, who authorized his volunteers to move the muslim women from the platform because it may hurt his campaign; first Obama opposed NAFTA, now he likes it; first, Obama stated and supported public financing in the GE, now he opts out of it so he won’t be limited as to the amount of money he can spend, plus, he has James Sorels (russian anti-semitic freak) financing a large portion of his campaign, now he is against drilling off the coast, but has no plans of getting America out of this mess. And, lets see, his #1 fan, Nancy Pelosi, said that when she became speaker, the democratic congress would change America for the better. This was in 2006, since then, gas has risen over $1.50 per gallon, and over $78.00 per barrell. Yeah, I want a Democrat in office! You’ve got to be kidding! Obama is a joke and always will be a joke! He has broken promise after promise and has a “hidden agenda”. It’s time for America to wake up, quit drinking his Kool Aid and realize the fake that he is. I thought it was very interesting that in int Ramnussen Poll out yesterday, in Florida and Michigan, McCain is leading Obama 62% to 34%. This is great! It shows that some of America is finally realizing what an idiot Obama is!
Posted by: david from texas | June 20, 2008, 9:39 am 9:39 am
Why do Americans put so much emphasis on religion? Who cares what his beliefs are. If that’s the case you all should know that more than 90% of Jews in this country vote based on what the politicians are going to do for Israel. They don’t give a damn about the USA. The only country Saddam was a threat to was Israel and that is why two Jews — Wolfowitz and Perle pushed for this war. As soon as they accomplished this task – they pulled out of the administration. Now the Jews concern is Iran.
Posted by: T. Shemes | June 20, 2008, 9:40 am 9:40 am
If America is in good economical shape, I will 100% vote for McCain or any Republican candidate. But now, looking around, do you still have confidence to vote for them?
Posted by: Jack | June 20, 2008, 10:25 am 10:25 am
Seriously, I appreicate your view on this subject and you are correct, it’s hard to judge a person unless you walk in their shoes. I just feel Black Americans have opportunities, but they lack the initiative to make their lives better. Look at Obama, he went to college and now he is running for President so it wasn’t the color of his skin that held him back from making a better life for himself. I may sound racist, but at least I have an open mind and work hard to make my life a better one for me and my family.
Posted by: James | June 20, 2008, 10:48 am 10:48 am
Seriously, Good Response!! I agree
Posted by: James | June 20, 2008, 11:14 am 11:14 am
The actions of Obama’s campaign workers are just another indicator of how Obama treats American voters. Just another insult to numerous other insults. This guy need to be sent back to his corrupt Chicago roots. He is not presidential. Another sad thing about it, he blames other people and believes everything is ok after an apology. The man is a creep.
Posted by: Mary | June 20, 2008, 11:18 am 11:18 am
Patrick, you’re right when you say that you can’t simply go in there as peacekeepers. I agree that there had to be military presence, but there also should have been some kind of training for troops as well as sending some designated peacekeepers. The military’s job would’ve been to eliminate Sadaam’s army, and the peacekeepers would have been there to befriend the people and possibly help rebuild.
As for your remark, I’m 99% sure that the Taliban and Al-Qaida weren’t present in Iraq when the US went in first. It was during the next year (when the military was eliminating Sadaam’s army and looking for WMDs) that Al-Qaida got in the act. As far as Taliban, they are more of an Afghani/Pakistani organization, and though they are closely linked, they are not the same.
Posted by: Seriously? | June 20, 2008, 11:37 am 11:37 am
People went on and on about Michelle being proud of her country during the political process, none like I’ve ever seen. Why not discuss John McCain remarks about not loving this country. His comments should be given as much attention as Michelle comments? Where’s the liberal media or does it go back to that the real bosses and owners are conservatives and everyone is real quiet now. All you conservative please explain McCain’s statement of patriotism. We should move forward, vote for Obama.
Everyone in the Senate including Joe Lieberman knows that McCain doesn’t have the temperment or intelligent to lead a country. He just skated thru on his POW history. Thanks for your service but he is not qualified or have the mental capacity to lead our nation. This man was tortured and there is something dangerous that lies beneath his skin. He is still an angry man and I don’t want an angry man leading our country. Leave him in the Senate to continue to show our appreciation for his service. We’ve had one dumb president for eight years. GW is no thinker nor does he read history which would have assisted him with his presidency. We should have had Jeb, even his parents and Laura know this. GW won because he said the Bible was his favorite read. What people never took into consideration, he hadn’t nor was he ever intending to read a book and that was a great answer after Bill and Monica. That Bible has been in storage since he took office. There has never been a more dishonest president than George Bush. Richard Nixon can rest in peace now that we’ve experienced GW.
Posted by: Honay Rogers | June 20, 2008, 11:54 am 11:54 am
Patrick, how is that sad at all? lol
Posted by: Seriously? | June 20, 2008, 11:56 am 11:56 am
Seriously?-
Good call. Haha. I meant that it’s sad that the media fails to share the positive results of the war in Iraq. I definitely worded it poorly. You’re right that the White House probably isn’t the most reliable source but I have to imagine that it’s close.
Posted by: Patrick | June 20, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
He’s a hypocrit when he claims he is a uniter. I’ve recently seen alot of divisiveness coming from his campaign, which saddens me greatly. He is running a campaign to incite racism and sending this country’s politics back 100 years. It’s time to focused on issues and his campaign needs to get their focus off racial issues.
Posted by: Jake | June 20, 2008, 11:45 pm 11:45 pm
We have seen in the few short months of the campaign that BHO has misrepresented either his true feelings or forgotten his past votes, or has been seen as extremely flexible in changing his mind. But did Obama say he was a practicing Christian, please provide the link. I think he said only that he attended the UCC church. Obama was born a muslim, enrolled in school as a muslim in Indonesia, attended mosque with his father and muslim friends, his sister is muslim and said she didn’t know any non-muslims in Indonesia while she lived there, he donated $22k to a church that gave a top award to Farrakan who is a muslim, and when he married his wife, they were married in their ‘christian’ church, which touts their own Black ideology values not Christian values. To many voters, it doesn’t make a difference what religion he follows. What voters care about is that he will keep his promises, and so far he hasn’t shown that he will. Only recently, he broke his earlier promise about campaign funding.
Posted by: Andelei | June 20, 2008, 11:59 pm 11:59 pm
We don’t really know him because he has a such a short track record. Obama’s cousin Odinga did claim that Obama went to Kenya in 2006 to help Odinga campaign. Odinga’s campaign was based on a muslim platform to establish muslim law for Kenya including the majority of Christians. His muslim Luo tribe has named schools in Kenya for Obama. Imagine the justices that Obama might be able to appoint – those who support harsh muslim laws. His community work involved dealings with Rezko who was on trial in Chicago for his misdealings on the community activities. His spiritual leader for 20 years, he recently was forced to denounce.
Posted by: Sally | June 21, 2008, 12:18 am 12:18 am
The level of ignorance in these postings is amazing. So many of you actually sound like the atypical “ugly American”. I am ashamed of you.
Stop demonizing all Muslims. Timothy McVeigh was a Christian. We haven’t demonized all Christians. Guess what, McVeigh was a terrorist.
Obama is not a Muslim. If he was he would still be entitled to run for office. Muslim women deserve an apology. Are you saying that if someone is a Muslim, you must not apologise to them when you offend them? If that is what you are thinking YOU ARE A RACIST.
Volunteers stopped the Muslim ladies and a volunteer asked for “more white people”. Not, Senator Obama and not “the campaign”.
If you are ever in hospital and a volunteer who is assisting you ever does anything wrong, I hope that you will take full responsibility for their error. That is how stupid the comments of those who are blaming the campaign are.
Posted by: scott | June 21, 2008, 12:18 am 12:18 am
BARACK OBAMA
EQUALS
MEGALOMANIA
Posted by: LEND AN EAR! | June 21, 2008, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
We not only do we have an ineligibile man acting as president, the last thing that our country needs is Muslims in the White House.
Posted by: WeimMom | March 29, 2009, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm