NPR: Review of threats on Web sites, in letters, leads to protection for Obama

Review of threats on Web sites, in letters, leads to protection for Obama

While no specific threats were made against Democratic presidential candidate and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, "a bipartisan panel of congressional leaders reviewed threats to Obama on Web sites and in letters before recommending special protection," The Chicago Tribune reports based on several congressional sources familiar with the situation.

The Tribune writes that Obama's team is reported to have initially resisted the offer of Secret Service protection for fear it would hinder his interaction with the large crowds that have gathered for his campaign appearances. Obama reportedly gave the OK, however, after friends and family expressed concern about his safety. Former GOP Secretary of State Colin Powell, for instance, cited his family's concerns about assassination when he decided not to run for president in 2000.

Obama had employed private guards. But two weeks ago, [Democratic Sen. Dick Durban of Illinois] told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada about the size of the crowds he had seen on the campaign trail with Obama. Durbin said he also showed Reid some unspecified material that added to his concern. He declined to characterize the material. Reid brought the concerns to the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service and a special congressional committee that reviews the need for special protection.
A congressional aide said the request for Secret Service protection was unanimously backed by Republican and Democratic congressional leaders. The aide said Reid made a vigorous argument for the detail when the advisory group met.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the only other presidential candidate who receives Secret Service protection, a legacy of her role as first lady during her husband's presidency.

(A late edition to above: A friend e-mailed and pointed out that the recent mugging of former Senator Carol Moseley Braun in the same neighborhood that Obama lives in might also have played a small role in the decision to accept secret service protection.)

11:03 AM ET | 05- 4-2007 | permalink

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