Obama Photo at Center of Latest Political Dust-Up
A photo shows Sen. Barack Obama dressed as a Somali Elder, reportedly taken while he was visiting Kenya in 2006.
Just one week before the make-or-break March 4th Democratic primaries, a photo has surfaced showing Sen. Barack Obama dressed as a Somali Elder — reportedly taken while the senator was on an extended tour of Africa in 2006.
Rivals have sought to undermine Obama's presidential bid by spreading rumors that he secretly follows the Islamic faith. (Obama, whose Kenyan father was Muslim, says he is a Christian. Listen to our interview.)
In response to the photo's release, Obama's campaign said the following:
"On the very day that Senator Clinton is giving a speech about restoring respect for America in the world, her campaign has engaged in the most shameful, offensive fear-mongering we've seen from either party in this election. This is part of a disturbing pattern that led her county chairs to resign in Iowa, her campaign chairman to resign in New Hampshire, and it's exactly the kind of divisive politics that turns away Americans of all parties and diminishes respect for America in the world."
"Enough. If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely. This is nothing more than an obvious and transparent attempt to distract from the serious issues confronting our country today and to attempt to create the very divisions they claim to decry. We will not be distracted."
So ... is that an implicit admission that they released the photo? What do you think? And how will this impact the campaigning heading into next week?
And for good measure, here's the Drudge Report post that started it all. We'll tackle this issue in today's bloggers' roundtable.
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I agree. It seems like an admission that they put out the photo. I'm speechless.
This is another instance where it appears as though the Clinton's will stop at nothing. Here in Chicago, the local ABC affiliate followed Obama during his African tour. Why is it that the pictures are coming out now? This is a time when EVERYONE can be excited about the possibility of a Black of female president. Hillary is ruining the excitement by shooting these blunt barbs at Obama & his campagn.
He's proven that his campaign can withstand traditional politics, turncoat Blacks, and even turncoat democracts. He's winning in a category that most people didn't expect...white folks. He's speaking to the needs of the masses and doing it in a style that's never been seen.
The pictures of him are intended to make people question whether or not he's a muslim. If that's the case, why has his Christian pastor, Jeremaiah Wright, been on Hannity & Colmes several times?
Hillary's attacks on Obama are not presidential & stately. They're more in line with "90210", "The Hills", and "Sweet Valley High".
I think it's incumbent upon voters to rise above this kind of distraction. Hopefully both campaigns will treat it as the non issue it is. There are serious issues confronting our country. If we ignore such nonsense perhaps we can learn more about where these candidates stand on issues that can change our lives.
You have gotta be kidding me! I mean so what Obama wore Somali clothing! As the Drudge Report shows, other leaders have done the same thing. Should I say shame on the Clinton machine for this latest ploy since she's been crying the same outrage on Obama's so called campaign tactics? This is becoming like a high school election and just like then, I'm overlooking the baseless claim - no story here.
You have to put that kind of image into a TV ad with narration and testimony to be effective. This trickle here and there are just bread crumbs. Read the Fox and the Grapes to catch the true purpose.
If a picture is worth a thousand words I invite Hillary Clinton, to tell us in a thousand words just what this particular photo is saying to her and what she thinks it should be saying to the citizens of the USA.
This is a reflection of what her camp is hoping, will act as a distraction and cause doubt It doesn't raze my berries... should it? Why?
Obama supporters, stay focused,"don't sleep". See things for what they are and avoid being subliminally seduced. All I see is that he is wearing the garb of the culture. What do you see?
Ajuba Joy
Raleigh, NC
On Monday's radio broadcast, it was stated that Hillary's campaign used the word "costumes" to describe what she claims to have worn in her previous travels. However, the correct quote on your web-site states that Clinton's campaign says she wore "traditional clothing". When I heard your broadcast, I was appalled that her campaign would be so belittling... but now I am upset at how much attention & shame your show directed to this mis-quote. I would appreciate a retraction on your next broadcast. Thank you. p.s. I don't know if it is true that Hillary's campaign is behind this "fear mongering"... but I think Barak should be proud of his heritage -his relatives weren't responsible for 9/11, right? I think it would send a wonderful message of unity to our nation and the world if this presidential candidate who is held in such high-esteem would acknowledge and accept (if not embrace) all of his heritage!
I don't understand why Obama would take offense to the public release of this photo.
He should be proud of his Kenyan/Muslim heritage.
His denial of any connection with this part of himself sends a negative message to those who need encouragement to stand up for what they believe and who they are.
It seems to bring a hollow tone to his widespread message of unity.
We have how many more months before election ?.... We will all be as crazy as bedbugs HELP! I am a female, I'm black and also MUSLIM. I wanted to vote for John Edwards...oh well
Brianna I think you miss the context of why the Obama camp is upset. This is the latest attempt by the Clinton camp to imply that Obama is a Muslim, something that he is not. The Clintons have embraced a tactic of issuing false and divisive statements about Obama and then apologizing and firing the person responsible, the latest apology coming this past weekend on Tavis' State of Black America conference. Every time the Clintons go negative with these false leaks it backfires and this time I think it will drive the final nails in the coffin that drives Hillary out of the 2008 primary race.
Note to guest Robert Redding: "traditional costume" is one of the correct ways to refer to traditional dress, and the Drudge Report reference was obviously not implying that Obama was dressed up, or "in costume." One of the definitions for "costume" in Merriam-Webster's is "the prevailing fashion in coiffure, jewelry, and apparel of a period, country, or class." It's absurd to look for insult where there is none, especially if based on ignorance.
It's sad that the Clinton campaign has resorted to tactics republicans could envy, but look at the bright side. If Obama can push past this, the republican party would have one less thing to try during the presidential race. Thanks Hillary!
I think you people have way too much time on your hands. There are seven months left to go before the general election. That two life times for someone running for office. PS: Turn down your hate, people.
