Posted on 08/16/2008 2:19:10 PM PDT by cdchik123
Don’t get me wrong – I half expected to see anti-Obama author Jerome Corsi at today’s Bigfoot press conference.
But not everything in the Obama campaign’s 40-page refutation of Corsi’s shoddy and dishonest book “Obama Nation” is fair.
Much of what Corsi writes in his book is demonstrably false, irresponsible, and feverishly conjured. The book is indefensible, as are Corsi’s many bigoted remarks about Arabs, the Pope and others.
But the Obama campaign got a little greedy in their refutations.
First of all, on the front of the response, is a labeled stamped “Brought to you by Bush/Cheney Attack Machine.”
Corsi has actually called for the impeachment of President Bush. Corsi’s a 9/11 Truther who thinks the Bush administration is covering up what “really” happened at the World Trade Center.
That said, the Simon & Schuster imprint that published this book is run by former Cheney aide Mary Matalin. So those looking for evidence this is part of a larger "Bush/Cheney Attack Machine" hit can point to her presence in this literary atrocity. But I don't think it's fair to blame this nasty screed on the President, considering the anti-Bush venom from Corsi.*
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.abcnews.com ...
I was just thinking about how B&M Obama don’t celebrate Christmas and Birthdays. Now ... they are either Jehovah Witnesses or Muslims. Both don’t celebrate Christmas or Birthdays. The Muslims don’t even celebrate birthdays of their prophets!
Is it? Do you have a link? I’ve seen Corsi on many interviews lately, he seemed sane to me.
You notice how this little whore Tepper has to preface his remarks, repeatedly with Corsi is scum, a liar, etc BUT Obama’s people have gone overboard. Gee, he just has to remain cool so he can attend those attend cocktail parties (do they still have those?).
Corsi is a credible writer, researcher, a PhD and on the money. They say he is tied to Cheney because Mary Matelin works for the publisher. She is also married to Serpent Head which is a Clintonoid, so why not say Corsi works for Clinton? Never mind. I know.
Blame it all on Rove!!
Best part is that if you 100 people, 99 will never have heard of Rove.
The One is being goaded into a response by the msm as they continue to insist that not answering the Swift Boats is what cost Kerry the election.
bumping for later comment
I do wonder why Corsi got so many simple facts wrong like Obama’s marriage date and little stuff. That really does not help the cause.
Why are the Leftist Nutjobs calling Jerome Corsi a "Truther?" [Free Republic]
Exactly. Here is a sample of some of the comments actually posted BY OBAMA'S WEBSITE!
"trash", "poisonous crap", "bigoted fringe author", "discredited fringe bigot", .....
Hardly "Presidential", can you see that kind of language on a George Bush website?
They are as rabid and bigoted as they accuse Corsi of bieng.
Yeah, I almost wonder if the Fredoso book wouldn’t have been the better one to rally around. It’s risky to have a
Truther carry the flag. Hopefully Corsi got enough stuff right that he won’t embarrass us.
On the other hand, maybe his Trutherness makes him more credible in a way? It definitely undercuts the notion that he’s a Bush/Cheney lackey.
That's the $10,000.00 question. Someone who thinks Bush has a secret plan to dissolve the United States by 2010 may be "credible" in that regard. But it sure as heck is not the hill I want to fight on.
Yep, Corsi can fight his own little war, I hope he bloodies Obama, but he’s on his own.
Yep. Thankfully everything doesn’t hinge on Corsi himself. At the end of the day, facts are facts, and the substance of the book matters too. I think if he and his book are left standing after this latest blast against him, the Obama camp has problems. That’s why I’d like to see a good strong counter-rebuttal from him.
Have any of Corsi's critics come up with five specific examples?
Anywhere?
Fight the Smears produced the 41-page document.
An error like listing the year the Obama's were married is one thing but most of the other "Lies" are indeed one man’s opinion.
I have not finished reading "Unfit for Publication" but here are most of the "lies."
I think you'll see that the Obama campaign [should indeed] hew closer to the truth. Though in some cases you will have to see the actual document to get the complete picture -- and to see the last six pages of "lies" plus about six or seven more pages maligning Corsi.
The intellectuals' intellectual substantive arguments against Obama Nation
"bigoted fringe author Jerome Corsi"
"garbage as journalism"
"right-wing echo chamber"
"rehashed lies"
"Corsi’s falsehoods"
"news organizations . . . have questioned"
"[Corsi] childishly touts the number of footnotes"
"the book’s shoddy foundation,"
"many of [the book's] claims are also completely false"
"bizarre, conspiratorial views"
Here are listed comments about Corsi's writings on the SPP, alternate views of how petroleum is created -- and an allegation that Corsi "denies that airplanes were to blame for the [WTC] towers’ collapse." "[Corsi's record is] a litany of bigoted, hateful comments"
"the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth disavowed him"
"[Corsi called] the Pope “senile,” and regularly demeans public servants in vile sexual and racial terms."
"[Corsi's] record of attacks is disgusting and false, and so is this book."
Then there are the links to the "book reviews" mostly focused on the messenger rather than the message except to say that the book is "Poisonous Crap."
Then there are the specifics correcting the "errors" that make the book "Poisonous Crap." I do not have a copy of "Obama Nation" so I do not know the context of Corsi's words so I will just list the "lies" as Smears says.
"[Contrary to "Obama Nation" Obama did write that] his wife-to-be accompanied him to Africa on the 1992 trip"
"[Contrary to "Obama Nation" Obama did] discuss his father’s alcoholism and polygamy in his autobiography."
Oops! I found a mistake Smears mistake on page 7. Look at this, oh the shame.. and such a scholarly work.
Obama Writes That His Father’s Third Wife Refused To Life With His First Wife. shouldn't that be
Obama Writes That His Father’s Third Wife Refused To Live With His First Wife. ?
They claim that Corsi wrote that there is no proof that Obama's parents married but then on the same page Corsi admits that they were married; however the quote they use shows Corsi saying that there is no proof that they were ever married in a church.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama's books made no reference to his sister Maya’s birth. But Obama did mention the birth.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama did not dedicate his books to his parents, grandparents, families. But Obama did.
(Some real substantive stuff here.)
They claim that Corsi said that Obama was registered in an Indonesian school as a Muslim. Smears acknowledges that but says it was common to use the father's religion.
They claim that Corsi quotes an Indonesian neighbor saying that Obama and his stepfather attended a mosque. Smears said the neighbor later said that he was not sure.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama always downplayed his stepfather Soetoro's religion. Smears says over and over that Soetoro was a nominal Muslim who liked bacon.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama's grandmother, Dunham, earned enough to be well off. Smears said they lived in a modest two-bedroom Honolulu apartment in order to save money for Obama’s tuition to attend the Punahou Academy, an elite private school (quoting a newspaper article). To pay for that elite private school -- how's that for a typical white person, does sound like one. Right?
They claim that Corsi said that Obama never fully explained his drug use. Smears quotes news articles saying "By the time I was 20, I don’t think I indulged again.” he said. Also "I haven’t done anything since I was 20 years old," he said. "That’ll suffice." (That'll suffice? Like, stop bothering me?) Then Smears quotes some MSM employees affirming Obama's claims.
They claim that Corsi said that "[Frank Marshall] Davis is the mentor Obama seeks for wisdom and advice." Smears quotes Obama as finding some faults in Davis -- then quotes Obama's admiration for other black Communists. Go figure.
They claim that Corsi quotes Obama saying, “Despite all they had done for him, his grandparents were still ‘white folks’ and ‘white folks’ are racists.” Smears says Obama said that the term "white folks" wouldn't resonate with him. Then Smears goes on to quote Obama saying "I would find myself talking to Ray about white folks this or white folks that" but would remember that his mother and grandparents were "white folks."
They claim that Corsi said that the Obama campaign denied the photo [of Obama in Somali clothing] "proved any connection between Obama and Islam." Smears goes on to prove what Corsi said was true. (I must be missing something.)
They claim that Corsi said that Obama aligned with Raila Odinga. Smears quotes Obama aides disputing that. They quoted a Kenyan postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University saying it ain't so.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama could claim Kenyan citizenship. Ain't so says Smears, he'd have to denounce his U.S. citizenship eventually to remain a Kenyan.
They claim that Corsi said “Even as Kenya entered this postelection violence, Senator Obama has continued to insert himself into Kenyan politics.” Smears then quotes sources proving it! Though of course it's all for the good and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made him do it.
They claim that Corsi said the Obama Sr. held an "extreme communist position openly advocated by and identified with Odinga Odinga" Smears then quotes a couple of people who say “No One With More Than Well-Below-Average Intelligence Or A Shred Of Integrity” Could Conclude From Obama Sr.’s writings that he was an ardent Communist.
They claim that Corsi said “The funding memo listed seventy-two top individuals and organizations allegedly contributing to Odinga’s presidential campaign, including over $1 million from ‘Friends of Senator BO,’ widely interpreted as friends of Senator Barack Obama…” This is strange. Smears says, The Claim That Obama Contributed $1 Million To Odinga “Are As Baseless As Anything You’ve Read From An Anonymous Blogger” And Earned A Rating Of “Pants On Fire” Wrong. Smears goes on to quote another source "Obama under ‘friends of Obama’ gave almost a million dollars to the (Kenya) opposition campaign who just happened to be his cousin, Raila Odinga, who is a socialist trained in East Germany" Smears says Obama did not give money to Odinga. That's not what Corsi said. I must be missing something.
They claim that Corsi said “No one in Obama’s paternal or maternal family had ever resided in Chicago.” Smears said that Obama’s Great-Uncle Charlie Payne lived in Chicago. Boy, that's the end of Corsi, yes sir.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama did not mention his job as a community organizer in Harlem (Dreams from My Father). Smears said Obama did, he included his job trying to convince the "importance of recycling." (So that's what a community organizer does!)
They claim that Corsi said that Kellman travelled all the way to NYC because he'd heard much about this guy Obama's abilites and Obama was looking for a job. Smears says citing a news article that Kellman was going to NYC anyway.. so why not talk to Obama.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama was not the one who discovered asbestos in the housing project. Smears presents news articles arguing that Obama did doit ahead of that 70-year-old long time activist resident of the project.
They claim that Corsi said that "the impression of Ayers’s good citizenship is incorrect." With qoutes from the mayor and a few employees of universities Smears "proves" that the Ayers are "Absolutely Upstanding Establishment Citizens."
They claim that Corsi asked "Is presidential candidate Barack Obama’s decision to support Israel merely a matter of political convenience?” Smears provides a few quotes from speeches before Jewish organizations and his pro-Israeli votes as a legislature.
They claim that Corsi said that the Obamas were maried in 1995. Wrong! cried Smears. It was 1992.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama forced (his only opponent for state senator) Palmer out of the race. Smears said she quit and all Obama was doing was trying to enforce the law.
They claim that Corsi said that “Obama had to know who Ayers is and what he stands for, especially with Ayers making this splash on 9/11.” Smears said that the interview occurred prior to 9/11/01. (I don't see how that matters. It made a splash because there was a 9/11.)
They claim that Corsi said that Obama was finally confronted about Rezko at an extended interview and "the senator changed his tune." Smears shows a number of Obama's statements concerning his relation and lack there of with Rezko. The famous "bonehead" confession is one. (I don't know the context of Corsi's statement perhaps Obama went beyond the usual politician's "I didn't do it and you cannot prove that I did.")
They claim that Corsi said “Undoubtedly, Obama’s advance for the book had worn thin and Project Vote! was work he was qualified to do, given his community organizing experience and his law degree.” Smears says Obama was recruited to Project Vote! (Not sure about this one, was Corsi saying Obama was running out of money and needed a job?)
They claim that Corsi said that Rezko urged and helped Obama go to work for Davis Miner Barnhill & Galland. Smears said the firm called him at Harvard and a "woman who answered the phone at the Harvard Law Review said breezily [take a number]. 'You’re No. 647.’"
They claim that Corsi said that “Rezko found the house for Obama.” Smears's quotes includes the admission by the Obamas that it was more than they budgeted for and it was found by them not Rezko. (I thought the issue was the price, not who found the house.)
They claim that Corsi said that “The letters [about a senior housing project] appeared to contradict statements from Obama that he never did any favors for Rezko.” Smears says he did it for the seniors.
They claim that Corsi said that “Yet Obama’s campaign characteristically denied Obama had been involved in working at the law firm for Rezko or his rehab projects.” Smears quotes someone who said "“No one who has ever practiced law, let alone Mrs. Clinton, could argue, with a clear conscience, that these five hours on behalf of a church group that partnered with a man who at a later point in time would be alleged to be a scoundrel equated to knowingly representing a Chicago slumlord." However, a news article also cited by Smears said "he did not directly represent Rezko’s development firm. Instead, the records show, he represented non-profit community groups that partnered with Rezko’s firm."
They claim that Corsi said that thanks to Rezko and wife, Rita, the Obamas got a discount on the house of $300,000. Smears quotes several articles refuting this (more or less) but the one that matters most is this AP reported, “Obama, who has a spotless reputation after 11 years in public offices, has been accused of no wrongdoing involving Rezko or anyone else.” (Just a little humor!)
They claim that Corsi said that “Rezko agreed to pay the $14,000 cost of building the fence and Obama agreed to pay his landscaper to mow Rita’s lot for her." Smears said that Obama said "He was obligated to do so under the municipal code.”
They claim that Corsi said that "Obama could offer no explanation of why Rita Rezko bought the vacant lot instead…" Smears says that Obama said, nobody told me.
They claim that Corsi said "As fully expected, the Obama campaign continued to maintain Obama had never met Auchi, saying in effect that Levine had committed perjury." Smears says that Auchi says that he never met the Obamas.
They claim that Corsi said "When he was incarcerated in Iraq, Alsammarae contacted multiple elected officials in the United States to help him. Obama’s Senate office has admitted Obama sought information from the US State Department about Alsammarae on October 16, 2006, and got a reply from the US consul in Iraq about a week later." Smears said that it was at the request of Alsammarae’s daughter.
They claim that Corsi said "After Kellman hire him, Obama followed Alinsky’s rules by moving into the Hyde Park-Kenwood area he had been assigned to organize." Smears said he already lined there.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama’s reaction to the Million Man March was enthusiastic.Smears said that Obama found faults with the March.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama heard Wright blame "the ‘white arrogance’ of America’s Caucasian majority for the world’s suffering, especially the oppression of blacks." Smears said Obama was not in church that day.
Buy the book. It is the cheapest political contribution you can ever make.
They claim that Corsi wrote that there is no proof that Obama's parents married but then on the same page Corsi admits that they were married; however the quote they use shows Corsi saying that there is no proof that they were ever married in a church.
Obama says in his own book that the details of the marriage are fuzzy; that he has never had the "courage" to try to nail them down.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama was registered in an Indonesian school as a Muslim. Smears acknowledges that but says it was common to use the father's religion.
Now how would Smears know this? Were they there? Isn't it obvious that the form asks for the child's not the father's religion for a reason (determining whether he gets instruction in the Koran, as Obama did). This is disingenuous IMO.
They claim that Corsi quotes an Indonesian neighbor saying that Obama and his stepfather attended a mosque. Smears said the neighbor later said that he was not sure.
Whether this is or is not true, there is other evidence that Obama was raised as a Muslim while he lived in Indonesia, including an article in the Indonesia press.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama always downplayed his stepfather Soetoro's religion. Smears says over and over that Soetoro was a nominal Muslim who liked bacon.
So Smears was Soetoro's cook? How do they know this stuff? Given that Indonesia is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, could you even buy bacon there?
They claim that Corsi quotes Obama saying, “Despite all they had done for him, his grandparents were still ‘white folks’ and ‘white folks’ are racists.” Smears says Obama said that the term "white folks" wouldn't resonate with him.
Sorry, Smears, but your candidate has to live with his own words. His books have no shortage of negative comments about white people. Live with it.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama aligned with Raila Odinga. Smears quotes Obama aides disputing that. They quoted a Kenyan postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University saying it ain't so.
His aides and a postdoc? Wow, they sure know how to put out independent and authoritative evidence, don't they?!
to be continued ....
This is a non sequitir. If he could become a Kenyan citizen by renouncing his US citizenship, then Corsi is correct that Obama could become a Kenyan citizen. However, if Corsi is saying that Obama could become a Kenyan citizen without doing that, I think Smears is correct that he is mistaken.
They claim that Corsi said the Obama Sr. held an "extreme communist position openly advocated by and identified with Odinga Odinga" Smears then quotes a couple of people who say “No One With More Than Well-Below-Average Intelligence Or A Shred Of Integrity” Could Conclude From Obama Sr.’s writings that he was an ardent Communist.
OK, maybe Daddy was only an ardent socialist.
They claim that Corsi said that "the impression of Ayers’s good citizenship is incorrect." With qoutes from the mayor and a few employees of universities Smears "proves" that the Ayers are "Absolutely Upstanding Establishment Citizens."
Given the charges that were once pending against Ayers for various bombings, I think Corsi has the more defensible position.
They claim that Corsi said that “Rezko found the house for Obama.” Smears's quotes includes the admission by the Obamas that it was more than they budgeted for and it was found by them not Rezko. (I thought the issue was the price, not who found the house.)
I think Smears is probably right here. I think Michelle found the house and they went to Rezko to help them finagle a way to buy it.
They claim that Corsi said "As fully expected, the Obama campaign continued to maintain Obama had never met Auchi, saying in effect that Levine had committed perjury." Smears says that Auchi says that he never met the Obamas.
Auchi may say that, and Obama says he never met Auchi. But others contradict both of them. Now, who is more likely to be telling the truth? Neutral observers or Auchi and Obama?
They claim that Corsi said that Obama’s reaction to the Million Man March was enthusiastic.Smears said that Obama found faults with the March.
I haven't seen Corsi's evidence for his enthusiasm so I can't comment on that. I have seen an article where Obama expresses some concerns with the March. But the two concepts are not mutually exclusive. However Corsi should have mentioned both if there is evidence for both.
They claim that Corsi said that Obama heard Wright blame "the ‘white arrogance’ of America’s Caucasian majority for the world’s suffering, especially the oppression of blacks." Smears said Obama was not in church that day.
IIRC, in his book Obama talks about a sermon where Wright blames "white folks greed" for a "world in need." I believe he made it sound like he was there, but maybe he read the sermon in a church publication. Regardless Obama liked the sentiment and put it in his book.
Smears needs to read the boss' work. Obviously Corsi knows it better than his own staff.
It is clear why -- as is the tactic of the Left -- they have to destroy the messenger! They cannot, in most cases, overcome the message.
How did Smears know some of that stuff? Well, in most cases Smears did include references to various articles often several articles. Oddly, at least it seemed to me odd, some articles would verify what Corsi said. IMO, they were not able to refute much of anything except the wedding date.
I feel comfortable saying that because even the MSM employee and author of the posted article seems to me to be saying as much. He noted that it is often a matter of one man’s opinion.
That is why we should give a tip of the hat to the author of the posted article; to wit, he said the Obama campaign [should] hew closer to the truth.
... and for the first time in my adult life I am proud of a MSM employee.
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