Posted on 06/02/2009 4:25:37 PM PDT by markedmannerf
Edited on 06/02/2009 4:52:25 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
June 02, 2009 6:58 PM
ABC News' Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller report: The other day we heard a comment from a White House aide that never would have been uttered during the primaries or general election campaign.
During a conference call in preparation for President Obama's trip to Cairo, Egypt, where he will address the Muslim world, deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Denis McDonough said "the President himself experienced Islam on three continents before he was able to -- or before he's been able to visit, really, the heart of the Islamic world -- you know, growing up in Indonesia, having a Muslim father -- obviously Muslim Americans (are) a key part of Illinois and Chicago."
Given widespread unease and prejudice against Muslims among Americans, especially in the wake of 9/11, the Obama campaign was perhaps understandably very sensitive during the primaries and general election to downplay the candidate's Muslim roots.
The candidate was even offended when referred to by his initials "BHO," because he considered the use of his middle name, "Hussein," an attempt to frighten voters.
With insane rumors suggesting he was some sort of Muslim Manchurian candidate, then-Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and his campaign did everything they could to emphasize his Christianity and de-emphasize the fact that his father, Barack Obama Sr., was born Muslim.
The candidate's comment at a Boca Raton, Florida, town hall meeting on May 22, 2008, was typical: "My father was basically agnostic, as far as I can tell, and I didn't know him," he said.
In September 2008, candidate Obama told a Pennsylvania crowd, "I know that I'm not your typical presidential candidate and I just want to be honest with you. I know that the temptation is to say, 'You know what? The guy hasn't been there that long in Washington. You know, he's got a funny name. You know, we're not sure about him.' And that's what the Republicans when they say this isn't about issues, it's about personalities, what they're really saying is, 'We're going to try to scare people about Barack. So we're going to say that, you know, maybe he's got Muslim connections.'...Just making stuff up."
Back then, the campaign's "Fight the Smears" website addressed the candidate's faith without mentioning his father's religion:
"Barack Obama is a committed Christian. He was sworn into the Senate on his family Bible. He has regularly attended church with his wife and daughters for years. But shameful, shadowy attackers have been lying about Barack’s religion, claiming he is a Muslim instead of a committed Christian. When people fabricate stories about someone’s faith to denigrate them politically, that’s an attack on people of all faiths. Make sure everyone you know is aware of this deception."
The website also provided quotes from the Boston Globe and Newsweek mentioning his father's roots.
Since the election, however, with the threat of the rumors at least somewhat abated, the White House has been increasingly forthcoming about the president's roots. Especially when reaching out to the
Muslim world.
In his April 6 address to the Turkish Parliament, President Obama referenced how many "Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim majority country. I know, because I am one of them."
- Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller
So it begins...
I hate the press.
Tap is making some very interesting allegations here, but he’s one of the better journalists in DC. At least he reports the FACTS.
Perhaps he’s the next Woodward or Bernstein?
“I hate the press.”
I remember when referring to him as B. Hussein was racist.
Is it OK now?
“...Muslim roots.” my arse!!
Barack Obama IS a Muslim
LOL. Drudge has a banner. Millions of Americans are going to see it/share it and say “WTH? I voted for a Muslim?”.
~~PING!
Its insanity. Also he never seemed to want to admit his father was a Muslim. I guess that has changed now as well.
Re#5 I think so. ;^)
Allah u akbar....yeah, buddy.
Man, I hope not. Both Woodward and Bernstein were/are ideological assassins, especially Bernstein. But, I understand the point you're making.
If you look at Tapper's C.V., he's clearly a left winger. But, he's not afraid to ask the tough, uncomfortable questions both of Gibbs and of Obama. To your point, he may be the last honest journo in DC who puts his Constitutional obligations before his personal beliefs.
He can count me as a an admirer.
Grab a blood pressure pill!
Does he even know who his real daddy is??
Thank Gawd the press was looking into Obama’s past before the election. /barf off
BARACK HUSSEIN OSAMA
Obama is swahili for Osama.
I agree. At least he reminds me an American journalism as it used to be.
Ineligible to hold the office. And, now, a closet muslim, too? Keep this up and we might find out he’s a liar and a cheat, too.
It’s time to take back the country.
“WE” were correct about that little fact....Now, how about seeing the BC........
Oh ABC!.... little more research please! ;~)
Sure! It’s on his Birth Certificate...
He’s better than them.
God bless Jake Tapper .. he’s got guts.
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