Posted on 06/03/2009 5:01:40 AM PDT by Outlaw Woman
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
I wonder if he’ll convert to Islam after leaving office?
I think we just watched 0bama kiss the Saudi king at the airport. Muslim roots make muslim blooms.
Sounds like the Pres might be visiting Mecca to explore his roots
I often wonder if many of his supporters may be beginning to have buyer’s remorse....but for now, just can’t force themselves to admit it?
Call me crazy, but.....
INSANE rumors? Tell me of any converted Muslim who is not in fear of his life.. HA...BHO is an actor/pawn/strawdog/stalking horse with Muslim handlers.
Obama had better get it through his thick head that America DOES NOT WANT A MUZZIE PRESIDENT.
And I wonder just how many Americans will be claiming ‘ignorance’ in the upcoming nightmare. Who on here wasn’t aware of this BREAKING NEWS? Makes me want to vomit...
Where was the state-run MSM with this type of reporting during the campaign? Oh, that’s right, only the crazy right-wing nuts were screaming about this.
Wow, he is a muzzie? Imagine that..
Geez I wonder if there was any organization -let’s call it “the press”- the could have found out this BEFORE the election.
Oh wait... They are just saying he GREW UP in a muzzie country with a muzzie father.
I bet that happens all the time- kids grow up in Muslim familes but are NOT indoctrinated into the releigion and are allowed to chosse some faith later...
After all if you WERE a muslim then changed to Christianity there was some penalty for that, wasn’t there?
Can't say for sure, but it seems like bumper-stickers (both parties) came off the bumpers more quickly after this election than after previous elections.
No one wants a muslim president who uses taqqiya to get elected.
Baraq Hussein mohammed 0bama - as muslim as it gets.
Now that youmention it....that is true....but I still see Gore/Loserman stickers....GRIN...
During.
Wanna bet he doesn't plan to leave office...ever!
I’ve got a neighbor who’s still got his Bush/Cheney 2004 sticker.
It’s been suggested that one way or another, he’s our last elected president.
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