Smearing Obama - The Politics of Hate and Fear
October 12th 2008 09:33
It is fair to say that no one is perfect. Admitting that is the first step. We all have skeletons in our closets, even those amongst us who may feel that they are the most righteous. Lurking around every corner is a bogeyman that someone may at some point use to attack us.
Barack Obama is no different than anyone else in that respect. I write this post not to put the man on a pedestal, not to deify him, and not to excuse him from anything that he has done that may be considered questionable.
But, I cannot sit by one more second and watch members of the McCain campaign, including John McCain himself, as well as his running mate Sarah Palin, stoke the fires of fear and hatred that they know already exist within this Country.
America has a long history of the powerful feeding off of the ignorance of the masses. While it is disturbing to admit, there are plenty of people living in this beautiful Country that still fear anyone who is not like them. They equate eloquence and education with elitism and communism. And they need only the slightest of nudges to send them from intolerance to action. Often with terrible results.
In light of their recent drop in the polls, the McCain camp has quickly turned to the lowest of attacks. They are willfully manipulating known information to confuse people, and to incite those that would take action into their own hands by creating more smears, and "educating" their friends about the "evil" of Obama.
What follows are a few of the attacks against Obama:
Barack Obama is not an American citizen, and does not have an American Birth Certificate.
FALSE! Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1961. He does have a Birth Certificate (pictured below) and this claim against his citizenship has been thoroughly debunked. According to Factcheck.org:
Barack Obama is a Muslim and was Sworn into Office on the Koran.
False! Another silly lie that is VERY easily disproved. He was sworn into the Senate on his family Bible. He has repeatedly stated that he is a committed Christian. To question a person's sworn faith is to insult people of all Faiths. What is most frightening to me are the implications that if someone was a Muslim, that it would automatically discredit his bid for the Presidency. "Liberty Loving Republicans" should be most ashamed by such intolerance.
Barack Obama "palled around" with William Ayers, a former member of the Weather Undergorund.
False! Obama was not friends with Bill Ayers. This smear was discredited long ago. It was not suggested by anyone in the McCain campaign until his numbers began to slide. (Although hatemongers like Sean Hannity have been beating this drum since day one!) According to the Associated Press, they are not close: “No evidence shows they were “pals” or even close when they worked on community boards years ago …”
However, Gov. Palin has been whipping crowds into a frenzy with the distortions of this relationship. And even though McCain himself recently vowed to stop with the Ayers accusations, the RNC is still running ads about it, and skillful but blatant word-play is being used to scare people. And, in a press release from the McCain campaign just last week, “Barack Obama’s friend tried to kill my family” was how a Weather Underground attack was characterized, which took place when Obama was 8 years old, but implying that somehow Obama was complicit.
Obama has NEVER expressed sympathy for the actions of Ayers. He has said of Ayers, "..somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago.." In another statement Barack publicly denounced Ayers and the Underground attacks:
Find More information in the following Aricles:
Truth Fights Back: Obama is Not Friends with Ayers.
Fact Checker: Obama's Ayers Connection
Truly, the vile accusations against Senator Obama are too numerous to count. Thankfully, it appears that that vast majority of Americans are not falling for the scam of John McCain and his attack dogs. However, we should be concerned about the fragment of the population that is buying the B.S., and what they are doing with it. After all, it was at recent McCain/Palin rallies where audience members yelled of Obama, "Treason!" and "Terrorist!" and "Off with his head" and even "Kill Him!"
Where was McCain's leadership as these slurs happened? Is it satisfactory that he gives half-hearted praise to Obama after he was thoroughly criticized by Democrats AND Republicans for hatemongering? Or, is the damage to John McCain's reputation already done? Shouldn't he have addressed these slurs as they were happening? And what of Palin? It is clear that the audience reactions to her claims that Obama is “palling around with terrorists” and “not a man who sees America the way you and I see America” were exactly the reactions she was going for. If not, why wouldn't she have said something? If not right that minute...why not as soon as she knew? As stated by Joe Biden, “a leading American politician who might be vice president of the United States would not just stop midsentence and turn and condemn that.”
As mentioned, in light of the harsh criticism he has received, McCain has attempted to cool the flames that his own hateful rhetoric has created. Unfortunately, as evidenced in the clip below, this may be too late for his more passionate supporters. As members of the audience express their fear of Obama and the belief that he is an "Arab", McCain defends Obama, and is met with boos.
I shudder at the thought that we are so far away from where we should be as Americans. As I discussed the matter with a Conservative friend just today, she remarked, "Why can't we just go back to the way things were in the 50's? Things were so much more innocent then, and life was good." I had to remind her that in the 1950's, things were good for some Americans. For others, it was a very dark time. We should not try to turn back the clock, but march forward, to a better day when we will celebrate our differences, and not fall for the cruel deceit that would turn us against our fellow man.
I am quite certain that this post will earn me some much expected criticism from the far right. And that's ok. I bet you I'll be accused of "playing the race card". I'm sure that people will try to defend John McCain's negative campaign. But, I'd like to remind them of the words of a man who ran for President in 2000.
"Sooner or later people are going to figure out that if all you run is negative attack ads you don't have much of a vision for the future, or you're not ready to articulate it." Senator John McCain
Barack Obama is no different than anyone else in that respect. I write this post not to put the man on a pedestal, not to deify him, and not to excuse him from anything that he has done that may be considered questionable.
But, I cannot sit by one more second and watch members of the McCain campaign, including John McCain himself, as well as his running mate Sarah Palin, stoke the fires of fear and hatred that they know already exist within this Country.
America has a long history of the powerful feeding off of the ignorance of the masses. While it is disturbing to admit, there are plenty of people living in this beautiful Country that still fear anyone who is not like them. They equate eloquence and education with elitism and communism. And they need only the slightest of nudges to send them from intolerance to action. Often with terrible results.
In light of their recent drop in the polls, the McCain camp has quickly turned to the lowest of attacks. They are willfully manipulating known information to confuse people, and to incite those that would take action into their own hands by creating more smears, and "educating" their friends about the "evil" of Obama.
What follows are a few of the attacks against Obama:
Barack Obama is not an American citizen, and does not have an American Birth Certificate.
FALSE! Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1961. He does have a Birth Certificate (pictured below) and this claim against his citizenship has been thoroughly debunked. According to Factcheck.org:
“When Barack Obama Jr. was born on Aug. 4,1961, in Honolulu, Kenya was a British colony, still part of the United Kingdom’s dwindling empire. As a Kenyan native, Barack Obama Sr. was a British subject whose citizenship status was governed by The British Nationality Act of 1948. That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.‘s children.
Since Sen. Obama has neither renounced his U.S. citizenship nor sworn an oath of allegiance to Kenya, his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired on Aug. 4,1982.”
Since Sen. Obama has neither renounced his U.S. citizenship nor sworn an oath of allegiance to Kenya, his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired on Aug. 4,1982.”
Barack Obama's Birth Certificate
Barack Obama is a Muslim and was Sworn into Office on the Koran.
False! Another silly lie that is VERY easily disproved. He was sworn into the Senate on his family Bible. He has repeatedly stated that he is a committed Christian. To question a person's sworn faith is to insult people of all Faiths. What is most frightening to me are the implications that if someone was a Muslim, that it would automatically discredit his bid for the Presidency. "Liberty Loving Republicans" should be most ashamed by such intolerance.
Barack Obama "palled around" with William Ayers, a former member of the Weather Undergorund.
False! Obama was not friends with Bill Ayers. This smear was discredited long ago. It was not suggested by anyone in the McCain campaign until his numbers began to slide. (Although hatemongers like Sean Hannity have been beating this drum since day one!) According to the Associated Press, they are not close: “No evidence shows they were “pals” or even close when they worked on community boards years ago …”
However, Gov. Palin has been whipping crowds into a frenzy with the distortions of this relationship. And even though McCain himself recently vowed to stop with the Ayers accusations, the RNC is still running ads about it, and skillful but blatant word-play is being used to scare people. And, in a press release from the McCain campaign just last week, “Barack Obama’s friend tried to kill my family” was how a Weather Underground attack was characterized, which took place when Obama was 8 years old, but implying that somehow Obama was complicit.
Obama has NEVER expressed sympathy for the actions of Ayers. He has said of Ayers, "..somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago.." In another statement Barack publicly denounced Ayers and the Underground attacks:
Senator Obama strongly condemns the violent actions of the Weathermen group, as he does all acts of violence. But he was an eight-year-old child when Ayers and the Weathermen were active, and any attempt to connect Obama with events of almost forty years ago is ridiculous.
Find More information in the following Aricles:
Truth Fights Back: Obama is Not Friends with Ayers.
Fact Checker: Obama's Ayers Connection
Truly, the vile accusations against Senator Obama are too numerous to count. Thankfully, it appears that that vast majority of Americans are not falling for the scam of John McCain and his attack dogs. However, we should be concerned about the fragment of the population that is buying the B.S., and what they are doing with it. After all, it was at recent McCain/Palin rallies where audience members yelled of Obama, "Treason!" and "Terrorist!" and "Off with his head" and even "Kill Him!"
Where was McCain's leadership as these slurs happened? Is it satisfactory that he gives half-hearted praise to Obama after he was thoroughly criticized by Democrats AND Republicans for hatemongering? Or, is the damage to John McCain's reputation already done? Shouldn't he have addressed these slurs as they were happening? And what of Palin? It is clear that the audience reactions to her claims that Obama is “palling around with terrorists” and “not a man who sees America the way you and I see America” were exactly the reactions she was going for. If not, why wouldn't she have said something? If not right that minute...why not as soon as she knew? As stated by Joe Biden, “a leading American politician who might be vice president of the United States would not just stop midsentence and turn and condemn that.”
As mentioned, in light of the harsh criticism he has received, McCain has attempted to cool the flames that his own hateful rhetoric has created. Unfortunately, as evidenced in the clip below, this may be too late for his more passionate supporters. As members of the audience express their fear of Obama and the belief that he is an "Arab", McCain defends Obama, and is met with boos.
I shudder at the thought that we are so far away from where we should be as Americans. As I discussed the matter with a Conservative friend just today, she remarked, "Why can't we just go back to the way things were in the 50's? Things were so much more innocent then, and life was good." I had to remind her that in the 1950's, things were good for some Americans. For others, it was a very dark time. We should not try to turn back the clock, but march forward, to a better day when we will celebrate our differences, and not fall for the cruel deceit that would turn us against our fellow man.
I am quite certain that this post will earn me some much expected criticism from the far right. And that's ok. I bet you I'll be accused of "playing the race card". I'm sure that people will try to defend John McCain's negative campaign. But, I'd like to remind them of the words of a man who ran for President in 2000.
"Sooner or later people are going to figure out that if all you run is negative attack ads you don't have much of a vision for the future, or you're not ready to articulate it." Senator John McCain
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Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
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Comment by Two Guys Sports
Wrestling Wrap Up
Reviews R Us
World of Wrestling
Blog America
Even if that isn't the case, notice McCain never said the word Arab, just "no."
Also could be a strategy - the ads are out and have planted the seeds. So maybe they figure they can apologize for them, maybe fire a guy they say was in charge of the bad ads, and try to look like the good guy for having them stopped.
As far as his reputation I think it is too late to save that.
Great post. I almost used that quote recently. It truly does amaze me how Republicans can never remember things they used to say and go totally against at some point.
Gene
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
I visited that same theory myself. Nothing would surprise me. However, if it is all strategy designed to make McCain look honorable, I think his very demeanor in his defense of Obama will prove his lack of genuineness. He looks at the floor and practically mumbles. Disgraceful!
I agree with your assessment of Republican forgetfulness. And I love how they've tried to defend their attacks by claiming that "Obama has run the most negative campaign in American History." REALLY??? Are they sure they don't want to review that statement??
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Wrestling Wrap Up
Reviews R Us
World of Wrestling
Blog America
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Budget Centsability
This is a well researched and well written article Natalie. I have heard the ridiculous 'he swore his oath on the Q'uran' so many times it makes me sick to the stomach each time I see it. The fact that people actually believe it is even more ridiculous and you're right, what does that say about racism?
I watched the debate the other day and Obama was extremely articulate and I have to admit that the first thing I thought was that many people would automatically see it as 'he is a member of the elite, not one of us' which is ridiculous. He was born into a working class family and worked hard to get a good education. What is wrong with that? I just don't understand.
If you want to read something about what kind of person Obama really is I suggest you READ THIS. The link to the original Norwegian newspaper article is in the story.
Keep up the good work.
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
The best part? He totally loses credibility either way. Must see TV.
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
Cheryl, I am always troubled when it seems that people are offended by an educated person. Quite frankly, I want my President to be smarter than me. I have seen what happens when a C average student becomes President. And thanks for the link to the article. I love it. What a great story!
Ruby, I can't wait to see the debate. Obama was on TV yesterday, and he pretty much challenged McCain to say these things to his face. Joe Biden said that where he comes from, if you make accusations against someone, you need to have the guts to say them in person. I agree.
Comment by Lola Tahlulah
Lola Tahlulah
I am so terrified by that video. It makes me wonder when people are going to whip out their pitchforks.
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
Comment by Neems
Koala Lounge
Truth Whisperer
It's is sad but not suprising to see the Republicans lower themselves to spreading rumours that have the potential to erupt into violence. You would think that their very own history would have taught them something.
But given that Palin generally doesn't have anything of intelligence to contribute- I would have expected nothing less of her.
McCain- very dissapointing although expected. It's a mark of sheer desperation that would have him resort to rumour whispering. Still, I would have thought he'd like to preserve at least SOME of the integrity that got him this far.
But then, no one ever said politics was a noble rat race did they.
Neema
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
Comment by Jim Stillman
Comment by Natalina
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
Coming from you this is quite a compliment.
Rereading this post makes me nostalgic for my political writing. I got away from it a bit, although I'm as passionate as ever.
Perhaps I'll have to throw my hat back into the ring!
Thanks Jim.
Comment by Anonymous