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Why Did Bob Kerrey Mention Obama's Middle Name -- 'Hussein'?
December 16, 2007 9:19 PM
Some Obama supporters have asked why former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., who endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., today, mentioned her opponent Sen. Barack Hussein Obama's middle name in remarks published in The Washington Post. (LINK)
"I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama, and that his father was a Muslim and that his paternal grandmother is a Muslim," Kerrey is quoted as saying. "There's a billion people on the planet that are Muslims, and I think that experience is a big deal."
Obama supporters see this in the same light that they see Clinton strategist Mark Penn's remarks on MSNBC's Hardball (LINK) -- that, as far as former Clinton campaign co-chair Billy Shaheen's remarks about Obama's youthful drug use, "the issue related to cocaine use is not something that the campaign was in any way raising."
Too clever by half, they think.
A clear attempt to raise an issue while pretending not to raise it.
Same thing with the "Hussein" middle name?
Reached on the phone Sunday evening, Kerrey said that's not at all how he meant it.
"What I said was an answer to a question," Kerrey said.
He'd been asked by a reporter from the Omaha World-Herald about the fact that the Clinton folks are hammering home the idea that Obama has little experience, while both Obama today and Kerrey in 1992 ran for president in their first Senate term.
"My answer was yes, but I finished third in the primary. Obama's smarter and more talented than I ever was, and he has two things which are connected to his life experience that give him special capacity," Kerrey recalled. "First, he is African American and can speak to underperforming Black youth in a way that no other candidate can. He gave a speech in Selma that was incredible (LINK), that no white person could ever give. No government program could ever do what Barack Obama can do.
"Second," Kerrey continued, "his name is Barack Hussein Obama. I know that middle name is seen as a weakness by Republicans, but I don't think it is. I think it enables him to speak to a billion Muslims around the world."
Kerrey said he's spoken to Obama and his staffers and told them to "lead with it as a strength. There's this nonsense out there about him being a Muslim Manchurian candidate. He should do a commercial, look the camera straight in the eye, and say, 'My wife Michelle and I are Christians, but my father was a Muslim and my paternal grandfather was a Muslim, and that fact and my name means I can speak to a billion people around the world" who need to hear from the United States.
Kerrey's endorsement of Clinton came as a surprise to some, given his past conflicts with the family (while running against Bill in 1992, Kerrey said Republicans would break him open "like a soft peanut" (LINK) because of his confusing answers about avoiding the draft; he called Bill an "unusually good liar"; and once contemplated challenging him in the Democratic primaries in 1996).
"If I only had the relationship with her I had when she was in the White House, I wouldn't have" endorsed her, he told me. "But she's been terrific as a senator."
Yes, it's true, he laughingly acknowledges, that as president of the New School, he needs her signature on appropriations for his university. But that's the point: "She returns phone calls. ... I also have seen her on the Armed Services Committee do very well. And today" -- his endorsement of her (LINK) in Council Bluffs, Iowa -- "she hit the ball out of the park."
-- jpt
December 16, 2007 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (99)
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reply to:Jeff from PA
Think before you post.It's not the mere fact that he brought up his middle name, but the relatedness of his comment to the fact he's endorsed HRC and is expecting favors from her.In addition, for a lot of crazies out there, it's open season on muslims. I'm sure you're aware of this fact. So, reminding people of Obama's mddle name plays to that insanity.
Posted by: joseph pierre | Dec 17, 2007 8:53:56 PM
Oh my god! Unfrickin'-belieavable!
Huffington Post is doing their utmost to keep the negative spin going against Clinton.
What amazes me is how many feed off the frenzy.
Some of you need to take a deep breath and chill for a minute.
Any one of the democratic candidates would be a breath of fresh air compared to what we have lived with the past 7-8 years.
Posted by: KJ | Dec 17, 2007 8:38:28 PM
Today - in 2007, racist trolls jump on a man's middle name. An educated public servant reaching out to unite people, regardless of their religion, deserves some measure of respect.
Posted by: Mother | Dec 17, 2007 8:34:15 PM
I worked for Bob Kerrey and he has been my favorite politician since 1988. I have prayed that he would be elected President ever since then. I am shocked to find that today, with his underhanded smear of Obama, that I will never trust anything he says again. I imagine the Clintons purchased his subtle smear for a high price. Karl Rove could have written the same comments. I feel like a naive child who just found out his hero is the opposite of a hero. Maybe I should seek counseling at a cult awareness group. I hope there is a limit to the number of Robert Hansens in the Democratic Party.
Posted by: HumbleTruthSeeker | Dec 17, 2007 8:23:47 PM
First, they complain that Hillary Rodham Clinton always gets her middle name included, and that somehow showed a bias toward her.
Now, they want us to leave out Barack Hussein Obama's middle name because it somehow evokes unpleasant images.
Make up your minds, Obama crybabies. Which one is it?
Posted by: Maya Teague | Dec 17, 2007 6:50:23 PM
Progressive's Unite!!!!!
Black,White,Asian & Hispanic!!!!
The Neo-Con "Repukes & Undemocratic National Party Bosses", want Guiliani & Hillary!!!!
It aint gonna happen!!!!
Barack Hussain Obama is Drawing Moderate Republicans & Independents as well as "Progressive Democrats", of "ALL COLORS"!!!!
And The Wash. D.C. "Establishment", cant stand it!!!!
NO DRAMA WITH OBAMA in 2008!!!!
Posted by: blacktruth | Dec 17, 2007 6:35:10 PM
If there is any doubt about whether this is racist and prejudiced, then replace all of the Muslim comments with Jewish:
"I think [Insert Jewish name here]'s name may be a weakness to Republicans, but I think it is a strength. First, he is [Jewish], and he can speak to [young Jews] in a way that no white person can. I mean there are hundreds of millions of [Jews] in the world and he can speak to them in a way that no one can"
"lead with it as a strength. There's this nonsense out there about him being a [Jewish] Manchurian candidate. He should do a commercial, look the camera straight in the eye, and say, 'My wife Michelle and I are Christians, but my father was a {Jew] and my paternal grandfather was a [Jew], and that fact and my name means I can speak to [millions of] people around the world who need to hear from the United States."
Posted by: Jeff from PA | Dec 17, 2007 6:19:08 PM
The democrats are such wimps. Now you cannot even say a person's actual name without it being considered a dirty trick. It is his name, isn't it? What in the world are you people so afraid of? Do you think you can keep his name under wraps? The guys is either a muslim or he has a muslim heritage. if you want to roll the dice and vote for him, you people are dumber then you sound.
Posted by: doug l | Dec 17, 2007 6:14:22 PM
The invisible thing called a Good Name is made up of the breath of numbers that speak well of you.
-Lord Halifax Obama has many
I am surprised that this Curry person, side of the mouth complement; wasn't he going to run for President until he started making big bucks -- boy are the Clinton's scared -- and the tactics to make one barf!! I cannot go through more Clinton ---- And did you hear her on am shows?? Does she EVER give a straight answer and not talk over or under or through the questioner --- She is not capable of giving an honest answer unless it is on her script.
Posted by: Paulet | Dec 17, 2007 5:35:40 PM
As an African American, I have had it with the racism coming from these other campaigns.
If Barack Obama loses because of racist tactics, I am voting for Mike Huckabee.
I'm done playing these games.
Posted by: Dee Anna Roberts | Dec 17, 2007 4:58:04 PM
And why do I keep getting nameless insinuating emails emphasising the 'Hussein' in Barack Obama? Looks like Hillary is going outside her campaign headquarters for more dirty tricks.
Posted by: Dalpine | Dec 17, 2007 4:57:33 PM
Added passive aggression is not what America needs. It is this particular dispositon that alienates America from the rest of World and cuases America's extreme unpopularity across the pond. A politics of fear played on stereotypes is one aspect of politics that Barack Obama wants to change.
Mr. Kerry's allusions are a shining example of why we need Barack Obama as President.
Posted by: Jeremy, Jacksonville Fl | Dec 17, 2007 4:03:29 PM
The conventional wisdom today is candidates who can give the best speeches, media savvy answers or are the best talking heads on television is somehow equivalent to leadership in which no historical record of actions and results are required for qualifications. I think our electronic-media generation that is behind Senator Obama is confusing great media public relations with leadership.
Sure Senator Obama can give a firery speech and shout in social-economic political rhyme but has trouble with putting a legislative bill together without the help of Senator Biden or Senator Kennedy. I will vote for someone less flashy and less caviler, unlike Senator Obama, for someone with great ideas and with a solid record and experience in all aspects in government.
In the end, leadership is the sum of a candidate's record of actions and achievements to date, that include both wins and losses to define the candidates's ability, character, and moral compass to lead and elevation of stature.
Posted by: threeriverscrossing | Dec 17, 2007 2:54:19 PM
The conventional wisdom today is candidates who can give the best speeches, media savvy answers or are the best talking heads on television is somehow equivalent to leadership in which no historical record of actions and results are required for qualifications. I think our electronic-media generation that is behind Senator Obama is confusing great media public relations with leadership.
Sure Senator Obama can give a firery speech and shout in social-economic political rhyme but has trouble with putting a legislative bill together without the help of Senator Biden or Senator Kennedy. I will vote for someone less flashy and caviler like Senator Obama for someone with great ideas and with a solid record and experience in all aspects in government.
In the end, leadership is the sum of a candidate's record of actions and achievements to date, that include both wins and losses to define the candidates's ability, character, and moral compass to lead and elevation of stature.
Posted by: threeriverscrossing | Dec 17, 2007 1:11:03 PM
The conventional wisdom today is candidates who can give the best speeches, media savvy answers or are the best talking heads on television is somehow equivalent to leadership in which no historical record of actions and results are required for qualifications. I think our electronic-media generation that is behind Senator Obama is confusing great media public relations with leadership.
Sure Senator Obama can give a firery speech and shout in social-economic political rhyme but has trouble but has a problem putting a legislative bill together without the help of Senator Biden or Senator Kennedy. I will vote for someone less flashy and caviler like Senator Obama for someone with great ideas and with a solid record and experience in all aspects in government.
In the end, leadership is the sum of a candidate's record of actions and achievements to date, that include both wins and losses to define the candidates's ability, character, and moral compass to lead and elevation of stature.
Posted by: threeriverscrossing | Dec 17, 2007 1:07:43 PM
Why are people so outraged that someone brought up Obama's middle name? Hussein is a muslim name - Obama has Muslim roots and blood ties. This is a Fact! and unless Barack is ashamed of it then where is the wrong doing??Is he nervous? Does he have something to hide?? This makes me more suspicious of Obama than of the motives of his competitors!! All is fair in political races (according to Edwards and Obama) Obama and his people are quick to point out any and every thing they feel can make them look stronger and the other candidate weaker- so what is different here?? We have a right to know as much as is out there about who may one day run our country!
Posted by: lori | Dec 17, 2007 1:07:37 PM
And Hillary is for Change -- she will never change and she is a dirty fighter hope the Iowans see through her facade. As far as Mark Penn, boy did he put on weight, and how slick can you be do people who like Hillary really trust this "slimy looking" promoter.
Posted by: Paulet | Dec 17, 2007 1:05:52 PM
And Hillary is for Change -- she will never change and she is a dirty fighter hope the Iowans see through her facade.
Posted by: Paulet | Dec 17, 2007 1:01:49 PM
May God have mercy on your soul Mr Kerry. You surely need it. Your the pawn to biggots and power hungry politicians who have controlled our country since Jimmy Carter left office. You have no decency and i can only pray that your ignorance and the ability of Iowans to see above your words will finally bring this country together.
Division politics is her game and now we see again and again its yours too.
Americans hopefully don't want to keep playing pawns to the powerful elite who want to beat us down by hook or crook.
Iowa the ball is in your court and may you see the truth and deliver this country to a new direction where our children are not used to keep the military industrial complex and the corporations in power. God has sent us a deliverer but as Jesus said may those with ears hear and those with eyes see.
OBAMA08
Posted by: Danielle Clarke Phila Pa | Dec 17, 2007 12:57:46 PM
Sadhana khan, it may be the truth, but it is still a "dig." When you bring up something -- even if true -- knowing that it will generate negative emotions, that IS negative campaigning. Look at the recent events surrounding the resignation of Bill Shaheen. He told the truth about Sen. Obama's drug use as a teenager; and the possible use of the issue by Republicans in the general election. Yet he lost his job over it. That was because it was considered negative campaigning.
Posted by: James Danley | Dec 17, 2007 12:56:46 PM
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