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The Emergence of President Obama's Muslim Roots
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
June 2, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (1100)
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One thing is for sure, he is a LIAR !
Posted by: Guido | Nov 19, 2009 3:59:14 AM
he should not even be in any political office in the U.S. because i dont even think he is AMERICAN which is one of the things you have to be to be in office.. if you dont think, breathe,eat, drink,sleep,especially BORN AMERICAN, then your not AMERICAN..
Posted by: spanky | Nov 10, 2009 7:01:40 PM
I learned all I needed to know about ISLAM on 9-11., and last month when a girl had to leave home because her "Peaceful" muslim father was going to kill her, last week when a "peaceful" Muslim ran his Daughter down with huis car, and FT HOOD TX where another "Peaceful" Muslim killed and injured his fellow Sercivemen and women.
And don't forget Daniel Pearl.
Bush threated them as terrorist and put them in Gitmo.
BHO, Polosi, and Reid want to treat them as Tourist and put them up at the Holiday Inn.
Posted by: Mr Boner | Nov 9, 2009 9:15:38 AM
Whats lost in all of this is the fact that being called a Muslim is some kind of slander.That is a slap in the face to the 1.5 billion muslims in the world.And the 6 million muslims here in america.So what if he is Muslim?? if you knew the values of true Islam and not what the media is feeding you it would be understood that a Muslim president is not a bad thing.
Posted by: abdullah | Oct 23, 2009 1:56:02 PM
His grandmother slips and says she was at his birth in kenya, and then dies shortly after.........hmmmmmmmm. No this man is going after US military, constitution, and sure he was "called" christian - but sat in church with REV WRIGHT for 20 years. RIGHT he is christian...and I am a fish.
Posted by: digger | Oct 8, 2009 12:55:55 PM
So you are going to say that he has got Muslim connections, Is that so??
adult costumes
Posted by: Prabhu | Oct 1, 2009 11:09:22 PM
For all those that have blind hatred towards Islam, I encourage you to learn more about the religion on your own. Do not rely on the biased agendas of others - look at it critically yourself. I will give you one example of something that you did not know. The Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon them both) is mentioned 32 times in the Qu'ran and has an entire chapter (Sura Miriam) named after her. She is considered to be one of the holiest, most devout, pure, honest women that have ever lived. In the Qu'ran we learn that Jesus' (peace be upon him) first miracle was speaking as an infant, defending his mother against false accusations. I say, only as a means of comparison to establish reference, Mary is mentioned only 18 times in the Bible and Jesus did not perform a miracle until he was almost 30 years old where he created wine from water at a party. Please, I encourage you to learn more about Islam.
Posted by: Chris | Sep 7, 2009 9:51:32 AM
ANOTHER THING HIS GRANDMOTHER SAID SHE WAS AT HIS BIRTH IN KENYA SO WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH AND WHY DOES HE HID HIS RECORDS IF HE HAS NOTHING TO HIDE LETS SEE THEM AND STOP THIS GUESSING GAME RELEASE THE RECORDS.
Posted by: FLOYD CHANDLER | Aug 25, 2009 11:31:59 AM
I agree with all those who say that this country has had dealings with the Muslim word since her very beginning. Thomas Jefferson had a copy of the Koran to "understand the enemy", who were the Barbary pirates that were stealing our merchant vessels and selling their crews into slavery or killing them. Muslims had, and still have, the business of slavery down to a slick business. King Obama sez that algebra was invented by the Muslims. Umm, I think the Chinese invented algebra. During the Primaries, I said often that if Obama is crowned king, America is too stupid to exist. Well he's on the throne, and we have a new god, we aren't a Christian nation any more. This country was founded on Judeo-Christian morals. A historical fact. it is what it is. And King Obama can grovel at the feet of 1,000 Muslim princes for all I care. Don't do it on MY dime, traitor!!
Posted by: Annie Oakley | Jul 19, 2009 5:13:47 PM
Explain this: "For Ghana, Obama's visit will be a celebration of another milestone in African history as it hosts the first-ever African-American President on this presidential visit to the continent of his birth."
Posted by: Ray | Jul 14, 2009 7:05:59 PM
This is to correct a name. I was replying to Belinda's post.
Posted by: Elaine | Jul 2, 2009 3:02:01 PM
Brenda,
Your post says it all. We are moving into the One-World Government the Bible speaks of, and Obama has signed on to it and JESUS, THE REAL KING, is coming soon. And it doesn't matter what anyone says about it, his plan is sealed. No Liberal or anyone else can change his plan. PRAISE GOD for that.
Posted by: Elaine | Jul 2, 2009 2:59:47 PM
people of USA and world you have shortlisted a men who appears to me as avery sly doudle standard men enticing ladies on his side and are into very warm relationship with womens ofcourse muslims prefered.take acre of this guy because he might act for downfall of USA he is a big jerk by god
Posted by: mohit | Jun 19, 2009 3:20:38 AM
Are we citizens paying for Obama's task force of lawyers, hired to conceal his actual birth records and education transcripts?
Where is the transparency that Obama promised us in government? He is currently the most secretive president that this country has ever had.
Why aren't people concerned that this man is demonizing America and playing kissy-face apologist with the muslim and communist countries? Countries, by the way, that don't believe in individual rights.
Remember.... there are no free lunches. Not now, not ever. There is a price to pay for everything under the sun. Don't be fooled by supposed 'free' health care. Do you really think that just because something is "socialized" that nobody has to pay anything? Who do you think will be paying for the doctors, nurses, physical exams and hospital expenses?
True, you won't be paying an insurance company, BUT you will be paying the government. And they can charge you anything they feel like. If you complain, they'll just lock you up as a dissident and you will have no way to protect yourself. That's socialist democracy in action. "Government sets the rules and the people follow... or else".
If I were you, I'd be very concerned about what's going on in our government right now. And it's not just the democrats, the republicans sold us out long ago also.
Posted by: Cherie | Jun 11, 2009 4:39:49 PM
For a man (Obama) who says that he's bringing transparency back into government, he is by far the most secretive president in all our history.
He is forcing through bills and mandates that are so large that not one person voting on them has the time or inclination to read them. And you people think that this is okay????
I'd personally like to know if "we" the people, are paying for Obama's attorneys to conceal his actual birth and school records.
If you people aren't scared, then you're dumber than sheep.
Posted by: Cherie | Jun 11, 2009 4:00:40 PM
Amen Sabel!
Posted by: Halli | Jun 11, 2009 12:06:49 PM
Jake Trapper, you call yourself a journalist, yet your article is imbalance. what are you really trying to say?
No wonder we have continuing tensions here and abroad. It's because people like you who knows little to nothing about ISLAM but act as if you have the right to inform the public a one sided story.
So you learned viewership in mainstream US media is dwindling, now you go to the Internet to spread what you couldn't with TV. What journalism school did you attend?
Americans are foolish and ignorant to think Muslims hate them. Open your heart, listen to each other, be you're a Muslim, Christian, Hindu, etc. If you are men or women of faith, your religions teach you to do the right thing, un harmful to others!
So Jake, instead of pouring gasoline in fire, why don't you help President Obama fight prejudice. And accept the fact that Islam is becoming more recognized.
Posted by: Sebel | Jun 10, 2009 6:42:57 PM
Worry about the country's future
Posted by: Mary | Jun 10, 2009 10:06:14 AM
If all of the people who take the position that Obama is a "secret Muslim," then it sounds like it doesn't matter what evidence you find out to the contrary, then all of you in that camp do not know the definition of discernment. Furthermore, if you really think that George W. was such a righteous Christian, you need to look at his background before becoming POTUS and how decisions were actually made in his time in the White House. Don't presume to know what God thinks. You can demonize Islam all day long, but keep in mind that much blood was spilt in the name of Christianity. Just as significant, it is erroneous to believe that God only watches over the US. I am disgusted with the intellectual manipulation done with the Bible to support some idea of the US being the best country in the world. In certain measurements, we are better in some areas.
Posted by: Nathan | Jun 9, 2009 11:19:23 PM
Terry,
Get a map, please.. North America is a continent. You expose your ignorance and now I can't believe I am wasting my time reading this.
Posted by: Robert | Jun 9, 2009 7:11:24 PM
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