POL--Obama's Problems Starting Already (Email Forward)

[albionmoonlight]

Just got this in the inbox.

It will be very hard for Obama to win a general election, IMO. I see no way in which this stuff will go away.

Subject: FW: Obama.
>
>
> READ CAREFULLY AND PRAY!!!!!!!! GOD HELP THE USA!!!!
>
> >
> >Subject: Obama.
> >Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:56:36 -0600
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in
> >Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black Muslim from
> >Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white atheist from Wichita, Kansas.
> > Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii.
> >
> >When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to
> >Kenya. His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a radical Muslim from
> >Indonesia. When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia.
> >Obama attended a Muslim school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a
> >Catholic school.
> >
> >Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is
> >quick to point out that, He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended
> >Catholic school.
> >
> >Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that Obama's
> >introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was
> >temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon
> >after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's
> >education. Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obamas mother, Ann Dunham,
> >introduced his stepson to Islam. Osama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in
> >Jakarta. Wahabism is the radical teaching that i! s followed by the Muslim
> >terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world.
> >
> >Since it is politically expedient to be a Christian when seeking major
> >public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the
> >United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background.
> >
> >Let us all remain alert concerning Obamas expected presidential candidacy.
>

[SirFozzie]

Yay Muslim bashing.

And taking great pains to hide his Muslim background=talking about it in his books.

Morons

[Raiders Army]

I'd be more worried if the email said he was a supporter of Hillary.

[terpkristin]

I normally stay out of POL threads, but wasn't this an expose purported by FOXNews like a week ago and then CNN came out and completely debunked it?

Not that I really ccan say how I feel about Obama and if he could be a good prez, just sayin'...

/tk

[Klinglerware]

I wonder what will freak conservative christians (who I presume are the target audience of this e-mail) out the most: (a) that he "is a muslim", (b) his mom "was an atheist", (c) he went to catholic school, (d) was a child born of an inter-racial marriage, or (e) a current member of the United Church of Christ?

[larrymcg421]

Hey, did you guys here that gang members drive with their headlights off and then kill anyone who flashes them?

Or did you hear that one about what Tommy Hillfiger said on Oprah?

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

I normally stay out of POL threads, but wasn't this an expose purported by FOXNews like a week ago and then CNN came out and completely debunked it?

Well, that's the point. It goes beyond Fox News and what can and can't be debunked and what is and isn't true.

It's going to be a whole underground campaign of emails, etc..

An email says that Obama is a secret Muslim hell bent on destroying America.

The "facts" say that he isn't.

Well, at that point who do you believe? Better to be safe than sorry when the rubber meets the road and just vote for the other person. Just in case.

I, too, don't really have a personal opinion on Obama yet. But I think that he really does not have a chance of winning.

[Klinglerware]

I think most people reading this thread realize that this is political dirty trickery. I.e., if this was an e-mail forward, it certainly must be false.

[dawgfan]

The ugly downside to the internet - any moron can sling as much mud as they choose about a candidate regardless of whether the charges have any merit or not, and there will be people out there gullible enough to believe it.

And yes, this is essentially the same, ugly charges leveled by the Rev. Moon's newsmagazine and then parroted by Fox News which has been completely debunked; and yet those that have leveled the charges haven't faced any repercussions from their inaccuracies, nor have the apologies that have been issued (and those have been rare so far) really sounded much like a genuine retraction or admission of guilt.

In a way, I think I'm glad this bullshit about Obama's past is coming up now - get the debunking out of the way early. But I expect more of the same - a mulatto man with an arabic-sounding name in this climate is going to be a ripe target for slander from the extremist right.

[BYU 14]

Where is the "you must forward this to 12 friends or America will fall into chaos" closing line?

Sheesh

[Buccaneer]

I realize that Obama is the hottest flavor of the month, but I would much rather see Hillary slammed incessantly between now and the primaries, forcing her to drop out. Or are they just holding the ammo for now?

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

I realize that Obama is the hottest flavor of the month, but I would much rather see Hillary slammed incessantly between now and the primaries, forcing her to drop out. Or are they just holding the ammo for now?

She has been in the public eye for over 20 years, so there is a lot less of a history gap to fill in with her.

[st.cronin]

[sarcasm]

I can't believe that somebody would use tactics like this in politics. I'm flabbergasted. Don't people have integrity?

[/sarcasm]

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by st.cronin

[sarcasm]

I can't believe that somebody would use tactics like this in politics. I'm flabbergasted. Don't people have integrity?

[/sarcasm]

In the past, when purportedly legitimate news organizations published or broadcast allegations that were later proven false, real retractions were issued and heads rolled.

Where are the rolling heads at Insight or Fox News?

[cartman]

Let the racial/religious swiftboating begin.

[JPhillips]

In a way this is good. Get it out early. Obama is going to face a real slime machine because he has a real shot at winning it all. I don't think the Republicans see a realistic shot at retaking the House and the Senate will be very difficult due to the makeup of those running. The White House is going to be a do or die stand. I expect much worse than what was done to Gore or Kerry.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

In a way this is good. Get it out early.

Yes and no. The longer it is around and the more it is repeated, the more validity it will get just through repetition.

[JPhillips]

I think two years out is too much. Six months, a year, maybe, but two years from now those who still believe it won't be potential Obama voters anyway.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

In a way this is good. Get it out early. Obama is going to face a real slime machine because he has a real shot at winning it all. I don't think the Republicans see a realistic shot at retaking the House and the Senate will be very difficult due to the makeup of those running. The White House is going to be a do or die stand. I expect much worse than what was done to Gore or Kerry.

I think you forgot to turn your sarcasm meter on. It will be very difficult for him to even win the Dem nomination, let alone having any real shot at winning it all. Hillary has a much better shot at winning the Dems but faces a difficult time if she has to face someone like McCain because she has two strikes against her. No, the Dems will play it safe to reach a broader base on all sides awat from the extremes, as will the Reps.

[Buccaneer]

Besides, it's really funny to see someone say "I expect much worse than what was done to Gore or Kerry." when the main faults that they did it more to themselves (like in running really lousy campaigns), or is that already ancient history?

[amdaily]

As a candiate for President, Obama = Dean. Whereas Dean's eccentric-ness doomed him, Obama's inexperience will doom him. Just a matter of time. Media can hype him all they want, they will eventually be his death nail. Hillary's nomination is inevitable and she will fall handily to a yet unrecognized Republican, be it Hunter, Huckabee, etc.

[JPhillips]

Buc: I'm not going to say Gore or Kerry ran a good campaign, but you can't be saying they weren't battered by negative campaigning.

am: Hunter has as much chance of winning as I do. Huckabee, though, is a guy to watch.

Obama is nothing like Dean. Dean wasn't very likable and Obama is extremely likable. He can beat Hillary especially if Edwards stays relatively strong. Obama will get huge support from those that think Hillary can't win the general. He'll also pull enough of the black vote to be in a position to win.

I'm not guaranteeing he'll win the nomination, but it's foolish to say he can't. He's got everything he needs to win the primary, likability, money, exposure. Hillary's still the favorite, but not by much.

[beargrowlz]

I hear Obama slapped Dean Houston once.

In any case, doesn't anyone else notice the elephant in the room? Or are we all too polite to mention it. I like Obama. I think he'd be a great president.

He won't win because he is black.

This country will not yet (ever?) elect a black man president.

There, I said it.

I don't like it, but I think it's the reality of America today.

And I believe the Dean Houston rumor anyway.

[JPhillips]

Bear: I think you're probably right as far as the general goes, but he can win the primary.

[beargrowlz]

but he can win the primary.

True dat.

[amdaily]

So no one thinks he's going to commit type of some extraordinary type of gaffe to eliminate himself?

If so, you're kidding yourselves. They guy just hasn't been around the block enough times. And personally, I can't wait 'til it happens.

[st.cronin]

So, is he a muslim or isn't he? People seem to be saying both.

[beargrowlz]

So no one thinks he's going to commit type of some extraordinary type of gaffe to eliminate himself?

Anything's possible. Maybe he slept with Jennifer Flowers. *shrug*

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Bear: I think you're probably right as far as the general goes, but he can win the primary.

I would still say that there is no chance he'll even win the primaries. Right now, Hillary is polling 64% undecided from just the Dems (I'm recalling these numbers from yesterday), 15% no way and 49% unsure. Obama is polling worse, as hot he is right now. Most states have been hard pressed to elect black Congresspersons or Senators and people thinking Obama will make the gigantic leap to the presidency? Many Dems don't believe that and there will be many Southern and blue collar Dems that won't vote for a Northern black with a Muslim-like name. Plus they know (and don't trust) Hillary, not only the baggage of being a Clinton but being a carpetbagger pseudo-Yankee. No, they will more likely go with Richardson who has a chance against McCain.

[SFL Cat]

Obama won't make it past the primaries. He doesn't stand a chance against the Clinton smear machine.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by st.cronin

So, is he a muslim or isn't he? People seem to be saying both.

He is a part of the United Church of Christ, so no - he's not a muslim.

[amdaily]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

who has a chance against McCain.

Your kidding yourself if you think McCain has a chance in the primaries. I think Repubs fall into two groups, those who vote on leadership abilities such as me (Guiliani) and those who vote on conservative credentials (re: anyone except McCain).

[amdaily]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

He is a part of the United Church of Christ, so no - he's not a muslim.

And does John Q. Voter know or care?

Nope!

Maybe sad, but true. Never overestimate the American voter.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by amdaily

Your kidding yourself if you think McCain has a chance in the primaries. I think Repubs fall into two groups, those who vote on leadership abilities such as me (Guiliani) and those who vote on conservative credentials (re: anyone except McCain).

I use McCain as a placeholder, not stating that it will be him. I could have used Guiliani just as easily. But like the Dems, the Reps will vote on a potential big-tent winner. They won't pull a Dole or play for 2012 when so much is at stake (i.e., Dems controlling everything).

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by beargrowlz

I hear Obama slapped Dean Houston once.

In any case, doesn't anyone else notice the elephant in the room? Or are we all too polite to mention it. I like Obama. I think he'd be a great president.

He won't win because he is black.

This country will not yet (ever?) elect a black man president.

There, I said it.

I don't like it, but I think it's the reality of America today.

And I believe the Dean Houston rumor anyway.

first off, you're wrong. you didn't say it. i did, long ago.

secondly, Obama wouldn't slap Dean Houston. it's bad for mass appeal. Dean Houston has a lot of respect from black people - he was active in the urban community giving of his free time and a few of his closest friends on the team (Cleveland Browns) were black. they named him an honorary black man after his 4th season cuz he was down with the 'hood.

thirdly, you don't have enough posts to speak about Dean Houston. i don't know who you are or where you posted those couple hundred other posts, but you don't have enough FOFC cred to start dropping his name. that's enough out of you.

[beargrowlz]

Dean Houston has a lot of respect from black people

Hey, I didn't say dean didn't enjoy it.

[Anthony]

we were talking about the electibility of a black candidate years ago. might wanna take a look at that thread to read up on some of the opinions being discussed that long ago.

[amdaily]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

I use McCain as a placeholder, not stating that it will be him. I could have used Guiliani just as easily. But like the Dems, the Reps will vote on a potential big-tent winner. They won't pull a Dole or play for 2012 when so much is at stake (i.e., Dems controlling everything).

There's nothing to say the big-tent winner has even annoucned yet. This election has the making for a last second low level governor/congressman, of either party, to enter and win in a tital wave.

[Anthony]

the next President will be a Republican. if the best the Dems have to throw out are two candidates who would be firsts (first woman Pres vs. first black Pres) then this race is going to whomever the Republicans nominate. i really wish they would nominate a janitor or garbage man, just to show that pretty much all of America would vote for anything that isn't a woman or a black man. i said it in '04, and i'll say it in '07 - we're not ready for a woman or black President.

[Vince]

I like the clever 'typo' of "Osama" for "Obama" later in the e-mail.

[Buccaneer]

I look at three places: South Boston (or Flint), Charlotte and Cincinnati to get a feel for trends among Dems. I am not saying that those three have anything special about them, but are good representation of the rank-and-file voters that can pull in the numbers. They can be the blue-dog Dems that Reagan won over and can easily go for a Bill Clinton. Some call these the "bubba votes" and they are still numerous, centric, anti-elistist, white, anti-snob and won't vote for a Obama or Hillary unless the alternative is really bad.

[Wolfpack]

Charlotte? Really? Hmm. Charlotte at this point in its history is more polarized between the black city population that helps elect Mel Watt to Congress and all the white suburban areas that elect Robin Hayes and Sue Myrick and other right-of-center candidates. There really isn't a "Blue Dog" feel to Mecklenburg County anymore. Now, if you move out to Cabarrus County or up to Salisbury, where there were a lot of textile and furniture manufacturing jobs that have been lost (much like the jobs lost out of Flint or South Boston), then I can see that. Charlotte itself is dominated by the banking industry and is very white collar in this day and age.

[Greyroofoo]

I personally think Obama would make a great Vice Presidential candidate.

[amdaily]

Damn! I actually just saw Huckabee for the first time on Greta. Granted, I knew knowing of this guy before, but he came across as having confidence, credibility on health and security, and just a nice optimistic feeling.

He could be the guy!

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by amdaily

Never overestimate the American voter.

Trust me, I haven't for quite some time. I was simply answering what appears to be a legitimate question.

[SFL Cat]

Why not, we've already had one former Arkansas governor as president - and I actually liked Huckabee while I lived there.

[JPhillips]

Buc: Even if those areas were Blue Dog areas they aren't big players in the primary. Primary voters are much more ideological than general voters. The Dem nominee has to win a sizable portion of the black vote, have decent showing with union voters and have an energized base of others(netroots etc.)

Obama can do that. Union voters, especially service unions are trending minority. He's doing a good job energizing some netroots support. Like I said, he may not win, but he certainly can win.

[Maple Leafs]

Hmm...

On the one hand, Obama sounds like "Osama", and that's bad. On the other hand, Barack sounds sort of military-ish, and that's good.

I'm stumped. Does he have a middle name that would help me decide one way or another?

[JPhillips]

His middle name is Hussein.

Really.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I'm stumped. Does he have a middle name that would help me decide one way or another?

Milo