S O U N D   O F F

June 14, 2008

Internet ‘war room’ will rebuff false rumours

(Jim R Bounds/AP)

Obama’s campaign said that the cyber team would respond immediately to any inaccurate information about him

Tim Reid in Washington
A crack team of cybernauts will form a rapid response internet “war room” to track and respond aggressively to online rumours that Barack Obama is unpatriotic and a Muslim.

As he gears up for his general election fight against John McCain, Mr Obama and his chief advisers are aware of the danger of such rumours, amid polling data showing that a significant number of Americans believe he is a Muslim or are suspicious about his background. Such doubts were a factor in his poor showing with white, blue-collar voters during his primary battle with Hillary Clinton.

In recent days Mr Obama has — unprompted — brought up the subject of the chain e-mails and blog sites making the false claims. Some state that he is a radical Muslim who was sworn in as a US senator on the Koran; others that he sympathises with Palestinian radicals. Many focus on his middle name of Hussein, which was taken from his Kenyan father.

Mr Obama referred to the e-mails in a speech last week to AIPAC, the powerful Jewish lobby.

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Mr Obama said: “They are filled with tall tales and dire warnings about a certain candidate for president and all I want to say is, ‘Let me know if you see this guy named Barack Obama because he sounds pretty scary’.”

Jen Psaki, a spokeswomen for Mr Obama, told The Times that the internet team was still being finalised.

She added: “The only way to run a campaign is to respond immediately when inaccurate information is put out. The [the e-mails] are saying he’s a Muslim. He’s not.

“He’s a Christian. He often brings up the e-mails that are out there and the smear campaign that’s been run against him on the internet.”

The “war room” comes as the Obama campaign prepares a series of biographical speeches, television advertisements and campaign appearances to tell his life story, an attempt to make voters more familiar with him. Despite his long nomination fight against Mrs Clinton, his campaign aides concede that millions of Americans still feel that they do not really know him.

Mr Obama’s Kenyan father, who left the family when he was 2, was a Muslim, but not particularly religious. The Illinois senator lived in Indonesia from the age of 6 until 10 with his white, American mother and Indonesian stepfather, who was a Muslim.

Mr Obama has never been a Muslim, or worshipped at a mosque. He moved from being agnostic to finding Christ in his 20s, with the help of his former Chicago pastor: the Rev Jeremiah Wright, a figure whose incendiary sermons now haunt his candidacy and has increased suspicions among some voters about his patriotism.

A poll in mid-March found that 13 per cent of Americans think that Mr Obama is a Muslim — a 5 per cent increase since December 2007. Another found that 23 per cent of Democrats who hold negative views of him believe that he is a Muslim. The same survey showed that 61 per cent of voters view him as patriotic, compared with 76 per cent for Mrs Clinton and 90 per cent for Mr McCain.

Senior aides to Mr Obama have opened talks with the Clinton camp to discuss pooling their formidable fundraising talent. Between them the two Democrats raised nearly $500 million (£254 million) during their nomination fight.

David Plouffe, Mr Obama’s campaign manager, is due to give a presentation to some of Mrs Clinton’s top fundraisers in New York on Thursday.

In recent weeks Mr Obama has also pinned an American flag badge to his suit lapel after being criticised by Republicans for not wearing one.

He locked horns with Mr McCain yesterday over the faltering economy, the number one issue with voters, as the Democrat started a 17-day economics tour with a speech in North Carolina lambasting the Republican over his support for the fiscal policies of President Bush.

The Arizona senator pre-empted his rival’s address by painting him as a liberal tax-and-spender.

Have your say
Have your say

The following are the readers comments which are quite and eyefull I must say.

The fact that being thought of as a Muslim is viewed by so many Americans as a slur speaks volumes. 9/11 is no excuse for the demonisation of 1.3 BILLION individual people. It's bigotry pure and simple.

Steve, Cardiff, UK

Radford Bunker, I'm with you

Tommy Peters, Kuala Lumpur,

You've got to be kidding me. He needs to realize he put himself in this situation and now he wants people to stop saying bad things about him......Boooo Whooo. And you don't go to a church for as long as he did and not believe in what was being preached. Give me a break.

WC, Pittsburgh,

A quote from Barack Hussein Muhammad Obama 's book
From Audacity of Hope: “I will stand with the Muslims should
the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”

He might not be a Muslim technically, but he has stated his viewpoint quite succinctly as to how he thinks. NOBAMA!!!!!

marti, Sequim, U.S.A.

It is a sad state that so many are lead by lies and false allegations. Talking to my mom she believed he was a Muslim. I would hope that the American public would spend a little more time in researching the candidates and not going off of rumor or feeling. Time to mature America!

Jeff, Seattle, USA

The Obamas have to answer every explicit "slur" they are presented with. Answer the exact accusation. Point by point. How many black muslin members are on his paid staff.? Does he or does he not associate with Communists (Frank") Why has he held up and praised anti American political activists

John D Gray, Lake Jackson, Texas, US

Well, I'm going to tell you how I feel and there are thousands and thousands that feel the same way. Obama don't know what is going on down the street where he lives, much less the rest of the world. America isn't ready for a black, or a woman for President and I wouldn't vote for eaither.

Merlin, Ponchatoula, USA

You americans hold your democracy up to the world as if it is something to model.You have a very intelligent young man, of mixed heritage,and A lot of you hold his heritage aganist him.This ingenious young man ,beat and bankrupted a powerful political machine,you don't focus on issues,just race!

apri, paris, france

Glad Obama is setting up a "internet war room" because we need the truth. Cowards are printing all the smears and gossip. People believing the lies are fearful.The truth is greater.

F.CHAMBLISS, GLEN BURNIE,

Obama is a socialist - He wants huge tax increases, even more massive intrusive government, socialized medicine, UN control of US affairs - every failed policy of the left from the past. I don't care if he is black, brown or purple, he is a SOCIALIST. Just what we need now with a weak economy.

Kenny, Reno, USA

If Obama can't stand the heat, he should get out of the kitchen.

I cannot believe anyone of sound mind would vote for him. I guess America wants to committ mass political suicide and go the way of Europe.

Being Canadian, all I can say is God Save America...You really are lost!!!

Kellie, Saskatoon, Canada

Well, looking at this thread, I can kind of see why Obama feels the need to try and counter some of the things being said about him on the net. I don't think McCain believes this stuff about Obama, and to his credit, he's said so. You may remember McCain's been called a traitor, too (the MIA issue).

Carl, El Paso, USA

I totally agree with Colin, Cambrigde.
Who cares if he´s a Christian or a Muslim, or whatever? What matters is if he´s smart, honest, inteligent.
And even if he´s a muslim, do you make any idea of how...racists this coments of the Republics sound?

DM, Lisbon,

Let's all vote for McCain and the 100 years war in Iraq he promises us, fighting terrorism.
In a country that had no Muslims kiling us until we invaded.

If we had spent the BILLIONS on alternative energy sources we would not need the Iraq oil., or the Saudi oil (whos' DESPOTIC regime we support)

P D Cunningham, Camden, USA

I'd say more troubling is his ties to Louis Farakhan and the nation of Islam. Then for good measure, look at his liberal political stands on the issues and there's not even a choice to make. He is not fit to be President.

Jay A., Slidell, USA

Just one more thing that Obama will use to mislead. He'll use this as a propaganda machine. Hilarious how he now wears a flag pin and his Michelle My Bell says she's finally proud of our country. Too little, too late.

Rocco, USA,

I will be voting for Barack Obama. Please tell me if Raila Obama is his cousin . Republican friends are spreading the word that Barack gave nearly one million dollars to Raila's opposition campaign under "friends of Obama". I need some reliable information to counteract this rumor.

Robert Goodrich, Oakhurst, CA.,

Obama is paranoid! Sending out an internet task force team to shut down rumors? Now I know I won’t be voting for him!! What next? If he becomes president he’ll push to make it against the law to say anything negative about him.

Hey OBAMA – Freedom of speech buddy. Get over it!

Adlyn, North Carolina, USA

Did Barrack Hussein Obama oppose the Iraq war because of his middle name 'Hussein'. Helping his brethern i suppose? How did he get into Harvard-based on his merit or based on the minority racial quota? Is he contemplating on soul food, soul music soul train etc in the White House?

sridhara, Texas, USA

Can someone tell me if Barrack Hussein Obama got into Harvard on strictly merit basis or on the racial minority quota?

nisr, Texas, USA

Looking at this article Mr.obama seems controversial.Mrs.Clinton would have been better candidate.

Anil Trivedi, Stockton, uk

The Republicans constantly deride the Democrats for spending and taxing. Whey don't the Democrats charge them with spending and putting it on a credit card that will increase our debt and become the resolvability's of our survivors?

Maurice Worley, Ests Park, CO , USA

This is from Koran: "Anybody is free to choose his/her religion and there is no force on it", and it is not true that if you change your religion from Islam to Christianity you must be die. And if somebody tells you that he is not a Muslim, that is enough to prove it.

Reza, Tehran, Iran

Michelle Obama proud of her country for the first time in her life. Why did she stick around for so long. These people are radicals and don't belong near the white house.

Paul, Akron, USA

I really don't care about his religion or skin color. But I do care he loves US, or he has no business being a President.

The fact that he is a favorite, and friends with a lot of Jihadist, Islamists, and other American haters is troubling.

He is smart but shifty, tells you what you like to hear.

Jim Bonner, Cincinnati, USA

The argument as to whether Obama is or is not a Christian sounds very funny from over here.That question would never arise in British or French politics because of sounding ridiculous. He is certainly not a Moslem if that is bothering anyone and for the older generation he is clearly not a communist

Colin, Cambridge, United Kingdom

In Islam, if you are born to a Muslim father then, according to the Koran, you are a Muslim. If he has forsaken the Islamic faith then he is an Apostate, as an Apostate, under Islamic Law, he is to receive the Death Penalty.

Tom , Truthinreligion, Merika!

Barrack Obama's 20 years in that hateful political organization they call a church is plenty for anybody to know about him. Unpatriotic? You bet. Radical leftist? No question about it. Stealth Marxist? Most likely. Unfit for command? Without a doubt.

J Thomas, Atlanta,

Who implied that Sen. Obama is a muslim? Nobody seems to know. He spends alot of time refuting 'slurs' he WISHES people were making. Sympathy is a great vote getter. Reminds me of the movie 'Bob Roberts', where Bob has himself shot right before the election to get the sympathy vote.

Richard, Kenosha, WI, USA

I have been tracking this man's verbals and non-verbals, and I assess him as exceptionally deceptive when responding to critical issues connected with his integrity and ethics and motives.

Vincenzo, DC, USA

I am incensed that usign his response, corroborating my assessment is that the only reason he quit that church was because he is running for President. Equally as disturbing the Democrats either defends, does not care, forgot or failed to challenge this man or Bill Clinton.

Vincenzo, DC, USA

Find out more about Barack Obama's Christian faith here:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/faith/

Gabriel, Nashville,

Obama bused in Republicans to help him defeat Hillary Clinton, they will vote Republican in the General Election, much of his advantage as professed by the Obama supportive media, has disappeared. As for his qualifications, most of his elective policy platforms, were stolen from Hillary Clinton.

Randy Ranson, Winnipeg, Canada

Obama's not the antichrist, because the antichrist is a figure from a folk tale. Nor is he a Muslim, not that it matters.

Lyle, Calgary, Canada.

Bob, Muslims believe that EVERYONE is born a Muslim. When they become aware of Islam, they become Muslim in fact. If they do not follow the Qu' Ran then they become apostate. Muslims backdated Abraham and the rest of the prophets so they became ' People of the Book '. Happy now ?

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

What is Obama's position on affirmative action laws? He supported them in Illinois when it was expedient in the ward politics of Chicago. Will he still support them for a national election?

GEORGE , columbus ,ohio, usa

Obama is the smartest chap to come up for President in a very long time.

Republicans are jealous they don't have a candidate or a credible party.

Religious freaks & zealouts are hysterical and they always will be. That's why we have separation of church & state in our constiution

Joseph, St. Louis, USA

Its inevidible that we will soon have another war ,this time with Iran it doesnt matter if Obama talks his head off. ;when the time comes he will have to capitulate tosave us from annialation.Make no bones about it Obama is a socialist which will show itself if he is ever elected.

joseph Dalton, Oxford ,New York, Usa

His arrogance will bring him down faster than whether or not he is Muslim. He can't stand people talking about him because he thinks he is without repoach. Well, Mr Obama, you too have faults and you need to realize that you are not the second coming. You did not get the popular vote!!

deanie, colchester,

It has become apparent that we cannot believe or at least trust in anything this man has said. First he claims Rev. Wright is "like an uncle to him" then he "isn't the man I knew". First he agrees to campaign on public funding, then he won't. I don't believe a word he says.

Doris, Merrimack, NH, US

My gripe with Obama is that his background is similar to so many other politicians-ie. lawyer/civil servant with no business experience in the private sector. It is a great shame that Michael Bloomberg is not running, a man who built up a billion dollar empire and would be eminently more qualified.

David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.

About the "apostate" stuff: Obama was never properly educated about Islam and never believed in it as a teen or adult--therefore by ISLAMIC LAW (which all you non-muslims are expert on, apparently) he is NOT an apostate!

Bob, Davis, CA, USA

I agree with you Jenny of Portland. What False rumors?
Guess he must be expecting lots of them! So far, if researched
only very few have turned out to be false. Have not heard much from his wife lately?? Guess they finally figured out that she is becoming a liability !

Drew, Pleasanton, USA

My children, ages 9 and 6, have come home from school reporting what they have heard from other kids there; that Obama is a muslim and that he wants to take away our bibles.

David Keith, Amarillo, USA

Can anyone name me five major accomplishments of Barack? Can anyone provide me an outline of his qualifications to be president?

Armundo, Livingston, usa

There are many ways to salvation. The first is to be saved from something, this is commonly called deliverance. The second way to salvation is to be saved for something, this is commonly called redemption. The third way to salvation is, by healing. There is only one savior, Jesus.

joseph ervin, savannah, USA

I think it is hilarious to hear Obama supporters ask if we will ever get past the rumors so we can hear Obama's policies. You will never hear Obama talk about his policies because he doesn't have any except for more government involvement and higher taxes. The guy is an emptier suite than John Kerry

Boyd Black, Hesperia, California, USA

I believe that Obama will prevail on this because the American people, who are facing difficult times at home and abroad, are sick and tired of being manipulated by fear, ignorance and prejudice (a peculiar form of ignorance).

Martin Edwin Andersen, Churchton, USA

Either Obama is lying about a lot of his past or he is incrediblty naive. Not recommended for a proposed leader.
Listen closely to what he says and don't be swayed by his public speaking talents.

Ruth, hillsboro, USA

Obama is NOT a Christian. He may attend a protestant church, but anyone who states that "there are many ways to salvation", either hasn't read the bible, attends services for some other reason than spiritual growth (political?), or attends a church that doesn't teach or preach biblical truths.

Michael Peck, Lake Orion, USA

Birds of a feather flock together. I don't like Obamas flock, and find it anti-american.

Bill, Coventry,

Why does obama need internet stormtroopers? This is a republican thing to do. But what this shows once again is that he can't connect with the rest of america who are not online every minute of every day. These are those voter in PA, OH, WV, NJ, SD, etc who will split the ticket and vote McCain.BOWL

Stephen, Hillside, USA

The article makes a bold claim that Obama never worshipped at a mosque. He very well might have when he attended the madrassa.

Carl Thomsen, Edmonds, USA

First and for most I look at facts and history books. OBAMA according to his book, what he has said on tv, and his voting record says he is a socialist and borderline Communist out of his own mouth. His ideas our anti-American pure and simple. The man scares the hell out of me and his buddies!

chris, st.louis,

all it takes is a link from drudge and the most asinine citizens of my country come out to say the most ignorant things. as a white male from the deep south, I must say i think the election of barack obama may be the best thing that's happened to us in a long time. can't wait to see him sworn in.

David , Birmingham, Alabama, USA

He has already stated he wasn't a Muslim. There is a small group of people in America no matter what this man says will believe what they want too believe. No one ask McCain, Baar, nor Nader anything about their religion. He dad nothing to do with the naming of himself. Just like u didn't pick yours

bridgette, Chicago,

Obama is "dead on arrival" as a candidate. It seems that the Dems want to lose the election. He cannot possibly win. He will just be another George McGovern. it will be a landslide for McCain. My brother who is very liberal and a Democrat plans to vote for McCain. Also his hatefilled preacher.

Allen Spencer, Baltimore, USA

I have seen some of the hysteria and fears about Sen Obama on this very thread and it amazes me.

I'm not even a Democrat and am embarrassed about some of the ridiculous and ignorant things people will throw out there about this candidate. Are you bitter Hillary followers or GOP operatives?

Val, Miami, US

Barack was born to a Muslim father.
By Islamic law, he is "Muslim."

The fact that he is now a Christian means that he is an apostate.

Rasheed Abdul-Maliki, Chicago,

I find it a little bit sad that the underlying assumption - behind the emails, the press coverage, the polls and even behind Obama's response - is that being a Muslim is shameful, and that a Muslim couldn't be trusted as U.S. President.

Political reality, perhaps, but still sad.

Neil, London,

I heard his speech the other day talking about how we are all Americans, then why do Blacks continue to call themselves African Americans when they are not, my family was from Wales but I was born here so I'm just an American, why are Blacks not proud to be called Americans period.

Randy Jones, Santa Fe, Texas, USA

Must have something to hide. I guess they will be working very hard.

terry, holmdel, united states

Yuki in Chicago. I got fingerprinted, photographed and questioned because I had a stamp for Dubai in my passport when I was passing through LA, spending 1 1/2 hours in a transit lounge on my way form the UK to New Zealand. Technically, I didn't even enter country but I'm on a data base somewhere.

Mike, Wellington, NZ

I couldn't care less what his religion is. From a failed community organizer to running for President in a few short years is all it takes for me to turn down this less than stellar candidate.

Rebecca, Connecticut, US

While in Indonesia Obama attended a madrassa where he was registered as a "muslim". He currently has two members of the nation of islam serving on his staff. According to a 2007 article in New Republic magazine, Pastor Jeramiah Wright was also a muslim before he "discovered" christianity.

jgg, Los Angeles, USA

Maybe he is a Muslim, maybe not. His pastor certainly made some anti-Semitic comments. But, he can give a good speech and tout a mantra; therefore he should be the President. Ha-ha. I heard one person say "I like Barack because of the whole foreign policy thing" What? Foreign policy thing..

David, Durham, NC,

Jaki, some of us Americans can be really shallow. And you know, they will continue clutching at straws until the fall elections because they have nothing on him! But shouldn't elections be fought on policy issues and not on personalities, because even then McCain can't win that race - no personality

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

Glad to see the American "paste-eaters" are here with their anti-Obama fear mongering. Now you see why we wound up with George W Bush, twice!

With sincere apologies to our cousins in the UK for our past elections, some of us ARE really trying to elect a sentient being.

roger lewis, St Louis, USA

Vote for the platform, not for the man. Vote for what you believe in, not because or "for" a color/race/creed or religion. I believe in honesty and truth. I don't see Obama nor McCain as being truthful or honest. I will take what I believe to be the lesser of the two evils and vote for McCain.

John, Seattle,

It's funny that even though we in the UK and the US live in democracies and have "generally" open governments compared to a lot of the world, with levels of transparency that you do not get in many places, we still go in for outlandish notions based on hearsay. Makes you proud to be free.

Michael , Kennington,

Voting for a man who zealously supports a war that was based on a lie is an alternative? How can he pay for it if he continues the tax cuts? How does he plan to deal with Iran now that the Iraqi government has made a security deal with them? Tune in to "The Spin Room" for McCain's latest fairy tale.

Jacquie, USA,

Jimmy Carter said that ANY Presidential Candidate MUST be approved by AIPAC

jayil, london, uk

I think the AntiChrist theory cannot be immediately dismissed without studying the various prominent religions' versions of the end times. Unfortunately, none of us will know who that person is until it is too late. Hillary still has a chance. Remember she already planted the RFK seed.

Dano, Atlanta,

Obama's middle name is Hussein and he cannot deny that. It will haunt him for the rest of his life because it ties to Muslim ideology. I bet you that 50%+ of Americans don't even know that his middle name is Hussein and they are soon going to be disappointed.

John, Philadelphia,

I'm a teenager and l'm black and l'm very much a fan of Mr Obama. It is narrow minded to judge Mr Obama upon his skin colour or religion he is not Muslim there is nothing wrong with being Muslim.Sad how a 'Super Power' can be so ignorant. Frightend of equality for black people and woman?Disgraceful!

Julius, Kent, United Kingdom

You think Political Correctness in America is bad now?!?! You just wait until B. Obama gets elected President, you ain't seen nothin' yet... God help us all!!! The saying will become "You have the right to remain silent---anything you say can and will be used against you and considered racist..."

DelawareVol, Wilmington, DE, USA

It should read, "Barack Obama sets up interent 'war room' to fight the TRUTH"! He knows that if he were white, with associations that he has had from his past, that there is no way he would have gotten the democratic nomination. It would be great to have a black president, but not this one.

Vince Hugh, Atlanta, USA

Ok, get off the Barak is a Muslim kick. It won't do any good and proves nothing.
The article talks about "false rumors". What false rumors? Who started them? Where did they come from?
Are these like the false rumors started by Obama's people against Hillary? Or has he dreamed up something new?

Jenny J, Portland, USA

Fingerprinting is the norm for many fields. When I became a real estate salesperson, I had to submit fingerprints. When I opened a title company, I had to submit fingerprints. It's really not so "big brother" to have mortgage brokers do so as well.

Aileen Ortega, Miami, USA

A vote for Obama would be the most devisive term in our history. We'll live with four years of past Civil War/Slavery issues. Obama sitting in Pastor Wrights church and being mentored by this racist is too much. Our country needs better than this.

JerryM, Baltimore, USA

I find it depressing that both candidates are religious at all. Claiming to be a Christian to me is the same as claiming you believe in Father Christmas.. it is something people should really grow out of.

Tom Jersey, Hong Kong,

Curiously, the artcle mentions the religion of Barack, his father, and his step-father, but omits the religion of his mother.

David Gonsalves, Taunton, MA, USA

Obama is inexperienced--RACIST ATTACK! He has no foreign policy credentials--RACIST ATTACK! Soft on terrorism--RACIST ATTACK! Can't talk without a teleprompter--RACIST ATTACK! Ultra-Liberal--RACIST ATTACK! Wife hates America--RACIST ATTACK! What a great strategy for deflecting criticism!

Steve, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

I have yet to see something from Obama that I personaly find negative. If anything, he projects the values and ethics that I want to see in an american president. I believe that Obama's limited track record is an asset. I look forward to watching the race.

Chad, Denver, USA

I have been responding to these "fake" Obama emails for over a year now. Each time I get one I refer them to snopes, etc.

They usually have a fabricated "quote" of something Mr. Obama never said. This is slander, pure and simple.
Meant to deceive people.

These people need to be sued in court.

Shano, Prescott,

Radford,
Saying the Surge was succesfull is like saying that after letting your teeth rot, the operation to remove them from your mouth was a success. Obama was correct in pointing out that the surge made up for some of the losses in Iraq, it still means nothing in terms of overall stability.

Jonathan, Durango, USA

Obama will not put his hand on his heart nor say the pledge of allegiance. If this Country wants a man like that as it's Commander and Chief, maybe I need to move! Not enough people are standing up! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY! Our Fore-fathers are doing back flips in their graves. How ungrateful!

Amanda, Maryville , USA

Obama spent over 20 years listening to a racist minister, the only logical conclusion is that he agrees with the minister. He is a typical Democrat, telling the truth about his history and believes is considered a slur.

Richard T. Ketchum, Moberly, USA

"...Timothy McVeigh? Wasn't he a radical Christian ... make sure you have your facts right. Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK"
Uh, I think YOU need to get your facts right. READ! He was an agnostic! And people are complaining cause they think Obama is Muslim? How ironic!

Karenina, Lakewood, USA

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK... Show me one bit of evidence anywhere that Timothy McVeigh invoked the name of Jesus or God in blowing up the Murrah Bldg. or wrote that it was his Christian "faith" that motivated him to do what he did. You don't know what you are talking about.

Bob, Detroit, USA

Trillion dollar tax increase for entitlement programs (keep welfare parasites not working, but collecting my money), shooting down the "Born Alive Act", which makes him a murderer. Giving 1/2 billion $ to "poor countries" to make the world "love us" again. This is our money, legal, working tax payer

Kris, Georgia, USA

If it walks like a duck, acts like a duck, sounds like a duck, it must be a duck! This guy is no Christian! He's talked more about his father than his mother. What do we really know about this man with 3 Muslim names, Barack Hussein Obama? He's not fit to be President that's for sure!

Alena, Albuquerque, USA

Muslim question aside, what about his close associations with Marxists William Ayers who Obama even says in his own words launched his political career from his Chicago house or his associations with Fred Davis, a know member of the US Communist party, who Barrack even refers too in his book.

Andy, Dallas,

This man has to many strange anti-americans in his circle, Where there is smoke there's a fire, you can bet on it. Besides, being liberal is one thing but being the most liberal is something else.

Rayy, Jackson, Ga

This man hates America, regardless if he's atheist, muslim , protestant, whatever. I only hope we really do have a system that keeps people like him out of power.

Pat O, Bloomington, USA

What about Obama's ties to William Ayres. We haven't heard enough about that! That relationship alone would disqualify Obama from being an FBI agent, let alone his connection to Louis Farrakahn! Yes Obama had to get old Louis's blessing to run for his state senate seat in Chicago.

Joe Rosio, New York, USA

Michelle Obama's lectures- "Don't work for corporate America, reject it! Become a social worker or teacher instead!" Meanwhile, Michelle earned over $317k /yr, as a hospital administrator (snicker), at a FOR PROFIT, corporate American business- guess it's ok for the little people to make $35-$48k/yr

Kris, Georgia, USA

"If he was not born here can we really trust his loyalty?James , Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.A."
Great point. Obama was born in Hawaii and McCain was born in Panama.

Mke, Madison, USA

Keith in Michigan... the whole point is that Obama HAS NO CHARACTER. He is insincere when he talks, comes across as being an actor and stumbles when asked questions for which he has no prepared answer. It is absolutely mind-boggling that this guy is a candidate for the Presidency of the U.S.!

Bob, Detroit, USA

The purpose of this internet "war room" is more to create a smoke screen to divert America's attention away from the truth about Obama.
His camp relies on keeping Americans in the dark about the real motives of this Marxist.
He has no solutions, only dangerously ignorant ideas.

Mark, Charlotte NC, USA

Hello, UK Times:

Keep running these letters from the right-wing loonies because they provide the marvelous comic material that Obama wits can use to start the US laughing at them.

FW, Madison, WI.

Fred Willman, Madison. WI, USA

The writer mentions Obama "finding Christ" in his 20s. I would like to hear Mr. Obama share that experience with everybody and relate how that has changed his life since then and how he thinks his faith is going to help him serve his country if he becomes President.

Bob, Detroit, USA

Muslim or not, he has been a member of a racist black church for 20 years!! He also has campaign members that belong to the NATAION OF ISLAM, which is Louis Farrakhan’s Racist church that supports the theory that all while people are evil.
NOT GETTING MY VOTE!!!

John, Atlanta,

Hopelessly weak. Come back Hillary, all is forgiven. There's still time until that convention...

M, London, UK

Obama was born in Hawaai. His mother is white American and his father from Kenya. His parents were University students in Hawaai when they met, but his white grandparents were not happy with the white-black relationship. The parents wed, but after 2 years divorced. The father went to Harvard

Angela, Mountain View, CA

Never mind "slurs" and "smears": Obama refuses to provide proof of a Birth Certifcate proving that he was born in the USA. He refused a reporter's request. Under Constitution of the USA Article II, Section 1: "No person except a natural born citizen...shall be eligible to the office of President."

Kathie, london,

I think we know enough about obama. He is married to a woman who hates America, attended church for 20 years where hate for America was preached, refused to wear the American flag on his lapel until it become politically necessary, counted among his friends is a US terrorist who has attacked the US

Teddy, Hollywood, USA

Michelle hates whites and America as much as Rev Wrong does, and she doesn't try to hide it. She was a scholar to Wright and Farrakhan. Read her college thesis, read her "speeches". America will not have a First Lady who looks down her snobby nose at America, sorry! I detest racism of all shades.

Kris, Georgia, USA

What difference does it make? The version of Christianity that Obama chose is as toxic and hateful as anything coming out of a Taliban mosque

Joan, NYC, USA

these guys will be busy. Obama considers any question that makes him uncomfortable, refers to a dubious association, or points out his lack of substance as a slur...

This guy is a major whiner, probably the biggest ever running for president.

nmh, houston, usa

Obama is a socialist with communistic leanings. Now he wants to fingerprint everyone in the nation so he can keep tabs on us. What's next? Is he, like Hugo, going to ask us to rat each other out?

That should give his "truth" detectors something to keep them busy for a few minutes.

Yuki, Chicago, USA

Barack's foreign black father was a Muslim, and therefore, under shuria law, Barack is a Muslim. If he later converted, he is, under shuria law, an "apostate", which Muslims consider a person to be executed! As a capital criminal, how is he going to "negotiate" with Muslim national leaders???

Ray Sanchez, Cleveland, Ohio

Obama is a marxist, an elitist and has no chance going forward. What so very many people will not say they will vote.

Steve, Sarasota, US

It doesnt matter wether he is black or a muslim. what matters is his character and his policies. his character and thoughts tell me that he will be good for world politics and world peace.

harjit, birmingham, uk

Vote for Bob Barr so we can bring this country back to the priciples it was founded upon - the Constitution. Reduce big government and keep them out of our homes.

Chris, Fort Worth, USA

O'Bama needs to publicy state that he is NOT a Muslim. His statement must be unequivocating, must declare that he is not and never has been a Muslim.

Until he does that, I will suspect that he IS a Muslim. And if he IS a Muslim, he should become the governor of North Carolina instead of POTUS.

Bob, Rockport, USA

"Obama did not attend a racist church!! That is a stupid Republican lie. Trinity Church has many white, black, hispanic members! "

Obama's "truth" detectors at work. Trinity is 90 plus percent black. Obama is the evil we all fear. And, yes he was born a Muslim and went to a Muslim school.

John Romano, Los Angeles, USA

Here come the Thought Police. His campaign is financed by ex-Weathermen, he is the most left-wing senator, and what he says (he'll bring America together) is at odds with what he does (push leftist ideology).

But if we point this out on our blogs, his thugs will come and spam our weblogs. Lovely.

CJ, Ft Lauderdale, US

These right wing US bigots are laughable. Their remarks sound infantile but sadly not so innocent. Wow!! America is quite a cauldron of old hypocrits when you take the lid off. Oops!! Nearly burnt my fingers there.

Grow up kids. Get European like us. All of the adults live over here.

David, Swansea, United Kingdom

Vote Democrat and let's guarantee higher gas prices !!!

Alan, Orlando, USA

How about well documented REPORTS of his unpatriotic and incompetent behavior? Will THOSE be treated similarly? It's probably a fair bet.

Senator Obama's history, associates and opinions cannot really survive the honest light of day - he is an empty vessel and supremely UNqualified to be POTUS

Gayle Miller, Fredericksburg, VA, USA

I thought you had to be a natural born U.S. citizen to be president. It sounds like this guy was born in Indonesia to a foreign father and a mother who happened to be an american citizen. If he was not born here can we really trust his loyalty?

James , Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.A.

This clown sounds as paranoid as Richard Nixon times 10.

John Forsyth, Cincinnati, USA

FACT: The Prophet Muhammad said, "No babe is born but upon Fitra (as a Muslim).
FACT:Mr Obama’s Kenyan father, who left the family when he was 2, was a Muslim, but not particularly religious. The Illinois senator lived in Indonesia from the age of 6 until 10 with his white, American mother...

Erik M, Virginia Beach, USA

As Americans we espouse to be a beacon of hope to the rest of the world but in the same breath there are those (right-wing,bigots) who would condemn a man for allegedly being a Muslim (which he is not). How hypocritical is that? How about judging a man by the content of his character ?

Keith, Michigan,

Tyrone, nobody accused those people that don't vote for Barack of being racist...though, unfortunately, some are. What we do not want is people voting for the wrong reasons. Please, listen to the candidates speak over the next few months and choose wisely.

Barbara, Clearwater, USA

When Senator Obama and his party declared that The Surge in Iraq had failed before it had even begun he PROVED that he was not only unpatriotic, a coward, and a traitor, but the he was not that bright.

Hope you Obama folks will think about the facts while you are tracking this.

RSB

Radford Bunker, Atlanta, GA, USA

As co-sponsor of a bill, I guess it's a cinch he will sign it into law if he becomes president.

Who: Obama
What: National fingerprint registry of people in the mortgage industry.
Why: They could potentially break the law some time in the future.

Welcome to the "World of Obama", change you can believe in!

Retort, Birmingham,

I Agree It Really does not matter if you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslin . But every thing hs has voted for and believes in is not What Christianity is about. Abortion , Partial Birth Abortion, Honosexuality Secondly he's a Liberal , a total Liberal . How is the War Room going to dispell that ?

M Guzzi, Hollister, USA/Ca

Lord forgive me for questioning my fellow American .. I am sure he and his other followers have been given the tablet of truth for all Americans to follow. You don't have to look far to see how this righteous attitude has hurt our country ... eight years of the chosen one himself, George W. Of course we can thank England for sending all your Puritans to our shores .... hundred of years later we are still dealing with these high-and-mighty know-it-alls!!

Dave Webb, Atlanta, USA

Wow! Ignorant, bigoted comments from Americans living in the South.

Reasonable comments that point to policy and reality, and not toward racism and pointless banter from Europeans.

Maybe McCain should be elected. I think Obama is too good for this country.

Chad, Birmingham, USA

It's amazing Americans would consider a man who led his children to the sermons of Jeremiah Wright! Now Let's discuss "Poor Judgement"

Jerry, Tucson, USA

Isn't it telling that he is now wearing a pin that he said was against his principals before? He is willing to "change his stripes" to get elected. That says it all and no campaign staffers "planted' in chat rooms should change that. Indeed, I think that his staffers should identify themselves

John C., Va Beach, USA

This is the funniest thing I've read all day.

Most of the slurs I have heard have come from his mouth or from the mouth of his allies.

The guy is a loser.

JSmith, Fredericksburg VA, USA

Obama is a socialist! His supporters foam at the mouth if someone even mentions his policies...
Well he's just co-sponsored a bill to finger print those in mortgage industries.

US citizens better start investigating him more, but I doubt they will, as they are under some kind of spell.

Bobbie, ky, usa

Someone told me he was black too? Is this another rumor? Race or religion is not the problem as these intelligent liberals would like to believe (everyone is an idiot except themselves). The real problem is that he alienated half the USA with his bigoted remarks about principles that built the USA.

johnny , Islamabad, Pakistan

This is beyond ridiculous. This rumor has been started by the Southern Baptists,who actually called Barack Obama the anti-christ. This angered me beyond reason. I am an Obama supporter and a fellow for Obama in my state. Do we really want another 4 years of fear and war mongering? Not me..no thanks

Faith Marie James, Manchester, USA

True or False, who knows. He is shown not saying the pledge. Out of his own mouth, I don't wear that "PIN", notice the words "THAT PIN", what pin, could he not even say the American Flag. Free Speech, but actions speak louder than words. My right to free speech as follows: He will not get my vote!

Maggie, Hilton Head,

Hmmm... I think this article might be inaccurate. It says that Barack Obama Sr. was a Muslim who was not particularly religious - however, from what biogs I've read it seems he was a Muslim who turned Atheist, a while before Barack Jr. Was born. No Islamic influence there...

Abioye A Oyetunji, London, UK

Are we that guillable in this "nation"? This rumor has been floating all over the place and is baseless. I am an Obama supporter and a fellow in my state and I intend to do what I can to get this man elected because I am tired of having gas and food prices go up. Sooner or later we need change.

Faith Marie James, Manchester, USA

Obama. Plain and simple. Bi-racial NOT BLACK. Simple enough! And there goes the big deal about him being the FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT because that's false. He's the first BI-RACIAL PRESIDENT.

Hussein, Yorkshireville, USA

Obama did not attend a racist church!! That is a stupid Republican lie. Trinity Church has many white, black, hispanic members! Just because you saw one sermon from Rev Wright which criticised America's policy doesn't make the whole church racist. I know many "white" churches that have done the same

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

Talking about infringement of rights. He wants to track and respond aggressively..And then what?? Isn't it an American right to have freedom of thought. and speech?
In his first book, he states. If the ties of Muslim power should shift I will support them 100% Enough said !!

Mac, GriffinGa., USA

I'm not particularly concerned over whether Obama is a Muslim or not, but I am concerned about some of his associations. I don't see how a person could attend a church for 20 years where the pastor apparently often preached anti-american sermons. To some the sermons also appeared to be anti-white.

Dave, Sulphur Springs,Ts, USA

So he's set up a "War Room", to combat the "Slurs". Kinda like Bill Clinton having HIS War Room, to combat the "BIMBO ERUPTIONS". Because everyone KNOWS that these babes wre ALL LIARS. Now, all Barry needs is a Legal Defence Fund. This charleton is BAD NEWS. But don't worry. You'll find out.

Timothy L. Pennell, Middletown, U.S.

John, Edwardsville, just what do you call the action carried out by Timothy McVeigh? Wasn't he a radical Christian who killed hundreds od innocents, including babies?
If you are going to judge people, make sure you have your facts right.

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

i would never vote for him.

12th generation American
M.E. Ganttt, Mechanicsburg, U.S.A.

12th generation? So which country did the first generation come from then?

Hilarious!!

MN, London, United Kingdom

Having just finished the chapter "Faith" in his book 'The Audacity of Hope' I think there is little doubt that he is Christian.

More to the point though, why should it matter?

Nick_MX, Brighton,

Barack Hussein Obama! That's the man's name! So why is he running from it? Will he not use it should, by some accident of nature, become president?

JC, Pontiac, USA

McCain is too much to the center for most Repubs and he gets cozy with the Dems, as shown by the legislation hes helped pass. Obama will raise taxes, wants national fingerprinting, huge spending and says he wants to downsize the military and talk to dictators. Hes more european then American.

William, Atlanta, USA

This story has a mistake.Obama's father was an atheist from all reports I've heard. He was raised a muslim, but left the religion, when you leave a religion, you leave leave it. His mother was an atheist or agnostic as well from memory. I've also read that his stepfather wasn't really religious.

Peter, Perth, Australia

Are we ever going to find out about his policies, or is the fact that he's black, and some people think he's a muslim and don't like either of these things all the UK press is prepared to tell us?

Alex, London,

Yes Deborah Lopez, you are absolutely right that thousands who supported Hillary will now support McCain - and that is because they were the Rush Limbaugh Republicans who were planted in Camp Hillary to cause chaos in the Democratic Party. The problem is you seem to have been hoodwinked by them!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

“He’s a Christian." One can stand in a garage and declare all the day long that he is a car; that doesn't make him one. A christian does not promote homosexuality, as does Obama. A christian does not promote the murder of the innocents that never see light, as Obama does. You are what you promote.

Steve Larimore, Atlanta, USA

How pathetic, have the Americans really lost the plot. So what if hes a Muslim, Christian or Jew, who cares.

Just so long as he can do a good job running the country, that's what should matter.

You've already had an psycho Christian nutcase, who waged war on Eye-raq, because God told him!

Sandy, London, uk

To prove his patriotism he should point out that he is the only candidate that had to have Secret Service detail protecting him and his family so early in the race because he is the only candidate receiving credible death threats. You must love your country to fight on for it in the face of hate.

Thomas, Basseterre, St. Kitts

Thats just another way for Obama and his leftwing Liberal Troops to say we that dont vote for him are Racist Uneducated who Cling to their guns and Religion.

Tyrone, fairview, United States

From the age of 6 until 10 years old he lived in Indonesia with his white mother and muslim step father and he never worshipped in a mosque? Right. As for freedom of religion, I do not see radical christians strapping bombs onto themselves before going to the market.

John, Edwardsville, United States of America

I think that people are shallow and unintelligent. The people that are coming out and saying he is muslim are simply racist at heart. It is those people that have false priorities in place and continue to drive America's morals into the ground. I am republican and voting for Obama. Obama 09!!!!!

Suzanne, Ft Drum, US

When it all comes down people will vote for whom they TRUST the most and who will be BEST for the country. The DNC decided Obama was their man, while THOUSANDS of those who supported Hillary have now joined forces and chosen to support MCCAIN. People STILL have the RIGHT to think what they want!

Deborah Lopez, Port Arthur, USA

I am more worried about the TRILLION PLUS in NEW spending he has set forth. And the fact that he attended a racist church for 20 years, his friendship with Ayers a KNOWN terrorist who STILL thinks he didn't do enough bombings etc of US domestic targets.

The truth is scary enough

Gregg, Columbus, Indiana, usa

This is so riduclous. Isn't this want America was founded on -- religious freedom or am I wrong. It really doesn't matter if he is Muslim or not. The man has professed himself to be Christian. If this is the only thing you can find wrong with him then you are pretty shallow.

Jaki, Washington DC,

Senator McCain has already admitted he is weak on economy issues, so this is really good that Senator Obama is hitting him hard on the economy. Let's remember, too, that when the President was talking about the package of $600 per adul an $300 per child, Senator McCain opposed it!!

NinaK, Lakewood, USA

Why would Obama need to make any effort to get his message out when the media outlets will do his bidding for free?

rob, falls church, va, USA

The problem is not that many Americans believe this stuff, it is that they are allowed to vote at all. The level of ignorance in the US is breathtaking. Now they are about to elect the most powerful man in the world based on rumour, lies and innuendo. Next up? John McCain is an alien...

Davek, Byron Bay NSW, Australia

Please, please ask Senator Obama to explain his speech to AIPAC last week. Has he really abandoned all ideals? Does he really want to impose policy on Jerusalem without talking to Arabs or Palestinians? Is he really more hawkish than Bush or Rice? This has been the saddest week I can recall.

Byron Cooper, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, USA

"Liberal Tax-and-Spend": Fiscal responsibility while investing in America

-Vs-

"Conservative Spend-and-Spend": Trash the constitution while wracking up 3 trillion in debt with nothing to show for it

I'll take the former any day.

Doug, Durango, USA

Sometimes I think that the people which are saying that mr obama is a muslim are just looking for a rational excuse not to vote for a man of colour. If you would take this argument away from them they just would find an other argument to explain rationally why they cant vote for him.

maz hess, biel, switzerland

Obama's father was a Shiite Muslim, therefore, by birth Obama automatically became a Muslim in Muslim eyes. That he later became a Christian, only means to them that he is in apostasy but is still a Muslim. Something like a fallen away Catholic. Most wiser people object to his knowledge lacks.

jb bauer, Milwaukee, USA

What about if the so called slurs are TRUE??????

Fred Anderson, Redmond, USA

Greetings over there on Airstrip One. So, Obama has his own Ministry of Truth. Did I just hear the clock striking thirteen...?

Mike , Bedford, USA

I recently received an e-mail which warned me of Obama's Muslim beliefs. I had already read that this is a lie. The elections of the past served-up healthy doses of FEAR to the American voters, scaring them into voting. Obama promised change, and his campaign has run on the issues -- change enough.

Lewis Routh, New Orleans, USA

I would much rather a politician tell me they are going to increase my taxes to pay for the cost of government than trying to raise money thru the gas tax which in the end is so much more costly to all of us.

Trevor Brown, Houston, USA

It'll be interesting to see what the reaction of the American public is when the inevitable cave-video from Osama Bin-Laden is released on the eve of the poll!

James Lynch, London, UK

Methinks the' gentleman' doth protest too much'.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England, UK.

Writing from SoCal, the very idea of thinking that anyone seriously believes the Muslim nonsense is incredible. I have to say, the very fact that they don't know whether he was sworn in on the Koran or not points to the worst kind of pathological, wanton, ignorance. *sigh* That's our right wing!!

Hazel, San Diego, California, USA

Great idea. St. Petersburg Florida newspaper has same service rating assertions of candidates as true, half true, mostly false, and liar liar pants on fire. You can get free to your email. It's great coz the lies can happen so fast and form popular images.

Gaias Child, Springfield Oregon, USA

Are they instructed to respond to all critics of Obama by accusing them of racism? I think he's been doing that since January.

Why does Obama hate muslims?

AF, San Francisco, USA

Whether Obama is or isn't a muslim, running for President, shouldn't matter. If you truly believe it'll be a mistake to elect him as president, don't vote for him. It's as simple as that. You have the power in deciding on who our President is.

Elizabeth Martinez-Gressinger, McAllen, United States

I recently saw someone who said he's a Muslim.
I referred them to a website that debunks rumors.
Since this country is supposed to represent freedom of
religion, he should also be able to be Muslim and still
get elected.
But he's Christian.
& our next president.
Pat Rollins, Payson, AZ.

Pat Rollins, Payson, USA

I am from wi, why would anybody think that Wi is a swing state. Listen we Obama back. We will not let this state go to Mc cain.
we are a well educated state, we could use a form fo Obama program where we could detail pros cons and other.

curt Lowinske, racine , wi

It's really tiresome to see the anti-Obama people using his middle name against him.

Who gets to choose their middle name? Who wouldn't like to change their FIRST name if they could?

They would like their cake and eat it too, crticizing Obama for attending a Christian church where the pastor was Jerimiah Wright, yet claiming he's a Muslim too....simply because of his middle name.

They also like to use his middle name in vain, while decrying the war in Iraq which was (supposedly) instigated to remove Saddam Hussein.

Michael, Melbourne, Australia

Barack is about as much a Muslim as George Bush is a Christian. And I'm not sure which false accusation is more damning.

Raman, Fort Worth, USA

i would never vote for him.

12th generation American

M.E. Ganttt, Mechanicsburg, U.S.A.

Who, exactly, is still contending that Obama's a Muslim? I'm a Republican, and no one I know believes that, let alone propagates it. We have enough *legitimate* concerns with Obama's constituency, his policies, his associates, his experience, and his overall fitness to be President.

Andrew Holter Barbour, Stamford, USA

What false rumors? Is he planning them?

Jenny J, Portland, USA

"A crack team of cybernauts will form a rapid response internet “war room.."

He's making matters worse. I've personally been debating on online political forums for five years (war rooms) and these neocons will lie through their teeth providing biased sources and use falsified data. It's hell.

jayil, london, uk

So what if he was or is a Muslim. Orthodox fundamentalists in ANY religion are outside the mainstream.
We are insulting Muslims at home and in the world.
We are bigots if we keep talking about our differences rather than our similarities.Separation of State Vs "Church" or any place of worship!!

mg, Waterford, USA

I would like to see Senator Obama put a dollar figure on the bottom number for what he describes as rich, then a bottom and top number on what is the middle class, then a bottom number on what is poor. It seems to change from speech to speech.

Larry Brown

L.V. Brown, Charlotte, NC, USA

Even if he was a Muslim, what is the big deal? American is all about "freedom of religion" - as long as it's some denomination of Christian. What a load of balogna.

Mike Bocek, Hollywood, CA, USA

God help us. Some people will find any excuse their is to justify their voting for the wrong person. Please, take a good look around. Bush has spent all the money in Social Security. Our country is 11 trillion in debt and McCain wants to keep on going. There is nothing to win in Iraq. We get nothing

Mike M, Clover , U.S.

It would be interesting to hear his take on the Bilderberg meeting that he attended in Chantilly at the weekend.

http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/june2008/060708_media_blackout.htm

John Hill, Northampton,

this is a perfect example of what's really going to happen in the election ... obama setting internet command center and mccain dusting off a golden oldie (liberal tax-and-spender ...)

Lanny Davis, Winningtown, USA