Political Play: Obama claims link to the Wild West

[kevinmc]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- Barack Obama is claiming a link to the Wild West - Wild Bill Hickok, to be precise.

The Democratic presidential candidate came to this town on the edge of the old West on Wednesday and laid down a challenge for his GOP rival.

"If Sen. McCain wants a debate on taxes in this campaign, I'm ready," Obama said, noting that Hickok is said to have fought a duel here. "I'm ready to duel John McCain on taxes right here, quick draw," Obama said before closing the loop with Hickok.

"The family legend is that he is a distant cousin of mine. I don't know if it's true but I'm going to research it."

It's not just legend, says Chris Child, a genealogist with the New England Historic Genealogical Society.

Hickok is sixth cousin to Obama's fourth great-grandfather, Jacob Dunham, Child said. Their common ancestor is Thomas Blossom, who arrived with the Pilgrims. The society earlier found other notable links to Obama, including Brad Pitt, of Springfield; and Vice President Dick Cheney.

[elehhhhna]

1. yeah well McCain's prolly related to Benedict Arnold. So there!

[elehhhhna]

2. p.s. why does the headline say "claims" when it's evidently TRUE?

[Eyes_wide_ open]

3. ah well ... we'll accept Wild Bill

but we don't have to claim the evil one do we?

OTOH ... I always knew Cheney was a closet Mooslym LOL

[RayOfHope]

4. LOL, he was playing into local legend here in Springfield, MO

It was some comedy today. Nothing big. The crowd thought it was pretty funny.

[elehhhhna]

5. They actually ARE related.

[RayOfHope]

6. I know. Its just kind of silly to me that this little moment of levity

is getting this attention, that's all. He said so many wonderful things today--I wish all of them would get press like this (and woot! some of them are!)