Concerned about Barack Hussein Obama's Name?

[ChipsAhoy]

Is anyone else concerned about how average Joe Blow America will vote when he sees the name Barack Hussein Obama on the ballot? I am. I sure don't have the answers on this, but it does worry me. Anyone else??


Here's a snip from a Yahoo article on this subject:




WASHINGTON - Sen. Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record) doesn't think name recognition is necessarily a plus as he seeks the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2008.

"When your name is Barack Obama, you're always an underdog in political races. That's how it was when I ran for the United States Senate," Obama said Wednesday.

"That's how it will be this time," he said on ABC's "Good Morning America."

But Obama, who has formed a presidential exploratory committee, also said he believes "I've got something unique to offer."

Appearing on CNN, Obama, D-Ill., said that when he was running for the Senate, "there was an image of me superimposed over a picture of (al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama) bin Laden. I think people like to play with my name."

On CBS's "The Early Show," Obama said he wouldn't be surprised if he is the victim of "scurrilous attacks."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070124/ap_on_el_pr/obama2008_2

[pinto]

1. No.

[AtomicKitten]

2. nope

Anyone that would be concerned is a moron and wouldn't vote for him anyway.

No net loss there.

[ChipsAhoy]

7. Resorting to name-calling?

Not nice. Save your name-calling for the Repug's.

[AtomicKitten]

9. that's who I was referring to

duh -- but thanks for the finger-wagging in my face anyhow

[President Kerry]

10. easy..

Anyone that votes on the basis of a name IS a moron, and should be written off. It's quite obvious.

[MADem]

68. Why in the WORLD would you think the poster referred to YOU?

It's PLAIN who the poster is referring to--and those are the people who wish Obama ill.

Unless you're one of them, why, you can rest easy, knowing that the invective doesn't apply to you. After all, you were the one who dragged up a three week old story with such great concern...

Reading IS fundamental.

Very interesting, that umbrage of yours.

[skipos]

43. You think that the only people who vote for Dems are intelligent and thoughtful?

You are more optimistic than I.

[AtomicKitten]

45. plus they're good-looking

:)

[Imagevision]

85. As long as they get it right on the ballot boxes and the computers don't

switch your vote to another candidate like, vote for Obama and your vote displays a vote for McCain!!! other then that? No probs with Obama's name, easy to remember!

[Catshrink]

3. I admire him for not changing it and not hiding it.

Can you imagine the field day Limpbaugh and O'Really would have if he had and it were discovered? I admire his dignity -- this is my name, this is my heritage, this is who I am. How refreshing!

[ChipsAhoy]

15. Indeed! But we MUST win in 2008.

As we saw the last time around, the average voter doesn't have a clue. We have to remember where we are and what time period we are living in. I simply cannot see him getting anywhere near the White House with his name. And that's a shame too, because he seems bright and highly qualified.

Again, we need to look to the big picture and the average voter. Unfortunately.

I'm in this one to WIN. I've been living for 2008.

[ClassWarrior]

20. So are the American people morons or not?

Here you seem to be saying they ARE, yet in post #7 you said that's name-calling.

I, for one, believe the American people are plenty smart, and they're getting even smarter as the Progressive media grows.

NGU.

[ChipsAhoy]

59. I don't trust the American voters - with reason!

Look who occupies the White House.


As for my post #7 - the name-calling was directed at me, personally. Not nice, tsk, tsk. We are all supposed to be on the same side, pulling for OUR country and not stooping to personal name-calling. Surely you agree.

[ClassWarrior]

62. You think Bush/Cheney** were voted in? Nuff said.

NGU.

[ChipsAhoy]

66. Your words.

Not mine.

[MADem]

69. The Supreme Court = American Voters, eh? NT

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Can you imagine the confusion...

If he was named Barack Schlomo Obama?

[uppityperson]

22. Or if he shared Joe Blow America's middle name?

[ChipsAhoy]

26. Too funny! n/m

[ChipsAhoy]

24. LOL!

It may as well be. Look at the idiots that voted for a shrub.

Ahh, well, it's all relative, I suppose.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. No.

Anybody who's stupid enough to refuse to vote for Obama because his middle name is Hussein wouldn't vote for him anyhow.

[ClassWarrior]

6. Thank you for your concern.

:eyes:

NGU.

[Midlodemocrat]

8. Not in the least.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[AtomicKitten]

17. you go, girl

:)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

23. Point taken, but

what does Edwards have to do with Obama's name?

[ClassWarrior]

31. Any opportunity to slam a Dem...

:shrug:

It must be field day for the concern trolls.

NGU.

[FrenchieCat]

49. Slamming is relative.....debate is not.

OP is bringing up Obama's name...something that Obama cannot help....didn't have an option in, etc...

I bring up in contrast Edwards' lack of jugdment on a grave policy issue, something that Edwards had control over and who literally chose how he would approach it all.

Those who support Edwards shouldn't care about what he said back in 2002, and shouldn't see this as a slam...as they are all very well aware of his stance at that point, and have determined that his mea culpa 3 years later is reason for repentance and a possible reward to the White House.

In otherwords, I'm not sure why posting Edwards' support for Iraq back then should have the effect of "slamming" John Edwards now. How does it? Is it a lie or something? :shrug:

[ClassWarrior]

60. This thread has absolutely nothing to do with Edwards...

...yet, like clockwork, you cut and paste this vast heap of verbage into the middle of it. Now the info contained in that verbage may or may not be true. I don't know, because quite frankly when someone always wants to shove the same ton of verbage down my throat over and over and over again without taking the trouble to engage in a real dialogue or debate on the subject, that doesn't make me very interested in what that person has to say.

You claim it's only about judgement. Sadly, it appears that you think it's only about your judgement, and people better damn snap to it. And that's what makes it slamming.

:shrug:

NGU.

[FrenchieCat]

72. I am on no clock...I leave some Edwards threads alone, and

post in others...and post Edwards stuff in non edwards threads......in otherwords, you might want to "predict" what I say, but you would be wrong about it.

I have NOT posted the exact post that you have just now "NOT" read...although I have posted other things about John Edwards...such as the Issue of Iran, and his co-sponsorship of the Iraq Resolution.

We are in a primary season, and I will not let people forget what is at stake, and what has done what when.

Poster is the one doing the slamming. I am putting up reality even if it is 4 years old.

Just Like what I say about the media in my sig line, this goes for you as well.

[FrenchieCat]

35. It has to do with the fact that those with "Regular" sounding names

and more "acceptable" electable features are not necessarily better for us.

That names are not important.

Judgment is.

That is all.

[BlueStater]

12. Hussein is a very common name in the middle east

Obama shouldn't change his middle name just to appease ignorant, racist idiots.

[ChipsAhoy]

19. You mean like the idiots who voted the last time around?

Those idiots? THAT's exactly who we need to be concerned about.

They still vote. :/

[FrenchieCat]

21. We cannot be "concerned" as Barack's name will remain the same....

And yes, some might not vote for Obama because of his name, and some because of his race, and some because of his perceived lack of experience, and SO? :shrug:

[KingFlorez]

27. People who are dumb enough to concern themselves with such a thing

are not going to be voting for any Democrat, even if his name was John Smith

[aaronbees]

33. We need to be concerned about ignorant, racist idiots?

I don't think so. :eyes:

[mtnsnake]

34. Stop worrying over nothing. His name is an asset

Just the fact that he shares the same middle name with the name of someone famously negative will arouse curiosity in even the most naive voters out there that they'll almost be forced to check out Obama and judge him for themselves. The more exposure his name gets among the RW, the more likely that those idiots will check the man out to see if he shows any resemblance to Saddam or not. Once they check him out for their own self and see he isn't Saddam's twin brother, maybe their minds will open up just a bit.

[AtomicKitten]

42. Exposure to Obama himself will assuage doubt.

He is a natural born leader, smart, well-educated, plenty of experience in the Illinois State Senate before the US Senate, attractive, brilliant speaker, down to earth, with a lovely family, someone who exudes hope and a progressive point of view.

His name is a conversation piece.

Gobama.

[mtnsnake]

55. That, folks, about sums it up

Exposure to Obama himself will assuage doubt.

Yup, that's what I was trying to say, only you did it so nicely in one sentence. Well said, AK.

[MADem]

38. Yeah, one might as well think of the late King of Jordan

Egypt had a couple of Husseins, too, during the Abbasid Period, and then there were at least five Hussein Pashas during the Ottoman era. And that's just for starters.

Scoot around the region, you'll find rulers named Hussein in the history books tucked here, there and everywhere.

Saddam doesn't OWN the name, only people who are woefully ignorant of history and the culture think that (and they proudly display their profound ignorance when they bring that crap up). It's like saying we need to discard every George, from Washington to frigging well-tanned Hamilton, because of our disgraceful current Pretzledunce.

[KingFlorez]

13. It's pointless to even be concerned about this

The only people who would take his name seriously are people way out of the mainstream, who wouldn't be voting for Obama even if his name was something else. It's nonsense.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

14. Gosh, I am...

I mean, with a name like Obama he must be a terrorist. And I heard his middle name is...is...Hussein. He hates America!!

STFU and go troll somewhere else.

[silverweb]

16. Nope.

Not in the least.

It will be very easy to expose any of Obama's attackers on this issue as the sneaky, petty thugs that they are.

[mtnsnake]

18. What AtomicKitten said

Anyone that ignorant where they would hold someone's name against them, is likely not going to vote AT ALL, let alone for us.

[Olney Blue]

25. I am not concerned.

[LWolf]

28. No. His name isn't what turns me off. n/t

[ChipsAhoy]

36. Your sig line ------- ?

I like it (with the exception of Clark. I've always admired him and think he would do a fine job in a position of authority.)

So, who would you like to see nominated?

[LWolf]

47. There are a few:

Kucinich, without a doubt. Barbara Boxer. Barbara Lee. Those are at the top of the list, anyway.

One Democrat I'd cast a vote for, even though I have some differences on issues, would be Gore.

[AtomicKitten]

53. I agree Al Gore is the key to party unity in 2008.

And Obama would make a brilliant VP. I am so on board a Gore campaign; if he doesn't run, it's Obama or Clark for me.

[LWolf]

58. Your response is a big clue.

Gore may be the one candidate to achieve party unity. While I don't agree with him on a few key issues, I do like and respect him, and he's the one candidate I feel like I could compromise with.

If Democrats with widely varying positions and preferences feel the same, I hope he runs.

[AtomicKitten]

63. I admire your willingness to compromise

and that, my friend, is what creates unity and a formidable voting block.

[FrenchieCat]

75. I have been told by a poster that others' names cannot be posted

in this thread, which must be a new rule.

So the talk of Gore and Kucinich or Edwards or Clinton or Clark cannot be uttered.

According to such poster, you are out of line! :spank: :sarcasm:

[beaconess]

80. No one said you can't mention another candidate's name

But I agree with him that your pattern of bashing Edwards at every turn, regardless whether its germane to the discussion, is very tiresome and clearly obvious to more than one poster.

[MADem]

86. I am still an undecided Democrat (that would change if Gore hopped in, though)

And I have noticed the same thing--it's getting to be almost an obsession. The same shit, over and over and over again. Doesn't matter if the topic is Obama or Anna Nicole, damn near.

IMO, people should spend a little more time telling us why their favored candidate is GOOD, not telling us over and over again like a broken record why other candidates are bad. The latter tactic was commonly used by the Swiftboaters, and it does nothing but make one question, particularly in this Democratic forum, the purpose of such repetitive posts, especially in threads where it's an enormous stretch to connect the complaint with the subject under discussion.

[beaconess]

89. Hear hear

[ChipsAhoy]

56. Kucinich, yes.

A very likable guy from what I remember. He seemed so in control of himself and I appreciate that. I would back him.

As for Barbara Boxer, she's got spirit, but I don't think America is ready for a female President. I'd be hesitant to back someone I think is destined to lose from the get-go.

I'm not too sure about Gore. I think his time has passed. I'd love to see a new face emerge from the shadows. I still think we have time.

[MADem]

29. Gee, I'm not at ALL 'concerned' --and that article has EXPIRED--page not found

I guess, since just looking at the link, it's from JAN 24, nearly three weeks ago, that this is OLD news, that isn't surprising.

This has been hashed and rehashed, on all networks, in all print outlets, and put to bed. The sleazy Ed Rogers who first tried to make hay with this was dragged over the coals of decency on live TV.

The only people still trying to flog it are desperados on the GOP team. Why, pray tell, should you even carry their fetid, scummy water by repeating their filth?

[ChipsAhoy]

37. February 4th

I replied to this link on 2/4/07 elsewhere. My apologies on behalf of Yahoo. :)

[MADem]

73. No, the article you cited is from JANUARY 24, 2007. NOT February. That's how old this horseshit is

It's right there IN the link.

The EXPIRED link, that you posted above. See it? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070124/ap_on_el_pr/obama2008_2

That 20070124 part of the link is the date of the article. 2007/01/24--capisce???

[caledesi]

30. Uh, no. He transcends such superficial things. Do you think

he had a choice. Besides, Hussein is as common as Smith in that part of the world.

Did Richard MILHOUS Nixon?

When have middle names made a whit of difference.

FIRST names like Orin, Haley didn't stop these people or their supporters.

Didn't stop Mohammed Ali....couldn't get anymore than that for a Muslim name!

Barack was born in Hawaii. Most Americans want us out of Iraq and don't cower in fear bec
of 9/11 like some people.

"Concern" over an OLD hit article? Yeah, right, you are really concerned. Puhleeze....


Edit: usual stuff

[ChipsAhoy]

40. Certainly HE does ....

......... but will the average voter? I say No.

We shall see, BUT I think the 2008 election is too important to gamble on. We saw what the American voters did the last two times around. I cannot see those same people voting for Obama, no way, no how. It's just not gonna happen.

[caledesi]

54. Hello? Gore won the popular vote in 2000 and * stole the election.

and we ALL know about Ohio in 2004? Don't we?

Edit: usual stuff

[ChipsAhoy]

57. No more time for excuses

2008 is much too important. We need to appeal to more voters, plain and simple.

[doublethink]

65. The American Voters did just fine the last two times around.

In 2000 it was the Supreme Court who fucked up. And in 2004 a little thing about voter suppression, voting machines (diebold ring a bell?) on and on .... I'd say if your 'truly concerned' about the 2008 election maybe you should be focusing your efforts and attention elsewhere rather than this silly 'name' right wing game bullshit. Sorry to be so blunt, but whomever the Democratic candidate turns out to be in 2008 will do just fine whomever that name happens to turn out to be. Peace.

note: the republic party's record speaks for itself and Americans are over/done with it. Take a look at any polls lately?

[stillcool]

32. Not on my list of concerns....

I do worry about people who sink to ridiculous pubescent tactics, without regard to the reality of the heap of shit we (as a country) are in.

[McCamy Taylor]

39. Tean McCain plans to paint him as a Black Muslim who sleeps with Hillary

since they are hoping for a Hillary-Obama ticket. They have hired the "Harold, Call me" people so they are all ready.

However, Barack Obama is not perceived as African-American. He is perceived as International. So I do not think that the "Harold, Call me" crap is going to work with him, nor will the public be worried by a foreign sounding name since his exoticness is part of his international charm.

[ChipsAhoy]

46. F McCain

He doesn't deserve a voice to speak with.

But, an Obama/Clinton ticket is doomed to fail before it even starts and then what are we going to get stuck with again?

[smalll]

41. Hillary Rodham Clinton, John "House" Edwards, Barack Hussein Obama -

they all have their little issues. They all look pretty good, nonetheless, to me. Everyone's gotta have something, you know? I don't think this is a killer. I've said it before, look at the other team's Big Three. So our candidate's middle name might be Hussein. Their candidates are either fat or bald or Mormon. I like "Hussein's" chances.

[ChipsAhoy]

51. I'm not willing to take the risk

After the last 2 elections, I DO NOT trust the American voters. I still don't understand HOW they voted before. I feel like I've been burnt by my own people, the American citizens.

I think our main concern should be victory and I'm not willing to risk it all on Hussein Obama.

[ripple]

61. It's Barack Obama, not Hussein Obama

And voters who would judge a man on the basis of his birth name probably won't vote for the democrat, anyway.

Obama will succeed at winning the vote of enough moderate republicans and independent voters to more than make up for the bigotry and ignorance of a few.

[ChipsAhoy]

71. It's Barack Hussein Obama

I'm not willing to take the risk and I certainly don't trust the American voters. Why should I?

[beaconess]

81. Then don't vote for him

The rest of us will make up our own minds.

Thank you.

[ripple]

84. I gave you a rationale

and you were apparently STILL more interested in his middle name.

Vote as you wish. If you choose to tag and bag a dem, based on ridiculous rethug talking points, that is obviously your prerogative.

Luckily, it's still legal to be wrong in America.

[MADem]

74. Well, guess what? It ain't up to you. And good thing, too.

If you don't understand how things worked over the last two elections, you've been sleeping. Three things played out:

Florida cheating
The Supreme Court
Ohio cheating.

I mean, really...no one is as naive as all that. And you aren't and you know it.

[Buck Laser]

44. Well, I like "Hussein" better than "Herbert." nt

[AtomicKitten]

48. or McCheese

[skipos]

50. BROCK O'BAMA!

Nothing Muslim about that!

[doublethink]

52. John McCain should be worried bout "Cain and Able" then ....

See Cain was a murderer and killed his brother Able ..... and the hypocritical right wing christian death cult might hold that against him too (even though it's fact they are a death cult) :freak: ... and ... oh... never mind. Tell me what else 'concerns' you about Obama? You concern trolls are really silly sometimes .... :eyes: Peace.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

64. I have to admit, I too was concerned until today! Barack Obama's acceptance speech

If only everyone will open their eyes and really look at him seriously like I did today. For those who might not have seen or heard it, I'm posting Barack Obama's acceptance speech. It's worth reading. It will give you hope. Dear Barack Brigade,

When we first began this improbable journey, nobody thought we had a chance. People said: "He can't win, he's got no money, no organization, and no one can pronounce his name." But you told them loud enough so that the whole state could hear: Yes, We Can!

And now, tonight, nearly two years later, you've made me the next United States Senator from Illinois, and all I can say is thank you!

Thank you for believing that Government can help people find jobs that pay a living wage. Thank you for believing that Government can make a difference in making sure that people don't go bankrupt when they get sick. Thank you for believing that there are better days ahead, and that together we can, and will, make a difference.

It is your abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation that make America a beacon of hope and freedom around the world - the same faith that gave my father the courage to leave Kenya to come study in America. And it is this same faith that I saw in a woman I met the other day named Marguerite Lewis.

Marguerite and I spoke at a rally on the South Side. She said that she wanted to thank me for running a positive race, and wanted me to know that she had voted for me. Ordinarily this wouldn't be unusual, except that Marguerite is 104 years old.

Since we met, I haven't been able to stop thinking about what she has lived through. Marguerite was born in a time when she couldn't vote not only because she was African American, but also because she was a woman. She lived through World War I, World War II, the Great Depression; she saw FDR lift up our nation with the New Deal, and she saw folks marching to eliminate the scourge of segregation.

And I thought to myself, if Marguerite Lewis, after 104 years, still believes she can make a difference, and if she isn't too tired to come to a rally, then we aren't too tired to fight to make sure that our kids have health care! If Marguerite Lewis, after 104 years, can exercise her right to vote, then we aren't too tired to fight to create jobs here in Illinois! If Marguerite Lewis can stand up for what she believes in for 104 years, then Yes, We Can too!

It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today.

Thank you again for your support.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

[ChipsAhoy]

70. Many won't admit it publicly, but the concern still exists.

Thank you. I appreciate you posting his speech.

It reminds me of the strength and courage of Martin Luther King. I only heard clips of it.

I'm not saying he's not a great candidate, I just don't see him having a chance in this day and age. It's ironic, but I think he may have had a better chance before 9/11.

[doublethink]

79. Oh your really fucking slick .........

oh no ...... none of us see through this ..... just how many responses in this thread actually agreed with you on this "Many won't admit it publicly, but the concern still exists." crap? Not A Fricking One! This bullshit name concern of yours seems to exist ONLY IN YOURS AND THE RIGHT-WING SPIN HEAD CLONES. Just keep repeating the bullshit hoping it will somehow stick is a tactic used by many right-wing sickos .... Oh shit and now you bring up 911!

:rofl: no let me guess, was that somehow supposed to subliminally tie the name 'Husein' in with 911? (but but Iraq had nothing to do with 911 did they?) :freak: Therefore Obama with 911! OMFG!!11 this is Hugh!!!11 Man I am out of this thread .... your too slick for me ..... too funny, Peace.

:hi:

[Homer Wells]

90. OMG

"Obama'sounds like OSAMA (gasp)

Be afraid--be VERY Afraid!!!

:wow: :wow: :wow: :scared:

[beaconess]

82. Thanks!

[Clarkie1]

67. No. Is this OP some sort of joke? nt

[MADem]

76. It's not very funny, is it.

Something stinks up in here...

[Adelante]

77. Blech

Where are these people coming from? :puke:

[Crunchy Frog]

78. Nope.

If this country is that stupid, it really deserves a President Gingrich or Brownback or whatever.

[Telly Savalas]

83. I'm concerned that DU will be subjected to idiotic shit like this for the

next 21 months.

Other than that it doesn't worry me.

[Hekate]

87. Full names don't necessarily go on ballots. "Jimmy" Carter, "Bill" Clinton, IIRC.

When he was young he was called "Barry" and he could have decided to go with that, but instead as an adult he claimed his African heritage by using Barack Obama. I don't see that he has ever run as Barack Hussein Obama, and I don't think there's any reason to suppose he will appear on the ballot that way.

That kind of thing is a complete non-issue for anyone but the RW trouble-makers, smear-mongers, racists, and Swift-Boaters.

Hekate

[CJCRANE]

88. His name is catchy

but more to the point it's part of who he is, his history and background.

And what's more he seems more truely American than the B*sh family who have been bankrolled by Middle Eastern royaltly all their lives.