Ohio Voter On 60 Minutes: I Hear Obama Is Muslim, Doesn't Know National Anthem

CBS 60 Minutes reporter traveled to Ohio to speak with voters ahead of Tuesday's crucial primary. Kroft found that one of the more malicious smear campaigns about Obama had reached voters in southern Ohio:

Comments

[vsign]

What did Obama do and feel when 9/11 happened?

I REALLY want to know.

I flew a flag after 9/11. I felt love for this land and people.

Obama's father wasn't even African American. It is like electing a newcomer to the highest office of the land.

Do we not have more love for our country than this??

[skepticalindenver]

You're kidding, right? I'm sure he feels as American as you....since he is. The ignorance of the average American never ceases to amaze me.

[vsign]

I have wondered the same thing about "the ignorance of the average American" this primary season.

Obama says he can win the General and Hillary can't. And you believe him? Why? Do you know this country? Do you know its people? He seems like a nice man and a good poker player. But why make him President? That seems "ignorant" to me. But this is a democracy so we get to think different.

My question is - why would most Americans fall for choosing a newcomer to become President? And why would fall for Obama saying he can win the General? We have not had any time to even see him react to anything a bit? His negatives will sky rocket once a little time goes by.

He is a newcomer. Americans will not make a newcomer President. This is where the word "naive" occurs to me.

[sheraz]

Even though there are lots of bigoted, ignorant, ridiculous comments on this article to choose from, I vote this comment by vsign to be the hands down winner of the "Wow, that was a stupid thing to say" Award

Congratulations!

[transendentilist]

Obama is a newcomer. Most people never even heard of the guy until last year. He hasn't been vetted. Who knows what the GOP will try to pin on him.

[vsign]

I don't think having a love of this country and its people is wrong in any way. I have been a farmer. My ancestors, though not native americans, have lived in this country a long time.

After generations of being born and dying in this country and for this country, one's love for it becomes stronger.

I'm not hostile to immigration at all. I'm not hostile to differences. In fact, I find differences among people interesting.

One of the things I am proud of about americans, is our openness and love for one another despite our differences.

But there is a seasoning that I require when it comes to choosing the right leader for all of us.

I don't like slurs. I don't like your slurs toward me. Maybe think about what Obama's candidancy has inspired in you. I used to think slurs were something Republicans did to us Democrats. No longer.

[massiel08]

WOW. .yeah that is a stupid comment comment. If you dont know what Obama did after 9/11 then maybe you should find out. He spoke out against a "dumb war" while running for office when it wasnt popular. His mother is 100% percent American and his father was never in his life. How can you think that flying a flag is how we show patriotism? that is a stereotype, havent you notice that Bush and other politicians wave a flag or wear a pin to "prove" how patriotic they are but what to they do behind closed doors? That is not patriotic.

[ChristianEcon.com]

"That is not patriotic."

Neither is sending pretty much everything you've touched into a downward spiral--like the Republicans have--but that's just me.

[campaignman]

Obama's mother and whole family is from Kansas. He spent four years living abroad from about 6-10 but the rest of his life has been spent in the U.S. He is not a newcomer.

Why do you feel he doesn't love America? Have you heard any of his speeches?

[avajackson]

Last I checked, the requirement to run for president was that the person is a native born US citizen. Said nothing about parents or grandparents.

[Silpat]

I think some people are using this Muslim thing as a coded excuse for not voting for a black man. I mean it's much more acceptable these days to say, "Oh, this guy is a Muslim and that scares me" as oppose to saying "Oh, this guy is black and that scares me".

[sheraz]

I think you're on to something there Silpat.

[davequ]

Yup. That's what it looks like to me. Sad sad sad

[fearwig]

That's certainly true. The Farrakhan association was designed to reinforce this: Farrakhan is an African-American Muslim. This all goes back to the fears of the sixties and early seventies: "Can we really trust them darkies to be on our side against the communists?"

[Rocky4356]

Funny i was reading that we are to feel sorry for that guy. I feel sorry for him as much as i feel for the guy who plants the cross on the lawn, the guy who lights the oven or brings the rope. To come on national TV and put your narrow mind in plane view of the world. Is refreshing to all the people who know that this society has a long way to go. It is American to be biased and that is a sad fact!

[transendentilist]

No, it is not American to be biased. There are millions of good people in this country, but there are parts of America where people like the guy in the video live their whole lives. This part of Ohio has the most uneducated, superstitious people in this country.

[JOHND777]

I cannot agree with Yatata more. The Clinton campaign has reached the lowest of lows! No lie is off limits and delusion with slanderous rumors seem the last tools of a failed campaign. I expect Denver to show the biggest fight since 1968. The Clinton campaign will continue no matter what the outcome as they have finally found a winning strategy throw dirt and play victim! Keep the focus on Obama but don't ever release those tax records or white house records. Even Richardson has seen the truth!

[yorkie]

IT'S AS THOUGH IT'S ILLEGAL,SINFUL TO BE OF THE MUSLIM FAITH. WHAT IGNORANCE@!!!!!!!!! WE MUST MARCH IN MILLIONS ON WASHINGTON, NEW YORK TO THE PEOPLE AND PRESS TO STOP IGNORance,lies distortions and all the crap period!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS HOPE THE LIES FROM THE RT WING NUTO'S AND CLINTONS MEETS THIER ALAMO TUES WHEN THE VOTERS SPEAK. IT;S DISGUSTING TO HAVE PEOPLE OF LOW ILK AS ROVE AND RUSH ON PUBLIC AIRWAVES , BUT TO ALLOW THE SHALLOW AND SMEAR BATING TACTICS OF THE CLINTONS TO GO ON IS OUTRAGEOUS AS WELL. WE MUST SEEK A NEWER WAY, A NEWER WORLD OF HOPE AND PEACE, TO CONTINUE THE DREAMS OF RF,JFK,MLK, AND OTHERS LIKE WELLSTONE WE MUST SUPPORT OBAMA! HE IS A GOOD PERSON WHO HAPPENS TO BE OF HE CHRISTAIN FAITH, SEEKING HOPE, FAIRNESS,JUSTICE , AND LIBERTY FOR ALL OF US.

[Yatata]

democracy is a sham if the electorate is uneducated, and if the press is corporately controlled.

the spread of outright lies during an election should be closely monitored and prosecuted as a felony under the law. It is the most dangerous threat to a democracy. the 2 most vital ingredients to a democracy that works are: education, an informed electorate, and a free and open press. the US has none of the above and that's why they got Bushed.

[nailohi]

I believe this from the bottem of my soul. Well said and thank you for reminding us all! (This is in response to Yatata's remarks about an educated electorate) Just as I feel McCaine should be prosecutee for breaking the campaign finance laws. You don't really think he has stuck to the limits, do you? He has thumbed his nose at the very laws he supposedly backs....he has not been given permission to w/draw because of the lack of a quorem on the board and he used the federal monies as collateral for loans. According to published figures, he would have been limited to less than 5 million since Feb. 2, '08 until the convention!!!!! No man is above the law, unless, of course, he/she is powerful in politics.

[sklfcats]

And who is giong to vote for Obama ? Hell no way I am..

[massiel08]

You can not even write a simple sentence and yet you feel so strongly about voting against Obama. I bet I know your reasons because you have believed the rumors that he is a Muslim or the Anti-Christ or something like that. Well, sklfcats may I suggest Hooked on phonics?

[cyndeewi]

He does not need your vote, He has mine.

[fearwig]

Yeah, who would vote for this guy who has the majority of the Democratic vote already in his pocket?

[Centaur]

We have to hope that the "ignorance is bliss" people are a small minority. Some people still want to wallow in their own ignorance and stupidity and prejudice rather than vote for someone who will try to lift them out of their own misery. It's mindboggling!

[Neocon187]

Dream on: look who's been in the white house for the last 7 years.

[writergirl23]

Some people would rather promote personal responsibility and lift themselves up rather than rely on an inefficient, corrupt government to do so.

[ChristianEcon.com]

"Some people would rather promote personal responsibility and lift themselves up rather than rely on an inefficient, corrupt government to do so."

Aw c'mon now--the ultrarich aren't all *that* bad.

[sklfcats]

No wonder I am voting for Hillary.

[JOHND777]

The ignorance of the American people who fall for Hillary's trailer park campaign never ceases to amaze me!! Hillary's dirt machine puts out photos, lies and it is only ironic how everyone forgets the top to bottom corruption of the Clinton years! Even on the way out pardons were for sale and the Rodham's, Mark Rich all got their handouts. Given that Hillary ran point to destroy a 21 year old woman named Monica and it took a dress for Billary to tell the truth, her race baiting, made up experience resume' is all symptomatic of a human being with no class, integrity and leadership skills! Even though she is going to LOSE, she just wants to destroy Obama so she is set up to run again in 2012 against McCain! Its sad to see the democratic party implode and when she goes for Florida and Michigan and somehow gets her 500 pounder shrill liars to pull more crap, I pray Obama goes Independent and we ensure no Clinton ever gets back behind the Oval desk again! Its no wonder they had to create a new demographic for intelligent people!!

[msmaggie]

So people who live in trailer parks are what? Automatically stupid, unequal to the "new deomgraphic for intelligent people?" One of the markers of really intelligent people is they have a broad acceptance of all types of people, and certainly don't go around remarking on their own superior powers of intellect. Kinda assholey, you know?

[robXdion]

And that is exactly why we got 8 years of Bush. All the news reports, speeches, magazine articles, fliers, internet sites in the world cannot defeat the insurmountable ignorance of the American people. This man has probably never read a book over the 8th grade level, but there are people that identify with him and are saying "Yeah, I think the same way."

If Hillary wins on the benign prejudice of ignorant people that don't know you aren't necessarily SUPPOSED to place your hand over your heart for the "National Anthem" OR
confuse Obama for another black congressman from Minnesota named Keith Ellison that is Muslim and actually used a Koran for his swearing in OR
really seriously think not wearing a flag lapel means your unpatriotic OR
think Bill Clinton in a turban is funny, but Obama in one means something nefarious OR
think ALL turbans means "Muslim!!!!" OR
don't know there are white muslims that look just like white Americans OR
actually believe Hillary is a foreign policy dynamo because she was 1st lady OR
actually believe ALL blacks are responsible for what Farrakhan says OR
actually think Hillary will win if she is the nominee and those Clinton scandals won't matter OR
really think if Obama did something egregious with Rezko, he would actually run for Prez OR
refuse to acknowledge the truth of the political climate Michelle Obama referenced when she made her "proud" comments........then we have some serious METH smokers that are destroying this country.

[rthom]

I do think that he would support the Palestinians.

[klandish]

Support the Palistinians in what? Taking back the land that Isreal has stollen against the Geneava convention. Have you heard of Jimmy Carter's book? Another brain washing agenda from the NeoconZionists has proved overwhelmingly successful.

[mlrose529]

Your understanding of this issue seems to be virually nil...or limited to Jimmy Carter and old PLO leaflets maybe.

[fearwig]

I think he would support the Palestinians and the Israelis, as opposed to decades of administrations that have favored only one, while still claiming to support peace.

[PinkoAttic]

Absolutely typical. There is no " north/south " divide for rednecks in the U.S. which is how Dubya, (with a little dab of hysteria over a cooked up bin Laden speech) swayed Ohio in 2004. God I hope he wins Texas and grabs the moral authority to put this thing to bed. But even if he does, he shouldn't expect much out of Ohio in November.

[fedupwiththis]

I never expect much from Ohio on any issue.

[jhm5th]

Let it be remembered that southern Ohio is just north of northern West-by-God-Virginia, and of northern Kentucky, that great center of critical thinking, where there is located a museum dedicated to proving that the "world" was created 6,000 years ago in 6 24-hour days, and that dinosaurs pulled wagons for cavemen. The Ohio River is no great barrier in the face of such bold ideas.

[NotMyPrez]

Ohio needs to be absorbed by another state. Pretty much useless. Move the rock and roll hall of fame to west or east coast.
sorry Ohioans, nothing personal but your state ( along with Florida) is entropic to Democracy.

[nurseattorney]

Both of my parents were born and raised on the banks of the Ohio River, in fact my family goes back 200+ years in that part of the world. That said, I'm really happy that my father and mother got out of there as fast and as far as they could. I grew up on the East Coast, not far from DC. But I still feel very badly for the man on 60 Minutes. He is a man who believes himself to be a decent, hardworking, law abiding man and a good neighbor husband and father, and he doesn't understand why his world has collapsed and no one cares. No one raised in a sophisticated city or suburb can possibly imagine how limited life is for people there...your family, your neighbors, your job, your church-thats it. Many never travel further than 150 miles from home or read a newspaper besides USA Today.
Obama supporters and Democrats in general need to stop with the air of superiority. If you don't feel any connection or sympathy to poor, uneducated, unsophisticated people, whatever their race, you'd probably be better off in the GOP.

[fearwig]

That's so ignorant. Dinosaurs didn't pull wagons for cavemen. They served as garbage disposals and vacuum cleaners.

[NABNYC]

I felt sorry for this guy. If you watched the whole piece, he had spent 27 years working in a certain factory, the same place his dad had worked his entire life. And the factory was closing, so within a few months this guy would have no job. No medical coverage. And his wife has MS, and has very expensive medical needs, but there is no way they will be able to pay for it after he loses his job.

The poor guy was everyman. It was just heartbreaking to watch him sitting there, trying to participate in a discussion about how the Bush and Clinton trade policies have destroyed the lives of millions of Americans, yet he was completely on the edge, terrified about what was coming. He was trying to discuss his situation rationally, but when he got to question of what will he do next, after he loses his job, he broke down and cried. He said he just didn't know what he was going to do.

Then later he said he was thinking about voting for Obama. A white, working class, probably red-necked middle-aged American male saying he was thinking about voting for Obama. Anyone know why? Because he's desperate. Because he and his wife may end up living in a car. Because he's afraid he can't take care of his wife, and he does not know where to go or what to do. And he desperately wants to believe someone, maybe Obama, will help him. Then he quietly acknowledged he'd heard a few things, maybe Obama was a Muslim, didn't read the Bible, whatever.

He was misinformed. Not fair to laugh at him. He heard wrong. Probably doesn't have a lot of time to read the news. Anyway, I hope he gets a job. I hope Obama wins, and I hope he helps this guy and his family.

[Egghead]

I totally agree. I too found it heartbreaking to watch. That guy has bigger concerns than who wins the Democratic nomination. Whoever wins, he and people like him deserve a New New Deal.

[nunzia]

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY is the duty of each citizen.
It is his DUTY to know what the goddamned issues are, what the policies are that
impact his life and the lives of his family and community.
It is his DUTY to know and understand why his job is in peril, why medical care is
unattainable, why mortgages and credit and savings are vanishing.
It is his DUTY to ponder those matters, not the trivial nonsense that is his focus.
Moreover, it's his DUTY not to be misinformed.

So many Americans are just like that guy.
It's why a once great country is now in decline.

[G24]

I really appreciated your comment, NABNYC. We get so caught up in this primary, we act like sports fans, rather than the concerned citizens that we are and aspire to be. I, too, am an Obama supporter. And to be honest, my first thought watching this guy was critical. But your response to it is exactly what Obama keeps trying to preach to us. That we are not red or blue, Hillary or Barack, well educated or less fortunate, we are one. And it is only by believing this and putting it into action, like you did with your reaction, that we raise everybody up.

Politicians have used sensationalism to divide, conquer and distract us for way too long. As much as Obama supporters like Obama, it is because we believe in his desire to care for everybody in this country, which speaks to our desire to have everybody in this country cared for. We should start acting and talking more like it. Thank you for your words.

[applespider]

I don't think so romantically to believe that Obama has the capacity to "care for everybody in this country" but I also don't think he has to (he's only one man). I think it's enough that his motivations are to do what he can for his country, given his experiences in life. His campaign is run according to those same motivations and values. Similarly, Hillary's campaign is informed by her motivations and values. What I see of her campaign is adequate for me to know that she and I don't share the same values, which makes me question her motivations.

Watching this man on 60 Minutes sunday night reminded me of many of the faces from the years I spent growing up in Ohio. He's simply been saturated with the carefully-articulated lies that someone has been promoting. His lack of exposure to the rest of the world makes him easy prey for false stereotypes.

[klandish]

Yes, another American tragedy. The emotions that should be going towards people like this has been coopted and blighted by all the fear mongering in resent years. Hard to get your priorities straight when living in an artifcal state of dread. We are all victims.

[fearwig]

I'm cheering you on. Nicely said.

[Semper]

I watched that Ohioan on 60 minutes, and thought what a sorry excuse for a man. It was good that they did not show his family. I got the impression that he holds his them hostage and would not let them speak. When Steve Croft said the stories were lies, that guy had a blank expression on his face. It almost seams like these people are in a time warp or some kind of a trance. They think alike, act alike and march alike. Its called the "east coast lockstep".

[edsel]

I'm from a small town in ny state. I moved to Charlotte NC 26 years it's a fairly large metropolis. These people live in these small towns and never leave. Some of them develop a certain peculiar mentality, I really believe it's probably because they've stayed in that town all there lives and never ventured out of it. To see different things, people ect. expand their horizons. My sister is a prime example.

[Egghead]

1) Ohio's not on the East Coast.

2) Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's a good thing they didn't show his wife who suffers from MS and who can't get decent health care. He must treat her terribly. That's why the tears were rolling down his face.

[transendentilist]

For one thing, Ohio is not on the east coast. Did you fail geography in school?? Ohio is the begining of the mid-west.
But you are right about the guy in the video. He comes from the southern part of the state, where decades of inbreeding and a lack of any intellectual activity, has given us these embarassing folks.
The college towns are pretty cool, but the southern part of the state is like being in a time warp, that takes one back to the days of the civil war. These people are bigoted, uneducated, superstitious rubes that believe anything the media tells them.

[Plowboy]

Three jeers for 60 Minutes!
They are so good at giving out proper enlightenment.

And the great thinkers they come up with to tell other great thinnkers ...........

[Arguman]

wow. this is crazy. first of all I don't give a crap what religion my president may subscribe to. I'm wary of the Christian presidents more than anything, and so far that's all we've had. Besides, Islam is just another Abrahamic religion so what's the big deal?

[writergirl23]

1) To Christians, the differences between Christiany and Islam ARE a big deal.
2) I care what religion my president practices because it reflects his/her morals. That doesn't mean I won't vote for someone of a different religion, but it is certainly part of the equation for me and others. Similarly, I have to take a hard look at any candidate who claims his/her religious views will not have an impact on their political decisions. Faith is not something that can be separated from the whole person. If it won't affect your decisions, then you're not really following it.

[cplKlyde]

That is Ohio in a nutshell.

[transendentilist]

No, that is only a part of Ohio. The college towns like Columbus and Cleveland are pretty cool, but the southern part of the state is mostly, a blue collar, uneducated, bigoted part of the state.
We joke about the in-breeding and hillbillies there.
This guy in the video is a perfect example of the rednecked, uneducated hillbillies in the southern part of Ohio. They believe anything in the press. If it's in the newspaper and on tv, they take it as an automatic truth.

[writergirl23]

Not all people who live in rural areas are ignorant and bigoted. Some are, I agree. Especially those who have never been more than 30 miles from home. But you don't have to live in a college town to be a well-informed, responsible individual. And I have known plenty of college students who take their professors' words as god-speak, which is frankly no better than believing everything you hear on TV.