Hillary: Obama Not Muslim "As Far As I Know"

Via Ben Smith, Hillary gives a less than adamant answer to a question about Obama's religion on 60 Minutes. Hillary claims, "I take him on the basis of what he says. And, you know, there isn't any reason to doubt that." It's an issue where even an accidental slip this can do damage:

Comments

[ladygreenslippers]

From blogger "PJay"
I decided to post from the link:

'Did I say Osama? I meant Obama!' says Clintonite

by James Oliphant

A lawyer in a predominantly Democratic suburb of Cleveland relates this tale to The Swamp on the day before the all-important Ohio primary:

So last night around dinner time, the phone rings. It’s the Hillary campaign–official number, per the caller ID. The woman on the other end asks me if Hillary can count on my support Tuesday. I say I have not decided.
She asks what would help me decide. I say, “Well . . . maybe she can make Bill her vice president.­” She does not know how to take me, of course, but has to assume I am serious. “I don’t think she can do that.” “Bill will have a significant role in major decisions, though, won’t he?” I ask. “Oh, certainly he will be very involved. Do you like Bill?” “Very much.” I reply.

She then launches into a two-minute spiel on all the very specific initiatives and proposals Hillary has put forth on health care, the war in Iraq, etc., etc. At the end of her spiel, she says, “And we haven’t heard anything that specific from Osama bin Laden.”

I say, “You did not just say that.” She replies, “I’m sorry . . . just a slip of the tongue.” She then thanks me for my time and encourages me to vote for Hillary on Tuesday.

http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/03/did_i_say_osama_i_meant_obama.html

The Chicago Tribune

The lawyer says he was "stunned" and tells The Swamp the call originated from the Clinton campaign in Columbus. Are the dirty tricks ramping up as we get down to the wire? Swamp readers in Ohio and Texas, relate your own encounters with the Clinton or Obama campaigns if you've had them.

Posted by Jim Oliphant on March 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Permalink

[melann830]

We don't really know if that call was made by a Clinton volunteer or an Obama supporter trying to stir up trouble for the Clinton camp. I am a volunteer caller for the Clinton campaign. We were strongly directed to be courteous and polite to all of the voters and not to be pushy. Also, with respect to strong Obama supporters, we have been asked not to engage in trying to persuade them of otherwise. So to be brief, I find it very hard to believe that this is going on from Clinton volunteers. Also, there are people walking around monitoring how we engage the voters on the phone. But we can't stop someone from doing something so underhanded against the Clinton Campaign. They have been doing it all along anyway. I have received menacing e-mails from Obama supporters calling me names and other details i won't mention. So, I am sharing my story too, like you but not from Ohio and Texas, but from New York where the calls were made to Ohio over the weekend and Hillary's home state.

[MariaHopeful]

I love Barack Obama for remaining on message and not attacking the Clintons. And I really do hate negative campaigning BUT how I wish that there was someone to really, really call out these people for what and who they are - DIRTY, UNSCRUPULOUS POLITICIANS. I am heartily sick and tired of Hilary Rodham Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton. I used to love Bill Clinton but now he disgusts me. Waffling on whether Barack is a Christian. Trying to leave the impression out there that she has doubts. She makes me want to puke.
She loses Iowa, cried and then won New Hampshire, employed dirty tricks to "win" Nevada, used racist tactics in South Carolina, pitted Blacks against Latinos in California (and now in Texas), squandered all of her money, fired her manager, "loaned" her campaign $5m, did not have a plan for after Super Tuesday, lost 11 straight contests, will not release her tax return and then when the press reports and discuss all of that claims that they are being too hard on her. Trying to get the press to after Obama which they, like lap-dogs are all too eager to do. The press which gave and is giving her and her husband a free pass, gave and is give GWB and Dick Cheney free passes are now prepared to dump on Obama about Rezko and Farrakan. The only light in all this darkness is the conduct of Barack Obama. He has remained classy and unruffled. Has run a campaign that is the best political campaign I have ever seen or read of.

I am proud of you Barack Hussein Obama! I cannot wait to call you the President of the United States of America.
Maria Hussein.

[PJay]

Well said. I agree.

[resonate]

Seriously what a breath of fresh air Obama is vs Clinton. She knows he is a practicing christian but will continue to fear the people into voting for her. As if being Muslim would be a reason to not vote for someone in America. I really don't want that perspective in office.

Obama 08!

[ClaudiaJean]

Lovely job with the cut & paste. Did you highlight bulletpoints from a handout, or a website or was there a seminar for the Obama Fan Club where you lifted the same rote talking points? Try again.. win or lose, Obama's devotees are incredibly transparent and a nuisance on this site.

[ddlrid]

Your kind of hateful, cynical and dismissive comments are just the destructive crap we are all voting to get rid of. Be careful...­your arrogance is showing...

[ScandalousCandice]

I think a lot of people are missing a bigger point here. This is bigotry. A presidential candidate has resorted to public displays of bigotry to win the nomination.

There is nothing wrong with being a Musilm. An someone who is an American who has repeatedly had to defend his Christianity, and his love for this country it just plain out wrong for her to do this.

She claims media bias, but I see totally bias for her. How come the news is barely talking about the fact that her campaign has not only injected race in to this campaign, but has now resorted to bigotry. Right in the damn public.

I don't care how capable, or tough she thinks she is. I do not want a bigot or a racist, or someone so desperate to win being in charge of my country.

[PJay]

You are right on and it makes me so sad that in this 21st century, we still have SO much bigotry.
SNL proved that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

I think Muslims around the world are owed a huge apology.
Clinton agrees that using Hussein and implying that he may be Muslim is a smear.
So sad.

[melann830]

Did you stupid idiots even read the article or watch the video?
She said he was not a Muslim. What do you want her to do ? It is not her fault that its causing a problem for people. He put on the garb and took the pictures. He has to deal with all of the ramifications which stem from his decisions. This is like the fight between Rosie and Elizabeth Hasselbeck. Elizabeth took Rosie to task and told her clearly, "It is not my job to defend your words/actions. They are your words you defend them." Clinton does not have to defend his religious beliefs or habits or actions regarding the Muslim garb. Why does he swear allegedly on his own Bible? Why not show it and shut up critics once and for all? Obama is the one who should defend himself. He got himself in this mess and he needs to be getting himself out of it, because the numbers I heard tonight are not going to ensure a victory over McCain in an election, should he be the nominee. The conservatives are going to fight tooth and nail to make sure he does not even come close. So if you all think Hillary is the cause , you are misguided fools. He, Obama, is at fault. Who are you all going to blame if Hillary is out of the picture? His pet dog?? Let us not even talk about the purchase of his home and property for three hundred thousand dollars lower than the market price or the fact that Tony Rezko's wife is his neighbor. Put it all together and what do you get? A bunch of unanswered issues for the repubs to probe into-with a vengeance. Do not even be dumb enough to think they won't. Now the religious Jews have issues with Obama for not outright rejecting Farrakahn, but rather denouncing him. He thought that this would not bite him on the ass, but it will big time. The New York Post today published an article 'Barack'-lash by Jews:Dov written by Fredric U. Dicker [e-mail] which specifically states" why Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, an Orthodox Jew, whose Borough Park district includes the largest Hasidic Bloc in the United States, blasted Obama for for what he calls his half-hearted support of Israel and his ties to Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who has repeatedly praised anti-semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who endorsed Obama." Hikind also stated that "Jewish voters would make a mass movement toward Sen. McCain if Obama knocks Hillary out of the race." Therefore, if I were Obama I would stop listening to his camp. and pollsters and start trying to repair the severe damage he has caused his campaign because Jewish people collectively have been through a great deal in history and they are not going to jeopardize their hard earned standing in this world by siding with someone who isn't on their side. Food for Thought.

[noonbear]

Um. The reporter ASKED her the moronic question in the first place. She didn't volunteer the info. And she said "NO." A few different ways.

The bottom line is, you will find any reason to attack. We don't live in a rational world anymore.

[leftcoastsportsbabe]

As far as she knows?

John McCain was classier on the subject when Cunningham dissed Obama at his rally.

Of course, as far as she knew, there was no problem giving Bush authority to go to war in Iraq either.

As a woman, I want a woman president, and I know there is sexism in this world. But it plays right into the sexism when a woman sulks, whines, and in general behaves in this kind of petty manner.

[brwnizofmine]

Why couldn't she have just said, "NO"? Goes to s how what kind of a person she really is. Anything to win and she really is damaging the party. Some of us will never vote for her after voting for Bill twice!

[noonbear]

She did say no, several times.

[racom]

As far as I know hillary is a democrat, ooops, correction, as far as I know hillary isn't a repuglican, oops, correction, as far as I know hillary says she is a democrat but acts like a repuglican. OK, that finally came out right.

[eshalom]

Once again the Obama machine is trying to distort a perfectly innocent comment to their advantage. The phrase, "As far as I know" is applicable to any situation you can think of. Clinton was simply acknowledging that she relies on the information Obama has provided about his personal life, which is all any of us has to go on. Like most intelligent progressives, Clinton wouldn't consider it a an offense even if Obama were Muslim.

The Obama camp believes it's acceptable to demonize the Clintons on every issue, but at the same time, they jump to their leader's defense over statements any normal person wouldn't even notice. Talk about desperation. Ever since New Hampshire, Obama's team has relied on playing the race/religion, or whatever card to win votes. It's time the voters made their decision on the basis of qualifications for the presidency, not Obama's perpetual aggrieved victim stance.

[Neoconstant]

It's kind of like saying "bless his heart" right after saying something wildly offensive. Like "eshalom is ignorant and biased, bless his heart." Now, as far as I know, that's not true. But, that's only "as far as I know" - maybe someone else knows better?

[ClaudiaJean]

Or, it's like Katie Couric starting a statement with "SOME PEOPLE ARE SAYING" or "YOU KNOW, SOME FOLKS BELIEVE" and then launching into a completely assinine comment/ac­cusation..­. the only "people" and "folks" are you Katie...

[eshalom]

Neoconstant

Your comment makes no sense. In the first place suggesting that someone might be of a religion other than Christianity could only be considered wildly offensive by a very bigoted person.

Further, to equate referring to someone as Muslim with calling someone ignorant and biased would certainly be offensive to Muslims. Actually, it's offensive to me because I have a master's degree in theology and appreciate the many valuable insights found in all religions.

Obama has presented himself as a multicultural person who can unifty the nation and change the world and yet he and his followers take offense if anyone mentions anything related to his multicultural heritage.

[SickOfSpin]

To The Clinton Camp...If Hill happened to be running a transparently "honest" campaign, why does she continue to squirm when pressed about her income tax returns? "Im rather busy right now" just doesn't cut it Let's have all of the BS hit the fan regarding HIllary and Bill's financial escapades BEFORE she steals the nomination or, worse yet, before she is sleeping in the White House. As Democrats we could then plan to welcome the Republicans back in 2012--four short, ugly years...I, for one, don't relish another four years of having the Clinton's "massage" the truth. Hillary Clinton is so very devisive that while we know Republicans will flock to the polls to vote against her, sadly too many Democrats will flock to the polls to vote against her as well after following this campaign. Either way, it doesn't look good for Dems.

[hank48188]

Why is anyone asking Hillary about Obama's religion? i doubt if they have ever attended services together anywhere, but you must admit when someone has a name like Barack Hussain Obama most people would think that person is a muslim, just as most people you meet with a Irish sounding name are Catholic

[PTTY]

Obama has said nothing. The Press and the people saw the interview.

Hillary is a Repug and always has been she and Bill used the Blacks to get elected President.

The Repugs used the Christians to get elected.

[Bobleblah1]

As far as we know, the Clinton's are innocent of the murder of Vince foster.
But one can never be sure.

[ladygreenslippers]

If she were president, how does she, after using being Muslim as a smear against Obama (the picture, and now this) -
how does she go out in the world as an authentic leader and meet with muslim leader in Africa and the middle east?
so much for foreign policy -

[noonbear]

She said she didn't release that picture.

She said "no" to the reporter's stupid, irrelevant question.

The bottom line is, you will find any reason to attack Clinton. Rationality doesn't play into this equation.

[UrbanInterloper]

Clinton campaigns like a Republican and she votes like one, too. She's lowered the political discourse with her negative tactics, her willingness to distort the truth, and her reprehensible use of fear to scare up votes. Her campaign reveals her total lack of integrity. America is ready for something better.

[Neoconstant]

Be Calm! Round 1 - David (Obama) slays Goliath (HRC) for good on 3/4. The real mud & ugliness won't start flying until Round 2, so we must remain on guard for that. Remember McCain '00, Max Cleland, the not-so Swift Boaters, etc. YES WE CAN!

[Barbarossa03]

"As far as I know" the Clintons were innocent in their involvement n the Whitewater scandal

[jsinclair]

"As far as I know" Hillary's not holding back her tax returns because she and Bill have so much they want to hide from the American people.

Oh, wait. I think I -do- know that one.

[the964kid]

Clinton isnt a nazi, as far as i know... i take her at her word that she isnt.

[VOTER]

Well we certainly know what kind of "Christian" HILLARY is.

She is the "compassionate conservative" Republican kind of Christian. You know the lying,

deceitful kind.

And because she still refuses to show her tax returns, we can assume she is the kind of American

who made WAR PROFITS from investments. Why she is very much like members of the GOP!

[HepsibahStarbuck]

oh, she's a Christian.­.. as far as I know.

[newyorknewyork]

I am a woman and would love to see a female President but not THIS woman.
I'd prefer to have someone with some character, integrity, values...y­ou know, that kind of thing.

Not this. Her actions are sickening. I'd be ashamed to have her as my President.

[jules135]

I couldn't agree more. When I heard her say last night, "As far as I know...", that was it for me. And now, a life-long democrat -- I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON. I WILL NOT BE VOTING IN THIS ELECTION IF HER NAME IS ON THE BALLOT. I am ashamed of Hillary as a woman. Ashamed and disgusted.

[noonbear]

Ridiculous.

How about this? I believe it's my civic duty to vote, so if Obama is on the Dem ticket, I decided to write Clinton in as my candidate and vote for her anyway. If McCain wins, you folks deserve him.

[hank48188]

I think the problem Obama has is when your name IS Barack Hussain Obama most people will think that is a muslim name and that you are a muslim, that is why he was Barry Obama in High School, that name sounded better.

[ladygreenslippers]

One of the top 3 names in hospitals across the country: Barack.

I know he's too busy campaigning for the last 9 months for all these babies to be his namesake, so i

think America is moving in a whole new direction.

[SensibleCentrist]

That's an interesting tidbit...d­o you have a source?

[kcgeban]

Do you thing...ma­ybe..he should change it? Why not change "Obama" as well for good measure. It does sound an awful lot like Osama..



I completely support Senator H. Rodham Clinton...­..........­..........­.for Vice President of the United States of America.

[champions1]

hank48188 what do you mean it sounds better, better to whom and for what reason ? do you know why or how you came about your first and middle name?? I voted for Hillary but i will tell you this, Barak has done nothing but show class and dignity thru this first round..the real nasty fight will be coming in round 2, i want Hillary to go out with some class and dignity and so far i haven't seen much, so lets quit with the Hussain Bullcrap, my middle name is mae and i have never liked it, but oh well My Mom and Dad named me for their own reasons,should i change it now? why their are alot of really nice Mae's out there, as long as you keep pretending that she'll win, will that make you happy ? Round 2 my friends its us/OBAMA against them/MCCAI­N....don't take you eye off the prize..com­e on and come all On Wednesday we will be UNITED as in UNITED WE STAND & divided we FALL ...Thanks for listening.­.

[KaAp]

Hank4816 You are not a xenophobe as far as I know ... there is nothing wrong with being Moslem. Last time I check we had freedom of religion ...
Name sounded better? To who or whom?
Disgraceful, as far as I know

[hank48188]

You're right, people here can be any religion they like, but why is anyone asking Hillary about what type of religion Obama prefers or practices? As far as Hillary knows he is a Christian, what else could she say? I heard he was a Christian, but what would I know,, I've never met him.

[PTTY]

It was a nickname. Just like Robert is Rob or Bobby. Give me a break

[jriegel]

Hillary Clinton is so tainted by old school politics that she'd naturally answer ANY question without firmness. Old pols always need wiggle room. It's one of the aspects of Washington politics we're so sick of in this country. Of course, Senator Clinton knows he's not a Muslim. You can bet her henchmen vetted Obama from here to Sunday the minute he announce his candidacy.