Obama denounces Farrakhan

Barack Obama did not reject the Nation of Islam endorsement he merely rejected the anti-semitic comments.

With all his Muslim relatives from his father, he couldn't reject the Nation of Islam.

I'm calming down now but I was really mad about Clinton's baiting of Obama last night. I am a Jew. It was such a Rovian tactic for her to jump in there like that. She was trying to pander to the Jewish community and I have to tell you that it made me kind of sick.

You really have no knowledge of Islam do you? The nation of Islam is considered heritical by Muslims. In fact, we dont even consider them as Muslims. I mean Malcolm X converted tp the true Islam before he died once he saw its outstanding beauty.

Bottom Lone : NOI are NOT considered to be Muslims. Please be very clear about that.]

The link I followed (from Google New) to get to this story listed the headline as "Obama Renounces Farakhan." The use of the word "renounce" is misleading, as it suggests that Senator Obama previously supported Farakhan. He did not. A review of the debate transcript will show that he "denounced" Reverend Farakhan's anti-semitic views.

I am glad to see that the headline on this page does not use the word "renounce," but I wish that this correction would be made to ALL versions of The Daily News's story.

Denounce and reject are not the same thing at all in this context. To denounce Louis Farrakhan’s racist and hateful statements is an expression of disagreement with those statements. It is not, however, a repudiation of the man himself. Obama is no idiot. He didn’t want to be forced into using the “reject” word for fear of alienating Farrakhan’s followers. In Hillary’s case, she rejected the endorsement from a racist organization, because she wanted nothing to do with an organization with such views. As she stated, she did so even if it alienated the membership of that organization. This is a much stronger and more ethical stand. And, I think towards the end of the discussion, Obama himself was “shamed” into taking the same stand. This will not hurt Obama, however. Both Farrakhan and Rev. Wright have stated publicly that they understand Obama will have to distance himself from them during the election process. If Obama is elected, I'm sure everything will then be business as usual. Also, I found it interesting that in the middle of the debate, the moderators changed the format. In the first part, Hillary and Obama were allowed to react to each other's statements; and during that period, Hillary pointed out many instances of Obama misleading the country on his and her positions. During the second part, no more responses were made or allowed. This allowed Obama to give his canned answers and appear to be more "presidential," without fear of exposure. I wonder who decided to change the format in mid-stream.

This is one of the reasons the GOP will win, the dirty politics of HRC will give the GOP ample ammunition, first race baiting and now pandering for the Jewish vote, she is Karl Rove in a skirt of polyester pantsuit. Its one of the reasons why I would never vote for her, she is just one nasty, mean, hateful woman, who I'm laughing at big time, since with all her alleged 'experience' she comes off as just a bitter woman, who can't control her anger, along with the fact that she offers nothing but the same old same old. And, I wish they would have asked her one question, like since 50% of the public says they will never vote for you, how will you win the general election?? Tears, and cookies sent to everyone?? No one takes The Nation of Islam serious, and, its not even considered real Islam, too bad she didn't check her facts, like she did on the Iraq war vote or praise of NAFTA.

The lady is having a hard time keeping up. Please, you are almost at the point where we expect you to start screeching at the top of your voice at this cool collective gentleman. May the best person win and scratching and attacking is not what we want from our leaders.

Dear Marc: Your statement that no one takes Farrakhan seriously is erroneous. His many followers take him seriously, as well as Obama's mentor and spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. If Hillary's mentor and spiritual advisor had a history of ant-black statements, and had given a lifetime achievement award to the Grand Wizard of the KKK, she would not be elected dog catcher.

Folks, this it what the white media does......Whenever there is a black person or candidate, they try to use Farrakhan as the litmus test for black people....This is idiotic at best and Hillary Clinton did nothing but show how desperate, vindictive and inexperienced she is by trying to box Obama in. She has proved that she doesn't know how to quit while she's ahead........Obama is no fool folks, he knows he can't appear to have any allegiance with the Nation of Islam, and is it not funny that the picture of him in his Somali garb, appeared the same day that Farrakhan spoke about him????? What black folks SHOULD be doing is calling and e-mailing MSNBC to express dismay at the way Tim Russert was allowed to insinuate that Farrakhan had endorsed Obama which was not the case......
All they did was try to divide and conquer black folks again, so that Obama would lose the support of those black folk that support Farrakhan, however I'm sure Obama already saw this coming so he had to approach the situation the only way he could...Because again, he NEEDS the white vote to win, so he basically had to denounce/reject Farrakhans views on Jews, without appearing to reject the man or the NOI in its entirety............

Don't worry Streightdope, this won't hurt Obama with his Farrakhan supporters. Farrakhan and Rev. Wright have both stated in interviews that they understand that Obama will have to distance himself from them during the election process. I guess it's better for American and Obama's campaign for America to remain ignorant of these affiliations. If Obama is elected, I'm sure things will go back to business as usual.

Fred,

It is not required that you make a false point about Obama just to support Hillary. For most right-thinking people, the fact that Obama denounced Minister Farrakhan history of anti-semitic remarks and made clear that he did not solicit his support was enough. For others like you and Hillary it was not.

Obama's point was clear in that he saw no need to reject support that was never formally or informally offered. He denounced his anti-semitism and explained Pro-Israeli views. Inserting the word reject does not change his opposition to anti-semitism.

Further, it is insulting to compare Farrakhan and the NOI to the KKK. Hopefully you are non-black-non-democrat which would explain the silliness of your remark.

If K. Dupre knew what he was talking about he'd know that the Nation of Islam and the Islam Obama's grandparents (not his father) practiced are quite different.

@ Fred

Well I'm not really worried about it, I know this won't hurt him.....And its funny you can equate Obama with "business as usual", and not Hillary for the way she acted in the debates and her recent mood swings............. But I don't see you calling out Hillary for not denouncing her husband who supported Farrakhan, or her not denouncing the anti-semitic Ann Coulter who has endorsed her, so again, your point borders on the pointless unless you can prove that Obama somehow really does support Farrakhan's anti-semitic views............

Imarri: How am I making a false point about Obama? Sure, once he was challenged by the press, he denounced the racist and anti-semitic statements made by Farrakhan. But, where was he over the years during which those statements were made? Did he denounce Farrakhan, then? Absolutely, not. Sure Obama doesn't want to lose the Jewish vote, nor make white Americans believe that he countenances such racist statements, but the time to have stood up was when the statements were made, not when he was challenged by the press to comment. Where was Obama's denunciation when his mentor and spiritual advisor called 9/11 a wake-up call to White? It appears that Obama will not speak out against racism except under two circumstances: (1) The racism is directed against Blacks ; or (2) He is challenged by the press to comment on obviously racist statements made by his supporters. Also, I am not comparing NOI with the KKK other than to say that the leaders of both organizations have uttered terribly racist statements and have taken racist positions. I understand that NOI has done some good work in Black communities, but to me, racism trumps that. As Farrakhan himself has pointed out, Hitler had done some good things for the Germans in the 1930's, but the fact that he was a NAZI racist overwhelms anything positive that could be said about him. Finally, I think that if Black people were the subject of the very same type of remarks uttered by Farrakhan and Wright, your opinion would be much different.
Now to Streightdope: I agree with you, that this will not hurt Obama. Both Farrakhan and Wright know the game, and are playing it well. As far as Bill Clinton's alleged support of Farrakhan, if that's true, I would strongly disagree this that, also. That, of course, does not bear on the question of Obama's attitudes towards race and racism. Regarding Ann Coulter, everyone pretty much knows she's a nutjob; I don't believe any comment on such an endorsement is necessary. The Ann Coulter issue is not analogous unless you are suggesting that Farrakhan, too, is a nutjob. As far a proving that Obama supports Farrakhan's racism, it's hard to know what is in some else's heart. However, the fact that his mentor and spiritual advisor, Rev. Wright, has made racist and anti-semitic statements himself, and the fact that the most Obama has done about them is to say that he doesn't always agree with him, is very telling. I guarantee you that if I were looking for a church to attend, and the pastor of that church told me that it was designed to support White issues; White people; the White value system; our mother continent, Europe -- and if that same pastor gave David Duke a lifetime achievement award, I would be out of there in a second, never to return. Sometimes it's very hard for some to see the truth in any situation unless the shoe is on the other foot.

Once again we have another non-issue at hand in this election with many more to come I'm sure. To those that believe in Farrakhan's far reaching influence, you give the man way too much credit. I find it interesting that when a Black person runs for anything then Farrakhan has to be thrown at them. I don't remember anyone with a German background being asked if they denounce Hitler. Also to those who believe that having ties to a supremist or segregationist will have the "liberal" media all over you or prevent you from getting into office, then you forget about Strom Thurmond. Senator for I don't know how many terms till he retired at age 100 while still in the Senate. Segregationist to the heart and to the day he dies defended he's views. And his followers including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott who also viewed Strom and a great man and a mentor. So no they did not get elected dog catcher... They got elected to Congress.

I don't at all agree with you that racism is a non-issue, but I do agree that Farrakhan does not have the influence that some would suggest. The analogy about a German running for office and Hitler is a false analogy. There is absolutely no connection between someone of German ethnic background running for current office in the United States, and Hitler who died in Germany in 1945. Also, Hitler has not commented on how wonderful it would be if Hillary were president, and I'm sure if he were alive and did so, she would reject the endorsement just like she did the endorsement from the racist group in New York. In addition, Hitler is not one of Hillary's pastors' best friends and doesn't accompany the pastor on trips to Libya and elsewhere. Also, Hillary's mentor and pastor has not given Hitler, or any other racist for that matter, a lifetime achievement award. As far as Strom Thurmond and Trent Lott are concerned, I wholeheartedly agree with the implication of your statements, which I believe is that the press did not go after them nearly as much as they should for their views.

Fred, the false point is the idea that Obama may be an anti-semite when there is specifically no evidence to back it up. You are guilty of the same thing an ealier poster brought up. Why is it that you are questioning Obama’s sincerity on this issue by making an issue of him not speaking out against him before now. Why should Obama speak out against a person he has never supported nor maintains any sort of relationship with? Did George Bush or John Kerry have to apologize or reject the non-support of Jerry “Gay’s Lesbians and feminists helped 911 to happen” Falwell because all of them are white? Has Hillary Clinton ever rejected or disassociate herself from sitting US Senator Robert (Ex-KKK Leader) Byrd even though they do not share a history? Has every white candidate had to reject or disassociate themselves from Pat Robertson? So why should Obama have to reject (on behalf of his race) someone who does not represent all black interests? Farrakhan made a statement about Obama’s candidacy. He never voiced any support for Obama. That’s why your argument is a false one.

A man should be judged by his words and by his actions. I have several family members and friends who are member of the NOI and the discipline, respect for law, respect for family, love of each other and community speaks for itself. That is not the same as the KKK which you wrongly compared the NOI too. Moreover, there is a difference between a leader of an organization spewing racist remarks organization while it actively drug blacks from their homes to hang, tar, and feather them. I will have to do a fact check but I do not recollect a moment in history where the NOI has committed anywhere close to that. If you are black you should be ashamed for putting the two of them in the same sentence.

Imarii: I can't respond much right now, because I have to work. I will say, however, that there is a connection between Obama, Wright and Farrakhan. As I've said, Obama's mentor, pastor and spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, has the greatest respect and admiration for Farrakhan. They have both uttered racist remarks. Obama still goes to Trinity United; still considers Wright to be his mentor. I could not respect a man who supported someone who uttered such terribly racist remarks about Blacks, White, Asians, Latinos, or anyone else. I'm getting tired of beating this dead horse. Again, if the shoe was on the other foot, I believe you would be making the opposite argument. As to the comparison of NOI and KKK, you totally misunderstood what I was saying. I mentioned that I though NOI had done some good things in the community, and I said that the only similarity I was drawing is that their leaders have both made despicable racists statements. That's all. Anyway, I must get to work. Good luck to you.

It really is a non-issue being made into a major one by the Clinton camp, and, those who support her losing dash for the White House. The nation of Islam with about 10,000 members, and, a powerful, and may times truthful leader on matters of race in this country that many want to ignore or say don't exist, means exactly what to this country and the debate about the future of this country? Home foreclosures through the roof, oil prices out of sight, million without healthcare, New Orleans still suffering, Darfur with an out of control genocide, and, all Hillary can come up with is Louis Farakan??? Please, can she or her supporters get anymore desperate and shrill with this nonsense??

Hillary didn't bring up Farrakhan, the moderator of the debate did.

Fred, there is a connection between the democratic party, Robert Byrd and the KKK. Do you see all members of the party rejecting Byrd who was a member of a group of unapologetic racists that frequently tied black men to the back of cars until their skins burned completely off? Byrd is still a member of the US Senate and the democrats still consider him as one of their senior leaders as did the republican party until Strom's death.

Are you going to ask all white people to reject the Democratic Party? In this case, the shoe is on the other foot and whites (including you) are asking Obama to apologize for a relationship he has never had.

You are correct, Hillary did not bring up Farrakhan. She only continued to question the sincerity of Obama's denouncement by pushing the issue to her advantage. That's trifling for you and Hillary is just that.

Imarii: You won't find me defending Byrd's past affiliation with the despicable KKK. To be honest with you, I don't know what his position is now about this past affiliation. Also, I'm not asking Obama to apologize for a relationship with Farrakhan; what I wish he would have done is to denounce his racist and anti-semitic statements all along, and not only when the press cornered him into it. Also, I can't help it, Imarii, it bothers me that his church is so separatist, and that it's pastor, who is Obama's friend and mentor, seems to be so comfortable with racism against Whites and Jews. Having said that, I really hate to argue with you at all about this, because honestly, you seem like a decent and thoughtful person to me. Hope you're having a nice day. I've got to get some lunch.

Poor Hillary! She can do nothing right. If she goes hard on the offensive, she is perceived as angry, vindictive, cunning--too mean spirited to be President. If she slumps back or takes it easy in a statement or interview, she is perceived as weak, fake or her statements are read as valedictory. What's the woman to do? Seems that Obama can do no wrong. He's right on target with everything. NOT! Folks need to wake up. This Savior of the Nation Obamamania is not good for the country as a whole or Black folk. It murky's the water and prohibits clear vision. We need to look critically at these candidate's platforms and think about how realistic they are, what they will cost, who they will benefit, and whose plans will get us out of the Bush domestic and foreign morass. Whomever wins the Democratic nomination has my support. I just wish more of us were more analytical in our judgement.

I wonder if Fred is aware of all the "affiliations" that people he is connected to have. We all are six degrees from Farrakhan and the KKK, my friend.

imarri, good stuff, this is why this country is so racially polarized, and, some fear obama, he isn't divisive and two bit on issues. farakaan has nothing to do with the e price of tea in china, and, yet, he is "big news?" get back to me when those who are harping about farakaan, will take the GOP to task for its total ignoring any issue that faces black americans, i won't hold my breath on mccain, or any other republican, until then, let them continue to be "bothered" by farakkan, he may not always be right in his remarks, like the jewish ones which were vile, but, he does keep it real with the fact that racism is alive and well in the usa, even with obama having a good chance to be president, and, that is irking them to the point of total loss of control, since race is now moot to quite a few and the only ones capable of being racist are black, yeah right, black folks now have all the power in the usa, please.

@ Fred

Then argue with me....Why would Obama want to draw negative attention to himself beforehand?? And what does his pastors views have to with himself....For example, because you have a gay friend yet don't agree with the lifestyle, does that make you gay?? I don't agree with the way a lot of preachers interpret the bible, but does that make me more or less a christian? This whole thing is ridiculous and derived by the media to try and paint Obama as a radical or muslim...........Don't be fooled, the closer and closer we come to the reality of having a black man as the president, the more snakes that will come out of they're holes in the media and elsewhere........."Hmph" is absolutely correct.

@ TY

Well said, I agree 100%

Why can't people guess Obama's secret leaning twards Islam. It is natural for him to favor Islam. His father was a Muslim.He respected his father. His stepfather was a Muslim. He was attending a Muslim school when he was a child. Childhood education is very influential.
I read Obama went to a meeting with Chicago professors who were 60s' terrorists 1995. He has been a long time friend with an Iraq-American Illinoi developer who were arrested last month. He had invited Farakaan instead his church paster in the past.
I heard he didn't salute American flag once before. He didn't wear an American flag pin.
There are so many evidences. To sympathy for Muslim is nothing wrong. Woman president, black president, Jewish president and Mormon president don't matter as long as they love America and secure America.

Here is an article on Senator Obama's stand on israel and his stand on anti-semitisme. And his views on the relationship between the black and jewish community.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203847477582&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

This is one of the great advantages of the internet, there is all this data. Just by searching and reading you can find the facts and determine for yourself what was said.

Pablo

First I would like to commend Hmph on is comment, you could not have said it any better.

The question that I have is how many Catholic have been asked to denounce/reject their religion because it is a known fact that the priest where and is still sexually abusing little boys of the churches and they say they are men of God. How many congress men and women been ask this question. This just goes to show you that media, Mccain, Clinton will use any device to turn Obama's supporters against him. Remember what goes around comes around. Just a few days ago it was released that Mccain had several martial afairs on in wife, I see the Media is not commenting on that and what about Clinton's husband making a comment that Obama is black and he do not really think the country is going to let a black man run this country. I am not quoting word for word but this is a summary of what is he said. Also, his wife comment about Martin Luthern King, and if it was not for the movement and the stand that black americans took she would not be able to run for president herself media did not jump on that comment. So, leave the man alone and what if the man is Muslim what does that have do with anything I thought in this country you are entitle to pick whatever religion you want, but if you are black you do not have the same freedom to pick your religion, oh I forgot when the constitution was written it was not ment for blacks, oh well it is to late. Leave this man alone and move on to some real issues at hand. We have a bigger war in our own country let's force on those issues at hand. Children can not go to school without fear of someone getting shout, College students are scare to attend classes, no jobs, people losing their homes and this is the worst economic in years and please do not think Mccain is going to change anything since the Bush's has endorsed him. If he gets in office it's only going to get worst. So, you so call Republican who really are not Republicans need to think about that. If you are not wealthy and work pay check to pay check give it a break you are not a republican.

First I would like to commend Hmph on is comment, you could not have said it any better.

The question that I have is how many Catholic have been asked to denounce/reject their religion because it is a known fact that the priest where and is still sexually abusing little boys of the churches and they say they are men of God. How many congress men and women been ask this question. This just goes to show you that media, Mccain, Clinton will use any device to turn Obama's supporters against him. Remember what goes around comes around. Just a few days ago it was released that Mccain had several martial afairs on in wife, I see the Media is not commenting on that and what about Clinton's husband making a comment that Obama is black and he do not really think the country is going to let a black man run this country. I am not quoting word for word but this is a summary of what is he said. Also, his wife comment about Martin Luthern King, and if it was not for the movement and the stand that black americans took she would not be able to run for president herself media did not jump on that comment. So, leave the man alone and what if the man is Muslim what does that have do with anything I thought in this country you are entitle to pick whatever religion you want, but if you are black you do not have the same freedom to pick your religion, oh I forgot when the constitution was written it was not ment for blacks, oh well it is to late. Leave this man alone and move on to some real issues at hand. We have a bigger war in our own country let's force on those issues at hand. Children can not go to school without fear of someone getting shout, College students are scare to attend classes, no jobs, people losing their homes and this is the worst economic in years and please do not think Mccain is going to change anything since the Bush's has endorsed him. If he gets in office it's only going to get worst. So, you so call Republican who really are not Republicans need to think about that. If you are not wealthy and work pay check to pay check give it a break you are not a republican.

First I would like to commend Hmph on is comment, you could not have said it any better.

The question that I have is how many Catholic have been asked to denounce/reject their religion because it is a known fact that the priest where and is still sexually abusing little boys of the churches and they say they are men of God. How many congress men and women been ask this question. This just goes to show you that media, Mccain, Clinton will use any device to turn Obama's supporters against him. Remember what goes around comes around. Just a few days ago it was released that Mccain had several martial afairs on in wife, I see the Media is not commenting on that and what about Clinton's husband making a comment that Obama is black and he do not really think the country is going to let a black man run this country. I am not quoting word for word but this is a summary of what is he said. Also, his wife comment about Martin Luthern King, and if it was not for the movement and the stand that black americans took she would not be able to run for president herself media did not jump on that comment. So, leave the man alone and what if the man is Muslim what does that have do with anything I thought in this country you are entitle to pick whatever religion you want, but if you are black you do not have the same freedom to pick your religion, oh I forgot when the constitution was written it was not ment for blacks, oh well it is to late. Leave this man alone and move on to some real issues at hand. We have a bigger war in our own country let's force on those issues at hand. Children can not go to school without fear of someone getting shout, College students are scare to attend classes, no jobs, people losing their homes and this is the worst economic in years and please do not think Mccain is going to change anything since the Bush's has endorsed him. If he gets in office it's only going to get worst. So, you so call Republican who really are not Republicans need to think about that. If you are not wealthy and work pay check to pay check give it a break you are not a republican.

I feel that this is such an immature arguement going on here in reference to Mr. Obama and his relationship or lack of relationship with Min. Farrakhan. It does not matter where one stands on the issue, what needs to be discussed are the TRUE issues! The state of this country's economy, people losing their homes, the continued sad state of New Orleans, the fact that the rich are getting richer and the middle class are becoming the new poor!!!! I am so over these school yard tactics and behavior that are being expressed in the media and by many those few on this site. But what I would really like is for people to really look at the term "semite" and see that it does not refer to only those of jewish background.It became a term that found connection with those of the jewish religion by Adolf Hitler. Semetic people include those of Ethiopian and Arab heritage also.It is a term which was misused by Hitler and continues to be misused. So can you people who are so quick to call someone anti-semetic explain that to me.

@Marc

I agree with your Hilary analysis. And you are right about the so-called nation of Islam. Most people DO NOT take them seriously. I wish Hilary would through in the towel. It's over for her. She needs to face it.

Fasten your seatbelts folks....we're all in for a very bumpy ride into the general election in November. It's already heating up bigtime and it's just the tip of the iceberg. Obama has "denounced and rejected" Min Farakhan's views, and thereby, Farakhan himself. Farakhan is on record with countless anti Semetic and anti white remarks. Obama's church pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright is a big supporter of Farakhan, presented him with an award, said he "epitomizes greatness", traveled with Farakhan to visit the radical Qaddafi. Before this campaign is over, Obama will even have to throw the Rev. Wright under the bus as well as Farakhan. Furthermore, the ties that Obama had or continues to have with Bill Ayers and his wife, Bernadine Dohrn, admitted radicals and bombmakers ( such bombs were designed to kill US Army officers and actually exploded causing deaths), will be thoroughly explored before this is over. America wants change, yes..but it does not want change resulting in radicalism, separatism, jihadism, extremism or any influence whatsoever by the NOI. And if you think that the NOI is a group of adult eagle scouts...ask Brother Malcom X's family about that. Mr. McCain so far seems to want to take the high road in this campaign..we shall see..but the fall from the high road into the gutter is a quick one. Obama and his campaign are savy..but even savy may not be enuf to withstand the viciousness we are about to witness. So my question to you all is: " Are your seatbelts fastened?"

the fact is that all this black leaders folk coming out now to support barack ignore him for so long .. and worst they are now coming out at the wrong time to only show off. which can of course hurt him in the long run....he doesn't need all that shit now...

I think it is pathetic that this even coming up. WHO CARES WHO FARRAKHAN ENDORSES?

If LF had endorsed Hillary Clinton, this would be a Saturday Night Live skit. Period, end of story.

Fact is:

1. Farrakhan has made several attempts to repair relations with Jewish leaders over the years.
2. Farrakhan is nothing more than a bogeyman used to scare white people. And a bad one at that.
3. This is a Swift Boat tactic. Nothing more.
4. It is becoming clear that "Muslim" is being used as a slur. How many times have we heard that Barack "is a Muslim" - EVEN IF HE WERE, SO WHAT?

It is implicit that "Muslim = terrorist" which is seemingly a allowable bigotry in American discourse.

And that is pathetic.

People who get caught up in this Renounce/Denounce nonsense are pathetic human beings. Karl Rove and Trent Lott have said blantanly rascist things in the last 3 years, and none has had to renounce anyone. But Farrakhan makes stupid comments 25 years ago, and he is never to be forgiven, and to be seen in the same sentence is a death sentence.

Heck, I'll probably be called anti-Sementic or worse for even advocating that we show some common sense. So be it.

People wake up and know when you are being manipulated.

you sparkling wiggles

@G-Man

I applaud your statement and I'm glad that someone finally brought that point out. Why is it that when you talk about "black, white, and
Jews" in comparison/contrast and maybe even negative ways then you are considered a racist yet Muslim bashing or even NOI bashing is free reign. That just goes to show who the gate keepers of "equality" are and if this were really a free country then anyone could support anyone regardless of affiliation. It just doesn't make any sense that they are trying to bait the black community and their ignorance by flashing such a brash headline. Many will only read the allegations and either agree or disagree. American politics is nothing more than a rumor filled high school prom election. When will we grow up?

Minister Farrakhan words are all over the streets of Chicago. The Mosque is always full with young men from ages 10-60 every Sundays. For you to say Minister Farrakhan don't reach out to the youth, is like someone telling you, that you were born without an father. Are you serious???? He is the only Leader that the young men ( rappers, street organizations, masons, fraternities and every day individuals) listen and gravitate too. Minister Farrakhan even got the attention of young Latinos. So once again, I charge you with being a liar about the statement you post. If Minister Farrakhan is not in the street, The Mighty F.O.I is in the street on his behalf. Not just in Chicago, but as far as South Africa, Brazil and The UK. And as far as Minister Farrakhan relationship with the jews; he has invited members of the jewish clergy to his home for many dialogues and brotherhood. Lets not get stupid here, when The Minister speaks of Jews, we know what Jews he is talking about. Like the great Malcom X said, " If you throw a brick in a pack of dogs, the one that howls is the one that got hit". So as I leave now, let me say, " Hands off Farrakhan and leave Obama alone". Worry about your own family.

Bro. Amir

Obama says he highly respects the opinions of Rev. Wright who Obama has said brought hope to many and gave an award to the notorious Louis Farrakhan. Nation of Islam Minister who said we are witnessing the phenomenal rise of a man of color in a country that has persecuted us! Obama hasn't distanced himself from Farraklhan as he wants the media to believe. A number of Jewish and pro-Israel voters have concerns and raised questions about Barack Obama. In case you haven't followed this ongoing issue, here's a brief summary of the complaints:Obama has called for engaging Iran. Daniel Ayalon, Israel's former ambassador to the United States, told the New York Sun he is concerned Obama would want to negotiate with a "Hitler-like" regime. Some of Obama's policy advisors of various stripes, such as Samantha Power, Robert Malley, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, have come under attack for their views on Israel. World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder fears, it's only a matter of time before the president becomes anti-Israel Howard Friedman, the president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, said the leading presidential candidate are all interested in continuing close ties with Israel. Obama in traditional muslim garb brought these questions back to the fore Obama is a closet Muslim. Obama hasn't distanced himself from Farraklhan as he wants the media to believe, Obamas and his church said Farrakhan "epitomized greatness. For Americans, Farrakhan epitomizes racism, particularly in the form of anti-Semitism. Over the years, he has compiled an awesome record of offensive statements, even denigrating the Holocaust by falsely attributing it to Jewish cooperation with Hitler "They helped him get the Third Reich on the road." His history is a rancid stew of lies. Any praise of Farrakhan heightens the prestige of the leader of the Nation of Islam. His anti-Semitism and particularly his false insistence that Jews have played an inordinate role in victimizing African Americans. Farrakhan's dream has vilified whites and singled out Jews to blame for crimes large and small. He talks of Jewish conspiracies to set a media line for the whole nation. He has reviled Jews in a manner that brings Hitler to mind. And yet Obama and Rev Wright heaped praise on Farrakhan. He applauds his "depth of analysis when it comes to the racial ills of this nation." He praised "his integrity and honesty." He called him "an unforgettable force, a catalyst for change and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and his purpose." These words of the black man who touts change and claims to be a uniter of all people?

Minister Farrakhan knew exactly what he was doing when he gave Obama that very divisive endorsement. He knew that it would be controversial. He also knows that if Obama wins the nomination Farrakan's message would be diluted among his followers. I believe that Farrakhan's endorsement was more of a survivial tactic than anything else. When Farrakhan excluded white people from the Obama coalition I knew that he was not Sincere. Sincerity would have dictated that he stayed out of the race.

When you really care about someone "if you can't help them, you make sure that you don't do things that will absolutely hurt them.

I am Black and very proud of it but I am tired of being used by people like Farrakhan for their on personal advancement. Farrakhan wants to remain relevant which would be difficult to do with Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.

ada e, you say farrakhan wants to remain relevant but the fact is that if he weren't relevant - to folks in high places - his name would not be thrown into the mix every time the "powers that be" want to see whether a black leader has the guts to stand up or whether they will bow to the "farrakhan test." you may not think the minister is relevant and that he needs to resort to petty, immature games to keep his name in the mix but that's a senseless conclusion to draw since he was not the one who threw his name into this ring in the first place. other people have been throwing his name into the equation for more than 2 decades, but you honestly believe he is desperate to remain relevant? silly idea!

he speaks every year on saviours day and usually election years he comments on the candidates - it was no different this year. the "powers that be" chose to spin his comments in a way they weren't able to spin them in past election years and many have allowed themselves to be manipulated because of it.... including you. you say you're tired of being used by people like farrakhan but no one can use you unless you allow yourself to be used. in this instance, it's not the minister using you it's you allowing yourself to be a manipulated and used puppet of those who know how to pull your strings and the strings of a whole lot of other folk in this society full of non-thinking-for-self people.

A man's religious affiliation is a reflection of himself.