BETHLEHEM — For the second time in three days, a rally for the Republican presidential ticket invoked Democrat Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein, in an attempt to add to doubts about his background, faith and campaign.
Before John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin arrived at their rally in eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh County GOP Chairman Bill Platt twice used Obama's middle name. Neither McCain nor Palin referred to Platt's remarks when they spoke, but their campaign quickly issued a statement saying it did not condone "this inappropriate rhetoric."
McCain has called the use of Obama's middle name both improper and inappropriate and once apologized after a supporter warming up a rally used it. Referring to Hussein — a name Obama shares most famously with deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein — is widely viewed as an effort to link Obama to radical Islam even though he is a Christian with no such ties.
Shouts of "socialist," "terrorist" and "liar" from supporters followed McCain's references to Obama at Lehigh University.
In Florida on Monday, a sheriff told voters at a Palin rally: "On Nov. 4, let's leave Barack Hussein Obama wondering what happened."
When a radio talk-show host referred to "Barack Hussein Obama" three times before McCain took the stage at a rally in Cincinnati in February, McCain quickly distanced himself from the remarks. At the time, Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton were competing for the Democratic nomination.
"I did not know about these remarks, but I take responsibility for them. I repudiate them," McCain told reporters after that Ohio rally. "My entire campaign I have treated Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton with respect. I will continue to do that throughout this campaign."
Yet McCain left it to his campaign to issue an e-mail to reporters to distance the Arizona senator from Platt's remarks Wednesday.
"We do not condone this inappropriate rhetoric which distracts from the real questions of judgment, character and experience that voters will base their decisions on this November," McCain spokesman Paul Lindsay said.
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On the Net:
McCain campaign: http://www.johnmccain.com/
Obama campaign: http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
This is so dumb.
Before John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin arrived at their rally in eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh County GOP Chairman Bill Platt twice used Obama's middle name. Neither McCain nor Palin referred to Platt's remarks when they spoke, but their campaign quickly issued a statement saying it did not condone "this inappropriate rhetoric."
McCain has called the use of Obama's middle name both improper and inappropriate and once apologized after a supporter warming up a rally used it. Referring to Hussein — a name Obama shares most famously with deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein — is widely viewed as an effort to link Obama to radical Islam even though he is a Christian with no such ties.
At least John Sidney McCain III and Sarah Louise Heath Palin are addressing the issue over the use of Barack Hussein Obama II's middle name to incite an emotional response. It's like real-time trolling.
Mccain is a poor excuse for a herioc figure, he has been involved in the worst scams
keatring 5, IRAN CONTRA, the Iraq War on and on Fannie Mae, Wall Street, big oil connections.
Disgusting politics, disgusting excuse for Country First.
Mcsum & company your days are done... How's that Troopergate thing going??
My vote does not go to that mcgrumpy guy...
The McCain camp knows exactly what they are doing. However I have said it before and I will say it again I will be voting for Barack Hussein Obama II for president of the United States and I do not care what his middle name is. I also will say that if the McCain camp keeps trying to make xenophobes and racist come out from under their rock and someone gets hurt the blood is on McCain and Palins hands. All Republicans are not racist, but stuff like this is not going to help them recruit any new members except racist extremist. I hope they know that the hatred they are stirring up will not end on Nov 4 no matter who is elected president. What if Obama loses but some crazy whack job kills him any way just because McCain and Palin insinuated that he was a terrorist? Or what if people start attacking blacks are muslims? The blood is on their hands. I do not condone what Bill Ayers did in his past but they act like the man is still trying to blow up buildings today. I thought Christians were suppposed to believe in redemption and forgiveness?
Well said. It's pretty disgusting the McCain is such a sore loser. Of course he would not admit in (or would he be crazy enough to let it slip), but it seems like they are so desperate to win this election + on such a down slide, should they, McCain + Palin maybe make a suggestion to anyone to take a hit on Obama so he'll b out of the running? Man, the thought alone makes me shiver with fear. Desperation has brought out many deplorable acts in people.
Rep only believe in Christian values when he benefits them (taxes, hiding behind Church, when they plead the 5th)
Mcscum's tactics are going to backfire on him and it's about time!!
But in it's wake they have devastated the American People economically, our respectful standing in the World our troops on and on.
not very heroic mccain...the majority of the Veterans don't support you and neither do I.
Mccain is exposed again....Keating 5, Iran Contra, big oil, war, war
washed up old ideas goodbye!!
Speaking of Terrorist...what's the deal with mccain's involvment with Iran Contra????????
mcgrumpy scums again...
Let us see what the American Heritage Dictionary has to say about some middle names.
1. sidney 9) silver cord; the emotional bond between a mother and her offspring. 1-8 are names of famous people.
2. hussein 4) handsome. 1-3 are names of famous people.
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