Seven Unaffiliated Jewish U.S. Senators Release Letter Condeming Obama Muslim Smears
The Obama campaign is really doing its damndest to puncture the false Obama-is-a-Muslim smears before they take hold. In the latest move, the Obama camp released an "open letter to the Jewish community" today from seven Jewish U.S. Senators condemning the smear.
The key is that none of the Senators has yet endorsed a candidate in the Presidential race.
"Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful emails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama's religion and attack him personally," reads the letter. "Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics."
The signers are Senators Carl Levin, Barbara Boxer, Ben Cardin, Russ Feingold, Frank Lautenberg, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden. Full letter after the jump.
Separately, we'll be blogging the returns from the Nevada Dem caucuses and the South Carolina GOP primary throughout the day today right here at Election Central. So check back for frequent updates.
An Open Letter to the Jewish Community:Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful emails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama's religion and attack him personally. As Jewish United States Senators who have not endorsed a candidate for the Democratic nomination, we condemn these scurrilous attacks.
We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks arc apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish Community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics.
We won't dignify these falsehoods by repeating them in order to refute them. Instead, we will express our outrage at these tactics, which are being used to demonize a good and
decent man and our friend and colleague. Attempting to manipulate voters into supporting or opposing one candidate or another based on despicable and fictitious attacks is disgraceful. These false and malicious attacks should not be part of our political discourse.All voters should support whichever candidate they believe would make the best president. We sincerely hope that Americans will make that decision based on the factual records of these candidates, not false charges circulated by anonymous mass emails.
Sincerely,
Carl Levin
Barbara Boxer
Ben Cardin
Russ Feingold
Frank Lautenberg
Bernie Sanders
Ron Wyden
Comments (54)
DBJ wrote on January 19, 2008 12:26 PM:Some enterprising journalist really should ask Senator Lieberman whether he will condemn it as well.
Obviously he is endorsing a candidate, but I think his answer would be enormously interesting.
Greg wrote on January 19, 2008 12:30 PM:that's a great idea. it would be particularly telling to ask him once the general election is underway (should Obama be the Dem nominee)
Michael wrote on January 19, 2008 12:33 PM:Why no liveblog from Republicans in Nevada. PoliticalWire reported that first results from them are expected at 1 pm EST
Anonymous wrote on January 19, 2008 12:36 PM:Call me a racist. Geez, Jews are clearly over-represented in the U.S. Senate. Don't forget you have Lieberman, Feinstein, Specter, Schumer, Coleman, and may be more. I suppose if they run and they win, it is fine. But their influence is unquestionable.
Greg wrote on January 19, 2008 12:38 PM:we will have some results from the gop nevada caucuses. my mistake
Peter Vander Arend wrote on January 19, 2008 12:47 PM:More important aspect of this open letter to the Jewish American community is those names which are absent on the letter. Where is Dianne Feinstein? Joe Lieberman? Charles Schummer?
Their omission is a clear indications where of where their loyalties lay: Feinstein (Clinton), Lieberman (McCain), Schummer (Clinton).
More Swift Boat tactics from the HRC campaign crew of Dirty Tricksters. Look for the race and sex with a white woman card to be played them, ala Harold Ford vs. Corker in the 2006 Tennessee Senate race. The fact HRC might (could/would) stoop to tactics that low is a clear indicator to me of the very managerial style the "Clinton Regime" would govern the nation by. In other words, it would be another Bush Adminstration this time without Karl Rove in the background, but with someone with a similar modus operandi from the "left".
Hillary the uniter? No, not a chance. Look for politics in the Beltway to get uglier and less productive to the American people's needs.
Anonymous wrote on January 19, 2008 12:52 PM:"The Obama campaign is really doing its damndest to puncture..... before they take hold"
A softball turns into Koufax? Greg give it all a break!
Call me a racist.
You're a racist.
Ish Ka-Bibble wrote on January 19, 2008 1:00 PM:"Call me a racist. Geez, Jews are clearly over-represented in the U.S. Senate."
Okay. You're a racist.
zonk wrote on January 19, 2008 1:08 PM:Well, anon -- maybe you're not racist... can I call you anti-semitic instead?
I follow this politics stuff pretty closely, and Carl Levin was the only one from that list that I even knew was Jewish before this posting.
buck wrote on January 19, 2008 1:14 PM:Gee, Ish--he's not a racist, just a pig.
Peter R wrote on January 19, 2008 1:21 PM:Where's Lieberman?
Daniel wrote on January 19, 2008 1:31 PM:Nevada has already been called for Mitt Romney!
loki wrote on January 19, 2008 1:35 PM:Very excellent! Cheers to all signatories.
Now back to Obama's bizarre flirtation with Reagan: http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/
thac0 wrote on January 19, 2008 1:41 PM:What's your proposal, Anonymous? Really, what do you propose? Maybe put the words "Warning: Jew" next to their names on the ballot? Or just have a limit on Jews in the Senate?
I'm not Jewish, but my little sons are. If my sons are involved in The Jewish Cabal, I am not aware of it. Nevertheless, I'll let them know that you disapprove of them running for public office. Would you like to suggest careers for them you would feel comfortable seeing Jews in? Perhaps garbageman? Or factory worker? Really, we'd hate to offend you.
Michael the Leveller wrote on January 19, 2008 1:41 PM:Although I am glad that these Senators defend Obama, who is NOT MUSLIM, I wish they had defended the integrity of American Muslims, too. Suppose, in the future, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), our only Muslim in Congress, were to run for president. I would hope these and other prominent Jewish leaders (and, for that matter, Christian leaders, too) would defend Ellison against the scurrilous attacks that are sure to come his way.
byproxy wrote on January 19, 2008 1:42 PM:What's your proposal, Anonymous? Really, what do you propose? Maybe put the words "Warning: Jew" next to their names on the ballot? Or just have a limit on Jews in the Senate?
I'm not Jewish, but my little sons are. If my sons are involved in The Jewish Cabal, I am not aware of it. Nevertheless, I'll let them know that you dissapprove of them running for public office. Would you like to suggest careers for them you would endorse? Perhaps garbageman? Or factory worker? Really, we'd hate to offend you.
benjoya wrote on January 19, 2008 1:55 PM:bernie sanders is jewish? who knew?
IMJO, the absence of lieberman, schumer and feinstein's names on this letter speaks very well for obama.
Monty wrote on January 19, 2008 1:58 PM:I'm not Jewish, but my little sons are. If my sons are involved in The Jewish Cabal, I am not aware of it.
They're a crafty people; not like you and me, but different (you may wish to check their bunkbeds for secret AIPAC transmitters).
Great idea re Lieberman, but first you'll have to pry him from his new BFF.
James wrote on January 19, 2008 2:02 PM:Can we call all of America racist for not having enough black or Latino senators?
pretty please?
Steve in Portland, Oregon wrote on January 19, 2008 2:05 PM:Finally Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) does something here!!!! I've been writing him since the Billy Shaheen "sell drugs?" smear in early December, asking him to speak up against the smearing of Obama. I told him that it's a great opportunity for someone in the Democratic party to show some conscience.
Thank you Senator Wyden! Better late than never!
benjoya wrote on January 19, 2008 1:55 PM:
bernie sanders is jewish? who knew?
IMJO, the absence of lieberman, schumer and feinstein's names on this letter speaks very well for obama.
--- don't be stupid. Read teh headline better. Feinstein and Schumer have endorsed Hillary and bieberman is not a Democrat and he has endorsed McCain!
Jew from Minneapolis wrote on January 19, 2008 2:39 PM:Regarding Congressman Keith Ellison (D - 5th Dist. MN): You might be interested to know that Keith was endorsed by the American Jewish World, the local Jewish Twin Cities Newspaper, and enjoys warm relations with the local Jewish community. More importantly, the organized local Jewish community and the ADL very publicly defended his right to take the symbolic oath of office using Thomas Jefferson's Quran (the actual oath is taken publicly with other new members and does not involve any holy books). As a general rule, Jews are among the greatest champions of the First Amendment's guarantee of the separation of church and state. Accordingly, we will surely defend Keith or any other religious minority from defamation and the right of all Americans to fully participate in the political process.
beachmom wrote on January 19, 2008 2:50 PM:Well, Lieberman is no longer a Democrat. The most telling omission is Chuck Schumer.
Anonymous wrote on January 19, 2008 2:55 PM:beachmom wrote on January 19, 2008 2:50 PM:
Well, Lieberman is no longer a Democrat. The most telling omission is Chuck Schumer.
--- Well, idiotic Obama lover, check out the meaning of "unaffliated" in the dictionary.
Sand wrote on January 19, 2008 2:57 PM:To further stir the pot... Interesting editoria in the nysun -- I mean the nysun -- who would have thunk it? A possible hit-piece on Clinton?? confused...
Primary Colors
http://www.nysun.com/article/69763
Hmmm, The Obama campaign is really doing its damndest to puncture the false Obama-is-lefthanded smears before they take hold.
How can it be a smear unless being a Muslim is totally shameful? Is that what you think, Greg? Very interesting language, I think.
wscomn wrote on January 19, 2008 3:14 PM:Anonymous wrote on January 19, 2008 12:36 PM: Call me a racist. Geez, Jews are clearly over-represented in the U.S. Senate. Don't forget you have Lieberman, Feinstein, Specter, Schumer, Coleman, and may be more. I suppose if they run and they win, it is fine. But their influence is unquestionable.
Alright, you're a racist. Happy, pig?
Anonymous wrote on January 19, 2008 3:28 PM:Sand wrote on January 19, 2008 2:57 PM:
To further stir the pot... Interesting editoria in the nysun -- I mean the nysun -- who would have thunk it? A possible hit-piece on Clinton?? confused...
Primary Colors
http://www.nysun.com/article/69763
--- Stupid Obama supporter, NY Sun is a conservative paper competing with NY Post. Do you know where you live or how old are you?
Sand wrote on January 19, 2008 3:38 PM:Anon... Wow touchy aren't we... I'm not that stupid to know they are 'extremely' pro-israel. So, knowing NY politics I found it interesting that the nysun would go against the Clinton's (being backed heavily with NY pro-israel $$$) and not so much giving Obama push, but giving an "Clinton aren't really into Israel -- but Israel being a means to get to power" angle for a new Lieberman picked republican candidate?
But, I guess that would be a little too 'deep' for you.
you're all stupid idiot dummies. stupid.
Etaoin Shrdlu wrote on January 19, 2008 3:50 PM:Anonymous may or may not be racist. He or she is certainly not very bright. Certain ethnic or religious groups tend to be over-represented in certain areas of society, for complex reasons.
Earlier in the century, and perhaps now as well, Irish-Americans and later, Italian-Americans were "over-represented" in coastal urban police and fire departments, Catholics are "over-represented" on the current Supreme Court, etc.
Etaoin Shrdlu
Ben Masel wrote on January 19, 2008 4:21 PM:Everyone forgets Herb Kohl.
Whatever wrote on January 19, 2008 4:24 PM:Anon is a troll and a damn fine one. Watch for more crap from it.
broadbrush wrote on January 19, 2008 4:26 PM:Chuck Schumer and Diane Feinstein who pushed the Mukasey nomination.Hillary abstained I wonder if she thinks waterbording is torture?
Bahrfeldt wrote on January 19, 2008 4:55 PM:Middle aged or older, rich white males are obviously over represented in positions of power in this country in all sectors of society. It ain't gonna change except for token integration.
AlanF wrote on January 19, 2008 5:04 PM:I'm finding it annoying that people are drawing inferences about the Jewish senators who haven't commented on the letter. If a few Jewish senators want to take the initiative and bring up their own religion in criticizing attacks on someone else's, then all the more power to them. But there's no rule that says that the ones who are not involved are somehow suspect.
Somehow it reminds me of Glenn Beck claiming that, since we all know Keith Ellison is a Moslem, it's up to him to prove that he's not a terrorist. No, Glenn, just because Ellison is a Moslem, he's not under any obligation to do what one moron says Moslems have to do. That sounds like a "religious test", which the Constitution had the good sense to outlaw. And it's not up to me or any of us to decide what actions blacks, or Jews, or women, or anyone else should take based on the groups they belong to.
Jane wrote on January 19, 2008 6:25 PM:Why is it a "smear" to call Obama a Muslim?
Is it because "Muslim" is now equated with "terrorist" in the public's mind?
What does that say about us?
Don wrote on January 19, 2008 6:34 PM:Calling someone a Muslim is not a “smear.” But saying they were a Muslim after that person publicly and clearly stated that they were “not” and “have never been” a Muslim, would be an unsupported accusation of lying to the public. The issue is did he lie? - not what his religion is. The accuser looks foolish without some proof.
But if the accusation was based on hard facts then it’s actually more of a presumption or reasonable suspicion. We’ve had a million of those over the last few years just against GW. So it's arrogant to simply claim that someone made a false accusation, or “smear,” when there is plenty of circumstantial evidence for a reasonable presumption. And with the known facts about Obama's past and present affiliations, here and abroad, to not harbor some major suspicions about him would be plain ignorant.
It’s common to use this method to force issues and answers out into the light so the facts can be examined honestly. To instinctively react to someone’s email blitz by calling it a “smear campaign” is hyper-defensive , a smoke-screen to truth, and starts to sound like a chant. There is nothing wrong with aggressively playing the “truth card.”
Why is it a "smear" to call Obama a Muslim?
Is it because "Muslim" has become synonymous with "terrorist" in the mind of the public?
What does that say about us?
If I were a Muslim-American I would not be very happy about the direction this issue has taken.
I am disappointed that these senators would write a letter decrying this as a smear, and that Obama does not stand up and say that while he is in fact a Christian, he certainly wouldn't consider it an insult to be called a Muslim, a Jew, a Hindu, a Buddhist, a Zoroastrian, a Sikh, [etc etc etc].
Now Church of Satan would be a "smear."
Evan wrote on January 19, 2008 7:48 PM:Jane and Michael the Leveler are exactly right. I'm glad some of our gedoylim have bestirred themselves and stood up to this trash, but there should be a little, "And what if he was Muslim?" involved here.
Remember that scene from
Gentleman's Agreement where a journalist poses as a Jew and his son is taunted for it? The journalist's wife comforts the son by saying, "You're no more a Jew than I am." The journalist gets all filled with righteous indignation over that.
Meanwhile, let's clean our own house. Starting with flushing away
this floater!
The Democratic Establishment is filled with a bunch of COWARDS. The Clintons are running one of the most despicable hate filled campaigns in the history of the Democratic Party. Several years from now, we will learn much like all of Clinton Lies, that these emails were part of a Campaign to demonize a Black Man who dared to challenge HRC for the throne. The Clintons are destroying the Progressive Movement in America and the failure of the party elders to challenge and take down Bill & Hillary will result ultimately in a severe fracture within the Democratic Party. You can have your 90 year old ladies that HRC brings to the polls. How will you react if OBAMA defects from a party that in essence endorses Hillary Clinton Campaign's Racism? BLOOMBERG/OBAMA 2008 with John Edwards for Attorney General. OBAMA/EDWARDS 2012. The Democratic Party needs a COLONIC to rid itself of the Clinton fecal matter which lines itself inside the gutt of American politics.
BW wrote on January 19, 2008 9:46 PM:Honestly, Christopher London, really. How can you say that?
Barbara effin' Boxer signed this letter, and she is RELATED TO HILLARY BY MARRIAGE!!!
I am sure she is a Hillary supporter (though her personal politics skew Edwards.)
I would also assume they coud not reach Diane in time to get her sig. And I would bet that both will support the D.Party nominee, whomever it is; familial relationships notwithstanding.
noor wrote on January 20, 2008 4:20 AM:These comments are just as rascist as the comments they are supposedly condemning. I am a muslim and find it extremely offensive and demeaning the fact that to be a muslim running for president is a controversial matter. The word "demonize" especially is a terrible and hurtful word to use.I am a good and honest person, and would hate to think I am considered a demon because I am labelled a muslim.
Linda wrote on January 20, 2008 4:49 AM:The "smear" email that has been going around about Obama is not that merely that he is Muslim, but that (1) he attended a madrassa during his childhood in Indonesia and (2) doesn't recite the pledge of allegiance. Both are completely false. I think that whoever is sending these around is taking advantage of historic tensions that have existed between some in the Jewish community and some in the African-American community.
practical wrote on January 20, 2008 3:51 PM:Realistically, all the democratic candidates are good this time. I personlly have no problem with Clinton but I am concerned that once the real campaign starts that Clinton will get absolutely smeared (possibly with some justification) by the republican campaign. Non democrat independants hate her, maybe not fair but true. Women who are independent don't like her, why? Well she probably lied on national televison a few times (jennifer flowers, Monika). Come on she knew what was going on. Whitewater was really her scandal not her husbands. The book primary colors should not be ignored, not all unflattering but read it?
Finally i am an overseas american, if you want the world to like us again, you want someone who will possibly be able to repair the damage that the Bush administration has done For once you have the perfect candidate (obama). I am not saying he deserves it, but if you want to re sell american to an angry world, he has the skills to do that. Finally, I don't know if you know many conservatives, but they just will not vote for Ms Clinton. I don't think it is fair, but true. So if you democrats want to actually win, you really have to go with Obama. This time of the next.
Johnny wrote on January 20, 2008 4:48 PM:The Democratic party is a big tent party. The Republicans are the one that are not.
Johnny wrote on January 20, 2008 4:51 PM:In SC Obama has sent out flyers saying that the Clintons are worse than racists. The lies just keep coming about he Clintons.
Johnny wrote on January 20, 2008 5:09 PM:There have been lies about the Clinton's that have been said I would not have wished on my worse enemy. Shame on Obamas camp for spreading the lies and turning this camp. into race baiting. No matter what the Clinton's say, Obama turns it into race.
Is this what America has to look forward to? Anyone who is not African American and doesn't vote for Obama will be called a racist? It is sickening that this is what Obamas camp has resorted to. Shame on Obamas camp. They can't win the right way.
As a good and decent statesperson, there is another senator, although not Jewish, who should also stand against these attacks. Her name is Hillary Clinton. Lets see if she would act on her beliefs and convictions as a good Democrat.
Toqueville wrote on January 21, 2008 12:45 AM:The soft underbelly of American society is sadly being exposed. A country in the late nineties that was being hailed as a model for its pluralism and secularism, is descending into pure bigotry (liberal and conservative), intentional and unintentional. This Obama muslim charge and counter-charge is like the Seinfeld deconstruction: "I'm not gay, not that there is anything wrong with it..." Truly, it seems like Bush has opened wide the Pandora's box of ancient hatreds.
James Weidman wrote on January 21, 2008 1:11 PM:Wow, out of 100 U.S. Senators there are TWELVE who are Jewish? I never realized---that is kind of a lot! (Hope I'm not a pig!)
Vote Croatian in 2008 wrote on January 21, 2008 1:43 PM:I am a Minneapolis jew and I am for a Croatian president, Congressman Kucinich and I voted for Congressman Ellison-better check for those crafty transmitters under my bed as well?
NH Dem wrote on January 29, 2008 11:08 AM:Twelve Jews? That's nothing!
EIGHTY-FOUR senators are from a particularly violence-prone, vengeful and irrational minority group.
Isn't it time to ask whether men are good for the Jews? Or for America?
