Why shouldn't Obama be outraged about this photo?

[Cant trust em]

Let's be honest here. It is unfortunate, but any association between Obama and his muslim roots is damaging to him in the campaign. There is a lot of anti-Muslim xenophobia in America right now that he can't control. I'm sure that if his name were Steve Jones wouldn't have some of the baggage that he is saddled with, rightly or wrongly.

That being said, when photos that highlight his muslim heritage are given media attention by his political rivals it hurts him. These images, while sensible people may realize that they are innocuous, play to the ignorant perceptions that are floating around on the internet. On DU we may all know that he isn't a mole for al-Qaeda, but there are some people out there who are perpetuating that lie. Putting these photos by his opponents out there only plays to the worst racism, fear-mongering and ignorance that have been running rampant since 9/11.

Obama has no need to be "ashamed" of his muslim roots, but when his opponents are circulating these photographs we have to ask why they would bring attention to their rival. Clearly they are trying to bring a negative light to his campaign. It is a desparate tactic that I hope we all disavow.

[Bake]

1. The GOP will do far worse stuff in the GE campaign.

He'd better get used to it. And come up with a strategy.

Bake

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. Exactly.

They'll accuse him of being a muslim terrorist.

It'll be completely different.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. Everybody knows.

They're pretending to be stupid, but they understand.

Notice the arguments.

"I don't see what they did wrong. Besides, you can't prove they did it! Neener neener neener!"

[candice]

4. What photo?

[Ravy]

5. He has been embracing his roots.

Now I am to guess he is trying to hide them. I missed that memo.

They are *not* anything he should be backing away from or hiding. They are a great strength to his bid, IMHO.

[Barack_America]

6. It's not the photo. It's Dems conspiring with sites like Drudge against other Dems.

That's the source of the outrage here.

Obama has nothing to be ashamed of with that photo. He did nothing wrong. But if the Clinton campaign did send that e-mail to Drudge, expressing the desire that negative coverage of the photo get wider attention...then that is beyond the pale.