Tapper noted criticism of Kerrey for using Obama's middle name, but not own unprompted usage
SUMMARY: In a blog post, ABC's Jake Tapper wrote: "Some Obama supporters have asked why former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., who endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., today, mentioned her opponent Sen. Barack Hussein Obama's middle name in remarks published in The Washington Post." Tapper's headline read: "Why Did Bob Kerrey Mention Obama's Middle Name -- 'Hussein.' " While the question is justified, Tapper himself has made unprompted references to Obama's middle name in two prior blog posts and a Nightline report.
In a December 16 post on his ABCNews.com blog, Political Punch, senior national correspondent Jake Tapper wrote: "Some Obama supporters have asked why former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., who endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., today, mentioned her opponent Sen. Barack Hussein Obama's [D-IL] middle name in remarks published in The Washington Post." Tapper's headline read: "Why Did Bob Kerrey Mention Obama's Middle Name -- 'Hussein.' " While the question is justified, Tapper himself has a history of referring to Obama's middle name unprompted.
In a May 23 Political Punch post, Tapper referred to "Sen. Barack Hussein Obama, D-Illinois." Additionally, as Media Matters for America documented, Tapper referred to "Barack Hussein Obama" in a February 9 Political Punch post, asking "What do you all think of Mr. Barack Hussein Obama?" Further, on the January 16 edition of ABC's Nightline, Tapper referred to "Barack Hussein Obama" and asked: "Just who the hell is Barack Obama? And why, in these dangerous times, should he be entrusted with the most powerful job on Earth?"
From Tapper's December 16 post:
Some Obama supporters have asked why former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., who endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., today, mentioned her opponent Sen. Barack Hussein Obama's middle name in remarks published in The Washington Post. (LINK)
"I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama, and that his father was a Muslim and that his paternal grandmother is a Muslim," Kerrey is quoted as saying. "There's a billion people on the planet that are Muslims, and I think that experience is a big deal."
Obama supporters see this in the same light that they see Clinton strategist Mark Penn's remarks on MSNBC's Hardball (LINK) -- that, as far as former Clinton campaign co-chair Billy Shaheen's remarks about Obama's youthful drug use, "the issue related to cocaine use is not something that the campaign was in any way raising."
Too clever by half, they think.
A clear attempt to raise an issue while pretending not to raise it.
Same thing with the "Hussein" middle name?
Reached on the phone Sunday evening, Kerrey said that's not at all how he meant it.
"What I said was an answer to a question," Kerrey said.
He'd been asked by a reporter from the Omaha World-Herald about the fact that the Clinton folks are hammering home the idea that Obama has little experience, while both Obama today and Kerrey in 1992 ran for president in their first Senate term.
"My answer was yes, but I finished third in the primary. Obama's smarter and more talented than I ever was, and he has two things which are connected to his life experience that give him special capacity," Kerrey recalled. "First, he is African American and can speak to underperforming Black youth in a way that no other candidate can. He gave a speech in Selma that was incredible (LINK), that no white person could ever give. No government program could ever do what Barack Obama can do.
"Second," Kerrey continued, "his name is Barack Hussein Obama. I know that middle name is seen as a weakness by Republicans, but I don't think it is. I think it enables him to speak to a billion Muslims around the world."
Kerrey said he's spoken to Obama and his staffers and told them to "lead with it as a strength. There's this nonsense out there about him being a Muslim Manchurian candidate. He should do a commercial, look the camera straight in the eye, and say, 'My wife Michelle and I are Christians, but my father was a Muslim and my paternal grandfather was a Muslim, and that fact and my name means I can speak to a billion people around the world" who need to hear from the United States.
He's a black man with some family who are muslim. The rest of the world watches the American media piss-and-moan about this utter non-issue (and the non-issue of Clinton genitals), and wonder how America can seriously claim to being the world's beacon of freedom and equality.
I have to agree with the above statement; America is quite unsophisticated when it comes to electing politician. Never mind a candidates good ideas, wisdom or character. No, we care about what he wears, what color he is, who he has sex with, etc.
The rest of the world must be sickened.
I agree 100% and have made this same point before in numerous posts. Religion, gender, race, sexual orientation - we DO have our hang-ups here in America don't we?
I have relatives in Europe and they do laugh at such "issues" in our politics. They explain that it is perhaps because they are more mature countries - and I just tell them that maybe some day we will "grow up", too!:)
Here is a prediction on what Democratic Presidential nominees will be judged on (most times by traditional media, all the time by talk radio/ Fox News).
The theme:
Senator Obama: Muslim roots (whether or not they are true, relevant). No Executive experience
Senator Clinton: Voice, laugh, maleness, Clinton machine, anything. No Executive experience.
Senator (ex) Edwards: hair, lawyer .No Executive experience.
If Tapper wants to regain or keep any credibility......
What he should have done was mention his own use of the middle name during his little skit instead of mentioning only Sen. Kerrey's use which created an aura that is patently false.
Mr Tapper,
Unless you are trying out for a future job at FOX you really don't need to do this.
Once one or the other (Clinton or Obama) is actually elected we will have regained some of the legitimacy of that claim. Under the current regime, Ithink our reputation has been seriously tarnished.
Given the voices of the media, we are the becon and the voice of selfish greed, and small minded idiots. Yes its been a big fall in stature and respectbility on the world stage. Another gift that keeps on giving.
Tapper noted criticism of Kerrey for using Obama's middle name, but not own unprompted usage
Tapper is a journalist. Kerrey is a Clinton supporter/endorser.
And that folks is the difference.
I thought the bar was set higher for journalists.
Only at the National Inquirer
PRINCE......
The sad part is, is that the National Enquirer is more credible than most of the corporate media that we have to deal with every day.
Perhaps "K" was right when he said that the Enquirer was the 'hot sheets' to the truth, even though "J" thought he was nuts.
Was there a valid reason for Tapper to mention Obama's middle name in those pieces? If so, then that should be your argument.
Otherwise, it would seem like it's less appropriate for a journalist to be taking veiled shots at a politician than for another politician to do so, so your distinction only bolsters MMfA's point.
it would seem like it's less appropriate for a journalist to be taking veiled shots at a politician than for another politician to do so
Not IF that politician [Kerrey] supports & has endorsed Hillary & is taking veiled shots at her opponent [Obama].
It would be less appropriate for the politician in this instance.
It's less appropriate for a politician to play political games supporting a candidate than a journalist to play such games?
Is there some code about politicians playing favorites in presidential races that's more important than basic journalistic ethics?
I really have no idea what you think you're basing your comments on here.
After reading this story it’s quite obvious why both used his middle name at the time of both quotes. One (Tapper) to play the religion/race card - questioning if someone with a name like Barack Hussein Obama “in these dangerous times, should he be entrusted with the most powerful job on Earth?" – And the other (Bob Kerry) to show the positive aspects of having someone with a Muslim ancestry leading a world comprised of 25% Muslims.
However, the "Why Did Bob Kerrey Mention Obama's Middle Name -- 'Hussein.' " headline is appropriate because Tapper’s latest article seems to give a fair and accurate response to that question, as quoted by Kerry – and an answer to his own strangely worded, and insinuatively bigoted, January 16th question on Nightline.
So the guy’s a hypocritical conservative, anything new here? I’m glad to see he cleared up his own question. If anything, this article helps Obama. Sorry, I can’t just hate something simply because it’s written by a Republican. If I missed something to be upset about – someone please point it out to me.
Obama's supporters do not think Kerrey [who has endorsed Hillary] said it as a positive. They think it's another questionable dirty trick to put that info front & center into the news cycle just to remind folks of Obama's Muslim roots.
Oh geez, I think I’m gonna just stay out of these sort of discussions until after the candidates are decided – and I now understand why MOST of America does too. It’s easier when I know what side I’m supposed to be on. You need to be a mind reader to see through the spin and games.
He said this – but he really meant this… I need a friggin’ doctorate in psychology just to keep up.
"Tapper noted criticism of Kerrey for using Obama's middle name, but not own unprompted usage" Did he make any mention of all the times RWnuts and pundits (same thing really) have done the same and with less logic?
Just to underscore your point about the popularity of the name "Hussein:" The current King of Jordan and his father, both considered friends of the USA for the past half century are named--you got it--HUSSEIN.
Unfortunately, too many Americans, especially journalists, seem to have been left far behind in their basic education. Rather than enlighten us, they enjoy teasing us with their sick parallels to generate panic and stoke the flames of hatred. In this respect, many mirror the intelligence of the great Decider currently occupying the White House who is a master at manipulating our fears.
I just hope people are smart to see through these sleazy guys.
How come Kerry mentions the other candidate’s middle name and forgot or doesn’t know middle name of the one he is endorsing?
Dan
At last, MM supports a Kerrey who is a genuine hero.
Obama supporters see this in the same light that they see Clinton strategist Mark Penn's remarks on MSNBC's Hardball -- that, as far as former Clinton campaign co-chair Billy Shaheen's remarks about Obama's youthful drug use, "the issue related to cocaine use is not something that the campaign was in any way raising."
This is just a little bit different. The difference is one word from the headline - "unprompted". If Kerry had been asked specifically about Obama's Muslim heritage, then there's a reason to mention his middle name. But that's not what he was asked.
By contrast, Penn was asked about the publicized issues of Obama's "youthful drug use". That is prompted.
It's a little difficult to take Kerrey at face value here. "Here's some great advice, so you can win the nomination against the person I just endorsed for the job!" Um, sure. Go on television and emphasize your Muslim family history while we're at war in the Middle East. Sounds like a great idea.
By the same token, Kerrey singing the praises of the name "Hussein" also seems like more of a play for Hillary than a genuine opinion of Obama's potential. If he's really being sincere, then he's stupid for not realizing how it would be obviously be interpreted.
Brabantio: This is (almost) 2008 not 1968! Probably close to half the politicians in office experimented with drugs in their youth – and a good portion of them were, as a child, taught different religious beliefs than the one they chose to embrace as an adult. I‘m sure the percentages increase for both examples when it comes to voters. I’d like to think that neither is even an issue for most voters.
IF (and that’s a capital IF) Hillary’s supporters have appeared to focus on youthful indiscretions of Obama as a smear tactic, then they really are thinking "old school", and it is time for change. But even if this so, the question that still remains is intent and whether this sort of strategy decision comes from the top. Something wants me to give Hillary the benefit of the doubt simply because of the many other examples of speculation and unwarranted demonizing she has received from the media throughout the years.
Either way, the real pity is that these sideshows take away from the limited time they have to debate the real issues and instead, just fill the airwaves with more “Real World” folly to help boost the ratings.I agree, by and large. I don't think it's a disqualifier for office in and of itself. It would seem that whoever brought up Obama's youthful drug use saw that tactic backfire, and the fact that it's not 1968 anymore is probably a big part of that.
If it didn't come from Hillary, but those that work for her, then she's not paying enough attention to what's going on inside her campaign. It seems like an unlikely scenario, somehow
Of course, it does distract from the real issues that need to be discussed. I'd love for there to be more of a focus on policy, but the merger of entertainment and news insures that they'll cater to those interested in gossip and other shallow controversies.
I remember a few posters on here who always said Democrats do not play these games, yet you have Bob Kerrey doing it. you have Bill Clinton telling Charlie Rose that Obama is not experienced. They are becoming like Republicans. I pray Obama wins and stops this nonsense.
You people are fools to fear a name. This is America and you want to stop free speech just because you disagree with the speech. If Kerrey or Hill-Billy Clinton’s talks about Obama’s middle name and his Muslim family ties you should not complain unless what they are saying are lies. Is Kerrey or Hill-Billy Clinton lying or just putting all the cards on the table? The people of the United States have the right to know all about every candidate even there middle name.
Do you really believe that the voters will not vote for someone because of there name, you must think the American voting public is shallow. In America everyone of voting age has the right to vote even shallow people, bigots, anti-Christian, anti-Muslim, anti- Jews etc, etc so get over it.
Just listen to yourselves you are so worried about Kerrey telling the world what Obama’s middle name is, what a pathetic bunch of losers. If Obama can not overcome his middle name and Muslim family ties it would show how weak he is as a presidential candidate. Elections have a way of eliminating weak candidates.
Mr Raggers, you've typed out a list of very simple-minded observations, and shown that you have a superficial grasp of the topic.Good.
Now, what do you think of Tapper's double standard?Any insight into that, or only the very basic elements of the issue that have been talked about over several months?
It might be a good idea to actually understand what you're reading before referring to others as fools and losers.
As an Obama supporter I kind of waited to see the reaction to this topic before making a comment.
In my opinion, libs and pro-Obama supporters should not be too quick to criticize someone who used Obama's middle name. In point of fact, Hussein IS his middle name and will have to be used on occasion.
I'm waiting for the gratuitous and unecessary use of the term to highlight his heritage as a negative before I get angry. The few examples cited in this topic don't really rise to that level. And I agree with MMFA that Tapper's comment was pretty bogus on a lot of levels. I do not believe that, in context, Kerry was trying to be derogatory to Obama.