How widespread is the FALSE email of Barack Obama being Muslim?

[american_mama]

Most of us have probably heard about the FALSE email that Barack Obama is a Muslim, which made me curious how many of us received it as email. I am not trying to give added life to this false allegation, I am just curious how widespread the email is. I am also curious if the person who sent it to you thought it was or might be true, and thus sent it to potentially hurt Obama, or if you received it from someone who knew it wasn't true and sent it more for informational purposes - "Can you believe the stuff people will believe?" type thing.

The poll will let you vote for multiple answers if you received the email multiple times.

[HIU8]

I never received that email.

[Fairy]

I've never received it.

[brittone2]

Received it from a friend of my parents. Sadly, my dad believed it initially. THey were receptive to links debunking it, and my parents ended up voting up for Obama :) This was before the primary.

DH and I have been cavassing for Obama on weekends. Most houses we get sent out to are Dem-leaning or undecided, or independents. We had one lady tell us she was convinced Obama was a terrorist :(

Otherwise, no one has said anything negative while we were out campaigning.

eta: I agree with the PPs that said even if he *was* a Muslim, who cares?? I don't believe that he is, but I think it is sad that if he was a Muslim, some people would feel compelled to vote against him for that reason.

[mommylamb]

I haven't gotten it, but I don't think anyone in my email circle would ever circulate something like that. I really liked the way Colin Powel responded to this issue on the Meet the Press interview-- The right answer is no, he is a Christian, but the really right answer is what if he were?.

[kellij]

I got it a few months ago from my sil. She sent it to a ton of people. I'm assuming she believed it. They seem to believe all of the ridiculous forwarded emails. I did a reply all and let them know it was false and that they should check out snopes.com when they get emails like that before forwarding it on.

I also got some irritating email about how people at McDonald's have to have more experience to become a manager than Obama has to become President. I mentally composed another email, but decided not to send it.

[gatorsmom]

DH's coworker sends junk like this (and much worse) about Obama to us all. the. time. It is so unrealistic that it is laughable. I can't imagine anyone believing it (except him).

But this one he hasn't forwarded to us. yet.

[mommylamb]

I must come clean and admit that I did forward on the email with the list of books Palin supposedly banned before finding out it was a fake. Should have figured it out since she supposedly did this in 1996, and they listed all of the Harry Potter books in the list, the first of which came out in 1997.

[kijip]

Back during the primaries, I received this a couple of times. First from a nutty relative that 100% believed it and still believes it (however, she also believes much of what is written in thinks like the Weekly World Report, that Catholics and Jews run some sort of world domination order together and that Elvis is still alive, so it is not like she is representative of either mainstream Republicans or Democrats). I doubt this person actually shows up to vote but if she does, she will not be voting for McCain (to her a socialist, liberal) or Obama (to her, evil incarnate). Second time, from a mainline Republican that I know in conjunction to work. It was highly inappropriate for her to send this out to so many organization contacts, but she was corrected pretty fast by others. She thought it was true then, but does not now. She is voting for McCain while pinching her nose about Palin.

[mdb78]

I didn't receive that one, but I have heard about it. The one I received about Obama was the one about him visiting Iraq and not talking to any of the troops.. Something like that. I immediately went to Snopes after receiving that one.

[momtoonegirl]

I got it a few months ago from my sil. She sent it to a ton of people. I'm assuming she believed it. They seem to believe all of the ridiculous forwarded emails. I did a reply all and let them know it was false and that they should check out snopes.com when they get emails like that before forwarding it on.


:yeahthat: My MIL sent it to me, DH, and a lot of other family members. I think that she believed it, unfortunately. :( She is always sending these types of emails. One of DH's cousins saw this one and referred her to snopes.com, and now I think that she no longer believes it (hopefully).

[maylips]

I got one just last night - except this one was about a book Obama was photographed carrying that the email said to be a Muslim-written book about post 9/11 America falling. Absolutely not true (book was written by Fareed Zakaria and is actually a positive book about America).

Funny thing was, when I replied back to everyone quoting snopes.com, someone replied that Obama has never admitted he's a Christian that she's heard of. I wanted to reply back "have you not heard of his crazy Christian pastor?!?!" but instead took the high road and gave her a factcheck.org link that I'm sure she'll never look at.

As I said in the reply email to them, vote for or against someone based on your views of their policies, leadership qualities and platform, but not because of these fake internet legends. It's the lack of voters' knowledge about the candidates that scare me every election.

[icunurse]

We just received it over the weekend.....from the President of the company my DH works for! He sends out a mailing every year as to why everyone should vote Rep, but this year's packet really was unacceptable and offensive. It had an opening letter from him. Then it had copies of emails and quotes, inluding Obama being a secret Muslim, how he is going to make blacks have more power (so says Farakhan), and how he supports terrorists. In the whole 7pg mailing, not once did the company Pres mention McCain's name, much less why anyone should vote for him. Needless to say, this mailing was shocking and very inapproprate to be coming from the head of a multi-division international company, but I guess because it is privately owned, he can do it? It is sad and scary to know that people actually do think this way.

[citymama]

I haven't gotten it, but I don't think anyone in my email circle would ever circulate something like that. I really liked the way Colin Powel responded to this issue on the Meet the Press interview-- The right answer is no, he is a Christian, but the really right answer is what if he were?.

:thumbsup: Yeah that.

Haven't received it but saddened that it is still making the rounds!

[fivi2]

I have received about 3 different false e-mails about him from my parents (who are divorced and don't communicate with each other). I send the snopes link every time. They still believe the e-mails. My dad wants to know who checks snopes - I guess he thinks it is all just a conspiracy...

[mecawa]

Received it from a friend of my parents. Sadly, my dad believed it initially. THey were receptive to links debunking it, and my parents ended up voting up for Obama :) This was before the primary.

DH and I have been cavassing for Obama on weekends. Most houses we get sent out to are Dem-leaning or undecided, or independents. We had one lady tell us she was convinced Obama was a terrorist :(

Otherwise, no one has said anything negative while we were out campaigning.

eta: I agree with the PPs that said even if he *was* a Muslim, who cares?? I don't believe that he is, but I think it is sad that if he was a Muslim, some people would feel compelled to vote against him for that reason.

ITA!!!!! What's really sad is my DH works with VERY educated people who are in some pretty high positions in business that will not vote for him because they think he may be a Muslim and some won't vote for him because of his race. When DH questioned them about it they said it's just the way they were raised and they just can't, even though they actually like some of his policies!!!!!

[brittone2]

also adding that I had forgotten until I heard/read something recently that Lee Hamilton, a vice-chair of the 9/11 commission, endorsed Obama back in April

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1727145,00.html

[LarsMal]

I've never received it, but I don't think anyone in their right mind would even consider sending that me ME! (Unless it was a "can you believe this crap is circulating out there?" kind of email.)

[caheinz]

I have received about 3 different false e-mails about him from my parents (who are divorced and don't communicate with each other). I send the snopes link every time. They still believe the e-mails. My dad wants to know who checks snopes - I guess he thinks it is all just a conspiracy...

Um, just wait until he sends you the email about how Snopes is run by a flaming liberal and how biased the site is....

[1964pandora]

I am so glad that Colin Powell, on Meet the Press, asked whether there is something wrong with being a Muslim in this country. The answer is no, of course. Barack Obama isn't a Muslim, but so what if he were. There are Muslim U.S. soliders fighting and dying for our country, so it is soooo unfortunate that an email such as the one we're discussing could be used to persuade people that they shouldn't vote for Obama because he may be a terrorist or somehow anti-American.

Susan

[KpbS]

I received it from at least 1 person, I think 2. I deleted it. Some people want to believe it (and want it to be true).

[MamaMolly]

Yes, I got it from my right-wing wacko uncle, along with multiple DAILY anti-Obama spew. Regardless of whom I'm voting for I think that it is annoying and inappropriate. THis week he's been on the 'Obama isn't a U.S. citizen' kick. Ugh. He checks things on snopes but only when it is something he disagrees with. When it is something like this then snopes is wrong, he is right.

I got a really scary flyer in the mail this week from the Republican Party about "William Ayers...Terrorist. Radical. Friend of Obama" I was genuinely surprised to see it came from the Republican Party and not a radical offshoot group.

What an ugly turn of events!

[irie i]

Luckily none of my friends or family members would send me anything like that. I did get a hilarious email from my sister that plugged name into a fake "CNNBC" news story as the ONE nonvoter responsible for Obama's loss! hahaha! In case any of you want to check it out you can at cnnbcvideo.com

[tylersmama]

I have not received the email, but my best friend has.

I was disgusted this morning, though, when on my way to my physical therapy appointment, I drove by a house with a bunch of political signs in the yard. Several were your run-of-the-mill McCain/Palin signs, whatever, didn't bother me. The one that did said NOBama, but the kicker was that the O wasn't really an O but the Islam crescent. Disgusting. I am 100% of the opinion that it DOES NOT MATTER if he's Muslim or not, but this sign that is clearly playing on people's fears of him being Muslim just made my blood boil. I've never really cared much about what people put on political signs in their yards other than to occasionally laugh or roll my eyes, but that one made me want to stop the car and yank that sign out and throw it away. Or better yet, burn it. What is wrong with people?

Kind of a side note on the situation. I was having a talk with a friend who is an undecided voter about the subject of Obama being Muslim. I was SHOCKED when she pretty much admitted that it WOULD matter to her if he was Muslim. And her explanation was that it goes against what America was founded on, Christian ideals. I was like, um no...actually America was founded on religious freedom. We had to agree to disagree and move on. I'm still kind of shaking my head about it.

[Fairy]

I believe that email only went to the pro-American parts of the country.

[wellyes]

Here's one I received TODAY from a college educated and otherwise rational acquaintance...... she does believe it to be true and is honestly appalled at the idea of an Obama presidency.


From Sunday's Televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. Obama Explains National Anthem Stance

Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04
EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.

The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec.171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It'

Senator Obama Live on Sunday states, 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said.'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it. 'We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago.She has her views and I have mine'. Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America .

[brittone2]

Here's one I received TODAY from a college educated and otherwise rational acquaintance...... she does believe it to be true and is honestly appalled at the idea of an Obama presidency.

Wow, that one was particularly sad :( I can't believe that people take this stuff as the truth.

[fivi2]

That is one of the ones my dad sent me...

[Globetrotter]

I think it's really sad that the possibility that he might be an Arab or an Muslim (which he isn't) causes all this fear and anxiety. I wonder, are there any high level elected officials who aren't Christian or Jewish?

Bobby Jindal converted to Christianity, and the skeptic in me thinks it was politically motivated.

[Fairy]

There are publicly elected officials who are Jewish?

Ok, yes, there are more than a few out there. But not too many. I am fairly certain that America will elect a black man or a woman before a Jew. I remember how proud I was that Joe Lieberman was the veep candidate in 2004. I had a sinking feeling, but I was proud, nonetheless. Similar to what Barack is going thru now, Lieberman was under scruitiny that was just kind of crazy. What will you do if there's an emergency on the Sabbath? What will you do if there's an emergency on Yom Kippur? And I'm thinking, please. What will Bush do if there's an emergency on Easter Sunday? The same thing any president or elected official who needs to serve in their capacity would do.

And now you have Barack and what if he's an Arab? There are real concerns about being Islamic in this country because it's not a religion that is understood by most average Americans. Christianity and its flavors is understood by the vast majority of Americans. Judaism is understood by the mainstream of Americans, but alot of regular folks haven't met a Jew ever in their lives. Islam? Even less understood than Judaism. Which is why people are afraid; they're afraid of what they don't understand.

I do think that it's ok to ask the question, what is this religion and what does that mean for how you would be impacted to make Presidential decisions. It is ok to seek to undertand. It is not ok to make global assumptions based on what looked up on Wikipedia and/or your opinionated Grandpa John and say well, as long as he's not that religion, then ok.

I am an Obama supporter, no question. I don't agree with everything he has said. I don't like late term abortions, I don't like mandatory healthcare, I don't understand how he truly feels about Israel as it relates to a proposed Palestinian state and/or what comes next. There, I'm out with it. But I do think that based on what I have observed and read about him that he would make a fine president and is the best choice as of today and that his faith --whatever it is -- is not going to define his number one priority of presiding over America.

[JoyNChrist]

I received several and finally sent out a ridiculously long, passionate e-mail to everyone in my address book urging them not to spread hatred and lies and to actually investigate everything they read/hear. Probably shouldn't have, but oh well...I haven't received any more political e-mails. ;)

[mommylamb]

Here's one I received TODAY from a college educated and otherwise rational acquaintance...... she does believe it to be true and is honestly appalled at the idea of an Obama presidency.

If he had said that on Meet the Press, clips of it would be all over the place. How can anyone think that would be true???