Magazine's 'satirical' cover stirs controversy

It's a shame, too. But America has been racist for a long time, it just didn't get that way.

You are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to mine. You are a racist ignoramus. It's people like you that lend credence to the falsity of intelligent design, since you show none.

otm, is this some of the liberal anger and hatred I see everyday towards someone who doesn't share your view? Where is this "your entitled to your opinion" when obviously you show no acceptance of others views. Sad that this country is so full of left wing hatred.

The people on this thread saying "the truth hurts" or some derivative are the same geniuses who probably think Stephen Colbert is a genuine Republican.

They truly don't understand that the joke is on them. Incredible.

When Digg.com has far more intelligent comments on this story, you know Newsvine is in big, big trouble.

As for myself, I can understand why Obama's team is upset... most political cartoons are caricatures (ie, exaggerated, but basically truthful), and it's only natural that many people will interpret this as such without bothering to determine the New Yorker's actual intent.

What's that suppose to mean? You're discriminating against Muslims. Not all Muslims are bad. There are terrorist in every religion. So grow up and learn your history!

Exactly just because a few people belonging to a certain group are bad that does not mean every one is bad. Some the folks in this are ridiculous. It is so sad that a person of color may be our first president and folks try to paint him in such a light or think of him as the worst thing that can happen to this country. They are not thinking of what Bush has done to this country high as all get go oil prices, US troops dying left and right, American people losing their jobs because of out sourcing. You tell me who the REAL terrorist is?

Do you realize that Clinton outsourced jobs to Ireland during his administration....the Democrats are not clean either....time to pick someone who is not from either party....but will have the moral fortitude to stand up for what is right.....

Quit trying to blame this on race or religion. It's crap... all of it. We're not black vs. white, christian vs. muslim. It's Obama vs. McCain (and hopefully vs. any WORTHY independent). Any of you that make reference of placing a vote because of race in this election shoud be touted as a racist. We need an effective leader, not someone that will look favorably toward the white or black people.

And guess what, Obama better get over being made fun of if he really wants to hold office. It's in all the newspapers. All the late-night comedy skits. And yes, magazines too. Our presidents (past, present, and future) being made fun of. That's just a part of being president. Yes, and this was fun made of Obama, not any of you. So no one has the right to take this article 'personal' except Obama.

...and Ro-376281, you are sadly mistaken if you think the gas prices are Bush's fault. Quit blaming the president. He doesn't set the prices of oil or gas. This economy isn't tumbling down because of any one person. Oh, by the way, where does most of the oil profits go? It surely doesn't stay here in America... and that makes me mad.

It is so sad that a person of color may be our first president and folks try to paint him in such a light or think of him as the worst thing that can happen to this country. They are not thinking of what Bush has done to this country high as all get go oil prices, US troops dying left and right, American people losing their jobs because of out sourcing. You tell me who the REAL terrorist is?

If that's true, why does the entire Middle East hope that Barrack gets elected...? I don't think it's because they think he knows what he is doing...if he gets elected!

Whats wrong with somone being portrayed as muslim? Why is being muslim a bad/evil/wrong thing now? I think its so stupid that people think being a muslim is so terrible that they point the finger at Obama and say "Muslim!" in the same manner they may point at a personand say "Racist!"

Cairo:

Interesting point. Why do people think that a person/political candidate garbed as a muslim is meant to represent a terrorist?

OK, now I have seenthis kind of post a few times here. I think the cartoon taken by itself, is tasteless and actually profane.
I wonder though if all the people that are afraid of Obama and cast him in this light, are just afraid of the unknown. I too am afraid of the unknown....I am also afraid of 4 more years of Bush that we will probably get with McCain (with some slight changes).

But I think the greater disturbing factor is this is just another case of the media trying to control and create the news and what/how we think. There are plenty of people in America that will look at the cartoon and never read the article. Thus creating a false opinion.

if the new yorker say's the picture is to broaden views and to show the right wing and anyone else that think or make issue of obama being muslum as nuts than I agree and understand the story behind the picture, the problem is, that it lends credit to those in this country who want obama to fail and is not ready(and never will be) for a black man to be president as well as those people who have been brain washed and this says to them that you can now feel ok to not vote for obama.
not all terriost are muslum...remenber timothy mcfay?( blew up the federal building and killed woman and children.

The problem is that even if the readers of the magazine can discern the difference, the average "Joe 6-pack" passing the newsstand probably can't. That person already incorrectly believes the absurdity depicted on the cover, and in a few days will swear they actually saw a real photo of this. If the New Yorker was indeed poking fun at the idea that people actually believe this stuff, this was not the way to do it. I'd really like to think the American voting public is intelligent enough to make impartial, logically-based decisions, but reading some of these other posts I see that's clearly not the case.

All this did was give Obama more coverage than he already deserves. If the TV, magazines and newspapers wouldn't do favoritism we should would see alot less of Obama. They have made him so many people's favorite. Not mine though. I think the man speaks in circles and can never completely come out and say what he feels or thinks. He hedges around the actual question when being asked one of importance about the country, the people and the economy.

I dont think so. I think most media is now politically driven. There are some independent media streams out there, but unfortunately they do not get to enough of America to make a difference.

Yeah, he follows a church that is anti-white and that is stupid enough to believe that the government gave African americans the Aids virus.....that sounds like someone who should be president- NOT!!! Being black has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!!! This guy is scary!!! No experience, no convictions. Why do you think the Middle East wants him to be president?

NOBAMA 2008

And this argument that because the pastor of his church said certain things means he (Obama) actually believes them is getting old quick. With this same logic, anyone who goes to a church where the priest had sexual indiscretions with an alter boy is now a child molester themselves? The fear and misinformation being spewed in this and other forums is what's scary.

you ever heard of sleepers and are you willing to take that chance

Whatever...are you willing to take the chance on McCain...Apparently so. I don't see Obama as any worse than him.

at least McCain fought for this country and I dont think he has ties to terrorist groups

Thank you!

Mean to say thank you Justmyopinion1908

We don't need christians running it either.

First of all when was America ever yours????

Secondly, if you sit there and believe that there are not ties within the Bush campaign (as you previously stated you are DEAD wrong!!!

Lastly, if you agree with this cover than how stupid are you really. Do you think that any other race, outside of Caucasians with deep pockets, would have the ability to get this far without an in depth and extensive background check. If he had any ties to any petty or even notable organization, they would have kicked him out of the party a long time ago.

The truth is simple-minded, fearful of other race people like you (and most of the people on here who are posting comments to support this display of madness) will always view other races as less than themselves...

Get a new point of view and come to the realization that there are people who care about the America that all races and nationalities helped to build.

When will peolpe believe that Obama is not a Muslin. And if he is so what. We have had Catholics in the oval office.

YOu don't officially know anything about Obama or McCain! You are the type of person who agrees w/ what the majority says, not what you literally found out yourself. Just because he is a black man (birthed by a white woman & raised w/ white grandparents) & someone THINKS he is a terroist doesn't make it CORRECT.

FEAR-MONGERING SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW~!
AND ITS TIME TO WASH YOUR WHITE SHEETS~!

SassyBear:

FEAR-MONGERING SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW~!

Damn, that would put 99% of the politicians out of business, including Obama.

And you honestly belive he's a muslim? I really hope he gets in so 4 (or better 8) years from now, everyone who believes what you do gets a big "I told you so" from the more informed among us. Patriotism and/or love of this country should NEVER be used to mask Ignorance, Racism, and Fear.

When will people stop talking about whether he is a muslim. Who cares, make your decision based on his abilities, his performance, how he does in debates etc.
What he does in church on Sunday or Sat at the kingdom hall or in temple doesn't matter. Knock it off or go to your room;-)
All this over a cartoon drawing.... we are getting crazed in this here United States.

Keep America Ours: Are you a native American? If not, which "ours" are you talking about and how did it become "ours"?

whats worse in your eyes ,adultery or belonging to a church that preaches hatred for the white man and condones violence against the white opressor Yeah that sounds like a great president for the black man and muslims

What McCain has done has no policital significance. Divorcing his wife or cursing are not political issues, who Obama is and what he proposed does.

who Obama is is a muslim with ties to terrorist and there country You know the one that killed about 3000 innocent americans

Keepamericaours, Which is in the Bible? Adultery or preaching against an oppressor? I tolerated, for a while, a white bigot preacher who used n***** in his sermons and although it displeased my friends and family I left the church until he resigned. As a white woman, I have seen and heard racist remarks made by white people all my life. I think it's time for some of you to realize what really goes on in this country, as if these comments don't show you already. And it has been established that Obama is not a Muslim with ties to terrorists. And you might work on spelling and grammar. It's not "there" country, it's "their" country.
And Rodney, so sleeping around on one's wife is of no significance. He was dishonest then, and he can be dishonest now. And I'm not speaking of cursing, I'm speaking of temper!

I believe that what happens in your personal life does not reflect your character or your ability to make sound judgements. At least that's what we learned durning the Clinton administration. As for cursing, are all those comedians on the Comedy Channel angry?

And Barrack did cocaine. So what? Which is worse an adulterer or a drug user?

Barrack did cocaine? I hadn't heard that.
And I don't ever watch the Comedy Channel.
It's not the cursing, again, it's the temper that he displays.
And again, I haven't made my choice of whom to vote for.
I have no real reason to vote for either one.

If temper is any reason to disqualify anyone from Presidency, let no man hold office. Find one man upon this earth who hasn't show anger to some degree. If anyone who's been a prisoner of war doesn't show some emotion, than I'm not sure I would want him either. He may not be America's best choice, but he's the only choice we have.

The cover is tasteless, but it should be remembered that the press considers its self our "protector" & therefore a 4th branch of government which has no accountability to the public. I was in line at the San Antonio airport after the Texas vote. The reporter in front of me, who was a Reuter's photographer from Canada, indicated that he was neutral 3 times as fawned over Obama. He doth protest too much!

Now to the point of the caricature; Obama's actions have demonstrated that he is running for a leadership position in the world, not necessarily as President of the United States. I find it ironic that he assumes he should be president, when a nation's leadership is supposed advocate the nation and its people. If he wants to take a leadership position as a global advocate, he should apply at the United Nations or a Global Company which operates on a Global basis.

Caricatures and satire usually have some semblance of truth to them. This one does not.

Sitire generally aims to exploit a weakness via ridicule, irony or sarcasm. You are assuming that they are exploiting him for actually being a muslim and her a terrorist and I think the opposite is Possible.

As voltigeur is #4 post above " The cover is actually lampooning the right wing nut jobs and the FOX propaganda net work for the outrageous claims that have very little facts behind them"

It is a caricature and therefore is an exaggeration. The NYorker is famous for them! Maybe folks think it is irresponsible for them to play on others fears -which I dont think they were. However, freedom of speech is still something we are entitled to -ALL OF US. If we don't like it then we have the Right not to buy it/the right to disregard it/not read/not watch that particular magazine/show etc.

Its called freedom of speech. They can put anything they wish on their magazine. You missed the point and there is no explaining it to you. You would not listen anyway.

Color has nothing to do with it in many people's eyes. Its not that they are afraid to have a black man as president at all. It is this particluar black man that they are afraid of. Any even slightly negative comment that is said about him- he reacts in a hyper-sensitive manner as if no one has the right to know anything about him or questions anything he says or does. They are afraid to have him as President because he has completed less than one term as a senator, he is a member is a white hating and a violence loving church! They are afraid of him because he cannot make a stand on anything without flip lopping back and forth over his committment. Please you need to think long and hard before elcting this man to the Presidency, as he is not prepared to handle it!

NOBAMA 2008

It has to do with political agenda's not color. I'd vote for Condoleezza Rice over McCain any day. But that was never an option.

YOU get over it, RO. You have the intellect of a retarded earthworm. That cartoon is supposed to poke fun at the people who THINK Obama is a Muslim. Not at Obama.

You are right on, look at all the "reality" shows. They play for the ignorant not for the intellect. What is scary is that these people are beginning to be the majority.

Do you know why a lot of people could believe these things to be true? Because we know NOTHING about this Man. He has nothing to back him up. What is there to research? Maybe he would be a good President, maybe not. We just DO NOT KNOW. I personally will not jump from the fire to the frying pan and call it making a change.

You don't know anything about Obama? Look it up or read this.

Obama was born in Honolulu,
Hawaii, August 4, 1961. His father was a professor
from Kenya and his mother an American. He obtained
his early education in Jakarta, Indonesia, and
Hawaii, and went on to Occidental College in Los
Angeles, later transferring to Columbia University
in New York City. After graduating from Columbia,
Obama studied law at Harvard University, where he
became the first African-American president of the
Harvard Law Review, and received his J.D. in 1992.
He served as a lecturer on constitutional law at
the University of Chicago until winning a seat in
the Illinois State Senate in 1996. He served in the
Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004, until he was
elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 2004.
He began his first term in the U.S. Senate on
January 3, 2005.

Does this help? Or this?

Sworn into office January 4, 2005, Senator Obama serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees our nation's health care, schools, employment, and retirement programs. He is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, which plays a vital role in shaping American policy around the world, including our policy in Iraq. And Senator Obama serves on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, which is focused on providing our brave veterans with the care and services they deserve. In 2005 and 2006, he served on the Environment and Public Works Committee, which safeguards our environment and provides funding for our highways.

During his eight years in the Illinois state Senate, Obama worked with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. Obama also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama enlisted the support of law enforcement officials to draft legislation requiring the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

Barack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii to Barack Obama, Sr. and Ann Dunham. Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983, and moved to Chicago in 1985 to work for a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review.

TEACHINGRULES...I think you need to check your math. In one sentence you say he started his first senate term in 2005, in the next paragraph you state that he spent 8 years in the Illinois senate. So which is it? He decided that he wanted to run for president in 2007, that's two years as a senator and he's more or less stopped doing that to run for president half way through his first term!!!

Technically, his mother was not an American citizen. She came to this country when she was 15, she had Barrack two or three years later. You have to be in this country for 5 years before you were considered a citizen at that time. She was only in this country 3 years, not 5 years before he was born. So technically, he's not an American citizen either! If you don't believe me, look it up.

The reason to question whether he is ready to be president is not because he's black or a muslim, it's his total lack of experience!

Lynn, sorry typo, got information from Obama for senator web page.

Re: Obama's mother
Ann Dunham, grew up in Wichita, Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs during the Depression. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he signed up for service in World War II and marched across Europe in Patton's army. Dunham's mother went to work on a bomber assembly line. After the war, they studied on the G. I. Bill, bought a house through the Federal Housing Program, and moved to Hawaii.

How could she come to this country when she was 15, if her dad worked during the depression and served during WWII?

Lynn W, I think you need to re-read Teachingrules post. He was an Illinois state senator for nearly 8 years, then became a US senator, taking office on 1/4/05.

I'm not sure where you got the information that his mother was not an American citizen. I thought she was born in Kansas (I may be wrong). I live in Kansas, and the last I heard, we are part of the continental US. If she was born in another country, can you please say where that was? In any event, to my knowledge, her parents were both American citizens, making her an American citizen even if she was born in Timbuktu.

I am not opposed to Mr. Obama because of his race, but rather because of his politics and his lack of good sense (as evidenced by his many distasteful past and present associations).

Oh and that is 8 years in the Illinois senate, Lynn. I just went back and checked.

They can read, they just can't comprehend.

Oh, GROW UP!!!

Okay, okay, julio. You really need help.