Capitolism

"Says He's a Christian"

posted by Christopher Hayes on 05/13/2008 @ 11:18am

A lot of people wrongly believe Barack Obama is a Muslim. As I documented in a cover story for the magazine, this is largely due to a viral internet rumor that's been spread via email.

Of course, Obama is a Christian. (Not, it should be added that that should make a difference one way or the other, but, of course, it does) Here's a clear cut example where there's fact and fiction and the press has the simple job saying which is which. But instead you get this insidious hedge, like this line from a reporter on Good Morning America:

Just for the record he constantly says he's a Christian

He doesn't "say" he's a Christian any more than he "says" his name is Barack Obama or that he represents Illinois in the United States Senate. These are just facts. They need to be openly stipulated as such.

Comments (0)

Advertisement
Advertisement

Blogs

» The Beat

Revolutionary Republic of July 4 Should Eschew Empire's Errors | Instead of interventions in Iran, Honduras, we must recall wisdom that said: "(America) goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy."
John Nichols
32 Comments

» Act Now!

Defining Patriotism | What do you value in the traditions of your country?
Peter Rothberg
22 Comments

» Editor's Cut

Rediscovering Secular America | This Fourth of July those who identify themselves as non-believers have much cause for celebration.
Katrina vanden Heuvel
36 Comments

» The Notion

Celebrating the Fourth by Remembering the Fifth | On Independence Day, the forgotten and imperiled Fifth Amendment bears honoring.
Eyal Press
20 Comments

» Altercation

Mikey 'n' Me | I got closer to Michael Jackson than almost anyone, or at least closer than most people of the age of consent.
Eric Alterman

» Capitolism

Washington: Even More Corrupt Than You Thought! | Washington Post sells access to lobbyists.
Christopher Hayes
59 Comments

» The Dreyfuss Report

Whisky Tango Foxtrot? | General Jones tells the generals in Kabul: don't bother asking for more troops.
Robert Dreyfuss
65 Comments