Clinton’s big Pa. backer reached out to Farrakhan
By Ami Eden on Feb 27, 2008 in Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Lieberman, Presidential Race, debates |
During Tuesday’s debate in Ohio Hillary Clinton argued that Barack Obama had not gone far enough in speaking out against Louis Farrakhan. After the debate her pollster, Mark Penn, was in the spin room arguing that Obama may have rejected and denounced Farrakhan, but he failed to criticize his pastor’s praise of the Nation of Islam leader.
Well, if this race makes it to Pennsylvania, it will be interesting to find out what Clinton has to say on the issue of Farrakhan to her most important backer in the state, Governor Ed Rendell.
Then the mayor of Philadelphia, Rendell not only made a controversial decision to share the stage with Farrakhan in an effort to diffuse racial tensions in the city, but then praised the NOI for its emphasis on family values and self-sufficiency (this, after ripping what he described as “so-called Jewish leaders” for criticizing the decision to give Farrakhan a platform).
Along similar lines, undoubtedly Jewish Republicans are taking notes on how to take aim at Obama over the Farrakhan question. They may want to check their back files — they’ll find this 2000 ad attacking Joe Lieberman (now McCain’s most prominent Jewish supporter) for saying he’d meet with Farrakhan.
Gov. Rendell is a racist and Farrakhan is an anti-semite. The only difference is, Rendell endorses Hillary and Farrakhan endorses Obama.
latinovoter | Feb 27, 2008 | Reply
Children at play.
jaleel shakir | Feb 27, 2008 | Reply
Hillary does not accept responsibibility; she blames the media for all her woes. The media is not fair, you always ask me the first questions, you pamper Mr. Obama, and on and on it goes. The truth is, Hillary mismanaged her campaign, she mismanaged her campaign funds, she hired inept people to to head her campaign.Banked everything on Feb.5th! In short, Hillary has proven she is not ready to be President on day one or any other time.
Clintonfatigue | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
An Appeal for Daniel Pearl
Memo To: The Fourth Estate
From: Jude Wanniski
Re: Farrakhan’s Appeal
The prospect that the Karachi Muslims who kidnapped Daniel Pearl of The Wall Street Journal would actually kill him did not occur me to until last Thursday, when I called Peter Kann, the president of Dow Jones & Co., on another matter. He listened to me for just a moment and realized that it was not about Dan Pearl and told me he had to transfer me to someone else, as he was totally occupied trying to prevent the execution of Pearl the next morning. That shook me up so much that I spent the rest of the day in a trance, trying to figure out how I could help with a desperate situation on the other side of the world. Late in the afternoon it suddenly hit me that none of the appeals from our politicians would make a difference, none of the threats from our military. But they might respond to an appeal from an American Muslim who they would know, at least by reputation, and so I contacted the Nation of Islam to urge Min. Louis Farrakhan to make such an appeal. A man who could ask for a million Black Americans to come to Washington, D.C. to stand together and pledge to be better men on October 16, 1995 in the Million Man March might be able to move the Muslim kidnappers of Dan Pearl…..
In the case of Dan Pearl, a military man was not right. It would have to be an American cleric and a Muslim. Min. Farrakhan might be exactly right, as he had traveled to Pakistan many times and was well known to whomever had kidnapped Pearl.
At first, Thursday evening, the word I got was that Min. Farrakhan had already been asked to make an appeal, but that he did not think it would be reported, or that it would get to the kidnappers, or that it would make a difference. I responded later in the evening that if there were an appeal, I would get it to Bob Novak, who could get it on CNN which I knew was available in Karachi. It was a slim, slim chance, but on Friday morning I talked to Nation of Islam Chief of Staff Leonard Muhammad, who told me Min. Farrakhan was writing a statement and would soon release it. It soon went on CNN and I was pleased to see that it was run word for word and that CNN ran it as a streamer all night long and into the next morning. What really shocked me was that even though Associated Press ran it as a news story, the other major media ignored it. There was no mention of it at The New York Times or The Washington Post or, as far as I can tell, at Dow Jones. I expected the NYPost would ignore the appeal, but was pleased that the NY Daily News at least mentioned it in a paragraph at the bottom of its Pearl story. I really do not understand American journalists these days. There are Israeli soldiers refusing to participate in the bombing of the West Bank, but in the U.S., the editors are blacking out an appeal to help save a newspaperman.
* * * * *
February 1, 2002
Press Release by: Minister Louis Farrakhan
Leader of The Nation of Islam
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan today called for the release of Mr. Daniel Pearl, believed to be held in Pakistan.
“I wish to offer my sincere prayers and best wishes to my Muslim brothers and their families. May Allah grant you mercy and right guidance in this hour of great trial. I urge the immediate release and safe return of Mr. Daniel Pearl. His release may serve the greater good and promote meaningful dialogue with the American people and government. Muslims are known for their compassion and mercy for the human family. Allah (God) revealed the Quran to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) to serve as a guide in every aspect of human endeavor. Allah teaches and instructs us in the handling of prisoners of war. Allah instructs and teaches us in the handling and treatment of non-combatants. Mr. Pearl is a journalist, is not a combatant, and should be released. Our religion, Islam, is under trial. The world is watching. To execute and murder this man will increase hatred for Islam and damage the reputation of Muslims throughout the world. I must also urge the American government to grant P.O.W. (Prisoners of War) status to those captured during a declared war. Once again, I employ America to re-examine her foreign policy toward Africa, the Middle East, and other vulnerable nations. The United States is the only remaining super power by Allah’s (God’s) permission. America must do more to reassure the family of nations of her determination to promote justice and fair play. The nations of the earth will follow America’s leadership in establishing a century of security, prosperity and peace for all.”
What do you think about Farrakhan’s effort to save Daniel Pearl’s life and the Jewish dominated media’s decision not to report that effort? It may have cost Daniel Pearl his life.
Mr. Unite Us | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
Should we reject and denounce political columnist like Jonah Goldberg for comparing Obama and FDR to Hilter?
Mr. Unite Us | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
I never heard about this. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. I really do think it is important to challenge people when they are wrong and to give them attention when it is appropriate.
To your original point, I think the power holders in the media prefer to paint some leaders in black and white, because they believe that nuanced considerations of controversial figures like Min. Farrakhan believed won’t play well in the public. Then there is regular everyday racism and the desire to demonize.
In any case, I am sure their inaction contributed to his death. Pitiful.
Bonnie | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
Barack Obama had a Tripple Whammy thrown at him with the throwing out of his middle name in a negative way, accompanied by a picture of Obama dressed in Somali garb, at the same time being endorsed by Farrakhan (and how did the Press find out about Farrakhan’s endorsement?) — this is the worst kind of politics, its called “Swift Boating”, which in reality is an assassination of character, insinuating that Barack is a Muslin, even though he’s not. It’s a Political Katrina Moment! I hope Americans of Goodwill will not allow Camp Clinton and the Republicans to Swift-boat Barack like the Republicans did Kerry, turning a war hero into a deserter. And those individuals who attend Catholic Churches of Priests who are/were pedifiles, themselves too guilty? And, as some would have you to believe, it is untrue that blacks are voting for Obama because he is black, (like some women Are voting for Hillary because she is a woman and she encourages this gender bias) because most Blacks did not turn out their vote for Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. African Americans are voting for Obama, like most Americans, because he represents and inspires Hope and a Change of “nothing” getting done to “legislation” finally getting passed. It’s Transformational and it’s our Renaissance Moment!
And too, Obama can be of use to America by addressing the need of some to “cleverly” sow divisions and to exploit our differences, instead of building on that which unites us. ["The world can use him too, with his reach to the Muslim nations and his middle name making it impossible for the US to walk away from one of the biggest foreign policy blunders in history. A restructuring of this overall policy is due after the demolition of the World Trade Towers. Some people think it's cool to be cynical. They deride those who show overt respect, admiration, and optimism. Those who still believe they can make a difference. Those who know they have power. This campaign has proven that cruelty is no longer desired as political style in the United States. The people now have a choice. A choice between magnifying the negatives or using the positives. I will say this. Obama has the potential to be one of the greats, but only if the people participate in molding his leadership. That's the task at hand. He, himself, invites others to recognize his faults not letting them interfere with the work. You can see how the people's support has molded him already in his quick evolution from weak debating events to the beautiful, strong, elegant, debate he delivered last night.." From: Blogger, J.M., Raging Universe.]
As a nation, we cannot afford to continue to alienate our allies and friends in the Middle East by insinuating that to have the name Hussein means that you are evil, a terrorist, or are to be feared. Do we really want to Convey that? We have to remember, it was not Saddam Hussein who bombed us on 911, though some would have you to think that. And, there are many good and decent people with the name Hussein all around the world and especially in the Middle East, some of which have been our allies such as King Hussein from Jordan. To continue to ridicule and fear the name Hussein, will only continue to incite hatred and hostility, with the result of no end of wars in sight. America the world is watching and we must decide as a nation what we are going to do. Realize that Clinton is a Fighter while Obama is a Uniter! America is only as strong and good as her leaders and politicians. America is finding her Soul!
Julie W. | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
I was hoping someone took notice of the meeting that occurred on April 14th 1997 in Philadelphia at which mayor rendell and minister farrakhan shared the same stage. I happen to have a tape of that meeting in Tendley Temple and the minister gave a wonderful talk that seemed to have the support of the many religous leaders in attendance as well as mayor rendell. I feel strongly that the double stanadard and hipocrisy that the privileged in America exercise over all Americans, except the majority is, insidious and blatant. Also it is my opinion that any voting American who happens to be a well-wisher of Minister Farrakhan (of which there are millions), will vote for Sen. Clinton if she happens to win. I doubt very seriously she will reject or denounce their votes….I would add that the speech Minister Farrakhan gave on April 14th was brilliant, collaborative, inclusive and was appreciated by all those in attendance including Mayor Rendell.
He should be applauded for his decision to invite Minister Farrakhan. Finally, Senator Clinton’s staff should check the background of many more of her supporters to find out how much they support and love Minister Farrakhan.
Jay Marshall | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
I am not surprised because this is what happens to the voices in America that the influential and powerful decide shouldn’t be heard. We have to stop depending on every bit of information that is fed to us by conglomerate news agencies as being true. We all need to look one step further. And thank you for bringing this information to light
Jay Marshall | Feb 28, 2008 | Reply
For anyone who wants to read up on how Barack Obama was “manufactured” to be all things to all voters, please read the article “Obama screamed at me.” If the link doesn’t work, “google” the title and you’ll find it. Please go to, read (it’s long but worth it), and circulate this link before time runs out:
http://www. news.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-oba ma-screamed-at-me
Mandelay | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply