The release of a picture showing Obama wearing a traditional Somali costume in the northern Somali region of Kenya, with the motive of diminishing or tarnishing his image, is only damaging Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in general.
Obama putting on the traditional costume is no more than a sign of respect for the people he was visiting. His father was from Kenya. The costume consisting of a robe and turban were presented to him by the elders in the north-east region of Kenya.
As a tactic to smear Obama in some childish way, this was rightly described as "shameful, and offensive fear mongering".
The photo was sent to the website Drudge Report, who said it came from Clinton staffers. The Clinton camp has not issued any denial. Instead, Clinton's campaign manager tried to whitewash the dirty tactics by asking why should Obama's campaign find the photo divisive, evading the issue why Clinton staffers sent the photo to Drudge Report, not known for being supportive of the Democrats. Did they send it to promote Obama?
This photo should not be divisive, but the ill-intent behind the act, misconceived as it was, may well be a decisive issue that will drag Hillary Clinton down. It will also damage the Democrats generally. Republicans are probably relishing this farcical charade, and wondering what further gaffes the Democrats will serve up next.
Americans in general will only think that the Democrats have lost whatever moral high ground they have managed to achieve since the Clinton-Lewinsky fiasco.
Perhaps Ralph Nader is right after all, that Americans should have another choice.
Obama putting on the traditional costume is no more than a sign of respect for the people he was visiting. His father was from Kenya. The costume consisting of a robe and turban were presented to him by the elders in the north-east region of Kenya.
As a tactic to smear Obama in some childish way, this was rightly described as "shameful, and offensive fear mongering".
The photo was sent to the website Drudge Report, who said it came from Clinton staffers. The Clinton camp has not issued any denial. Instead, Clinton's campaign manager tried to whitewash the dirty tactics by asking why should Obama's campaign find the photo divisive, evading the issue why Clinton staffers sent the photo to Drudge Report, not known for being supportive of the Democrats. Did they send it to promote Obama?
This photo should not be divisive, but the ill-intent behind the act, misconceived as it was, may well be a decisive issue that will drag Hillary Clinton down. It will also damage the Democrats generally. Republicans are probably relishing this farcical charade, and wondering what further gaffes the Democrats will serve up next.
Americans in general will only think that the Democrats have lost whatever moral high ground they have managed to achieve since the Clinton-Lewinsky fiasco.
Perhaps Ralph Nader is right after all, that Americans should have another choice.
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