Tara Graham looks at “Muslim-slinging” in both presidential campaigns:
The aim was to make Obama guilty-(of terrorism)-by-association, but the strategy backfired. It not only reinforced people’s misunderstanding of Obama as a practicing Muslim (as intended), it also brought genuine fear of Muslims to the surface—along with the explosive outbursts, booing, and death threats we’re now hearing at McCain-Palin rallies. I choose to believe that these blatant displays of intolerance and hate were never intended.
But, for the record, Obama hasn’t been helping the situation.Back in June, the Obama campaign reportedly restricted two Muslim women wearing headscarves from sitting behind the senator at a Detroit rally so that the women wouldn’t be photographed or filmed in the background of news coverage from the event. Obama also declined Rep. Ellison’s offer to help him campaign in Iowa back in December and later in North Carolina.
Read her full commentary here.