Political Death By Middle Name?

I mentioned in comments yesterday on Stefania's thought-provoking post (and ensuing discussion) about Obama's Somali photo that if that was an attack on Obama, well, we ain't seen nothing yet.

Case in point, Ohio hate-show...er, talk-show host Bill Cunningham's recent anti-Obama rant at a McCain rally. If his rhetoric is any indication, then the new GOP tactic to defame and destroy using any means necessary is the consistent repetition of the Democratic candidate's middle name:

Barack Hussein Obama.

Low. Low.

Comments

[Glennia]

I met a Republican McCain supporter last week who said to me, "How can you support someone whose name is Barack HUSSEIN Obama? Doesn't that make you at all suspicious?"

I pointed out that my last name is "Campbell" but I don't really like canned soup, and don't own any castles in Scotland. Moron.

[Mom101]

Well I for one would be suspicious of voting for a JOHN because clearly he is a TOILET.

I'm smart that way.

[honglien123]

I read an editorial on Slate that suggested Obama might have a better chance in middle eastern negotiations because of his perceived Muslim status. Neither here nor there since that benefit would probably make idiots like Glennia encountered even MORE suspicious.

[Tracy]

For some reason, when my cable TV comes on, it sometimes defaults to a station that plays televangelical/apocalyptic programs. The other day, the man and woman on the screen were discussing politics and I let it ride for a while.

I have to say it was unsettling... they repeatedly brought up Obama's middle name, talked about him as though some kind of Al Quaeda ties were a matter of fact for him, and cast suspicion on the Christian church he attends (I've seen letters to the editor do the same thing here).

Their racism was so calm and methodical. And what I think of as extreme was just far, far to easy to find.

[Lawyer Mama]

The first time I heard the constant repetition of his middle name, it was from Ann Coulter. (Evil wench.) She kept calling him B. Hussein Obama.

Ah, xenophobia and racism. The fall back position of conservative bigots everywhere. We're going to hear so much more of that during the general election.

[Julie]

It incensed me too, and I'm a Republican.