I'm so sick of hearing its because he's black. No its not its because of the muslim issue not a black issue. Maybe one day this nation will be ready for a muslim leader but today is not that day. We as a nation have to look out for the America's we can't trust the muclim community! We are at war with the muslims and we want to bring a man who could be a closet muslim or has family memebers that are muslim.as our leader! People wake up. Has anyone does there research on the muslim community. If so then you know once born into being a muslim then by the muslims you are considerated a muslim for life. If you deny this faith u are shuned or put to death by the muslim community. Now tell me why the muslim in American are for him and not shunning him is it because they know something we don't. For the slavering comments get over it. Black people want to blame the white for slavery but do you not realize it your own people who sold you to the whites.

stephanie, amelia, Va

If you are born of a muslim father, and then your mom marries another muslim and moves to a muslim country -Indonesia, not only were you born of a muslim father but in all likelihood your mother was also a (converted) muslim. Just ask any muslim and they will tell you the above is true. A muslim marriage cannot be solemnized unless both the bride and groom are muslims, leave alone two of them.

Surdy, scottsdale, AZ

The question is: Why should a photo of Obama dressed up as a Somali (or as a Muslim) be viewed as negative for his election chances, unless we must admit that the United States is still deeply prejudiced toward Muslims and Arabs - and Africans? How can the White Americans love Obama this much, but not his father’s faith, African heritage, and traditional dress?

THOMAS DDUMBA, liverpool, UK

If u say muslims are bad what about Christians what did they do in Africa. They preached the word of God while having plantations in the West Indies with slaves...slave trade is the worst sin on earth. So if a Christian objects to a muslim or sees a muslim as a lesser man then he ought to remind himself of what the Christains did 200 years back and it is still affecting the world till now. Moreso, the US forget they get all their oil from muslim countries and non from Israel what if these guys turn the tap off? What if they tell them to pack up their bases. I think we now live in a global world with a global passport. Remember from Ashes to Ashes!

THOMAS DDUMBA, liverpool, UK

It seems like we have many hardline christians who oppose any movement for a non white person to be their respected President. The fact of the matter is that it would be a good thing to see Mr Barrack lead America. At least he looks to be honest and a peoples man. He is well spoken and humble. And I think that is what we need to nurture peace and healthy relationships between "us and them", as Bush and his party have called it.

James, Brisbane, Australia

i beleive it is time for a change....after bush, why not a black guy...he will gain trust in the rest of the world, and america wont any longer be 'the terrible white cowboy" attacking the world...it would actually be quite fun to see a black guy as americas next president...!

frederik klemmensen, goteborg, sweden

if barack hussein obama receives the democratic nomination i will switch to the republican party and vote mccain

john, texas, usa

like you reported is only a rumor. Obama is a man of God and believe it or not there is only one God. Peace out. Obama 2008 Yes we can , si se puede, We need a change for the great of this contry.

Jess, USA,

I am sure Hillary Clinton is much disturbed that there is the likelihood that Obama will clinch the Democratic ticket and is therefore using all avenues to tarnish the image of Obama.The attack on Obama will only draw more people to vote for him.Carry on Obama,the ticket is yours!

Tukur Lamido, Jalingo, Taraba,NIGERIA

Mr. Obama's father's name:
Barack Hussein Obama
He was Moslem.
Per the Moslem tradition, a male first born's name would be:
(grandfather's name) + (father's name) + (family name). It would be fair to assume that Barack the Kenyan followed his cultural tradition in the naming of his first born son.
There is no doubt that the presidential candidate's legal name is Barack Hussein Obama. However there is a good chance that his birth name is:
Hussein Barack Obama. To prove or disprove the hypothesis it takes a birth certificate or school records from Indonesia.
The claim by the candidate that Barack is derived from the Hebrew Baruch(meaning blessed) is pure hogwash. Why would a moslem from Kenya use a Hebrew name?
Barack comes from Arabic(another semitic language) and could be derived either from blessing or lightning depending on the orthography in Arabic. I personally opt for lightning, in the Moslem tradition there's Barakat (blessings) or Mabruk / Mubarak (blessed)

Daniel Schultz, Wichita, USA/KS

Is a crime to be a Muslim? I think not! Though some of my fellow Americans seem hell bent on demonizing the whole lot of us and our faith, Islam is indeed a beautiful religion. Although I know that Mr. Obama is certainly NOT a Muslim, is it unfair for the countless American Muslim youth out there to hope to aspire to his same position one day? I mean, as I an African American I am surprised that America has come this far this fast. An African-American candidate poised to receive the Democratic party's nomination for the presidency. It makes me proud! But alas, I see that we American Muslims have our work cut out for us. Same old dirty trick---guilt by association! Having said that, I'm going to give my country more credit that it has thus far given itself in it's ability to live up to it's own lofty ideals by reiterating this fact: all men have are created equal and have been endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights...

Calara Hardin, Chicago, USA/IL

The thing Voters want to remember is in an Election Campaign, the opposition will stoop so low, they will find any gutter press release as some thing to use to hold them selves up in the Campaign. That is the sad part, which explains how G W Bush ended up in the WHITE HOUSE, the worst leader in the History of America, and the whole world thinks so. People should be careful how they vote to avoid this happening again. Every ordinary person is paying the price either in their Jobs, or about to lose their homes, and an economy facing Recession. So bad decisions carrys consiquences. G W BUSH has given all dictators a passport to start wars calling the world Terrorist. Under the word Terrorist every one is now going to war, claiming their neighbours are Terrorist, innocent people held with no trial, under the unbrella of the word, that word is Terrorism, most of the time there is no truth to it. It's a word used carelessly, with no substance, to back it with.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Cunningham uses full names including middle names all the time.

KT, Cincinnati,

Americans need to stop buying into fear and ignorance when it comes to politics and decisions in our country. It is exactly what led our soldiers into Iraq, for NO good reason when Iraq was not even a threat to the U.S.

Obama is not a muslim, sorry everyone, he is Christian...no story here. Keep it moving.

Robyn, Hazel Crest, USA/ IL

I've been listening to Bil Cunningham for years and he almost always refers to politicians by their full names, including their middle names: Ronald Wilson Reagan, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, William Jefferson Clinton.

Cincinnatian, Cincinnati, OH

All I can say is . . . imagine the controversy if Barack "looked French".

MK, Long Beach, CA

America desperately needs to settle and heal, and whether they understand it or not, whomever they vote for as President affects other nations. And i believe Obama would be a good choice at this point and time in history for all, or you can harden your prejudiced hearts and reject him until your enemies terrorise you for another decade and beyond

YAB, London, uk

Where has Obama hit back?

And for him to state that he has never been a Muslim will come back to haunt him BADLY! He should have been honest about his background from the jump!

And for the record, I don't see anything wrong him being called by his middle name. It is not slander. It is his middle name. His parents named it.

Liza, Hampton,

Ummm.. The headline says "Obama hits back..". Where exactly in the article is his "hit back"?

PK, Tampa, FL

Remember its the times you are reading. Always have it in mind when you read the english times, dont mistake it with new york times or the others.
The bait is to try and make Obama's candidacy about his race and name. And if he falls for it, then he is in trouble. He has done well so far and exceeded their expectations.
Go Obama Go.

Muhammad, UK,

What next?That Obama rhymes with Osama and therefore he is unfit to lead the pack?!

Vishwanathan, Secunderabad, India

the game just gets dirtyier. The question for Barack's opponents is 'how much lower can you go'? My suggestion to them, stick to policy, not personal attacks.

Naa, Berkshire, UK

Franklin Delanor Roosevelt, Lyndon Baines Johnson, George H Bush, George W Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Richard Milhaus Nixon. So now it is none PC to mention a persons name?. McCain was a fool to say what he said, but then he is a ' maverick ', and not held to normal standards. Just as Barack Hussein Obama. As he has Irish roots, should it not be O' Bama?.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

Obviously Senator Obama should have changed his family name to something more solid, like Brown, and maybe with a given name of something more calming, like Gordon, in order to stand a chance of being elected.

What are his campaign advisors thinking?

Phillip, Indianapolis, USA

Hamad, it does make him a lesser person, not only in the eyes of electorate.

Alex, London, UK

Obamaa isn't ashamed of his heritage or his name - he's ashamed of those "Enemies of Freedom" in the US who use his name & heritage to insinuate that he isn't proud of and loyal to America

Alan, Edinburgh, UK

i would be more worried if obama's middle name was george.

dave, bangkok, Thailand

When all else fails, the camps for McCaine and Clinton want to bring to the fore what is at the back of their minds, behind closed doors. It wasn't enough to label him as inexperienced or doubt his ability to stand up to republican attacks, etc, etc., that it has now become necessary to focus on his name and his culture. I hope this backfires. I hope voters turn out in their masses and truly represent the multi ethnicity of America at the polls. Barack Obama represents a change .. a change at every level. It will be a new era in history of USA.

JP, Ambler, PA

Ask yourselves, why is it suddenly necessary to use his middle name anyway, why not refer to the other candidates middle names? How often do we see Hillary Diane Clinton or John Sidney McCain? It is just so daft. I'd bet that if McCain's middle name was Adolf or Darth the Republican mob would keep quiet about middle names.

Stop pretending that you don' t think it is because of the allusion to Saddam, its like guilt by association. And Barrack is not stupid, he knows that this is the main reason. Imagine if Arnold had run, there would be those who be fearing that the next president was an assassin droid from the future.

Hussein happens to be one of the most common names in the East like John or George is in the West.

Paul, Stockholm,

If, the Obama camp is ready and willing to dish the dirt, then , why, is it racist, for their opponents to hit back?
This reverse racism, makes me sick.
The late French writer Roman Gary (author of 'Roots of Heaven') wrote an interesting short story, called, 'White Dog'.
Rather, than an explanation, to the uninitiated, I suggest, a covert read, of this story.
It may and I reiterate, 'may', throw some light, on human behaviour, regardless of 'colour'.

prudence eely bond mcguire, London, ENGLAND,UK.

The American people who are concerned by the man's middle name (given to him by an ABSENTEE MUSLIM father) should be throughly ashamed of themselves. It just goes to show the rest of the world the xenophobic sentiment some American's hold. Concentrate on his policies and question those in regards to the job he is going for. His religion plays no part in it (unlike Bush's. Where did that lead him? to Iraq) Wasn't America a country founded partly because of want of religious freedom? It just goes to show you, some American's are media brainwashed and have a very fickle view.

Morgen, London, England.,

I cannot say that I do not disagree with that.

Tony, Bristol, England

Well! Well!! Well!!! One thing Oboma's opponent don't know is that, if Oboma finally have his way to the white house, the so call terrorist act if actually geniue, will seased naturally. Except the act are pepetrated by America insider, them it may be worse.

Another thing is that,If America voters refuse to vote for Oboma because he is a black man, then they should be ready for disintegeration. Even worse than that of former USSR.

Then the country will finally fall as predicted by the MAN WHO SAW TOMORROW.

ALEGIMENLEN, Ayoko city, Nigeria

Its amazing. America is NOT ready for change. Let's for arguments sake say that he is a Muslim. Would that make him a lesser person in the eyes of the electorate? Would they vote for his policies, his character, his views or his religion?

Hamad Lone, London, England

The Amercans are not ready for change! Let's just for arguments sake assume that he is a Muslim. Does that make him a lesser or less trustworthy leader? Would they vote for his policies, his views, his character, his accomplishments or HIS RELIGION?

Hamad Lone, London, England

Hang on, don't tell me Americans are actually swayed by a candidate's name? So what if his name has Hussein/Mohammed/some other evil sounding foreign name in it?

There is no hope for them.

Howard, Manchester,

to J.Kershaw, Novelty, Ohio, it is not true that once you are a Muslim you are always Muslim. Take Salman Rushdie, a former muslim. No Muslim has ever said he is still a Muslim.

Nice to see despite all the assertions to deny it, racism is alive and well in America. For all those who want to stop Obama, they cannot find seem to find anything wrong with his policies, so they instead launch an attack on his estranged Father's faith.

For those who still think he is an undercover muslim, is Muhammed Ali still a Christian? Are you guys still going to call him Cassius Clay? I thought Ameica was the land of opportunity? A man has the freedom (and right) to choose his faith, no one should doubt that freedom. But the xenophobic nature of those who deny Obama the same right show they are simply bigots.

akram, london,

Could someone explain to me, in rational terms, why it matters that his Obama's father was Islamic? What earthly difference does it make?

Sadly, having read some of the comments on here, America is still a deeply divided and (whisper it) racist place.

If white America one day took off the blinkers and realised how the rest of the world sees it, it's world would simply fall apart.

The reason there is so much hype about Obama is because the USA is a terrifyingly right wing nation and the rest of us are frankly desperate for even the slightest shift back to the centre ground.

In practically any other nation, Obama would be a right-centre politician...

Greg Barton, Sheffield, UK

I believe Mr. Obama should turn these smears into boosts and respond in the fashion his friend Oprah Winfrey did when confronted with rumors that she and her friend Gayle King were gay. Ms. Winfrey said if we were gay, we would tell you because there's nothing wrong with being gay. Likewise Mr. Obama should tell his detractors that if he were muslim he -like his friend Representative Keith Ellison - would tell us since there's nothing wrong with being muslim!

shaakir Abdul Jalil, Lawnside, New Jersey 08045

All very sad that this has started, but pretty inevitable. Mr Obama's rivals evidently realise he is winning the battle for the White House on legitimate issues, so they have (re-)started tapping into the 'outsider fear' so sadly displayed by much of America's religious & insular right.

No, there is nothing wrong with calling people by their given name. But when it is pointedly and repeatedly used to imply a false link to Islam, it is just desperately sad. I only hope American voters have enough vision to see through this painfully transparent camapign of bigoted slander.

Americans, you deserve a good, honest president. The tactics of Mr Obama's opponents are a worrying taste of what kind of adminsistration your country faces should they succeed.

Mark, Bangkok, Thailand

Today's republicans are an embarrassment to conservative principles. They make a big deal about Obama's name, ethnicity, etc but spend 1.5 trillion on the wrong war, invest in failing dictators (Musharaf) and isolate our adversaries.

For example, the last true conservative, Ronald Reagan President Reagan suceeded in building realtionships with  world leaders, even if they weren't from a free democracy. He gave them diplomacy, respect, he listened, but most of all he SPOKE to these leaders.  He made leaders believe they were an important part of the solutions for their own countries and their own legacy...by being able to speak to the President of the United States!

Young Atheart, San Jose, CA

Why would a man be ashamed of his own name? Why would a man be ashamed on the traditional dress of his fathers people? I can't vote for a man who is ashamed of himself, even if he is black.

Evelyn Garrison, Pasadena, usa/texas

He says he's never been a muslim. He does not say he does not intend to be one. It's only words, but thats all we have to go on.

Arthur, Newcastle,

Barrack Obama is the rising-star of the democrates thats true and if Hilarry wants to win this race she must find a weak point of Obama. and then I mean not just his weakpoint but his strength because if you can make his strength a lot of weaker Hillary could win this. And yes Bill could help her with her campaign but I don't think he could give her the victory. Ore maybe find something in the campaign of Obama he don't talk about verry often. "If you find the gold than victory is yours". And if Obama could beat Mcain? Yes because he is got a lot of voters of the afro-americans and there so important to win.

Well its going to be a nice race and I think Hilarry Better go say you win if she is not going to win in Ohio and Texas. So the democrates could start with campaign to white house.

Rik van der Gouw

Rik van der Gouw, Arnhem, The Netherlands

experence,experence,let me tell you who have it hillary ,mccain and bush,they have so much ,that is why they send our children to war
and give away all our hard earn money.put hillary or mccain back that will be the end of america.they have just enough experence to sell us out.

gordon, tampa, fl

Last time I checked , there is still "Freedom of Speech" in this country. Why is McCain "rebuking" a host who called Obama, Barack Hussein Obama. That's his name isn't it?!?!!!!

pat, atlanta, Ga

You Republican's do realise that the Middle East / Gulf states - your big trading partners, Iraq and Afghanistan - where you have troops are stationed, are all Muslim?
The last thing you guys want to do is make anti-Muslim comments.

Rob, Brum, UK

No American in there right mind should vote for this man to be our leader just based on his middle name! If he believed people shouldnt have a problem with it why was he trying to keep it out of the media for so long! He himself knows it doesnt look good, and im sorry if you are a true american you SHOULD have a problem with it and it is our freedom to be honest and say it .

Kelly, Louisville,

What is even remotely offensive about referring to someone by their given name? His given name is Barack Hussein Obama. The only people who seem to find this offensive are those who have no problem referring to President Bush or VP Cheney as "hitler" or "satan" or any other pejorative. But, referring to Barack Hussein Obama by the name that is actually on his birth certificate..? Unacceptable.

Eric, Chicago, USA

What is even remotely offensive about referring to someone by their given name? His given name is Barack Hussein Obama. The only people who seem to find this offensive are those who have no problem referring to President Bush or VP Cheney as "hitler" or "satan" or any other pejorative. But, referring to Barack Hussein Obama by the name that is actually on his birth certificate..? Unacceptable.

Eric, Chicago, USA

If Barack Hussein Obama can't handle having his middle name being used, my goodness how is he going to take
the name calling he is going to get if he wins the election.
I for one have listened to these leftest weasels for several
years call President George Bush every name under the sun.
Why the big deal with his middle name, didn't John Kerry use his middle name a few weeks ago many times and nothing
was said, Oh! i forgot he is a Democrat and they can say and do anything and the media doesn't even mention it.
If John McCain thinks he will be able to run a clean campaign
against Obama he is out of his mind. The media is ready to crucify him as soon as he wins the nomination.

Joe B, Gulf Breeze, USA/Florida

Obama has as hard of time convincing some people of this issue as a drunk would have when he says he's is not an alcoholic. After all, Islam says it is okay to lie to infidels.

This will be interesting but it most likely will not be the Republicans doing it as they have said they need to be careful in this race against the first Black Presidential candidate.

Now, using Obama's full name will not be out of line as people have used presidental candidates full name for years.

JW Morrison, Jackson,

There's a lot of most-often-hidden racism in America that is now coming out of the cracks because a black man (actually half-black, half-white) dares to presume to achieve power that has "belonged" to white men for 225 plus years. The "Hussein" remarks are partly racism but also party religious bigotry: if the racists can't oust Obama for his race, they'll try to oust him with their bigotry against Islam. America is filled with a lot of white "trash" who oppose multi-culturalism and hate the idea of America as a melting pot.

Dayahka, Aberdeen, WA

There is nothing wrong with the use of middle names. What should be discussed is the group of people that Mr. Obama is get his support from.

alex, Riverside, CA

Senator Obama is of course a Christian. But I fail to understand why the Christian world has all of a sudden declared a war on the Muslin faith. No religion is free of lunatics and criminal terrorists and Christianity has had its own share of issues in this area. The middle name Hussein only demonstrates and confirms this societies multicultural and multi-religious nature.

Ajay Kansal, Glen Carbon, USA

I don't care what the next president's name is as long as it's NOT CLINTON. Who in heck told her she could be president? Since when does she not know that people don't like her? Since when do the clinton's know that we are sick of them? They have worn out their welcome. They are like unwanted house guests. It's time to go!!!!

jane doe, san diego, ca/usa

Even if he was a practicing Muslim I'd support him. I know many wonderful Muslims who are generous spiritual people. The Christians don't seem to have been doing a great job these past many decades. Keep in mind the "Radical Muslims" are the ones to keep an eye on.
You GO Hussein!

Signed,
A white middle aged ex Christian and lover of God.

Daniel, San Jose, USA / California

You wrote: "Viewers were reminded that Mr Farrakhan had once called Judaism a “gutter religion”.

Fact Check: The notion that Farrakhan refered to Judaism as gutter is a proven fabrication first circulated for 20 years by New York tabloids.

Farrakhan's response: "Countless times over the years I have explained that I never referred to Judaism as a dirty religion, but, clearly referred to the machinations of those who hide behind the shield of Judaism while using unjust political means to achieve their objectives. This was distilled in the New York tabloids and other media saying, "Farrakhan calls Judaism a gutter religion."

"Over the centuries, the evils of Christians, Jews and Muslims have dirtied their respective religions. True Faith in the laws and Teaching of Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad is not dirty, but, practices in the name of these religions can be unclean and can cause people to look upon the misrepresented religion as being unclean."

Source: Polyconomics.com

John Bazine, Marietta, USA/GA

For one I don’t care if he is or isn't a Muslim. What does that matter? We have a lot of Muslim people in American that are citizens, and here the Republican party is trying to down grade Obama for his religion/ethnicity. Sounds like the Republican are being racist, and it is sad after what our country has been through that we haven't progressed at all. The Republican have changed from African American racism to Muslim racism. Is this the message that the Republicans want to send to the world that we hate all Muslim, and they are in anyway second class people to us non-Muslim people. It is pathetic.

Mike Earley, Beaverton, OR

While I hate the cheap-shots some people are taking at Obama over his name, he does belong to a pretty radical church, which recently honored Farrakhan. I think it is fair to ask whether he believes that it is appropriate to honor a vicious anti-Semite, and whether his church's teachings about race reflect his own beliefs.

I think that it is fair to examine the racial views of all candidates, and not give Obama a pass, or extra scrutiny, because of his complexion.

Tom, Ottawa, Canada

Barack should change his website's doman to www.barackhusseinobama.com. It would be very fitting with his "full-disclosure" campaign!

It's just a name. Yes it has it's roots, but I'm sure his parents didn't have the clairvoyance to name him after the Iraqi tyrant.

Will, Cincinnati, OH

I understand that once your a Muslum you will always be a Muslum. That is my concern and his word alone doesn't make anything so or not so.
He has hidden alot about himself very well, his Chicago connections?, who paid for his higher education?, where did all his money come from?.
I just do not trust him AT ALL, Hi is a scary dud and someone must unmask him. The media has fallen in love with him and they are blinding most everyone.

J.Kershaw, Novelty, Ohio

Is it his name or is it not? It is ridiculous for us as opponents of this socialist not to be able to call him by his name. He shouldn't be ashamed of it anyway.

Chris, Tuscaloosa,

Ummm.. The headline says "Obama hits back..". Where exactly in the article is his "hit back"?

PK, Tampa, FL