It's a shame our media in the US, with very few exceptions, simply ignore anything negative about Obama, and if someone else has the temerity to report it, they get attacked and accused of acting as Republican shills. I guess it's more than a shame, it's a tragedy.

Mary, Oklahoma, USA

Rather than whether it may be a mystery as to why anyone else did not investigate this..., it is more certainly a mystery why anyone thinks it should be important to the present question..., who should win, or who will be the better President.

P D Cunningham, Cassatt, USA

WHAT BIRTH CERTIFICATE ISSUE?! It was produced some time ago:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/06/obama-birth.html

Desperation is so amusing when seen from afar...

Lisa, Washington, DC, USA

Thank you Times for your good journalism!! I read The Times everyday and was surprised to hear our media say it was a Republican trick. I guess our media thinks we are not an astute populace and don't know that we can access global media outlets seeking truth on issues. Well done.

Carol Clements, Cockeysville, MD, USA

Those who don't know anything about Obama are those who didn't watch the Democratic primary contest. Republicans who turned the channel when a Dem story came on.

WE who WATCHED it until JUNE have seen it all. If you decided to ignore it at the time, don't blame the media for your ignorance.

CCK, Pittsburgh, PA,

I am beggining to wander about this "Civilian National Security" Would it be Obama's equivalent of " Hitler's youth?
This man scares me!

Lassiter, Raleigh , USA

Too bad the US news outlets don't have the guts or the perseveance of the Times to look into Obama and his past. Why was there no insistence for his birth certificate while they insisted that Sarah Palin's baby was really her daughters? Because they have an agenda to discredit anyone against Obama

Al, Walpole, Ma, US

There is nothing like being self-congratulatory. So what does this story actually do for you?

Why don't you report the scandal about the way our Labour government is deliberately ruining Scotland's economy.

James Williamson, East Kilbride, Scotland

Thank you, Times. I am impressed with your journalistic integrity. The American media has thrown out any semblance of objectivity. Congratulations on the scoop. As you point out, the only real mystery may be why no one else bothered to investigate this.

Sue, Baltimore, MD, USA

John McCain is a throwback from a worthless war. Obama can be our salvation, if the USA can survive the rape by Bush's squandering of the Clinton surplus, the Stupid Bush War, the Transfer-of-Wealth by Bush, from middle-class to the rich. Rigged elections prevailed in Florida (2000) and Ohio (2004).

Bryan Nelson, Adirondack, NY, USA

Fair, professional investigative journalism. This story illustrates the difference between a free press and a press actively campaigning. Keep up the good work.

Shawn O'Halloran, Las Vegas, NV, USA

It is gratifying to see a journalistic outlet that can smoke out a story. Our media has been asleep at the wheel much to the detriment of the electorate. I want to know as much about the candidate I will be voting for as possible- unbiased vetting is what journalists are expected to do as a job.

noel feustel, bayport, new york, u.s.a.

Well done "Times", but answer one more question regarding Mr. Obama and his campaign for POTUS. Why is it only the British press that has any interest in unearthing any parts of Mr. Obama's past?

Jeff Johnson, Chester, CT, USA

I guess UK journalism isn't dead, even if US journalism IS. Hats off to you.

jones, Bostom, US

Thank you Times on Line for doing the job the American media has neglected to do.

Lacy, Michigan, USA

The thing is, she visited Senator Obama about 9 years ago -therefore this is not some distant out-of-touch half-relative that many of you think she is.

Joy, Honolulu,

Wonderful work, thank you Times of London. As a former reporter and current part-time editor for a major-market East Coast newspaper, I'm sorry to say I'm not at all surprised that we, and others, completely missed the boat on this.

Christian, Washington, DC,

Why does anyone think this is somehow negative? So what he has relatives living here in the USA? What does it matter to Obama if those relatives are living here legally or not?
btw - think Obama will steal your country? He's too late. G.Bush has already done that and not only the USA was stolen!

Jim, Minneapolis, MN, USA

The real issue is Obama's complete lack of credibility. That, and the obsession the news media has with him as a presidential condidate, leads one to believe that he is hiding something. Obama is an empty suit and not worthy of the title: "President of the United States".

Murphy, Foxboro, USA

Thank you for reporting news! I don't know what's happening here. Right now, the LA Times is sitting on a tape of Obama and Kalidi. Just one of a long, LONG list of stories the MSM has refused to cover, and when something is revealed, it is called a "distraction," "out of context" or "desperation."

Alana, Atlanta, USA

Still a non-issue that's why it's not big news in the US. There are plenty of "bad things" published here about Obama, as evidence by the comments here.

Kathy O'Brien, Dorchester, MA

This tabloid tidbit hasn't been given much play in the US because, as the McCain team correctly pointed out, it's a family matter, and not relevant to the campaign. McCain hasn't often taken the high road lately, and I applaud him for this. Too bad some of his admirers can't follow suit.

Richard Kukan, Toronto,

1-personal family issues/gossips shouldnt be considered to judge someone.2- He might not have experience enough , every president has become a first time president at some time without presidents experience. Its about the whole team with whome a president works. Its advisors , consultants , experts.

Yasmine R, Jacksonville,FL, USA

I dont care about his aunt. or his father or anybody else that he only knew or met for a few minutes. Im concerned about the economy, finding a good job. higher education, health care, i need a good dentist. Some of you commenting are ignorant. do a background check on yourselves.

Barbara, Atlanta, USA

I want to add my thanks for coming up with this story. You have done a great job. It's really sad that our news media in the United States is in the deplorable situation it's in now, where the so-called "journalists" have morphed into a propaganda wing of one of the political parties.

Anna, CA, USA

Republicans need to shut up. This is not news or a story that will sway voters. Obama, nor anyone else, can control or constantly monitor their extended family. Let's not forget the GOP started the John McCain story about fathering a black child in South Carolina, to get Bush the racist vote.

Chuck, Miami,

Thanks to the Times for good investigative reporting. Now would it be at all possible to resolve the Birth Certicate issue before voting begins tomorrow?

Ann, Washington, USA

Congratulations on real journaism. In the US, the "journaists" are too busy kneeling and praying to their prophet Obama to ask this socialist any serious questions.

Joe, Chicago, IL, USA

I don't care where the information came from or the timing. The point is...Barack was not raised by his father or any of his family in Africa. I'm adopted...if my Biological aunt were to commit mass murder or any other crime, I would not be held responsible. Focus on the real issues and go vote!

Molly, Knoxville,

If they really want to locate Senator Obama's "Lost " Uncle, maybe they should check the Voter Registration Rolls.

Harry Dupa, Troxell, USofA

Who cares? The world will be better soon. Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security unit full of young citizens who will bring real change to America.

The only question is: "Will it be the Crips or The Bloods"?

Harry Dupa, Troxell, USofA

Since you uncovered the aunts whereabouts Obamas campaign returned the $265.-- illegal contribution. What is the possibilty of YOU finding out how many times she voted for him?

Heinz Baumgaertner, El Paso, TX, USA

Who cares? The world will be better soon. Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security unit full of young citizens who will bring real change to America.

The only Question is: "Will they be the Crips or the Bloods"?

Harry Dupa, Troxell, USA

JOURNALISM IS NOT DEAD!!! THANK YOU! I often enjoy the UK papers so much more, there is more detail, background and research. YAY! THANK YOU! Also, is the missing uncle the same one who was present at Obama's Kenyan birth? i wish you had the e-mails for the reporters on this story

gardenia, nyc, usa

I just want to say thank you to the TIMES reporters and their managers for reminding us all about Journalism.

Curiousity is what we should expect from true Journalists who try to examine and understand the real story behind the story.

I am sick of what our US news media has become!!!

Howard L Smith, Maynard, MA, USA

She had a "standing deportation order" against her. That IS public record.

John, Salisbury, NC, USA

"Recently two venerabe old journalists, Charlie Rose and Tom Brokaw, were waxing rhapsodic on the subject of Obama when they quite accidentally found themselves opining about how they really didn't know anything about him. ."

If Sandy saw the whole show, they said the same thing about McCain

Brian, Grange,

Interesting that a UK news organization would be more curious about this matter and keen to shed light on it that any American ones. Excellent investigative and reporting job. The article provides some important insights into the character of Obama and the media.

John Boone, Houston, TX, USA

Pat Shearon says: "Who cares? The world will be better soon. Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security unit full of young citizens who will bring real change to America."

Will they be wearing brown shirts too?

Rikki Leigh, Pittsburgh, USA

I hope all american vote for Obama, then we can truley become global nation. Obama will get away from your "constitution" and lead the way to One World!!! We will at ong last enjoy world free from american imperialism.

jean lepierre, paris, France

Now wouldn't it be great if LA TIMES released the video tape!!!!!

My question is:

How did Auntie Zeituni get public housing???? Don't you have to be a citizen?? Just wondering ...

Nancy, Brewster NY, USA

Actually of course a court case where the Aunt was ordered deported would indeed be on the public docket. Joe The Plumber is a different matter. Here government officials without authorization or warrant used the full STRENGTH & POWER of the government computer system to invade his privacy!

Jo, santa fe, USA

well that was an eye opener. I started thinking that maybe the investigative jounalism was clever but it was a bit intrusive and irrelevan't. Reading the comments, I'm not so sure now.

Geoff, Sydney,

This is a mean and ridiculous right-wing
"story. "Obama's book is clear that he had a very limited relationship with his dad almost entirely absent all of his life. His dad abandoned him, is that not clear from the book? Is Obama now supposed to track this complicated family around the world?

MaryC, Ridgewood, U.S.

This is an important story that the US press is not reporting. This shows exactly who Obama is: Unwilling to help a family member, willing for the taxpayer to support her. It's apalling.

templeton white, simsbury, CT , USA

birth question is not over as more judicial action is being pursued. All Obama has to do is produce an original copy (not a computor generated one) along with his Columbia and Harvard records (which also might indicate his origin of birth). Instead , he as blocked access to all these records. Why??

Lynn O'Connor, Grosse Pointe, USA

Thank God for the Brits. You do more actual reporting than our own main-stream media.

Crystal, Glenwood City, WI, USA

I can say without a doubt that I've never heard projects referred to as a "housing estate" before.

Sean, South Boston, USA

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. Last time I checked that was still in the US. His birth certificate has been all over the internet.

My question: So you found Ms Onyango, but how did you find out she wasn't a US citizen adn that she was ask to leave the country in 2004? That isn't public record.

Kenta, Orlando, USA

Thank you for this story. Some respondents feel that this is a picayune issue - but I beg to differ. He certainly was affectionate about his aunt in his memoir; making money off of her kinship. But now when he is running for the highest office in the US he is ignorant of her whereabouts? PLLEEASE!

judy, Lake Killarney, USA

Do we know or have proof that he is really a US Citizen

Brenda, Woodbridge, USA

The Times have done an excellent job on this. What does the Times have as to where Barack Obama was born. Reports out of Kenya say he was born in Mombasa.

What does the Times say?

Just curious

David M. Neal, Hant, USA

A fine job of reporting. It's unfortunate when I want factual information I have to go out of my own country to get it, but well done

tom poole, Mentor, Ohio, USA

America is not the same country it once was. It's amazing how blind so many people can be... they don't think, they only go on feelings and don't try to confuse them with the facts. I grieve for the US if Obama is elected.

Sarah, Atlanta, USA

If elected, will Obama try to naturalize Zeituni? Or will he try to prove he is a "real" law-abiding American and preside over her deportation? Would he then send her some of his millions, or will he let her rot in a slum like his brother George? I don't know. Moreover, I don't want to find out!

John S., NY, USA

People are so hypocritical. I have a large family, and 60% of them, I don't know what they are doing, or where they live, or their legal status in this country. People can't find anything to say about Obama so they look for all these petty things that have absolutely nothing to do with the man.

Jennipher, El Paso, USA

It was indeed a good job of reporting...and to think this lady is in Boston, living on my taxes..an illegal..the Gov. of Mass. is Deval Patrick..the original Yes We Can, Change and Hope candidate who has bankruped our state in two years..He, is from chicago. Good Job..not all media is LAZY!

Caron Mac Carthy, So Boston Auntie's Home town, USA

What does any of this have to do with Barack Obama? An aunt he has only met a few times in his life is found living in Boston? Even if she was a serial murderer, it has nothing to do with the ability and character of Barack. You'd have to be a complete idiot to say this is an important issue.

Korey Kruse, Eudora, KS, United States of America

Recently two venerabe old journalists, Charlie Rose and Tom Brokaw, were waxing rhapsodic on the subject of Obama when they quite accidentally found themselves opining about how they really didn't know anything about him. And neither do we. It is to their shame - but it is our loss.

Sandy, Livonia, USA

The Times, unlike US "journalists," is not afraid that they might be kicked off his campaign plane.

Advice for the Times: After the election, watch U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald's job. He is prosecuting Illinois corruption and is too good at it. Obama will fire him or promote him out of Illinois.

Joe, Illinois, USA

Obama cannot be trusted. I hope and pray the undecided voters wake up by Tuesday.

sadie, walla walla wa,

Obamas is a great speaker and he is able to inspire people...
I am not against Obama however he does lack experience...
Would you allow a rookie to fly a 747 full of passengers without an experience in the middle a stormy weather???
People is America should think really hard in this election!

J, NY, USA

Go figure... Obama wants to take my earnings and re-distribute them to the special interest voters of his choice. And yet he does not help his own Aunt languishing in a Boston slum. I suppose the slum housing his friend Rezko owns in Chicago has no units available for his own family.

Brian, Fairbanks, USA

As an American who has voted in this election, I'm completely perplexed at the lack of visibility into Obama and his past. The questionable relationships (Rezko, Wright, Ayers), statements ("bankrupt the coal industry), raise hard questions. No one seems to care, as this election is over...

Tim, Longmont, USA

Pretty sad that it takes a UK newspaper to break this story......it just proves the US media had no interest in pursuing any story that may damage their annointed candidate. Had this been McCain's aunt, the New York Times would have been all over this months ago.

Beth M., Minneapolis, USA

As a UK news source, you are now 'News Site of the Year' for the USA as well. 2008 is the year that AMERICAN JOURNALISM and AMERICAN MEDIA died in these United, I mean Divided States of America. I don't care if the news "hurts" Republicans or Democrats, I want to know the facts.

Independent Voter James, Santa Fe, NM, USA

I am so grateful that you decided to pursue the story. Thank you, a thousand thank yous! Please keep it up. I am completely disgusted at American journalists - most have their heads in the ground. Thank goodness for Fox News, the Drudge Report and the internet.

Peggy, Clearfield, PA, USA

Times--good reporting! Too bad that the American public needs to look to the overseas media to report the whole story. Unfortunately it may be too late, as we are close to electing the most unknown and unvetted Presidential candidate in modern history-Barack (Barry) Hussein Obama (Soetoro).

Robert, Sacramento, USA

As a UK news source, you are 'News Site of the Year' for the USA as well. 2008 is the year that AMERICAN JOURNALISM and AMERICAN MEDIA died in these United, I mean Divided States of America. I don' t care if the news "hurts" Republicans or Democrats, I want to know the facts.

Independent Voter James, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Dispicable that a UK paper and website performed for this one story more investigation into Barry H Obama than the entire US media has since his stolen nomination. Good work here and keep it up,maybe sometime after the election ObamasZombies can finally see the zero they nearly got elected is a zero

Chicagoray, Chicago, USA

Max Wells from Middlesex, you hit the nail right on the head. The media and cash from "who knows were" created Beatlemania over hear. Obama is an empty suit. We have to start reading your press now to get straight news about what is happening. I am 50 and I have never seen it this bad here.

Steve, Tucson, USA

"Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security unit full of young citizens who will bring real change to America."
______________________________________________

Any of the Americans reading this quote from someone else who posted should be concerned by this.

Steve, Tucson, USA

God help our country for we dont know what we are doing. God bless America.

Kent Ridgway, Tucson, U S A

Thank you!

There are thousands of good Americans trying to get information out about Sen. Obama but the news media here refuses to investigate and, when made aware of facts like these, bring them to the attention of the public.

2008 will go down as the year journalism died in the USA.

Ed L., New Orleans, US

Well once a liar always a liar. I just can't see why people still believe him. What about our freedom here in the US, who will protect us the best, someone who was not afraid to prove himself or someone who keeps everything hidden until after the election when it is too late. PEOPLE WAKE UP....

Sandy, Salem, The Great USA

Boston has a conservative tabloid but they didn't come up with this story. They didn't even report right away when the AP got it. The only reason I could see for them being scooped on this was that they are probably afraid of the new lefty overlords that are coming. Good job Times!

Mr X, Tokyo, Japan

Just out of curiosity, how did the Times get the information that the aunt had applied for asylum?

Joe, St. Louis, USA

This is so very sad. The "independent" press having chosen sides. They refuse to do their jobs. Our uninformed masses choosing the rock star. The fad. I'm ashamed of the whole system. Be very careful of what you ask for. You just might get it.

Mike Corbin, Eden Prairie, USA

Here, in the USA, not ONE national news organization has reported this. NOT ONE. The only news being reported here is that, this story, was more than likely "spin" coming from the Republican party. Clearly, the truth lies elsewhere. I don't even recognize my country anymore.

Diane, Midland, USA

Will the youthful Citizens National Security Force replace the FBI , State Law Enforcement Agencies and local city and county law enforcement departments? Will the CNSF employ someone on each city block to inform their superiors on the activities of the citizens?

Al, greenville, sc, usa

It becomes more and more clear that Obama is hiding many things...and the press is allowing him to do it.
Obama has run a fine campaign, but his flaws have not been aired as widely as McCain's. Partly this is due to his lack of experience. Partly it is due to the overt bias of the US media.

Rick, New York, USA

Thank you Timesonline, I appreciate you covering this story.
Could you please also look into the little publicized story about the trial in Miami Fla of the Executive of Veneco bringing a suitcase of Venezuelan Political cash to buy the Argentinian Presidential Election for Chavez..

Jim, Swanzey, USA

Thank God for a reporter who can follow a story..and report it. The media in this country is still reporting on a Republican conspiracy..If Obama wins this election they will have zero credibility. Job well done~

Marybeth Nelson, Mossusk, VA, USA

Thanks to the Times! We need a lot more like you!

I think that the real story about this election might be how the media stole the election from the people they are supposed to serve.

Joi, Bethlehem, USA

In the US we know only good things about Obama, because the US media have buried everything negative. Not that having an aunt who chose to live here illegally is that negative, but it is an example of how un-curious the US media have been about anything less than flattering.

Joshua Friedman, Larchmont, USA

English newspapers such the Times continue to do good reporting and fact checking. One reason US newspapers lost another 4 percent in circulation this year is that they have almost forgotten how to report hard news. Who cares about good reporting? Many do. Congratulations on getting a good story.

Mark, Falls Church, Virginia , USA

I can see it now...thousands of jack-booted, young citizens...part of the national civilian security agency....marching in unison, chanting "Heil Obama!"

The Obama nation is upon us.

We will get your guns...resistance is futile.

Bert, Miami, US

There will be only one loser in this election; i.e., the American mainstream media. Virtually every large newspaper in the U.S. reports steadily decreasing revenues and there are daily reports of staff layoffs. The media is on life support and no one is mourning their imminent passing.

Kathleen, Warminster, PA

The illusion of this man will ultimately be revealed after the election whether successful or not. All of these suppressed relatives, associations, ideas, etc.. will reported subsequent to his incompetence. Thank you for true journalism, it doesn't exist in US.

Jeff Greene, charlotte, United States

Wow! Oh, man...and I thought all this time it was a Republican scare tactic. Hmmm...turns out Obama is the originator of the Auntie Zeituni story. Too bad, Barack. This just lends evidence that YOU are the one spreading "lies" about you. Maybe the Republicans are the better choice after all.

David, Titusville, USA

"Soon the world will see the power of the Obama Nation"??? I will assume that you were being sarcastic and that I was just too dumb to catch it. The alternative is that you are a fool, and what is worse, you are a fool with the right to vote.

Jake Vasser, Talladega, USA

"National Security Unit" "Bring Real Change" Welcome to 1984.

Brian Callagan, Gig Harbor, USA

I am amazed that, as a citizen of the U.S., LIVING in the U.S. I have to get my news from the U.K.! Thank you for actually reporting about this. Nobody around here seems to want to do so.

TAGW, New York, USA

The World will just have to ready itself for more US Media hype and the disappointment of reality. Mr Obama is not a World Leader, he is a gifted orator chosen by his party and the US Media to lead the US... exactly where no one really knows. They too will help with excuses for not keeping his word.

Maxwells, Middlesex,

Kudos for doing some actual reporting! Our own media here in the USA seems to think its function is to get Obama elected at all costs. I have the suspicion that a lot of shady things about Obama are going to surface after the election.

tesla, Groton, MA, USA

This comment really frightens me: "Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security............ etc." Young citizens without strong family looking for structure. This is what has lead to gangs in the US of A. It is what lead to The Taliban in Afganistan. Think Hitler Youth.

Barbara Melanson, Groton, USA

We do not need a new internal security unit. 0bama wants a security force under his control, for the sole purpose of enforcing his will on the US population. Read any decent books on the rise of Nazi Germany and you'll see patterns similar to what the marxist 0bama has planned.

Freeman, Freeland, USA

"Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security unit full of young citizens who will bring real change to America. "

I can;t wait for Obama's thought police. But what are you going to do after they don't like YOUR thoughts?

Do you think they will wear Brown Shirts?

Jim, 1984, USA

Excellent reporting! We can no longer trust the American mainstream media and must look to the United Kingdom for our news.

Julie House, Carlisle, MA, USA

Who cares? The world will be better soon. Once Obama is elected we will form a new national security unit full of young citizens who will bring real change to America.

Soon the world will see the power of the Obama nation and the new Democratic/Labor Party. Long Live Barak Obama.

Pat Shearon, Little River, USA

Thank You for your investigative reporting!
The reporters in America are too far in the bag for Obama to look for anything negative in his past.
A Thankful American

Dawn, N READING, USA

Go figure. It wasn't a Republican conspiracy after all. Good job Times on your wonderful reporting. It is good to see that there are still media outlets out there that still do real reporting, unlike 95% of the media in the US. Cheers.

Gunner, St. Louis, USA