Pedophiles, rapists, killers and terrorists offend me. This cover is great satire and 1st amendment rights to publish this story. If the Obama camp and his groupies are so offended then let them sue The New Yorker.

At least some media outlet is properly vetting this campaign. The networks and CNN continue to report on the soundbite of the day in lieu of giving us the facts about this man.

He claims to be a Christian but is he? We all know Mrs. O is probably not a terrorist or do we? Do Americans really know what Obama stands for? I can’t wait to read the article in its entirety.

I guess the New Yorker cover being offensive is all in how you look at it. It can be seen I guess as a way to get people to look at all of the rumors about him and to really see if they are true or not. But to me I see it as offensive and I don’t even like the guy! It looks like to me that they took all of the misconceptions about him, threw it all on one picture and put it out to cause more drama for Obama.

Not to mention the real reason they do stuff like this! The MIGHTY DOLLAR!! They know this will get them more people to buy this or look at it on the net and to talk about it.

Cindy…Ga.

Will the NAACP Convention be aired on the Barack Obama only station TV One? Wonder if McCain will get his own Tv station

If it was John McCain & his wife on the cover, then no one would care.

I look at this as an opportunity for Sen. Obama to clear the air on his faith, once and for all. It may seem offensive now, but as people learn the truth about his religion (as a result of the publicity), it may be looked upon as a blessing in disguise.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

I believe that the GOP is behind the NYkr cover. Put nothing by them……….they know they are behind. And yes………….this will sell a lot of this magazine that no one buys or reads. I’m surprised this mag is still in business…………….Yes, it is very offensive………………..

When a Danish newspaper published a caricature of Mohammed, there were riots in the Arab world. To their credit, the papaer didn’t back down citing freedom of speech. Why is this different? If it were McCain the liberals would have been rolling in the aisle.

I dont find it offensive at all. It’s just a Halloween cover isnt it?
And, if I might say so, Michelle Obama looks pretty hot.

The cover is genius. I hope they do one for all candidates.

Will CNN ever do a complete investigation on Obama’s background with regards to Kenya and Indonesia?
His dad was still married to a woman in Kenya, with a son and another child on the way.
There is too little, if any, documentation on Obama; his campaign has been busy in Kenya, what are they trying to cover up?

I am all for the First Amendment and free speech however I liken this cover to the classic arguement of a person yelling “fire” in a movie theater. If you have to explain a satirical cartoon, then obviously you have failed to properly convey your point, especially one that could have greater meaning than what you may have been trying to convey.

Viewing this “satire”, I thought of the different Jim Crow commentaries and cartoons that often portrayed African-Americans, women, and other minorities in less than flattering images all under the guise of satire or polictical commentary.Just when you think this nation is starting to take a few steps forward, we are suddenly reminded that the track is still moving backwards under our very feet!

Does anyone else see the parallel between the outrage of Obama’s supporters and that of the radicals that condemned the Danish cartoons of Mohammed?

To call anyone that does not fanatically support Obama an ignorant or racist is not the best way to gain votes.

Some Obama supporters are acting as radicals worshiping their leader. Do they really think that attitude helps dispel the unfounded rumors about his faith?

Good to see that RACISM is alive and well in the GOOD OL’ USA!!
Tasteless beyond words to say the least!!
Your flag burning in the fireplace – now was that necessary above all the rest of the crap!!!

This satire displays the lack of sensibility and the lack of RACIAL diversity that publication has in the hierarchy of its staff members. I cannot believe that a person of color would have let that illustration pass the first round of scrutiny before being printed. Shame on you New Yorker.

I think the cover is tasteless and offensive. I don’t buy or read The New Yorker, so my opinion is no loss to them. I would also think it tasteless and offensive if next month they show Cindy McCain holding a bottle of pills in one hand pushing McCain in a wheel chair. Or Laura Bush joy riding in a jeep with George in the passenger side with a beer bottle in his hand hanging out the window. I hope I didn’t give them any ideas here.

I find it neither offensive or tasteless…and I wouldn’t if John McCain were treated the same way. It’s called freedom of the press and/or freedom of speech!

It gives us pause to think…some people need to just relax a little.

Geez, get over it; its yesterday’s news.

What next, sack the paper and torch the building?

The cover was tasteless and offensive. I’m sure that some people will see the “satire” in the cover but most people that already beleive those things to be true will see it as a confirmation. I think it shows disrespect to the Presidential candidate. Will we see one with the McCain’s on it – there is a whole lot about them that is true that would make a tasteless and offensive cover.

I am canceling my New Yorker magazine today and will give the refund to the Obama campaign.

@Diego. You are quite right about the radical element.
Wolf Blitzer demeans the intelligence of Americans of every color.

I do agree that this cover is great satire. Think about if it were an SNL sketch, this would be in a Best Of episode; however, this is a picture and not a sketch. While the article itself has a positive view about Obama, few people will go beyond the cover and actually read the article. Chalk it up to a general lack of desire to read in America, or to a marketing age marked by a plethora of images with only 10-word captions, but I do not believe meaning of the article will get heard over the blaring image on the cover.

It would be less offensive if it were funny. Satire is suppose to be funny. With some type of punch to it. This is not. It is offensive and tasteless.

I agree with Cynthia–unfortunately there are far too many people who don’t have a clue what “satire” is and will only have their doubts about Barack and Michelle Obama reinforced by this cover.

This about as dirty and underhanded as it can get. If that is suppose to be funny I can’t see it. To me it is pure racism.

The next New Yorker cover should show an even(older) McCain using a walker and
his even (younger) wife in pampers…then lets see how funny it is!

I was not a supporter of Obama…but I’m starting to think: why not support him!

As a former newspaper publisher who has used satire on many occasions to mock those who would sell their rights cheaply and refuse to think for themselves, I found this a sad example.

It lacks a punchline that Oliphant would deliver with his little helper, and that others would add with the right people peeping in a window. Poorly done with good intentions, in my opinion, by a magazine I regard rather highly.

Senator Obama should not dignify it w/any retort. This type of “Satire” cartoon drawing has been used since John Adams was President. Let it go, because I can promise there’ll be more before this election is over. Stick to the issue’s, ignore the Bernie Mac jokes, the Jesse Jackson “is the mike on?” blooper and argue the facts. For once, I’d dearly love to see both candidates rise above this media promoted lunacy With the economy in trouble, the Iraq war, the illegal problem, American’s want to hear Obama/McCain discuss solutions, not a Presidential candidate or his organization waste value time by trying to defend themselves against freedom of speech(the press) attacks, one of this country’s most valued rights. Just rise above it and talk about what’s really out of wack in this country and what they’ll do to correct it.

I’m suppose to find the American flag burning in the fireplace and a portrait of some unknown man in a turban to be funny? Looking beyond the images of Obama and his wife – this is not funny in the least.

i am going to give new yorker mag subscriptions to all of the relatives this christmas ( 10 that i exchange gifts with ) i am an obama supporter and i thought they got the cover just about right. these are exactly the stereotypes that the fraud, rush limbaugh, the fixer, roger ailes, and the desperate war wing of the republican party are implanting in the minds of an average american voter. so, if anyone from the obama camp is offended, if my dear neighbor and fox devotee thinks his greatest fear has been confirmed……..read the article. oh yah, and turn off the t.v.

The cover hits a new high in fear-mongering and distrust for Obama and Michelle because it conveys more than a story ever could.
In this case the”cover story” was only a CYA to use that particular “satirical” picture and sell magazines. The picture sets such a high low that there’ll probably be more coming out to try and top it. It goes to prove that some people and some organizations will do anything to make a buck.

Unfortunately, the uneducated/racist/bigots out there won’t even read the magazine…they’ll look at the cover and say “AHA! I knew it!”
Good attempt at satire, but very, VERY poor taste. I think it was a terrible idea.
Just look at the comments some people made after a certain primary on why they didn’t vote Obama:

“I’ve had enough of Osama”
“We can’t have a radical muslum in the white house”

Very sad indeed.

A cover picture influences those who glimpse it in passing, those who may not read thoughtful articles on the candidates.. I am horrified that The Media ignore what is a known fact: there are Americans who believe everything that is pictured on that cover, and, for them, the cover is poking fun at Barack Obama and Michelle. Of course, the cartoon might be a satire on the outrageousness of such beliefs if presented in a different context. On the cover? Not.

addendum:

the Oval Office setting in the cartoon is particularly offensive and unfunny.

please. dear writer , don’t cancel your nyorker subscription. it won’t dumbdown the writing, yes it has a point of view ( grounded in good investigative jounalism) and it has a pretty good history of being closer to the truth. read the article;you will then be prepared to decimate the smears that are coming obamas way.

Love the New Yorker….hate the Obama cover !

While freedom of the press is a democratic necessity, it is predicated on the belief that good judgment prevails. That is why we don’t see gory pictures of accidents live on TV, or video executions.

This cover is evidence of a significant lack of judgment by the artist and the editors. I was so offended by the cover, I couldn’t see the satire through the anger.

Last time I checked we had the Freedom of Speech.There job at The New Yorker is to be critical.If someone had done something of the sort to another candidate,it would have gone unnoticed.At least not all of the media is in bed with Obama!

This is SATIRE. Saying one lie at a time must be okay to some people, but when those lies are grouped together it is an outrage to those same individuals. Look at this magazine as a guide to how ridiculous those inaccuracies have been about Obama.

Great stuff; they should do one with John McCain as the Tin Man and Cindy as Dorothy oiling his creeky joints.

Most of the New Yorker cover is satire, but who knew Obama would flip flop on gun ownership? Seeing the truth hurts sometimes.

Since Ted Kennedy’s and John McCain’s wife are the sme age then having both the old geezers and their wives in diapers on the cover would be funny.

I’m not upset because the New Yorker made a satirical cartoon about Obama; I’m upset because the entire cartoon missed the mark with being funny. I’ve read comments about the cartoon on other sites and there is an overwhelming consensus of “see, I told you so! He is a Muslim!”- an important and large part of America doesn’t understand the cartoons satirical message, and I don’t blame them. This is a HUGE step back for America in getting over its fear of Islam and its uncertainty about Obama.

‘OMG’

I really am offended and I am not even an American. Most of the bloggers, so far seem to have common sense, but for the ones who keep harping about freedom of speech ; answer me this question. Would you be offended if that was a satarical poster depicting your family?

I am sorry, the New Yorke may hide behind the guise that they are poking fun at the Obama’s, but we all know the truth. That cover is a blantant disrespect of the presidential candidate and his wife as well as a slap in the face for good measure.

I find it ironic that Americans get all bent out of shape when people from the middle east burns the american flag and denounces America, yet here is an American (asuming the peron who is responsible is an American), drawing the American flag burning in a fire-place, in the white house non-the-less. There is also a picture of one of America’s sworn enemies on the wall, how dumb is that?

Cant wait to see if the New Yorker will do a cover of the McCains and if the same poor taste will be used.

Racism, comes in all forms and unfortunately I believe that this is a form that is generally used by the media to depict people that they classify as minorities. SHAME ON YOU!

PEACE
Carmelita

The Obama campaign needs to get over itself. If they thought nobody would poke fun at them then they are naive at best and certainly not ready for a presidential campaign where we all know anything goes.

Knee-jerk reaction from folk that can’t get past the front cover. Even the Brits see the the cover for what it is.

This was not an attack on Obama, but black women, past black leaders, and muslim people. Ultimately bias against those who are not depicted as American. But I think it is even more reason for Obama to work harder to dissassociate from those segragated groups of America. Which I know with the help of the media he will use it for good.

The problem with the cover of the New Yorker is that it feeds the fear-hate-and-lies that are “out there”!

Most Americans will ONLY SEE the cartoon, NOT READ the corresponding article…. that’s why this upsets so many of us.

Sure, people can say what they want, but regardless this cartoon will inflame the fear of some very dense-bigoted people!

And let me ask……… since when is being a Muslim wrong? Oh….. I forgot, we live in a Muslim-phobic nation. Sad thing is that the cover says more about, US, than we like to admit.

i think it was awful yes they meant satire but to put it on the front page and make it dramatic as they did was tasteless anybody who even glances it and dosent read the article will look at the obamas in a bad way very disapointing lot of friends who are going to be cancelling their subscriptions!!!

I’m looking forward to the cover on John McCain. I’d like to see how his supporters react to him being shown in the most vile and unAmerican manner possible. I’m sure they won’t be upset at all.

Okay! Now that has got to be the funniest cover picture in a long time. I mean, I know it’s offensive, but how creative must these guys be for coming up with such material !!! It is offensive though…

Sometimes I wonder if Obama ever questions if this is really worth it. I am disappointed that this race has turned so racial, so ugly, and so divisive.

Being in an interracial marriage and having two bi-racial children, I was really happy with Obama’s success. I thought it was proof that America has moved on – we can begin to put racial and ethnic divides behind us. We can show the world that we are an open-minded country. We can show children that, it’s true, anyone can grow up to be President.

Instead, the divide seems to be getting worse. The vicious comments coming from both sides, black and white, are unbelieveable. When I hear this stuff I think, wow, is that what people really think? What planet have I been on?

I’m always the skeptic, the doubter, but I guess I was kind of naive on this one. I thought this candidacy was going to show the best side of the USA – but, instead, it seems to be bringing out the worst in all of us.

One word: REPUBLICANS

I guess the persons responsible for this cover has DUMASS as their last name (and yes I know how to spell DUMB).

This picture says so much: like The New Yorker obviously does not like black people or Muslims; this type of hatred is unacceptable in today’s society.

The GOP is so behind this. It seems hard for some to come to grips with the fact that Sen. Obama will be our next president…. oh well, GET OVER IT.

The cover is satire – a summation in one picture of all the wrong beliefs that are out there about Obama. Why are we so thin-skinned anymore – we take offense at the slightest provocation and yell that its “tasteless and offensive”. Obama’s campaign is especially into calling things “offensive” – it makes me wonder if he really thinks so or he’s using different things to keep his name in the news each day. To be President and survive the ups and downs of political polls, the constant questioning of his actions, and the conversations with other nations, Obama needs to grow up and quit whining. Does he seriously thing he should be immune to all of these things just because he has declared himself a new type of politician?

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Great magazine, awful cover. What were they thinking?!

What were they thinking; that most Americans are sophisticated enough to delve further than the cover, what an overestimation on their part.

Funny that it is “satire” when we wish it to be and racism if we choose….at least lets not flip-flop on this……..

Dear America

If you don’t like the New Yorker DON’T BUY IT.

-W

PS: and don’t take it out on the New Yorker staff

This is yet another sad day in this election that plays on race and fear … when will it end.

Appalling.

Cut off Racism at the head—boycott THE NEW YORKER magazine!

As Roland pointed out tonight, there is a disconnect between the New Yorker cover and its stories on Obama. The editorial staff made a lousy decision to run the cover without comment. Very poor judgment.

I think The New Yorker Missed A Great Chance To Explain The Entire Ordeal. This Is Plain Trash, I am Surprised Of The New Yorker.

I’m certain the %12 that thinks Obama is a “Muslin” doesn’t read the New Yorker……. or much of any thing else.

Why is it all of a sudden we can equate the New Yorker with the Dutch magazines that were blasted by the Muslim world as disrespectful of Muhammed. Is Barack Obama a religious figure now that is above reproach. If you put yourself out into the public arena you must expect that you will be a target for unwarraented and unfair attacks. While I do not believe that Michelle Obama would in any way,shape ‘or form take up arms against her country;orthatBarak would burn a flag in any senerio,it does not stagger the imagination to entertain the notion that they would consider themselves beyond reproach. What I would like to know is when did the Mullahs take over our editorial sensabilities?

This is very sad..this is like salt in the wound. As I read all these comments I can surely pick out which comments are from someone white and the ones from African Americans. Ok as an African American do I feel my heart with hatered and racism, like some of the white race. I ask White America on how they feel minority races feel about these personal attacks against a man and his family when he is only trying to live the American dreams just like the white people do? If The New Yorker was ran from American Africans the magazine would have been shut down in a matter of hours probably minutes especially if this type of picture was a betrayal of out white president bush. This is future racism that the African American live on a daily basis. America in recession African Americans are in recession everyday of their lives in America, we live month to month with or without degrees. I do have a degree if you are wondering and I am an African American Female who is sick and tired of all this unfairness in America. It is so sad but I have friends overseas who say they are treated better than they were when they lived in America and right now they choose not to come back to America if ever they do not know. Why is Obama coming under attack and will this be an issue if the man was white? I feel not.

The people at the New Yorker magazine are not dumb. They knew exactly what they were doing. It’s really disgraceful. It is a shame that Senator Obama has to continually defend himself against such nonsense. Let the candidates speak about the issues that are really important in this country instead of spending time addressing such inflammatory nonsense.

This cover is clever, but too clever for the masses. Too many people will scan the cover and have their ignorance reinforced by it’s images. They should put this text in big letters somewhere on the same cover — “If you believe this, you are ignorant.”

Historically political satire has worked, however, it’s hard to close your eyes to this particular New Yorker cover because the satirical message does not match the individuals the cover is trying to portray. I think this is an ill attempt to continue to raise questions about the couple and their allegiance to America. The cover is very misleading in that the article talks about Obama’s career as a politician in Chicago. I’m sure the intention of the cover was to engage readers who had questions about the Obama’s background and ideology and the show them a different side of the Senator. I hope that Obama doesn’t take time from his campaign to address this and that he stays the course. This is just one of the main valleys that he must travel to get the to top of the hill. He will forever be rediculed because of his name and his wife will forever be judged becuase of her comments that have been selectively shared in the media. As astute individuals and readers of such prolific magazines, it is up to us to do our own filtering of the media and understand that the real meaning in the message may not be what we think it is.

I’m a Black kid, and a Democrat first of all. I don’t know if this is satire or slander. The 1st amendment lets you print whatever you want. This could be satire, but since the media knows Obama, religion, and anti-American mixed together will sell, they put it on TV. Now since its on TV, the question has arose. And since this is a Liberal paper, it’s even more surprising. My final answer is idk. Too tough to answer.

I was livid when I saw this cover. I am a New Yorker! This joke didn’t work, it wasn’t funny. I am an African-American Female Republican and I was pissed off when I saw the cover. The cover did not make me want to pick up the magazine, lest more read the article. A picture is worth a 1000 words and this picture is negative. The picture will stay in my mind longer than anything that may be said to repudiate it.

The Editor think he is funny, and will create so much sales. For that edition. I urge every one to stop & boycott this issue there are no explanation beyond the cover. The editor trying to be funny but he is not, hope the public understand how stupid that editor is.

This is the most stupid satire I ever seen in my life. Again unlike John McCain, why Mr. Obama has to face all these funny accusations?
Give us a break and let the guy run as a caring husben, father, and a great american. Beside. what’s wrong with being a muslim? I’m a muslim my self and love this wonderful country just like everybody else.

The New Yorker is taking for granted that everyone knows the meaning of the word satire. When you have to explain the image to the public, you’ve failed at making your point.

The New Yorkers cover is working to undo or at least to give a picture to the ridiculous and unbacked claims that have haunted Obama’s political career. The cover is clearly satire, but that is not the point. The point is that we are have been pressed and forced over the last seven years to think and fear in such a way that we no longer understand what is making us so afraid. All one needs to do is call someone a ‘terrorist’ or a ‘radical’–swear up and down that they are un-American–and the damage is done. What happened on September 11th almost seven years ago has caused us to hide under our own rhetoric. What the cover is trying to illuminate is the simple absurdities of those fears when projected on the democratic political candidate. There is no facts or evidence to back up the claims that either Barack Obama or his wife, Michelle, are radical or anti-American. However, we no longer look at facts as much as we used to: the problem is that we still see skin deep. Obama is somewhat of a mystery. We don’t have thirty or forty years of political history on him and that feeling of uncertainty, that touch of the unknown, on how he will conduct himself as president has caused the public’s mind to wander. Obama, despite everything he has done, has been painted with ours fears–seven years worth of them. The New Yorker is trying to offer us a chance to view this fear from a different angle. It, through humor, is trying to enlighten the public on the absurdity of these unbacked allegations. However the problem with humor is that it is particular, and maybe this joke cut too deeply and too close to the nerve to be understood. No one likes to laugh at themselves–not when they are laughing at something so close to them. I don’t believe this cover makes the New Yorker foolish; I believe it is showing us how foolish we’ve been.

So what if Obama is a muslim, are muslims not good enough? America should stopping focusing on what religion Obama is or is not. I don`t hear anyone mentioning McCain’s religion. This just shows that America is not ready for a black President which would be a hard pill to swollow and therefore using all kinds of tactics to tarnish Obama’s image. He deserve to be where he is today, not because he is black or a so called muslim but because he worked his way up there.

18 million people who did not vote for because they either do not trust him or don’t know about him could not all be wrong. As for the picture you either like it or not. I really do not think The NEW YORKER cares one way or another. This is not the first picture of Obama in that muslim outfit anyways. It’s been all over the internet for along time now. grow-up people

the new yorker magazine might have good writers, but this time they have went overboard… by printing this picture- what they have done, is bring up bad feelings about blacks in america, and now they are saying we are terrorists. When does the hatred end?????????

The New Yorker cover is such great satire; let’s follow it up with McCain on the cover in his Ku Klux Klan robe and a burning cross. Perhaps McCain could be depicted with a fire hose and a German shepherd dog while planting a bomb in a Black church. After that we could put Hillary in her best “Gone with the Wind” outfit being served a mint julep by Jackson-Lee or Tubbs and Bill in his “overseer” outfit castrating Jessie or with a noose in his hands chasing Roland through the cotton fields. And let’s not forget the swastika and bull whip for each of them with images of Hitler in the background. That would nicely sum up all the “right” beliefs about each of those individuals. No ex or potential president should be exempt from or spared such wholesome satire.

LOL!!! How rediculous!!
Most average Americans for so many years have been not thinking , and worst of all, repeating half truths!!! Thanks to the left wing media!
How in the world did the New York Times ever think that most Americans would ever get it, that the front cover was a satire!!
Beleive it or not most Americans don’t even know what a satire is!!!
I rarley trust anything the media has to say, we Americans are just spoon fed what ever the media wants to feed us!
Amazing, the media concerned about truth, oh that is right, Obama is a
democrat and a liberal. Of course he can not be attached-neither should John McCain. Like, “A vote for McCain is a vote for Bush.”
So, where is the truth? Who in the heck knows, it sure isn’t in any of our elections nor in the media anymore!
“Keeping them honest ?” LOL!!!!!!!!
Your only half honest, and where I come from half a truth is a whole lie, am I surprised-that anything to do with our President is a negative, no!
I guess, it is just the way it is! The media just reporting the news, no adjenda in mind, are of years gone by, many years gone by!
Where, celebreties are as much in the news as any “demi god out there!
No wonder our Presidential candidates have to be rich and actors!

To Tracy from Texas-ya, you can spell it and look in the mirror when you say it-not hard to see that! Anything at all that is negative get’s blamed on the GOP-you are a DA-The New York Times-is liberal-in other words, DEMOCRATIC!!!

Pleeeeeeease! anybody in the MEDIA, do some investigative reporting and deliver complete and independent bio of Sen. Obama and people who brought him up and influenced him SO WE CAN PUT BEHIND US THIS NONSENSE!

The Cover of the magazine from the New Yorker is an ill-fated attempt to make the Obama’s look like something that they are not. I would not be so fast to blame the republicans for being behind this piece of trickery. First of all it is a New York magazine. Second of all lets take a look at who is defending this garbage as just another funny joke. James Carvel and others who opposed Obama in the primary’s. I would like to see a united response from all democrats including Hillary Clinton and her supporters. If this happens then I will focus in on this being a republican propaganda piece. This piece was spun out of a web of deception. With deception it is usually the last suspects that you point your fingers at. Only narrow minded people can be tricked by such trash.

Silly propaganda. An undermining and fear driven tactic!

Not Nice!

Cut off Racism at the head—boycott THE NEW YORKER magazine!

I wouldn’t do that. This might even jump start their sales. I had actually forgotten about the New Yorker.

Although I agree the cover fuels the ignorance of those people who already believe certain things about the Obamas, I do not consider the New Yorker a racist magazine.

If I had a job, I might subscribe to it. Just because I know they usually have some interesting articles… and even some good satire. I remember the picture of the pregnant elderly woman they had on the cover many years back. That was to poke fun at the debate on older women (50’s & 60’s) having children (by lying to the fertility clinic doctors..) Now that image was good satire.

obama is a muslim . baraka in arabic they say is called blessing hussein obama. i believe he is a muslim

I think the cover of The New-Yorker is tasteless & stupid — I can already see people who are either racists peddle this cover with no context all over the Web.

I don’t even have a college degree (yet) and I got it. To claim that the average american won’t get it underestimates the intellegence of the general populous. The cover is way too over the top to be taken seriously. The smear campaigns against Obama range from malicious to just plan stupid. All it takes is a look at Snopes.com and FactCheck.org to see the extent that these myths have traveled. The New Yorker’s goal was to get out there the absurd nature of what the smear emails have been presenting, and to get people talking about them. Saddly, the concequences of this goal have proven more negitive than positive.

The New Yorker has been against Obama right from the beginning.
Maybe, people are just starting to notice. My only regret is that this magazine is published in our highly diversified and democratic city.
You see, these smearers are so frustrated with Obama’s incredible
abilities that they would do anything to bring him down. Anybody
in America who to date claims he or she does not know who Obama is, is to say the least blind, biased and, of course, racist. How can one be so ignorant? How else is he going to convince these low heads? Unfortunately, Obama is not the type to bribe anyone. Why don’t they just demand his blood? It is a real shame that America is
still behind other civilized nations with regard to education and inter-human relations in this twenty-first century. When will the prejudice and blackmail stop?

Maybe the truth hurts.
It’s the question of whether his Father was a Muslim.
How will that effect the Muslims in Iraq or in any middle east county.

Why not discuss his dad?

What is the name of the school he attended? Does he have the correct legal papers to run for President.

Much truth is said in jest.

This is Outrageous! I personally do not think the cover is Satire at all! If The NewYorker say its “Satire” then they should have explained it on the cover. I also think this cover is rascist because Michelle Obama does not have an afro but on the cover she is given an afro.

Are we Americans or Idiots? We are so full of ourselves that we think it is okay to say or do anything as long as it doesn’t affect us. Call it satire or call it “crap,” either way this magazine does not care about the Obamas, the McCains, you, or me. All they care about is selling mags and making money. We are talking about this cover and causing attention to their publication. So they are being noticed and selling magazines. In the meantime, gas and food prices are extremely high. Our planet is in danger, our children are in danger, and our soldiers are fighting in a war.

Let’s get focused! Let’’s talk about something that really matters; let’s talk about how to get Americans thinking about how to take care of America and our wonderful freedoms we enjoy.

We are too easily distracted. The New Yorker and many other “tainted” media moguls want us to be focused on things that just do NOT matter.

Let’s learn to love one another!!!

The New Yorker is a LIBERAL magazine!!! You people need to do your homework also. It’s not ok to rip Obama, but it is ok to rip McCain
about his age. ” White mans greed grows a nation in need”, does this sound familiar!!!!!

It certainly is not a satire as the Editor would want us to believe.
It is long coming, pre-meditated and well targeted. However, it is
not getting the high marks the writer/s thought it was going to generate. It has misfired and instead boomeranged. Good for them!

I love the cover! It shows what people believe about the unknown & inexperienced Obama. We already know his wife wasn’t proud of America until her husband starting running for president!

He doesn’t want us to know much about him – he doesn’t talk about his “white” part of his heritage – just why is he not proud of his whiteness????????????????????????? In fact he isn’t a “black” person running for president – he is a person who has mixed races in him – just like millions of us. In fact – isn’t he mulatto or a biracial?

Obama reminds me of car salespeople and attorneys – they tell you want you want to hear – only to say & do something different to the next person they speak with.

I just pray he does not get elected! Keep the covers coming!

My first response to the New Yorker cover was “huh?” The brouhaha is unfortunate. People who do not know that the ideas depicted are false are unlikely to know the magazine exists let along read it. The fuss may get their attention though.

Where was all this rage and disgust when George W. Bush was “satired” as Hitler, or other mean and vicious characters? And what about Dick Cheney portrayed as some evil madman?! Or, Condi Rice as a “house slave?!!!

Most of these same people were probably saying, “RIGHT ON!” to that kind of cartoon.

If it is not right, it ashould not be right no matter who is the target.

What a raw insult to a presidential candidate, to be aligned with the responsible entity that took so many lives in New York and abroad. Satire? The deaths of our American citizens must fall litely on there conscious to depict Obama and his wife in such giddy satire. How would the jewish community feel if the holocaust was used in this manner.

Regarding the cover of the July 21st issue of the New Yorker featuring a satirical cartoon of Barack Obama in Islamic garb in front of a picture of Osama ben Ladin and Ms. Michelle Obama carrying a machine gun, the thing that I find most offensive and expressive of an insidious racism that sabotages its satirical intent is this: effective satire targets the perpetrator(s) of the wrong hearted and destructive perspective it purports to subvert, not their victims. To illustrate, without comment, and mass produce through media imagery the vicious lies regarding Mr. and Ms. Obama’s patriotism, character, and basic human decency under the guise of “satire” is to buttress the very wrong hearted arguments, falsehoods and (disturbingly violent) points of views it purports to be lampooning. The Obama’s are the victims of this imagery, not the perpetrators, and ought to be given the same human consideration and compassion that great satire achieves. By the way, are you now planning a “satirical” cover regarding the other presidential candidate who makes jokes about mass murder?

Get ready America, some people are going to be off limits Why?

I understand the offensive the cover is but this goes to show.
No matter what Obama says – there will always be hatters, people that think him to be muslim and Michele a militant black woman.

That is how white society (some of white society will see this candidate). All I can say and pray for is that he (Obama) be true to his message of change.

Dont try to tap dance to every tune. Stand on the facts and the merit of your mission. People will believe what they want, no matter how the truth is portrayed to them .

They will be ignorant because they chose to be ignorant !

Michelle does strike me as a strong Black Women – but the picture below we all know totally exaggerates the issue and brings it over the top. She also should not stop being or change who she is. Her Essence is needed and what is liked.
Be Bold , Be beautiful, be your Black and be your self

Its up to the individual , who is savvy enough to draw the line between fiction and reality.

OR

Ummm… Were any Americans awake when Obama had to deal with the backlash of Reverend Wright’s comments? Why does Obama have to deal with more accusations of being Muslim even though he has made it clear that Jesus Christ is his Saviour?

Do any Americans care about how dependent America is on foreign oil? Or even the outsourcing of jobs to other parts of the world? Maybe the joke that you call a health care system? Does anyone want to discuss how either McCain or Obama are going to fix or attempt at fixing the mess that you call the “War on Terror”? Or are these issues not as important?????

If New-Yorker loved this country, they would not depic a burning American flag. This act means they are the one who support they hatred against America all over the world.
people we are better than that, let’s stop this crap!!!!
Sen Obama is an American child just like most of us. you can’t possibly think that he would betray this country.
Deep down, we all know new-yorker’s intentions were not benign to the american good interest. People behind this shamefull exposure were purely motivated by racism period.

Satire as a high-minded form of entertainment, requires a level of sophistication that is devoid in those who would believe the lies in the first place. The message got lost to those who needed it most! The Republicans rely on such unsophistication in the minds of the poor and uneducated in hopes of using them to eek out such ill-gotten gains come election time. Very sad!

At the risk of repeating something that’s been previously stated, I’d just like to say bravo to the New Yorker. No one outside of New York (except maybe Washington) has ever mentioned this magazine on air while I’ve watched, unless mentioning the background of a guest pundit. Now EVERYONE is talking about this magazine. The irony is that they have gained this noteriety at the expense of the candidate that THEY support hands down. Personally, I think it was a terrible, terribley cheap publicity. Obama is a politician, he’s all the good and all the bad things that make up what a politician was. But I submit that if they thought this satire was so necessary, than put it IN their magazine not on the cover. Two thumbs down.

ok so once again the media gets a hold of things and the wrong message is put out there.

as for me i know so little of obama that i believed he was a muslim., besides isnt he middle name hussain? why is there so much hype about him being muslim if there aren’t some reasons to belive it..

either way muslim or not… this is the way that america is headed, putting things on people that no one knows. we form our oppinion from the media and the have painted the picture pretty clear.

haha, satire?? opposite?? maybe or maybe not….if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then its probably a duck!!! my point is he does not support american troops with vigor , wants to chat with enemy to reason , wife made comment which was taken for not the red white and blue of a possible first lady……I guarantee the muslims would take him in as one of thier own so maybe obama bin laden, i mean senator obama needs to clearly seperate himself ,over and over if neccessary from any mis understandings to the bitter americans who cling to the second amendment and middle class americans!!,haha

This was a very pitiful attempt at media advertizing a magazine. Come on New Yorker, you are an outstanding magazine, you do not have to lower your standards just to get attention. This is like a child throwing a tantrum. You can do better than this.

I think it’s about time Obama is dished out some of the same Hillary had to deal with. the cover of the magazine is the vision of them I’ve had for months. WILL NEVER vote for Obama.If the democrates better wake up before it’s to late, and realize they have the wrong candidate. Bring it on at the convention.

The New Yorker front cover is “right on”. Wake up America. This hit’s the nail right on the head and I’m sure this expresses the sentiments of many Americans even those who are afraid to publicly admit it.

As a young American, I am appalled by such tastelessness. Satire? Don’t you mean propaganda? This cover is wrong on so many levels. I am thoroughly disappointed in the judgment of the New York Times. Honestly, I am disappointed that America is still dealing with such primitive issues.

After watching James Carville comment on the New Yorker cover it has occurred to me that he like most Democratic s who CLAIM to support the African American cause are just as racist, insensitive and narrow minded as most of their Republican counterparts. I would hope that one day the Democratic or Republican party changes, so we can not only hear a new voice in Washington, but hear from new representatives to those parties. Anderson, when it comes to comments about Senator Obama, please do not waste our time getting comments from Hillary Clinton Drone James “My candidate didn’t win so I will travel to many shows and criticize the Democratic nominee, so that maybe my girl can get another shot ” Carville. The fact is…this man has had a Clinton agenda for over four presidential elections and most of us Americans that are NOT Clinton lovers are tired of him. Unlike his wife who will support any Republican candidate (they do a better job paying off their spokespeople) Mr. Carville has shown his fraudulent hand….. Money well spent President Clinton.

Oh! Come on ! Michelle doesn’t have a “Afro” ! She doesn’t wear “Boots” and I’ve never seen Her with a MachineGun ! Obama’s head isn’t really that “Big” ! It’s simply a “Cartoon “! I think the Artist who did that drawing is a Great Artist and The New Yorker should be Proud of Him/Her ! Grow up America and get serious about the real Issues !

Why is it that anything bad that is said about Obama, only comes from racists? 90 to 95% of Blacks voted for Obama, not because of what he stands, but because he is Black. If White women who supported Sen. Clinton, because that thought that she was not only the better person to be in The White House, decide not to support Obama then they to are racist. Black people you can not have it both ways. Let Obama be a man, stop acting like he’s a baby. I do not always like what I see and hear in videos or on 106 and Park. But, I don’t write them nasty e-mails, I just change the channel.

I see racism is alive and well in our SUPER POWER , disgusting;. Bet you it’s those baby boomers who are creating all this havov. Our new generation are much more loving; and accepting. Are we not supposed to love one another? SURE WE ARE , but only when its convenient,. So glad I am Canadian , and who cares about Anjolini ( or whatever her name is} Mothers have been giving life since the beginning of time, who cares about Agolina ,its a natural process. Please GOOD OLD USA give us a BREAK. Lighten up and don’t keep your mind on WAR

\

The New Yorker powers-that-be “hoisted themselves on their own petards.” Don’t know what that means? The “intended communication” is then lost. That will probably be the direct result of the “picture that is worth a whole lot more than a mere thousand words.” Flag burning? Michelle looking like revolutionary Angela Davis? Obama dressed as a fundamental Muslim? The graphic images will be prominently displayed “everywhere”—and will burn themselves into observers’ emotional brain centers, very well clouding reasoned thinking at a time we need it the worst. The only thing they’ve left out here is an insult to Allah or Mohammed. We already know what reactionary effects that can have.

I admire Obama because with ALL the barbs he has had, he remains cool and collected. A man who shows his composure MUST be admired.
If he can handle the firestorms in the USA, I am sure he can deal with the countries the buttholes call threats.

Americans are so cut throat if things do go their way.

Have all of you people forgotten what happened in New York CITY on 9 11 ? Now I’m not saying one way or another If I believe Obama’s a Muslim. But, I am not so sure I want to take a chance on the unknown. Black people are just as bad, about putting fear in the blogs. Tonight on Anderson 360 a black man made the remark that if Obama’s not elected POTUS, the young black people will be roiting in the streets. Now if thats not fear-mongering, how about telling me what is.

I feel so sorry for Mr. Obama. He can’t defend himself or his family for fear that white america will not vote for him. It’s really sad. If he made a comment about a white woman he would be sure to lose, because white america would make sure of it. I am black and I am getting pretty fed up with all this racism. I am also starting to hate this country.
I’m sick of white people thinking that they have the right to slander this man and openly abuse his wife and children. If white people think that young BLACK America is going to keep putting up with this they are gravely mistaken. You are making enemies. be warned.

Since 2001, President Bush has been portrayed in editorial cartoons and on magazine covers as a war-monger, a know-nothing, and a dangerous, gun-totin’ cowboy. A widely distributed comic strip has enshrined our commander-in-chief as an empty Roman helmet who spouts ignorant blather, all this during war time.
It’s amusing to see the rising indignation when the same irreverent brush paints a satirical portrait of the latest political-celebrity-icon. Golly! Good thing the New Yorker isn’t published in Denmark.

I was taught that you will know a tree by the fruit that it bares. Whether it is a hangman’s noose that is called a prank or, racist caricatures which are referred to as satire, America’s ignorance is expose to the world. THIS WAS NOT A MISTAKE, nor is it humorous. THIS WAS INTENTIONAL, and it is sick! You can dress a frog, and call it a prince but, you will be the only one deceived, and ending up with warts. America’s shame is dressed as satires/pranks. When will we admit wrong? James Carvelle’s response was to praise the publisher, and to say that “people will believe what they want to believe.”I believe as Bill Bennett has stated:”We are responsible to teach/tell truth,” and not to make excuses for (the New Yorker’s cover) lies which promote destruction/discord. The fruit on this sort of tree is poisonous, and they that eat of it treasure death, and hate life.

This cartoon by NewYorker is the worst thing I have ever seen in my four years in this Country.
The people who did this cartoon should hide thier heads in shame.
How many of those people defending the cartoon will stand when they see thier wife in the cover of a magazine holding a rifle and an American flag burning at the background?.
This is no satire or whatever they choose to call it; It is racism at it`s worst.
How Americans have had thier wife on a cover of any magazine the way this racists placed Mrs Obama?
IT IS A SHAME THAT THE 1960S ARE TRYING TO COME BACK AGAIN.This election will come and go but this cartoon will not. Atleast not for African Americans.

Tempest in a teapot. Good for ratings.

It’s funny that any network could get pundits pontificating about it.

Come on people. Look back at the history of historical cartoons. Please don’t tell me we live in an age where people need to be so protected from satire. That’s stupid. Making it a big issue is stupid, and the people who don’t get it are …well, at least uninformed.

Like so many issues mainstream media has the tendency to latch on to, it is much ado about nothing. The last thing people in this country need to concern themselves with is the legitimacy/intent of any one political cartoon.

I say get over it… I don’t believe he is muslim but if he is offended by this…just wait. Cause IF he was to be elected to president the gloves come off… for example i can easily find similar depictions of Bush. The thing I am offended by is the coverage by the Press of such a waist of time. Its as if the Press is saying …. How dare anyone make fun of him or even say anything bad about him.

This cover has done great things for The Obama campaign. It has created so much publicity and is actually so outrageous, it truly creates a separation between rumor and truth. I would prefer to believe, as a society, we are intelligent enough to see this.

Ok Media if you must justify it as satire and freedom of the press.
Then you have to construct a similar page about Mccain and Cindy.
Sorry, I cannot find any reaonable argument for linking Michelle especially or Obama himself in any way satirical or otherwise to Osama bin Laden, or the cardinal sin of flag burning, for either of them.
Satire has its place but it is not on the front page of a major magazine and obviosly relative to a Presidential election. Even his opponent condemned it as improper.
On that basis all media stop the conversation, discussion. There is not a conversation to be had other than Time screwed up!!
Regards,
Hodgson.

I haven’t yet heard a commentator mention that the title of the provocative New Yorker cartoon is “The Politics of Hate.”

I dont care if you’re Democrat, Republican, black or white… you should be offended by this “satirist” cartoon. There is no witty caption to explain it as being satire and you know millions of people are gonna take a glance at this cover at their local newsstands and start to cement their beliefs that Obama is a terrorist and a Muslim, neither of which are true. There are thousands of reporters out there trying to dig up dirt on Obama every day and if evidence existed of Obama being a Muslim or a terrorist it would have surfaced. Imagine if Senator John McCain and his wife were on the cover depicted in Klan hoods? Are you serious???!!! I will never read the New Yorker again and Im sure many Americans will follow suit. Im just so amazed and disgusted….

I am a very liberal minded person, but this cover is inappropriate at such a time. To me, i might not take it seriously but some else might not.

I dont know how many times Sen. Obama has had to explain his religion and this is not taken well by the moslem Americans! It sounds like America is for Christians!!

Having Osamas picture on the wall of the oval office and the burning of the flag is supposed to portray the Obamas as anti america, something which not every american would take lightly.

Having Michelle with an Afro, and an SMG would portray a black American dealing with guns, and all sorts of crimes seen in the black communities!

So one would see the cartoon as Anti Black (racist) and anti moslem! Sen. Mcain must be the happiest man at the moment as this would win him new supporters, the new yorker of course will have BIG money since many have bought the magazine, and Sen. Obama goes back to Illinois! American moslems will remain aliens in their country, and the Racism will continue!

I’m a seventy year old southern white woman from North Carolina, and a life long Democrat. Political satire is the form of comedy I’ve always loved and appreciated. I consider myself intellegent and usually pick up even on subtle satire. However, I didn’t get this and it offended me. It ’s the exact same as crying out “Fire” in a crowded theater. When I heard Clinton’s most ardent supporter, James Carvell, so exuberantly defending the New Yorker cover, it occurred to me that to have this cover in full view on news stands and, for months to come, lying around doctors offices for the common masses to see has made the Clintons very happy indeed.