Trump declines to correct man who says Obama is Muslim

[webfact]

Trump declines to correct man who says Obama is Muslim
By JILL COLVIN

ROCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has declined to correct a questioner at a town hall event who incorrectly stated that President Barack Obama is Muslim and said he'd be "looking at" claims of militant training camps on American soil.

Trump, who has a history of making controversial remarks about immigrants and other groups, was kicking off a town hall event Thursday evening in Rochester, New Hampshire — his first since Wednesday's second Republican primary debate.

"We have a problem in this country. It's called Muslims," said the first man Trump called on to ask a question. "We know our current president is one. You know he's not even an American."

Trump, who was a driver of the "birther" movement that claimed Obama wasn't born in the U.S, first responded with feigned exasperation — "We need the question," he said, to laughs — but let the man continue.

"We have training camps growing where they want to kill us. That's my question," the questioner continued. "When can we get rid of it?"

Trump did not dispute the man's assertions and said he'd heard others raise the issue.

"We're going to be looking at a lot of different things. And you know, a lot of people are saying that, and a lot of people are saying that bad things are happening out there," said Trump. "We're going to be looking at that and plenty of other things."

The incident evoked a moment during the 2008 campaign when Republican nominee John McCain took the microphone away from a woman who said she didn't trust Obama because he was an "Arab."

Trump's questions about the president's country of birth helped build his stature among some conservative voters and pushed Obama to release a copy of his birth certificate in 2011. But the billionaire businessman has distanced himself from the issue during his current run.

Trump's town hall, in a sweaty auditorium in Rochester, was also interrupted several times by a protester, whose outbursts were met by hostility from the friendly crowd.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-09-18

[peterjackson]

It's one thing getting the popular vote of discontentment now, it's a whole different matter getting it on polling day.

The CNN debate saw a much wider participation by the other candidates, some with very polished speeches.

Trump has certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons.

I think Carson is alining himself with Trump. What a ticket that would be.

If nothing else, it was woken a sleeping giant in the electorate. Lets see if the momentum continues.

[Seastallion]

" a questioner at a town hall event who incorrectly stated that President Barack Obama is Muslim "

We have members here who assert the same falsehood.

[webfact]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JntXRIm6ho

[JHolmesJr]

well you are gonna be inviting such questions if you write your name as Barack Hussein Obama

[borisloosebrain]

well you are gonna be inviting such questions if you write your name as Barack Hussein Obama

Only from fools.

[daoyai]

He is too smart to be a religious believer.... US politics demands christians or jewish with very few excptions, Hawai'i has a Hindu congresswoman...

Edited September 18, 2015 by daoyai

[JHolmesJr]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

[Neurath]

Trump seems to think there is enough evidence to agree with the notion that vaccinations cause autism - but not enough evidence to suggest the reality of global warming caused by carbon emissions. And that is all you need to know about the man's scientific literacy and that of his supporters. "You know, like lot's of stuff, I'm looking at lots of stuff. I got so much energy and brains it's ridiculous". I've not been this entertained since Pat Buchannan came to town in 95 brandishing his pitch fork only to have Bob Dole, of all people, 'off' him. If only someone would put up enough money to convince Trump to compete in one those reality TV shows like Survivor or Naked and Afraid. Trump naked with hair akimbo explaining to his tribe all manner of social intricacies and food gathering techniques. Face it, it would be as entertaining as this here primary and in structure, tempo and audience participation not that much different either.

[manarak]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

please explain how bearing the name Hussein implies Muslim?

[JHolmesJr]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

please explain how bearing the name Hussein implies Muslim?

sure....its a muslim name.....hussein.....perhaps the owner of a name like that may not practise islam but he/she should not be surprised or outraged if the question is asked.

[stevenl]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

please explain how bearing the name Hussein implies Muslim?

sure....its a muslim name.....hussein.....perhaps the owner of a name like that may not practise islam but he/she should not be surprised or outraged if the question is asked.

So James Holmes the cinema killer is your brother?

[Scott]

An off-topic post has been removed. Please stay on topic.

[JHolmesJr]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

please explain how bearing the name Hussein implies Muslim?

sure....its a muslim name.....hussein.....perhaps the owner of a name like that may not practise islam but he/she should not be surprised or outraged if the question is asked.

So James Holmes the cinema killer is your brother?

No....but he sure sounds like he is NOT a muslim.

[uptheos]

Many months ago, readers began asking me whether Barack Obama is Muslim. Since he identifies as a Christian, I said, “no,” and responded that he was not raised by his Kenyan father.
But, then, I decided to look further into Obama’s background. His full name–as by now you have probably heard–is Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Hussein is a Muslim name, which comes from the name of Ali’s son–Hussein Ibn Ali. And Obama is named after his late Kenyan father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., apparently a Muslim.
And while Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that’s not how the Arab and Muslim Streets see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he’s a Christian, but they do not

By Debbie Schlussel

[dexterm]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

It's the name his parents gave him. He had no say in the matter, just like the rest of us. His choice of faith however he did have a say in. You seem to be as bigoted as Trump, scoring some cheap political/personal points on the strength of a man's given name.

Who wants this racist to be leader of the free world?

[dexterm]

Many months ago, readers began asking me whether Barack Obama is Muslim. Since he identifies as a Christian, I said, “no,” and responded that he was not raised by his Kenyan father.

But, then, I decided to look further into Obama’s background. His full name–as by now you have probably heard–is Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Hussein is a Muslim name, which comes from the name of Ali’s son–Hussein Ibn Ali. And Obama is named after his late Kenyan father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., apparently a Muslim.

And while Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that’s not how the Arab and Muslim Streets see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he’s a Christian, but they do not

By Debbie Schlussel

So that's their problem, not Obama's.

If a man calls you a dog, do you wag your tail?

[Berkshire]

How do you explain hussein then….dont just say thats his dads name.

It's the name his parents gave him. He had no say in the matter, just like the rest of us. His choice of faith however he did have a say in. You seem to be as bigoted as Trump, scoring some cheap political/personal points on the strength of a man's given name.

Who wants this racist to be leader of the free world?

Therein lies the problem with the GOP. It's not necessarily about Trump not having the moral courage to correct the guy. It's the fact that the guy is a typical Republican.

[uptheos]

Many months ago, readers began asking me whether Barack Obama is Muslim. Since he identifies as a Christian, I said, “no,” and responded that he was not raised by his Kenyan father.

But, then, I decided to look further into Obama’s background. His full name–as by now you have probably heard–is Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Hussein is a Muslim name, which comes from the name of Ali’s son–Hussein Ibn Ali. And Obama is named after his late Kenyan father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., apparently a Muslim.

And while Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that’s not how the Arab and Muslim Streets see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he’s a Christian, but they do not

By Debbie Schlussel

So that's their problem, not Obama's.

If a man calls you a dog, do you wag your tail?

He probably is a Muslim, but hey live and let live.

[dexterm]

I always admired John McCain for correcting that ignorant bigoted woman at a rally who called Obama an Arab.

he took the mic off her and replied,""No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz3m5whb98F

It's a pity Trump does not have the same integrity. What a creep and bully. How on earth can voters even remotely consider this racist as leader of the free world?

[dexterm]

Many months ago, readers began asking me whether Barack Obama is Muslim. Since he identifies as a Christian, I said, “no,” and responded that he was not raised by his Kenyan father.

But, then, I decided to look further into Obama’s background. His full name–as by now you have probably heard–is Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Hussein is a Muslim name, which comes from the name of Ali’s son–Hussein Ibn Ali. And Obama is named after his late Kenyan father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., apparently a Muslim.

And while Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that’s not how the Arab and Muslim Streets see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he’s a Christian, but they do not

By Debbie Schlussel

So that's their problem, not Obama's.

If a man calls you a dog, do you wag your tail?

He probably is a Muslim, but hey live and let live.

..and so what is the point you are trying to make score about a President's fictitious religion?

[JHolmesJr]

It's the name his parents gave him. He had no say in the matter, just like the rest of us. His choice of faith however he did have a say in. You seem to be as bigoted as Trump, scoring some cheap political/personal points on the strength of a man's given name.

Who wants this racist to be leader of the free world?

Getting angry and lashing out is not the hallmark of a gentleman….did you miss your bingo game today…or some medication perhaps….I never said obama is a muslim…show me if I did….I said anyone with the name Hussein somewhere in their name should be prepared to answer a question about whether they are muslim or not.

That is a fact that few but the extremely blinkered will deny.

[uptheos]

Many months ago, readers began asking me whether Barack Obama is Muslim. Since he identifies as a Christian, I said, “no,” and responded that he was not raised by his Kenyan father.

But, then, I decided to look further into Obama’s background. His full name–as by now you have probably heard–is Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Hussein is a Muslim name, which comes from the name of Ali’s son–Hussein Ibn Ali. And Obama is named after his late Kenyan father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., apparently a Muslim.

And while Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that’s not how the Arab and Muslim Streets see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he’s a Christian, but they do not

By Debbie Schlussel

So that's their problem, not Obama's.

If a man calls you a dog, do you wag your tail?

He probably is a Muslim, but hey live and let live.

..and so what is the point you are trying to make score about a President's fictitious religion?

No point, up to him what religion he is. I don't know and don't care if he prays 5 times a day, do you?

[JHolmesJr]

Next someone will say Allah O'Akbar is an irish name.

[Ulysses G.]

Many months ago, readers began asking me whether Barack Obama is Muslim. Since he identifies as a Christian, I said, “no,” and responded that he was not raised by his Kenyan father.

But, then, I decided to look further into Obama’s background. His full name–as by now you have probably heard–is Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Hussein is a Muslim name, which comes from the name of Ali’s son–Hussein Ibn Ali. And Obama is named after his late Kenyan father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., apparently a Muslim.

And while Obama may not identify as a Muslim, that’s not how the Arab and Muslim Streets see it. In Arab culture and under Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you. And once a Muslim, always a Muslim. You cannot go back. In Islamic eyes, Obama is certainly a Muslim. He may think he’s a Christian, but they do not

By Debbie Schlussel

I am not sure if he is a Muslim, but I have lttle doubt that he is not a sincere Christian. Besides the things listed above, his stepfather was also a Muslim and young Barack studied in Muslim schools. If nothing else, he is certaily partial towards Islam, but his far left ideology is what concerns me most..I realize that he has not always governed in a far left manor, but, IMO, that is only because he can't get away with it.

Edited September 18, 2015 by Ulysses G.

[Tep2]

It's the name his parents gave him. He had no say in the matter, just like the rest of us. His choice of faith however he did have a say in. You seem to be as bigoted as Trump, scoring some cheap political/personal points on the strength of a man's given name.

Who wants this racist to be leader of the free world?

Getting angry and lashing out is not the hallmark of a gentleman….did you miss your bingo game today…or some medication perhaps….I never said obama is a muslim…show me if I did….I said anyone with the name Hussein somewhere in their name should be prepared to answer a question about whether they are muslim or not.

That is a fact that few but the extremely blinkered will deny.

What a weasel-like reply. Hurling a slur that clearly encourages a particular inference and then walking back on it once someone fronts you. I think most readers know what you were trying to do.

Tell me, by your logic, since you carry the same name as an infamous straight and gay porn star from the 70's noted for a large phyiscal attribute, would you be expected to answer questions about your endowment?

Turmp is a birther. I would not be surprised if the question was not a plant. All PR managers know how to stage manage Q&A. He is playing dirty politics, just like his adoption of the birther and the Take Back America, sorry the Make America Great cause that attracts the right wing loonies that McCain so aptly identified.

So did you inherit the Holmes gene?

Edited September 18, 2015 by Tep2

[JHolmesJr]

well you are gonna be inviting such questions if you write your name as Barack Hussein Obama

Tep2, that was my original statement….I didn't accuse obama of being a muslim.

Stick to facts, not inference.

I am not responsible if you misconstrue and twist my words to enable your entertainment for the day….keyboard heroics.

My board name is JHolmesJr, so I am perfectly alright with fielding dumb questions like yours about genital size and hiv genes.

By that same measure, anyone with the name Hussein in theirs should be prepared to field questions like "are you muslim, by any chance?"

Why is that so hard for you to understand?

[Exsexyman]

It's the name his parents gave him. He had no say in the matter, just like the rest of us. His choice of faith however he did have a say in. You seem to be as bigoted as Trump, scoring some cheap political/personal points on the strength of a man's given name.

Who wants this racist to be leader of the free world?

Getting angry and lashing out is not the hallmark of a gentleman….did you miss your bingo game today…or some medication perhaps….I never said obama is a muslim…show me if I did….I said anyone with the name Hussein somewhere in their name should be prepared to answer a question about whether they are muslim or not.

That is a fact that few but the extremely blinkered will deny.

What a weasel-like reply. Hurling a slur that clearly encourages a particular inference and then walking back on it once someone fronts you. I think most readers know what you were trying to do.

Tell me, by your logic, since you carry the same name as an infamous straight and gay porn star from the 70's noted for a large phyiscal attribute, would you be expected to answer questions about your endowment?

Turmp is a birther. I would not be surprised if the question was not a plant. All PR managers know how to stage manage Q&A. He is playing dirty politics, just like his adoption of the birther and the Take Back America, sorry the Make America Great cause that attracts the right wing loonies that McCain so aptly identified.

So did you inherit the Holmes gene?

Well if i had one like John Holmes i would probably be telling everybody!

[JakeSully]

" a questioner at a town hall event who incorrectly stated that President Barack Obama is Muslim "

We have members here who assert the same falsehood.

He's been the best POTUS of most of our lifetimes.

Is he hated and called the worst POTUS ever? Sure. There was a crow that hated LBJ for giving civil rights, another that hated Eisenhower for enforcing Brown v. Board of Ed and there were plenty of those that hated Lincoln for Emancipation Proclamation. So this is nothing new.

When they can't beat him (they tried twice), they just call him names. It's part of being a loser!

[LawrenceChee]

Trump if he ever wins to be POTUS would absolutely be the next idiot on world stage and bring the foreign relations of USA to a new low

What a loser and typical show bashing loud mouthed American ..stick to TV shows