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Hushed worry about Obama's safety »

Posted by: JamesMarcus 1 year, 10 months ago

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There is a hushed worry on the minds of many supporters of Senator Barack Obama , echoing in conversations from state to state, rally to rally: Will he be safe?

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JamesMarcus

James Marcus is a writer, translator, critic, and editor. He is the author of Amazonia: Five Years at the Epicenter of the Dot-Com Juggernaut and ...

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Comments: 96

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ghengisghan
Feb. 25, 2008, 6:26 p.m.
Dont you believe for a second that everyone is not checked for weapons.There are some very hi tec ways to scan people for weapons that dont involve passing through metal detectors or being wanded.
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SonOfTheMask
Feb. 25, 2008, 5:49 p.m.
Well, this article is right on the edge of being a bit dodgy. By questioning his "safety" in a news article, his safety actually becomes a "real" news item, whether it is or isn't.
Almost seems like people are pushing comparisons to "position" Obama as some kind of "heir" to what certain folks view as the "political martyrs" of the 1960s.
I'd rather hear about policy positions and solutions...not read the beginnings of a hagiography.
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Howtogo
Feb. 25, 2008, 5:58 p.m.
It would be another sad chapter in America if someone should kill him. It would of course start a race riot in most large cities (unless it is cold and snowing). The crazies would love it and it is a real concern.
With a little satire, his biggest worries about being killed may come from the Clinton camp. Remember the Clinton's have a bad record of having those that could possibly threaten them politically ending up dead under suspicious circumstances.
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GLee
Feb. 25, 2008, 6:01 p.m.
It should come as no surprise that 'He' is in danger. It is also of no surprise that this story became a 'headliner' for Propeller. Thing is, this story should focus on all of the candidates as potential targets and not just 'Him'. For that reason you will find my 'neg' vote.
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slate
Feb. 25, 2008, 6:17 p.m.
All politicians, heads of state, CEOs and celebrities are in danger when out in public among the masses, why do you think they have body guards? Obama is no different, I think some want to stir the race pot by making the notion that he is in MORE danger than the others because of the color of his skin.
In truth, anyone running for president (or just having a certain view) will say something that will get a nut thinking they should put a bullet in them, ask Reagan, JFK, RFK, Lennon, John Paul, MLK and others.
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simonsez
Feb. 25, 2008, 6:45 p.m.
I agree with Slate. We can't live in fear of what could happen ... we lose what makes this country great if we do.
Locky12Comment has been removed: Spammer, Abusive
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miklkit
Feb. 25, 2008, 7:37 p.m.
How can you say that? The republicons have been playing the fear card for 7 years now. Why do you think they haven't caught OBL yet. It's because they need to trot him out now and then as the poster boy in their fear campaign.
This candidate needs more protection than he is getting.
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tanglang
Feb. 25, 2008, 9:26 p.m.
Spamming the thread posted by Propellers lead anchor. Not the smartest spammer are you? In other words, beat it.
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OldHickory
Feb. 25, 2008, 7:53 p.m.
The recent photo of him wearing a turban and robe is a real hoot. He bears more than a striking resemblance to the ones that are killing GIs in Afghanistan and Iraq. So much for 'change'. I could see why most Americans really have a hard time relating to him and why the subject of JFK, MLK, etc. is even broached.
Semper fi.
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OldHickory
Feb. 25, 2008, 8:47 p.m.
Get used to it.
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most_reasonable
Feb. 25, 2008, 9 p.m.
Obama sounds alot like a black George Bush.
Experience isn't all that important, "I'm a uniter not a divider", LOL.
The democratic party has not been this divided in over a 100 years. McCain has offered a hand to the right wing of the GOP and he has had his thumbs bitten off, think Obama will get better treatment?
Obama has sold a bill of goods to his black supporters who can not see beyond the color of his skin and the left wing of the DNC who have proven time and time again that they are totally blind.
The GOP has all but destroyed this country and the rush to Obama will provide them with ability to make the country's destruction complete.
McCain's election will provide America with a heartbeat away from a theocracy; a vote for Obama is a vote for the end of America. Can you hear Karl Rove laughing?
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canadianrancher57
Feb. 25, 2008, 9:35 p.m.
1968 was along time ago and so many things have changed in your country, the events that happened then made a nation stop and look at itself and it has brought forward a better society for not all but for most. If there is a threat to Barack it is not the race card but the religious aspect of the man, the events of 9/11 and the Iraqi war are still fresh in all minds and we have seen even in this story how people feel about a person who had a Muslim father and carries a Muslim name. To me that is where the new danger lies but I hope that the belief that the nation neeeds a change will prevail, for it is not only the left who wishes change. AS for the point of whether or not it will happen is something that people should not be dwelling on for it only makes those who think about it more of a danger.
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fotoman1133406
Feb. 25, 2008, 9:57 p.m.
Guys,
What I fear for him; is the same that was with Colin Powell, when he was in the same "spot light"...The "good ole boys" of the south(the K K K) will indeed try to harm him. There's still hate there; they see, as with Colin Powell, the guy is an "uppity ******" that needs to be put in his place.
Too bad, too; get rid of the "hate" guys, and we will have a good man in the white house.
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Bkumm
Feb. 25, 2008, 11:35 p.m.
While I realize that there are some out there who wish the Senator harm, his danger is really no more or less than any high profile politician. This is even mentioned in the article.
What the article is trying to point out (if it isn't fear mongering) is that the perception is that he is in somehow "more" danger because of his race or even worse because he, like the Kennedys and King, is a messenger of hope.
So, the conspiracy nuts and the regular whack-jobs get on the Internets or they talk smack to the media and the next thing you know everybody is talking about the danger that Senator Obama is in.
He is taking a risk. No question. But, so is everyone else running for President. Well, maybe except for Nader.
The point is that we've GOT to get past the fear. I've come to the conclusion that this nation just NEEDS the fear of something, just to keep going.
We can do this, people. Together.
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Mdiar
Feb. 26, 2008, 12:35 a.m.
I do fear for Obama. I fear for Clinton as well. Even McCain. Obama has to fear the neo-Nazis more then anything else, Clinton the residuals of extreme sexism and McCain the craziest of the anti-war crowd (I'm anti-war myself but I accept that crazies exist there). I'd say we each have three candidates more likely to be killed then others in the past, but overall its fairly equal in comparison to each other just how likely they are to be killed. I think security on all of them needs to increase a bit.
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Albmore
Feb. 26, 2008, 6:15 a.m.
At the moment if I was Obama I believe the biggest threat is from the Clintons or their supporters.
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MMJT
Feb. 26, 2008, 1:13 p.m.
If Obama were to win, there is no doubt someone will try and assinate him. And, it will probably be the KKK. That wouldn't have to happen for a revolution to happen here in the States. It already is.Even the Mexican President has said that. Many European countries are calling us stupid Americans for the movement towards Obama. And, sadly people are already stabbing people because of Obama.
This election cannot go on like it is, the conflict is just heating up and it is bound to break wide open and soon.
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jmopinion
Feb. 26, 2008, 5:03 p.m.
Hillary probably should worry. I cannot remember what black leader said that"if the super delegates cause Obama to lose there will be riots in the streets".