Obama was right: Another hateful, bigoted attack from … the New Yorker?
posted at 7:52 pm on July 13, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Remember when Barack Obama told a Jacksonville, Florida audience this?
“We know what kind of campaign they’re going to run. They’re going to try to make you afraid.
“They’re going to try to make you afraid of me. He’s young and inexperienced and he’s got a funny name. And did I mention he’s black?”
Once again, Barack Obama has been proved right … but once again, not by Republicans. The New Yorker could never be confused with National Review or the Weekly Standard, but its cover looks like a MoveOn conception of both:
The Obama campaign is condemning as “tasteless and offensive” a New Yorker magazine cover that depicts Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in a turban, fist-bumping his gun-slinging wife.
An American flag burns in their fireplace.
The New Yorker says it’s satire. It certainly will be candy for cable news.
The Obama campaign quickly condemned the rendering. Spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement: “The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama’s right-wing critics have tried to create. But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree.”
So Republicans must be thrilled with the New Yorker, right? Well, not exactly:
McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds quickly e-mailed: “We completely agree with the Obama campaign, it’s tasteless and offensive.”
Here’s the cover:
Obviously, the New Yorker wanted to go for satire, poking fun at what they see as the image of the Obamas among conservatives. Just as obviously, the editors of the New Yorker showed very poor judgment in approving this cover. A satirical cartoon on the inside would have been more appropriate, but having this on the cover shouldn’t just offend the Obamas, but also conservatives who have a number of substantial issues with Barack Obama.
This makes the third bigoted attack from the Left on Obama. Two weeks ago, it was Ralph Nader acting as the arbiter of black authenticity, and last week it was Jesse Jackson wanting to castrate Obama. One side in this cycle certainly seems obsessed by identity politics, but so far it isn’t the Republicans.
Update: “Third bigoted attack” was tongue in cheek, people. Get a clue. The New Yorker is attacking conservatives, but Obama’s the one taking offense (and for good reason). Obama warned that the Republicans would obsess over his ethnicity, but so far only the mainstream Left has made it an issue.
Blowback
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If this incident was considered ‘tounge in cheek’, then I would guess that the the New Yorker has probably created a similar magazine cover depicting Bill and Hillary problems with Monica. No you say? If no is the answer, then you can bet this cover was more than just satire.
c3ichief on July 13, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I didn’t know Bill Clintoon was such a good artist!
Keep it up lefties and the Messiah will be able to hold his convention speech in a phone booth.
dhunter on July 13, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Hmm, I may be remembering incorrectly, but weren’t the 9/11 attackers nearly all Saudis — a wealthy, oil-rich country — and weren’t they fairly well educated? Didn’t the ringleader have an engineering degree? Also, the man who ordered and financed the attacks is the very wealthy son of the extremely wealthy bin Laden family. And one of his most vicious lieutenants is an Egyptian man who, until he joined up with AQ full-time, worked as a pediatrician.
Obama’s theory about the poor, misunderstood terrorists doesn’t make much sense in light of what we know about the people behind the 9/11 attacks . . . unless by terms like “poverty” and “ignorance” Obama was referring to multi-millionaires with graduate degrees.
AZCoyote on July 13, 2008 at 9:17 PM
i love it.
trailortrash on July 13, 2008 at 9:18 PM
No not bigoted. The New Yorker is just showing that these two are at war with America.
byteshredder on July 13, 2008 at 9:18 PM
alphie, you can be a rightie, or a troll, but not both.
Entelechy on July 13, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Sounds like an art critic trying to explain the motivation of the artist.
Sorry, but if you have to explain it, it ain’t art (or a cartoon).
rockhauler on July 13, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Whatever the outcome, whoever gets the blame, or the credit, this will go into the 2008 turban archives, along with the Hillary camp exhibit.
Entelechy on July 13, 2008 at 9:21 PM
davidk on July 13, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Hussein Obama should enjoy the world he helped create.
The New Yorker attacked GOP members during their convention in 2004, so I don’t see a difference.
Good depiction of the Obamas, though.
madmonkphotog on July 13, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Every perception in that cover was created by Democratic rivals or the Obama’s themselves. But it won’t matter, the “scumbag” Republicans will be blamed for it anyways.
But it is comical to watch the Dim’s tear each other apart.
Hog Wild on July 13, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Reminds me much of Time’s 1994 cover on Gingrich, picturing him as a grinch (if I recall correctly), with the caption “How mean will Gingrich’s America be?” Except they were 100% serious.
Paul-Cincy on July 13, 2008 at 9:23 PM
I stopped reading that piece of crap in college.
There’s a world of difference between mere verbal acuity and real intelligence. The New Yorker has lots of good writers, who I’m sure are great at crossword puzzles and comprehending ambiguous cartoons. Bravo!
That’s not intelligence.
jeff_from_mpls on July 13, 2008 at 9:24 PM
AZCoyote: you are EXACTLY correct, the Anti-American/Pro-Jihadi Democratic Leftist meme that it is “poverty, despair, capitialism and the US as root of all the world’s economic problems, and thus generates Terrorism”; has been debunnked and putpaid by Multiple well respected analysts.
The only idiots who still believe it, are the Democratic Leftists (oxymoron alert!) and their sychophants here in the US and Europe.
I end this argument, ALL the time, whenever some little Leftist brings it up at work:
“How many Homicide Bombers from Haiti have attacked the US again?
Since Haiti has been the world’s economic basketcase for the past 100 years or so, its curious that there has not been a single Haitian Homicide Bomber/Attack upon the big, bad, EVIL US!
In fact, if you do your research, you’ll find out that the ONLY suicide/homicide/terrorist attacks against the US in the past 14 years (since the singular exception of the Oklahoma Bombing), have been committed by the citizens of Muslim countries, or who come from Muslim communites in Non-Muslim countries!
FACT!
And don’t come back and quote the LTTE to me anyone; they have NOT attacked the US; they attack Sri Lanka!
Dale in Atlanta on July 13, 2008 at 9:25 PM
And you didn’t even see his art work that was private showing only. It had a motorcade and an open top convertible.
MB4 on July 13, 2008 at 9:27 PM
I think you’re right.
jencab on July 13, 2008 at 9:28 PM
It would seem the article just might be worth reading. From Flopping Aces:
In the new issue of The New Yorker there is a long piece about what makes Obama tick. The author, Ryan Lizza, went looking to find out and found that the ticking is just Chicago politics as usual. No change, no new direction. Just plain ole’ politics. It’s a long piece so I’ve taken only bits and pieces of it that are relevant to understanding the messiah.
bnelson44 on July 13, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Flopping Ace’s article:
http://www.floppingaces.net/2008/07/13/obama-your-typical-politician/
bnelson44 on July 13, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Like I said, I dont think this pic will be the cover when the mag hits the streets next week. Not gonna happen. It would turn a one-weekend story into a week-long death march for Obama.
Within days, hundreds of millions of people will have seen the proposed cover online, and tens of millions more may see it in print, but i bet you a donut it gets pulled before publication and the NYorker apologizes in print for offending the Obama.
Mike D. on July 13, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Anyone remember this………..?
Seven Percent Solution on July 13, 2008 at 9:35 PM
I think it’s a set up by their friend at the NEW YORKER. Helps them as victims and now no can even remotely bring up any anti-Americanism coming from them. They will say “it’s a hate attach just like in the New Yorker”
Hummer53 on July 13, 2008 at 9:36 PM
When is it expected to hit the streets?
bnelson44 on July 13, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Seven Percent Solution on July 13, 2008 at 9:35 PM
I do. Obama needs to buck it up. If you’re going to run for President you best be prepared for any and all insults.
becki51758 on July 13, 2008 at 9:37 PM
blockquote>There. I think all of the gaffe’s have been said.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 13, 2008 at 9:15 PM
No, no one is seeing Obama’s Kenyan birth certificate burning under the U.S. flag in the fireplace…
localmalcontent on July 13, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Drat.
localmalcontent on July 13, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Isn’t it amusing how the people who keep sliming Obama with xenophobic, racist attacks are always leftists who take cover by explaining that they’re only showing Obama what he can expect from those nasty devils on the Right?
Cicero43 on July 13, 2008 at 9:41 PM
That isn’t a bong next to the arugula on the mantle… s it?
My bad.
becki51758 on July 13, 2008 at 9:42 PM
You got that right, and it’s on July…………
Seven Percent Solution on July 13, 2008 at 9:46 PM
The New Yorker says: So you right-wing Republican hate-mongers refuse to take the bait and make race and ethnicity an issue? Well, we will make race and ethnicity and issue and blame it on you! THERE!!!
RMR on July 13, 2008 at 9:47 PM
New Yorker Magazine at the Newstand: $7.95
AK-47 on the Black Market: $800
American Flag buring in the Fire Place: $49.95
Obama’s Native Costume in the Souk: $23.75
When the New Yorker’s “Satire” turns out to be 100% TRUE: Priceless!
The “joke’s” on them!
Dale in Atlanta on July 13, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Yep. Like all good satire, it’s based on some uncomfortable truths. After all, it was Obama who chose to launch his political career at the home of his domestic terrorist/flag-stomping (literally) buddy Ayers. And it was Obama who chose to don native garb in Africa and pose for a photo with his Muslim relatives and friends — not to mention Obama’s decision to quote from the Koran in his “perfect” Arabic accent, and to rhapsodize about the beauty of the Muslim call to prayer, during his interview with the NY Times. Similarly, it was Michelle Obama’s decision to take a job as a (very well compensated) diversity pimp, to express her lack of pride in her country, and to do the fist-bump with the man she introduced in one campaign speech as her “baby daddy.”
Only people as arrogant as the Obamas could be silly enough to engage in this kind of behavior during a presidential campaign and then think that no one should be able to make fun of them for it.
AZCoyote on July 13, 2008 at 9:51 PM
The New Yorker’s attempt to portray Obama the way that they think conservatives envision him, may just backfire on Obama.
Johan Klaus on July 13, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Like Homer Simpson is fond of saying, “….. it’s funny, because it’s true.”
“His father’s message is that he is Arabic, not Negro.”
Seven Percent Solution on July 13, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Well, this will certainly take the discussion off the statement by Obama in the article that 9/11 was the result of al-Qaeda’s “fundamental absence of empathy.”
It's Vintage, Duh on July 13, 2008 at 9:56 PM
The New Yorker says:
RMR on July 13,2008 at 9:47PM.
RMR: BINGO,thats what this election is going to be about,
the consistant ever trying Liberals to make this
Presidential campaign about race!
And the never ending attempts at race baiting the
Republican Party,and voters!
Here’s a brilliant question,other than slogans of
“Yes we can,and Hope and Change”,really what else
do they have,Obama’s unfit,and unqualified!—-:)
canopfor on July 13, 2008 at 9:56 PM
My opinion of the New Yorker:
Have you guys watched this one episode of Family Guy, in which Brian the dog gets a gig as a writer for the New Yorker and gets to meet the members of the editorial staff?
After Brian becomes a little uncomfortable with that group of new colleagues, he asks where the bathroom is. He is taken to what seemed to be a very elegant parlor with sinks for hand washing, towels, mirrors and the best seats anyone could have.. but no… ahem, “heads”. He asked why. The editor’s response: “There aren’t any. All of their heads are up their a**es anyway…”
I’m sorry to say this, but every time I see a cover for the New Yorker, I think of that episode of Family Guy!
newton on July 13, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Why does Michelle have her legs crossed.
Johan Klaus on July 13, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Would another one of Barry’s quotes fit in here?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 13, 2008 at 10:00 PM
To keep her balls from showing. Jesse Jerkson is around.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 13, 2008 at 10:01 PM
sigh..not to change the subject but Budweiser is now owned by the Belgians.
It is a sad day indeed.
becki51758 on July 13, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I must admit……I think it’s hilarious!!!!!!
BYW…..shall we pull all of the covers of this magazine since Bush has been president? Me thinks we will find a hell of alot worse than this about B. Hussien.
The Obama’s and his surrogates are the biggest whiners and babies I have ever seen. Suck it up you moron. And you want to be president? Are you going to run to mommy evertime you get your feelings hurt or you britches in a twit?
Oh wait…..he can’t run to mommy because he already threw her under the bus.
Winebabe on July 13, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Why does Michelle have her legs crossed.
Johan Klaus on July 13,2008 at 9:59PM.
Johan Klaus: Oh lord foregive me,because a hum,
she’s got the gun!haha——-:)
canopfor on July 13, 2008 at 10:04 PM
But unfortunately, when people see the issue raised, they will automatically assume it somehow came from the Republicans
reine.de.tout on July 13, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I wonder why William Ayers didn’t make it into the picture..
Chakra Hammer on July 13, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Kind of good YouTube video
Watch for “Im with stupid —>” about 3/4 the way through, funny stuff.
WoosterOh on July 13, 2008 at 10:07 PM
You know, that really pisses me off. Are those people thinking that the American people have such a Pavlovian response? What do they think we are, dogs?
newton on July 13, 2008 at 10:10 PM
It’s too perfect.
It doesn’t matter what the article says. No one’s going to read it and even those who do won’t remember it.
And it doesn’t matter who condemns that cartoon or how loudly. Because it’s just too perfect.
Typhoon on July 13, 2008 at 10:11 PM
How about this version:
New Yorker Magazine at the Newstand: $7.95
AK-47 on the Black Market: $800
American Flag buring in the Fire Place: FREE, supplied by Presidential Advisor William Ayers
Obama’s Native Costume from his hometown Souk: 17.5 Dinars
When the New Yorker’s attempt at “Satire” backfires because it’s 100% TRUE: PRICELESS!
I sent this out to about two dozen friends/family in the past 30 min via email, and I’m already getting feedback like: “Holy crap, its funny, its “satire” but its also SO true…”
I wonder if the New Yorker’s “joke” is just going to have the exact Opposite effect!
This could be REALLY sweet!
Dale in Atlanta on July 13, 2008 at 10:11 PM
This cartoon is just proof that it doesn’t matter what the right thinks or says. The left thinks about and obsessively categorizes people by race much more than a normal, healthy person would. Why else would they nominate Obama? Kerry and Algore can be explained by their having too many stupid rich people.
snaggletoothie on July 13, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I just had to see what was up at HuffPo – was mildly surprised to see this the BIG headline and they’re predictably going rabid – 400 posted comments and about 600 “pending”. Funny thing is they’re confused with about 50/50 angry and in tears VS. “how brilliant!”
I really hope there’s no truth to the rumor I saw posted there that The New Yorker is trying to get around this with “wait until you see the McCain cover”.
Marcus on July 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Because that would be horrible – this? Not so much.
Nonfactor on July 13, 2008 at 10:19 PM
He’s really just upset about the Ears.
- The Cat
MirCat on July 13, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Cartoon has Michelle’s with that Angela Davis Fro going on.
http://media.indypgh.org/uploads/2006/12/angela_wanted.jpg
Texyank on July 13, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I particularly love the picture of Osama on the wall above the fireplace.
It’s funny because it’s true. Even the New Yorker knows it.
whiskey_199 on July 13, 2008 at 10:30 PM
You must not have a wife….
Hog Wild on July 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
They’re so busy ‘pointing the finger’ that don’t see their own natural bigotry…
Karmi on July 13, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Liberals love to burn the flag, no matter how they can get the image in they will get get it in there..
Chakra Hammer on July 13, 2008 at 10:42 PM
By “protesting” the cover at every opportunity the political right can have it both ways.
Mojave Mark on July 13, 2008 at 10:44 PM
It’s the Obama we ALL know.
Obama mumbles ” I have no response to that ” And Kurtz say’s
it’s arguably “incendiary.”
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11718.html
Texyank on July 13, 2008 at 10:49 PM
It may not be “satire” but …it sure as hell is funny.
Whoever drew this knows all of the Obamas’ flaws too well for this to be considered as “a satire of the attitudes of those unjustly attacking Barry and Michelle“.
The reacton of his minions shows that it cuts too close to reality for them to even laugh at it “as an example of their enemies’ warped view” of the Obumbles.
It’s a keeper.
(Check Hillary’s fingers for tell-tale india ink stains.)
profitsbeard on July 13, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Its a Keeper.
profitsbeard on July 13,2008 at 10:50PM.
profitsbeard: I like your new word,”Obumbles”!haha. :)
You better trademark it.————–:)
canopfor on July 13, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Yes I do and I am familiar with the pose.
Johan Klaus on July 13, 2008 at 10:56 PM
In the 80s, the media would run hit pieces on RR all the time. They’d show footage of him, while the voice-overs slammed him. All people would remember was the video of him looking presidential and patriotic.
Just like Dukakis in the tank or Kerry windsurfing, all people are going to remember is the image and the image resonates.
TheBigOldDog on July 13, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I have this blank sheet of paper on which I was going to draw, if I could, Oblameless’ policies. I couldn’t decide whether it should be left white and blank, or scribbled over so completely so as to be an inscrutable mass of squiggles.
I’ve left it blank. I hope that will change.
shaken on July 13, 2008 at 11:16 PM
look at the picture than under put FISA, I’ll be spying on you..
LMAO.. Do you trust Obama to spy on you?
Chakra Hammer on July 13, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Obama giving terrorists a fast-track to our national security secrets.
d’Oh
Chakra Hammer on July 13, 2008 at 11:18 PM
It’s interesting that Michelle is portrayed carrying an AK-47, a Soviet/Russian weapon. Are we to believe that the Obama’s support foreign weapons over American rifles?
Goodness, it must be a communist/leftist conspiracy!
Special Forces Grunt on July 13, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Does the New Yorker see something we don’t?
Kini on July 13, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Nuance maybe?
elvis on July 13, 2008 at 11:43 PM
OHMYGOD!
I just realized!
KARL ROVE made The New Yorker do it!
How could I have forgotten……?
Dale in Atlanta on July 14, 2008 at 12:00 AM
I have this blank sheet of paper on which I was going to draw, if I could, Oblameless’ policies. I couldn’t decide whether it should be left white and blank
White? Sounds racist to me.
In penance you must vote for Obama, say thirty “God D@mn Americas and eat nothing but arugula until the election.
Bishop on July 14, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Is that egg-shaped thing on the mantle the vial of “hope and change” waiting to be unleashed upon us all?
SouthernGent on July 14, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I want to frame it and hang it in my bedroom.
ashleymatt on July 14, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Harumph.
With that bundle on his head, I can’t see his glow. What a crappy photo.
RushBaby on July 14, 2008 at 12:39 AM
This is just another attempt by (probably) George Soros & the usual suspects to divert attention from the issues and Obama’s complete lack of ability to deal with them.
Instead, they want to make voters think that not voting for Obama means that they are racists…and ignore all the issues. They are doing this by using their surrogates to set up “straw horse” attacks and then falsely blame them on Republicans.
landlines on July 14, 2008 at 1:08 AM
McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds quickly e-mailed: “We completely agree with the Obama campaign, it’s tasteless and offensive.”
I don’t agree with the Obamanation campaign. For once the New Yorker got it right. I am particularly impressed with the flag burning in the BO fireplace. To me this represents the US flag burning in streets around the world because we will be percieved as weak with a BO administration.
If my flag is going to be burned in the streets of bumfuck egypt then I want it to be because our nation is strong, not weak.
winemkr on July 14, 2008 at 1:12 AM
In my adult lifetime, it’s the first time I’ve been proud of the New Yorker.
Mojave Mark on July 14, 2008 at 1:22 AM
Satire like this New Yorker cover only has meaning if there is a grain of truth to it.
Or in the Obama’s case a grain SILO of truth.
miles on July 14, 2008 at 1:28 AM
That so many on this website and other right-wing blogs agree with the satire proves the New Yorker’s point. It’s like if they did a cartoon of Bush blowing up the Twin Towers and a bunch of truthers praised it as being accurate.
Nonfactor on July 14, 2008 at 1:33 AM
Nonfactor, clue – above is satire!
Entelechy on July 14, 2008 at 1:50 AM
Satire? Too clever by a half… and the Obama campaign doth protest too much.
DANEgerus on July 14, 2008 at 2:37 AM
I don’t agree with that cover art one little bit!
…they’re depicted in the oval office
SilverStar830 on July 14, 2008 at 3:02 AM
truthers praised it as being accurate.
Nonfactor on July 14, 2008 at 1:33 AM
Leftist Nutbag “Nonfactor”: the key difference is this: the Anti-American/Pro-Jihadi Democratic Left’s (TM) “satire” of President Bush are demonstrable Lies; The New Yorker’s (an Anti-American/Pro-Jihadi Democratic Leftist (TM) Magazine itself), “satire” of it’s own candidate, Barack HUSSEIN Obama, is demonstrable TRUTH!
Get it now???
Dale in Atlanta on July 14, 2008 at 3:56 AM
He really is a magnificent bastard, isn’t he?
platypus on July 14, 2008 at 4:01 AM
OK, I don’t see the satire,
I think it is an accurate description of who Obama
really is, and what his hidden agenda for America will
be starting on his first day in the White House.
He can then drop the taqiyya and st about the
task of ending American power in the world and letting
an Islamist caliphate rise throughout the Middle East
and Africa.
Everyone’s afraid of saying it,
so OK, pretend it is satire.
I think it’s true.
davem on July 14, 2008 at 5:27 AM
I don’t have to understand art to appreciate it.
Buzzy on July 14, 2008 at 5:38 AM
The demonstrable truth? Seriously? You look at that picture and see “the demonstrable truth”? See my post at 1:33 AM. Point proven.
Nonfactor on July 14, 2008 at 6:23 AM
See my post at 1:33 AM. Point proven.
Nonfactor on July 14, 2008 at 6:23 AM
Ah, look at MY post: Point Proven!
Dale in Atlanta on July 14, 2008 at 6:26 AM
Reminds me of the good ol’ days in high school when my English teacher used class money to buy thirty subscriptions to the New Yorker and had us read each new issue cover-to-cover in class.
Mrs. Happy Housewife on July 14, 2008 at 6:47 AM
The thing about satire is that there can be truth in it. That is what the Obama campaign is aware of. BTW, I don’t see Rezko in this picture. He should be curled up on the floor in front of the fireplace. And Wright? He could be on a TV somewhere off in a corner.
Terrye on July 14, 2008 at 6:47 AM
Somehow theres something authentic to it dont you think..
Viper1 on July 14, 2008 at 6:59 AM
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