Obama photo on Drudge Report ignites another controversy

A photo of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama an attempt of "fear-mongering", claims camp.

Obama photo on Drudge Report ignites another controversy Just as expected, there will be not a single day from now until the Elections without some kind of controversy concerning on or another of the presidential candidates. Following the alleged love affair of John McCain, the latest is a photo of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, wearing a traditional African dress during a visit to Kenya back in 2006. The picture shows Barack Obama wearing a white turban and a white robe presented to him by elders in north-eastern Kenya.

The Obama photo was emailed to the website DrudgeReport, which posted the picture you can see on this page. The Drudge Report said the picture was circulated by Clinton's campaign. The Obama camp immediately fired back, saying it was circulated by Hillary Clinton's staff as a smear and fear-mongering. Hillary Clinton's team strongly denies the accusations that the Obama photo was sent by anyone on her campaign: "If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely."

Obama, whose father was Kenyan, was treated as a head-of-state during the visit, part of a multi-nation trip of which Kenya was the highlight. Obama, his wife Michelle, their two daughters and friends accompanied them on the Kenya leg of the trip. According to reports from people who accompanied Barack Obama during the trip, the robe was given to him as a "great guest", which he wore to show his appreciation to the locals' hospitality.

The odds makers at the online bookmaker BodogLife, who offers odds on the 2008 Elections, said they are not moved by the brewing Obama photo controversy and will not change his odds, unless betting trends force them to do so. Barack Obama remains the favorite to become the next U.S. President with odds 4/7, followed by GOP candidate John McCain at 8/5 and Hillary Clinton with the long odds of 6/1.

Published on 02/25/2008