October 6, 2006

Obama “Palling Around With Terrorists”?

CBS News Reality Checks Obama’s Terrorists Links

  • Play CBS Video Video Obama, McCain On The Attack

    With only a month to Election Day, both presidential campaigns are accusing the other of ties to questionable characters, reports Chip Reid. Harry Smith talks to advisers from both campaigns.

  • Video The Trail Gets Ugly

    As John McCain and Barack Obama prepare for their debate in Nashville, it's clear that both campaigns are going on the offensive. Chip Reid has more.

  • Video Candidates' Bailout Battle

    Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are on the campaign trail speaking about each other's stance on the economic bailout plan. Jeff Glor reports.

(CBS)  CBS News Investigative Producer Laura Strickler wrote this story for CBSNews.com.

Over the weekend, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin accused Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) of associating with terrorists.

“Our opponent is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists who target their own country,” Palin said.

What is she referring to?

FACTS: Palin is talking about Obama’s association with a 1960’s anti war radical who now lives in Chicago named Bill Ayers. Obama met Ayers in 1995. The senator has repeatedly noted that when Ayers committed his domestic acts of terrorism forty years ago, Obama was eight years old.

Ayers was one of the founders of a radical anti-war group called the Weather Underground that claimed responsibility for a bombing in San Francisco that killed a police officer and hurt another. Ayers’s group also claimed to be involved in plans to bomb other locations aimed at disrupting the Vietnam war effort. However, despite his involvement and that of his wife, they were never convicted of any crimes due in part to prosecutorial misconduct.

Over time Ayers emerged in Chicago as a community activist, became a professor and got involved in public school reform. This is how Obama met Ayers at a meeting on schools. Ayers reportedly hosted a campaign event for Obama’s early forays into statewide politics in 1995 and the two men sat on two different foundation boards together where their job was to distribute educational grants to organizations. Ayers still sits on the board of The Woods Fund of Chicago but Obama left the board in 2002. That was the last time Obama had any official link to Ayers.

There is no evidence that Ayers gave money to or has been involved in the Obama campaign. There is also no indication the two have been in regular communication for at least six years.

In response today, Senator Obama said:

“He’s a professor at the University of Chicago - ah, Illinois, teaches education, and he engaged in these despicable acts 40 years ago when I was 8 years old. I served on a board with him. And so now they’re trying to use this as guilt by association, and as you said, they’ve explicitly stated that what they want to do is to change the topic because they don’t want to talk about the economy and the failed policies of the last eight years.”


By Laura Strickler
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Add a Comment See all 311 Comments
by abman827 October 9, 2008 1:20 PM EDT
I love how Obama and the liberal media dismisses Obama''s relationships as saying "guilty by association" but they keep saying McCain is "guilty by assocation" to the Bush Administration. Its such a double standard. McCain is in the same party as Bush, but it does not mean he agrees with Bush 100% of the time or even 50% of the time. Its just a joke that Obama and the liberal media is brainwashing us to believe Obama is the best choice. Them filtering everything related to Obama is a sign that they are hiding something. I just hope that America wakes up and realizes this before Election Day. I sure hope so.
Reply to this comment
by grhodesreed October 9, 2008 7:13 AM EDT
Annenberg, one of the two foundations on which Obama and Ayers worked, is supporting McCain for president. Should he be taking the money and accepting support from a ''terrorist?''
Reply to this comment
by grhodesreed October 9, 2008 7:10 AM EDT
How do you hold someone ''accountable'' for knowing someone or interacting with them if they are doing good? If we want to look at the past of folks, then let''s look at McCain''s relationship with segregationists Jesse Helms and Strom Thurmond. And, didn''t he defend the confederate flag? He was against an MLK holiday. He was a flagrant wife cheater. He actually took money from Keating, a convicted felon, and was likely let off easily because of his war record. He lobbied inappropriately on behalf of Keating as well as others. What about his angry outbursts and the disrespect shown to his wife as well as other women? What about the impact of these choices on McCain''s judgement and character? And, what about his selection of Sarah Palin? McCain is not one to talk about character, judgement, integrity, temperament, good decision making, critical thinking, etc., etc.
Reply to this comment
by crystald5 October 9, 2008 4:49 AM EDT
In 1997, Obama Praised Ayers'' Book On The Juvenile Justice System. "The two men were involved in efforts to reform the city''s education system. They appeared together on academic panels, including one organized by Michelle Obama to discuss the juvenile justice system, an area of mutual concern. Mr. Ayers''s book on the subject won a rave review in The Chicago Tribune by Mr. Obama, who called it ''a searing and timely account.''" (Jo Becker and Christopher Drew, "Pragmatic Politics, Forged On The South Side," The New York Times, 5/11/08)

"[Obama And Ayers] Have Also Appeared Jointly On Two Academic Panels, One In 1997 And Another In 2001." (Russell Berman, "Obama''s Ties To Left Come Under Scrutiny," The New York Sun, 2/19/08)
From 1999 To 2002, Obama Served With Ayers On The Board Of Directors For Woods Fund Of Chicago. "[Ayers] served with [Obama] from 1999 to 2002 on the board of the Woods Fund

John M. Murtagh was only nine, the year Ayers%u2019s Weathermen tried to murder him and his family.

It is fair to hold Barry responsible for a startling lack of judgment in his choice of mentors, associates, and friends, and for showing a callous disregard for the lives they damaged and the hatred they have demonstrated for this country.

Reply to this comment
by crystald5 October 9, 2008 4:48 AM EDT
Senator Obama served as a paid director to a "progressive" Chicago-area non-profit organization, the Woods Fund, from 1999 until almost 2003.

William C. Ayers served with Senator Obama on the organization''s board of directors.

2001 the Woods Fund gave a $40,000 financial aid grant to a group with ties to the PLO

2002, the Woods Fund gave the Arab American Action Network a second gift of $35,000.

Senator Obama chaired the CAC from 1995 through 1999 Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC) -- what essentially became Mr. Ayers'' failed Leftist attempt to redesign education in Chicago schools

Woods Fund, it also made a $1,000,000 contribution to Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC)

Barack Obama, at Bill Ayers'' behest, began work in 1995 at the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.

From March Of 1995 Until September Of 1997, Obama And Ayers Attended At Least Seven Meetings Together Relating To The Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
NOTE: Bill Ayers Was Asked To Help Obama Formulate The Chicago Annenberg Challenge By-Laws.

Reply to this comment
by whatiknow2 October 8, 2008 8:35 PM EDT
Plain and simple,
If you will still be able to afford to support yourself after the business you work for folds under,
If you have all the insurance you need for you and your loved ones,
If your home is paid for and is still worth what you paid for it,
If you are secure with the future as far as your retirement,
If you are not concerned with the amount of taxes you pay,
If your credit rating is over 750,
and If you do not care at all about those who are less fortunate than you,
If you feel comfortable about "Bomb Bomb Bomb IRAN",
If you look forward to a Nuclear war with KOREA,
Then you might be able to afford to vote REPUBLICAN.
Here is your sign
_________
|***VOTE***=
|*McSame!*=
|_________=
| ||
| ||
| ||
I am giving my vote to "THAT ONE"
Reply to this comment
by bchandra90 October 8, 2008 4:44 PM EDT
Are you telling me that to disagree with the McPalin team is grounds for "Killing"? It is outrageous that kind of thing can go on at a political rally in this day and age. In the 60''''s Martin Luther King was a republican. Can you imagine his horror at a Sarah Palin rally? The hate speech that she is spouting is a danger to this country and should be stopped. How can she possibly want to be Vice President of the United States when almost half of the population isn''''t to her liking? At the moment she is focused on Sen Obama but what happens when she starts on the rest of us? We are ONE NATION.

Reply to this comment
by mellodug October 8, 2008 1:49 PM EDT
I am concerned that Sarah Palin would speak before a crowd and even entertain a response from the crowd of "Kill Him." Her comments appear to me that she was trying to incite the crowd. I always understand that inciting others to violent action was illegal, in addition to being incredibly irresponsible and ignorant. Her continued rhetoric clearly illustrates her complete lack of any qualities that would make her acceptable as a vice-president. Sarah Six-Pack needs to be sent home with the strongest official, as well as public, condemnation for her inflamatory and irresponsible comments!
Reply to this comment
by grangerwoods October 8, 2008 3:33 AM EDT
PALIN IS ANTI-AMERICAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIi4rbIXbkw

Listen very very close from the 6 minute mark to the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4iCDBIAde8&feature=related

Her own confirmation!
Reply to this comment
by grangerwoods October 8, 2008 3:32 AM EDT
I bet Johnny Mac did not see these videos. Or did he?

PALIN IS ANTI-AMERICAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIi4rbIXbkw

Listen very very close from the 6 minute mark to the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4iCDBIAde8&feature=related

Her own confirmation!
Reply to this comment
by anonymousd October 8, 2008 2:44 AM EDT
We all know and honor a bunch of domestic terrorists: Washington, Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin....

They were responsible for the killings of peacekeeping uniformed officers of the British Empire, and many other innocent people.

How many of us would give anything to host them in our homes? How many people who we define as patriots hosted these same men when their campaigns began?

Terrorism is one of those words that depends greatly on your perspective.
Reply to this comment
by hatlady5 October 7, 2008 9:56 PM EDT
Would you open your home to a complete stranger to have their opening campaign event in? No, I would not. I would not no matter who you are. If you were a stranger, you would not use my home. Barack Obama used Ayers home to launch his campaign in Chicago.

Therefore they would have to know each other more than casually or just because they sat on the same board. Barack Obama is a friend of Bill (Billy) Ayers. Billy Ayers and his comrades got off the charges because the FBI used illegal wiretap. But in a book published by Bill Ayers he admits it all. Also he is non repentant and said recently that he would do it again. How many terrorists do you know socially or casually? I do not know any and if I learned that any of my friends were non-repentant terrorist, I would publicly disown them. Again how many un-repentant terrorist do you know? Obama knows at least 2.
Reply to this comment
by roc2341 October 7, 2008 8:08 PM EDT
FOR CBS LAURA STRICKLER:

Where''s the article on S. Palin/her husband affiliation with AIP/their founder JOE VOGLER? You know the Alaskan Independence Party where S. Palin herself recorded a speech that was delivered at this group''s convention last March 2007? Where J. Vogler had this to say(along with the aim of secession from the U.S.), The fires of HE** are frozen glaciers compared to MY HATRED FOR THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, AND I WON''T BE BURIED UNDER THEIR "DA**ED FLAG." He also went on to later say, "I''M AN ALASKAN, "NOT AN AMERICAN"."I''VE GOT NO USE FOR AMERICA OR HER DA**ED INSTITUTION!!!
Reply to this comment
by newslink October 7, 2008 6:16 PM EDT
This is another way, the GOP attempt to throw voters off.But I never would have thought that a person, running for V.P. Would hold Racist Campaigns. And for the World to see. This is an shameful, and it has cause me to Change Parties. I will support Obama, a President for All Americans.
Reply to this comment
by dicktracy200 October 7, 2008 4:11 PM EDT
The verdict is in. At a time when the terrible, terrible state of the economy is causing US citizens such as the guy in California to kill this morning his wife, three children, mother-in-law and self, why do we continue to participate in mudslinging. The state of our economy is a very serious and grave issue at this time. We can not waste time engaging in mudslinging that the only purpose it serves is to divert the very, very serious issues of the economy, that our country is faced with. I think we as Americans are very capable of determining one%u2019s character, thats our job and we don%u2019t need any help in accomplishing it. Please this is our time (the American People), we have a decision to make on Nov 4, which is only weeks away. We would ask that the candidates not waste any more of our time trying to influence the us whether or not someones character is upstanding, we can do that. What we wish would be done is for the candidates to take time and share a strategy dealing with the economy with us that we don%u2019t loose anymore people as we have in California already to collateral damage.
Reply to this comment
by jockh October 7, 2008 3:39 PM EDT
Sarah Palin hates America. She and her Husband were members of a Party that wants alaska to break away from the United States
Reply to this comment
by jockh October 7, 2008 3:38 PM EDT
Barack Obama was eight years old when Ayers was a terrorist.
McCain was fifty years old when he was palling around with corrupt bankers (KEATING)and taking bribes.
Reply to this comment
by dbaker13-2009 October 7, 2008 2:42 PM EDT
obama
1communist
2 socilaist
have fun with all his tax increases and spending plan!
Reply to this comment
by charmin1350 October 7, 2008 11:57 AM EDT
The liberals will dominate these boards just as the liberals dominate the news media. There is no comparison between Rev. Wright and John Hagee. John Hagee is a godly man and Rev. Wright is hate spewing & prejudice. The liberals get on here and post and repost so that the moral majority doesn''t have their posts on top where people will see them. If Obama''s past associations mean nothing to you then you are blind. This man will destroy this country and all that it stands for. The liberal media would have you believe that Obama is ahead just to try to sway the vote in his direction. Wake up people. Don''t believe any of these liberals or the liberal media. VOTE American, VOTE JOHN McCAIN/REFORM/PEACE/PROSPERITY/& THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE. Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air in this world and in politics.
I would vote Democrat if they ever came up with someone worth voting for.
Reply to this comment
by watching_you October 7, 2008 11:33 AM EDT
PaulaAnne2 posted %u201CHMMMMMM%u201D

{}{}{}{}

McCain%u2019s qualifications:
1. Keating Five
2. Links To Private and illegal Iran-Contra Group
3. Collaborated with the Viet Kong, in violation of military code (%u201CFaith of my Fathers%u201D First time we%u2019d have an admitted traitor as president.
4. Voted for the fake war with Iraq ------ a $10 billion/m debacle against a country even Bush admits had no links to 911 or al Qaeda
5. Voted against veteran%u2019s benefits 9 times

Palin?
1. a vapid beauty pageant runner up striving desperately to sound intelligent by parroting phrases she%u2019s heard, and stringing them together with no particular regard for syntax or grammar.
2. She and husband linked to secessionist group led American hater.
3. Could not name ANY constitutional amendment with which she disagreed or name newspapers she reads
4. Irrevocably stupid, grammatically challenged ------ and, if elected ------ would place our country in dire jeopardy even though she can shoot endangered species from a helicopter.


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