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Muslims Disappointed as Obama Keeps Distance

Staffers say campaign embraces 'all religions'

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2008 8:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama’s campaign, welcomed by Muslim Americans as a harbinger of religious tolerance and a more diplomatic foreign policy, has been reluctant to return their enthusiasm, the New York Times reports, leaving some leaders disappointed and angry. The candidate has appeared at churches and synagogues, but no mosques; aides asked the country's first Muslim congressman not to campaign for him; and campaign volunteers barred Muslim women wearing headscarves from standing behind Obama at a rally.

Leading Muslim Obama backers acknowledge that fears among some Americans may force him to keep his distance, but “the community feels betrayed,” says an analyst. Staffers counter that the campaign is inclusive, noting Obama’s radio ad for another Muslim congressman and his meeting with a Michigan mosque leader. Muslims, with populations in a number of swing states, could be a key bloc for both Obama and John McCain in November, the Times notes.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is greeted by mayors standing at front row tables during a luncheon at the US Conference of Mayors 76th Annual Meeting in Miami Saturday. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., puts on a Miami Beach hat before he boards his campaign charter plane at the airport in Miami Saturday, June 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Audience members behind the podium cheer Barack Obama in Detroit June 16, 2008. A Muslim woman wearing a head scarf said she was excluded by campaign workers from sitting behind the podium. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., talks during and interview with the Associated Press Tuesday, May 1, 2007 in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., gets off the campaign charter plane in Las Vegas Monday, June 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Muslims Disappointed as Obama Keeps Distance

Staffers say campaign embraces 'all religions'

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Barack Obama • John McCain • American Muslims • Election 2008

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