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Fake Polls Smear 'Muslim' Obama

Callers link candidate to Hamas, imply he is a Muslim in calls

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2008 12:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – The ugly tactic of “push polling” has resurfaced in key swing states, as fake pollsters seek to influence voters with scam questions that present an unfavorable view of Barack Obama, the Guardian reports. On one call, a Jewish voter in Pennsylvania says, she was asked if she would vote for Obama if she knew he was supported by the militant organization Hamas. "It is scare tactics," she said. "It is terribly underhand."

Calls in Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have also made reference to the rumor that Obama is a Muslim—he's Christian—and stressed his association with Jeremiah Wright. The origin of the calls has not been determined, and Republican groups working on behalf of John McCain have denied using the tactic, which is believed to have led directly to his devastating loss in the 2000 South Carolina primary.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., Thursday. Oct. 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., steps off the plane at the airport in Philadelphia, Pa. Friday, Oct. 3, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands before he climbs the steps to the plane at the airport in Lansing, Mich. Friday, Oct. 3, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Fake Polls Smear 'Muslim' Obama

Callers link candidate to Hamas, imply he is a Muslim in calls

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South the Big Winner in New Census

Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

Ayers, Rev. Wright Team Up for Middle East Peace

Obama's former liabilities joke about their roles

Unaired McCain Spot Blasts Rev. Wright

Attack ad surfaces, but GOP candidate refused to run it

Election Lawsuits Emerge in Ohio, NH

GOP contests provisional-ballot issues in Ohio; judge sides with party on observers in NH

Campaigns Make Florida Election-Eve Battleground

Obama reprises out-of-touch criticism of McCain, who hits back on economics

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Fake Polls Smear 'Muslim' Obama

Callers link candidate to Hamas, imply he is a Muslim in calls

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Florida • Barack Obama • Ohio • poll • Muslim • smear campaign • political activism • Jeremiah Wright • Election 2008

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

South the Big Winner in New Census

Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

Ayers, Rev. Wright Team Up for Middle East Peace

Obama's former liabilities joke about their roles

Unaired McCain Spot Blasts Rev. Wright

Attack ad surfaces, but GOP candidate refused to run it

Election Lawsuits Emerge in Ohio, NH

GOP contests provisional-ballot issues in Ohio; judge sides with party on observers in NH

Campaigns Make Florida Election-Eve Battleground

Obama reprises out-of-touch criticism of McCain, who hits back on economics

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Newser By Users

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