Sunday Times(UK): Secrets of Obama family unlocked

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2569704,00.html

WHEN Barack Obama, America’s newest presidential hopeful, was hit by allegations that he had attended a radical Islamic madrasah school as a boy in Indonesia, the claims spread like a virus through the media and internet.

It was a lie — the school was barely more religious than British church schools — but it was also a sign that Obama’s chances of winning the presidency depend to an unusual degree on his life story and character.

The race is on to define the gifted but little-known senator for Illinois and The Sunday Times can reveal that his heritage is far more diverse and astonishing than anything American voters have heard so far.

Obama, 45, has two half- sisters, one living in Britain, and five surviving half-brothers, the eldest of whom converted to Islam, and whose stories span the globe.

Nobody was more surprised to hear that Obama had reportedly been educated in a madrasah than Julia Suryakusuma, a close friend of his mother until her death from ovarian cancer in 1995.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. I just finished reading this before I came here. cool. Good article.

I love that it had some things about Obama's mom in it. I've wondered a few times how she would feel if she were still alive and saw her son as a US Senator and possible president.

[silverojo]

2. This part's bullshit, though

<< it was also a sign that Obama’s chances of winning the presidency depend to an unusual degree on his life story and character. >>

Fill in the blank with any Democrat, and the right will immediately start a Swiftboating smear campaign. It's not just Obama.

Is the UK press really this stupid, or are they in denial because they're doing the same over there?

[regnaD kciN]

3. Remember who owns the Times...

Is the UK press really this stupid, or are they in denial because they're doing the same over there?

...Rupert Murdoch. :puke:

[loyalsister]

4. Common experiences......

“America loves a success story — the new generation that rises from the sins and misfortunes of the older generation,” Sabato said.

He may be onto something here. Especially after having spent these 8 years with a president of dynasty and privilege. It presents an interesting "common man" contrast to all of the other candidates.
Most candidates try to present themselves as coming from "good stock."

It is also interesting to note that as one who is on the cusp, Obama comes across more as a peer to rise above than an offender in the mix of generational sins to be endured by the baby boomers.
I think that is why he excites so many young people.