I think Obama's middle & last names will become an asset, not a liability

[mtnsnake]

because people who don't know him, and wonder about it, will be forced to get to know him to see what he's really like. Once they get the exposure to him, I think they'll like what they see and hear.

Even if it's just a matter of curiosity due to his unique name, getting to know any candidate better is one of the keys to winning the Presidency. By the time 2008 rolls around, Barack Hussein Obama will be as delightful a sound in most American households as any other of your favorite politicians, probably even more so, the way that man inspires.

[Taverner]

1. Also think of the opportunity

Freeper comes up to middle-of-the-road voter, makes fun of "Hussein", BO's middle name. Middle-of-the-road voter either chides him for picking on something so superficial, and supports BO that much more, or puts it in the back of his head that anti-BO=racist.

[mtnsnake]

2. exactimundo

That is one way it will work

[Infinite Hope]

7. Making people who already support him support him more doesn't get him far...

he needs to make inroads into other Dems and independents and if that's his middle name, even superficial attacks will cause qualm in those who are on the fence and don't know who to support for sure.

[kentuck]

3. Assuming the American people will take the time to know anyone?

You may be right?

[mtnsnake]

4. Yup, that's my point. His name alone will be enough to make people learn

about him.

1st Swing Voter: Who is this Osama Obama guy the Democrats are running? A terrorist or something?

2nd Swing Voter: Have you ever heard him? He's the farthest thing from a terrorist. He's actually a great guy. I think I'm gonna vote for him.

1st Swing Voter: hmmm, I'll have to check him out.

[Tiggeroshii]

6. I think their curiosity about him will, however, make them come to a decision

about him early on, limiting the amount of swing voters and either guarnteeing him a base or the lack there of. He has the ability of reaching out to people and building a strong base of support very quickly.

[Infinite Hope]

8. LOL

People aren't going to be more likely to check out the record and positions of a candidate who sounds like a "terrorist" as you said. Any voter who cares enough to check the positions of a candidate on their own will do so anyway. Those who won't will only be less likely to check out the positions of someone with a controversial name.

Sometimes we view things through our own lens. Those of us on here who are politically active would surely follow your view and become curious and be more likely to check out the candidates' positions. Those who don't follow politics, however, are of a different mold and tend to use any "excuse" to rule out a candidate. If a candidate for any reason doesn't make them "feel" good, they'll discard him from consideration. Remember most voters tend to tune into candidates' positions in the last 1-2 months. Their "research" amounts to campaign commercials, news, late night comedy shows, and debates. They aren't going to go out of their way to research him just because of his last name. They instead take their impressions from mass media.

[Hav]

5. .

That could be true if people really give him a fair chance.

Anyways, I would say we should actually be happy if his name is discussed endlessly now instead of 2008 for the case he wins the Primaries. In 2008 it might be old news, seen as an immature tactic to attack him because his name or irrelevant if most of the people got to know him.

[Bake]

9. Maybe we could just call him 'Bama ...

That would fool all the rednecks into thinking he was part of the Crimson Tide and therefore voting for him!

Bake