Start a Campaign to Get LA Times to Release Obama/Khalidi Tape!

Forums Home | The FireWire | Liberal Media Alerts

Posts 1-20 of 22 | Latest Post

First

Last

October 29, 2008 09:39 AM

seatides

Member Since:
October 29, 2008

The LA Times is in possession of a tape of Barack Obama at a dinner party for Rashid Khalidi from 2003. Bill Ayers was at this dinner as well. At this dinner, Obama reportedly praised Khalidi, a former PLO spokesman. In addition, an anti-Semitic poem was reportedly read aloud at this dinner. The McCain campaign has asked the LA Times to release the tape, but the Times says it promised the source of the tape that it would not release it.

I think that Grassfire should organize either a phone/fax/e-mail campaign or a petition aimed at demanding that the LA Times release this public information. The American people need to know what kind of man hopes to become our President in six days!

October 29, 2008 10:33 AM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

Seatides - I agree.

Sean Hannity has at least 8 pages of listeners from his radio show that have emailed into the LA times and so does Laura Ingrahm.

If the LA Times won't release the video then there at least needs to be a commercial aired so that all Americans know that this tape exsists and what is on the tape as per the LA Times article.

The Fox News Channel has a good article on this on their web page: http://www.foxnews.com/

They have covered the story on Bill O'Reily and Greta and Hannity and Colmes as well as some of their other news programs.

The Obama campaign is dissmissing this as a "desperate" attempt by the McCain camp.

But to me it is just like the Rev Wright and Father Flaggerty tapes and the new radio interview of Obama on "re-distribution of wealth" - seeing and hearing is believing.

October 29, 2008 11:56 AM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

Rush Limbaugh is all over this today. He is reading parts of the article from the L.A. Times.

He is also reading part of the McCain campaign request to release this video.

So, on radio, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingrahm, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and then on Fox News on TV and on their web page is covering this story.

Too bad the MSM is so in the tank for Obama that they too won't demand the release of this video.

I understand that 75 people were laid off from the LA Times yesterday and that supposedly people are now offering them $$$$ to get a copy of the tape to release.

October 29, 2008 01:07 PM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

I am listening to the news on the radio in Los Angeles and the "news" is reporting on this story and they gave a segment of comments from Newt Gingrich in regards to this video.

Newt Gingrich, said he knew the "elite media" was in the tank for the Obama campaign, and that the "elite media" was skewing the coverage in favor for Obama, as documented recently in regards to how many news stories had been reported against McCain in a "negative vein" (was like 57%) vs the 27% against Obama, BUT even he was amazed that they would conceal from the American public, a tape that would expose details about a Presidential Candidate.

Again this was not on a "show" but just as a news story reported with the local news coverage.

October 29, 2008 01:30 PM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

OK - Sarah Palin is now all over this in Ohio this morning:

October 29, 2008, 1:28 PM

Palin Questions Obama’s Support Of Israel

Posted by Scott Conroy|

(CBS)

From CBS News' Scott Conroy:

(BOWLING GREEN, OHIO) Over the course of her two months on the campaign trail, Sarah Palin has accused Barack Obama of “palling around with a terrorist,” wanting to “wave the white flag of surrender to the terrorists” and has suggested that he doesn’t want to win the wars the United States is fighting.

At a rally here this afternoon, she upped the ante even further by wondering aloud whether the Democratic nominee really supports Israel in the way he has repeatedly affirmed he does.

Palin’s impetus was a story published in the Los Angeles Times in April about a 2003 banquet, in which the then Illinois state senator spoke about his friendship with Rashid Khalidi, a former PLO spokesman and current Columbia University professor, who has a history of espousing views on Israel that many consider incendiary.

“And the twist here is that there's a videotape of a party for this person, back in 2003, a celebration of him, and Barack was there, and we know some very derogatory things were said there about Israel and America's support for that great nation,” Palin said. “And among other things, Israel was described there as the perpetrator of terrorism instead of the victim.”

Palin then insinuated that Obama might not support Israel in the way he says he does.

“What we don't know is how Barack Obama responded to these slurs on a country that he now professes to support,” Palin said.

Over the chorus of loud boos from the crowd, Palin pointed out that the Los Angeles Times has refused to release the videotape of the banquet, which was explained in detail in the story that the newspaper published over six months ago.

“Maybe some politicians would love to have a pet newspaper of their very own,” she said. “In this case, we have a newspaper willing to throw aside even the public’s right to know in order to protect a candidate that its own editorial board has endorsed.”

Palin, who majored in journalism in college, went on to mock the LA Times and question its integrity.

“And if there’s a Pulitzer Prize category for excelling in kowtowing, then the LA Times, you’re winning,” she said.

After the controversy first started brewing on Tuesday, the newspaper issued a statement about its decision not to release the tape to the public.

"The Los Angeles Times did not publish the videotape because it was provided to us by a confidential source who did so on the condition that we not release it," Russ Stanton, the paper’s editor, said. "The Times keeps its promises to sources."

Clearly, Palin was not satisfied with the newspaper’s explanation that it is ethically required not to release the tape.

“It’s not too late, and if there is an ounce of credibility there, if the newspaper wants to keep that shred of credibility, let alone its dignity, than I say the public has a right to know,” Palin said. “Let’s go to the videotape, LA Times.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/29/politics/fromtheroad/entry4556083.shtml

October 29, 2008 02:24 PM

Michael Sommerfeld

Member Since:
February 10, 2007

Obama IS a terrorist by association and proxy! Therefore .....he IS! The LA Times is nothing more than a propagandist, socialist outlet who has much to hide.....with good reason!

Even though the 1st Amendment does protect them, this issue is a monumental one. This involves an individual (I use that term loosely) seeking to lead the most powerful nation in the world. And it should be nothing less than mandatory in the interest of national security IMHO that this videotape be released, exposing him for what he really is! This stinks to high heaven!

I wonder, how many in their right frame of mind (of course we all know a true liberal is not), temporarily wooed by obama bin laden would really want him or one of his ilk as POTUS.

Scary stuff, eh? Good! Let that sink in and sink in thoroughly 'cause if that socialist dysentary should happen to get in office, we are gonna be in a world of s**t!

I know my language is strong, but we all must stand just as strong! Remember, fear is the fuel of victory!

Where is General George S. Patton jr. when you really need him?

October 29, 2008 04:13 PM

Kaksdesign

Member Since:
February 16, 2007

www.freedommarch.org

picket LA Times, Thusday October 30--see website for info if you are in the area

Los Angeles Times
202 W. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 237-5000
Fax: (213) 237-7679

October 29, 2008 04:24 PM

MrT

Member Since:
May 23, 2007

Comment updated October 29, 2008 04:25 PM

The LA Times had better get this tape out and get it out fast. There might be a lawsuit or some hurt feelings. We might all get a lecture on ethics in journalism from Chris Matthews or Keith Olbermann(yawn).

BUT...If Obama wins and this tape comes out after the election no amount of media BS or Obama spin will get Pandora back in her box.

MrT

October 29, 2008 05:44 PM

Jani

Member Since:
February 15, 2007

MrT said:
The LA Times had better get this tape out and get it out fast. There might be a lawsuit or some hurt feelings. We might all get a lecture on ethics in journalism from Chris Matthews or Keith Olbermann(yawn).

BUT...If Obama wins and this tape comes out after the election no amount of media BS or Obama spin will get Pandora back in her box.

I wrote the Times about this, but, you know Mr. T., you're on to something. I think we should bombard "thrill up his leg" Mathews and "worst person in the world" Olbermann to put pressure on the New York Times to release this video. They need to hear from the other side for a change. You know, the rest of America?

Our children and grandchildren are depending on what we do right now!

October 29, 2008 10:52 PM

Paul White

Member Since:
February 9, 2007

Here is some related video clips i found on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a40-d...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxzgn4...

Try Not, Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try! -Yoda- (Star Wars)

October 29, 2008 10:54 PM

Paul White

Member Since:
February 9, 2007

lets get the faxes out this weekend if we are to do this at all!!!

Strike while the iron is red hot

Try Not, Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try! -Yoda- (Star Wars)

October 30, 2008 06:55 AM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

This is being covered on the Don Imus show this morning and his team has asked for the LA Times to release the tapes and so did Imus after they ran a clip of Sarah Palin asking the Times to release the tape.

At least everyone is now talking about this, and maybe some Americans will at least question what tape?

October 30, 2008 06:57 AM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

Here is how CNN is covering the story: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/10/30/foreman.obama.rashid.khalidi.cnn

October 30, 2008 03:45 PM

MrT

Member Since:
May 23, 2007

Does anyone know if they had that protest today at the LA Times. Did anyone show up?

MrT

October 30, 2008 04:26 PM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

Protest at the L.A. Times: Free the tape! Updated

By Michelle Malkin • October 30, 2008 11:04 AM

Photo credit: Omri Ceren at Mere Rhetoric

Scroll for updates…link to more photos and video below…

Several southern California readers send word that there will be a protest at the L.A. Times building today at 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern over the suppressed Obama/Khalidi tape.

Here’s the info:

I just got word that there is a planned protest to try and force the LATimes to release the video of Obama/Rashid Khalidi. If people cannot physically attend the protest at the LATimes Headquarters building in downtown Los Angeles, they are encouraged to call the offices at (213) 237-5000, fax a request to release the video or complaint against their current stance to (213) 237-7679.

Your participation in this is of the highest priority to provide information to the voters in time to present a clear picture of the Democratic candidate’s coziness with individuals possessing extreme views in direct opposition to US foreign policies.

For more information, please go to the website of the organization leading the protest effort -
www.freedommarch.org

LA Times Headquarters
202 W. First St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
main phone 213-237-5000
fax 213-237-7679

There’s also a petition here.

From Jeffrey Goldberg at the left-leaning Atlantic:

I understand that the tape was leaked to the Times by a source or sources unknown, and that an agreement was struck with that source to keep the tape hidden, but the tape has been described in a Times story already, and it quite obviously contains no state secrets. I also suspect that the tape could be posted in such a way as to obscure its origins. The Times, however, won’t discuss in detail why it’s keeping the tape from its readers, and the newspaper’s “readers’ representative,” Jamie Gold, has lined up against the readers, and argued against the release of the tape.

There is another reason why the tape should be posted: It might actually create interest in the L.A. Times. From what I understand, the mainstream media is in a bit of trouble these days. Perhaps — this is just a thought here — the L.A. Times could better its position in the world by drawing readers to its website.

***

Update:

Inspired by commentators on the Internet and cable television, thousands of people e-mailed and phoned The Times to demand the release of the tape. Hundreds of others expressed support for the paper’s decision.

The controversy stems from an article by Times staff writer Peter Wallsten that the newspaper published on April 10, exploring Obama’s relationships with Palestinian Americans and Jews in Chicago. The article explained how Obama had managed to be held in high esteem by both groups. It described a party in 2003 for Khalidi, a renowned scholar on the Palestinians who in the 1970s had acted as a spokesman for Yasser Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organization.

Some participants at the event spoke sharply against Israel. One young woman accused the Israeli government of terrorism in its treatment of the Palestinians. Obama “adopted a different tone,” according to the article, “and called for finding common ground.”

The reporter and his editors said they found it ironic to be criticized now for allegedly trying to protect Obama, noting that the story had drawn strong rebukes from Obama supporters. Commentators at two websites — the Nation and Talking Points Memo — charged that the newspaper had unfairly suggested that the Democrat could not have allies in both communities.

Wallsten said he had worked on and off for several weeks to gather information on Obama’s relationships in the Palestinian American community, with sources speaking only on condition of anonymity, including one who had the video.

The reporter’s editor said the paper would have preferred to be able to post the video on its website but could not get the source to agree.

“If we had not reached this agreement, we would not have had access to this tape at all. Then no one would ever have known Obama attended this event and spoke at it,” said the editor, Aaron Zitner. “We were pushing to say the most we could and to present the most we could to readers about what happened. And we did that.”

Update: Omri Ceren has photos and video.

October 30, 2008 04:29 PM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

This is why we're losing. We don't know how to throw a protest. A potentially explosive national issue with questions about judgment that are at the center of a Presidential election. And do you see a single gigantic puppet? No. Idiots on stilts? Not a one. People chaining themselves to private property? Nary a lock to be seen.

Nonetheless, there were a lot more people than the visibly confused police officers had been led to expect. I've posted three pictures above the jump. After the jump there are a few more pictures, plus two videos that YouTube has taken the liberty of compressing almost beyond recognition. I have to go to class right now, but in a few hours I'll also upload the complete set of 25 full-sized photos to a Picassa gallery that you can check out.

Favorite sign: either "Nixon released his tapes" or "Free the tape!"

October 30, 2008 10:11 PM

Citizen of the USA

Member Since:
June 12, 2007

"The Los Angeles Times did not publish the videotape because it was provided to us by a confidential source who did so on the condition that we not release it," Russ Stanton, the paper’s editor, said. "The Times keeps its promises to sources."

Why would someone turn over videotape that they were sure it would be important to this election to a newspaper and tell them not to release it? Why would the newspaper agree to this, their job is to report the news, why keep a video you cant play?Did this source knows the times is in the tank for obama?Why not keep this video to him self. This whole sitution seem very fishy to me.It does not make sense.

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

October 31, 2008 09:45 AM

CJBL

Member Since:
May 25, 2007

This was on Bill O'Reily last night and they had one of their reporters track Khalidi down to try to interview him. He was having none of it.

They also showed the tape on Greata and discussed it. Again she and another person she was interviewing said that the video would give more details to actually show how Obama reacted, what he did when he heard the things being said.

They also discussed this on Hannity and Colmes, and a panel again discussed why video is worth a thousand words.

Lets just hope that enough people being to question what is on that tape that is so bad that they can't show it?

It has to be bad because if it was good Obama would have used it in his informercial to show what a good leader he would be and how knowledgable he is.

October 31, 2008 10:07 AM

MrT

Member Since:
May 23, 2007

Thanks for the update, CJBL.

MrT

October 31, 2008 10:08 AM

Rex47

Member Since:
May 23, 2008

How true, CJ.

If Obama thought it would help him reclaim his Landslide victory lead, What 7, 8%, then you know that it would be out in a heartbeat!

He should release it, for how bad can the video be compaired to the media blitz being waged against it, and the LA Times, for it's content and not having been released.

Secure the borders. My son was murdered by a drunken illegal Mexican national who has never been caught. 07/02/06

First

Last

Start a Campaign to Get LA Times to Release Obama/Khalidi Tape!

Palin Questions Obama’s Support Of Israel

Protest at the L.A. Times: Free the tape! Updated

You must login to discuss this item.