# Fox News focus group of likely Iowa GOP caucus-goers don't trust Obama on Egypt because he's Muslim
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [February 8, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701 "2011-02-08T21:42:07Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/21 "2011-02-09T02:08:29Z")
> [@Nadir](#):
>
> I’d have no reason not to believe that if I did not suspect it was simply a matter of checking the Christian box, pandering to voters for political expediency.
What do you suspect he REALLY is?
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### Author:  [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/22 "2011-02-09T02:11:52Z")
> [@Lamar\_Mundane](#):
>
> Remember Rev. Ayers?
You mean Reverend Wright. You conflated him with Bill Ayers.
Being a Christian is a matter of belief. There is no way for any individual to prove what they believe in their heart or the most secret part of their minds.
However, we do know that Barack Obama was educated in Catholic schools as a child, and never, as widely believed, a Muslim religious school and especially not a madrassa. He describes himself as “rooted in the Christian tradition” and having a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” having publicly responded to an altar call for salvation at Trinity United Church of Christ in 1988.
If that doesn’t convince people that he’s a Christian, they’re not going to be convinced. They don’t **want** to be convinced. It’s more comforting to them to believe Fox News’s lies and allows them to refrain from looking at what it is in them that makes them need to believe these lies about _this_ President.
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### Author:  [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/23 "2011-02-09T02:17:32Z")
> [@tumbleddown](#):
>
> You mean Reverend Wright. You conflated him with Bill Ayers.
I think that was supposed to be a joke.
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### Author:  [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/24 "2011-02-09T02:49:27Z")
Either one of two possibilities here:
1. Fox went out to find the stupidest shits among their audience for this show, or
2. The average Fox viewer just happens to be a stupid shit.
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### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/25 "2011-02-09T03:03:44Z")
> [@Nadir](#):
>
> I’d have no reason not to believe that if I did not suspect it was simply a matter of checking the Christian box, pandering to voters for political expediency.
That might make sense if he only became “religious” after he got into politics, but that isn’t so. You’re making it more complicated than it needs to be.
> [@](#):
>
> I do agree with the Turnip in that his religion or lack thereof should not be an issue. But it “is” an issue - the issue at hand, which is being sensationalized or misrepresented for political reasons. The way it breaks down in the U.S. right now you basically get either stupidity or dishonesty from one side or the other, because religion has\_to\_be\_an\_issue.
It’s only an issue because people want to make it an issue. It wasn’t an issue for McCain, and he’s got no history of being religious.
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### Author:  [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/26 "2011-02-09T03:27:05Z")
I’ve always thought it was embarrassingly obvious that Obama was Jewish. His first name is Barack and he is obviously very pro-Israel.
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### Author:  [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/27 "2011-02-09T03:34:09Z")
Half Jewish, half Irish. Baruch O’Bama. I guess he’s Black Irish.
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### Author:  [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/28 "2011-02-09T03:41:13Z")
> [@Nadir](#):
>
> So what would bother you more, the fact that A) some significant number of stupid voters believes Obama is a Muslim, B) the fact that he claims to be a Christian? Or C) that he actually now really is a Christian, having converted from Islam at some point?
>
> A, B or C? Or maybe he was Christian all along, who knows?
So Nadir: Were you A) dropped on your head as a child, or B) You’re a natural born idiot, or C) You took some kind of drug that wiped out your ability to think
A, B or C? Or maybe you’re just pulling our legs. Who knows?
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### Author:  [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/29 "2011-02-09T03:47:08Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#):
>
> So Nadir: Were you A) dropped on your head as a child, or B) You’re a natural born idiot, or C) You took some kind of drug that wiped out your ability to think
>
> A, B or C? Or maybe you’re just pulling our legs. Who knows?
Hey, only the right is allowed to JAQ off.
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### Author:  [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/30 "2011-02-09T04:16:57Z")
> [@Nadir](#):
>
> So what would bother you more, the fact that A) some significant number of stupid voters believes Obama is a Muslim, B) the fact that he claims to be a Christian? Or C) that he actually now really is a Christian, having converted from Islam at some point?
>
> A, B or C? Or maybe he was Christian all along, who knows?
>
> Are you actually comfortable with any one of the possible religious evaluations of the POTUS suggested above, or is there some other angle on religion WRT the POTUS that tickles your fancy?
Frankly, I don’t really care all that much what his actual religious views are. What bothers me is that so many people believe him to be something he isn’t (in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary) and project their biggest fears unto to that mistaken belief.
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/31 "2011-02-09T04:30:41Z")
What have you got against chicken farmers?
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### Author:  [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/32 "2011-02-09T04:32:16Z")
I pity the melon farmer who thinks Obama is from Egypt.
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### Author:  [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/33 "2011-02-09T04:55:32Z")
I wonder what percentage would say they’ve been probed by aliens?
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### Author:  [@alaricthegoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alaricthegoth)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/34 "2011-02-09T06:37:11Z")
Come on, luci-- everybody knows about that neuralizer thing–nobody who was really abducted remembers it. You saw that documentary, Men in Black Suits…(or was it Black men in Suits?) You’re just setting a trap with a trick question.
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### Author:  [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/35 "2011-02-09T14:22:51Z")
> [@Lamar\_Mundane](#):
>
> Remember Rev. Ayers?
>
> Did the Obamas get married in a church ceremony?
>
> Are his children baptised?
Proof positive that he is a devout Christian!! :rolleyes:
Apart from the radical preachers we all know and love, how many people do you think are baptised and married in church ceremonies that are not religious in any way shape or form and haven’t been back to church in 20 years?
I know at least one. :smack:
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### Author:  [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/36 "2011-02-09T14:35:28Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#):
>
> What do you suspect he REALLY is?
What I suspect is what most fucking morons with 2 brain cells to rub together can plainly see: Religion is nothing more than a political issue to him and anyone else who mentions it from either side of the political spectrum:
“So it’s not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”
I think he is a shrewd politician using religion to his advantage, and thinks no more of it than how careful he needs to be to remember to not make any more comments like that and piss off the bible thumpers.
But you have to be smarter than the average moron to recognize that.
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### Author:  [@legalsnugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legalsnugs)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/37 "2011-02-09T14:39:58Z")
> [@Nadir](#):
>
> I’d have no reason not to believe that if I did not suspect it was simply a matter of checking the Christian box, pandering to voters for political expediency. …
If that’s the case, how do we know ANY of our elected officials are the religion they claim to be?
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### Author:  [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/38 "2011-02-09T14:50:57Z")
> [@legalsnugs](#):
>
> If that’s the case, how do we know ANY of our elected officials are the religion they claim to be?
Good question. I guess if it’s a big enough issue to you, you’ll make it your business to know your politician well enough to make an informed evaluation.
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### Author:  [@Keweenaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keweenaw)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/39 "2011-02-09T14:51:38Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#):
>
> Either one of two possibilities here:
>
> 1. Fox went out to find the stupidest shits among their audience for this show, or
> 2. The average Fox viewer just happens to be a stupid shit.
Well I hope it’s one these two, since we let Iowa and New Hampshire pick our Presidents.
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### Author:  [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)
#### Post date: [February 9, 2011, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-focus-group-of-likely-iowa-gop-caucus-goers-dont-trust-obama-on-egypt-because-hes-muslim/570701/40 "2011-02-09T14:52:12Z")
> [@Voyager](#):
>
> when have Democrats made religion a big issue. And I’m confused, are you accusing Obama of being a secret Muslim or a secret atheist?
>
> What makes me upset is that people who are going to have some voice in the selection of a Republican candidate don’t have two brain cells to rub together.
Well the country doesn’t have to vote for the candidates the Republican party throws up but for some reason we do. Heck, we voted for George W Bush TWICE.
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