A recent photograph of Barack Obama dressed in traditional
African dress, while on a visit to Kenya in 2006, has added fuel to
the fire in the rivalry against both democratic candidates. The picture,
submitted to the Drudge Report website, shows Obama garbed in a white turban
and white traditional African robe.<br>
Obama’s camp claimed that the distribution of the image was a smear campaign
tactic initiated by rival Hillary Clinton's camp. The Clinton camp denied this, stating that they
had nothing to do with the photograph becoming public. Obama’s father was
originally from Kenya
and this is probably the reason why he made the visit. <br>
Tempers are fraying in both camps with the crucial debate in Ohio at stake. Obama’s campaign manager,
David Plouffe, stated that the distribution of the photo was "…the most
shameful, offensive fear-mongering we've seen from either party in this
election". In response Clinton's
campaign manager, Maggie Williams, said, "If Barack Obama's campaign wants
to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive,
they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of
countries she has visited and had those photos published widely." <br>
Clinton
continued to try to gain an upper hand by trying to project Obama as a rash and
inconsistent politician who lacks foreign policy experience. She likened him to
George Bush Jr. who had the same kind of inexperience when he was elected to
the presidency. <br>
Obama has, for some time now, enjoyed a winning streak, securing 11 primaries
consecutively. Clinton requires a win in both Ohio and Texas
to ensure that she continues in the race for the presidential nomination. For
the first time, Obama is leading in a poll, having secured 50% in Texas as compared to a 46% secured by Clinton. Obama is edging forward as the
Democratic front-runner and unless Clinton
manages a remarkable turnaround, Obama is expected to be the likely Democratic
front-runner. <br>
