Stories Media & Internet from March, 2008
Barack Obama is a liar and other campaign news from Africa
Why are some African bloggers calling Barack Obama a liar? And what do they have to say about the presidential hopeful's Race speech, campaign issues and foreign policy. John Liebhardt, who brings us other campaign news, looks into African blogs for reactions.
Egypt: When Shaabola Sings for Obama
First it was will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas' turn. Inspired by Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' speech, this video spread like wildfire on blogs around the world. Egypt now enters the fray, with its very own Egyptian song in support of Barack Obama.
For African bloggers, the campaign has taken its toll
For African bloggers checking in on the Democratic race, long gone are the pithy remarks about Clinton and Obama and the hopeful interest in U.S. presidential politics. A certain new tone has entered into the fray: Perhaps it’s irritability or defiance. If I had to pick an adjective to tag these posts, I’d label them as “partisan.†You are either for us or against us; it’s as simple as that, writes John Liebhardt in this review of African blogs.
Morocco: Much Ado About Hussein
Barack Obama has been challenged by the American right for several reasons - refusing to put his hand over his heart during the National Anthem, for attending an Islamic school as a child, and for being born to a Muslim father. Now he is under attack for his middle name - Hussein, a name made famous by Iraq's former leader, Saddam Hussein.
