by Ron Fournier, Associated Press Writer
In news that excited pundits, sent Republican operatives into delight, and turned Democrats to disarray and full out spin mode, it was revealed today that Michelle Obama, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, had long standing ties to a fringe party advocating for Illinois' secession from the United States of America.
From 1995 to 2002, Illinois Division of Elections documentation shows that Michelle Obama was registered under the Illinois Independence Party, a radical party pushing for Illinois' secession. Joe Vogler, the party's controversial leader, has frequently and frankly spoken of his vociferous hatred for America, saying he has "hatred for the American government" and "the damn [American] flag."
The McCain campaign quickly released a statement on the matter through spokesperson Tucker Bounds, saying "the kind of unpatriotic radicalism that Michelle Obama very recently supported demonstrates the questionable, un-American vision Barack Obama has for America. In an election where the American people have a choice between Obama and John McCain, a heroic POW who has always served and loved America, it could never be more clear who will fight for America and the American people."
In a campaign where Obama has struggled to match McCain's supremacy with white working class voters or counteract his appeal as an independent maverick who has often bucked his often party for the public good, this fresh scandal can only hurt the Obama campaign going forward.
Prominent Democrats, including former White House Special Counsel Lanny Davis, said that the revelations could be fatal for Obama. Davis said "in an election where people have serious doubts about Barack Obama's service and patriotism, Michelle Obama's membership in a truly vile and anti-American party will and should create major difficulties for Obama."
Marshall Wittman, the communications director for Independent Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, echoed those concerns, saying "Obama hasn't always put his country first. His possible ties to a radical, anti-American group are evidence enough of that, and stand in stark contrast to McCain's unquestioned patriotism."
Combined with Michelle Obama's constant involvement in issues regarding her husband's Senate office, where she is said to hold very strong influence over decisions of hiring and firing personnel as well as other critical matters, the evidence is quickly mounting that the Obamas could serve as co-presidents, despite the distaste of the American people for such overreaching on the part of a Senator's, and potential President's, wife. While the Obama campaign may attempt to spin its way out of this current morass, Michelle Obama's endorsement of radical anti-American hatred very well may serve as a lasting and decisive memory for the majority of Americans.