Barack Obama responds to Andy Martin's criticism

NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT/DAYBOOK EDITORS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF TELEPHONE NEWS CONFERENCE

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SAYS HIS JOURNALISM "MOVES THE NEWS" AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BARACK OBAMA RESPONDS TO MARTIN'S CRITICISM OVER SILENCE ON KENYA

WILL WE NOW STOP HEARING ABOUT OBAMA'S GRANDMOTHER WHO LACKS A TOILET AND RUNNING WATER?

"THINK OF HOW NICE IT WOULD BE IF ILLINOIS HAD A VOICE IN THE SENATE, AGAIN" MARTIN CHORTLES

(CHICAGO)(January 3, 2008) U. S. Senate candidate and international human rights activist Andy Martin will hold a January 3rd telephone news conference to take credit for shaming Senator Barack Obama into making a statement on the carnage in Kenya.

Tuesday, Martin published a column criticizing Obama for remaining silent on the mass murder in his "home" state of Kenya. http://www.pr-inside.com/andy-martin-asks-why-barack-obama-r367418.htm

Upon learning of Martin's challenge, Obama's "defensive" team "surged" into action and called the Voice of America, according to a report in the Sun-Times. http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/724286,CST-NWS-sweet03.article

A Kenyan supporter of Obama also contacted Martin.

"I have been wearing two hats in this election season," Martin says. "On the one hand, I have continued my journalism. We are having a worldwide impact. Just this week, from Saudi Arabia, to Kenya, to Iowa, my comments are drawing reaction and having an impact on events. On the other hand, I am also on the ballot myself.

"Barry Obama and I have had a 'love-hate' relationship during his campaign for the presidency. Going all the way back to 2004 I have been writing about his weaknesses, and he knows I am out there watching. The media have told him so. Tuesday was a classic example. Within hours of my column reaching the world stage, criticizing Obama for [1] remaining silent on the carnage in Kenya and [2] failing to provide a toilet for his grandmother, after mentioning her deprivation in debates, Obama swung into action.

"According to Lynn Sweet, after Obama received my column his staff called the VOA to make a statement. I was also contacted by a Kenyan who told me Obama's granny had refused toilet aid from her step-grandson.

I have lived in Kenya, I have visited Sarah Obama in her home outside of Kisumu and she personally told me that she refuses to take money from Barack. Kenyans are not westerners; they have different values, priorities and traditions. She respects were autonomy and you should respect her right to privacy and not comment on things you do not understand. [Full e-mail available on request]

"And so, Obama is never too busy to pay attention when he hears that ContrarianCommentary.com is on guard for the American people. A couple of weeks ago we took credit for driving some of the agenda on presidential coverage. Once again, Obama has confirmed our influence. He saw what I had to say, and he reacted to belatedly cover his backside over the tragic events in Kenya.

"Likewise, earlier this week I came to the assistance of a Saudi dissent who has been imprisoned in violation of international law. Once again, the worldwide reaction was immediate. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8297166642

"I am not even in the senate yet, and yet my ability to identify issues and to get action and reaction is proof positive of the difference one man could make in giving Illinoisans a voice in Washington again. Today, Obama views Illinois as an occasional rest stop and photo op for his national ambitions, and 'Hollywood' Durbin spends more time fundraising among the glitterati than he does back home in Macoupin County. I am committed to 'working for the People of Illinois,' and giving them a strong new voice in Washington. I have proven I can do that. Has anyone else even come close? Illinois needs a 'working' senator again. Today we don’t have one.

"Finally, I call on Mr. Obama to stop trading on his grandmother's deprivation in speeches and debates. It is obvious that she denies herself a toilet and running water, and refuses to take assistance. Therefore, she is not the deprived person Obama makes her out to be. She is intentionally and voluntarily denying herself
modern conveniences and sanitation. As such, Obama's granny is not the poster girl for poverty Obama has been making her out to be. Enough, already, Barry."

"I will continue to work to rebuild our great state, and our great nation, and to speak on behalf of human rights and constitutional rights here and abroad," Martin will state.

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Telephone news conference:

Toll-free call-in number: (866) 295-5950

Worldwide number: (978) 964-0031

Participant code: 2090340

WHEN: Thursday, January 3, 2008 3:00 P.M. (CST)


WHAT: Andy Martin moves the news, as Barack
Obama responds to Martin's criticism of silence on Kenya

MEDIA
CONTACT: (866) 706-2639; (312) 440-4124

WEBSITES: AndyforUSSenator.com; ContrarianCommentary.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
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Chicago-based Internet journalist, broadcaster and media critic Andy Martin is the Executive Editor and publisher of ContrarianCommentary.com. © Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Martin covers regional, national and world events with over forty years of experience. He has 37 years of experience in the Middle East, and is America’s most respected independent foreign policy and intelligence analyst. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Remarks are also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com and AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com. See also ContrarianCommentary.com.