Turbangate is Much Ado About Nothing

Posted on February 25, 2008

Over the weekend some conservative blogs pointed out this photo of Barack Obama in traditional Somali apparel, which he wore while visiting Kenya. The blogs said that someone should send it over to Matt Drudge, which someone eventually did. Drudge ran the photo all day, claiming a Clinton aid sent it. But the Clinton camp said they didn't send it, and what was the big deal anyway? That senators and presidents have to wear all kinds of unusual outfits when they visit other countries. Clinton's campaign manager said the whole thing was ridiculous, that Senator Clinton has had to don native dress herself many times.

The Obama camp freaked out, the press dithered and then eventually most people came to their senses. Obama himself then said it sounded like a lower level staff dispute to him. Turbangate was a non-starter. There's also a picture of Obama with a camel, but he's wearing sunglasses and a red shirt in that one, so it wasn't as exciting to the tabloids.