What are your reflections on the tactics used by Lazio against Hillary Clinton receiving aid from "terrorist" groups?
Answer
Mr. Lazio was trying to pandor to the Jewish community for their votes in New York. Based on the results of the elections, this tactic worked partially, because Mrs. Clinton only got 56% of the Jewish vote where most Democratic candidates get 70-80% of their votes.
However, this tactic bacfired because it energized the Muslim vote and turned off the vote of many others.
Name
Sundus
- United States
Profession
Question
As-Salaamu Alaikum,
What do you think about the way that Clinton responded to Lazio? Was it merely political rhetoric or did she seriously distance herself from the Muslim community?
Answer
Wa Alaikum Salaam wa Rahmatullah,
I feel that she panicked in the heat of the campaign. Through indirect contacts, she continued to maintain contact with the leadership in the community in New York.
Name
Samiah
- United States
Profession
Question
Salam,
Do you think that Hillary will continue to distance herself from the Muslim community?
Answer
Wa Alaikum Salam,
I don't feel that it would be smart for a Senator of New York to distance herself from cloe to 1 million New Yorkers (the Muslim community). Also, I understand that she invited several members of the Muslim community to her inauguration last night. Therefore, I think that she will reestablish herself with the Muslim community in New York and the United States.
Name
Abdul-Haqq
- United States
Profession
Question
Salaam Alaikum,
In what way has the Muslim community responded to Lazio's slanderous remarks?
Answer
Salaam Alaikum,
1) The first response was to develop a large telephone blitz. His office was flooded with phone calls by New Yorkers expressing their anger.
2) Also, his hypocritical behavior was exposed when I shared with the press several letters from Lazio asking me for campaign donations.
3) The community got energized through the Mosques and community centers, which eventually became a mission to defeat Lazio. Over 200 taxi cab drivers made themselves available to take people to the polling stations, hundreds of people signed petitions expressed their outrage and finally, a demonstration was organized outside Lazios headquarters including children, women and men, denouncing his bigoted behavior.
Name
Hameed
- United States
Profession
Question
Salaam,
We saw the Muslims rally together in this time of need. What do you think this year's elections will signify for the Muslim community?
Answer
I feel this was a defining moment for the Muslim community in America. They demonstrated that they could rise above ethnic and partisan lines and give endorsement for a presidential candidate. Also, when they were attacked, they fought back in an organized manner and demonstrated their strength at the polls.
In my view, historians will record this as a defining moment where Muslims entered into the political process.
Name
Mohamed
- France
Profession
Question
Asslamou alaykom,
From outside, we don't know who is the better between AL GORE & BUSH in respect of American Muslims. And how much each other is ready to maintain their foreign policies against the Palestinians and the ONU laws?
Answer
Wa Alaikum Salaam,
The American policy will become more balanced when the American Muslims have a say in setting the policy. This will take time, but I see progress being made at all levels. The recent experience in the New York Senate race demonstrated that the Muslim community has the talent and the resources to make an impact in the political process. We just have to be patient and persistent.
As for the two candidates of Bush and Gore, there are not major differences in their approach to the Middle East. Mr. Bush received the endorsement of the Muslims because of his willingness to meet with the community and discuss the issues with them. Meanwhile, Mr. Gore didn't respond to the request for meeting representatives of the Muslim community.
