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== Born Alive Votes Controversy ==

== Born Alive Votes Controversy ==

: ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''

: ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''

From 1996-2003, Barack Obama made at least seven controversial votes against bills mandating medical care for newborn children after late-term, botched abortions known as D&E procedures. During this time Obama headed an Illinois Planned Parenthood strategy to vote 'Present' on the controversial bills to provide political cover for other Illinois Senators since in the words of Pam Sutherland, head of the IL Planned Parenthood Council, "He came to me and said: ‘My members are being attacked. We need to figure out a way to protect members and to protect women. A ‘present’ vote was hard to pigeonhole which is exactly what Obama wanted. What it did was give cover to moderate Democrats who wanted to vote with us but were afraid to do so" because of how their votes would be used against them electorally. A ‘present’ vote would protect them. Your senator voted ‘present.’ Most of the electorate is not going to know what that means."<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''ABC News''.</ref>  

From 1996-2003, Barack Obama made at least seven controversial votes against bills mandating medical care for newborn children after late-term, botched abortions known as D&E procedures. During this time Obama headed an Illinois Planned Parenthood strategy to vote 'Present' on the controversial bills to provide political cover for other Illinois Senators since in the words of Pam Sutherland, head of the IL Planned Parenthood Council, "He came to me and said: ‘My members are being attacked. We need to figure out a way to protect members and to protect women. A ‘present’ vote was hard to pigeonhole which is exactly what Obama wanted. What it did was give cover to moderate Democrats who wanted to vote with us but were afraid to do so" because of how their votes would be used against them electorally. A ‘present’ vote would protect them. Your senator voted ‘present.’ Most of the electorate is not going to know what that means."<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''ABC News''.</ref>  

The votes are especially controversial because they fall outside the typical Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice debate, dealing not with abortion, but children left to die after botched abortions. In 2002 the Federal Born Alive Infant Protection Act made it a U.S. crime to let children die like this, and the 2003 Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act was passed outlawing the specific D&E procedures making them possible, even declaring this to be "Infanticide" in Section 2, 14(G) and 14(O).<ref name=partialbirth>''United States Congress'' (2003, March 13). "[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-108s3enr/pdf/BILLS-108s3enr.pdf S.3: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003]."</ref> The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act had 70% public approval by the time of its passage<ref>Ray, J. (2003, July 8). "[https://www.gallup.com/poll/8791/gallup-brain-opinions-partialbirth-abortions.aspx Gallup Brain: Opinions on Partial-Birth Abortions]." ''Gallup''.</ref> (a 2011 poll shows 64% support<ref>''Gallup''. "[https://www.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx Abortion]." pg. 1.</ref>) yet the Born Alive Infant Protection Act was far more popular, to the extent that in Obama's own words, it was "the federal bill that everybody supported."<ref name=brody>Brody, David (2008, August 16). "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq5M1Ksp_c McCain/Obama Forum]." ''CNN''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by Jill Stanek.<br>David Brody (August 16, 2008). "[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/08/16/obama-gets-heated-on-born-alive-infant-protection-act.aspx Obama Gets Heated on Born Alive Infant Protection Act]." ''CBN News''. The Brody File.</ref>

The votes are especially controversial because they fall outside the typical Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice debate, dealing not with abortion, but children left to die after botched abortions. In 2002 the Federal Born Alive Infant Protection Act made it a U.S. crime to let children die like this, and the 2003 Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act was passed outlawing the specific D&E procedures making them possible, even declaring this to be "Infanticide" in Section 2, 14(G) and 14(O).<ref name=partialbirth>''United States Congress'' (2003, March 13). "[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-108s3enr/pdf/BILLS-108s3enr.pdf S.3: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003]."</ref> The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act had 70% public approval by the time of its passage<ref>Ray, J. (2003, July 8). "[https://www.gallup.com/poll/8791/gallup-brain-opinions-partialbirth-abortions.aspx Gallup Brain: Opinions on Partial-Birth Abortions]." ''Gallup''.</ref> (a 2011 poll shows 64% support<ref>''Gallup''. "[https://www.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx Abortion]." pg. 1.</ref>) yet the Born Alive Infant Protection Act was far more popular, to the extent that in Obama's own words, it was "the federal bill that everybody supported."<ref name=brody>Brody, David (2008, August 16). "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq5M1Ksp_c McCain/Obama Forum]." ''CNN''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by Jill Stanek.<br>David Brody (August 16, 2008). "[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/08/16/obama-gets-heated-on-born-alive-infant-protection-act.aspx Obama Gets Heated on Born Alive Infant Protection Act]." ''CBN News''. The Brody File.</ref>

His exact words on the Senate floor (see [[Obama born alive controversy#1996-2003 Illinois Senate Transcripts|1996-2003 Illinois Senate Transcripts]]) show that he recognized at the time newborn children were being left to die but opposed the bills for various reasons, including that (a) the child wasn't born to a full 9-month term and therefore is a pre-viable fetus, (b) The Illinois Medical Society opposed the bill, and (c) if children were being left to die an abortion physician would care for the child and requiring a 2nd physician verify the child is alive just burdens abortion doctors.

His exact words on the Senate floor (see [[Obama born alive controversy#1996-2003 Illinois Senate Transcripts|1996-2003 Illinois Senate Transcripts]]) show that he recognized at the time newborn children were being left to die but opposed the bills for various reasons, including that (a) the child wasn't born to a full 9-month term and therefore is a pre-viable fetus, (b) The Illinois Medical Society opposed the bill, and (c) if children were being left to die an abortion physician would care for the child and requiring a 2nd physician verify the child is alive just burdens abortion doctors.

The issue resurfaced in February 2012 when Newt Gingrich said, "If we’re going to have a debate about who the extremist is on these issues, it is President Obama, who as a state senator voted to protect doctors who killed babies who survived the abortion".<ref>Woodward, C. & Raum, T. (2012, February 23). "[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/23/gop-debate-candidates-errant-claims-auto-bailout/?page=all#pagebreak FACT CHECK: Candidates make errant claims during GOP debate]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> Rick Santorum likewise repeated this, saying, "any child born prematurely, according to the president, in his own words, can be killed."<ref>Yellin, J. & Metzger, T. (2012, February 24). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2012-02-24/politics/politics_fact-checking-gingrich-infanticide-charge_1_bar-abortions-opponents-of-abortion-rights-barack-obama?_s=PM:POLITICS Fact-checking Gingrich's charge Obama voted in favor of 'infanticide']." ''CNN Politics''.</ref> Newt Gingrich later accused the national media of not covering Obama's controversial history on the Born Alive bills.<ref>Brennan, P. (2012, February 29). "[http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/292204/obama-s-infanticide-votes-patrick-brennan Obama's Infanticide Votes]." ''National Review''.<br>Farley, R. (2012, February 23). "[http://www.factcheck.org/2012/02/did-elite-media-ignore-infanticide/ Did Elite Media Ignore Infanticide?]" ''FactCheck.org''.</ref>

The issue resurfaced in February 2012 when Newt Gingrich said, "If we’re going to have a debate about who the extremist is on these issues, it is President Obama, who as a state senator voted to protect doctors who killed babies who survived the abortion".<ref>Woodward, C. & Raum, T. (2012, February 23). "[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/23/gop-debate-candidates-errant-claims-auto-bailout/?page=all#pagebreak FACT CHECK: Candidates make errant claims during GOP debate]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> Rick Santorum likewise repeated this, saying, "any child born prematurely, according to the president, in his own words, can be killed."<ref>Yellin, J. & Metzger, T. (2012, February 24). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2012-02-24/politics/politics_fact-checking-gingrich-infanticide-charge_1_bar-abortions-opponents-of-abortion-rights-barack-obama?_s=PM:POLITICS Fact-checking Gingrich's charge Obama voted in favor of 'infanticide']." ''CNN Politics''.</ref> Newt Gingrich later accused the national media of not covering Obama's controversial history on the Born Alive bills.<ref>Brennan, P. (2012, February 29). "[https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/292204/obama-s-infanticide-votes-patrick-brennan Obama's Infanticide Votes]." ''National Review''.<br>Farley, R. (2012, February 23). "[https://www.factcheck.org/2012/02/did-elite-media-ignore-infanticide/ Did Elite Media Ignore Infanticide?]" ''FactCheck.org''.</ref>

== Birth Certificate Controversy ==

== Birth Certificate Controversy ==

The claim that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. proved a major controversy from 2008. The claims have been based not so much on actual, substantial evidence that he was not born in the U.S., so much as on as whether the evidence that he was is suitable, in short, trying to prove a negative. The following is a timeline of events showing that Obama was born in the United States, and revealing the controversy is unfounded.   

The claim that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. proved a major controversy from 2008. The claims have been based not so much on actual, substantial evidence that he was not born in the U.S., so much as on as whether the evidence that he was is suitable, in short, trying to prove a negative. The following is a timeline of events showing that Obama was born in the United States, and revealing the controversy is unfounded.   

* In June 2008 the Obama campaign allowed FactCheck.org to look at his “Certificate of Live Birth” and take photos.<ref>Henig, J. (2008, August 21). Born in the U.S.A. FactCheck.org. Retrieved from http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html</ref>

* In June 2008 the Obama campaign allowed FactCheck.org to look at his “Certificate of Live Birth” and take photos.<ref>Henig, J. (2008, August 21). Born in the U.S.A. FactCheck.org. Retrieved from https://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html</ref>

* In July 2008 a blogger discovered a birth announcement from the Honolulu Advertiser from August 13, 1961 for Barack Obama. It has since been discovered another newspaper, the Star Bulletin, also documented the birth.<ref>Snopes.com. Barack Obama Birth Certificate. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthcertificate.asp</ref>  

* In July 2008 a blogger discovered a birth announcement from the Honolulu Advertiser from August 13, 1961 for Barack Obama. It has since been discovered another newspaper, the Star Bulletin, also documented the birth.<ref>Snopes.com. Barack Obama Birth Certificate. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthcertificate.asp</ref>  

* PolitiFact went to extreme lengths to verify Obama's citizenship, attaining scanned copies of his 1992 marriage certificate from Cook County, IL, his driver's license record, and his registration and disciplinary record.3 PolitiFact also addressed a number of concerns about the documentation.<ref>Hollyfield, A. (2008, June 27). Obama’s birth certificate: Final chapter. PolitiFact. Retrieved from http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/jun/27/obamas-birth-certificate-part-ii/</ref>  

* PolitiFact went to extreme lengths to verify Obama's citizenship, attaining scanned copies of his 1992 marriage certificate from Cook County, IL, his driver's license record, and his registration and disciplinary record.3 PolitiFact also addressed a number of concerns about the documentation.<ref>Hollyfield, A. (2008, June 27). Obama’s birth certificate: Final chapter. PolitiFact. Retrieved from https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/jun/27/obamas-birth-certificate-part-ii/</ref>  

* In October 2008 Hawaii's Department of Health released a statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino verifying that Obama's birth certificate was on record.<ref>Hawaii Department of Health. News Release: Statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino. Retrieved from http://hawaii.gov/health/about/pr/2008/08-93.pdf</ref>  

* In October 2008 Hawaii's Department of Health released a statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino verifying that Obama's birth certificate was on record.<ref>Hawaii Department of Health. News Release: Statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino. Retrieved from http://hawaii.gov/health/about/pr/2008/08-93.pdf</ref>  

* In August 2009 it was revealed that an alleged Kenyan birth certificate for Obama was a hoax.<ref>Snopes.com. Kenyan Mistake. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/kenyacert.asp</ref> Another website allows you to create your own imitation Kenyan birth certificates online.<ref>KenyanBirthCertificateGenerator.com. Blue Collar Industries. Retrieved from http://kenyanbirthcertificategenerator.com/</ref>  

* In August 2009 it was revealed that an alleged Kenyan birth certificate for Obama was a hoax.<ref>Snopes.com. Kenyan Mistake. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/kenyacert.asp</ref> Another website allows you to create your own imitation Kenyan birth certificates online.<ref>KenyanBirthCertificateGenerator.com. Blue Collar Industries. Retrieved from http://kenyanbirthcertificategenerator.com/</ref>  

* On April 27, 2011,<ref>CNN Political Unit (2011, April 27). "[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate/ White House Releases Obama Birth Certificate]." ''CNN''</ref> a long-running controversy surrounding Obama's birth was largely put to rest<ref>Winter, J. (2011, April 29). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/29/expert-says-obamas-birth-certificate-legit/ Expert: No Doubt Obama's Birth Certificate is Legit]." ''FOX News''.<br>Tuchman, G. (2011, April 25). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-25/politics/birthers.obama.hawaii_1_birther-controversy-obama-opinion-research-corporation?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Birther Claims Have No Merit]." ''CNN''.<br>(2011, April 27). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42779923/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-releases-detailed-us-birth-certificate/ Obama Releases Detailed U.S. Birth Certificate]." ''MSNBC''.</ref> when Obama had his long-form birth certificate posted at WhiteHouse.gov.<ref>"[http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/birth-certificate-long-form.pdf Certificate of Live Birth]." State of Hawaii. Retrieved from ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> Donald Trump, who had attacked Obama on the Birth Certificate issue and was then leading Republicans in polls for the upcoming GOP primary,<ref>James, F. (2011, April 15). "[http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/04/15/135446314/poll-donald-trump-birther-darling-leads-gop-field-at-26 Donald Trump, Birther In Chief? Poll Has Him Leading GOP Field with 26 Percent]." ''NPR''.</ref> was effectively knocked out of the 2012 Presidential race because of this.<ref>Kapur, S. (2011, May 10). "[http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/05/10/trumps-popularity-tanks-after-obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/ Trump's Popularity Tanks After Obama Releases Long-Form Birth Certificate]." ''RawStory.com''.</ref>

* On April 27, 2011,<ref>CNN Political Unit (2011, April 27). "[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate/ White House Releases Obama Birth Certificate]." ''CNN''</ref> a long-running controversy surrounding Obama's birth was largely put to rest<ref>Winter, J. (2011, April 29). "[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/29/expert-says-obamas-birth-certificate-legit/ Expert: No Doubt Obama's Birth Certificate is Legit]." ''FOX News''.<br>Tuchman, G. (2011, April 25). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-25/politics/birthers.obama.hawaii_1_birther-controversy-obama-opinion-research-corporation?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Birther Claims Have No Merit]." ''CNN''.<br>(2011, April 27). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42779923/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-releases-detailed-us-birth-certificate/ Obama Releases Detailed U.S. Birth Certificate]." ''MSNBC''.</ref> when Obama had his long-form birth certificate posted at WhiteHouse.gov.<ref>"[https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/birth-certificate-long-form.pdf Certificate of Live Birth]." State of Hawaii. Retrieved from ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> Donald Trump, who had attacked Obama on the Birth Certificate issue and was then leading Republicans in polls for the upcoming GOP primary,<ref>James, F. (2011, April 15). "[https://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/04/15/135446314/poll-donald-trump-birther-darling-leads-gop-field-at-26 Donald Trump, Birther In Chief? Poll Has Him Leading GOP Field with 26 Percent]." ''NPR''.</ref> was effectively knocked out of the 2012 Presidential race because of this.<ref>Kapur, S. (2011, May 10). "[http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/05/10/trumps-popularity-tanks-after-obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/ Trump's Popularity Tanks After Obama Releases Long-Form Birth Certificate]." ''RawStory.com''.</ref>

* In early 2012 Arizona sheriff Joe Arpiao and his investigators know as the "Posse" stated at a press conference that the so-called "birth certificate" of Barack Obama released in digital form on the White House website, was forgery. He proceeded to show how the fake document was digitally created. He showed several videos on how the fraudulent document was made which left little doubt to its inauthenticity.<ref>Sheriff Joe Arpiao Press Conference 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGW6WYmcneU</ref>

* In early 2012 Arizona sheriff Joe Arpiao and his investigators know as the "Posse" stated at a press conference that the so-called "birth certificate" of Barack Obama released in digital form on the White House website, was forgery. He proceeded to show how the fake document was digitally created. He showed several videos on how the fraudulent document was made which left little doubt to its inauthenticity.<ref>Sheriff Joe Arpiao Press Conference 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGW6WYmcneU</ref>

''The Guardian'', 11 January 2017.</ref></blockquote>  

''The Guardian'', 11 January 2017.</ref></blockquote>  

On January 12, the BBC suggested that the investigation of the Trump campaign was orchestrated by CIA Director [[John Brennan]].<ref>"[https://spectator.org/all-roads-lead-back-to-brennan/ All Roads Lead Back to Brennan]," ''American Spectator'', March 6, 2017</ref> The BBC also reported that:<blockquote>"Lawyers from the National Security Division in the Department of Justice then drew up an application. They took it to the secret US court that deals with intelligence, the Fisa court, named after the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. They wanted permission to intercept the electronic records from two Russian banks. Their first application, in June, was rejected outright by the judge. They returned with a more narrowly drawn order in July and were rejected again. Finally, before a new judge, the order was granted, on 15 October, three weeks before election."<ref>"[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38589427 Trump 'compromising' claims: How and why did we get here?]", BBC, Jan. 12, 2017.</ref></blockquote>

On January 12, the BBC suggested that the investigation of the Trump campaign was orchestrated by CIA Director [[John Brennan]].<ref>"[https://spectator.org/all-roads-lead-back-to-brennan/ All Roads Lead Back to Brennan]," ''American Spectator'', March 6, 2017</ref> The BBC also reported that:<blockquote>"Lawyers from the National Security Division in the Department of Justice then drew up an application. They took it to the secret US court that deals with intelligence, the Fisa court, named after the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. They wanted permission to intercept the electronic records from two Russian banks. Their first application, in June, was rejected outright by the judge. They returned with a more narrowly drawn order in July and were rejected again. Finally, before a new judge, the order was granted, on 15 October, three weeks before election."<ref>"[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38589427 Trump 'compromising' claims: How and why did we get here?]", BBC, Jan. 12, 2017.</ref></blockquote>

The fact that the early leaks appeared in the British press suggests that the source was British intelligence. Mensch, the reporter who broke the story, is a former member of the British Parliament. She later explained that her sources trusted her because she is known as an outspoken supporter of the British intelligence community.<ref>Borger, Julian, "[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/17/louise-mensch-trump-russia-ties-media-scoop Louise Mensch: the former British MP who scooped US media on Trump's Russian ties]", ''The Guardian'', 17 February 2017</ref> Sharing data with [[GCHQ]], the British electronic surveillance agency, is a possible method of evading U.S. legal restrictions regarding the handling of data obtained by the National Security Agency.<ref>"[http://www.dailywire.com/news/14394/bombshell-fox-news-sources-say-obama-used-brits-john-nolte BOMBSHELL: Fox News Sources Say Obama Used Brits To Spy On Donald Trump].", ''DailyWire,'' March 14, 2017.</ref> The US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have a secret electronic intelligence sharing pact called [[Five Eyes]].<ref>"[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jun/21/gchq-cables-secret-world-communications-nsa GCHQ taps fibre-optic cables for secret access to world's communications]", ''The Guardian'', 21 June 2013</ref>

The fact that the early leaks appeared in the British press suggests that the source was British intelligence. Mensch, the reporter who broke the story, is a former member of the British Parliament. She later explained that her sources trusted her because she is known as an outspoken supporter of the British intelligence community.<ref>Borger, Julian, "[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/17/louise-mensch-trump-russia-ties-media-scoop Louise Mensch: the former British MP who scooped US media on Trump's Russian ties]", ''The Guardian'', 17 February 2017</ref> Sharing data with [[GCHQ]], the British electronic surveillance agency, is a possible method of evading U.S. legal restrictions regarding the handling of data obtained by the National Security Agency.<ref>"[http://www.dailywire.com/news/14394/bombshell-fox-news-sources-say-obama-used-brits-john-nolte BOMBSHELL: Fox News Sources Say Obama Used Brits To Spy On Donald Trump].", ''DailyWire,'' March 14, 2017.</ref> The US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have a secret electronic intelligence sharing pact called [[Five Eyes]].<ref>"[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jun/21/gchq-cables-secret-world-communications-nsa GCHQ taps fibre-optic cables for secret access to world's communications]", ''The Guardian'', 21 June 2013</ref>

in Recent US Elections.”<ref>The declassified version is "[https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICA_2017_01.pdf Background to “Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections”: The Analytic Process and Cyber Incident Attribution]"</ref> The report renewed interest in allegations of Russian interference. In the last days of the Obama administration, procedures were revised to give more analysts access to the raw data.<ref>Saagar Enjeti, "[https://dailycaller.com/2017/03/09/how-are-all-these-intel-leaks-happening-look-at-one-of-the-last-things-obama-did-before-leaving-office/ How Are All These Intel Leaks Happening? Look At One Of The Last Things Obama Did Before Leaving Office]," ''Daily Caller,'' 03/09/2017.</ref> The relaxation of security standards was followed by a series of further [[leak]]s.

in Recent US Elections.”<ref>The declassified version is "[https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICA_2017_01.pdf Background to “Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections”: The Analytic Process and Cyber Incident Attribution]"</ref> The report renewed interest in allegations of Russian interference. In the last days of the Obama administration, procedures were revised to give more analysts access to the raw data.<ref>Saagar Enjeti, "[https://dailycaller.com/2017/03/09/how-are-all-these-intel-leaks-happening-look-at-one-of-the-last-things-obama-did-before-leaving-office/ How Are All These Intel Leaks Happening? Look At One Of The Last Things Obama Did Before Leaving Office]," ''Daily Caller,'' 03/09/2017.</ref> The relaxation of security standards was followed by a series of further [[leak]]s.

On January 17, McClatchy reported that an informal, interagency group had been working for months on the issue of Russian attempts to influence the election. The group included representatives of the FBI, the CIA, the National Security Agency, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the office of the director of national intelligence.<ref>"[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article127231799.html#storylink=cpy FBI, 5 other agencies probe possible covert Kremlin aid to Trump]", ''McClatchy,'' January 18, 2017.</ref> One of McClatchy's sources confirmed the BBC's claims regarding FISA warrants, according to the story.

On January 17, McClatchy reported that an informal, interagency group had been working for months on the issue of Russian attempts to influence the election. The group included representatives of the FBI, the CIA, the National Security Agency, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the office of the director of national intelligence.<ref>"[https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article127231799.html#storylink=cpy FBI, 5 other agencies probe possible covert Kremlin aid to Trump]", ''McClatchy,'' January 18, 2017.</ref> One of McClatchy's sources confirmed the BBC's claims regarding FISA warrants, according to the story.

On January 19, ''The New York Times'' reported that the White House was directly involved in the investigation: "The F.B.I. is leading the investigations, aided by the National Security Agency, the C.I.A. and the Treasury Department’s financial crimes unit. One official said intelligence reports based on some of the wiretapped communications had been provided to the White House."<ref>“[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/politics/trump-russia-associates-investigation.html Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry Into Trump Associates],” ''New York Times'', January 19, 2017.</ref> The report does not mention warrants or FISA. On March 1, the ''Times'' reported that the FBI was in the midst of a "wide-ranging investigation" of "links between Mr. Trump’s associates and the Russian government."<ref>"[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/us/politics/obama-trump-russia-election-hacking.html Obama Administration Rushed to Preserve Intelligence of Russian Election Hacking]," ''New York Times'', March 1, 2017.</ref> Although Trump had been president for six weeks at this point, the FBI was still being run by Director James Comey, who serves a fixed term designed to overlap Presidential administrations.

On January 19, ''The New York Times'' reported that the White House was directly involved in the investigation: "The F.B.I. is leading the investigations, aided by the National Security Agency, the C.I.A. and the Treasury Department’s financial crimes unit. One official said intelligence reports based on some of the wiretapped communications had been provided to the White House."<ref>“[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/politics/trump-russia-associates-investigation.html Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry Into Trump Associates],” ''New York Times'', January 19, 2017.</ref> The report does not mention warrants or FISA. On March 1, the ''Times'' reported that the FBI was in the midst of a "wide-ranging investigation" of "links between Mr. Trump’s associates and the Russian government."<ref>"[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/us/politics/obama-trump-russia-election-hacking.html Obama Administration Rushed to Preserve Intelligence of Russian Election Hacking]," ''New York Times'', March 1, 2017.</ref> Although Trump had been president for six weeks at this point, the FBI was still being run by Director James Comey, who serves a fixed term designed to overlap Presidential administrations.

Members of the mainstream media called Trump's wiretapping claim an, "astonishing and reckless accusation."<ref name=wiretap>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trump-experiment-may-come-to-an-early-tipping-point/2017/03/05/87d38b3a-0055-11e7-99b4-9e613afeb09f_story.html?utm_term=.edb071c61986|title=The Trump Experiment may come to an early tipping point|first=EJ|last=Dionne Jr.|work=Washington Post|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 5, 2017}}</ref> In particular, the suggestion that Obama was personally involved provoked a furious backlash. Yet this suggestion is supported by earlier reporting, including the ''Times'' account of January 20.<ref>"[https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/03/05/new-york-times-trashes-its-own-reporting-on-obama-admin-wiretapping/ New York Times Trashes Its Own Reporting on Obama Admin Wiretapping], ''Breitbart'', 5 Mar 2017.</ref>

Members of the mainstream media called Trump's wiretapping claim an, "astonishing and reckless accusation."<ref name=wiretap>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trump-experiment-may-come-to-an-early-tipping-point/2017/03/05/87d38b3a-0055-11e7-99b4-9e613afeb09f_story.html?utm_term=.edb071c61986|title=The Trump Experiment may come to an early tipping point|first=EJ|last=Dionne Jr.|work=Washington Post|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 5, 2017}}</ref> In particular, the suggestion that Obama was personally involved provoked a furious backlash. Yet this suggestion is supported by earlier reporting, including the ''Times'' account of January 20.<ref>"[https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/03/05/new-york-times-trashes-its-own-reporting-on-obama-admin-wiretapping/ New York Times Trashes Its Own Reporting on Obama Admin Wiretapping], ''Breitbart'', 5 Mar 2017.</ref>

Obama and his director of national intelligence [[James R. Clapper Jr.]] as well as the head of the FBI have denied that this happened.<ref name=wiretap/> "There was no such wiretap activity mounted against the president, the president-elect at the time, or as a candidate, or against his campaign," Clapper told NBC.<ref>Kailani Koenig, "[http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/former-dni-james-clapper-i-can-deny-wiretap-trump-tower-n729261 Former DNI James Clapper: ‘I Can Deny’ Wiretap of Trump Tower]", NBC News, MAR 5 2017</ref> In turn, Trump called for a congressional investigation of the alleged wiretapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/05/statement-press-secretary|title=Statement from the Press Secretary|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref>

Obama and his director of national intelligence [[James R. Clapper Jr.]] as well as the head of the FBI have denied that this happened.<ref name=wiretap/> "There was no such wiretap activity mounted against the president, the president-elect at the time, or as a candidate, or against his campaign," Clapper told NBC.<ref>Kailani Koenig, "[https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/former-dni-james-clapper-i-can-deny-wiretap-trump-tower-n729261 Former DNI James Clapper: ‘I Can Deny’ Wiretap of Trump Tower]", NBC News, MAR 5 2017</ref> In turn, Trump called for a congressional investigation of the alleged wiretapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/05/statement-press-secretary|title=Statement from the Press Secretary|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref>

On March 6, 2017, deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on ABC's “Good Morning America” that Trump does not accept FBI Director James Comey's conclusion that former President Barack Obama did not order a wiretap at Trump Tower.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nypost.com/2017/03/06/trump-wont-accept-comeys-conclusion-about-obama-wiretap-claim/amp/|title=Trump won’t accept Comey’s conclusion about Obama wiretap claim|work=New York Post|date=March 6, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref>

On March 6, 2017, deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on ABC's “Good Morning America” that Trump does not accept FBI Director James Comey's conclusion that former President Barack Obama did not order a wiretap at Trump Tower.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nypost.com/2017/03/06/trump-wont-accept-comeys-conclusion-about-obama-wiretap-claim/amp/|title=Trump won’t accept Comey’s conclusion about Obama wiretap claim|work=New York Post|date=March 6, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref>

===Confirmed surveillance===

===Confirmed surveillance===

On March 22, 2017, GOP U.S. Representative [[Devin Nunes]] revealed that some of the Trump Team's conversations had been spied upon.<ref>Derespina, Cody (March 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/23/trump-basks-in-nunes-surveillance-news-so-that-means-im-right.html Trump basks in Nunes surveillance news: 'So that means I'm right']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref> On March 29, 2017, [[Evelyn Farkas]], the deputy assistant secretary of defense under Obama, admitted that the Obama Administration attempted to gather as much intelligence as possible on Trump's alleged ties to Russia after the 2016 election and that it tried to hide their intelligence sources from the Trump Administration.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/29/former-obama-official-discloses-rush-to-get-intelligence-on-trump-team.html Former Obama official discloses rush to get intelligence on Trump team]. ''Fox News''. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.</ref><ref>Poor, Jeff (March 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/29/fmr-obama-official-reveals-pre-inauguration-effort-to-gather-intel-on-incoming-trump-team/ Fmr Obama Official Reveals Pre-Inauguration Effort to Gather Intel on Incoming Trump Team]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref>

On March 22, 2017, GOP U.S. Representative [[Devin Nunes]] revealed that some of the Trump Team's conversations had been spied upon.<ref>Derespina, Cody (March 23, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/23/trump-basks-in-nunes-surveillance-news-so-that-means-im-right.html Trump basks in Nunes surveillance news: 'So that means I'm right']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref> On March 29, 2017, [[Evelyn Farkas]], the deputy assistant secretary of defense under Obama, admitted that the Obama Administration attempted to gather as much intelligence as possible on Trump's alleged ties to Russia after the 2016 election and that it tried to hide their intelligence sources from the Trump Administration.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/29/former-obama-official-discloses-rush-to-get-intelligence-on-trump-team.html Former Obama official discloses rush to get intelligence on Trump team]. ''Fox News''. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.</ref><ref>Poor, Jeff (March 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/29/fmr-obama-official-reveals-pre-inauguration-effort-to-gather-intel-on-incoming-trump-team/ Fmr Obama Official Reveals Pre-Inauguration Effort to Gather Intel on Incoming Trump Team]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref>

U.S. intelligence agencies had been investigating people in Trump's presidential campaign throughout the campaign season.<ref>Bertrand, Natasha (January 24, 2017). [http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-advisers-russia-investigation-2017-1 A look at the scope of the intelligence community's investigations into Trump's ties to Russia]. ''Business Insider''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref> According to a [[Fox News]] report, an unnamed but well-known and senior intelligence official not associated with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] directed investigations attempting to unveil private Americans working with Trump's transition team.<ref>McCabe, Neil W. (March 31, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/31/fox-news-senior-obama-intelligence-official-unmasked-trump-associates/ Fox News: Senior Obama Intelligence Official Unmasked Trump Associates]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref>

U.S. intelligence agencies had been investigating people in Trump's presidential campaign throughout the campaign season.<ref>Bertrand, Natasha (January 24, 2017). [https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-advisers-russia-investigation-2017-1 A look at the scope of the intelligence community's investigations into Trump's ties to Russia]. ''Business Insider''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref> According to a [[Fox News]] report, an unnamed but well-known and senior intelligence official not associated with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] directed investigations attempting to unveil private Americans working with Trump's transition team.<ref>McCabe, Neil W. (March 31, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/31/fox-news-senior-obama-intelligence-official-unmasked-trump-associates/ Fox News: Senior Obama Intelligence Official Unmasked Trump Associates]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 1, 2017.</ref>

CNN reported in September 2017 that the Obama Administration did obtain a warrant to wiretap Paul Manaforte, including during a time when he was talking with Trump.<ref>Wong, Kristina (September 18, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/18/trump-vindicated-report-says-obama-government-wiretapped-trump-campaign/ Trump Vindicated: Report Says Obama Government Wiretapped Trump Campaign]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Perez, Evan; Prokupecz, Shimon; Brown, Pamela (September 18, 2017). [https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/politics/paul-manafort-government-wiretapped-fisa-russians/index.html Exclusive: US government wiretapped former Trump campaign chairman]. ''CNN''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.voanews.com/a/former-trump-campaign-chief-wiretap/4035277.html Former Trump Campaign Chief Was Subject to Secret Wiretap]. ''Voice of America''. September 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.</ref>

CNN reported in September 2017 that the Obama Administration did obtain a warrant to wiretap Paul Manaforte, including during a time when he was talking with Trump.<ref>Wong, Kristina (September 18, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/18/trump-vindicated-report-says-obama-government-wiretapped-trump-campaign/ Trump Vindicated: Report Says Obama Government Wiretapped Trump Campaign]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Perez, Evan; Prokupecz, Shimon; Brown, Pamela (September 18, 2017). [https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/politics/paul-manafort-government-wiretapped-fisa-russians/index.html Exclusive: US government wiretapped former Trump campaign chairman]. ''CNN''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.voanews.com/a/former-trump-campaign-chief-wiretap/4035277.html Former Trump Campaign Chief Was Subject to Secret Wiretap]. ''Voice of America''. September 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.</ref>

==IRS discrimination against conservative groups==

==IRS discrimination against conservative groups==

:''Main article: [[IRS scandal]]''

:''Main article: [[IRS scandal]]''

During the Obama Administration, the [[Internal Revenue Service]] discriminated against conservative organizations by making them wait for years just to gain [[Nonprofit organization|tax-exempt status]]. At the same time, other groups received the same status in a very short period of time, such as a [[satanic]] group which received nonprofit status in only ten days.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/03/20/irs-granted-satanic-cult-tax-exempt-status-in-10-days-report-says.html IRS granted Satanic cult tax-exempt status in 10 days, report says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 25, 2017.</ref><ref>Ernst, Douglas (March 20, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/20/obama-irs-gave-satan-club-creator-fast-tax-exempt-/ Obama’s IRS gave ‘Satan Club’ creator fast tax-exempt status]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 25, 2017.</ref> In 2017, the [[Trump Administration]] ended the scandal by settling with the affected organizations and apologizing,<ref>Multiple references:

During the Obama Administration, the [[Internal Revenue Service]] discriminated against conservative organizations by making them wait for years just to gain [[Nonprofit organization|tax-exempt status]]. At the same time, other groups received the same status in a very short period of time, such as a [[satanic]] group which received nonprofit status in only ten days.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/03/20/irs-granted-satanic-cult-tax-exempt-status-in-10-days-report-says.html IRS granted Satanic cult tax-exempt status in 10 days, report says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 25, 2017.</ref><ref>Ernst, Douglas (March 20, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/20/obama-irs-gave-satan-club-creator-fast-tax-exempt-/ Obama’s IRS gave ‘Satan Club’ creator fast tax-exempt status]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 25, 2017.</ref> In 2017, the [[Trump Administration]] ended the scandal by settling with the affected organizations and apologizing,<ref>Multiple references:

*Mason, Ian (October 26, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/10/26/doj-settles-with-tea-party-groups-on-lois-lerner-irs-scandal/ DOJ Settles with Tea Party Groups on Lois Lerner IRS Scandal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Mason, Ian (October 26, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/10/26/doj-settles-with-tea-party-groups-on-lois-lerner-irs-scandal/ DOJ Settles with Tea Party Groups on Lois Lerner IRS Scandal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*[https://www.voanews.com/a/tea-party-groups-settle-lawsuits-over-irs-mistreatment/4087069.html Tea Party Groups Settle Lawsuits Over IRS Mistreatment]. ''Voice of America'' (from the ''Associated Press''). October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*[https://www.voanews.com/a/tea-party-groups-settle-lawsuits-over-irs-mistreatment/4087069.html Tea Party Groups Settle Lawsuits Over IRS Mistreatment]. ''Voice of America'' (from the ''Associated Press''). October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Singman, Brooke (October 26, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/10/26/trump-doj-settles-lawsuits-over-tea-party-targeting-by-obama-irs.html Trump DOJ settles lawsuits over Tea Party targeting by Obama IRS]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Singman, Brooke (October 26, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/10/26/trump-doj-settles-lawsuits-over-tea-party-targeting-by-obama-irs.html Trump DOJ settles lawsuits over Tea Party targeting by Obama IRS]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Adams, Becket (October 27, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/conservatives-were-targeted-by-a-weaponized-irs-all-they-got-was-this-lousy-apology/article/2638837 Conservatives were targeted by a weaponized IRS; all they got was this lousy apology]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.</ref> but it still declined to prosecute IRS official Lois Lerner for her major role in the scandal.<ref>Multiple references:

*Adams, Becket (October 27, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/conservatives-were-targeted-by-a-weaponized-irs-all-they-got-was-this-lousy-apology/article/2638837 Conservatives were targeted by a weaponized IRS; all they got was this lousy apology]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.</ref> but it still declined to prosecute IRS official Lois Lerner for her major role in the scandal.<ref>Multiple references:

*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/08/doj-declines-to-charge-lois-lerner-in-irs-scandal.html Trump DOJ: No plans to charge Lois Lerner in IRS scandal]. ''Fox News''. September 8, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/08/doj-declines-to-charge-lois-lerner-in-irs-scandal.html Trump DOJ: No plans to charge Lois Lerner in IRS scandal]. ''Fox News''. September 8, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Dinan, Stephen (September 8, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/8/donald-trumps-doj-wont-pursue-charges-against-lois/ Justice Department won’t pursue charges against Lois Lerner, former IRS senior executive]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Dinan, Stephen (September 8, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/8/donald-trumps-doj-wont-pursue-charges-against-lois/ Justice Department won’t pursue charges against Lois Lerner, former IRS senior executive]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Munro, Neil (September 8, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/08/jeff-sessions-doj-will-not-investigate-irs-suppression-tea-party-groups/ Jeff Sessions’ DoJ Will Not Investigate IRS Suppression of Tea Party Groups]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

*Munro, Neil (September 8, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/08/jeff-sessions-doj-will-not-investigate-irs-suppression-tea-party-groups/ Jeff Sessions’ DoJ Will Not Investigate IRS Suppression of Tea Party Groups]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

: ''Main Article: [[Barack Obama#1996 Election]]''

: ''Main Article: [[Barack Obama#1996 Election]]''

Barack Obama ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996. He was initially supported by incumbent Alice Palmer, who declared she would run for the U.S. Congress. However, when her bid for Congress failed on November 28, 1995, she tried to run for her old seat in the March 1996 election. Her supporters asked Obama to step aside, although whether this was with her permission remains uncertain.<ref name=pragmatic>Scott, Janny (2007, July 30). "[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd]." ''New York Times''.</ref> Not only did Obama not step down, he gathered a team of high-priced lawyers, including fellow Harvard Law School graduate Thomas Johnson, to challenge his opponent's petition signatures on technicalities after the filing deadline had passed. Such tactics are legal and frequently used in Chicago; in 2006 they eliminated 67 of the 245 aldermanic candidates;<ref name=bareknuckle>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 4). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-0704030881apr04-archive,0,1523598,full.story Barack Obama: Showing His Bare Knuckles]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> yet nevertheless led to the term "hardball" by the ''New York Times''<ref name=pragmatic /> and "cutthroat" by David Mendel as reported by both ''CNN''<ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (2008, August 20). "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Barack Obama Revealed]." ''CNN''.</ref> and ''MSNBC''.<ref name=msnbc>''MSNBC'' (2008, February 20). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ Obama Becomes Rising Star Among Democrats]."</ref> The ''Chicago Tribune'' declared Obama had mastered "the bare-knuckle arts of Chicago electoral politics", noting "The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it."<ref name=bareknuckle /> As one of Obama's four opponents, eliminated through his ballot challenges, would put it: {{cquote|"Why say you're for a new tomorrow, then do old-style Chicago politics to remove legitimate candidates? He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?"

Barack Obama ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996. He was initially supported by incumbent Alice Palmer, who declared she would run for the U.S. Congress. However, when her bid for Congress failed on November 28, 1995, she tried to run for her old seat in the March 1996 election. Her supporters asked Obama to step aside, although whether this was with her permission remains uncertain.<ref name=pragmatic>Scott, Janny (2007, July 30). "[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd]." ''New York Times''.</ref> Not only did Obama not step down, he gathered a team of high-priced lawyers, including fellow Harvard Law School graduate Thomas Johnson, to challenge his opponent's petition signatures on technicalities after the filing deadline had passed. Such tactics are legal and frequently used in Chicago; in 2006 they eliminated 67 of the 245 aldermanic candidates;<ref name=bareknuckle>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 4). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-0704030881apr04-archive,0,1523598,full.story Barack Obama: Showing His Bare Knuckles]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> yet nevertheless led to the term "hardball" by the ''New York Times''<ref name=pragmatic /> and "cutthroat" by David Mendel as reported by both ''CNN''<ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (2008, August 20). "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Barack Obama Revealed]." ''CNN''.</ref> and ''MSNBC''.<ref name=msnbc>''MSNBC'' (2008, February 20). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ Obama Becomes Rising Star Among Democrats]."</ref> The ''Chicago Tribune'' declared Obama had mastered "the bare-knuckle arts of Chicago electoral politics", noting "The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it."<ref name=bareknuckle /> As one of Obama's four opponents, eliminated through his ballot challenges, would put it: {{cquote|"Why say you're for a new tomorrow, then do old-style Chicago politics to remove legitimate candidates? He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?"

-Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 3). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story Obama Knows His Way Around a Ballot]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref>}} Mark Ewell, another candidate, filed 1,286 signatures, and Obama's challenges left him 86 short of the minimum requirement (757<ref name=spivak>Spivak, Todd (2008, February 28). "[http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ Barack Obama and Me]." ''Houston Press''.</ref>). Ewell filed a federal lawsuit contesting the election board's decision but Tom Johnson intervened, and Ewell's case was dismissed just a few days later. Ewell and other Obama opponents were using early 1995 polling sheets to verify signatures of registered voters, but city authorities had just purged 15,871 unqualified people from the 13th district list, and Obama's challenges used the more recent, updated list. Askia was left 69 signatures short of the requirement. If names were printed instead of signed in cursive, they were declared invalid. If they were good but the person registering the signatures wasn't a registered voter (e.g. underage) they were invalid.<ref name=hardball>Griffin, Drew & Johnston, Kathleen (2008, May 29). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-29/politics/obamas.first.campaign_1_obama-campaign-barack-obama-chicago-politics?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Played Hardball in First Chicago Campaign]." ''CNN''.</ref> Palmer had according to Obama campaign consult Ronald Davis, used two children to help gather her petition signatures. To this day Palmer denies the challenges were valid, and maintains she could have overcome the objections with more time and resources.<ref name=bareknuckle /> Thanks to his lawyers, Obama would win the election without a single other candidate on the ballot.

-Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 3). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story Obama Knows His Way Around a Ballot]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref>}} Mark Ewell, another candidate, filed 1,286 signatures, and Obama's challenges left him 86 short of the minimum requirement (757<ref name=spivak>Spivak, Todd (2008, February 28). "[https://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ Barack Obama and Me]." ''Houston Press''.</ref>). Ewell filed a federal lawsuit contesting the election board's decision but Tom Johnson intervened, and Ewell's case was dismissed just a few days later. Ewell and other Obama opponents were using early 1995 polling sheets to verify signatures of registered voters, but city authorities had just purged 15,871 unqualified people from the 13th district list, and Obama's challenges used the more recent, updated list. Askia was left 69 signatures short of the requirement. If names were printed instead of signed in cursive, they were declared invalid. If they were good but the person registering the signatures wasn't a registered voter (e.g. underage) they were invalid.<ref name=hardball>Griffin, Drew & Johnston, Kathleen (2008, May 29). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-29/politics/obamas.first.campaign_1_obama-campaign-barack-obama-chicago-politics?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Played Hardball in First Chicago Campaign]." ''CNN''.</ref> Palmer had according to Obama campaign consult Ronald Davis, used two children to help gather her petition signatures. To this day Palmer denies the challenges were valid, and maintains she could have overcome the objections with more time and resources.<ref name=bareknuckle /> Thanks to his lawyers, Obama would win the election without a single other candidate on the ballot.

=== 2003 Emil Jones Deal Controversy ===

=== 2003 Emil Jones Deal Controversy ===

: ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''

: ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''

When Illinois' U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald announced he would be retiring in April 2003, Obama jumped at the opportunity, declaring that he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref name=msnbc /> To boost his chances at reaching the U.S. Congress in the 2004 elections, in 2003 Barack Obama approached the newly crowned head of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, who Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>''Associated Press'' (2009, June 18). "[https://www.cbsnews.com/2100-250_162-3983147.html Obama's Political 'Godfather' In Illinois]."</ref> the conversation went as follows:[[File:Emil Jones.jpg|thumb|right|Emil Jones]] {{cquote|"After I was elected president, in 2003, he came to see me, a couple months later. And he said to me, he said, ‘You’re the senate president now, and with that, you have a lot of pow-er.’  And I told Barack, ‘You think I got a lot of pow-er now?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you got a lot of pow-er.’ And I said, ‘What kind of pow-er do I have?’ He said, ‘You have the pow-er to make a United States sen-a-tor!’  I said to Barack, I said, ‘That sounds good!’ I said, ‘I haven’t even thought of that.’ I said, ‘Do you have someone in mind you think I could make?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah. Me.’ "<ref name=pragmatic /><ref name=raisingobama>Purdum, Todd (2008, March). "[http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 Raising Obama]." ''Vanity Fair''.</ref>}} Because of the deal, Obama's entire Illinois Senate legislative record was, as longtime Obama reporter Todd Spivak put it, built in a single year. During his 7th and final year in the Illinois Senate, Obama sponsored an incredible 26 bills into law, including many he now points to when criticized as inexperienced<ref name=spivak /> - as ''CNN's'' Suzanne Malveaux observed, "With help from on high, Obama got his name on hundreds of bills that he pushed through."<ref name=revealed /> Jones not only had Obama craft legislation addressing daily tragedies to raise his political profile,<ref name=godfather /> he also appointed Obama head of almost all high-profile legislation in the Illinois Senate, angering other state legislators with more seniority who'd spent years supporting the bills.<ref name=spivak /> Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon, the original sponsor of the famous racial profiling bill requiring videotaped confessions in police interrogations, complained bitterly about Jones' decision.<ref name=revealed /><ref name=intheblack>Spivak, Todd (2004, March 25). "[http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html In the Black]." ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Jones' influence had a major impact on Obama's chances in the 2004 elections, preventing major political players from backing Obama's opponents. To quote Emil Jones, {{cquote|"He knew if he had me in the run for the Senate, it would put a block on the current mayor. The current mayor and the father of the controller, which was Dan Hynes, they were roommates in Springfield when the mayor was a state senator, so they had a relationship. Another big financial backer for the governor was Blair Hull. Barack knew if he had me it would checkmate the governor, ’cause the governor couldn’t come out and go with Blair Hull, ’cause the governor needs me. Same with the mayor. So he had analyzed and figured all of that out. He knew I could help him with labor support. And I could put a checkmate on some of the local politicians that didn’t know him, but they couldn’t really go against me."

When Illinois' U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald announced he would be retiring in April 2003, Obama jumped at the opportunity, declaring that he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref name=msnbc /> To boost his chances at reaching the U.S. Congress in the 2004 elections, in 2003 Barack Obama approached the newly crowned head of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, who Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>''Associated Press'' (2009, June 18). "[https://www.cbsnews.com/2100-250_162-3983147.html Obama's Political 'Godfather' In Illinois]."</ref> the conversation went as follows:[[File:Emil Jones.jpg|thumb|right|Emil Jones]] {{cquote|"After I was elected president, in 2003, he came to see me, a couple months later. And he said to me, he said, ‘You’re the senate president now, and with that, you have a lot of pow-er.’  And I told Barack, ‘You think I got a lot of pow-er now?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you got a lot of pow-er.’ And I said, ‘What kind of pow-er do I have?’ He said, ‘You have the pow-er to make a United States sen-a-tor!’  I said to Barack, I said, ‘That sounds good!’ I said, ‘I haven’t even thought of that.’ I said, ‘Do you have someone in mind you think I could make?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah. Me.’ "<ref name=pragmatic /><ref name=raisingobama>Purdum, Todd (2008, March). "[https://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 Raising Obama]." ''Vanity Fair''.</ref>}} Because of the deal, Obama's entire Illinois Senate legislative record was, as longtime Obama reporter Todd Spivak put it, built in a single year. During his 7th and final year in the Illinois Senate, Obama sponsored an incredible 26 bills into law, including many he now points to when criticized as inexperienced<ref name=spivak /> - as ''CNN's'' Suzanne Malveaux observed, "With help from on high, Obama got his name on hundreds of bills that he pushed through."<ref name=revealed /> Jones not only had Obama craft legislation addressing daily tragedies to raise his political profile,<ref name=godfather /> he also appointed Obama head of almost all high-profile legislation in the Illinois Senate, angering other state legislators with more seniority who'd spent years supporting the bills.<ref name=spivak /> Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon, the original sponsor of the famous racial profiling bill requiring videotaped confessions in police interrogations, complained bitterly about Jones' decision.<ref name=revealed /><ref name=intheblack>Spivak, Todd (2004, March 25). "[http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html In the Black]." ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Jones' influence had a major impact on Obama's chances in the 2004 elections, preventing major political players from backing Obama's opponents. To quote Emil Jones, {{cquote|"He knew if he had me in the run for the Senate, it would put a block on the current mayor. The current mayor and the father of the controller, which was Dan Hynes, they were roommates in Springfield when the mayor was a state senator, so they had a relationship. Another big financial backer for the governor was Blair Hull. Barack knew if he had me it would checkmate the governor, ’cause the governor couldn’t come out and go with Blair Hull, ’cause the governor needs me. Same with the mayor. So he had analyzed and figured all of that out. He knew I could help him with labor support. And I could put a checkmate on some of the local politicians that didn’t know him, but they couldn’t really go against me."

-Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}

-Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}