On September 2nd, 2008, my son Rafi was born at St. Mary's Hospital in London, England. I remember at the time that the excitement over Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin was sweeping through the Republican National Convention and things were suddenly starting to look gloomy for Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama. As an Obama supporter, I was fortunate enough not to have to dwell on that. I was pleasantly distracted by diaper changes, Facebook birth announcements, and sleeplessness.

Like many American Muslims, I found myself gravitating towards Obama early in his campaign, when - ironically - some were starting to air their suspicions about his curious background. As the child of immigrants, Obama's unique story mirrored my own story and that of my parents. Granted, it wasn't a traditional American story, but it has become a more typical one. And as a Democrat, I was of course aghast at the past eight years of the Bush presidency (along with up to 80% of my fellow Americans).

Though the election is now over, it may take still weeks or months for many of us to grasp the enormity of what has just happened. I'm not necessarily referring to Obama's victory, but to the relentless campaign by the Republican right wing of xenophobic imagery, inference, and conjecture - all intended to suffocate his campaign. Although Obama hardly seemed to blink (does he ever?), the Muslim-tinged attacks, accelerating to the last days, sent American Muslims into a state of quiet shock. It has been the most sustained and aggressive onslaught of anti-Muslim hysteria ever foisted on the American public.

Given the state of the economy and a sideshow of characters from Bill Ayers to Joe the Plumber, this war of attrition has not been obvious to most observers. Drenched in nuance, it took the nearly two-year length of the campaign and the extended primary season battle between Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton to begin to see a pattern. But when all the clues are pieced together, the resulting picture is damning.

SPECIAL REPORT A three-part series exploring what an Obama victory means for Muslims in the US and around the world PART 1:  Weathering the storm of bigotry PART 2:  The maturation of the Muslim-American electorate PART 3:  Obama's promise to the Muslim world

Obama's race and background were always destined to change the political game. But America has learned too much from its history of racial troubles for a campaign to indulge in the worst stereotypes. Instead, a subtext was employed to trigger the party faithful to reach into their sub conscience and remember the worst of post 9/11 stereotypes. Not hard when the public belief that Obama was a Muslim has never dipped below double digits.

And respond they did. Cries of "terrorist" and "kill him" from McCain-Palin crowds were studiously ignored. An emphasis on Obama's middle name Hussein, though officially discouraged, reappeared many times at campaign rallies to evoke other notorious Husseins (i.e., Saddam). A description of Obama as an Arab at a rally is countered by McCain with a correction ("he's a decent family man") that raised as many questions as it answered. As late as last week, a poll found that 23% of Texans, for example, still believed that Obama was a Muslim (though 11% of those planned to vote for him anyway).

Beyond the campaigns, third parties with an interest in an Obama loss chipped in. The enormous expenditure to send free copies of a DVD called Obsession, which hyped a Muslim terrorist threat to America, to battleground states. The elusive producers of the movie argued incredulously that the time and manner which the DVD was distributed was only a coincidence.

And then, from obscurity, former Weathermen militant Bill Ayers was dredged up. Not because McCain cared about a "washed-up old terrorist," but because invoking his association was a convenient way to combine the words "Barack Obama" and "terrorist" in the same sentence over and over again. Never mind that this "terrorist" palling around with Obama wanders the streets of Chicago a free man. The only "terrorists" people had to remember were the Muslim ones that automatically come to mind.

Curiously, a key strategy used by Clinton against Obama during the primaries - his association with the incendiary Reverend Jeremiah Wright - was barred by the McCain campaign after the conventions. Did Reverend Wright, through his long-standing relationship with Obama, not fit the Muslim subtext by emphasizing Obama's Christian background? With the common Muslim thread between so many different issues, it seems plausible.

Only the grand "teachable moment" of former Secretary of State Colin Powell seemed to sink into the nation's psyche. His endorsement of Obama and his repudation of anti-Muslim smears within the Republican party was so eloquent, few in the media or in the McCain camp could contest his words, even if the supporters who needed to hear the message carried on with their irrational fears.

By now, many American Muslims were wondering why Obama, like Powell, had not adopted a more principled defense of Muslims himself. He had demonstrated his ability to do this in his early defense of Reverend Wright, who he could "no more disown" than his grandmother (though he eventually did just that). Obama did acknowledge on a few occasions the "slurs" against Muslim Americans - and that he himself had been "derelict" in addressing them. But he has said little else since.

Giving Obama the benefit of the doubt, no one could have foreseen how the Muslim card would affect his campaign. To respond defensively to the associations and innuendo might have been interpreted as a point of rare vulnerability, encouraging further attacks. Ultimately, this noise would detract from Obama's electoral strengths - addressing the dire economic situation and voter dissatisfaction with the Bush era. Realpolitik may have dictated that Muslims look at the bigger picture - getting Obama elected - and save the lectures for afterwards (erm, like now).

By the time an eleventh-hour attempt was made to link Obama to Palestinian-American professor Rashid Khalidi (who McCain called "anti-Semitic," likening him to "neo-Nazis"), there was evidence that voters had had enough. Based in part on McCain's own associations with Khalidi - including over $400,000 in contributions to a Khalidi-run project in Palestine through the McCain-led International Republican Institute - the story gained little traction, lost in the inevitability of an Obama victory.

That Obama was able to deflect these attacks speaks not only of his campaigning skills and steadfastness, but also of the ability of the American public to pull itself back from the edge of xenophobia. As a result, the electorate has arguably been innoculated against these tactics and will perhaps be more educated about anti-Arab racism and anti-Muslim bigotry and more open-minded about Muslim participation in the American political sphere.

It's hard not to think of Powell's words now that there is someone heading to the White House who my son could look up to in a way I never dreamed possible. Of course Obama is not a Muslim. We should all know that by now. But somehow, it matters that people considered for a moment that he might be. That is making all the difference.

Rafi may not grow up to be President of the United States (alas, he is not native born), but perhaps this experience will one day show him how far he can go as an American, a Muslim, and a citizen of the world. A transformational president like Barack Obama offers to inspire a transformational shift in the way Muslims in America, like the 7-year old Muslim American kids Powell referred to in his endorsement, view their country and the opportunities available to them.

In 7 years, my own son could be witnessing a second Obama term in office and wondering what he may grow up to achieve. At the very least, I know his new middle name - Hussein - won't get in the way.

Frankly, I find all this adoration of Obama quite amusing. The guy has absolutely no international credentials and no important domestic management experience either. Yet the whole planet is so exhilarated as if the Messiah has come. He has, as far as I can see, not suggested a viable solution to a single aspect of the corrupt greedy capitalist system that ills America.

Its nice to see someone of his humble background reach the pinnacle of American politics, but so what, the same system also elect BIB (Bumbling Idiot Bush), just the other day. I mean Palin could be president next, for Christ's Sake. Its like people are celebrating the American Political System's ability to elect all kinds of weird media darling personalities to the Presidency. While all the problem go unanswered. It's a joke.

With the cost of both sides campaigns running at around 1billion USD, I have to question the strange adoration of the media and journalists of the campaign. South African media described the average McCain supporter as "stupid white Americans" (a quotation of some other American commentator). Most international media were singing the mans praises. Yet reporting on the actual politics was rendered to campaign commentary and not on the political realities of each mans stance. There is a de-facto notion of the great American socio-political system and so it is rendered as non-reportable.

Yes it does mean alot to the greater public. Every black child in the world will undoubtedly be influenced positively in some way by the very notion of a black AMERICAN president. The politics may continue to be the same, but the impact of a black man as president of the United States on a global conscienceness is huge. And InshaAllah, Iraqis will find some relief with this man at the helm of the American government.

>> He has, as far as I can see, not suggested a viable solution to a single aspect of the corrupt greedy capitalist system that ills America.

The solution is? Any ideas?

>> Its like people are celebrating the American Political System's ability to elect all kinds of weird media darling personalities to the Presidency. While all the problem go unanswered.

I can't believe it. I agree with you on something. But I think that when your definition of problem is United States of America, the problem will always go unanswered.

Congratulations on the birth of your son!

This is the best possible thing that could happen for Muslims in America. And yet, we should want more?
Personal recognition maybe? In his first acceptance speech?

There have been much much worse campaigns in the past.

"It has been the most sustained and aggressive onslaught of anti-Muslim hysteria ever foisted on the American public."

Are you kidding me? Have you forgotten what happened on Sept.12,2001?

Maybe nothing happened to you or your family- but plenty happened to me.
As I worked at the polls yesterday- I sat at the information desk and directed voters to their district, and looked at many many many ID cards, and many many many Muslims voted.
At the end of the night, we counted the votes on the machine- it was solid 66% Obama to 33% McCain almost mathematically perfect!

A deomcrat in the Presdiency.
A democrat majority Senate. (That is BIG)
A democrat majority in the House.

I have never seen it before.

I am in liberal democrat heaven here.

I don't have time to worry about what it means to Muslims, as I am more concerned with what it means to ALL americans.

Well, it was close. 55 million voted for McCain, 62 million for Obama. This has to tell you something. What is it??? Considering Obama outspent McCain 4-to-1 and how unpopular the Republicans were this year, I find the 62-55 statistic amazing.

Last time (2004) it was 62-59 for Bush, so if someone would have asked me, I would have guessed 76-58 to Obama this year. But guess what, the extra 12 million voters I thought would vote this time around, did'nt materialize! So all this talk of high interest in this year's elections was hogwash at the end. Americans are apathetic to the election circus as usual. As a result, Obama only mustered an extra 3 million votes over deadbeat Kerry in 2004. This is an astoundingly low improvement considering his popularity and the money he spent this year.

YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aah, MRS.A, I should have added "in a political campaign"... 5 a.m. mistakes

Jesus. Mrs.A.'s keyboard is acting up again.

Congrats on the birth of your son...may he enjoy a future of promise, opportunity & hope, amen.

I have to disagree w/ the pessimism from hajibaba - this is not the time for cynics, but instead a time to celebrate the opportunity to forge ahead in a non-partisan manner! Go Mrs. A!!

"America truly is the place where all things are possible", says President elect Obama - he symbolizes integrity, intellect, & unity to me.

My 17-year-old son has always dreamed of becoming president...his dream is kept alive by Obama's achievement last night. My son is an American first & foremost...he also happens to be a Muslim. To echo Powell's sentiments "What's wrong with being a Muslim?" Absolutely nothing! I know Obama isn't a Muslim - let's move beyond the discussion of race/religion to embrace pluralism, tolerance, & the meritocracy which IS America - I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Yes, America has its faults - what country doesn't? But I choose to stay here, work hard for change, & define my future on my own terms...anything is possible in America.

>>By now, many American Muslims were wondering why Obama, like Powell, had not adopted a more principled defense of Muslims himself.

Zahed, I wonder that, too. But, the answer is merely another question: "What's in it for him to do so? What would he gain versus lose?" Like Muqtedar said, Obama doesn't need us and doesn't need to cater to us, either. A shame, but true nonetheless in my opinion.

"Aah, MRS.A, I should have added "in a political campaign"... 5 a.m. mistakes"

Ooops, ummm, well---I'm sorry!
Never mind!!!

Hajibaba you so crazy.

>> Obama outspent McCain 4-to-1 and how unpopular the Republicans were this year, I find the 62-55 statistic amazing

I think you'll find he outspent McCain by about 30%. And I think that answer of his funding is probably also in the broad based support that he needed to muster and encourage to vote. Many for the first time.

>> Last time (2004) it was 62-59 for Bush, so if someone would have asked me, I would have guessed 76-58 to Obama this year.

Alot of people voted for independents too.

>> let's move beyond the discussion of race/religion to embrace pluralism, tolerance, & the meritocracy which IS America

Admittedly, I think this is the ideal of Americans and its a good ideal, but I don't think its necessarily an absolute truth about th structure of the society. However, if you are "American first and foremost", what does that say about your humanity or your Imaan

>> I am in liberal democrat heaven here.

It is a without a doubt a good thing for people who respect liberty and freedom. But remember, the demographic in the vote is proof that people aren't focussed on liberal or conservative issues. AIPAC is influential, but so are Oprah and Kanye West. I think this is merit to the civil rights movement too. The applied effort of many African Americans has reaped a very notable reward. The symbol of American racialised establishment has been significantly eroded in the minds of many white American children.

>> By now, many American Muslims were wondering why Obama, like Powell, had not adopted a more principled defense of Muslims himself.

He would have affected his support base and not have been elected. Because Muslims are a new edition to the American voice and haven't worked nearly as hard at civic action as African Americans or other minorities have. Muslims also seem to have an anti-American bend in their dialogue, by what I encounter in this forum.

Congratulations to Abu Hussein- actually to both of them!

>> and haven't worked nearly as hard at civic action as African Americans or other minorities have. Muslims also seem to have an anti-American bend in their dialogue, by what I encounter in this forum. <<

Yes Ghulam. And I think the politicians recognize that too. 80% of American Muslims are either immigrants, or first generation-born of immigrants, or disenfranchised Black Muslims (aka by their idiotic moniker African-American Muslims). As a result, they are either not privy to the benefits of the 'corporate middle class' America or are all too familiar with the 'anti-Muslim' American Foreign Policy of the past 40 odd years.

As a result, I would theorize that they are a marginal voting group best ignored by the politicians in this decade of anti-Muslim sentiment. I would also say that American population in general is not too involved nor interested in the Government's foreign policy. We have a sort of a DISCONNECT, as a result, and thus when people like DH make tart comments such as....

>> embrace pluralism, tolerance, & the meritocracy which IS America<<

....those of us who see America primarily through its foreign policy, cannot help but laugh and pee in their pants. The same applies to the economic policies of the Government. The ability to print money at will since the elimination of the Gold Standard 40 odd years ago, has given the Government a virtual blank check to indulge in irresponsible behavior without being held accountable by the population who would otherwise bear the cost in taxes and vote with their pocketbooks.

We actually have three different Americas, not one, each massive enough to rank in the top 20 economies in the world on its own right, each with its own dynamics, albeit with some overlap.

- Regular Mainstream America of 300 Million people eating and fornicating 24/7.
- Military-Industrial Complex (incl. most of the US Government)
- The Financial Markets (a sort of giant Un-regulated Gambling Casino and Currency Printing Press).

>>> - Regular Mainstream America of 300 Million people eating and fornicating 24/7.
>>> - Military-Industrial Complex (incl. most of the US Government)
>>> - The Financial Markets (a sort of giant Un-regulated Gambling Casino and Currency Printing Press).

These are very prejudiced statements in one way or another because they're so general. The notion that you can label one of the most productive nations on the planet that has high levels of volunteerism and religious practice as well as civic participation (relative to other countries), as being "300 million people eating and fornicating" is mostly false and completely insulting.

The military industrial complex has existed for about the same forty years that highly questionable foreign policy has existed. But its a product of the free market system, and while it is powerful it can also be regulated, and in particular by how Americans exercise their vote. Its not a product of the country but a result of the cold war and not entirely a function of the society itself.

Ridding the world of the Gold standard is not the same as ridding the world of unregulated financial markets. Its a simple problem initially created to rescue the global economic systemf that created the federal reserve aka "The FED". Most Americans do not understand that this federal reserve is (1) not actually owned by the government and is (2) used to artificially "stimulate" the economy and (3) increase certain private banks holdings of Gold (directly and indirectly). Its run on basic principles, but lack of oversight and misapplication of economic principles has caused some difficulty. For the most part, the FED has had a positive (though possibly haraam) effect on the Global economy.

Calling for the Gold standard to be restored is silly. Not everything can be valued in terms of a limited resource. I'm sure the worlds economy is probably larger than the planets ability to supply gold for its economic exchange.

All of your "issues" can be resolved through promoting healthy values through the free and accessible civil society, and improving the accountability and system of governance of a country. Note that in global standards, the USA already has very accountable government with high standards of governance.

Simple examples can serve as evidence of the opportunity to influence the nature of these institutions. Like South Africa and the UK, where legislation has been changed and reserve bank rules have been relaxed to allow for halaal economic transactions to take place. The problem in the US isn't that change can't happen or government can't be influenced, its that people aren't working hard enough to educate the public and address the problems with the government.

And I still cannot understand the notions Muslim of "immigrants" who view the country as the protector of Jahilliyah and Oppression. No Muslims would have moved to Makkah after the Hijrah, not even for a mountain of gold. Simply painting the USA as the monster is just too hollow to ring true. BTW ~ are 80% of American muslims really immigrants? How do you think these immigrants view Yusuf Estes, the national chaplin?

Most of the US government is not the Military Industrial complex. Most of Americas economy is not unbridled gambling, money-printing presses or financially hedged trading instruments. Most of Americans are not eating, fornicating or gambling in their spare time. Its just absurd the way you need to define this society and people. Its atrocious and ill-informed. How many conspiracy theories are you going to indulge in before you start checking the facts? You're so intentionally ignorant, its rude.

Ghulam: we have a national chaplain? And its Estes...?

>> How do you think these immigrants view Yusuf Estes, the national chaplin? <<

Well, Ghulam, odd you choose Yusuf Estes for an example. Yusuf Estes after converting to Islam has more often been found hobnobbing among the immigrant classes, he has developed into something more Bilal Phillips then Hamza Yusuf. Awesome guy, I love Yusuf Estes, one of my favs. Now that is a REAL Muslim. No racist 'American' label dangling front or back of his 'Muslim' there. More Mrs.A. then OmarG.

Well Mrs.A. I wonder if you had the opportunity to read the bio data of Rahm Emanuel, Obama's new Chief of Staff. Ouch. There ya go, don't say I did'nt tell ya so. Boo booo. Just to add spice to an already simmering pot, naming your baby Rahm 40 odd years ago is like choosing Osama for your baby's name today, both names come with some heavy heavy baggage. Quite the irony considering the baggage associated with the boss Obama's name itself. Hah. Life's little ironies.

Obama will be the one calling the shots and while Emanuel will have the president's ear, he is no Joe Lieberman, and will not oppose basic, moderate measures such as returning east Jerusalem to the Palestinian authority. Besides, he was a ballet dancer and married a shiksa, that doesn't sound too scary to me.

Did anyone read what Emanuel's dad told an Israeli newspaper about Arabs? Abd I thought that woman at the McCain rally was bad ...