Charities on Whose Boards Obama Served Gave to 'Controversial' Groups

October 30, 2008

Charities on Whose Boards Obama Served Gave to 'Controversial' Groups

Nonprofit organizations on which Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama served as a board member in the 1990s gave money to support organizations and causes that could be considered controversial, reports Fox News.

The groups — the Annenberg Challenge and the Woods Fund of Chicago — made donations or grants to organizations that included Acorn, the voter-registration group that has come under scrutiny recently for problems with its records; Trinity United Church of Christ, whose outspoken pastor is the Rev. Jeremiah Wright; and an institute at Northwestern University run by the wife of William Ayers, the Chicago professor who was once a member of a radical group, the news organization reports. Fox examined the tax returns of these and other organizations to develop its report.

An Obama spokesman responded by saying: “This is another pathetic attempt by Fox News to distract voters from the economic challenges facing this nation by patching together tenuous links to smear Barack Obama.”

Comments

My question is, why is the Chronicle reporting this out in the first place, and quoting Fox News, as if it’s a reputable news source? I have noticed the rightward tilt of this publication, but this is outrageous.
Considering that Acorn is required by law to turn over all of its voter registration forms for scrutiny, you have no story here. And the malign the Annenberg Challenge is simply an outrage.
You impugn Bill Ayers, who is a deeply respected member of the Chicago education community. Reporting on news stories that have already been discredited is not making news, and it’s irresponsible. You are a better publication than that.

— Andrea Oct 30, 12:53 PM #
We’re posting Fox News smears now and calling it philanthropy news?

Memo to the wingnut editors of this daily listserv: You’re going to lose. But go ahead and keep posting the canards about ACORN, Ayers, and Wright. All you do is drive more independent voters to vote for Barack.

— YesWeCan Oct 30, 12:56 PM #
competence AND character is what is needed. It was competent individuals who lacked character that got us in to the economic mess. So, placing importance on character is never pathetic. Who ever wins the presidential election, is going to assemble some of the smartest people on the planet to advise them. As we all know – this could be extremely dangerous or extremely good. It really comes down to character

— John Oct 30, 12:57 PM #
Wow, since when are the far left, terrorist groups like the Weathermen considered mainstream —even mainstream left? Bill Ayers and his wife are no more mainstream than the Ku Klux Klan!

— tom Oct 30, 01:06 PM #
Congratulations on your new PhilanthroSmears column! Is Michele Bachmann guest editing? It’s reassuring to see the Chronicle take a cue from Fox and start to address the REAL issues at play in this election. Classy!

— JoAnne Oct 30, 01:12 PM #
Fox News not credible? I guess that is why they have the top ratings of all the cable network news outlets and have for several years. Of course, if you want Obama to be elected, then his past associations probably don’t bother you. Just be aware that socialism, Obama style, will follow shortly. Should be exciting to see how his prior “relationships” play into his cabinet.

— John Oct 30, 01:20 PM #
What makes Fox News less reputable than the New York and Los Angeles Times? The Chronicle often quotes them as a news source, yet they are both known for their partisanship, and smear campaigns.

— Kevin Feldman Oct 30, 01:26 PM #
Shameful spreading of the poison which is all they have left to throw.

— Yes We Will Oct 30, 01:35 PM #
I applaud you Philanthropy Today!! Great job. It is nice to see that something is being said to try and clear the “smokescreen” and reveal the real truth behind Obama’s real motivation which is his underlying angst towards people of faith and distrust in America. People need to wake up and look into the groups and people that Obama has associated with.

— Lisa Gregory Oct 30, 01:45 PM #
Wow, doing what we’ve always done as a nation is now called Socialism? Furthermore, high television ratings don’t equate to responsible or truthful reporting. As for relationships, McCain is a buddy of G. Gordon Liddy, amongst others, and he explained graphically how to kill police officers and broke into Democratic offices to help Nixon win re-election. Sure sounds democratic to me. What did McCain have to say? “He paid his debt to soceity.”

— Michael Sell Oct 30, 01:47 PM #
Congratulations on putting out more birdcage flooring and allowing people to spit their venom at one another. You are a classy publication … low but classy.

— Geoff Oct 30, 01:55 PM #
Wow, I just recently subscribed to this newsletter and am shocked to see such a scurrilous “news” item posted here. These are non-issues at this point. Furthermore, if the contribution to the “institute at Northwestern University” is so egregious, then do some leg work and identify the institute so that your readers are fully informed. Don’t mislead people by omitting the name, thereby implying that the institute must be nefarious. It is the Children and Family Justice Center http://www.law.northwestern.edu/cfjc/. You really are out of line with this update.

— Brian Agne Oct 30, 01:58 PM #
Forty years ago they were no more mainstream than the KKK; I would hope/dream that we can acknowledge change and growth in individuals. If Bill Ayers were still advocating bomb-throwing, he would deserve all the opprobrium being heaped on him. I would like to see a more forthright apology for prior actions, but he is clearly mainstream now.

— Bill Wood Oct 30, 02:00 PM #
I have always held the Chronicle in such high regards but quoting Fox News? Why would you purposely ruin your own reputation in this manner? What were you thinking???

— Fabiana Oct 30, 02:01 PM #
This is vile on so many levels. The Chronicle has no credibility.

— Becca Oct 30, 02:03 PM #
Those quote marks around the word “controversial” sure appear odd. The Weather Underground wasn’t controversial? You think most parents wouldn’t want their kids to grow up and become members of the Weather Underground? You think the family of Sergeant Brian McDonnell of the SF Police would put scare quotes around the word controversial, as if the horror of his murder was simply another benign example of love and peace 60’s radicalism? You think the fact that Bernardine Dorhn and Bill Ayers were on the Most Wanted list for years doesn’t make them controversial? So what does the Chronicle consider “controversial“enough that the word doesn’t need quotation marks?

— Dan Oct 30, 02:07 PM #
the reference to “controversy” has to do with a south Chicago church that wanted to teach black children that this nation was founded on the backs of black slaves. Fox “News” would deny the history of exploitation that has brought this nation to its position of dominance. wake up.

— rawillis3 Oct 30, 02:09 PM #
Since when do ratings determine credibility! Jerry Springer must be psyched…I agree with Andrea – why is this being ‘reported’ in the Chronicle? And I’m particularly disturbed by the headline which explicitly implied impropriety waiting until the very end to offer any counter to the suggestion. Tsk Tsk.

— Gabrielle Oct 30, 02:18 PM #
It does seem odd to me that the Chronicle would post this story so close to the election, when these ties have been so widely covered already in so many widely read publications. I also agree with the comments above that the headline is inappropriate considering the content.

— Mark Oct 30, 02:28 PM #
Double Wow!! First, I’m surprised that a publication serving the social sector would participate in distributing campaign rehetoric and information designed to create fear and mistrust. Second, where is the news? We’ve heard all of this before. This information is just being reframed by the editor… for what purpose?

— jihunt Oct 30, 02:28 PM #
When all the left-wing media outlets malign McCain, no one is concerned. Fox News is the ONLY unbiased news outlet today, reporting both sides of the issue. Keep up the good work Chronicle – there is WAY too much about Obama that is being swept under the carpet.

— Sarah Oct 30, 02:30 PM #
It’s interesting that America’s pastime, Baseball, is actively involved in “Socialism”. Revenue sharing is keeping teams like Pittsburgh, Kansas City and this year’s World Series participant Tampa Bay Rays afloat. Without revenue sharing and taxes to help build stadiums these teams and all the jobs they create would be out of business. The Rays averaged less than 10,000 fans at each home game and they will still show a profit for the owners thanks to revenue sharing.

— Michael Sell Oct 30, 02:32 PM #
The liberal moonbats are howling mad that the Chronicle should print anything that questions the character or judgement of Lord Obama. I find it ironic that Bill Ayers would be the first to protest being called mainstream.

This is how news used to work. A reporter would sniff out a story and report it. If it had legs the rest of the media would either try to confirm or disprove the story.

But it no longer works that way now that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Questioned has arrived. Now any one who speaks against The One is savagely attacked by Obamaniacs from all sides.

Just ask Joe the Plumber how he liked his nationally-televised rectal exam after having disagreed with Obama the Magnificent.

It would be humerous if it wasn’t so dangerous.

— Rutledge Oct 30, 02:38 PM #
humerous = humorous
my bad.

— Rutledge Oct 30, 02:42 PM #
No it is yet another truth that hurts his campaign showing there are more ties than what he is admitting too. Seems Clintonish to me!

— Trent Walden Oct 30, 02:42 PM #
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King
Character matters.

— Tami Abramson Oct 30, 02:47 PM #
I am disappointed to see this publication allow for a biased headline such as this. In the spirit of honest and unbiased reporting, a full report on both candidates’ associations with charities would be useful – not a one sided attack that’s been played out in other media outlets. Get back to highlighting real headlines and stay out of the political dog-fight – it’s very unbecoming for a respectable publication.

— future leader in philanthropy Oct 30, 02:50 PM #
How can it be controversial if it is the truth?

— Jim Bockelman Oct 30, 03:29 PM #
Perfectly fine article. Isn’t it funny that ANYTHING said about Obama that is not worshipful is considered hateful and “biased”? The groups are definitely controversial, this has to do with philanthropy, and therefore this item is appropriate.

— Michael Smith Oct 30, 03:55 PM #
I am disappointed that the Chronicle would print this story when it comes from a disreputable right wing source. (Fox) Why did you choose to report this? Do you realize that all nonprofits will be in further trouble with McCain’s incompetence in handling economic policy. Obama has a broader understanding of our economic situation and has the leadership to turn this country around. Poor economic policy resulting in stock market plunges means less funding from large foundations like Annenberg and others. The Chronicle reports and depends on these funds as a basis for many of its articles. It seems the Chronicle would have a lot to loose if nonprofits do not receive funding. Advertisers for data bases and other tools would withdraw their ads if no one had the funding to purchase their products.
Bottom line- stay out of this political fight and one-sided attacks. And stick to what you do best. This article is very offensive to readers and is not becoming to any respectable publication.

— Barbara Teittinen Oct 30, 04:04 PM #
This guilt by association story is old, not news.
The Annenberg Foundation and the Woods Fund seem reputable to me. Obama or not, there must have been other fine people on the board who also voted on the grant decisions.
What about the programs funded. What were they? I would bet the funds were used to help the disadvantaged in Chicago.
I now read your e-newsletter with a suspicious eye. There seems to be a political agenda with some of your folks. Please stick to philanthropy. You may enjoy the magnitude of responses to the post, but this tangent off into presidential politics is disturbing. Please cut it out.

— Julie Oct 30, 04:23 PM #
The Chronicle owes us all an apology. I knew there was a good reason I couldn’t bring myself to renew my subscription this year.

To Lisa Gregory and Rutledge: a conservative is somebody who admires radicals only after they’ve been dead a couple of centuries. But feel free to keep slinging mud at Obama. We all understand it’s a desperation move and you have nothing else left to throw at him.

— gazooby Oct 30, 04:38 PM #
This is not the first anti-Obama “article” to be posted on Philanthropy Today. P.T. has posted at least 2 others than falsely implied Obama was guilty of some type of corruption or sinister relationship. Meanwhile, I’ve seen nothing attacking McCain for his associations (eg McCain’s associations with domestic terrorist G Gordon Liddy, anti-Semite Pastor John Hagee, or McCain’s wife Cindy who stole drugs from her own charity). Frankly, I don’t WANT to read those things about McCain and I would consider it unfair for a publication like yours to post, but it is the equivalent of what you’ve done concerning Senator Obama. I give these examples to point out that Philanthropy Today is about as “fair and balanced” as Fox News.

— Margaret E Oct 30, 04:42 PM #
Fox news is the only source that seems to report everything the other networks leave alone…CNN, CBS, ABC and NBC can report this as well, but they ignore stories that do not favor BHO.

— Jack Eckert Oct 30, 04:45 PM #
Chronicle has the resources to flesh out Fox’ news story. Were the causes legitimate? If the (majority) Republicans and Democrats on the Annenberg Board donated funds to be restricted to legitimate children’s causes, and the money was used for those causes, then this is a non-issue. Fox is not fair and balanced when it glosses over McCain’s Keating affiliations (or that his wife makes money by turning the poor into alcoholics) and picks on Obama for attending meetings once or twice a year with other Board members. They are trustees, not full-time employees. Fox is being elitist, knowing that most regular Joe’s have no idea what a Board is, much-less what goes on during a meeting. I am disappointed.

— Carole Oct 30, 05:07 PM #
Bill Ayers being a “respected member” of the Chicago educational communinity depends on who you speak with… having raised funds for several Chicago area schools, many want NOTHING to do with him or his wife. Only the most leftest of the left allign themselves with this couple.

— Laura Oct 30, 05:15 PM #
I was surprised to see such a partisan article in a publication dedicated to the nonprofit sector. The sector is here to better the world and the people in it. When all of us are working towards the betterment of society, why throw daggers at our own, when they’ve done nothing wrong in their current roles. Do we doubt our own educational institutions? Do we doubt the validity of what a group like ACORN is trying to achieve? I’ve been reading this publication since I began working in the nonprofit sector 15 years ago and always expected it to be there to inspire our own work through the example of smart, talented people and organizations doing incredible things on tight budgets and making a difference for our country and our world. Not only is this item not “news”, as pointed out by others, it is a shameful reflection on how we have come to hate our own people, even those that work beside us towards the same goals. No matter your political persuasion, we all want the best for our country. Let’s not waste our time pointing fingers. Let’s keep our eyes on the goals we seek together: improving lives, protecting the environment, and all the many other worthy causes we fight for every day.

— Jennifer Oct 30, 06:09 PM #
Fox News could not report the truth which they would never know how to identify.
This county has sunk to a rather low place but hope is on the way in 4 days

— larry0928 Oct 30, 11:14 PM #
I am (naively?) surprised that this would be reported as credible news. This has everything to do with politics and zero to do with philanthropy. My decision whether to renew my subscription to the Chronicle has been answered: Nope.

— bsr Oct 31, 09:04 AM #
You’re all a bunch of loons!

— Danny Oct 31, 09:17 AM #
Can’t we all just get along?

— Rodney Oct 31, 12:36 PM #
Comment # 27 is by far the most competent in this entire thread!

For everyone providing an opinion, back it up with substance, facts, or reason—NOT your opinion. If you cannot, then you are no better than any of the bias news stations, and, your opinion’s are about as valid as you passing gas. You’re just stinking up this thread. If you can’t get passed your own political agenda to debate this thread in a collegiate manor, then please, go away. Most of you are paid bloggers for Obama’s campaign anyway!!

— Get Real Nov 1, 07:12 PM #
#42 LISTEN TO YOUR OWN ADVICE!

— DB Nov 3, 10:45 AM #
This publication is normally so boring that I guess they need to do something to keep themselves going, including printing a lot of Fixed Noise garbage. An article worth reading occurs annually.

— bswell Nov 3, 03:12 PM #
So philanthropy can’t fund “controversial causes”?

— Steve Nov 3, 06:21 PM #
I not looking for political news from this publication and to site Fox news is political.

— jm Nov 4, 11:56 AM #
The Woods Fund of Chicago doesn’t object to Philanthropy Today printing a piece about our grantmaking. What we object to is not being asked by the reporter to comment on the charges being made about us. If we’d been asked, we would have said is that the grants our foundation makes are focused on helping low-income people have a voice in the decisions and policies that affect them. We don’t think our grants or the vital work of our grantees are radical or controversial activities. We think they are fundamental American activities and traditions – as American as the civil rights movement, the women’s suffrage movement, labor rights and the 40-hour week.

— Deborah Harrington, Executive Director, Woods Fund of Chicago Nov 11, 05:32 PM #

Commenting is closed for this article.

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