Barack Obama’s campaign expressed outrage over a cartoon on the cover of The New Yorker magazine, which depicted the Democratic candidate in Islamic dress, burning an American flag in the fireplace of the oval office. Many have condemned the cover, which hit newsstands on Monday, while the influential magazine defended the cover. Obama spokesperson Bill Burton called the cover tasteless and offensive catering to right-wing critics of the Senator, but believes that most readers of The New Yorker will find it equally offensive. Obama condemned the cartoon, calling it an insult to Muslim Americans. “You know, there are wonderful Muslim Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things,” he told CNN’s Larry King. “And for this to be used as sort of an insult, or to raise suspicions about me, I think is unfortunate. And it’s not what America’s all about.” The campaign of Republican candidate John McCain also condemned the cartoon, saying he believes it’s totally inappropriate.
