“There is an ugly specter haunting this 2008 election, the specter of Islamophobia. Both candidates have so far refused to visit Muslim organizations, but haven’t hesitated to visit Christian and Jewish groups. The message is clear: Muslims are outsiders, beyond the pale, perhaps exotic and even interesting in certain ways, but also dangerous, because being seen with them could have unpredictable political results. In electoral terms, American Muslims are the new untouchables.”

Lawrence Swaim at In Focus, 8 August 2008