AP
June 20, 2008
Two Muslim women barred from sitting near Barack Obama during a campaign photo op have received an apology - from the senator himself.
On Monday, campaign volunteers told Shimaa Abdelfadeel and Hebba Aref to leave a Detroit rally or remove their headscarves.
"I spoke with Ms. Abdelfadeel, and expressed my deepest apologies for the incident that occurred with volunteers at the event in Detroit," Obama said in a statement last night.
"The actions of these volunteers were unacceptable and in no way reflect any policy of my campaign."
Obama also called Aref and left a voicemail.
In his statement, he said, "Our campaign is about bringing people together, and I'm grateful that Ms. Abdelfadeel accepted our apology and I hope Ms. Aref and any who were offended accept my apology as well."
Also yesterday in Vietnam, Cindy McCain criticized Myanmar's junta as a "terrible group of people" and vowed to fight for human rights there if she becomes first lady.
