The death of a former Obama campaign worker in a car crash on Friday sparked conspiracy theories online from some conservatives and MAGA supporters.
The theories, which are unfounded, show how Barack and Michelle Obama are still the target of activists in their attempts to baselessly link prominent Democratic figures to wrongdoing.
The Context
Former Obama campaign worker, Peggy More and her wife Hope Wood were killed in a car crash in California on May 10.
Peggy Moore and Hope Wood were passengers in a Jeep pickup truck that collided with a Chrysler sedan. The incident occurred after the Chrysler veered into oncoming traffic and collided with the Jeep, near Fallbrook, San Diego County, according to California Highway Patrol.
The 60-year-old man behind the wheel of the Jeep was also killed, as was the driver of the Chrysler.
What We Know
Moore and Wood met while campaigning for then-senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008, where Moore was the campaign's deputy field director for northern California, according to her LinkedIn profile. Moore also served as the political director for Hillary Clinton's presidential primary campaign in California and had a significant role in Diana Becton's campaign for district attorney of Contra Costa Country. She also worked as a senior adviser for Libby Schaaf, the former Mayor of Oakland between 2015 and 2017.
The couple went on to found Hope Action Change in 2019, a political consultancy organization that focused on diversity.
Schaaf led a wake on Saturday night for the couple and speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle said, "I'm in grief for democracy. Moore is someone who believed everyone should have a voice in government."
Views
Conspiracy theories began circulating on X, formerly Twitter, not long after the news broke, mostly shared by Trump supporters and fellow conservatives.
The theories suggested that there was a link between the deaths of Peggy Moore and wife Hope Wood and Obama, with users saying that the couple had died because of "what they knew."
It is not clear what Moore and Wood are supposed to have known. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as an "accident" and labeled the case a "Non-Homicide."
Self-described MAGA supporter Roberto Alaniz posted on X: "At this point, Obama and Hillary have more accidental deaths going on with their inner circle than Mafia staff members." Alaniz's X bio describes him as an NRA Benefactor-life member and a conservative.
User @LuckyMcGee wrote: "An Obama Campaign official was just killed in a car crash. Nobody really cared much about Obama's personal chef "drowning" last year, did they? Any more of their close circle dies tragically, and I'm gonna start thinking they are trying to keep up with the Clintons."
Those comments reference baseless claims about the July 2023 death of Tafari Campbell, who worked for the Obamas as a chef, and numerous debunked conspiracy theories about the deaths of former associates of former President Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Vicki Magadonian, who describes herself in her X bio as an "Anti-Feminist" responded to the death of Moore and Wood, writing "Was the driver of the Chrysler an illegal alien? If so, they really won't want anyone to find out."
A press release from the San Diego County Medical Examiner detailing the incident only identified Hope Wood as one of the deceased.
X user AJ Huber, who describes himself as a "MAGA Patriot" and highlights his support for Trump's 2024 re-election campaign, expressed a similar conspiracy view: "The most dangerous job in the world must be working for Barack Obama".
Another user, Santino reposted the news of the deaths in an X post, saying: "CONNECTING THE DOTS." A user commented on his post: "Another one bites the dust... wonder what she knew??"
There is no evidence that the deaths of Peggy Moore and Hope Wood are tied to the Obamas or any political organization.
There is no evidence supporting any of the conspiracy theories or rumors circulating online.
Many that were close to Moore and Wood shared heartfelt condolences and tributes to the legacy left behind by the couple.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee wrote in an X post: "I'm heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Peggy Moore and Hope Wood. Peggy was a friend, an activist and one of the best organizers I knew. Her passion and fight for justice and equality is what brought her and Hope together."
"Together they organized, changed hearts and minds, and helped create a world where who you love doesn't limit your freedoms," she added.
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About the writer
Marni Rose McFall is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on U.S. politics, social affairs and ... Read more
