Face it there is a lot of people out there who do not know any better. They still believe Obama is muslim, Obama doesn't have respect for the flag, Michelle Obama isn't proud of this country, etc., etc. Those feelings/ beliefs will just be reinforced when they see this cover. Not understanding that to some it's satire. Yes, the New Yorker cover did what it was supposed to do - gain interest. I still believe that it was in poor taste aside from what the uninformed believe or see in it.
I do not like the representation of the American Flag in the fireplace or the making of a Presidential candidate as a terrorist - satire or not. Would people here be happy if they had a cover making fun of McCain constant showcase of his imprisonment?