Political Punch

Where's Hillary's flag pin? Where's McCain's most of the time? No where to be seen. It's a phony issue.

Obama gets hammered on this, because he made it an issue, all by his little lonesome. He made a big point of how some people portray fake patriotism by wearing a flag pin, but then act in an unpatriotic fashion. OK, live by the sword (or flag pin), die by the sword. He's the one who made it an issue, so he's the one getting questioned about it. The other candidates have not, so it's not a deal for them.

And now Obama has changed his tune, too. Some would call it lying.

' I am happy to have that debate with them anyplace, anytime."'

Mr. Obama,

How about addressing it on the Bill O'Reilly Show so we all can see it, live.

They have audio of him saying he does not wear the pin because he does not respect it!! Look it up!!

Obama YOUR A LIAR!!!

Okay:

If you expect to be the President of the United States someday, you had better start respecting the flag or the flag pins a lot more! If you win, that is who you are; that is you identity. Yes, maybe the United States has made some mistakes, but who doesn't? Just put it on. Your mother, I'm sure would say "just do it". You're crazy if you think that it is not important to Americans! We are proud and so you should be also....so wear it....and then make your changes if you happen to win. Okay??

Chris in Indiana (oh yes, we care here and I hear that we might just be important to you, so next time I see you put that pin on)...Go America!

I have that picture of him stored on my computer. I just went back and looked at the picture. Tell me how one sings with his mouth shut. Another one of his lies.

People in America you are being dooped SO BAD by the media, the Clintons, John McCain and the Republicans!!!!!!! We are talking about what a man wears on his suit coat when gas is approaching $5.00 a gallon in some places, food prices have gone up, unemployment is up, healthcare cost are ridiculous, etc. How blind are you????

Well as my grandmother used to say a hard head will make a soft behind. A lot of Americans are insane. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. If you put either Hillary or McCain in office that is what you are because they have been in Washington for 30+ years with all of their experience and have done nothing that has stopped or slowed down any of this. Now they want the opportunity to run the country? ARE YOU SERIOUS?????!!!!!! If America puts them in office it will be on the people that voted for them. I will have a clear conscience because I won't participate in the further demise of this country.

I notice Obama wearing a T shirt with
the initials 'USMC'.
Is he a member of the US Marines?
Does his wife approve of that, since
she seems to to be ashamed of the US?

The President of the United States traditionally sets an example on patriotism to help unite the country. The pin is not that important except as a example of an almost childlike refusal to do what is expected of him: "I will NOT wear my boots, Mom, you can't make me." For crying out loud, just put the stupid pin on and quit wasting everybody's time!

What is AMERICAN?

Freedom of expression -- as long as it does not harm others

Freedom of Religion -- the place where Christians both Protestant and Catholic, Muslims, Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientologists, Atheists, Agnostics, Jews, and any other religion can worship or not

The right to gain wealth (in a legal/legitimate manner, of course)

The opportunity to become educated in practically anything one chooses

The country founded and developed by people from everywhere on this planet who have the right to observe their ethnic cultures

and the American Government is in place to protect these "freedoms"

What is ANTI-American
are those who desire to continue to oppress or deny others' freedoms

There is nothing Anti-American about protesting a war that is destroying COUNTRIES and their native inhabitants (thousands) under the "ruse" of finding a few "terrorists"

There is nothing Anti-American about expressing your shame that your government engaged in this ruse

There is nothing Anti-American about admonishing your government and military to aid those countries who actively seek and request assistance, and leave alone those who do not

I find nothing unAmerican or Anti-American about the Obamas

Nimrod Gently - I hate to burst your bubble, but socialism has always been a part of the U.S. policital scene. Currently, Bernie Sanders, the Senator from Vermont, describes himself as a "democratic socialist." Democratic socialism advocates socialism as a basis for the economy and democracy as a governing principle. In 1912, labor leader Eugene Debs, representing the Socialist Party of America, received 6% of the popular vote or president.

The American flag was created by racists,at a time when blacks had no human rights.Would you wear something that your people were enslaved under?

from Racheal: "Frankly, I think the press in this country are a disgrace"

Racheal, how many opportunities more does the press have to give Obama? To be real honest with you, If Obama can't answer the question well, that isn't the fault of the question. Obama even misquoted himself in the article! Get real Racheal, it isn't about his skin color or his name, it is about whether he is credible, honest, and cares about this country enough to be leader of this nation. If he even has to misquote himself, (some would call that lying), that is not a good sign of his leadership abilities. Have you seen the whole video of him not putting his hand over his heart at the appearance in Iowa? And his excuse, "I was really getting into it." Cut it out and get real. It isn't Hillary or the republicans bringing Obama down, Obama is doing a good enough job of that himself.

I am going to say it straight, because I am sick of people hiding behind these claims that Obama is not patriotic.
Hillary does not wear a flag pin, ever! I don't see John McCain wearing a flag pin either. Are they called unpatriotic?! NO!!!

Obama gets called this name because he has the name he has, and because he is black, and because he is running for the presidency.

The fact is that if Obama was a white man, with the name Bob Barker and he didn't wear the flag pin, just like Hillary, and John McCain don't wear a flag pin, noone would be questioning his patriotism.

But Obama is black, and he has a unique name given to him at birth by his parents, and he is running to become president, so automatically his patriotism is being called into question.

I really wish that people would just come out and say what they think, and stop hiding behind these accusations of Obama being unpatriotic.

The fact is the press didn't seems to think Obama was unpatriotic the 12 years he was serving his country in the Illinois Senate, and then serving in the US Senate. The fact is Obama's patriotism was not questioned until he decided to run to become president.
All of a sudden the black man with the funny name, who doesn't wear a flag pin all the time, (the same man who served his government as a patriot for 12 years, who served the people of his state for 12 years), has the press suddenly trying to paint as unpatriotic.

They do not want a black president, and the best way to have that to come true is to try to paint Obama as unpatriotic, with zero proof to back up that claim. The press as well as John mccain is using insinuations, and guilt by association claims to try to convince the public that this is true.

Frankly, I think the press in this country are a disgrace, speculation, and guilt by associtaion claims DO NOT prove that Obama is unpatriotic. And no one in the press seems to have the guts to say that anymore.

Since when is it fair that OUR character gets defined because of the words, and the actions of someone else.

Since when???

Look up the word "socialist" before you use it. You don't have socialism in America and no-one in the Democratic party is one.

I have never seen a better or more eloquent and knowledgeable explanation of what
is at stake in this election than that of Greg
Nubeck, and the following post of Final Answer.
I had totally forgotten that Bill Clinton did make
the announcement of his fiat for the Red Hills of
Utah from Arizona to avoid the fallout.
It's so disheartening to read the posts of those
who would vote for Obama (by the way, he
HAS lied, so many times) or Edwards, another
socialist. They obviously haven't bothered to
fully research the intents and ambitions of all
the candidates. Even those of the very one they
support!
The final word on what is at stake in the upcoming
election are these words from Greg Nubeck:

"ANY TIME you vote for a
Democrat, ANY DEMOCRAT, you're unmistakably multiplying the capacity of
these LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS to continue to promote their radical
agenda, and to bring our Nation to its knees. A circumstance that no
external power ever could have accomplished.

The ability to restore our Nation's status; and, to sustain this Sacred
Land that the RATIONAL MAJORITY so proudly calls AMERICA, resides in
your hands at the ballot box."

 Greg Nubeck

Unfortunately for Obama, the press has pieced together a narrative about him being unpatriotic. No flag pin, no hand over heart, Michelle Obama says she has never been proud of America, and the big one, sitting for twenty years listening to a pastor who screams "God damn America." I, for one, do not believe he is unpatriotic, I just think he will not fight for American interests as vigorously as Hillary. I think that, out of his Rev. Wright inspired belief that America has been unfair in its dealings with other countries, he will not always put America first. Many, however, do believe that he is unpatriotic, possibly even a Manchurian candidate. The narrative has begun to stick. McCain and Rove will build on this narrative in the fall and destroy Obama with it. The entire premise of McCain's negative campaign against Obama will be to paint Obama as a socialist, Black Power, left wing radical who does not share middle American beliefs. Given Obama's inherent sense of elitism, his core constituency of hard core liberals and inner city Blacks, and his unwillingness to mix it up in a debate format, it is hard to see Obama fending off these kinds of attacks.

So he said, "I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest." But I say sorry, it doesn't matter what your convoluted reason is for refusing to honor a flag and the nation it symbolizes, it only says one thing, and that very clearly, that you are not willing to identify yourself with that nation. That is the issue! America has never done anything good? America has never been generous? America has no concept of liberty, justice and fair play? America was not founded on noble principles? Obama is not willing to stand by that accumulated good and increase it and improve on it? Obama is not willing to examine the concepts of those who founded this nation and see how he can realize their aspirations? Does Obama even know what they had in mind? No, I suggest that Obama has very little interest in these underlying principles, and his real interest is to appear acceptable to those who support him elsewhere in the world. WHO, for instance? Those who have stated that they want to impose Sharia Law on the United States? Better dig out your flag pin, sir, and pin it prominently, and better salute the flag and stand respectfully when the National Anthem is played. Without the strong house of North America to live in, you will all be exposed to the terrors and cruelties of 5,000 years ago, the ages and ages of brutality and destruction. Do you doubt it? Look at the ruins and wreckage of nations and civilizations lying in the dust everywhere in the Old World. What destroyed them? The disastrous cruelty and evil that human beings inflict on each other. Do you think you are safe from that dark past? Hardly! It is only the Constitution of the United States that protects you. Do you even hear what the terrorists are saying? They want to destroy your nation and kill every infidel in it. That's you! Did you know you are an infidel? I am an infidel, and you are an infidel, Jake Tapper. Do you not even sense the waves of hate coming at you because you persist in following your own conscience, in being a Christian, or an agnostic, or an atheist? Better turn up your radar.

Obama's lack of forthrightness on a LOT of issues is beginning to take a serious toll on his credibility.

He arrogantly seems to believe the voters, even the ones in his own party, don't deserve to have their concerns about his contradictory positions (NAFTA, capital gains taxes, et al)even be addressed. He evidently truly believes that trite Hallmark greeting card sentiments like Hope & Change should suffice for the bitter unwashed masses.

Faced with growing evidence that Obama is a very different man behind closed doors than he is on the stump reading from a teleprompter, whether he's indulging in elitist condescension on Billionaire's Row, bathing himself in the toxic swamp of racial & religious hatred in the nave of Trinity Church,or supplicating himself to cowardly anti-american extremists in Hyde Park, voters - yes, even liberal ones - are justifiably concerned.

Yet rather than stand up like a man & reconcile the mounting heap of hypocricy upon which he's been caught redhanded straddling athwart so weakly, he hides from the stark contradictions in his character like a timid five year old child.

Any other politician would have seized the ABC debate to clarify his vague positions & assuage voters' growing doubts about the paucity of his qualifications & the glaring disparities in the content of his character.

Instead the DNC's golden boy wilted like a hothouse flower, curled up into a fetal position & whined about 'distractions' put forth by a biased media.

Say what? Good Lord, if Barrack Obama can't hold his own against Charlie Gibson to defend *himself* , I shudder to think how he would hold up against Kim Jong Il or a crazed ayatollah defending the rest of us!

If he wants the people out here who have the obligation to protect their children & grandchildren's economic & social welfare, he's going to have to do better than vote 'present', retreat into the cloakroom to eat his waffle anytime the going gets a little bumpy & the situation requires a little leadership.

WOW! You know it's pretty bad when a former first lady seems to be toting around more hardware in her underwear than the presumptive frontrunner for the democratic party nomination does.

Take away the teleprompter loaded with speeches his wealthy white handlers have written for him, and it's painfully obvious that there just ain't a whole lotta there there.

But then, this is what primaries are for, no? We get to discover who these people really are.

In Obama's case, a besotted &, I now believe, a profoundly racially paternalistic national media allowed too many of his warts to remain hidden for far too long.

Neither Hillary or Obama are any more "patriotic" to THIS Federal Republic than say, Hugo Chavez.

Just as with his "spiritual advisor" and "old uncle", Barack Obama does not respect the American flag or those it represents. Obama's only real concern is himself and what he can gain.

From its inception, Obama and his campaign has chosen to treat anyone in opposition, including Hillary Clinton, with the same lack of respect.

And now, Barack Hussein Obama doesn't even have the respect, or courage for that matter, to debate his opponent on the issues.

Change and leadership...Obama style.

The only way he is going to make this flag pin issue go away is to talk about what is really at the heart of it....love for this country. He needs to talk about what he loves about this country, what he thinks makes it great (besides the fact that it made his story possible), the good it's done in the world, and the goodness of our citizens.

I don't know why he can't see that Wright, Ayers, the flag pin, and Michelle's "I've never been proud of this country", are all the same problem. Or if he can see it, why he won't make the right argument against it. Hint to Obama: don't actually use the word 'patriotism'.

Wonder whether FOX will ask Obama about Alice Palmer tomorrow, while the tender candidate is "taking them on". THAT should be interesting ...

"I've been a big believer in Edwards' message since 2004, I pushed him aside"

Better get back to being an Edwards supporter: the best way for the Democrats to salvage something from this season of dirty tricks and media manipulation is to nominate EDWARDS -- the best of the candidates, and a Democrat rather than a "post-partisan".

Nobody hates Edwards -- or Mrs. Edwards -- and he has the strength to deal with dismantling the totalitarian structure put in place by the right, un-hijacking the military, and the depression.

I CAN'T for the life of me thought I would vote for Hillary just because she is a woman!!!! That's right world, I was planning to vote for Hillary just because we both share fallopian tubes.

Eventhough, I've been a big believer in Edwards' message since 2004, I pushed him aside for that horrible - horrible person. Well, thanks to her and Bill I have since woken up and now Obama has my support.

History has not been good to women in this country, at least not as far as power position is concerned, but it won't be made right by voting for this clown. This woman is deceptive and a animal - and that is saying it nicely.

The rest of you do what you want. But do you want to start a war over Hillary? Do you want this country to implode into 3rd world status? Do you want to turn control over to the Republicans for the next 20 years or so? I can guarantee you, it will be a stand off unlike any other. One side will want to teach the other a lesson and Repub. will end up ruling - think she is worth it? Do you think they, the Clinton's, would sacrafice themselves for you all? Get real. You avg. people are NOTHING to the Clinton's. even Hillary has said so.

"I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest"

but then says "sometimes I would misplace it and so I didn't always put it on."

Friggin LIAR.

"It's interesting to note that in nearly every photo of McCain lately, there is no pin. NO PIN. What can this MEAN?"

He's trying to drive Obama crazy with that and the Ayers stuff. (And it seems to be working.)

Meanwhile, it looks like puerile goose Pelosi is going to let all Bush's Iraq stuff roll on through November. So McCain must be one happy fella, all in all.

"Apparently [Obama] thinks Americans are too dumb and bitter to pay attention and compare what he says with what he actually does."

I agree, but when it comes to primary voters, at least, I think he's in error on this. He looks like a chicken, possibly going home to roost.

No need to debate now, Obama will be taking over the government.

July 4th is just around the corner, time for another FLAG BURNING AMENDMENT attempt. It's a big election year too, so it will be plenty of publicity... and then it will fail to pass as it always does. Maybe we need a mandatory flag pin wearing amendment for everyone running for political office.

It's interesting to note that in nearly every photo of McCain lately, there is no pin. NO PIN. What can this MEAN?

Now, if America is going to get picky about whether or not someones has a flig pin on their shirt, PLEESEEeeeeeeeeeeeee,

The Man's a Senator of the US Congress, how much more patriotic can Sen. Obama get

If you're so picky, then you RUN for the White House.

Shame on you all for lying about Obama just so your candidate can win.

Obama protected America by passing a bill to secure nuclear weapons. His actions prove he's a patriot.

What idiocy. I had thought that the electorial college was the worst thing put over on Democracy but every election year listening to all the idiocy from the politicians and the public and maybe it is not such a bad idea. Let the elite rule. After seven years of this adm. the country is in the worst shape it has ever been in and we're arguing trivialities instead of solutions. All three of these candidates have baggage and skeletons in their closet; you can dig up bad dirt on ALL of them. The GOP is probably on its knees thanking its patron saint to see the Dems. shoot themselves again. They will be laughing all the way to the GE. The Clintons have done a job on Obama just like they did on Gore. They have managed to divide blacks, pit latinos and whites against him and help close the gap in the polls. It will be dificult for Obama OR Clinton to win now. McCain will get us eight more years of the policies that got us into this situation; the price tag in Iraq alone could be 5000 dead, 40,000 wounded and 1-2 TRILLION dollars of welfare for that country; he says that we are there to the end. Seems that Hillary has more in common with McCain than with Obama; she has provided the GOP with enough material to use against him and has turned off a lot of people who might sit this election out because of it. Thats politics; we never seem to learn.

unfortunately, love for the country alone, wont do it. im sure all three canidates love the country, thats not the issue. its about the fundamental differences of the governments role in the citizens lives and the worlds eyes that matters.

sue.. oh believe me, i know why he wont do it.. lol i never took his side on it, just pointed out why he wont. but im not sure if its necesairily because of his inexperience. i just think its because of the lead he has, and realizes if he can get the negative attention off of him briefly, and not put himself in a tricky situation, he will get the nomination. its just politics. hillary or mccain would do the same thing. its not due to weakness, its strategy.

tim, I agree that Obama is avoiding debates because he "just wants to take the least bumpiest road" as you stated so well. But his apparent fear of debating is due to his inexperience and frankly, his being not very well versed on the issues. The Oval Office will be filled with bumpy roads, and Obama won't be able to vote present or deflect the issues he isn't comfortable confronting. By refusing to debate, he's proving his weakness. He's weak on the issues - and he's even too weak to face Hillary in a debate. I hope everyone thinks about this before casting their votes on May 6th. I can assure I'll hammer on this point when I'm making phone calls on behalf of Hillary in the coming week.

exactly how is the "bloom" off of obama??!! he is the "chosen one" for the democrats. if it werent for hillarys last name, this wouldnt even be an issue. that coupled with all the ones who have came out and "backstabbed" her and billy boy?! believe me, barack, whether you like it or not, is your boy. and see, thats what i love the most. there has been soooo much hatred between these two from democrats, that there is noooooo way he will beat mccain in the general!!!

"unless the super delegates totally screw him over, obama is the democratic nominee. thats the bottom line."

Not true at all. The bloom is off Obama, now that his fairy tales are unspinning, and the media's silence showing some cracks. And there's no reason to suppose there aren't further revelations right around the corner.

Unless the Democratic delegates want to lose the election -- which actually MAY be the aim of two out of three of their "leadership" -- they're not going to nominate Obama.

and also, omn the debate thing, why do you people need any more debates?! if you haver been paying attention, do you not know where they stand on the issues yet?! see thats the thing. people are just looking for soundbites to go on, so they want to put them on the real world so they can watch every move they make. its not too complicated.. judge where they stand on the issues, judge their personalities and important things to you and vote!!!!

sue.. unless the super delegates totally screw him over, obama is the democratic nominee. thats the bottom line. now, do you think he would do something risky and off the wall like a one on one, no moderator debate at this stage and risk some dramatic turnaround??!! and why do u think hillary is offering?! because she needs a miracle right now. its all politis. its not because hillary is miss "staright talk, not scared of nobody". she is losing and desparate, and obama just wants to take the least bumpiest road.

"Obama and Clinton have debated 23 times. I am personally sick of them."

Actually, the two of them have debated only four times. Things are changing quickly -- especially the depression, or whatever you call it, and there are state and regional issues EVERYwhere.

Obama's fear of debate is sure to make the superdelegates, as well as undecided voters in Indiana, North Carolina, etc., more aware of Obama's preference for avoiding any spotlight his forces can't completely control.

He reveals himself as a wuss at every turn.

Obama doesn't have it. Most of us learn our school song, we have pride. Some have tears in their eyes when we sing Frances Scott Keys song The Star-Spangled Banner,"God Bless America"
Obama is not U.S. America Presidential material.

TK, do you mean that the White House is white like Hill the Bosnian General or McNasty the incompetant condidate of the republican side? God bless America and God bless Obama.OBAMA08.

i couldnt agree with you more ann. the best reason not to vote for this guy, is because of his associations with rev. wright. i know, i know, that sounds bad, and sounds like something a right wing, racist would say, but its absolutely true. aside from the fact that his views on the issues are just plain suicidal,(as are most of hillarys) you have to wonder the TRUE mentality of a guy who willingly went and listened to this type 0f hatred for 20 years. very scary. anyone that really believes in his good looks, charm and idealism really need to think about this.

Well then burn the American Flag too as it is a symbol of a country that loves freedom. Pins, flags and apple pie should all go but they stick around because we are proud of our country. It probably is inviable that the Muslims will take over the world as we are no longer together as Americans. Just in yesterday's news the Muslims want GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) changed to Muslim time. It probably is appropriate that we elect a man Barack Hussein Obama during this time in our history. Opps sorry, I was not suppose to use his middle name, lest I offend someone. The facts are he was brought up a Muslim, maybe not by choice but in many cultures it does not matter. By the way, his Pastor is very ill --- I listened to all of the sermons and he hates white people, and America ---this comes from his voice and you can't take it out of context---it is what the man preaches. The Pastor said that Obama NEVER spoke or used any of his words....my goodness, lights out....Obama took the title of his sermon "The Audacity of Hope" because it matches the topics in his book. Obama believes what he has heard for some 20 years or he would have never stayed at this church.

i agree with you ann. this type of stuff is just modern day political distraction. and the sad part is that more and more americans are falling for it. if there isnt drama somewhere, we have to make it. we live in a throw away country. whats here one day is gone the next because we are obsessed with the next best thing and drama. why do you think the media covers it so much?? BECAUSE ITS DRAMA!!!! AND DRAMA SELLS!!! its just that americans, for the most part, are falling for it.

I don't wear a flag pin every day. Nobody I knows wears a flag pin everyday. That does not mean that I do not love my country. It just means I don't have to use a piece of jewelry to take the place of my convictions.

This is one of the most stupid distractions I have seen in a long time. Is a little brass pin made in China going to end this war or bring back jobs to my state?

Someone tell Obama that placing your hand over your heart is out of "respect". Wearing a flag pin is out of "respect". Yes, he forgot at least twice as I saw him without his hand over his heart and he was not listening to some woman sing but facing the American flag. I really don't care if he forgets now and again, but I think because he is a leader he should be more thoughtful and not have so many memory lapses. To the many men and woman that have fought wars, to the many men and woman that have gave the sacrifice of their lives to keep America "free" I think it is a little thing to ask to show some respect. Obama seems to feel this is no longer necessary in his "new" America and changes forthcoming. It's a good thing that the millions that have died cannot come back and vote.

sorry, my last post was for kim, not andrea... lol

The flag pin issue is a pathetic and scary reminder of how far the United States has come in the 21st century. I took the time to check out past videos and pictures of Presidents going back to Harry Truman. I think they were wearing lapel pins in less than 5% of the shots I saw. Here is the irony screaming under the surface of all this: here is a country that keeps talking about individual rights, freedom of expression, etc. and yet the ABSENCE of a lapel pin is evidence that someone is not patriotic. Are most of you too young to know what McCarthyism means? Check it out -- the Dark Ages. There must be a million ways people can express their patriotism, some of which are not observable. To choose one way as the ultimate over others is bizarre. Barack Obama's patriotism is expressed in a way that almost all of you reading this will never have a chance to use as your expression of patriotism, but in a way it IS the ultimate expression of patriotism: he's running for President.

Hey markymark,

I AM watching Obama very, very closley as I am watching all the candidates. That is why I know that Clinton did not authorize us to go to war with Iraq, but rather to use force if necessary after all other means of investigation for finding WMD were exhausted.
We need to know every aspect of all of these candidates’ lives as they are vying for the highest office in the most powerful nation in the world. To not do so would be a disservice not only to America, but also the world.

The point is that according to his own words Obama made a conscious choice not to wear the flag pin to send a message. Well we got the message. He's not proud of his country. This country is not perfect, it has made some terrible mistakes, but if you don't love it, appreciate it's amazing history and people, and believe in its greatness and potential all the time then I don't want you leading it!!

I think its incorrect to say Obama makes wearing a flag pin as unpatriotic. I think if you can pinpoint when he does you are watching Obama very very very closely for someone who disagrees with him. (I don't need to watch McCain 24 hours a day to work out that I wouldnt ever support him.) What he is saying is that some people hide unpatriotic acts behind the ostensibly patriotic act of wearing a pin, and act as if wearing the pin is enough. I personally would say that voting to send US soldiers to invade another country illegally is an unpatriotic act, and no amount of pinning a flag to your chest is going to excuse that.

Is this important?

Nope. Next. I am TIRED of questions about flag pins, etc.

Well, Andrea, the flag pin and the "support our troops" bumper stickers HAVE become a symbol that is relatively meaningless when those who sport those bumper stickers don't truly support the troops, and when congresspeople wearing flag pins vote against medical care and other benefits for veterans.

Obama 2008 -- Yes WE CAN!!!

It is not about the pin at all. It is that he insinuates that it is a dated symbol that can't substitute for true patriotism. Although I can agree with him on this to a certain extent, it is in his arrogance that he thinks he knows how to act as a real patriot and attempts to make wearing the pin a negative act.
This is a common theme for Obama- deflect questions by insulting the questioner by insinuating that they are silly, typical or disingenuous for asking.

A Clinton plant for Gods sakes let us go onto the important things in this country HEATING OIL GAS FOOD and shortage of Housing lets get real people before it is way to late.,....

I truly haven't caught BO in any lie but Hillary has flat out lied to the people about certain things and said she 'misspoke'. I don't get how she gets away with a flat out lie but BO is such a bad guy because of a few 'feelings' folks have about this man.

Also, when it come to the pastor/BO connection, I wish people would be smart and just listen to or read the whole transcript and get the true message that was given. It's not anti anything... it's the hard truth about the government. The US Gov. has flaws and it's not anti - American to say so.

ok, so let me ask the democrats here... why is it that hillary wants to offer a one on one, no moderator, debate with obama?? do you REALLY think if she wasnt behind and trying anything possible to stay alive, she would actually do this??!! quit defending your "god" and think about that. its all politics people. and barack is just trying to stay conservative with his lead, and campaign. no bumps in the road. the only ones that could win this for her is the super delegates. and believe me, after the way they have treated her, and backstabbed her and bill (finally), that isnt going to happen. not in a million years. the dnc has made the decision: obama is the canidate. they have too much invested in this guy.

"This man has some severe lapel pin
issues... LOL"

... for a person whose handlers decline to say who MAKES the suits.

Obama: "I am happy to have that debate with them anyplace, anytime."

So ... the touchy candidate IS willing to "debate" -- about flag pins. Macho patriot-blather, coming from the candidate who actually REFUSES to debate.

Maybe Clinton could challenge him to debate only FLAG PINS, if only for the fun of seeing him back down from this blabla.

well said brian. only in america. as a conservative, i loooove seeing all this believe me. i mean, they basically are the same canidate, but the democrats are becomming sooo divided on this!! i mean, its a good thing come time for the general, but this is just amazing. only in america.

Let us not forget that Obama made this an issue by the intial response he made at the time in IA, he could have simply said he forgot it that day. Every time he or his campaign or supporters look down on anyone who questions his intentions with this issues, acts as though that person is dumber than rocks to even assume that this could be a hint at what he really thinks. I can't believe how the Obama campaign and the press criticized the woman from PA who asked this question during the last debate. It is a legitimate question for some people and instead of always giving a patronizing response, he may take into consideration how people may feel about this issue. This is just another reason why many moderate and rural Americans see him as an elitist snob.

And we let someone who would not vote for someone over the issue of wearing a pin vote? Only in American.
Probably allowed to drive too. Scary.

the only people the are truly comming on here to bash obama on this, for the most part, are hillary supporters. you democrtas have made this into an all out, party dividing war. hate to say it.

You know, you people who are talking down Senator Obama for not wearing flag pins, etc., do you really think that you are being patriotic? Because you are not. If you really cared about America, you would open your ears and shut your mouths so that you could listen, and take a responsible part in the dialogue which Senator Obama is trying to promote. If you want "bad" government, then keep promoting hypocrisy, and keep criticising others who are trying to promote a healthy dialogue about bread and butter issues that affect "real" Americans. Meanwhile, you can stick your lapel pins where the sun don't shine.

the biggest contribution of middle westerners and southerners has not been the wearing of lapel pins...it has been the sacrifice of their children in iraq and afghanistan...we are still patriotic in middle america and even though we oppose the war, serve our country...

you liberals will never understand

and the reincarnation of mcgovern (obama) cannot fathom that either.

Hillary 08@!!

What country's flag does he love anyway? Surely not the country his own wife condemned!

the biggest contribution of middle westerners and southerners has not been the wearing of lapel pins...it has been the sacrifice of their children in iraq and afghanistan...we are still patriotic in middle america and even though we oppose the war, serve our country...

you liberals will never understand

and the reincarnation of mcgovern (obama) cannot fathom that either.

the biggest contribution of middle westerners and southerners has not been the wearing of lapel pins...it has been the sacrifice of their children in iraq and afghanistan...we are still patriotic in middle america and even though we oppose the war, serve our country...

you liberals will never understand

and the reincarnation of mcgovern (obama) cannot fathom that either.

Listen up!....Hilary Clinton was never on top of anything...Bill was! Let's get the story straight. She only started running once Barack Obama took 11 states back-to-back. You unpatriotic hippocri