Jon Stewart is right in condemning the MSM as essentially worthless. Quit wasting your time on irrelevant nonsense. People are being killed and tortured worldwide by means of US policy and this is the garbage you people focus on? For shame.

Why is it that we have to focus on non-issues such as this? I am more preoccupied with Obama's statements with regard to Iran and Pakistan than whether or not he wears a meaningless decoration on his suit.

Besides, Obama is right. Many people use symbols to take he place of actual patriotism. True patriotism is standing up for liberty (you know? the ideal this country was founded on) and confronting those that mean to strip it from us.

Ron Paul refuses to play Divide and Conquer, am I supposed to be surprised by that?

Seriously, why is this relevant? Instead of asking Paul/Obama for their opinion in this stupid non-story, why not take the same time and ask them both to compare/contrast each other's opinions on a major issue like healthcare or something. Then at least readers get the benefit of being informed about something.

Wow! I guess breaking into the top tier of the Republican candidates means that Paul will now be bombarded with irrelevant questions in an effort to disparage the other side for no real reason. I can't see how Obama wearing or not wearing a flag pin has anything to do with anything affecting the country directly.

Yes, there are bigger things,lets concentrate on the real morons who think losing in Iraq will be a good thing for this country. Im sure there are a few on this site. God knows part of our congress agrees.

We're on the brink of an economic collapse, police state, wars and more wars, illegal immigration, etc ... and someone is worried about a GD pin??

c'mon MSM - instead of keeping your eye on the ball, do you even see the ballpark?

Wow. You covered Paul and it wasn't even snide--of course it was a stupid distraction issue, but hey, you're getting better!

Paul said the right things though I kind of wish he had said something controversial so he'd get more press. (It's sad but true)

America is just a collection of ideas and principles. Some only see the flag or a flag pin as a symbol. To me it is a touchstone that means a connection to the idea of America.

I know in our very enlightened world today that silly things like symbols, honor, duty, and code are silly. It does not bother me that Obama thinks it's silly too.

However, to me, it is a tangible visible display of the touchstone I use to feel connected to the idea.

What do I know? I'm just a hatemongering, bigot, red state inbred. That's what all the progressive and "enlightened" masses state every day in all mediums. I doubt that I have anything meaningful to add.

Oh and by the way, the idea of America is powerful and beautiful. When you see one of those silly pins think about that.

I'll take a stab at the answer as to "why are we concerned/focusing on the pin?"

Why? Because it's easy for people to see. It's tangible. It doesn't require thought or comprehension to read the words in a story (or listen to them on the TV) and look at a picture of Obama and say "By golly gee - that candidate doesn't wear a flag pin. I bet he hates our freedom."

It's a sad, sad state that THIS is a lead story - story at all - and that there are more news articles about Brit's babies than states changing primary rules, predisential directives, executive orders, etc. But, those stories require investigation, journalism, and reading comprehension, all of which are lacking in today's dumbed-down, lowest-common-denomenator society.

That's why.

ABC News: While I'm glad that you are asking Ron Paul questions, you must understand that he is not one of these idiot Republicrats who wants to set one American against another or pretend that political attack = political discourse.

Americans are SICK of that kind of nonsense. Maybe you could follow Ron Paul's lead and not participate in the ti-for-tat garbage that passes for campaign news. Obama's pin tells me nothing about his political philosophy or the way he would deal with an issue.

On the other hand, Ron Paul's refusal to engage in this tripe does say something important about the good doctor.

I rather like this about Paul: He doesn't feel the need to sit in judgment of every action taken by other human beings.

This is really a non-issue, move to something of substance please.

"I don't get all choked up over yellow ribbons and American flags. They are symbols, and I prefer to leave symbols to the symbol minded." -George Carlin

Jim -

The American flag flying AS A FLAG symbolizes honor and duty. The American flag as a lapel pin symbolizes kitsch.

It is possible to be pro-patriotism and anti-kitsch. That would be my position.

Musically, I am also pro-Star Spangled Banner and anti-Proud To Be An American. Why? Because one is the actual national anthem, and one of them is kitschy garbage beloved of redneck punks.

I am pro-Gold Star Banner in your house window and anti-magnetic yellow ribbon on your SUV. Why? Because one represents an actual sacrifice for the country, and the other is kitschy trash purchased almost universally by nimrods.

Have you red state guys descended so far that you no longer only defend your bad policies by hiding behind patriotism, but now you want to defend the wretched taste of your material culture with it as well? Give me a break.

How can the mainstream media get any more shallow? Ron Paul doubled his prior quarter's fundraising and the AP blasts a story about Fred Thompson's trophy wife. Ron Paul is a statesman and should not be questioned by the media about such a trivial matter. Meanwhile the administration and the neocons are cooking up another war while Iraq drains the lives of our soldiers and drains our treasury.

What does Ron Paul think of the Obama pin?

Who cares?!?!?!?!? Lets ask some relevant questions!

I personally am WAY more interested in hearing what Paul thinks of Hillary's latest earring choice. and how well they match her pantsuit. Thats a way better topic!

Wow, are you kidding me? This is NEWS? Although I agree with Paul on the fact that he can't possibly know Obama's inner motivations, so why should he be condemning him or praising for that matter?

You covered Paul, but this was the best you could come up with? Inane.

I think this is quiet movement beginning.

Do you truly wan to end partisan politics?

Obama/Paul or Paul/Obama 2008

These men could truly work together to change our nation. The realist party '08.

A breath of fresh air, but they would never agree on healthcare, ever.