CNN

Ok folks, my turn. When I heard that Obama supposedly refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, I didn't take it for gospel. I checked for myself. I had to know... does he feel the same way I do about our country. If my presidential candidate could not or would not pledge (solemn promise) his allegiance (devotion, loyalty) to the United States of America...why would I want pledge my allegiance to him?

What's the big deal? When I say the Pledge of Allegiance, I am pledging my loyalty to my country & fellow Americans. When I hear the National Anthem, I listen to the words...and again, I am pledging my loyalty. To those who referred to the improper cheering or clapping at the end, if you really pay attention, it's usually starts around the verse " for the land of the free and the home of the brave”. For me, those words kick butt!!

I'm one of those who are still undecided as to who I want as President. I really don't care what sex, race or in all honesty party the future President is.

Many of you touched on important issues that need to be addressed by our candidates. Crime, healthcare, childcare, the homeless, “illegal” aliens and heck, let's throw in social security. And we definitely cannot forget the war. I remember why we first went. We were mad, scared, outraged. I remember my husband calling me at work, telling me about the first tower, and then watching the second, then hearing of the pentagon and the brave "Patriots" who died as they fought to take back control of the plane. I remember how many people were behind Bush then. We wanted revenge! We wanted justice & Saddam refused to let us in to get it.

And yes, I was blessed, my son signed up after the terrorist attack, went to Iraq & made it home safely. I still have friends who are there.

Please, don't misunderstand, I am not "for" the war, but I am for America & the many soldiers now and all those past who have fought & died for us. I will not dishonor them by talking trash about my Country, the President or the Military in general. I am what they are there for. Think about it...anyone still afraid of being attacked again...anyone...anyone…

During a Veteran’s Day Parade, as the veterans walk by, I am usually unable to control the sheer emotion of gratitude that comes over me. I am honored that they cared enough to fight for me. And I cry for those who have died for me. When I meet anyone currently in the military or a veteran, I make sure to thank them.

Our country & its bill of rights, all the freedoms we now have, speech, religion, etc. Too many people are getting ridiculous about their rights & freedom to do what they want, when they want. Don't want to say the pledge of alligance, hey, it's your right not to. Don't want to use a Bible to be sworn in, hey, that' your right too. Don't think the 10 commandments should be in the courthouse, hey, whatever. I am not against the rights of others, I leave others alone, you can believe / feel what you want. BUT, you shouldn’t have the right to voice your rights sooo much, that you have just stomped all over mine , and now my rights are being altered or taken . Here’s an example, I really don’t want to go around singing, “I’m dreaming of a white, holiday” or “O, holiday tree O, holiday tree, how beautiful your branches.” Our government was built on a faith based society...so for those of you who are offended...please, stop touching any and all money that reads "In God We Trust" ...( sorry, I couldn't resist ) )

ok, I started to get off topic a while ago. The point is this, it is important for our possible President to be patriotic, he or she must love & believe in this country.
For those of you who are not or do not, answer me this...why do so many people risk their very lives just to get a chance to live here? We do not have to fear being jailed, beaten, raped or killed if we speak against our government. We just have to worry about being shot on the freeway, in schools, or even our homes. Our possible President must love & desire to help all the people, no matter the color, race, social status or religion. If they are caught in a situation like this one, they should be able to say, "you know what, I made a mistake," or "in my family, we were taught to show respect this way, and I apologize if I offended you"... not try to throw the blame elsewhere.

And yes, they must be able to figure out a way to safely get our troops home.
This does not mean we go & protest at the funeral of a soldier.

For those of you who read through my little tirade, I thank you & I hope I did not overly offend.

Thank you again from
A Patriot. A Wife. A Mother. A Daughter. A Christian. An American.

Well I'll let ya know one thing, after all this fuss...I bet not ONE of us will ever thinking twise about putting our hands over our hearts during the National Anthem again. lol

This pretty well proves what I've been thinking. For a presidential candidate to pull this sort of thing shows only that he is not loyal to this country. His name and his actions should tell everyone in America he shouldn't even be running for dog-catcher over here. I can only pray that Bill Clinton is wrong...that the American people do not have short memories, and this action (protest) will remain in their memories long enough for them to keep him out of the presidency.

things like this is exactly the reason young people today are fed up with politics. typical political bs... viva la Ron Paul!

Excuse me, but this story is not irrelevant. If he believes it is his right to not place his hand over his heart in respect to this country... he has no business even running for President.
What kind of idiots in the country want a President that refuses to salute to the flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Just another example of a social-liberal's attitude. He tries to hide it but at moments like this it surfaces. I thought my kids to place their hand over their heart whether the pledge or the anthem is played. What is so hard about showing respect for our country through respecting those events, the anthem and the flag?

You idiots all need to get a grip. Really.

If this issue is THAT politically important, then we just need to start from scratch...

Robin Yulee Fl, I think, to quote the vernacular, that you must be tripping. Or playing a cleverly ironic joke. Washington, Lincoln, Franklin? Where were their US-Flag pins? It's not as though we didn't have the technology for men's fashion accessories back then. "our beloved US FLAG pin"? How many US flag pins do you own? And why on earth do all these superficialities determine your opinion of who does and does not love this country? Shouldn't actions speak louder than jewelry? Shouldn't one's attempts to better the nation matter more than whether or not one has examined the proper code of US conduct in regard to a few arbitrary words and notes like the national anthem? Get a grip.

I cannot believe that ANY of you AMERICANS would even consider voting for Obama. What a sad, very sad, day when our society would even ALLOW a person to run for office that REFUSES to wear our beloved US FLAG pin OR does not know the US code of conduct of placing your hand over your heart during the playing of OUR national anthem. Are you people NUTS??? I guess you are. Put a guy in to RUN our country who does not have a passionate LOVE for OUR AMERICA? What would our forefathers think of this guy? Really...think about that: George Washington, Lincloln, Franklin??? I think they would DEPORT him...Another reason why AMERICA is continuing its spiral downward in morals, values, and patriotism....Sad....

Come on folks... I can think of nearly a dozen legitimate policy disageements on which to question Obama, none of which involve a flag or whether he did or did not cover his heart.

Taking a swipe at Obama for something like this is simply a waste of everyone's time and frankly, a waste of your adult brain cells.

I don't agree with the guy, but this sort of alley-fight politics has got to stop. We can have our differences, but let us never forget that we are adults. We should behave as such.

Obama supporters said, it is not a news, who cares. If you don't care about Presidential candidates' spirit, what do you care about? Obama supporters are misled by Obama, he is not honest, his words and actions are not matched. How could he expect us to trust him? One picture is worthier than thousand words.

Let's see, you're supposed to put your hand over your heart AND face the flag if one is present. Wow. I could be wrong but I think I see a giant flag behind all those people and NO ONE is facing it! They're all unpatriotic slobs! Ya know what? When I was at boot camp we had an airman salute the Stars and Stripes with one finger and they still let him serve. Grow up people. It's a flag. It's a song. They're not religious idols. Those of you who will vote based on how a candidate recites the Pledge or sings the Anthem are plenty sick. What if this man were to be the greatest President in the history of this country? What if the world were to experience 1000 years of peace as a result of his election? You'll deny him the chance because he didn't hold his and over his heart. Our current Prez is greatly patriotic no one would argue, yet he violates the Consitution at every chance if it takes away from his fun playing army. OK so long as he holds his hand over his heart.

CNN, the most trusted name in news? Yup. About as trusted as the Globe.

At every sporting event that I've EVER attended, the majority of those in attendence put their hand over their heart during the National Anthem.....whether they sing or not! Sen. Obama is flat out wrong!!

Why have all of the super patriots ignored the violation of the U.S. Code that Bush committed when he attached a depiction of the flag flying from his "W" on his campaign literature and bumper stickers during the last election? Any use of the flag in advertising is a violation subjecting the violator to a $100 fine per violation. I guess he must hate America like Obama.

When applying for the most important job in the world (president of the United States), you would think the candidates would know the simplest things such as customs and courtesies when our national anthem is played. I don't think he's being unpatriotic, just ignorant. I don't know which is worse.

Brandie in Tampa,

You can follow me if you like. Just remember, I am not running for President!

Boy, every speech Obama makes he attacks Clinton. Someone calls him on whether or whether not you render respect to the colors while the national anthem is playing and it a Clinton dity trick.

Barack if you live in a glass house don't throw stones. And if you are going to attack the big kids you had better expect to get attacked right back.

It's nice that you all have negative opinions on him. How 'bout I follow YOU around 24/7 with a camera?

I'm CERTAIN I'd find something far worse than this about EVERY person in this COUNTRY. Beg to differ?

If you don't think he has values or patriotism, you really don't know anything about him as a candidate, let alone as a human being.

Go pass judgement on somebody else. Hey! How about yourself for once?!

Who cares what Obama did or didn't do? Are we in elementary school? Hillary has to keep her hand over her heart so the thing doesn't pop out. The woman is so heartless and full of scandal.

He was angry that it was a steak fry and not a chicken fry, So he was against everything that day!

Why the hell is this news?
Don't they have more important things to worry about than a presidental candidate not putting his hand up for the National Anthem?

A Picture is worth a thousand words. Obama, goofed and he should have admitted it. I think he beleives people should salute him. WRONG!

I would guess 90% of people did not know that. Next time you are at a baseball game, look how many people have their hands over their hearts.

I note some comments blaming Clinton for posting this picture but I have seen no evidence that Clinton or her supporters posted it. Not a good picture of her.

I am a die-hard Democrat, but even I know to put my hand over my heart during the national anthem. I could care less about the "pledge". When I'm at the ballgame and everyone else is drinking their beer, my hand is over my heart and I'm singing the freakin' anthem. Crappy voice and all.

This is such a joke. People are making a big deal over a man not placing his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem, yet most Americans muddle the words. We are such a hypocritical nation.

To all those people who are such patriots – why don't you concentrate on trying to get housing for all the homeless veterans out there (1 out of 4). I just love how so many people can find fault, but do nothing to help improve things that really matter!

Looks like he's a visitor from other country. Sure this would be an issue if he wins the nomination. Republicans will feast on him as unpatriotic american and he better be prepared. Democrats will have a hard time defending this man on the general election.

This isn't a dirty trick. This is the TRUTH about Obama and action speaks louder than words or should I say LIES.

This guy's got a lot to learn; I hope it's not at our expense. These things are basic. What on earth is he even a candidate for? Clinton's no better; she can't even see to it that a waitress gets a tip, she's got more important things to do like (pant, pant} try to run back to the White House. God help us!

I think Barack and the media are getting away from the real issues.

Hello CNN: Here is a perfect example of what is "wrong" with the "right" and what is "right" with the left... Instead of pointing out the possible errors in a candidate's future policies on the world stage, or his intentions concerning a domestic platform, the cretins in the opposite camp believe (maybe rightly) that the American public (voter) is still so unsophisticated and ignorant that they can, even in this modern era, be swayed by such a ridiculous accusation as "Look!! This guy refuses to put his hand over his heart when singing the National Anthem!! He must therefore be in league with the Devil, or at least a closet America hater!! Can't vote for him..." Conservative Republicans are really pathetic in their childish ignorance and hate-filled "logic". How long do we have to endure this?

@lacey Yeah, elect not-pro-war-but-not-for-doing-nothing Hillary, that is how we see change, elect another double talking politician. This story is ridiculous.

Just wondering...who was the patriot that got the Pledge confused with the Anthem?

Not at all surprising...first become President of the Greatest Country in the world then confess he's a Muslim and pledge his allegiance to Islam.

I saw a President put his hand on the Bible recently and pledge to defend the Constitution of these United States and turn right around a tear that document up,break an untold number of laws,sell the country to the Communist Chinese.etc etc.I dont plan on voting for Obama,but what do you call what that guy did???

Ok, for everyone that says this is not a big issue, Why the hell are you posting comments about it then. Furthermore, it is a huge deal. A presidential canidate should not be compared to a regular citizen; they are expected to know what the proper procedure is. This could be our future leader. For the people that are voting for Obama because you feel that we are blowing this out of proportion, you are ignorant.

FYI just for clarification for some folks there is an update from what they stated. This year a bill was passed that allows veterans to salute the flag even when not in uniform during the national anthem or at presentation of the colors.

I think there should be an e-mail
Obama’s utter words disrespect for older the generation,this guy has obessions in the closet, wheather it will be about us Americans Or the Clintons,Or Himself.

I hope every "old" men and women as you call them do not vote for you in Iowa,or infact anywhere,In the world,what a shame.putting the baby boomers down in the ground.

And this Photo should explain a little it doesnt lie though.You have no respect for American's,or the Flag,

"My grandfather taught me how to say the Pledge of Allegiance when I was one or two" then carry out what you learned. Obama's refuse means he doesn't respect our Country, he may think he is not a pure American. I am sure Obama think his God is higher than America also he said he is God, Joshua, so he is higher than Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. He cried "this is the classic dirty trick of the campaign". He is a big liar and he doesn't have loyalty to this Country. If this was a picture of Sen. Clinton, Obama would have been the first one to attack Hillary. Obama's supporters had many silly excuses but he is not trustworthy.

you want a picture of an unpatriotic citizen? how about george w. bush, whose only concept of "nation" is war profiteering for his masters on wall street.

I always think that Obama's upbringing by his african muslim father, and Indonesian muslim stepfather makes him a closet muslim, and not a loyal american. He has not fully detailed his life in Indonesia in his books.

Hussein Obama should admit his mistake and move on, instead of finding an excuse, blame others for dirty tricks. His presidential does not look presidential!

Yes, his suppporters should stop find an excuse for him. This makes you guys like a cult, a bunch of blind zoomby followers!

NObama 08!

Your explantion is ludacris, he is not to be trusted,misleading Americans,
Obama’s "lost" or purposely removed lapel flag pin ,the explanations from Obama varies,yes they do his ‘refusal’ to place his hand on the heart during the pledge of allegiance,the photo does not lie.who;s lying
we are in diffcult times Hillary for president

I find it amusing Obama is upset over this. If this had been a picture of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton with her hands at her side while everyone else had their hand on their heart, Obama would have been the first one to attack her. It's the only way he can win. Go Hillary!!!!

Almost all that I ever hear about in this campaign are superficial, foolish things like this. Can we please talk about the issues? Sheeeeesh!

Learn more about the psychological effects of this kind of thing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banal_nationalism

This is the silliest thing for people to worry about. The guy was singing along. People who are easily indoctrinated by things mentioned at the above article are the cattle that would think that this was a problem.

Having a commander-in-chief who, like many millions of people wasn't aware that politely standing at attention and singing during the National Anthem was the mark of an idiot, is still better than having a commander-in-chief who reads "The Pet Goat" while American is under attack and hundreds are dying in our cities.

it was shown, he had his hand on his heart at one time, and not in this video, so that means one time he is patriotic, and other times he isn't?
Once is enough for me.
I know where my heart is when either is played.

I understand now. Obama, e-mail – When people take something out of context, it changes the picture. I have had this done to me, something was taken completely out of context and made into a lie in a Civil Rights case and I was being charged for $7,120 of 10 months loss of tenant income that I never made this owner lose. Many more lies came from all of this also. This was a total surprise to me as I am a handicap person and do not harass or call anyone all night long especially when I did not know their phone number.
Usually police are called when someone is being harassed, no police came to my door = one red flag.

Rita – Indianapolis, IN :

--------------------------–

Susie in Austin–

Speaking of misleading, you make it seem as though Obama is only stating his opposition now to get support from anti-war voters. This is in stark contradiction to his record–he may not have been voting in the US Senate at the time, but he strongly voiced his opposition to the war consistently, from the beginning.

We all know the comments are moderated. I didn't complain about my post. Okay, thanks.

Next time I hear the pledge or anthem, I think I'll stick my hand in my pants during it. Just to spite all the petty pseudo-patriots who think stuff like this is important.

Oh yeah, and I won't say "under God" either. That'll piss you folks off too before you finally get a life.

Karen,NY wrote: If they want to play dirty politics so will we!

Please don't. This is why the American political process is a joke.

While Hillary was humble enough to admit her mistake of not giving a top performance in her latest debate, Obama has not admitted his mistake. Instead, he finds an excuse (putting his hand over heart not necessary) contray to the right protocol, and then blame others as a dirty trick.

This incident shows that (a) Obama is naived & inexperienced politically; (b) he does not own up to his mistakes, and blames others instead.

NOBama 08!

Isn't this America? CNN is getting too biased toward Hillary Clinton? As posted by K. Roe, Mason, Shouldn't Hilary's hand be over her mouth? Afterall, she voted for this war with no sound judgment. And now she complains it's all George Bush's fault?

To All,
I am a vet of the US Army. I do not place my hand on my heart during the Anthem. I have been to military ceremonies where the audience just stands quietly when it's being played. Please, stop acting surprise like this is the first time you heard this. You were never going to vote for him any way. You either a part of Hil's campaign or a crazy person. You should never question someone's patriotism beccause you never want yours questioned. Just because you have not served in the military, it does not mean you are unpatriotic. He is doing what his grandfather taught him. This also has nothing to do with a citizenship test (yes, I took that one. BTW, look at the other pictures of him during the pledge.

CNN: How about putting those pictures up with a headline as you did this one, then I would believe that you are not campaigning for Hillary. How about equal time for all candidates? What a concept!!!
Please let me hear from you CNN!!!!
Obama rocks!!!

Once again its blatantly obvious that CNN has nothing better to do than to throw cheap shots at Obama. He made his explanation perfectly clear. My grandfather told me the same thing, you sing the anthem and put your hand over your heart for the pledge.

Obama is the most patriotic man I've ever had the pleasure to meet. I got to shake his hand once after a rally. He cares deeply for this country and that will really count come election day.

Obama 08

You see, this is pointless news reporting right here. From the allegations to the response, it's really not important at all. Not when we are in debt, and fighting a war.

CNN should cover ALL candidates, and their stances, and not worry about where their hands are. I myself do not salute the flag, as the flag is only a symbol of the government and presence... the constitution is the actual symbol of the country. What I care about is the actual political backround of the candidates, not their personal lives.. not how many dogs they have, not what off hand comment they might have made 10 years ago.

Irrelevant article, and it is probably misquoted and misreported as well. Try to report properly CNN.

CNN is becoming annoying and foolish with these frivolous stories. There are many important issues for CNN to report on, but CNN is picking, choosing and contributing to the same bias of none news worthy. What happened to “CNN, the Most Trusted Name in news?” I guest it’s just a slogan...

I'd like to say, I never put my hand on my heart when I hear the national anthem, and I don't say the pledge of allegiance. This has nothing to do with how I feel about my country, and everything to do with how I feel about anthems and pledges. Ceremonial wankery aggravates me, and it aggravates me even more so that it is considered necessary in order for you to care about your country. All these things are is a form of brainwashing, conditioning you to show reverence to your country rather than critical thought. Reverence needs to be abolished, it's just a nicer name for delusion.

So he doesn't place his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is playing and he doesn't place his hand on the bible when swearing into office. Do you all really want him in the White House.

I am former military. It is taught that you salute the flag when the National Anthem is playing. If this man is going to be Commander-In-Chief of our armed forces, don't you think he should know this? This man is going to take us into change alright but I don't think it's the change any of us want.

why is this sort of rubbish important in a campaign? who really gives a flyin' fk? look at the issues. and vote gravel.

Can I just add that, from my memory of my Girls' State training, the hand should be shielding the heart and not covering the heart. When I salute the flag, it is with my elbow up and my down turned palm parallel to the ground. . .therefore shielding and not covering my heart.

I think this is very serious and very important. First Obama refuses to wear an American flag lapel pin. Wouldn't and American feel proud to have that pin on every day? Then, he stands quite disrespectfully without his hand on his heart. What is this guy – Anti-American?

So two things....why are there people on here accusing Hillary Clinton and her campaign of leaking this...I scanned the article twice thinking maybe I missed something..you people need to get a gri....this ticker thing and the ability to hide behind the computer screen is turning some of you into hate mongering lunatics...secondly there is a new article just posted about Hillary not leaving a tip for some waitress in Iowa...you hypocrites that are on here saying how trivial this issue is(which it is) hurry up and post your comments on that..already know how thats gonna play out...what a joke

My goodness, why doesn't someone question the way the National Anthem was being sung? That's more of a travesty than Obama not placing his hand over his heart!

No one buys that arguement Osama, opps I mean Obama

Seriously people, if Obama wasn't patriotic, would he really be running in the first place? I don't think so!

4 days in a row of absurd stories on Obama. If anyone doesn't get that CNN is on a hack mission against Obama they must be Fox News viewers confused on which channel they are watching.

Wow I was getting worried that Hillary might actually get nominated. Thank you America for showing me that you are smarter then these TV stations, and Analyst always trying to tell us how to vote.

OBAMA -08

I think that Hillary should stop played hard ball. We know that Obama is an African american,If Hillary want to play the race card try another deck.

I think I'm actually more concerned that the lady singing the National Anthem couldn't sing the correct lyrics!

The idiot should know that you place your hand over your heart during BOTH the Pledge of Allegiance and the Playing of the National Anthem. This idiot desires to be the Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces....I don't think so !!

I thought the same thing, sign the anthem and hand over the heart for the pledge. Also for the record, when I learned the pledge, it didn't have 'under god' in it.

Over the past 6 years I've realized why many people consider us idiots. I'm not anti-American. I'm just anti-stupid.

Obama says he is irritated by the claims that he didn't place his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. Well now he knows what it feels like when "people and the media" blow things out of proportion. I’m irritated that people actually believe that he didn’t vote for the war. The writer “Sarah” said, “I won't elect a president who didn't have the good judgement to say no to this war.” Well, I wouldn’t want to vote for one that misleads his own supporters in order to gain advantage.” Obama was a State Senator in 2002 and not a US Senator. He was not eligible to vote! He couldn’t have voted for or against the war even if he had wanted to! He needs to clarify that to his supporters and quit misleading them. In my opinion, he is the candidate not be trusted.

If you look closely,Sen. Obama is holding his stomach, as if he is suffering from nausea. When one listens to that rendition of the National Anthem, it should come as no surprise that he may be feeling a litle sick.

I am extremely happy to read that Obama did speak out re: did he or didn't he "refuse" to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the very Country he wants to be President and Commander in Chief of. After all, his platform is "Restoring the Trust of the American People in it's Leaders."
If he had chosen to exercise his "Rights" to Speak out and Act Against this Nation rather than Repair and Build Her UP, then I would have exercised My Rights to Vote for someone else and exercise My Rights of Free Speech and Faith.

I also learned in school, hand on your heart during the pledge, and sing with the National Anthem. There are people out there that will look for anything.

The US Flag Code states:

"During a rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart."

An American should KNOW this.

All my life I've only seen people place their hands over their hearts during the Pledge. OH DEAR, I GREW UP AMONG TERRORISTS! Up until now I've been equally divided between candidates, but now I think I might vote Obama just because I can.

"I wonder if Hillary Clinton put her hand on her heart when she voted for the Bush-Cheney war in Iraq."
Excellent. Props to you and to the guy who posted the quote from Henry V.

I've never put my hand over my heart while singing the national anthemn

clearly, I should now flee America for being so unpatriotic.

I can't wait to cast my vote for OBAMA!

Unfortunetly, in certain parts of America if your name is Barack Hussein Obama and you are running for President, you have to be sensitive to any attacks on your patriotism. I'm not voting for Obama but it's not because of this.

Christine, ND

I agree, that singing rendition in this video was horrible. That explains Obama's participation. I think the audience could not tell if she was singing Happy Birthday or what? Or maybe he was thinking, “ Are we being Punked” Is Ashton Kutcher out there?

Betcha he's got "Hail to the Chief" down pat ...

In this campaign everybody will and knows that if you slip , that you can expect wide media coverage on it .

Now the image is going to be a BIG problem for Obama and it is going to be used in every way possible as a Political tool, no doubt !

Thank you Obama! I can't tell you how many times I've seen people put their hands over their heart for the national anthem. Why??? When did this become the correct thing to do?

Obama just doesn't get it. Photos don't lie he should just admit he made a mistake and move on. Stop trying to blame the clintons for your own inexperance.

How many times have you been to a game or any event where people do not have thier hand on thier Heart during the National Anthem

here's the real story:

National Anthem Butchered Again

Obama haters need to find something more productive to do with their time. Go show SUPPORT for SOMEONE. Stop wasting time putting a GOOD MAN down. People in this country are so consumed & self-righteous that they have to put anyone and everyone down instead of focusing on getting good things out–about their own candidates.

I'm not an Obama supporter, but this article is hilarious to me. If you wanted to be petty, you should be more afraid of the people posting comments here that don't know Obama is right. In fact, I remember as a soldier in uniform having to go out of my way to point this out to people at baseball games.

You people are a bunch of sheep!
(and, no, the House Sgt at Arms didn't confirm crap, or he would be an idiot as well)

Did you think running for the Presidency was a tea party. If you thinks it's rough now just wait till the general election. The Republican's believe that all is fair in love and war and to them politics is war just ask Hillary she's been through this before and survived.

Since Barack is the only one in the photo who knows when to put your hand on your heart...he just won my vote!!!
Good job.

GAIL..they are so low that a snake couldn't crawl under them. If they want to play dirty politics so will we! They will never accomplish helping anybody like this.

It is very sad and unfortunate to know that these are the things people are concerned with when there is a "war" going on that is taking away so many of our loved ones daily.

What's lost in that story is what a perfectly HORRIBLE version of the national anthem that was. Embarrassing.

Talk about double speak! Yes, some people have circulated incorrect emails saying that he refused to pledge allegiance. As a veteran, I think failing to place his hand over his heart and face the music or the colors being presented during the playing of our national anthem is far worse! There is US Code establishing the correct behavior, and if he had looked around, as the complete video shows, nearly everyone else was doing the appropriate thing! Shame on him, period. I'd forgive a momentary lapse of attention, but not intentional misbehavior and double speak!!

Why is this news? Anyone stupid enough to believe someone running for president of the country would not do the pledge of alligence is brain dead. Why is this even a article...what a waste of thought.

isn't it common knowledge to put your hand over your heart during the national anthem? Why does Barack think he's above it? TOOL!

Read the Code (whatever that is). It says "should" not "sahll". Guess what people, the US is a free country. Railing about these silly rules is for those who claim patriotism and to support US ideals, but have no concept of what FREEDOM is. Everyone is FREE to show (or not show) their patriotism as they see fit. The real story here is that there are people in this country who actually believe this is a reason not to vote for someone. That's scary!

So many of these posts ask the question, "Why is this news?" The answer is that Obama's camp has made it newsworthy. They are desperate to find some way to spin this away from their guy. This event was two months ago and this photo has been gaining headway on the Internet ever since. Most people blew it off until an actual video of the event showed the photo to be accurate, and simultaneously showed Obama's true colors. Increasingly, people are realizing this guy has no business asking people to hand him the reins of government when he has no regard nor respect for the values so many people hold dearly about the U.S.

no responsibility-no problem except no vote either

As many people have pointed out above...you do place your hand over your heart when the national anthem is playing (unless you're military in uniform).

For those of you who do not understand why this is important...I shake my head with sadness. This is the only country in the world where its own citizens do not have civic pride. You'd better believe the German Chancellor, British Prime Minister, or even the President of Tonga are all very familiar with the customs and courtesies surrounding their anthem and flag. Obama's goal is to be the one man the rest of the world associates with AMERICA (yes, in capital letters). If he can't (or doesn't) show pride in our national anthem...what else is missing?

...And yes, I am an Obama supporter. I find his rationale for this picture very distrubing, however.

"This is so irritating..."
Please! After all that noise about Hillary's poor debate performance, it now makes me wonder how Mr. Obama will handle himself when the going gets really tough! I suspect those that say Mr. Obama will require a lot of on-the-job training are right. He has some work to do on his leadership skills, coping with stress and lack of control over what other people say. I suspect our next President will get irritated about a lot more serious things for 4 years! The world needs a strong leader with stamina, not a whiner!

Conservatives can't come up with a real reason to trash Obama to they have to make one up. Who cares about this.

Of course this is a "dirty trick" photo. And, unfortunately, it works on too many people including my religious right sister-in-law who could not wait to send it to me to make some sort of statement, I guess.

As for appropriate times to put your hand over your heart, I fear many Americans are ignorant about this. I have been in many parades where the flag passes and the on-lookers just stand there or ignore it. And, just watch people at a sporting event when the Nation Anthem is sung. Many people don't know they should stand up or they totally ignore what is going on.

Let he who is not guilty......

As a young black woman I am deeply disgusted by the dirty tricks the Clinton campaign is pulling out of their large grab bag full of dirty tricks they plan to use if the race draws closer. The Clintons know only one way to win and that is by the politics of personal destruction. What they did this time is a high tech lynching of a Black man and despite reports to the contrary all blacks are NOT voting for Clinton!!

you know what i see alot on these blogs you can see people that have to be employed to just post ridiculous comments like for instance LAKISHA said a few blogs up that "she is an african american and offended about the racism that the clintons are inflicting by doing this to obama" number 1 NICE AFRICAN AMERICAN NAME just the fact that they are calling the clintons RACISTS about this ridiculous story should show anyone with a brain that is a fake post. lakisha thinks the clintons are racists!!! lol then you have people saying since obama is upset about this article "he doesnt have the mental toughness to run this country" well if you judge a candidate on this story and you can see that because of this ridiculous video that this man cant be president then you have no business voting OR blogging because you need to see what a candidate stands for NOT WHAT AN ARTICLE STATES ABOUT THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE!!!!!!!

Obama can say what he wants but as a child and as a Air Force Vet I was taught that even during the playing of the National Anthem, you face the flag or music ,If in uniform you salute, if not remove your hat and cover your heart with your hat or hand and sing along. This is forgotten by too many of our citizens.

we shouldnt be upset my Obamas stance-what we should find offensive is the disgusting way the national anthem is being sung-sounds like a cat fighting on a fence-shes disrespectfull–he isnt

Senator Obama is simply wrong. The United States Code (passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the President) provides that when a flag is displayed, "all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart." When a flag is not displayed, "all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed."

That's a shame.

If Obama actually said "During the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart, during the National Anthem you sing.", then he is wrong and should have known better. United States Code Title 36 Chapter 3 — National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem, and March

Clearly states what to do.
" National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner

1. The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.

2. Conduct during playing — During rendition of the national anthem—
1. when the flag is displayed —
1. all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
2. men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
3. individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
2. when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
"

A problem with conservatives, in general, is that they care more about symbols than the things they represent. They care more about wearing a flag pin than doing what's right for the country, they care more about posting the ten commandments in our schools than about following them in their lives, they care more about yellow ribbons on their cars than keeping our soldiers alive, they care more about declaring themselves patriots than about adhering to the values the country was founded on. Conservatives love their golden calves, all right.

Doug, I bet you mumble the part about us being 'one nation.' Clearly you hate most Americans for their political freedom. How likely is it that every Democrat shares the views of the most extreme party members? Are you a murderer like mad bomber Eric Rudolph? Why not, you're both Republicans? Slinging crap at the opposition party makes you resemble a monkey in a cage. Come on, all Democrats hate America? You're being played, brotha.
That 'spitting on the veterans' and 'blood on the flag' stuff is apparently an urban legend. I'm surprised too, but apparently it was always "It happened to my friend's friend." Why would anyone, even a protestor, spit on a soldier anyway? Most of them were drafted.

If Iraq war opposition is truly at a record high among Americans, why does anyone still support Clinton OR Obama? Neither of them will end the war, yet they supposedly lead the polls and represent the majority?

CNN, quit trying to tell us who to vote for. Your lies and smears are becoming increasingly obvious. Don't you know that once everyone wakes up to your propaganda machine, you'll be out of a job. That's right, I'm talking about you, the obedient drone who will delete this comment, as usual.

Tell that loser that you place your hand over your heart during BOTH of them. I hope it get around the USA and everyone gets mad.

This shows the difference between a Patriotic American and someone that wants to appear to be an American. Most Patriotic Americans put their hand over their heart during the National Anthem as well as the Pledge of Allegiance. Obama learned the rules from a book – not by living as an American.

Maybe part of whats wrong here is that more people aren't aware or don't care about proper Flag protocol. People who think it is unimportant need to think about the lack of respect you are showing to this country and all those who have sacraficed for it. As a former servicemember and the wife of an active servicemenber, I will tell you I find it offensive and disrespectful to me and that which I serve that people don't know proper protocol. It is a huge deal that someone who wished to lead this nation doesn't show it proper respect.

How many Americans know the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem word for word. Check it out the next time you're standing next to someone during a ceremony of this type, I have. And yes, this is a dirty campaign trick of how low can one go, can you go real low.

It is simply incredulous how so many people are now saying Obama is anti-American because of this photo and his choice not to wear the flag lapel, when he's running for President of the United States. This story is beyond reasoning. There has to be a more intriguing story to report on than this. You've disappointed me CNN.

Obama
When your running for president of the United States of America, the least you can do is put your hand over your heart no matter if its the PLEDGE OR NATIONAL ANTHEM. Its called CYA. In this case CYH

typical dirty tricks, this kind of stunt works on americans too, it just peels away a few % here and there. idiots everywhere, we get the government idiots deserve.

Another lesson in not believing everything you read, especially on the Internet. Actually, I think we should be more offended by that particular rendition of the National Anthem - it was painful to listen to!

SO FREAKING WHAT? Of what comfort is it anyway to have to receit the pledge? We would all do as much for our country as possible, the pledge is just a comfort mind-set for some people, why do we have to go through indoctrination anyway?

Forget the incident. Obama claims to have been taught the pledge of allegiance at the age of 1 or 2 !
How many 12-24 month-olds can even complete a proper sentence, much less the Pledge.
This bogus claim is either lying or exaggerating. Either way I think making this claim is worse than if he had disrespected the flag (which he did not).

Obama is crieng about this , Hey its politics , How do you like it now mr Obama to be the bullseye , Because you know they are going to talk about it all over fox and fox news radio , that Image is a powerful political tool .

Everybody knows politics is not fair , IF you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen -Hillary Clinton '08

OH come on! They fought for the reason to be free! You can place you had wherever you want, that is what freedom is.

Hillary needs to go back and remember the past when she completely ignored the people about Health insurance as 1st lady and decided to be a puppet for big corporations.

For the people by the people.

Maybe Mr. Barrack should take a look at Wikipedia he would learn that it is customary for American Citizens to place thier right hand over there heart and fce the music when the Star Spangled Banner is playing. Showing a sign of respect just as if you were wearing a hat, you would remove it.

I see the Clinton Machine is alive and sick. It's 'payback time' for making Hillary look bad during the debate. All those HillaryBots are blogging like crazy to take the spotlight off of Hillary and Bill. This is also an 'object lesson' to any and all candidates, that they may be next to get 'whacked', if they cross the Clintons.

I have seen Obama in the past not put his hand over his heart....But really it is not about him , it is about the CLINTONS feel as though Hillary has been exposed and will every dirty trick in the book to try and bury people.

I don't know ... my hand goes over my heart, I also cry (now) during our pledge and/or the anthem for our country.

I am ready to raise our flag each morning in the national symbol of distress ... we have criminals running our country ... we know it, and still they laugh at us.

How silly, I know that you don't put your hand over your heart during the Star Spangled Banner. The real crime was the lady singing it, I can't believe they let her butcher such an important song.

I agree with this being a dirty political trick, It's time to really get on with issues plagueing our country and leave out this silliness.

Mr. Obama is correct!

I don't know when people started placing their hands over their hearts during the playing/singing of the National Anthem! It is correct to stand in quiet respect or to sing along ... hand over heart during the National Anthem is something relatively new ... and which I think detracts from placing one's hand over their heart in pledge during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let's all go back to grade school, where we first should have learned this!

And ... to those who place their hands over their hearts during the playing of Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" .... stop it! Recognize that it is a patriotic country/pop tune!

I'm not a flag waving patriot ... but I try to be a respectful citizen.

You put your hand on your heart when you are saying the pledge, but when you are singing you stand there like some dumb fool who isn't following along with everybody else. Get back to work. Big debt people and yeah, that debt is GOLD.

http://www.golden-lamp.com

I wanted to educate everyone. The United States Code states that the hand is to be placed over the heart. Unfortunately, so many people are not aware of this protocol.

36 U.S.C.A. § 301

United States Code Annotated Currentness

Title 36. Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations (Refs & Annos)

Subtitle I. Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies

Part A. Observances and Ceremonies

Chapter 3. National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem (Refs & Annos) [FN1] March, and Tree

§ 301. National anthem

(a) Designation.–The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

(b) Conduct during playing.–During a rendition of the national anthem–

(1) when the flag is displayed–

(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;

(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and

(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed

Obama gets the last laugh.

Yup, keep on saying he doesn't respect America and that he is unpatriotic, all you are doing is shoring up his support amongst average Liberal Democrats and handing him the nomination. Seriously, I'm surprised that any democrat would put their hand on their hearts as the National Anthem is played, it is as if they don't know how to connect with their liberal Democrat supporters. You want the nomination dems? Show your loyalty to the move-on.org Soros libs that now run your party and throw some blood on the flag (yup just as you did to the soldiers returning home from Vietnam), you will have every lib kissing your feet.

I'd be irritated too, if every mundane action and non-action of mine was scrutinized and misconstrued to try to appear unpatriotic.

Obama's got my vote. He seems to be the only candidate in recent memory with any class.

the pledge of allegiance is a bunch of phony patriotic crap. the constitution deserves our allegiance and protection – not a piece of cloth. don't wear a flag pin – guess you're not a good american. don't salute the flag – bad american. sheep.

Seems to me CNN or FOX could interview the other 3 in the picture, report the answers from these people, and let the public get the real story. But the media today is not interested in facts, only viewership ratings.........

I don't see what the problem is. Just looks to me like he thought he was a backup singer.

I see Obama got it wrong again, During the singing of the National Anthem you place your hand over your heart If you are in the Military, You stand at attention with the right hand saluting the flag. I guess Sen. Obama enlisted to a different branch of the United States Army than I did..

Bush can't even hold a book right-side-up and he is the president. Why do we care about this? Why is this article even in the news? Why don't we try looking at issus this time around as to not elect another nutcase?

This will really get the facists going.

"Maybe if he had served his country in the military, he would know such basic flag etiquette."

Served his country like, say, Bush did? No, wait a minute. Bush phoned in his military service and passed it off like the real thing.

I do not think he has the loyalty to our country.

This is indeed a dirty trick... Very underhanded. That is, of course, the American way. Now imagine if someone who condones this becomes president. Hah... I'm going to Canada.

All these stuff 3 days in a row is not newsworthy and is just crap CNN is bringing...Can we say Barack won last debate and now we can focus on stuff that doesn't matter on him.....
Hillary is gown down and I don't think she will survive the coming elections...Americans are attentive than ever,

Sorry Obama, but when the National Anthem is played, those in attendance place their right hand over their heart...but only if they are actually a patriot or are expressing good sentiment towards that particular nation.

by not wearing the flag pin, on purpose, not putting your hand over your heart, you are very blatantly expressing your dislike of this nation and those who fought to make her great.

shame on you.

Obama stated

"During the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart, during the National Anthem you sing."

Any politician currently elected or running for any US political position needs to know the following United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 171, it states...

During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

For shame, for shame.

Wow…three absurd stories in three days about Barack. You guys must be getting scared. Too bad your smear campaign won't work. Voters in Iowa aren't as ignorant as most others. Clinton will get smoked on Jan. 3rd. But hey…keep on turning CNN into the Clinton Nomination Network. Your news network is becoming less and less relevant every day you post this garbage.

Posted By Dave, Milwaukee WI : November 8, 2007 1:22 pm

It is GABBAGE, cheap politics that is taking us nowhere. I just don't know who is telling me what matters in this country anymore.....Hillary the lady I thought has the right mind has started to play preschool game.
Well I might as well give Barack my vote because you know, I won't feel dupped and let alone at the end of the day....Go Obama!

Some of you people are disgusting Americans. I am not voting for Barack but I believe he is a good man and a good citizen of this country. This columns brings out all the sickos. Get a life or to go church or something!!!!

I actually believe that you should have your hand over your heart during both the Pledge and National Anthem. Is that really asking too much of Obama??

All military and military families know that your hand is supposed to be over your heart or you are to stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem–of course you can also sing. Maybe he is just unaware of how he is suppposed to behave. The others on the stage probably just have more experience and maybe respect.

I've never put my hand over my heart singing the national anthem. What time will I be burned at the stake? This is so durn ridiculous.

Wow…three absurd stories in three days about Barack. You guys must be getting scared. Too bad your smear campaign won't work. Voters in Iowa aren't as ignorant as most others. Clinton will get smoked on Jan. 3rd. But hey…keep on turning CNN into the Clinton Nomination Network. Your news network is becoming less and less relevant every day you post this garbage.

Posted By Dave, Milwaukee WI : November 8, 2007 1:22 pm

It is GABBAGE, cheap politics that is taking us nowhere. I just don't know who is telling me what matters in this country anymore.....Hillary the lady I thought has the right mind has started to play preschool game.
Well I might as well give Barack my vote because you know, I won't feel dupped and let alone at the end of the day....Go Obama!

Personally I always sit during the Pledge of Allegiance.

I can't count the number of times I've been to sporting events from High school to Profession sports and have observed most people not holding their hands over their hearts during National Anthem.

Your right but how many presidential candidates are in those crowds? none, ok, the deal is there are certain things in this country that are done, if someone waives at you waive back, its just being respectful. No this isnt news and it didnt sway my vote because I wasnt voting for him in the first place.

They (Harkin's wife, Richardson, Clinton, and Obama) are all wrong they are not facing the flag with their hand over their heart!!!!!!

U.S. Code states as follows:
§171. Conduct during playing
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

§172. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, 'I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.', should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

That was dumb. How dare you question another man's loyalty to this country. You don't have the right to question Obama's loyalty. If he chooses to sing the National Anthem with his hands in his pockets, it doesn't mean he is less loyalty than the other politicians standing next to him. (not directed to cnn but to a previous post)

I'm not an Obama supporter, but that is hardly because he didn't put his hand on his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. In fact, I think it's ridiculous that politicians say the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the national anthem in front of cameras in the first place. I'd rather them spend more time deepening that shallow puddle they call an agenda. I was hoping the days where you had to prove your patriotism by superficial means were over.

Wow..interesting that we go after people for the most nit-picking things in the book...I admire Obama and think he is a man of character and strengh. I think he does need more experience in order to run this country but I stil will caucus for him because at least he has vision and heart and not a bunch of whiny rhetoric...he is willing to work with national leaders not just bomb other countries when we dont agree with their policies...thank you barak...

So it's come to this. The election for the leader of the free world is an copy of The National Enquirer. Not that I'm surprised. It's about par for the nation that elected Dubya twice. With a media and citizenry like this, the days of Lincoln and Roosevelt are done.

There will never be another great president. For the remainder of the existence of this country, there will never be another great president.

I have been a patriotic American and have worked on bomber assembly lines during the war and have seen many presidents come and go.

This is one of the most underhanded, meaningless attacks on Sen. Obama by Sen. Clinton's campaign. I have been to thousands of events, from politics to professional sports, in which most people do not put their hands on their hearts. This includes many former presidents. (Take a look at the picture circulating of Bush holding his stomach during the national anthem.) This has nothing to do with patriotism.

Patriotism is about fighting for our nation, its constitution, and its people.

I was there, and I asked Obama afterwards why he was holding his junk with both hands. He winked and said "Bush and Cheney stole everything else. I'm just checking."

I'd be more concerned about the woman singing, and hope she never sang it again. That was god awful

All of you "Perfect Americans" are so hypocritical that it's funny. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Only Americans talk bad about people when they have faults of their own. Ignorant people.

"To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music. "

So yes, he should have, but not required to.

Who cares oh yes wacko conspiracy theorist? Your all nuts. Let’s talk about the 25% of homeless in America being vets including vets of the Iraqi and Afghani wars.

CNN does a great job casting negativity in some people's mind, but it only works with weak minded people that are easily misled. Some Obama bashers are fools, because they come up with the wildest conclusions about the man. These same people love to bring judgement so quickly about Obama, but they haven't a clue who he really is.

This does matter, and not because it is a “Politician” it matters because it’s another adult failing to pay proper respect to our Flag, the very flag that is the symbol of our nation. I get very upset as I attend sports venues around our nation and witness the lack of respect to the flag. That lack of respect reflects our nation’s standards of today. I was taught better, I taught my kids and I know they will teach theirs!

This nasty little trick is from the Clinton campaign. Her storm troopers are all over the web, the past few days, dishing out lies and distortions on all of the other candidates. I am pretty sure that she has a bunch of paid commentors on forums just like this one. CNN ought to be doing some research on this. All of this reminds me of the dirty tricks, the negative ads and campaign tactics of Bill Clinton's campaigns, ones copied by Rove. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER BUSH/CLINTON PRESIDENCY!

Either way, he wasnt standing at attention or placing his hand on his heart and he wasnt singing, so what is he so miffed about, he wasnt being very patriotic for someone that wants to be president. He should just throw the towel in now!

C-L-I-N-T-O-N 2008!!!!

The left eye sees one view while the right eye sees another.

Obama is still wrong. Whether the Pledge of Allegiance or the playing of the National Anthem, respect should be shown at both by covering your heart with your right hand. Too many people do not show respect during the National Anthem. As a possible Presidential candidate he should know the protocol.

This is not a disqualifier unless it becomes habit! He should should know by now a little something about public perception! The flag is indeed saluted during the National Anthem. It is all about respect. Get used to it if you want to be Commander In Chief! I am surprised that this wasn't reviewed as a newbie Senator. As a Senator you represent your State. To the world you represent all of us!

I am going to enjoy watching the liberals rip each others guts out.

"Why is this a dirty trick? The picture is valid, real, and accurate." It was a dirty trick because people without integrity lied and said that it was during the Pledge of Allegiance. The picture was accurate, it was the lies passed on with it that were a dirty trick.

It is impressive that so many people who didn't know the "rules" for the playing of our National Anthem and have actually looked them up. The reality is that a huge number of people are not aware of the "rules" and believe that they sincerely honor our flag by standing at attention.

Those that don't care about the truth will not be interested in knowing that film shows Obama sang along the whole time and applauded at the end. You'd have to be a complete moron to think that anyone would seriously run for the presidency and refuse to take the Pledge of Allegiance.

For those who get easily confused, his name is not Obama bin Laden. You have him confused with the person who caused 9/11 and is "not really concerned about" by Bush.

-----------–
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
- George W. Bush,President 08/05/04

Joe Biden 2008! Because we need a candidate who understands how to restore credibility. Starting by honoring our own values.

So what part of the picture is not true?

Whether or not it was the National Anthem or The Pledge of Alligence or between the two. Look at everyone else, then look at him. As a Veteran I think any person running for President better dang well know when to show respect to the flag he/she now desires to represent. Showing "over-respect" is never critized, while not showing enough is wrong!!!

Your picture more appropriately shows 4 people standing before Old Glory, 1 negro, 1 hispanic, and 2 anglo women. A picture of what a diverse place America is. It's a shame that CNN chose to open a discussion is on where their hands are. Too bad so many people have chosen to get in on the idiocy.

And if you look even closer, you will notice in the flower pot, a muzzle blast, It must be badgeman. So this is proof that Lee Harvey did not act alone in Dallas!

I'm amazed sad and dumbfounded that this a story at all. Is empty gestures all that matters? If so – vote for the best actor in the next election.

Well said Terry from El Paso, TX!!! Well Said!

To Josh in Chicago-

Thank you for responding to my comment about the war in Iraq- a topic that Clinton supporters almost always ignore.

To be more precise, Senator Clinton voted for the October 2002 congressional resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq, much to the pleasure of George W Bush and Dick Cheney.

About half of the Senate Dems voted for it also, but maybe if Mrs. Clinton used her star power to speak out against it, they might have followed her.

She refuses to apologize for it.

If that's not a big deal to you, fine- I know what my priorities are in this election.

I'm not going to talk about flag pins and anthems when thousands of our brave soldiers have been lost in a war that shouldn't have been approved.

Is anyone really surprised?

Well I go to VMI and here we are taught that in civilian attire to remove all headgear and place our right hand over our hearts when the Anthem is played.
Way to go Obama.

It seems to me that the real issue is that the American President is supposed to be the role model for all Americans. If he doesn't even know proper etiquette and how to render honors to the flag, then there is a problem. I would think Senators should be role model Americans too. I guess they should teach flag etiquette during Senate 101 class. And by they way...as an active duty military service member, I'm not only honoring the flag...I'm honoring what it represents!

This incident will not affect whether I will or will not support and vote for Senator Obama.

I prefer to base my vote on substantial issues. To do any less is an insult to all who have served and to the U.S. Constitution.

I thought it was more than appropriate to place your hand over your heart for both patriotic activities?!?! Clearly everyone else on that stage thought so.

BORING!

Who cares? Oh, yeah–you overzealous political HACKS who complain about EVERYTHING... that the other guy did.

This is just another case of opponents playing up controversy. It completely undermines true political discourse.

People, people, people...if this is one of Mr. Obama's few mistakes, then at ease...because the correct procedure when the National Anthem is playing or the correct way to stand when saying the pledge of alliance can be taught! How to EFFECTIVELY lead a country and serve the people who the employ you (the voters) can not be taught. What more do you want?? We have had one Clinton how got sexual favors in the oval office and you question this guys moral and patriotism because of his stance?? On the other hand we have Bush dumb ass in office who have caused many families so much heartache because he can't admit he was wrong and again we question Obama's stance?? He is different, he is fresh, and less corrupt by years and years of political programming! Grow up people...you want a man of the people and not someone set in their ways as my grandmother likes to put it! You hate and criticize him now, but you will long for him when we have another political figure in office that we can't trust! Something to think about...

I absolutely agree with Josh from Chicago on Obama's hypocracy about criticising Hillary for voting on Iran Revolution. If it was that important to Mr. Obama, he'd have been there to vote. But seems like he is willing to reliquish his current job as a Senator to get the Presidency. Granted that other candidates are missing votes too, but he's the worst (80%). Don't you get it people?
And to all of you who are accusing common people of doing what Obama did in this event, they're not all running for President. As the leader of a country, you are supposed to set standards for others to follow. I like him but he's so inexperienced and seems like a hypocrite now. May be he'll be ready in the next 8 years to run again, I'll vote for him then. But right now we need a strong leader, well respected around the world, Obama isn't that.
HILLARY '08

Those who may think this is over-reaction. This is a man whoi is planning to lead the entire nation: all people including the veteran's and patriots dead and gone who've shed blood for nothing more than that flag...and the anthem that represents our respect for it. If he cannot gain the respect of those people...many thousands..and their families, he has no hope of ever becoming President. Knowing the sacrifices veterans have made..in numerous wars, and even today–any person man, or woman, who hasn't taken the time to understand this little issue of placing your hand over your heart–demonstrates he's a total jerk and clearly isn't ready to lead those brave people as Commander-In-Chief. Yes, he's handsome, yes, it would be great to have an african-american president–but my loyalty doesn't lie there...my loyalty is with the nation and what is best for it. If can't even adapt to something so fundamental..well he's just too new for me!!! And I believe–thousands of other veterans...of both parties.

wow, that was the most god-awful version of the national anthem i have ever heard. i'll give obama credit for not covering his ears.

This is such a non-issue. If it were that important, we would break out the pictures of the former first lady showing disrespect to the Marines in her days in the White House.

It bothers me that citizens of the United States of America have lost sight of their heritage. Senator Obama is exactly correct: The PLEDGE of Allegiance is when you put your hand over your heart. You SING the National Anthem. I laugh everytime I see people at a baseball game who put their hands over their hearts for the National Anthem but are not singing. But, then they'll stand and belt out God Bless America with their hands over their hearts like it's the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance rolled into one.

I think all the email addresses circulating this falsehood as if it were true should be required to issue an apology.

I wish CNN would just come out and endorse Hillary Clinton. It's pretty obvious with all of their "subtleties" that they are focusing negatively on all of the other candidates.

I don't say the pledge of allegiance either. once upon a time I pledged allegiance to the the U S, enlisted in the marine corps and went off to war in a little place called vietnam. when I came home, my country turned it's back on me along with 3 million others. we owe you nothing and you owe us nothing. we're even. with george w bush in office, you don't place your hand over your heart. you place both hands over your eyes and hope when you take them away it was all just a bad dream.

I think we need to concentrate on politicians who refuse to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Dodd, Kucinich, Paul, Feingold and a few others are ACTIVELY working to protect our Constitution and our unalienable rights.

This kind of irrelevant nonsense isn't worthy of anyone's attention.

OBAMA IS WASTING HIS TIME...HE KNOWS HE WILL NOT BE PRESIDENT..WHY HE WASTES MILLIONS IN CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES IS SUCH A WASTE WHEN THE MONEY COULD BE PUT TO OTHER GOOD USES.....

Oh stop whining. Sometimes it happens, though it is a PR faux pas. I'm not surprised that some of you are more concerned with whether or not a candidate places their hand over their heart than you are with the fact that American power, political and economic, is declining RAPIDLY. Vote for whomever you'd like, but don't let some inane BS like this determine who you vote for.

That typical of the "Osama Obama" type... They have the "Don't Tell Me What Is Correct Mentality"...

I am surprised nobody has commented on the REAL tragedy of this video clip: that is the WORST rendition of the lovely American Anthem that I have EVER heard! My ears are bleeding! Perhaps Obama, who was closest to the 'singer', was too shocked to remember the hand/heart thing...

Maybe I'm just old school, but here goes anyway. Whether or not he puts his hand over his heart doesn't bother me nearly as much as those of you commenting, and stating that it doesn't matter. That's the problem with the American society, in my opinion. It's hard to find anyone who is patriotic anymore. Go back 50 years, and people actually cared about this country. Now, people only care what they can profit from it. Society is so quick to turn their back on our government. I'm 34, and When I hear the national anthem, I stop whatever I'm doing, take off my hat, face the flag, and cover my heart. Unless I'm in uniform, then I Salute. It's a simple thing to do. It takes little effort, and I can tell you, that when I go somewhere, and I see fellow Americans do the same, it makes me proud! Proud to server in the United States Air Force for the last 16 years. Those of you who can't make the simple effort to pay respect to the flag, and don't see the significance of such a simple act, are the ones who disappoint me. It saddens me to think where the liberals are taking this country. Still, I'll defend her with my life, if need be, along with your right's to disrespect our flag.

I think it very interesting, how obama has flag issues. Remember his refusal of wearing an AMERICAN flag pin on his jacket. Maybe, his lack of respect for the pledge, he is trying to show where he stands on country's symbolisms. Does anybody know if he converted to jahovah witness latetly?

Well, it looks like this is a non-issue story being as it wasn't during the Pledge of Allegiance.
But, the ploy worked...look at all of the clansmen who booted up their computers today...

I can't say anymore. Mr Chad Conyers said it all. Thank you sir. Mr. Obama has shown irritability on little things but what happens when huge things happen,is he gonna hit somebody?

Haha, So, all those people at sporting events who start shouting and screaming right before the national anthem is over , are they all un-american also for not STRICTLY OBEYING some retarded 'offical way of doing the pledge of alligance/national anthem'?

I remember playing football and holding my helmet up high and start yelling before it was over, ralling the team to gether and nearly over-riding the singer.

Man, I must be so un-american, I should probably just move out I guess according to some of you die-hards.

Correct, you place your hand over your heart when you say the Pledge of Allegiance. I will vote for Obama because he is the more sincere than anyone else running. I hope he picks Al Gore for his VP. What a dynamic team they would be.

Never mind about them not facing the flag or holding their hand over the heart. They all looked like they were in pain hoping for it to end. That woman should have been flogged and hogtied for desecration of the National Anthem. Lady, the national Anthem is not your song. I couldn't even listen to it to the end. Save the jiving for the rap concerts and praising the lord sevices.

probably billary and her crew
she cant win honestly thats for sure
GOD KNOWS

I am surprised nobody has yet commented on the real tragedy of that clip: that was the WORST rendition sung of the lovely American anthem that I have EVER heard! It was given with heart, I admit, but ZERO talent. Perhaps Obama, who was unfortunately standing the closest to the singer, was too much in shock to remember about his hand/heart thing...

While singing the national Anthem...

Republications put their hands in everyone elses pockets!

While not required, most Americans put their hand over their heart when they sing the national anthem.

Sorry Obama,I feel for you. I'm sorry the communists like Clinton and Soros are behind all this.

I hope you rise up. I'm all for you over a woman being president. I'm really for Ron Paul, but I'll back you should he not get the nomination.

Minor quibble with an above poster–

I am a recently naturalized citizen (I've lived her since I was 2, so don't start on me about whether or not I know how to be an American) and there is NO, I repeat NO requirement to know anything about the national anthem or proper etiquette to be followed during such. Apparently that isn't the most important thing in the world, who knew?

Those of you who OBAMA should have put his hand over his heart get a life. I go to sporting events and most people are still talking when the anthem is played or haven't you noticed. This will not change my opinion of Hillary, I'm still not voting for her...I will sit at home on election DAY !!!

Why is this a dirty trick? The picture is valid, real, and accurate.

Obama didn't put his hand on his heart. The issue is why didn't he? Is he ignorant or arrogant?

Not placing your hand over your heart might be OK if you're an elementary school student, or an immigrant. But for someone who desires to become the Commander-In-Chief of the most powerful nation on earth–yeh,...it's kinda stupid, and he should know better. He's a joke, and still half-baked. If he keeps searching, he may find a way to connect with the electorate–but not with me. When I pledge allegiance to the nation...that includes the nation's leadership...and even if he does somehow make it...he'll never get this veteran's allegiance. He is too half-baked and too naive, and too–ignorant of American traditions. Frankly, I am amazed that he has made it to this point. He has nothing to offer–other than discordance and BS.

Are we so wrapped up in our own self love that we cannot even handle a man not putting his hand on his heart during the pledge of allegiance?
This is ridiculous.
Even though I'm sure Obama will proclaim his love for his country we will never move forward as a society and as a country if we continue to assault anyone whose views or opinions are different than your own.
How proud do you think those homeless veterans are of being Americans right now?.They risked everything for us and now the live under bridges.Would you assault them if they were not exactly fond of what this country as become?

I'm also wondering about the provenance of the Dick Morris-Hillary e-mail also circulating.

I can't believe that there is ONE Republican commenting on Obama's gaffe. Don't forget cowboys, your man Bush usually denigrates our national dignity 6 times before he finishes eating breakfast.

If anyone votes for this loser they don't care how a presidential candidate should act

Maybe it's me...but how does that make it any better Obama? You don't appear to be singing either buddy...good luck with that.

Isn't it just a tad bit odd that ever since the latest polls show Hillary Clinton's lead slipping that the Clinton dirty tricks brigade launches this assault against Obama? Al Gore privately has told friends he did not want to run against Hillary Clinton because he knows how dirty they get when they cannot get something they want. If her lead slips further Obama had better be prepared for far dirtier tricks from Hillary and Bill.

U.S. Code Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A, Chapter 3, Sec. 301 – National Anthem – (1)(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. (B)men not in uniform ... remove (hat) with right hand ... hold (hat) at left shoulder, the hand being over the heart (2) when the flag is not displayed all present ... face toward the music

This is a trick and real swiftboating by the Clinton Campaign. As an african american woman I personally feel offended by this racist tactic by the Clintons.
I think they are a low group of people who will do anything for power. I could never support them unde these circumstances.

CLINTON DIRTY TRICKS CREW AT IT'S BEST
This is the way it works, it reminds you of the fight in THE QUIET MAN, Marcus of Queensbury Rules. Ya, Right! It's a simple choice for Obama "Fight or Flight" Can he DANCE LIKE A BUTTERFLY, AND STING LIKE A BEE?"

Senator Obama is still in the wrong, IMHO

From USFLAG.org

The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

Also, just a "for your information" kind of post... where is Bill Clinton? He needs to take some notes. THIS is a swift-boat style attack on Obama.

Questioning Hillary because she can't answer a question without tripping over hself, that is a POLICY attack.

Here in the US I put my right hand over my heart for both.

This is another attempt by SOMEBODY to turn a meaningless gaffe into a watershed moment. Last year is was Howard Dean and his “scream.” I am actually glad that the TICKER is covering this because they are giving Obama a chance to minimize the significance of it. I hope he can do it, because its only going to get worse if he wins the primary.

Forget the "saluting issue" that was one of the worst rendentions of the National Anthem that I've ever heard.

He was the only one singing along & the first to start clapping after the song ended. You'd have to be an idiot to see that he does not love this country.

Why no super macho-patriot uproar about other politicians who disregard and destroy the supreme law of this country, the U.S. Constitution?

Hes even more clueless. You put you hand on your heart during both the Pledge and the National Anthem. He wants respect, and hes a new voice, outsider, etc. Evidently he missed Civics in school. Lame, lame, lame, blame someone else. At what point will the spin stop!

actually, i've always placed my hand over my heart for the national anthem as well.

Sorry Obama, during the playing of he National anthem you face the flag and render respect, either through a hand salute if in uniform or hand across the heart if not.

I would question whether he and other candidates ALWAYS place their right hand over their heart when saying the pledge of allegiance or just because they are running for office and in the public eye.

Politics and Politicians!!!!

hmmm...now that I think about it, I was never taught to place my hand of my heart when singing the national anthem, I just do becuase everyone else does at the rodeo, the game or whatever. I have NEVER saluted the flag, what in the world is that other guy talking about? People are way too caught up in symbolism and need to come back and get caught up in substance. A little disappointed in CNN, this story is worthy of Fox News.

Obama 2008!

This article is a waste of space on this site. WHO CARES?!? Please report some real news...

if this is the worst news you can get on Obama....hes doing pretty well.

Obama 08' time to change the face of America

Well, Obama doesn't help himself with his comment. Protocol is that during any palying of the National Anthem, those not in Uniform are to place their hands over their heart, as the other candidates did. Pledge or Anthem, Obama is showing a disregard for respect for our Nation.

I have been to thousands of public sporting events in my life. Invariably, hats are off and hands are over the heart when the National Anthem is played. I agree that this is a stupid issue. But Obama's BS response and feigned outrage is even more stupid. "I do it for the pledge, but not for the National Anthem." I mean, you can't make this stuff up!

If this is not a real picture,I'm very relieved, because like, I, many of Mr. Obama's constituents were about not to vote for him!

Welcome to America- where people are taught to be too stupid, apathetical, self centered to understand simple concepts like economics and therefore rely on garbage like this article in their attempts to make intelligent, rational decisions.

George Carlin was right, this country is finished.

I know that it isnt the bigget issue today, but come on just put your hand over your heart, and show respect for your country.

oh come on... at the age of 1 or 2 you were taught the Pledge of Alegiance...my oh my..you must have been an exceptionally bright child...geez!!! face it Obama...you got busted big time....look at the other 3 ..they ALL have their hands over their hearts...so EVEN if they were playing the National Anthem...YOUR LIPS STILL ARE NOT MOVING!!! you are busted and a liar!

When Hillary is the president, will you pledge allegiance to the republic for which she stands? Those days of blind obedience to the president flew off on a copter with Nixon. It's still a good country, but we waterboard people these days, and I don't notice us being one nation anymore, either.

All I know is that Obama could complain and critizice the Hillary or the other candidates but when it comes to him, tricks.........tricks............tricks. I don't think it is a trick.. You said before, you don't want to use the Patriotic pin. Of course you don't want to honor the Pledge either. Although, I could careless about the pin, but with all respect the Pledge of Allegiance. Sorry, I can't buy that.

Oh, Senator, so you mean there is such a thing as swiftboating?

This picture has been posted in many right wing blogs for days now. To me it's a non issue, even though I'm not an Obama fan.

Although, he is mistaken when he says that the hand over the heart is only for the Pledge of Allegiance.

If you are Joe average, then this would not matter.

But if you are campaigning to be the future President of the United States of America, then this is a huge faux pas.

During the National Anthem you are to face the flag, put your right hand over your heart, and sing.

http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/36C3.txt

The following is the actual language in the code:

Conduct During Playing.- During a rendition of the national anthem-
(1) when the flag is displayed-
(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

So it seems that the U.S. Code says that the right hand over the heart is the correct posture and that only those in uniform are required to salute.

Well in my opinion if he wants to be the U.S. President then it is our anthem that he should be responding to and living by!
I have fought for this country, and have earned my right to say "If you don't like it, Leave it".
America does not need a president who has many other non-american beliefs, and who refuses to acknowledge the american anthem!
This is just a simple start of what America will have to face if he is elected!!!

"During the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart, during the National Anthem you sing."

Yo Barack,Not that it matters; but most people place their hand/hat over their heart for the National Anthem.

This is what passes for news nowadays. Sad.

171. Conduct during playing
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

And this is the man you want to lead this country ??????

I have no idea who I am supporting for Prez, but this is pathetic. He 'refused' to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Anyone buying into this, I have some good swamp land for ya.

Much ado about nothing! Get a life people, there are much greater problems facing this country like our out-of-control national debt.

Um...who cares? I don't always put my hand over my heart. It doesn't make you any less patriotic if you don't. It's your actions as a working part of the country that makes the difference...not where your hands are. Please...get a life CNN this is not news.

This is so silly and not worth the attention. It's obvious someone is just picking on Obama. What's next, he doesn't know all the words to the anthem? OH NO!!!

the U.S. Flag Code addresses etiquette during the playing of our National Anthem: "During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart." Mr. Obama goofed.

I'm putting my hands over my face and laughing during the next sporting event I go to. Does that make me un-American?
This crap is so not worth the time wasted. I don't care if he burns a freaking flag...as long as he works to get this country back into shape.
If how he shows his patriotism is all you people are concerned with, we're in a whole lot more trouble than I thought.
Anyone for some Victory Vodka to go with your Victory Cigarettes? Remember, Big Brother is watching...

You put your RIGHT hand over your heart when saying the pledge or observing the national anthem, UNLESS you are in a military uniform. Singing is optional.

I am a former Marine. I never put my hand over my heart during the National Anthem, but I do for the Pledge. I believe that former military people have the option of also standing at the position of attention during the Anthem which is what I do. (To assume this position, bring the heels together sharply on line, with the toes pointing out equally, forming an angle of 45 degrees. Rest the weight of the body evenly on the heels and balls of both feet. Keep the legs straight without locking the knees. Hold the body erect with the hips level, chest lifted and arched, and the shoulders square.Keep the head erect and face straight to the front with the chin drawn in so that alignment of the head and neck is vertical. Let the arms hang straight without stiffness. Curl the fingers so that the tips of the thumbs are alongside and touching the first joint of the forefingers. Keep the thumbs straight along the seams of the trouser leg with the first joint of the fingers touching the trousers.)

I choose to interpret his failure to display a meaningless symbol in a way that I find consistent with my personal opinion on said meaningless symbol as an attack on the arbitrary values I personally assign to that meaningless symbol, regardless of his intent.

Also, I fear him because he's spent more than two weeks outside of the USA. People who have experience with and sympathy for people from different walks of life intimidate me.

I'm self-centered enough to believe that the above-mentioned arbitrary interpretations and insecurities, based entirely on my personal choices and weaknesses though they are, are irrefutable fact, and anyone who doesn't share them is attacking everything of value in this nation.

either way he doesnt seem to be singing and his whole posture is one of boredom! Please do not vote for him

It's amazing how politics bring out the silliness in so many people. It's worse than listening to the parents at a little league game every call that goes against me makes me want to kill the official, while everyone that doesn't "I got away with" Why don't we play fair. Democrats, Republicans, whoever. This county is full of hypocrits on BOTH sides and the numbers are getting larger daily.

King George says:"If you lived in Iraq and had lived under a tyranny, you'd be saying, 'God, I love freedom,' because that's what's happened," he said. "And there are killers and radicals and murderers who kill the innocent to stop the advance of freedom. But freedom's happening in Iraq. And we're making progress."

The utter destruction of the country of Iraq and the continuing "Civil War" will result in this country being exactly what we want the least – "A Fundamentalists Islamic Country" hating America and eventually throwing us out and depriving us of the oil that we are now spending a Trillion Dollars trying to get!

President Jimmy Carter had it right back in 1973 – we needed then to have a sustained policy to ensure energy independence from foreign suppliers. President Carter shifted the Department of Energy from Nuclear Weapon Development to Energy Research and Development. As soon as the "amiable dunce" took office (Ronald Reagan) those R&D efforts were almost completely stopped. The country went on a binge of rebuilding "battleships" and developing new "UNNEEDED" weapon systems until he almost accidentally started WWW 3.

The current resident of the White House is a spoiled brat rich kid who with his GOP neocons think that you can just steal what you want in the world rather than develop our own energy resources!

Yes there are ~ 30% of people still supporting this effort. Most are living in areas where pork barrel defense spending is making their lives better, the rest are "uninformed" at best!

Wake up America – if we don't put our country to work fixing our own problems we will find ourselves in the next "great depression". Those rich folks pulling in 1 Million to 1 Billion a year don't care, they have their "walled communities" and they can afford to hire their own "Blackwater Security". Wake up America and throw the "Greedy Old Party" out of office. It is going to take 10 – 20 years to get a fix on these problems but, if you keep electing the GOP, you only hasten the trip to the "bread line".

WE cannot afford to continue King Georges adventures!

I think Obama should be smart enough as a U.S. senator and presidential candidate to to know that his every move and word will be scrutinized as he pursues the nation's highest office.

Most average Americans readily put their hands over their hearts when pledging allegiance or singing the national anthem. I know that it always makes an impression on me when they pan athletes at games and I see someone who seems disinterested during the anthem. Subconsciously, I question their appreciation of this country.

Therefore, I have to question whether his instincts are up to the challenge of holding the office of the presidency.

Actually ALL are supposed to be facing the flag too if they are saying the Pledge or singing the Anthem and in the picture it is behind all of them! All this is a bunch of political garbage, how about working on matters that count.

Obama bin laden; Sorry, but this is flat out anti-American, all the men and women that have fought and died for America and our freedom, and you cannot show your patriotism!
What is it your running for again?

Posted By ano to : November 8, 2007 1:30 pm

wonder if Hillary Clinton put her hand on her heart when she voted for the Bush-Cheney war in Iraq.

That is, if she has a heart.

Posted By APK Meadville, PA : November 8, 2007 1:32 pm

Whether its the national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance, the right hand goes over the heart unless you're in military uniform. A major gaffe by this U.S. Senator.

Posted By Mark Golembiowski: Chicago, IL : November 8, 2007 1:32 pm

You place your hand over your heart and face the flag during the anthem. I guess they didn't teach him that in Indonesia.

Posted By Brian Tampa : November 8, 2007 1:36 pm

I REST MY CASE.....JERRY JERRY JERRY

This is just more negativity from Hillary's camp. I am shocked at how negative a campaign she is putting forth.

l guess this is one of those dirty trick obamas opponents try to bring up so they can potray him as a moslim fundamentalist. Well, he is a great senator and for sure a futur president. We love him here in Europe.He gets us fired up too.

The personal attacks on Obama, comparing him to Bin Laden, and assaulting his time in Indonesia, are beneath contempt and show the cowardly attitude of his opponents. The fact is that for the Anthem people do and do not cover their hearts. In one school I attended we did, in another we did not. The Pledge is the only 100% time you should salute by covering your heart. As for those taking personal attacks, please go to another nation, we don't want fascists here. Thank you.

This issue is ridiculous...I'm not an Obama fan, but let's get real. Who cares about such silly issues.

Sorry, I grew up in NY and we were taught to put our hand on our heart during the pledge, not the anthem! (Now I sit during the anthem at ballgames, in protest for our policies, like I did during the Vietnam War.)

Hysterical. More hard hitting political news from CNN. Har har har. Such trivialities are exactly what a petty and childish public deserves.

I'm sure George puts his hand over his heart for patriotic stuff. 500 billion to the war, 600 billion vetoed for childcare and education? Sounds patriotic to me!

This is just bogus gop bruhaha – they can't face the issues so they pull juvenile stunts like this. I guess they forgot that theres a war going on and gas is creeping toward $3 a gallon, and the nation is uneasy – but hey, he didn't put his hand on his heart! What a crock, but typical gop tactic.

USFLag.org says, “When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed,”

That means NONE of the Candidates in this picture has it correct. SO WHAT!! Can they ALL answer questions about how and were they are planning to take this country if elected? NO ONE is falling for this swift boat style stuff it’s so 2004 ish.. But thanks for making us all go get re-educated on the flag.

wow, with issues such as war, homelessness, health care, gangs, homicides, drunk driving...i'm so glad that we'd rather spend our time deciding whether or not he should place his hand here or there during the national anthem/pledge. i can't believe some of you are actually making a big deal over this! if you think that military would be offended by this...i'd think they'd be a little more offended by having to stay in iraq for 15 months dying for who knows what.

Is it more unpatriotic to profit off the killing of Americans or to not put your hand over your heart? If Barack Obama declines a slice of apple pie after dinner is he denying solidarity with fruit farmers, thus incurring their wrath? This patriotism thing is way overblown. No one cares about healthcare, social security, education, etc during an election – but they'll vote based on a photo.

Every citizen is assumed to be a patriot and there is no patriotism test in this country. If you don't want to put your hand on the Bible or don't want to stand during the Pledge of Alliegiance or don't want to say "Under God" or don't want to bow your head and close your eyes when someone is reciting a prayer then it is your business and no one else's.

I personally question the patriotism of anyone who would demand it of you. An American patriot is ready first and foremost to defend the rights of all Americans on the battlefield or here at home. Our rights include the right to think as you please and the right to express those thoughts as you please – civilly, we hope. Those who wave the flag and denigrate others for expressing themselves are the kind of patriots who need to find another country. They're in the wrong one.

That said, you are a moron if you believe that Obama refused to make the hand-over-the-heart gesture. You are crazy if you believe he is a Muslim. Where do you people get this stuff?

Talking about "swift boating"? Mr. Clinton, THIS is a prime example of a real "swift boat" attack in its magnificent idiocy. Just makes me wonder, who's behind it....

This is news...give me a break.

You've got to be kidding. Next time you're a public event notice how many people put their hand over their heart. Probably next to no one. And look for the men who don't remove their caps. Or people talking thru the anthem. Standing respectfully is appropriate.

Let's focus on the important aspects of the campaign – like health care, the economy, product safety, etc.

Here's how it goes knucklehead: at the sound of the music...hands off genitals and left one goes over the heart...left one goes to left side. For God's sake, will he scratch his butt in salute to the military officers and SR. NCO's when he exits AF One. This guy is half-baked...his understanding of American traditions, his agenda, and his execution of this campaign. Please go home for about 8 years and come back when you're ready.

I have never heard that holding your hand over your heart during the pledge of allegiance was a US code, As a kid in school that is how I learned to say the pledge, holding my hand over my heart, but thinking about it, I really don't see why you have to hold your hand over your heart. It is what is in the mind that counts

And what have kings, that privates have not too,
Save ceremony, save general ceremony?
And what art thou, thou idle ceremony?
What kind of god art thou, that suffer'st more
Of mortal griefs than do thy worshippers?
What are thy rents? what are thy comings in?
O ceremony, show me but thy worth!
What is thy soul of adoration?
Art thou aught else but place, degree and form,
Creating awe and fear in other men?
Wherein thou art less happy being fear'd
Than they in fearing.

William Shakespeare
Henry V, Act VI, Scene I

APK, it was not a vote for war...get your information straight.

If bush had done what he promised, we wouldn't BE in Iraq. Better yet, if Obama had actually shown up to vote on the similar Iran resolution, maybe THEN he could call out Hillary.

As of right now, he was ignorant on how to respect the National Anthem. This is not a big deal, but ahem, if you're running for President, you might want to know rules for simple things like this; he should have at least FACTCHECKED before he blathered to the press about what's right and wrong. Geez.

Hillary 08!

This is ridiculous. What is the point, to suggest that Sen. Obama is unpatriotic? It is insane to suggest that not putting your hand over your heart is insulting the flag. You would think that in this time of crisis and war Americans would be wise enough to focus on real issues and problems. I am sad for people who find this significant.

Exactly HOW many different ways have been posted now, from us "die hard" Americans, as to how the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem are done? Even one copy-pasted from USFlag.org, and there's STILL no consensus.

Awesome. Keep criticizing a Senator for being American the way he was taught. It's clearly displayed on this board that all of us know how to be Americans.

I wonder if "O's" rival has anything to do with this...seems to me the rival will say and do just about anything to win this election!

If Obama was wrong about this, then so are 99% of the Americans at every sporting event on TV. I don't seem most of them with their hands on their hearts or facing the flag. They must all be terrorists.

Sometimes people make mistakes. It's a shame that wearing a pin on your lapel, or holding your hand over your heart, is the determining factor in whether or not you're patriotic or able to lead the country. Ok, so I'm sure W can and does those aforementioned things and, well, I don't think he can run this country...

Obama is an idiot. Everywhere I have been in our great country, everyone not only sings the national anthem but they ALSO plach their hand over their heart..........unless they are wanting to be rude & disrespectful

Obama is like the rest of us. If it has anything to do with Bush, we don't know which to grab first.

I can't count the number of times I've been to sporting events from High school to Profession sports and have observed most people not holding their hands over their hearts during National Anthem. Dare I say that all of those Americans are not patriotic. Of course its non-sense! Bill Clinton should take note, this article represents an example of "swift-boating" Obama!

OBAMA in '08!

Perhaps someone could inform Mr. Obama about correctly rendering honors during the National Anthem.

During the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, American citizens not in uniform will stand at the position of attention with their right hands over their hearts. Gentlemen wearing hats will remove them and place them over their hearts.

This guy wants to be Commander in Chief and has not even learned the courtesies that applicants for naturalization are required to learn. Shame on him.

Someone has WAY too much time on their hands! This is typical smear campaign tactics and it comes at a time when Barack is making progress in the polls. Come on folks- the real Barack Obama can be checked out at barackobama.com. He's a winner and we have HOPE!

What a great president and role model he will be for the next generation of liberal anti-Americans. Whats next, flying the Iranian flag at the White House?

Haha. Senator Obama just can't get a break. He is his own worst enemy.

I mean this basically stops cold his momentum coming out of the recent debate where Senator Clinton stumbled.

I mean seriously... A US Senator who didn't know US law... He obviously didn't know it because his response was in such a way that he assumed that it wasn't necessarily to put your hand over your heart. He tried to attack Senator Clinton with a dirty underhanded attack about how she can't sing and got himself into his mess. It's karma dude!

The House Sergeant of Arms is incorrect about the 'code for placing the right hand over the Heart during the National Anthem.' As it stands, the only codes for the national anthem are as follows: All persons face the flag if present or the performer, all hats removed, and all military, emergency response, law enforcement, and Scouts (Girl or Boy) holding a salute from first note to last. Civilians (including politicians) are not required, nor is there any official code for them to hold their hands over their heart.

The Sergeant House of Arms needs to do a little research instead of speaking out of patriotism. Patriots know the codes, they don't make them up.

One shouldn't be judged as to where they place their hands during the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem but judged where their heart is. Obama's heart is in the right place.

Maybe if he had served his country in the military, he would know such basic flag etiquette.

I wonder if the same people complaining about this are the ones who cheer after the National Anthem at every sporting event, which if you were unaware, isn't proper etiquette.

When it is played at a public assembly you should join in singing the National Anthem along with principal singer or orchestra whose function is to lead, not entertain, the assembly. For this reason it is inappropriate to applaud the singing of the National Anthem. It is also inappropriate to make or use sophisticated "concert" versions of the National Anthem.

http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Didn't matter if it was the Pledge or the Anthem. You are paying your respect to our Country and the sacrifices of those who came before.

Actually from what you can see in picture you have twow people including Clinton with their hands over their heart and looking at the flag to their
right and two people with the flag in back of them. One person has his hand over his heart and the other person Obama facing forward with his hands
folder together below the belt.

"Obama told the questioner, "During the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart, during the National Anthem you sing."
The House Sergeant at Arms confirms that it is U.S. code for the right hand to be placed over the heart during the playing of the National Anthem.

It's ok guys, he will learn soon. He's hoping that by Nov next year, he will learn how to respect the flag, practice what he preaches and also run the country. Why can't we let him try? Didn't we let Bush try? Oh that's right, beacause the country can't afford any more newbies trying to run the country with the false package of uniting it. Hillary 08'

I love all of this over-emphasis on the symbolic aspects of "patriotism". How about those people who put their hand over their heart, salute the flag, wear the little US flag pin on their lapel, and proceed to act in the most un-American ways possible? Bush has pissed on the Constitution, cost us thousands of young lives, and smeared our image in the eyes of nations around the world. But, since he talks tough and wears a little flag on his lapel, he's "patriotic".

I'm a Hillary supporter, but I, too, think we need to focus on other things. Is this really what we want to focus on, geez.

Is this really the MOST DIRT they can dig up on Obama? He doesn't put his hand over his heart during the national anthem? The Republicans will go down hard if that's all they got. With Hillary, they have enough dirt to fill the Grand Canyon. Obama- "we once saw him buying TWO BOTTLES of cough syrup!" Hillary- "we saw her buying fifty bottles of cough syrup, with a strange Chinese fellow who paid for everything, and gave $2,000 cash back to Hillary)

I don't know -anybody- who puts their hand over their heart for the anthem... ever been to a baseball game? haha Maybe every fifth person might... geez.

Actually, as you can see in the picture, Hillary is looking over at Bill for what she is supposed to do.

You can almost hear what she is thinking, "Like this, Bill? Ok, just checking."

You place your hand over your heart and face the flag during the anthem. I guess they didn't teach him that in Indonesia.

From usflag.org
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

Obviously Obama is mistaken about where one is supposed to place their hands during the playing or singing of the national anthem. That said, this is a nonissue and it's despicable that anyone would sink so low as to question the Senator's patriotism.

This is another urban legend that will make the rounds along with the earlier untrue claim that Obama is a Muslim and used a Qoran to take the oath of office.

I wonder who started circulating this e-mail? It has all the earmarks of a Republican smear machine attack but I wouldn't be too surprised if we found that it came from a rogue staffer in Hillary Clinton's campaign either.

Obama..said, "..during the National Anthem you sing."

Actually you are supposed to place
your right hand over your heart, unless you are military in which case you salute. Sininging is optional, as usually the national anthem is sung by one person. The reason for the placing of one's hand over one's heart is out of difference or respect, for the symbol of the flag, a symbol of our nation, which is prominently displayed during the National Anthem. tell you I don't know who taught Obama, but he is WRONG.

I am so tired of all these stupid stories...
"Obama didn't wear a flag pin!!!" OH NO!

Come on, there are more important issues to be discussed.

Whether its the national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance, the right hand goes over the heart unless you're in military uniform. A major gaffe by this U.S. Senator.

Obama is WRONG. When the National Anthem is sung and a flag is present, you salute the flag with your hand over your heart if not in the military (or in uniform) and if in the military AND in uniform, you give a military salute for the duration of the song.

Geez – you'd THINK that someone running for President of the United States would KNOW that. Oh wait – isn't he a SENATOR??? And he doesn't know simple flag etiquette???

That right there should disqualify him for any elected office.

I wonder if Hillary Clinton put her hand on her heart when she voted for the Bush-Cheney war in Iraq.

That is, if she has a heart.

And I dont take my hate off during the national anthem just like every other American in this country. Who cares Obama is so un patriotic. Whatever!!!

Obama 08

Seriously? Seriously. People are dying. Kids are getting shot in school. And Barack Obama didn't put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem, whichever it was. OFF WITH HIS HEAD! COME ON people! Get a grip. Whoever started that email needs a hobby.

Obama bin laden; Sorry, but this is flat out anti-American, all the men and women that have fought and died for America and our freedom, and you cannot show your patriotism!
What is it your running for again?

Actually you are suppose to put your hand over your heart and face the flag. At least that is the way I was taught.

How about some news that actually matters CNN. I'm voting for Obama because I love this Country and I do exactly the same thing.

Can EVERYONE please get a life? This is getting downright childish. How many sports events have we all been to where the same thing happens? There are a lot more important issues in the world. (and by the way – my comment would be the same for any candidiate)

Please find some actual news for the political ticker. Even if W didn't put his hand over his heart to sing a song about america, it really wouldn't bother me, and I can't stand W.

"My grandfather taught me how to say the Pledge of Allegiance when I was one or two."

Ummm Barack, 99% of 2 yr-olds can not speak complete sentences much less recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

You're over-reacting. If you get this frustrated over an email about your participation on Pledge of Allegiance – you CLEARLY don't have the mental toughness to lead this country. Check out the vile hate spewed about President Bush on CNN blog. The level of decorum in this country is despicable.

Shouldn't Hilary's hand be over her mouth?

Why is he crying "dirty trick of the campaign" when him and Edwards are playing the same game on Hillary? I though It was only Hillary who knows how to complain. Sorry big baby, just say it was a mistake and get over it.

In other news it was also reported that Obama used the incorrect fork when eating his salad. Filmed at 11:00.

Talk about irrelevant b.s.! CNN reports that:

The House Sergeant at Arms confirms to CNN however that it is U.S. code for the right hand to be placed over the heart during the playing of the National Anthem.

I didn't even realize that the right hand over heart had to remain there through the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Bottom line reciting plegdes and singing the National Anthem are small things compared to the ideas behind them. CNN should focus on the major issues in the campaign, i.e. Iraq, Iran, Economy, Health Care, Global warming and etc.

I'm sure David Duke and rest of KKK recite the Pledge and have their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem.

Interesting. He doesn't wear a flag pin on his tie, and now he won't put his hand on his heart. Gee, I *really* want to vote for a guy in the White House who cares SO MUCH about America. Mm hmm. Obama seems like a far, far cry from president material, even more so, the more this campaign goes on...

Sorry, but I'm still an ardent Hillary fan. She's who I want.

absolutely ridiculous....this is catered to the jerry springer audience of the country that would actually get offended at this!!!

And this matters WHY???

Seriously, if they're attacking him this, unfounded or not, instead of on the issues, then they don't have much to attack him on...

Barack Obama is so whiny. He's all over the place talking about how irritating this is. Wake up, dude. how irritated is he going to be when trying to deal with International crisis. This guy's a toddler compared to the real candidates.

This story needs to be place in the catagory of, WHO CARES.

Wow...three absurd stories in three days about Barack. You guys must be getting scared. Too bad your smear campaign won't work. Voters in Iowa aren't as ignorant as most others. Clinton will get smoked on Jan. 3rd. But hey...keep on turning CNN into the Clinton Nomination Network. Your news network is becoming less and less relevant every day you post this garbage.

Give me a break...you can't trust politicians...you can't trust the media (that now includes you CNN)to not to spin the news, or make news up. Start acting like adults for crying out loud.

This picture concern me. I would like to think that anyone who is running for the President of the US would know that you place your hand over your heart when saying the pledge or singing. I fear this man does not have the loyality to this country and to our God to be the President of our Great Country

4,000 U.S. citizens died in Iraq without the comfort of family by their side.

Several people on that stage sent them to war.

Now let's talk about what is at stake in this race. We need a president with the good judgement to never support a war like this one again. I will vote for the candidate who has already proven this judgement. I will vote for Barack Obama.

So CNN, you can make a story out of anything. Flag pins, hands on hearts, middle names.

I won't elect a president who didn't have the good judgement to say no to this war.

why would obama need to comment to cnn when in the article itself it is comment on.....
Obama told the questioner the picture was actually taken during a playing of the national anthem and said, "During the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart, during the national anthem you sing."

The House Sergeant at Arms confirms to CNN however that it is U.S. code for the right hand to be placed over the heart during the playing of the National Anthem.

I think cnn is jealous.