Obama responds to attacks on his patriotism
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/06/30/campaign.wrap/art.obama.ap.jpg caption="Sen. Barack Obama's speech on patriotism comes days before the Fourth of July."](CNN) - Sen. Barack Obama defended his patriotism Monday, telling a crowd in Independence, Missouri, that his "deep and abiding love for this country" is the reason he is running for president.
"At certain times over the last 16 months, I have found, for the first time, my patriotism challenged - at times as a result of my own carelessness, more often as a result of the desire by some to score political points and raise fears and doubts about who I am and what I stand for," he said in President Harry Truman's hometown, just days before the Fourth of July.
Obama vowed to never question the patriotism of others in the campaign, adding "I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine."
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If you are such a patriotic person, why is it you never served our country in the military? And yet you allow Clark to discredit the services of a former POW, graduate of the USNA, as was my daughter.
Have you any idea what it takes just to survive 4 years at the USNA?
I doubt it!
Yeah, how patriotic was it of your mother to scam the system and take food stamps and welfare while sending you to one of the priciest private schools in Hawai'i????
How patriotic was it of your wife to make the ignorant comment she did about finally being proud of this country?
It's not to late to let Hillary run for President we know she is an American. We need to change the name of Democratic Party to The Socialist Party. Who cares I will be a Republican now.
Hey, Republicans:
Just because Obama does not support the War in Iraq or war with Iran, that does not make him unpatriotic! In fact, that's blind patriotism, which, in my opinion is 1000x worse than no patriotism.
Patriotism is love for this country and its future, Obama displays this on a daily basis, a stupid flag pin doesn't show that, GOP. He is patriotic.
Let's move to the issues, because Obama can slam McCain on being closely related to Bush. That's important. About "taking the Muslim side," what about the "silent majority?" The 99% of the world who is peaceful. Obviously, you haven't heard that, hence the "Silent?"
I blame the media for this sad fact (FOX news.)
Obama '08
Boy, I see that flag pin right up their shinning. What a joke. Listen to the man and his friends prior statements even his wifes and tell me if you believe that man has any patriotism. I have seen more patriotism from a military police dog.
I love the people on here that keeping saying how Obama isn't patriotic because of these stupid smears about his religious affiliations or policy positions. If that's what defines patriotism, then you don't deserve the freedom you have. Part of patriotism is respecting your fellow Americans and loving your country because of how everyone has free will, yet you won't give it to this man? Who's the real patriot now?
Fight the Hate '08
WITH OUR PAST 30 YRS. WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BE PROUD OF. OUR BULLYING OF THE WORLD. OUR POLICYS BASED ON PROFIT. OUR SELF CENTERED VIEW OF THE WORLD. COME ON PEOPLE WAKE UP.
Get on with the issues, I am so sick of the bull crap designed to mask the real reason this has become an issue.
The total shock and reaction to General Clark for stating an obvious truth shows how easy it is to mislead the public. There is absolutely no advantage in being a former POW and having the leadership traits and principles to be a good leader.
Given the choice between a fly-boy [even off a flat top] and a ground pounder and I'll take the ground pounder every time!
Clark was right! We can't improve our past but we can certainly take charge of our future.
Obama/Clark '08
I haven't heard anyone attack Obama's patriotism; it's the same old Democrat Party canard, with nothing substantive, but enough invective for useful idiots to believe it.
Looking at this thread I don't see how anyone can disagree.
No one, but no one, is attacking Obama's patriotism. We attack his policies; for they are inherently infused with the same idiocy as the "Carter Doctrine".
I don't need Obama to preach to me about patriotism. I don't need Obama to preach to me about anything. Who does this 40-something neophyte think he is, anyway? I listen to deeds, not words. I listen to his 20 years in a church that preaches hate towards America; I listen to his corrupt political maneuverings in Illinois; I listen to his instigating the race card; I listen to his 130 "present" votes in the IL Senate; I listen to his lack of convening the Afghan subcommitte that he chairs; I listen to his mere 18 mos in the U.S. Senate before thinking he's qualified to be president; I listen to his not having a single solution of his own to a single problem facing us; and the list goes on. Yes, I listen to "deeds" - not wordsmithing.
Well its hard to beleive he writes his on speeches, when you can go on youtube and there is a video of someone else giving the same speech barack gave on months before barack even thought about the speech... anybody remeber dont tell me words don't matter yeah much of that speech not his.
Patriotism?
What is it?
Putting a yellow sticker on your car
or
wanting your sons and daughters back from a nightmare THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED.
I agree with RJ, CA. You are 100% right.
Maybe you shouldn't be friends with terrorists!
Such a shame. The smears and lies live on forever in the desperate minds of fearful people. Barack Obama is an honorable man. Shame on many of you for spreading hatred.
"There is nothing to fear but fear itself." Franklin Roosevelt
RJ, CA, then don't listen.
Patriotism is not measured by a flag pin, people. McCain just talks bad about Obama all the time. If that's the GOP's plan to win this election, what about the issues that matter? What's his plan to fix the economy, or giving me a tax break, or protecting our borders, or restoring our respect and integrity with world leaders, or education fixing the education system in this country, or alternative energy solutions. I don't care about who's got military experience, or who's church you belong to, or who said what. Who's going to lead this country in the right direction for once in MY adult life? I've had it with the NON issues.