[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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To all bloggers!
Please, NO NAMECALLING, Just positive comments. YOU KNOW THE SAYING "IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING GOOD, DON'T SAY ANYTHING?
This is important, for everyone who thinks that Wes Clarke should apologize for his POW/McCAIN REMARKS, please go to POLITICO and check out this article,"Some on left target McCain WAR RECORD"
Then come back with your comments!
I like Obama he is not going put up with any more stupidity from people questioning his patriotism. Obama doesn't shy away from addressing the tough issues that is why he will make a great president.
The real questions are why McCain keep attacks his patriotism.
Just because Obama did not server in the Military??
McCain is from the old world. We live in today’s world. Anyone who uses words like Gooks in 2008 need not be our President.
and NOBAMA....you seem really uneducated. CAn you even read?
Obama is showing the greatest amount of Patriotism simply by taking
a stand and running for the President of the United States.
We all dream of changing our Country, and our conditions, but most people fail when it's time to "Step Up To The Plate".
Obama is making the right move to help our country, you can't get anymore Patriotic than that.
The part of his speech this morning that encourages me the most was where he said "I will not question anyones patriotism and I will not stand idly by while someone questions mine." John Kerry lost because he didn't respond quickly and forcefully when these types of charges were leveled at him. Looks like Obama has learned the lesson of the 2004 election.
hahaha...too simple. His community work is what he should have said. He is confused. As an executive, I would be more interested in his first 11 years of his life at least to be able to hire him .
I don't care what Obama has to say. I will NEVER TRUST HIM and WILL NOT VOTE for him.
obama doesnt attack mccains patriotism,but,mccain question his,all of the time.doesnt this make mccain somewhat un-patriotic.republicans think they are the only one's who are patriotic.illegal wars are un-patriotic.
Why is it that such a stink is being made over Clark's statement? His statement was not an attack on McCain's military credentials, that's rediculous! I totally agree that just because McCain was a war hero it does not qualify him as President of the US. If so, then every soldier in Iraq is qualified to run the country?
IT SEEMS THAT WE HAVE BIGGER PROBLEMS TO DISCUSS AND WHINE ABOUT THEN A PERSON'S PERSONAL OPINION OF WHICH IS VERY TRUE!
June 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET
Perhaps one reason people question his patriotism is that he belonged to a church that has as its 10 point vision (something the pastor and members commit to), a "non-negotiable commitment to Africa". If an American citizen has a non-negotiable commitment to another country that might just mean that they don't have a total commitment to the United States????
CNN, thank you for not filtering out my comments — once again......
just love these ignorant fools, fyi Africa is not a country it is not a nation it is a continent
"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." – Sinclair Lewis
True in the 1920s and even more true now that warrantless wiretaps and basic disregard for the US Constitution seem to be the law of the land...
Negatives will never flow from his smooth talking lips. He'll use doofus stand-ins like Wesley Clark and the like. How can we question Obama's patriotism? He's never risked one hair on his pretty head for his country and he never will. Read his book!
WoMeN4McCain – Educated people alone will not elect a president . So, start acting like it.
I believe patriotism hasn't been the issue.
It's your naivete regarding cultural traditions/military heritage related to flag ceremonies, wearing of the flag, and when ( and where to) place your hand over your heart.
The concerns: you were ignorant–not unpatriotic.
OBAMA -means- Original Brand America Must Accept
McCain – means – Misadventure Can Cage America In Novemeber
It is your choice to make America.Either to choose the Original stuff which Obama represents or to Choose Misadventure which will definitely cripple America for another dunky years as his master.
this is pathetic. I'll bet the same people who question Obamas Patriotism are the same that don't question Bush's.
Maybe its those peoples patriotism that needs to be question?
translating MLG's comment:
I dont care what Obama has to say. I will NEVER EDUCATE myself and will REMAIN IGNORANT and vote for another term of Bush.
BTW:
the reason why he's giving a speech on patriotism is because of the smears and lies that Sean Hannity and O'reilly spread on FOX news everyday to regular americans who don't bother flipping the channel to CNN or any other news channel for better balanced news
lulu June 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET
If a presidential candidate feels the need to respond to questions regarding his patriotism, or lack thereof, then he/she has no business running for the presidency.
So all you would need to do to eliminate your opponent would be to question his or her patriotism, Lulu? That makes no more sense than anything I've heard from gramps Mccain's campaign.....
Please pay attention what Obama said: "He vowed to NEVER question the patriotism of others in the campaign", that is to say, please don't doubt Obama's patriotism no matter what is my patriotism...
Just a hint that he really does not love American so much...
is Dr. Rev Wright still an issue? really, had anyone listen to the whole sermon? can you find anything other then "he through Wright under the bus" rhetoric. Wright threw himself under the bus the GOP was driving it.
Obama is taking the high road again...
To even suggest pulling our troops out of Iraq is a thorn in Obamas side. You just cannot do that with the current state of affairs in the Middle East. Tough to swallow, you anti-war activists, but a neccessary evil to our interests.
WHAT PATRIOTISM? THE KIND OF HIS IRAQI BUDDY REZCO? AND REV.WRIGHT PATRIOTISM, G.DAM AMERICA?
COME ON PEOPLE WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE !!!
JOHN MCCAIN/MITT ROMNEY 2008
I am just curious, what has Obama done for this country.... I dare anybody to list one or even two things that qualify him for the position. I have seen this asked several times, and i havent seen anybody say one thing he has done.. Slam McCain that is all they come back with.
My Democratic vote goes for McCain this time around...we'll see if they get it right next time.
Obama has served his country's governement for 13 years. That is patriotism!!! Working for your country, working for the people in your country like he has, by working both in the Illinois Senate, as well as the US Senate, that is patriotism!!!