Breaking News: Obama caves! Flag pin returns to his coat lapel

Barack Obama, Obama, flag pin, lapel, lapel pin, lapel flag pin, Pennsylvania, bitter, small town, small towns, elite, elitist, patriotism, Iraq war, war, Senator Obama, Democratic party, presidential primary, April 22, Illinois, Indiana, Hillary Clinton, Senator Clinton, candidate, authorize force, Obama's patriotism, John McCain, POW, Arizona, Senator McCain, Vietnam, Keystone State, 9/11, Rev. Wright, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, sermon, American flag, San Francisco, fundraiser

OMG, will you look at that? Amazing what a protracted primary struggle amid bitter small towns will do to previously stated political positions.

The flag pin is back on the lapel of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. No, really. Look closely at his left lapel in this photo from MSNBC on Tuesday.

You may recall Obama removed the lapel flag pin last fall as something of a gesture of independence if you're an Obama fan -- or an act of defiant antiwar non-patriotism if you're not.

At the time Obama removed the pin, which most politicians had worn on their suit coats since 9/12 as a sign of patriotism, solidarity with 9/11 victims and their families and national support for American troops.

However, when a sharp-eyed local ABC-TV reporter in Iowa asked him, half-jokingly, about it in October, Obama went on to explain seriously at some length:

"You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for, I think, true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest.

"Instead," Obama added rather grandiosely, "I'm going to try to tell....

the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism."

Of course, removal of the little symbol could also be framed as a statement of principle that usefully underlined his oft-stated and long-standing opposition to the Iraq war unlike, say, some other Democratic senators who wanted to be president and voted to authorize use of force in Iraq.

The little flag's big disappearance aroused considerable controversy at the time. It was tied in with the fraudulent photo of Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, thus publicly displaying a lack of patriotism.

"It just shows you he's not ready for prime time," said Laura Ingraham, the conservative commentator.

Once the flames of controversy really got roaring, Obama reasonably explained, "I'm less concerned with what you're wearing on your lapel than what's in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. And you show your patriotism by being true to your values and ideals. And that's what we have to lead with, our values and ideals." But it was too late by then.

OK, he weathered that one and has done just fine on the delegate-collection side of things ever since, wearing naked lapels. Although the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's sermon about the chickens coming home to roost on American shores on 9/11 re-created some awkward moments for Obama.

But, whoa, there he was Tuesday on national television at a Keystone State town hall meeting trying, with some success, according to recent polls, to play catch-up to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the next key Democratic primary state of Pennsylvania, which votes April 22.

And there, like a screaming eagle proclaiming Obama's patriotism for all the bitter, disgruntled voters of small-town America to see just days after he seemed to dis them to an elite crowd of donors at an allegedly closed fund-raiser in a San Francisco mansion, waving stiffly on the senator's left lapel was the old red-white-and-blue flag pin. Watch and see if it's still there in tonight's debate.

According to a touching-possibly-true-but-then-again-you-never-know-in-big-time-politics report circulating on several blogs during the night, the pin was reportedly given to Obama Tuesday morning by a disabled veteran whose name nobody seems to know right now.

So naturally not wanting to hurt the vet's feelings, how could the 46-year-old Obama do anything other than immediately put the pin back on his public lapel for as long as necessary?

If we were cynical and had over the years seen even the most seemingly idealistic politicians sway with the winds in the face of political pressure just before a crucial election, we'd write something about how convenient that no one caught the vet's name.

But then, probably by lunchtime today someone will find a disabled Pennsylvania veteran who claims he's the one who proudly gave the little pin to the candidate. And Obama can then wear the minute flag until he himself turns 88 without having to explain an embarrassing but awfully convenient political flip-flop in the face of running against a Republican war veteran who spent nearly six years in a POW cell. And who, by the way, won his party's presidential nomination rather handily without any lapel pin.

(UPDATE: Thanks to loyal Ticket reader Ariane for steering us to video of Obama acknowledging the disabled vet. And it didn't even take until lunchtime.)

So we'll leave out all that cynical part.

--Andrew Malcolm

                                                                                                                                 Photo Credit: AP

Comments

[Jonathan]

wow, the internet, and now the LA Times sure has become a forum for mind numbingly dumb journalism...if one can even really call this journalism. I remember the days of old when you had to buy a copy of the National Enquirer or Star magazine to read garbage....

[L]

Yes, please leave out the cynical part. If you watch the video of the speech, you will hear Obama clearly announce the veteran's name who gave him the pin, and then he spoke directly to him and thanked him for the pin and his service. Why don't you do your research?

[Bill]

In Malcolm's case, maybe you can fix cynical but you can't fix stupid.
Remember the well-coiffed and well-heeled Republican women mocking Kerry at the GOP convention with their purple (Heart) Band-Aids? Remember how George Bush didn't want to fulfill his Texas Air Guard commitment so he refused to take his physical and fled to Alabama. Sweet home, Alabama.

[Ariane]

Since you were wondering about the story that a vet had given it to him, here's the video of the veterans event where Obama puts on the flag pin; he says aloud the name of the veteran who had just given it to him and the guy is present so..... I reckon the vet just gave him a pin, and what's he gonna do, say no? It is special coming as a gift from a disabled vet- - Obama thanks the vet for his service and tells him that the pin means a lot coming from him.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/04/15/obama.flagpin.cnn

But I knew what Obama meant by how the flags everywhere became a symbol of uncritical support for the Iraq war. My elderly grandfather who's a vet himself and lives in a conservative small town, had put a flag sticker on his mailbox after 9/11 but he surprised- -OK, shocked - - me by taking it off the day we started the war with Iraq. He just said he did not want people assuming he agreed with it. He did not think we should be using our resources on Iraq instead of Al Quaeda

(Many thanks!)

[Lee]

Wow, what an amazingly trite and useless non-article. I like how the author is so enamoured of his asinine (and demonstrably false) innuendo at the end that he can't even bring himself to remove it after it's proven wrong.

[kevin]

LATEST POLL NUMBER

Question (of Democrats)
(Question # 11)

"has the better chance of getting elected president in November"

Answer:

Obama: 62%
Clinton: 31%

Washington Post ABC News Poll

[S Zaman]

Wow. Ditto to the first post. When I read this I thought i was reading one of those tabloids you see at the grocery store at the cash register. Ill-researched, not even trying to appear impartial, etc.

[shivas irons]

Dan Rather is at it again... and from his lame HD show last nite. Small world, eh? Seems Barry needs to hug a little harder onto America these days.

Hmmmmm?

http://www.hd.net/transcript_list.html#danrather

RATHER

More than any other thing, what rubs you in terms of the lie told about you or a misstatement about something you've done-- one thing more than the other concerns you?

OBAMA

Well-- you know, there were these-- e-mails that were being sent out-- suggesting that I was a Muslim and that I was-- sort of unpatriotic-- which, you know, we have tried to dispel. It was an insult both to me, a Christian, but also an insult to the Muslim community 'cause it tried to play on those fears. But the-- you know, I-- I think that-- what really rubs me the wrong-- the wrong way ends up being this suggestion somehow that-- because-- I haven't worn a flag pin in the past- - that somehow-- I don't love this country as much as those who do. Because I wouldn't be doin' this unless I loved this country. I owe everything I am to this country. And, you know, one of the tasks I think in the general election is gonna be to have a healthy debate about what love of country means. And that's a debate I welcome.

[S Zaman]

And actually, I couldn't agree with Obama more about the reasons for not wearing the pin. Wearing the pin/the proverbial flag on your sleeve is a substitute for exhibiting your patriotism through your actions. Why wear a pin if you're truly a patriotic American at heart?

[Chuck]

Barrack Obama is a great American. He opposed the quagmire in Iraq, and that took heroism and guts to stand up against the right-wing led rush to war. I like that he opposed, from the very start, an ill-advised invasion that was misplaced revenge for the attacks on 9/11. At that time, and still today, the right-wing claims patriotism and national pride for themselves. They call liberals and other people of sanity "un-American". It's time to listen to people of peace and intelligence now, not the right-wing idiots who got us into this mess to begin with. Barrack Obama, a true American, that represents all of us. Andrew Malcolm, not so much.

[Renae]

Did you all ever stop to think that this vet giving Obama a lapel pin was staged?!

Obama choosing to wear the pin now means nothing and actually, it is an insult!!!!

Obama is a phony and a fraud!

(Gee, do you think?)

[Ken]

You reap what you sow. Remember bush? Better take a closer look at Obama. For all his lofty retoric, there are still questions about his experience despite his attempt to overstate them. Still questions considering his silence and possible acceptance of the Rev. Wrights statemens until publicly forced to reject them (but still excusing the Rev.). Still questions considering Obama's wife having pride in America only after Obama's becomes a candiate. Still questions considering Obama's ability to work with a congress that has its own agenda. Still questions that Obama can walk the talk and will represent all Americans not just the Republican Americans, the Blacks and those upper class independents.

Throw out the inspiring retoric and hype of the Obama campaign and look closely at what he has to say or doesn't say and I think there is a much more flawed candidate than many of you don't see. After eight years of bush, voters need to be very carefull with their choice for President. With the problems facing America, we don't need another mistake in the office of President. It's very easy to vote someone in office but much harder to get them out. Remember, you reap what you sow.

[Lula]

"..It was tied in with the fraudulent photo of Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance..."

The Time magazine photo (http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1662530_1446035,00.html) was of Obama during the national anthem, not the Pledge of Allegiance. What about it is fraudulent? Is this LAT blogger claiming Time photoshopped the pic?

If this blogger can't get this part of the story right, how reliable is anything else s/he's written here?

[Pauli]

LOL. great post.

[Fair]

What was he supposed to do. Diss the disabled vet? This was not the best choice in line with his comments but the vet was right there. He does name him and he is honoring the fact that the guy gave it to him to encourage him to wear the pin. The pundits have weighed in but it would have been rather cold not to acknowledge the guy.

[G Johnson]

So let's see. Obama is unpatriotic for not wearing a flag pin and he's not ready for prime time if he does wear one. You’re dammed if you do and dammed if you don't.
OK.
Now, tell me how this noise that passes for news helps restore American jobs and the US economy or helps resolve the housing crisis or gets us closer to bringing the Troops home?
NOT THIS TIME!

[Rob Gordon]

It is part of his channeling of Dukakis. Remember with Bush the 1st taunted Michael Dukakis into reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? "he took the bait: was how the newspapers at the time reported in. Now Obama is doing the same thing.

[Dody]

Thank you for your comment, Ariane. I love my country, but was rather flummoxed about displaying the flag after the Iraq war started. So many folks who did were screaming for blood (anybody's blood, it seemed), that I had difficulty putting myself in that group by displaying the flag. It also seemed like an empty "jump on the bandwagon, because it's a popular thing to do" kind of gesture, which seemed to lessen the intended impact of showing genuine support for our country and our troops. It's like an atheist saying the Lord's Prayer just because they went to church with their grandmother one Sunday. Then came the "I support the troops, but not the war" conundrum. Again, we seemed to have a War of the Car Magnets. What does one do? Remove the flag magnet, but keep the "Support Our Troops" magnet? The fact is that whatever view you have, it needs to be thoughtful, fact-driven, intelligent and genuine. Rather than having silly discussions about flag pins, let's drop the fluff and get to the real stuff.

[Michael]

How convenient that this comes now, all that time of refusing to wear the pin and speaking out against wearing it and suddenly at this time he gets an opportunity and wears one. What about all the veterans before, when he wasn't wearing one, he suddenly feels he should honor one now, but he didn't think of them before. This is actually worse than not wearing one. We are not as gullible as he thinks.

[Cherie L]

Geez, more non news about the 'Bam'. Are the Hill and the McMan wearing their flag pins all the time?

(Try reading the item.)

[Average Joe]

help me please, i'm just sooo bitter...

[James]

The clown ought to give the flag pin to his racist, anti-American mentor. Let me know if you want to know where he should pin it...

[Will]

I am still hoping he and Michelle move to France, where things are more to their liking.

[jake]

Too late 'boma, you blew it when you insulted the service of our armed forces past and present when you refused to wear the flag pin in the first place, along with some snide remarks about those who actually are patriotic. Both you and your racist anti-American preacher can keep each other company. Maybe the 97 percent black vote, racially driven can put you over the top, but you won't have the support of the rest of the nation when they finally come to realize the true worth of your potential extreme liberal actions as president. I don't think the liberal press will be able to protect you any more either then. Readership and listeners are disappearing from those liberal sites and only "fair and balanced" FOX is surviving. Liberalizm is dying or merely dead men walking and only struggling with the scraps of remaining hate to live on. Bow out barack, and let Hillary carry the load. You are not able.

[bwinters]

You can't put your patriotism in a pin on your lapel, or a bumber sticker on your car, or a flag on your house, or a tattoo on your body. You either love your country in your heart or you don't. Know and believe in the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and you're a patriot in my book. If you just standby and let government walk all over the American people and the Constitution you're not a Patriot.

[Larr]

Arienne-interesting your grandfather already knew all the nuances of Iraq/Afghan/AlQueda the day after the war started.

Pledge of Allegience/National Anthem....what's the diff...tradition is hand over heart for both..either way he was dis'ing his country.

Larr - USN Retired

[buvk]

the pin has 37 stars = 37 states.

[wanakee]

Media have sunk to an all time low. Reporting rumors, gossip and now Obama wearing a flag pin? Give me a break! He's the next president! It's time to wear that pin! I'm buying a flag tomorrow!

[Pauli]

So your grandfather should put the flag back up since we're fighting Al Qaeda in Iraq now.

[Lori]

Too late about the cynical part buddy.

I wholeheartedly agree with Obama about the ridiculous flag pin. It's a cheap pin made in china, but God forbid you dare not wear it. It means about as much for patriotism as the "support the troops" bumper stickers mean to the troops that Republicans actually refuse to support when it comes to health care, rotation and pay.

Republicans are all about symbols, but you can't count on them to actually DO anything. And when was the last time you saw Grandpa McCain sporting a lapel pin?

[jcscuba@gmail.com]

What are you trying to pull LA Times? Revisionist History?

Your comment is an outright lie!
It was tied in with the fraudulent photo of Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, thus publicly displaying a lack of patriotism.

I saw the video footage, he didn't place his hand on his heart. Check your sourcing. Jeeeeeeze

[ricardo maxwell]

O'bama is an afro-centric Marxist that harbors resentment for his white roots. He will ruin this country in a very short period of time should he be elected POTUS. It make sno difference how he tries to disguise what he really is.Flag pin or no flag pin, he is still an America hating white resenting anti capitalist.

[SUMRZZ]

As it was so eloquiently said, "this is indeed political silly season" Only in America can you have dork journalism.

[Squonkamatic]

He probably found that pin in a box of Cracker Jacks and decided it looked cool, since he obviously has no interest in what the symbol stands for. The whole democrat ticket is just as phony, hollow, callous and aloof. Simply strapping that badge on won't fool or win anybody over, it just gives his own people something to be self righteous about since they don't have anything of value to offer. They will be losing big time.

[Tom O]

Ohhh fret! An article critical of the Messiah! What ever will we do?!?!?

[aron rhetoric]

Glad to see it on his suit. For any reason. As an elder punk rocker, I understand Obama not wanting to ride band wagons.
Gore stood behind a dozen U.S. flags in 2000; the NAFTA pimp didn't make me think he cared about America one iota.

[Independent in CA]

So he was for wearing a flag pin before he was against it and now he is for it again. Wow, that is more than a flip flop, it is a flip flop filp. He outdid Kerry!

[Daniel H]

It can be truly said that politics can turn even intelligent folks imbecile. Imagine then what it can do to the likes of Malcolm.

Or read the above, either will do. If I could only melt it down I could use it to fix my roof...

[Brian]

why the hell is Obama held to a diffferent standard than McCain?

Here is a picture of McCain taken April 8th where he is not wearing a lapel flag:
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//080416/ids_photos_ts/r3436050508.jpg

where is the outrage?? This issue is so phony.

[Darryl]

As all the Obama faithful rush to attack the article, they are missing the clear point of the article. Back when Obama's crafted image of being principled, and above the fray went unchallenged, he made this "principled" stand against wearing the lapel pin, and all the Obama faithful said amen.

Now, that the veneer has fallen, and he's made several gaffs exposing himself as elitist, Machiavellian, and willing to tolerate racism for personal opportunity goals, he's now exposed as just another politician, willing to do anything, even go against his own words to win votes.

[Groucho]

Obama sporting a flag lapel pin?

Does that mean he's joined a bowling league?

Hillary will drink to that!

[Cindy from DC]

The flag lapel pin was given to him as a gift at an event from a Disabled Veteran. Imagine the media storm if he refused it and just put in his pocket No matter what he does the right wing msm will find fault. Gimme a break--come up with a real issue

[confused]

Yah, he is wearing a pin again I see that but he is wearing the wrong one. According to him, his policies, and ideals of which he is really commited too as I have compered to another country and found similarites. The Hammer and Sickle should be his flag. Nothing like a good salute ah commrad!!!
TRAITOR! I'd rather die than vote for this Marxist. I only vote for patriots and people that follow our system of Government.

[RacerX]

Wow, so now we're judging someone's dedication and Patriotism based on whether they put on their lapel pin? Egads.. "Mind-numbing journalism" for sure.

If there was any truth in advertising with the politicians they'd be wearing Mexican flag pins.

Now watch, it's going to turn into something wrong--like the "flair" they had in Office Space. "Oh look, McCain has more flair on than HIllarity today".

So much of our popular journalism sucks anymore. Brain-dead electorate.

[BBowers]

That was without a doubt one of the most idiotic blog posts I've ever seen. And very disrespectful of the veteran who gave Obama the pin.

I have always defended journalists, but this past week has blown that out of the water for me. The whole "bittergate" controversy is the biggest non-story of the year, being pushed only by the Clinton campaign, right-wing Obama-haters and (surprise surprise) the lazy, sloppy media. The media apparently got bored and were happy to jump on any juicy tidbit, and this was the one for this week (I'm sure they're all bummed that there's no good video).

But what the media has failed to realize is when the media starts telling small town people how they are supposed to react to someone, they show themselves to be far more condescending and clueless than Obama was with his comments. And the polls since this manufactured "flap" haven't changed, and numerous articles have shown that people in small towns couldn't care less about this crapola.

What I'm waiting for is the media expose on how the media is rapidly becoming irrelevant. This article is a perfect example of the inane and pathetic excuse for political analysis that rules the day in editorial circles. What do the candidates think about the price of food? Or fuel? What are the candidates planning on doing about Osama bin Laden, who is still at large? What are we up against in Afghanistan and Pakistan and what can we do about it? How can we get a handle on the falling dollar and the mortgage crisis?

We get none of that -- we get BS stories (poorly researched ones at that!) about the freaking flag pin.

How do you people sleep?

[John O'Connor]

Are you serious? OMG? This is actual election reporting in 2008? LOL!!!

[echo]

Unclench. It's a pin. Get over it.

Have you nothing of substance to say?

[JOE]

This socialist pig won't even cover his heart at the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. He's only wearing it because he couldn't disrespect a VET by not wearing it, or it would have shown his true color.

[Charles]

If your cynic comments are correct why is Obama not wearing the pin after that?

[Susan I]

TOOOOOO coincidental for me. I'm sure he'll bring it up in the debate tonight as well. How many flag pins do you think he has been given since last year, and he decides NOW to put it on, acknowedging the man, in front of the cameras, right before the PA primary?????

He makes me ill. Mr. Condescending

[T PEREZ]

now a days reporters dont do research, this article would get a D- in journalism class for lack of documentation. If you read Obama's speech transcrip, he mentioned the vets name and thanked him.

[Emmanuel Winner]

Gee, if you bothered to read the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - which you would do, if you took this primary seriously - you would discover that Obama is wearing a gift given by a vetern and is doing so out of respect for that person and his dedication to his country, and not to win over votes from elitist bloggers from the LA Times.

(Right. No staging there.)

[Diick]

lets see he doesn't wear a pin , he does wear a pin. not patriotic if he doesn't and a hypocrite if he does. what does that make rush limbaugh , hannity and cheneyand several other chicken hawks that wear a pin and express their love for my country and yet some did all they could not to go to war for my country. by the way i did serve and I don't wear a pin but no nincompoop is going to tell me that I don't love the USA

[andyK]

Malcolm ignores the video in which Obama clearly says the Vets name, acknowledges him, and the Vet is shown waving...instead Malcolm prints "the vet whose name nobody seems to know"...talk about agenda journalism! Malcolm doesnt even have the decency to print a correction!!!

(You ought to read the entire item first. And if it was so clear, what was the vet's name?)

[Rockyspoon]

Newsflash! There is no such thing as an uncritical war. People who wage the war, people who plan the war, and people who determine when to wrap it up are NOT unthinking, unplanning, insensitive humans. They, more than anyone else, understand what is going on--far more than some green politician from Chicago that criticizes without much information upon which to base his opinions.

[Bud]

How convenient that Obama's crew just had a video camera. Bud

[Brendan Wilson]

Overcompensating? Hmm. Maybe for the next debate he will dress up like Apollo Creed.

[johnny]

I wonder if the terrorist that Obama likes to hang around with where's a flag lapel pin. I didn't see one on Akmadinijad.

[Bud]

Leave the cynical part in....Hilliary '09

[Garrigus Carraig]

Mr Malcolm: What a beautiful smear job. Thanks for helping to elevate the discourse. Oh, and next time you see Karl Rove, say "hey" to him for me.

[Nate]

First, the cynicism in this case is misplaced. Second, his reasoning for not wearing the flag was laudible and one I respected...in the same way I respect the decision of those who chose to wear the flag. This is America and your free to express your patriotism in any manner you wish.

Whats alarming is how many people think this stuff matters in the face of truly collosal world changing events, a pending economic disaster thats already sunk its teeth in deeply, 2 intractable wars and hostile nations who feel threatened by our recent tactics and as a result are going nuclear (or NUCULAR for you Bush suck ups) and a dithering incompetant president....lets just ignore that and discuss a candidates pastor, whether or not he wears an American flag or puts his hand over his heart during the national anthem (morons...you dont need to do that anyway).

Talk about a group of people with nothing to run on, no issues to put on the table. All the real issues cannot be discussed because then Bush and he Repugnican partys missteps are focused on.

When you have no solutions and a small minded following the best possible thing you can do is distract them with wedge issue's so they dont think about the real failure the last 8 years has brought us.

News Flash you right wing trouts, your moment in the sun is done. Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, Sullivan, Glen Beck and all of the right wing bombasts couldnt even get a 'real' neo-con elected this time. The choices your left with are all centrist to leftist and you must be very frustrated. It shows in your posts and what the entire group of you schmos are focusing on.

Sign of the times...what was for a breif moment the party of ideas has became the party of excuses. Obama 08

[barbara]

Actually, my veteran dad thought about doing the same thing, if he had been able to see him in person...
except he wanted to give Obama one of his medals.
But my dad is an intelligent guy, and he AGREED with Obama not wearing a flag pin...he says it means nothing because of all the chickenhawks who DO NOT REALLY LOVE their country that are wearing one.
BTW...my dad is now an EX-republican. Says he is tired of getting screwed.

[Aron]

A pin? A FREAKING PIN?!?! Let's pretend for a second that the whole basis for this story hasn't already been debunked (that the pin was a gift, and he didn't "flip-flop"). We're supposed to divert focus from real issues (economy, war, immigration, health care) to debate whether or not it is proper for Obama to wear A FREAKIN PIN??? Wow, journalism and political punditry has truly become pathetic, and I'm embarrassed that I even wasted the time to read this article. To think that some Americans might even CARE about this is disgusting....

[Bitter in a Small Town]

Thank God my bitterness is paying off and the candidate is responding to me. Hopefully he will wear the American Flag at tonight's debate.... or maybe Michelle will tell him NOT. Beyond guns, god, illegal immigrants, lapels w/no flags, my bitterness looks like it is changing the face of america. I'm going to get a beer and a shot and watch the debate... and see if I need more bitterness tomorrow.

[The Outlander]

He will wear a pin but he will not say the Pledge. That should be the story.

Thank you for your time.

[Country of Laws not of Men]

President Bush was duly elected and re-elected.
Congress duly voted to deploy troops in the Iraq War.
The war is being prosecuted appropriately and if you believe in our Constitution and the rule of law you do not have the right to try to redefine patriotism to allow you to undermine our success.

Barack can say he was against it, but of course he was a back-bencher in a state general assembly that is rife with corruption and Barack's buddy from Chicago is at this very moment on trial for same.

And one more thing, we are all well aware that the move-on crowd was against the War in Afghanistan too. We know that you don't think much of the military, but they are completely capable of fighting on two fronts despite your doubts.

Doesn't it ever occur to you that if you have to lie and complain constantly to defend your position that perhaps your position was wrong to begin with?

Remember all the lies you told about welfare reform, the threat of communism, and the technical feasibility of missle defense?

[Nathan Smith]

this is garbage i will not return to this site anymore

[Craig]

Under "Post a comment" it says:

"If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate."

Does that count for the original blog postings, too?

Nothing to see here, people ... move along ...

[Susan Murphy]

Yes, leave out the cynical comments. I saw the video and a guy who is head of some veterans organization gave it to hiim. He said he was touched and that he would wear it.
I am sure that you could easily find the video to watch it yourself.....
what a nutty country we have

[Kabookey]

As usual, Mr O is playing the politics he claims others are playing. He put the pin on put out the story how he got it from a solider and thus he gets cover for putting the pin back on. The man is phony to the core, just like his claim he is not taking money from oil company's or lobbyists. He doesn't take it from the company just their bosses, he doesn't take if from lobbyists just their spouses. The man is gaming the system.

[Alfred]

Shame on you Andrew Malcolm. You can continue to steer controversy or you can spend quality time writing about real issues that directly affects America's pocket book/wallet.

Be honest. I'm sure you've worn a suit lately and perhaps even still do. When was the last time you wore a flag pin. Please be honest.

[Rough Rider]

B. HUSSEIN IS A PHONY. Here is the proof:.... The new 3 dollar bill has Barry's photo on it and he is NOT wearing a pin in that photo.

[Ken]

Obama Intern: We're taking a beating on this patriotism thingie.
Obama Volunteer: How do we get a pin on him, without looking like hypocrites?
Intern: How about if we find someone to give him a pin and then he can say, someone gave it to him.
Volunteer: What if we make it a vet?
Intern: Even better!. Bingo.

[Brandon]

I was at the event in Washington PA yesterday and stood in line behind the disabled vet who gave Obama the pin. He wasn't a campaign plant. Guy was a character, but not a plant.

[Chapman]

Hearing Obama talk about his reasons for removing the pin in the first place was heartening to me & reflected what I saw & felt all around me (false patriotism in the form of a pin or magnetic "support the troops" sign (made in China)).
I have felt ashamed of my Government (not my Country).
Watching Obama conduct his campaign & hearing him talk to me like an intelligent thinking person has given me hope that we may be in the process of taking our Country back & to see Sen. Obama in a touch of humanity, reach out to a Veteran who has served our Country & agree that yes there is a reason to wear that flag proudly, tells me this is a man who is willing to constantly reassess his positions & adjust them as appropriate & necessary, qualities I'd like to see in the next President of the United States of America.

[JJ]

What should one think of a person who will only wear a flag pin so the guy who gave it to him (and the group he ostensibly represents) won't feel bad (as his fan club asserts)? Obama made a statement by not wearing a pin, now he goes against his own "statement" by putting one on. If he didn't want the minutiae of his physical appearance analyzed like this, he shouldn't have played the pin game in the first place.

[Donovan]

First the lapel pin, next the shot and beer (if his secret imam approves).

[johninlongmont]

unbelievable...what a hypocrite...I wonder if wife michele is going to pop a flag as well...since "for the first time" in HER LIFE she is now proud of America

[Thinker]

Barak is B'roken! He is a blatant hypocrite and needs to be the loser of the democratic candidacy. If it weren't for the sad fact that his remaining opponent is a pathological liar and waffles more than John Kerry, he probably would lose handily.

He and Hillary make more excuses for what they were for before they switched and became against it now. Barak is no patriotic leader to be emulated or elected. If he manages to finagle his way into the presidency, we had better all install nuclear fall out shelters and prepare for the worst. Our military will be shamed and defeated again and our country will be closer to socialist control than we already are. Taxes will rise, spending will balloon, troubles will multiply and we will pay for it all and never be good enough to make Barak or his wife "proud" unless we give them everything they want.

It was insulting enough when he took the flag pin off and now he tries to wear it again. Seems bizarre at least and mighty strange for a man who wants to be President. This is not my candidate for anything!

That leaves me Hillary and John. Ouch! What a quagmire this election has become.

[Hank]

Shoddy journalism like this may be one reason Tribune company has suffered such huge financial losses. Hopefully, they'll lay off this lame writer in the huge downsizing that's on the way.

[larry]

What a fraud!!

[Scott]

Wow, way to cynically and willfully miss the point Andrew. Despite how you and many others continue to warp this story to fit your personal preconceptions and narrative, Obama never REFUSED to wear a flag pin as some sort of strident anti-flag protest. He made a choice years ago (NOT last fall - do some d**n research) that the lapel pins had become a hollow surrogate for patriotism and to wear one simply because it was what politicians were "supposed" to do was no better than a kind of pandering. In the case of this speech, however, the pin, coming from a diabled veteran, held the weight of true meaning. Obama therefore wore it proudly, for the right reasons - not to score some cheap political points. Anytime after this became an issue he could have popped on a pin to score the cheap points - but he didn't. He waited for a real reason and a real moment. Turn it to something sleazy if you want - that seems to be the way to sell copy now days, but you ask that old man who gave him the pin if he thinks Obama was just "flip-flopping" or playing politics and I'll bet you that's not the way he see things.

[Pat]

I don't understand how the man still has support. He refuses to put his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance, refuses to wear the flag pin (unless it can gather votes), was a member of a racist church for 20+ years. Do we want this pile of dung running our country. Wake up people before it's too late!!!!!!

[jim]

Maybe Obama finally found a flag pin that wasn't made in China! Try finding one that isn't. It takes the sting out of not wearing one to know that you can't find one that isn't made in China.

[TJ David]

The following statement from the above store is distorting the truth:

"The little flag's big disappearance aroused considerable controversy at the time. It was tied in with the fraudulent photo of Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, thus publicly displaying a lack of patriotism."

It was not the Pledge of Allegiance, but the National Anthem for which he did not place his hand over his heart as is required by U.S. Code. The photo is NOT fraudulent. Snopes.com has proof.

The truth continues to filter out that Mr. Obama is not a patriot, nor is his wife who recently just became proud of America for the first time in her life.
Mr. Obama's connection with radicals, muslims, and terrorists will be his downfall.

[Teri B.]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

This guy's so full of doody. Wear it or don't, but don't act like it's such a big darn philosophical deal.

[Thea]

I saw the clip. He thanked the guy and put it on. It's called being gracious. Leave it to the media to look for the ulterior motive, or the hypocrisy, however this simple act of politeness is being spun as I write this.

[Tony Pistone]

Question: Does the fact that a veteran gave him the pin make Obama look any better or not?

You mean to tell me that it takes Obama being put on the spot, in front of a camera, to give a demonstration of patriotism? And that's a point in his favor for his supporters?

And consider:

The veteran gave him the pin in full view of the camera. Obama took time to acknowledge it, and singled out the veteran by name. If that doesn't just scream "STAGED" then I don't know what does...

[Chris]

If I wear 2 flag pins on my lapel, am I twice as patriotic?

The fanatical loyalty to the respective parties has gotten to the point of sports team fanatacism. Democrats think Republicans are evil. Republicans think Democrats are evil. It's just not the case. No one is wrong 100% of the time, and until we start considering ourselves as Americans, instead of democrats or republicans. The partisanship will continue and nothing will be accomplished.

[beaupritchard]

Give it a rest ... he's wearing the pin ... what now that's suppose to mean something negative.

You people have way to much time on your hands have nothing else to talk about and need some serious couch time.

[Tony Pistone]

Some spiteful liberal troll said, "And when was the last time you saw Grandpa McCain sporting a lapel pin?"

When was the last time anyone was stupid enough to question McCain's patriotism?

McCain has five years of torture where he refused to betray his country. Obama has 20 years of mute (and financial) approval of rapid anti-American hate.

Considering McCain's awsome record of service versus Obama's deplorable record of associating with anti-Americans, who do you think really needs to demonstrate their patriotism?

[Adrian]

Want to see a photo of a patriotic politician wearing an American flag pin? Google Larry Craig's mug shot. 'nuff said!

[jwh1016]

...and with regards to it being a staged event...that could be true. BUT lets say it wasn't staged and Obama still didnt put on the pin after everyone saw it on video.....WE WOULD NEVER HEAR THE END OF HOW MUCH OBAMA HATES AMERICA.

Give me a break....no wonder everyone hates politics.

[someone]

Obama has no integrity. What a joke.

[Wendy]

QUOTE: "It was tied in with the fraudulent photo of Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance..."

This guy can't even report the FACTS. Another manipulative reporter in our great American media. There was nothing fraudulent about it!
GRADE: F

FACT: Obama puts his hand over his heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, that is proven during the legislative sessions...but not the National Anthem. OBAMA said it’s not “required” for the National Anthem. Well, guess what? He's not in uniform therefore he is violating US Code. Obama for President? Give me a break.

United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

The “fraudulent photo” this guy is talking about is from a VIDEO...you all know where to find it...here's the link if you need it. I can't believe they actually pay this guy! Enjoy the clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwog6E08CFU

[beaupritchard]

Now what ... he's wearing the fricking pin ... you people have way to much time on your hands ... give it a rest.

[Lamar Pine, Sr.]

Obama is just another typical politician. He will say and do anything to win this election. We will all be so sorry when/if he wins the election and starts to let his real feelings show. Maybe Michelle can be Secretary of State. Just wait, if he wins, most of us will feel like killing ourselves in two or three years. I hope I am wrong.

[RA]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Too little too late Barry. We already know what he, his wife and his pastor think about Ameica.

Cut and run liberal traitors should not be allowed to wear a flag pin unless it has a hammer and sickle on it.

[KansasGirl]

What a "phony"! I wouldn't answer my door for this "garbage".

[Too disgusted]

So why didn't Obama give the disabled vet his "patriotism in the heart" speech when he was offered the pin? A kick in the vet's nuts would have worked just as well.

[John]

So what's he supposed to do, take a pin given to him by a disabled vet and stuff it in his pocket??? Get a grip people.

[Sara from Arizona]

I am patrotic and don't wear a flag pin. A non-issue. OBAMA 08'

[Bob]

Obama is not damned if he does, damned if he doesnt.

He made a conscious choice to shun the flag. What he does now, sincere or not, is irrelevant. His first instinct was to shun it - thats his basic feeling on the matter.

[Evan]

I can't believe I wasted the 3 minutes it took me to read through this "article." The author should consider a job at the National Enquirer

And since when do we have to question a candidate's patriotism? THEY'RE RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

[Bill]

What bad journalism, bad blogging, just bad all around.

I cannot believe this journalist can wake up in the morning and look at himself and feel proud of his profession and his work.

This was lazy journalism of the worst sort.

And for those faux patriots screaming about the pledge and the national anthem, look at any sports event and see how many people do not put their hand over their hearts during the anthem. I was taught not to by my father, a US marine who fought in VietNam. I was taught to stand respectfully with my hands folded in front of me and face the flag.

I suppose we should send him to Guantanamo for some waterboarding?

I bet you had no idea the US code required that, you hypocrite.

[timeswoman]

I will take "more than a flag pin" to believe this guy....

Spin, spin, spin, spin, spin... spin...spin........spin......... yeah, right.

Maybe the "typical down-trodden, religious, white, immigrant hating, scared of illegal aliens who are invading our country, out of work bitter, low-class, ignorant uninformed, un-thinking people with buy into this...

Wanna-bet?

Jezzika

[giz]

If Obama is the democratic presidential nominee, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY ADULT LIFE I WILL BE VOTING A REPUBLICAN FOR PRESIDENT.

Obama LIES again!

Rev. Wright -> his racist pastor for 20 years

Obama said his parents met in Selma, AL 1965 and parent bore him from that meeting. --> WRONG! Sen Obama you were born 1961 LONG BEFORE the Selma, AL happened.

[army193]

Thank you Obama...the flag pin you now wear has a meaning not like most of the pins...

[Raconteur]

But then, Senator McCain doesn't really need a lapel flag pin, does he?

[willis]

Chapman, you're a sick person. Who let you out of the funny farm!
Good gosh, man , get real, obama is nothing but a racist and a socialist. Just as the other guy said, he should be wearing a hammer and sickle!
Check out the Bridget Bardot story being prosecuted and what she is beoing prosecuted for if you want to see where the U.S. is headed. Government by the people against the people! If you don't agree with them and exercise your free speech rights then you'll be sent to jail. That'll show you oh you who dare to speak out..
Obama and his cronies and the legions of political correctness groups will make a believer of you. And if not, they will sentence you to listen to Jeremiah for every sunday that osama obama wasn't there. ! Screw obama!

[Fred]

Mr. Malcolm. . .

That you have exposed your posterior in this commentary is without question.

Fortunately there are younger people coming along in this country that are going to eliminate the influence of men your age (and mine).

I'll gladly sacrifice my influence to know that yours is gone.

[David]

And so it goes... If Obama ever takes off the pin he'll be grilled by the press about whether it means his patriotism has waned. Or if HRC appears at her next event wearing AN EVEN BIGGER flag pin, we'll get stories about who is the more patriotic.

[crazyoregonian]

Nate: Please, get me your email address, because when Barack Hussein is NOT elected President I want to be the first to laugh in your face.

Obama is a fake. This guy talks about how many things he wants to fix, about how he would do this and that and make things better for all, yet he can't outline a single plan to show us how he would accomplish it. He is a media darling and thrown softball questions during many debates. His supporters can see that he does no wrong, even though his faults are evident to a blind man. He only spoke about his close relationship with the Rev. Wright after he was called out about it... imagine if no one said anything. It is likely that he would still be there, praising his teachings and embracing his ideas.

You guys are missing the point of article, and you can defend him in any way you like (I'm sure you can think of a snazzy rebuttal to nearly every negative item said about B.H.O.) but the bottom line is that he changes his stances regularly to fit the current issues and he did NOT place his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. Yes, the pin and Hand over heart during the Anthem are very small items, but if he can't handle something small like that with dignity and respect, who says I want to have him represent my country and myself in the World? Who says he can handle the big, important, serious issues that he would inevitably face?

Name call all you like, Bush does not represent the Republican Party nor Conservatives, so personally I could care less if you point out his flaps and flaws. News Flash for you: The Right’s “moment in the sun” is not over with. Why do you think movies like “Stop Loss” and “Redacted” have done so poorly in the box office? Americans are tired of the Left and their one track mind… “destroy American values... discredit Bush… destroy American values... discredit Bush… destroy American values... discredit Bush…” Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, Sullivan, Glen Beck and all of the “right wing bombasts” are enjoying higher than ever ratings. Obama will go nowhere, he is being exposed for the fake that he is. Welcome to reality. (I bet someone finds the most inane, minute part of what I have said to pick at. I also bet that I get called some "really mean" name, since the Left is so good at personal attacks rather than debating the actual issues at hand.)

[Dan Tana]

Wow. The only shocker here is that leftist posters are actually tolerating and defending Obama wearing the pin.

My, my, this must get ya'll panties in a twst.

[Binx101]

I'm forever grateful that you left out the cynicism.

All that aside - we believe his words are significantly more important than this article.

Binx101
The Almost Daily Binx
www.binx101.wordpress.com

[David H Stern, MD]

Thats quite some insight you've got going there, fella.

In this time where we've seen Habeas Corpus suspended, The President openly declares he has the authority to violate any law he chooses, and the Congress responds by handing him their authority to declare (an illegal) war based on fabricated claims without bothering to check back first…

American citizens can be declared "illegal combatants" by the President and be imprisoned on secret evidence, wholesale spying on Americans is being done openly in violation of both law and the Constitution, the administration makes a conscious decision to make torture and other violations of international law official policy…

the Justice department is turned into some kind of loyalist political "goon squad" complete with corrupt and cooperative judges willing to jail political opponents up to and including governors, legal citizen activists opposing executive policies are deliberately placed on "no-fly" lists and barred from travel to planned civil actions…

the entire electronic voting industry is severely compromised, the federal debt continues to grow so enormously that it now threatens the federal government's very survival, domestic neglect and financial complicity has resulted in record home repossessions that at this early stage have already gotten so out of hand in some cases the banks can no longer afford to even repossess them…

prices are rising, employment is falling, state and county, and civic governments are all sagging under the weight of neglect and economic hardship - yes, at times like this…

what concerns me most is lapel pins and "bitter" talk.

Why would a "journalist" cover anything else?

Insults might offer me some relief at the moment, but I could never offer up an insult as deeply wounding as the one your just typed up for yourself.

Truly pathetic.

[covered]

Maybe he just doesn't wanna look like a republican.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Obama the hypocrite! If you don't want to wear a flag pin, take it off...and have the courage to leave it off if you don't think you should wear it. However, if you really want to show some character, apologize for those years you listened to your bigoted Pastor and the demeaning remarks you made against "bitter / clinging" small town Americans.

Granny

[Just an observer]

Obama talks about change we can believe in as his election slogan and then about hope.
In what direction is he going to take America in his message of change and hope? Does he
have a blue print or manifesto to reflect this change and hope to the American public?
He criticised Hilary for voting for the Iraq war. Does he ever think Hilary's one and only vote
can send US troops to wage war in Iraq. Hilary's vote along with the votes of the majority of
senators was a vote of an act of good faith to safegard national security and protect every
American's life including Obama's from harm's way. Hilary voted for the Iraq war based on the
false infomration given her. She acted in good faith and should not held accountant for the mistake
cos it was a collective mistake. Suppose Hilary's vote turned out to have achieved the desired
objective. Do you think Obama will thank her for it?

How can Obama say he can't disown Jeremiah Wright any more than he can disown the black community
or his white grand mother. How can he disown his pastor who is not even related to him in any way by
flesh and blood? Is he going to say that he phrased his words poorly this time as in the case of small town
voters' bitterness over thier economic hard times to religion and guns?

[James]

This is civilians' way of expressing support for the troops. As a combat veteran, I'd rather for the politician be focused on doing something for veterans rather than having a lapel pin on as a prop.

[Misty S. Boyer]

"How can he disown his pastor who is not even related to him in any way by flesh and blood?"

I have a woman that I call sister. You can not tell me she isn't my sister, even though we do not share parents. My boyfriend has a best friend that he calls his brother, and refers to him as his brother, and to anyone who asks, they're brothers.

I am closer to my "sister" than I am to my own siblings - I have five of them, and I only speak to one on a regular basis.

I'll be damned if you try to tell me that you can't be family with someone if they aren't related by blood. That is an insult to step-parents and step-children, and adoptive parents and adopted children EVERYWHERE.

[Joe G]

As a 28 year vet I could care less whether he wears a flag pin or not....I've never worn one myself....just served it....what bothers me is that he comes up with a BS excuse for not wearing one that sounded all high and mighty and now when his motives are suspect(Rev. Wright and Bittergate)....viola....flag pin on the lapel???? This guy reminds me of the ducks at the carnival shooting gallery....I qualified expert rifle/pistol in the military but I coundn't win that damn stuffed mammal...can't pin this duck either.

[Ted]

If Obama wins, do yourself a favor and move to Canada.

[Mark Cartwright]

For the cynics on here: When you always see the glass as half-empty, do you also refuse to drink from the half-full glass? I see Obama understanding what patriotism actually is. He also understands that Vet was sincere, and Obama honors his service by accepting and wearing a symbol of the Vet's service. Maybe Obama's detractors believe patriots bomb innocent people, torture and shred the Constitution. Obama does not. I do not.

[Linda--]

Why do you think that Obama's not placing his hand over his heart was a fraudulent charge? WATCH and see it is true!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QCkgg5Kjo

[John]

ANOTHER UPDATE !!ANDREW WRITES "It was tied in with the fraudulent photo of Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, thus publicly displaying a lack of patriotism. HERE IS THE LINK MY FRIEND
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp PLEASE CORRECT... TOUGH NIGHT ANDY? YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS .. REPORT PLEASE DO NOT MAKE UP THE NEWS

[Gregorovitch]

Someone once asked me if I knew what a "Mush Brain" was. I replied, yes it is one who plans to vote for one of two Marxist for President. Obama and Clinton are students of Saul Alinsky. I knew back in the late 60's that Liberal was a code word for Communist, which is why I got as far away from them as I could. I became an Independent. So if the Liberals then called themselves Communist, why aren't today's Liberals just as honest?

[Franklin]

What a failed attempt at character assassination by a former Clinton employee and a current Clinton supporter. Stephanopoulos, you took orders from Sean Hannity, I mean S-e-a-n H-a-n-n-i-t-y. Do you really lack that much self-esteem? I am not even a democrat... This was tabloid work you did today. I do not have health care and I am a full-time student with loans; how did you help me Mr. Stephanopoulos in this "debate" you moderated?

[Kim Y. Chan]

Senator Barrack Obama in his younger days was brought up in Muslim Indonesia, and initially refused to wear the American Flag Pin on his lapel after 9/11 because he was against President George W. Bush's invasion of Muslim Iraq in 2001; refused to pledge loyalty during the playing of the American National Anthem and the raising of the American Flag by placing his hand over his heart during the debate with Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Hillary Rhodam Clinton, who spontaneously did so; refused to condemn the anti-American sermons by his Pastor Wright until confronted and still continued to be closely associated with him on the lame excuse that he has retired; and his wife's claim that she was proud to be an American citizen for the first time when her husband is gaining in the presidential polls; and now he wears the American Flag pin,which was obviously staged and exposes Senator Obama as lacking in integrity. With his glib tongue, Senator Obama has fooled a large majority of the American electorate. With the above evidence of his total lack of patriotism, yet Americans dared not question whether his original opposition to the Iraq invasion was based on his heritage. He has since capitalized on his stand. The Senator is a fraud. Beware America!

Kim Y. Chan (Dr.), Singapore.

[Val]

OMG - GROW UP!

There are thousands of more important issues that should be covered in this news paper, that $2 piece of cheap jewelry is not 1 of them.

Patriotism is not defined by the jewelry you wear, but by your actions.

Shame on you, shame on the people who approved your blog & shame on anyone who paid you for this article.

[nutchi]

Obama's again named in Rezko trial!

FEDERAL COURT | The Obamas lied about attending bash for Iraqi crook Nadhmi Auchi. BY NATASHA KORECKI, CHRIS FUSCO AND TIM NOVAK

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama was again drawn into Tony Rezko's corruption trial when the prosecution's star witness placed Obama at a party for an Iraqi-born billionaire who was barred entry to the United States. Stuart Levine testified under cross-examination that Obama and his wife, Michelle, attended the reception for Nadhmi Auchi.

An Obama connection court testimony have linked presidential hopeful Barack Obama with Iraqi-born billionaire Nadhmi Auchi and Rezko. Obama met Middle Eastern bankers at the Four Seasons hotel in Chicago hosted by Rezko, who was courting potential investors for a 62-acre South Loop development. Auchi later took control of that project. Later Auchi attended a dinner party at Rezko's Wilmette mansion. Obama and his wife, Michelle, also were there, according to federal testimony at Rezko's corruption trial. The Obama campaign's responsed that Senator and Mrs. Obama have no recollection of attending the event.

Jan. 28, 2008 Rezko was jailed for withholding details of his finances -- including a $3.5 million payment from Auchi convicted of fraud in France in 2003. After visiting Chicago and Detroit in 2004, he wasn't allowed back into this country, according to a prosecution filing in the Rezko case gathering for Auchi took place at Rezko's mansion in Wilmette, with Mr. and Mrs. Obama there. Monday, Obama camp said Obama does not recall meeting Nadhmi Auchi but Obamas attended the Wilmette reception, which came less than a month after Obama's Democratic primary win for his U.S. Senate seat. Rezko had been a key fund-raiser for Obama with Auchi. Obamas relationship with Rezko who is accused of demanding kickbacks from people seeking Illinois government business is now under a federal microscope as he seeks the presidency. Obama particularly has drawn fire for buying property from Rezko's wife a strip of land adjacent to Obama's Kenwood home at a time when both Obamas knew Rezko was already known to be under federal investigation.

Gov. Blagojevich hosted a separate dinner party for Auchi two days earlier, at the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Chicago, the Sun-Times has reported. Auchi was named by prosecutors in the January court filing that led to Rezko's bail being revoked and his being jailed. Last April, an Auchi company wired Rezko $3.5 million in connection with a valuable 62-acre South Loop site, which Rezko didn't disclose to authorities. Auchi's General Mediterranean Holding now controls the land at Roosevelt and Clark. Prosecutors said Rezko appealed to the State Department in November 2005 to allow Auchi to enter the United States, after Auchi was unable to do so.

Huffington Post-William Ayers, in the age of terrorism, is Obamas Willie Horton said
Former counterterrorism expert Larry Johnson,
There has been sudden information linking Obama to a former member of the radical Weathermen Underground group that claimed responsibility for a dozen bombings between 1970 and 1974. The former Weatherman, William Ayers, told the New York Times. I don't regret setting bombs...I feel we didn't do enough. Obama and Ayers were members of the board between 92-02. In addition, Ayers contributed to Obama's election to the Senate. They lived within a few blocks of each other in the trendy Hyde Park section of Chicago and moved in the same liberal-progressive circles. Larry Johnson, a former counterterrorism official at the CIA and the State Department, predicts Republicans would seize on the Ayers case, and again raises questions about Obama's judgment. WHERES MAINSTREAM MEDIA LIKE CNN & MSNBC WHY ARE THEY HIDING THIS MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM VOTERS??

OBAMA WAS AWFUL IN THE DEBATE, we cannot risk our country on him! OUR TIME HAS COME FOR DEMOCRATS TO FULLY SUPPORT SENATOR CLINTON TO WIN IN NOV.
Hillary dominates Philadelphia we now know who won the debate according to our focus group. Senator Clinton is the debate winner, 23% believe Senator Obama won while 50% believed Senator Clinton won. Debate Analysis, 4/16/08
ABC News Political Radar Rick Klein – Clinton is back to the strong presence we saw early in the cycle.
MSNBC News Chuck Todd – Obama ‘did not have a good night. Obama’s answer on Ayers and the flag were simply weak. He seemed unprepared, Kinda surprising because questions seemed to stump him each time.
Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder – Theres no way Obama could have fared worse.
Washington Post’ Chris Cillizza— Obama struggled quite a bit when asked about Rev. Wright his pastor.
New York Times’ Katharine Seeyle: Hillarys in her element as she goes into details. Shes becoming expansive, seemingly in her element as she goes into details; Mr. Obama does not look as thrilled to be still standing there.
Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall – Hillary ‘certainly seems more self-assured.'She certainly seems more self-assured on the Iran question than Obama did we could clearly see he was on delicate territory.
Philadelphia Inquirer –Obama is again less certain and rambles again. When asked about the Washington D.C. gun ban. Gibson asks him to deny that he has ever advocated a complete ban on hand guns in 1996. Obama says no. But whatever the truth, no other answer is possible
NBC News’ Matthew Berger – Obama tried to have it both ways with Israel. Obama's answer on an Iranian attack on Israel tried to seem to have it both ways: highlight his support for Israel but not lock him into treating an attack on Israel like an attack on the U.S. But it may have looked more like a no because it wasn't a firm yes. Clintons answers were direct.
AMAZING NEW ARTICLE ON OBAMA - SHOWS HE TRULY IS A RADICLE.
IF CBS IS PRINTING OBAMA STUFF, YOU KNOW OBAMA IS READY TO IMPLODE.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/11/opinion/main4009369.shtml

[SD]

Kool Aid Anyone????

[SGV]

Larr said:

"Arienne-interesting your grandfather already knew all the nuances of Iraq/Afghan/AlQueda the day after the war started."

Anyone who was paying attention and had some semblance of intelligence knew the same thing. I hope all retired USN aren't as ignorant.

[John Doe]

Interesting video, Bush Sr. didn't put his hand over his heart either. What, no lapel pin, how could republicans elect such an unpatriotic president.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EYKHCimxzs

[GBC]

Ummmm... that shot is taken from Tuesday.

Yep. Tuesday. It's says it TWICE.

Tuesday... is BEFORE Wednesday, the day of the ABC non-debate I believe.

I'll just let that sink in for a bit.

But, it sorta takes the wind right out of your argument, I'm afraid.

[deangerous]

Am I the only one who thinks that the flag lapel pins (almost all made in China) are tacky? I don't see anyone but Republicans wearing them. No president wore one until Bush. came along And his kind of patriotism sure isn't my kind of patriotism.

This is a manufactured issue, started by people with narrow minds. I salute the flag every day with my middle school class and I fly the flag on Memorial Day to honor my father who died in battle in WWII.

And one more thing. . . gasp . . . I don't put my hand over my heart when I sing (with great gusto) The Star Spangled Banner. Who made these rules? I pay my taxes, support the troops (but not the administration), and can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution. I have a Master's degree in U.S. history.

Nobody is going to tell me I have to wear one of those silly,cheap pieces of costume jewelry. You go, Obama.

[ncschwabe]

When a presidential candidate refuses to manifest his respect for our flag and our nation by means of the usual symbols - wearing a flag pin or covering his heart when the national anthem is performed - that tells me he is intentionally making a statement of disrespect. For 20 years, Obama has been a member of a church that teaches disrespect for an America controlled by white supremacists. Obama has praised the leader of that church, Jeremiah Wright, as his friend, mentor and moral compass. We have all seen the type of sermons preached by Jeremiah Wright. We know what Jeremiah Wright thinks about America. I think Obama's deliberate acts of disrespect show that he agrees with Wright.

Take a look at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2KvYwXm2EU
and watch all 4 parts.

[Emil]

I have quit reading any newspapers a long time ago. If I want to keep up with the world, I read the internet articles. If I want to further by reading intelligence, I read the New Yorker. LA times, as epitomized here by Mr. Vacuous, aka Andrew Malcolm, is no only one of those newspapers where the language and grammar are below 9th or so grade high school level, but the information contained therein is biased, unresearched, and money-generating. As time goes by, we will soon reach a level where only an idiot would news like the ones in LA times: articles written by idiots for idiots.

The country is going down the drain and sometimes I wonder whether that's not largely due to a media market that coerces shallow Americans to believe in myths. God damn the media and God help America if this continues. Do a service to your country - don't be limited to any one source for your information.

It's all media propaganda. Most of America is too lazy to do the leg-work themselves. Therefore, they trust and are inspired by the lazy leg-work of "so-called" reporters. They want your money...they will tell you ANYTIHNG for a dollar! Quit believing everything you se on TV! Do what I did and TURN IT OFF! Self-educate...the only way to the truth!
WE HAVE MORE CHO