Presidential seal returns to Obama campaign events after change of heart

(L) President Obama in Poland, Ohio, Friday, July 6, 2012; (R) President Obama in Pittsburgh, Friday, July 6, 2012

/ AP Photo

(CBS News) The seal is back.

For the first time at one of President Obama's re-election campaign events, his lectern displayed the presidential seal.

It had been the policy of the Obama White House that the presidential seal would not be displayed at purely political and campaign events.

The policy ended today at Mr. Obama's campaign speech on the campus of Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where the presidential seal adorned his lectern.

Until now, a campaign sign was often affixed to the lectern at campaign events. Earlier in the day, at a campaign speech in Poland, Ohio, a placard bearing the slogan "Betting on America" was affixed to the lectern. The same was the case yesterday at other stops on his bus tour.

Displaying the presidential seal serves to enhance the prestige of the event and contrast Mr. Obama's incumbency from Mitt Romney's status as a challenger.

There's nothing illegal about displaying the presidential seal at a political event being addressed by the president, but until now, the Obama White House felt it was inappropriate.

In 2010, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told CBS News that it had been decided "that at strictly political events we would not use" the presidential seal.

However, an Obama campaign official today points out that "it's common practice for sitting presidents to use the presidential seal at campaign events when they are running for re-election."

The official pointed to the re-election campaigns of Presidents Bush, Clinton and Reagan.

So the presidential seal will now be used at future campaign events addressed by Mr. Obama. But the campaign official said it was decided the seal will not be displayed on the lectern at Obama campaign fund-raisers.

[lg144]

Ever notice republicans NEVER run budget deficits on spending to help average Americans? They ALWAYS waste taxpayer dollars on things to empty the treasury without helping people. This is strategic by republicans. They do this and then cry the country is broke and we can't afford that! They do this because they NEVER want average americans to thing government can help and enhance them. They ALWAYS use government to help corporations, big oil and the wealthy, not average Americans. This is why republicans ALWAYS speak negatively of government. Wake up people!

This is why they have been on a 30 plus years crusade against governemnt. To convince average Americans that government is no good and cannot do anything positive for them. They use the term Limited Government" what they really mean is republican we limit governments ability to help and enhance the lives of average Americans while enhusiastically supporting corporations, big oil and the super rich.

Can any republican supporter state any republican bill, policy or current political stance that favors struggling Americans over corporations, big oil and the wealthy? Of course this looong list will justify republicans deserving the votes of struggling Americans over President Obama and Democrats, right? Republicans are using playing on the racism against President Obama of some voters to get them to vote republicans. Which ironically is the very party that has blocked and stopped ever piece of legislation from President Obama that would help average Americans. This election voters will decide whether to reward the republican party which ahs brazenly worked to keep them jobless or reward President Obama for constantly fighting against them on behaf of average Americans.

Wake Up Voters!

[realist2010]

Oh look, Republicans are upset at the president! This is a turn of events.

Romney can use the official seal of the Cayman Islands, deal?

[lg144]

by Diddy_is_back July 7, 2012 11:06 AM EDT
BenDover likes to pick up the soap for the government. You are not a smart person sir when you let the government make decisions for you. Attacking people that want less debt and the government out of their lives. Stupid stupid man you are sir. Now go and get your food stamps sir.
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Republicans always like having it both ways. First they create dismal economic conditions that require assistance from the government, then they cut and complain about Americans using the very government assistance they caused the need for. Why any sane struggling American would ever vote for corporate, big oil, super rich loving republicans is a mystery.

[SeemoreSimon]

Not surprising at all...after all, we are talking about the goof whose podiums sported that ludicrous , invented seal of *The Office of the President-Elect".

[Ulgnud]

Still using his foreign made bus?

[OxyCon]

It doesn't matter what slogan Obama uses on his cute little podiums because he looks tired, haggard, beat up and spent, although "Has Been" or "Flash In The Pan" would be appropriate slogans for him.

[ArdyB]

Nice article (as always). He IS the president....wonder how the GOP will spin this.