Obama Defends McCain's Military Service

Ill. Senator Also Touts His Own Patriotism In Missouri Speech

(CBS/AP)  Flanked by American flags, Barack Obama forcefully defended his patriotism Monday against anyone who would challenge it, declaring he wouldn't stand still for persistent loyalty rumors aimed at sinking his presidential campaign.

However, he was forced to interrupt his Fourth of July week event - at Harry Truman's old home in Independence, Mo. - to respond to Republican rival John McCain's complaint that it was actually Obama and his campaign who were wrongly questioning the importance of McCain's military service.

McCain said that "that kind of thing is unnecessary," and the Obama camp agreed.

Obama praised McCain's service, and the Democratic candidate's spokesman rejected Sunday's remarks from a prominent supporter, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who said McCain's years as a Vietnam War fighter pilot and prisoner of war did not necessarily qualify him to be commander in chief.

Although Obama did not rebuke Clark by name, aides repeatedly said that Clark did not speak on behalf of the campaign, reports CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic. Obama spokesman Bill Burton released the following statement: "As he's said many times before, Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark.”

As for his own patriotism, Obama said he chose Monday's topic in part because of questions raised during the presidential race so far, even though he had always considered his love of country a given, in fact his inspiration for running for office.

"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 about who I am and what I stand for," he said before a crowd of a few hundred people at the Truman Memorial Building.

"I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign, and I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine," he said.

Obama plans to spend all week in the run-up to Friday's July Fourth holiday focusing on American values - choosing a different theme each day and traveling to a mix of battleground states, including Missouri, Ohio and Colorado, and traditional Republican strongholds such as North Dakota and Montana.

He is also beginning his first television advertising campaign of the general election season - all part of an attempt to define the first-term Illinois senator before Republicans do it for him.

Questions about his patriotism were raised during the Democratic nomination fight, and Obama started wearing a flag pin on his lapel in May in one attempt to answer them. Earlier in the campaign, when critics questioned why he didn't wear the pin - as many male politicians do - he said he had stopped after the 2001 terrorist attacks because he felt it had replaced "true patriotism" for some public officials.

Later, the pin on his lapel started showing up again. It was there Monday.

Other efforts to undermine his candidacy have included suggestions that he refuses to put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance - an allegation his campaign has answered by linking his Web site to a C-SPAN video of Obama leading the pledge with his hand over his heart as he presides over the Senate.

As for the latest controversy involving McCain, Obama attempted to distance himself from Clark's remarks.

Patriotism "must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice," he said. "For those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country - no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary. ... And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides."

The comment drew loud applause.

Separately, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "As he's said many times before, Senator Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by General Clark." A campaign spokeswoman said praise for McCain was always planned to be a part of the speech - and that it took on particular resonance because of Clark's comment.

At a news conference in Harrisburg, Pa., McCain was asked about Clark's comments.

"I think that that kind of thing is unnecessary," McCain said. "I'm proud of my record of service, I have plenty of friends, leaders who will attest to that.

"The important thing is if that's the kind of campaign Senator Obama and his surrogates and supporters want to engage in, I understand that. But it doesn't reduce the price of gas by one penny. It doesn't achieve our energy independence or make it come any closer. Doesn't make any American stay in their home who's at risk of losing it today. And it certainly doesn't do anything to address the challenges Americans have in keeping their jobs, homes and supporting their families."

Obama used words and images to argue his own born-in-the-USA bona fides. He described one of his earliest memories, sitting on his grandfather's shoulders to watch astronauts come ashore in Hawaii, and recalled his grandmother's stories about working on a bomber assembly line during World War II. While living in Indonesia, he said his mother would read the first lines of the Declaration of Independence.

For the Missouri crowd, he quoted a favorite native son - Mark Twain - and drew a standing ovation.

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it," he repeated Twain's quote. "We may hope that our leaders and our government stand up for our ideals, and there are many times in our history when that's occurred. But when our laws, our leaders or our government are out of alignment with our ideals, then the dissent of ordinary Americans may prove to be one of the truest expression of patriotism."

[terrorislami]

Obama: I Won''t Question Others'' Patriotism
Democratic Candidate Distances Himself From Criticism Of McCain''s War Record

hahaha

because he has none,,, patriotism that is,,, he has lots and lots and lots of hate for america,,, whitey,,, jew,,,

and lot and lots and lots of love for hate groups and friends that hate america,,, whitey,,, jews,,,

good one HUSSEIN

[terrorislami]

FASCIST NAZI TERRORISLAM IS THE PROBLEM,,,

DEMONIC-RAT HUSSEIN IS NOT THE SOLUTION,,,

[terrorislami]

YOU DO NOT LIKE THE USA IN THE MIDDLE EAST,,,

BLAME THE DEMONIC-RATS,,,

THE DEMONIC-RAT DOCTRINE,,,

On February 16, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said the "the defense of Saudi Arabia is vital to the defense of the United States." On February 14, 1945, while returning from the Yalta Conference, Roosevelt met with King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia on the Great Bitter Lake in the Suez Canal, the first time a U.S. president had visited the Persian Gulf region.

The Carter Doctrine was a policy proclaimed by President of the United States Jimmy Carter in his State of the Union Address on 23 January 1980, which stated that the United States would use military force if necessary to defend its national interests in the Persian Gulf region. The doctrine was a response to the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, and was intended to deter the Soviet Union%u2014the Cold War adversary of the United States%u2014from seeking hegemony in the Persian Gulf. After stating that Soviet troops in Afghanistan posed "a grave threat to the free movement of Middle East oil," Carter proclaimed:

Let our position be absolutely clear: An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force. (full speech)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Doctrine

[texanforlogi]

Barack Obama loves America, loves God, and is going to be the best president America has seen in many, many years.

Obama in ''08!

[terrorislami]

YOU DO NOT LIKE THE USA IN THE MIDDLE EAST,,,

BLAME THE DEMONIC-RATS,,,

THE DEMONIC-RAT DOCTRINE,,,

On February 16, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said the "the defense of Saudi Arabia is vital to the defense of the United States." On February 14, 1945, while returning from the Yalta Conference, Roosevelt met with King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia on the Great Bitter Lake in the Suez Canal, the first time a U.S. president had visited the Persian Gulf region.

The Carter Doctrine was a policy proclaimed by President of the United States Jimmy Carter in his State of the Union Address on 23 January 1980, which stated that the United States would use military force if necessary to defend its national interests in the Persian Gulf region. The doctrine was a response to the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, and was intended to deter the Soviet Union%u2014the Cold War adversary of the United States%u2014from seeking hegemony in the Persian Gulf. After stating that Soviet troops in Afghanistan posed "a grave threat to the free movement of Middle East oil," Carter proclaimed:

Let our position be absolutely clear: An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force. (full speech)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Doctrine

[lorinkundert]

One easy way to answer the question of Patriotism, In this country it is the defense of and obedience to the Constitution. knowing that, is it patriotic to promote Socialism? an ideology that is in conflict with the Republic the Constitution created.

IS it patriotic for any official to engage in any activity not specifically allowed by the Constitution?

I guess we know our answer.

[terrorislami]

FASCIST NAZI TERRORISLAM IS THE PROBLEM,,,

DEMONIC-RAT HUSSEIN IS NOT THE SOLUTION,,,

[getrealobama]

Obama does not seem to love America.

His church, which he attended for 20 years, preaches hate for America.

[briannorwood]

Senator Obama, through his remarks today, again proves he is the class act in this campaign.

I will be proud to call him President Obama!

[beastof70]

One easy way to answer the question of Patriotism, In this country it is the defense of and obedience to the Constitution. knowing that, is it patriotic to promote Socialism? an ideology that is in conflict with the Republic the Constitution created.

IS it patriotic for any official to engage in any activity not specifically allowed by the Constitution?

I guess we know our answer.
Posted by lorinkundert at 02:46 PM : Jun 30, 2008
=================

Excellent way to offer it.

I have long tried to explain how our founding fathers were the exact same kind of liberal Sen. Obama is.

The founding fathers intent was to destroying America as built, then rebuild it according to a bluprint known as the US Constitution.

The modern era liberals lead by Sen. Obama also plan on destroying America as built, then rebuild it according to a guide known as, "America according to Karl Marx" written by Sen. Barak Hussein Obama.

[beastof70]

Senator Obama, through his remarks today, again proves he is the class act in this campaign.

I will be proud to call him President Obama!
Posted by briannorwood at 02:58 PM : Jun 30, 2008
====================

While on your knees??

[getrealobama]

Senator Obama, through his remarks today, again proves he is the class act in this campaign.
I will be proud to call him President Obama!

Posted by briannorwood at 02:58 PM : Jun 30, 2008


What did he say that proved he is a class act? The fact that he did not condem Wes Clarks remarks!

[getrealobama]

Obama just has hollow remarks and double talk.

[extremophil]

Political double-talk. He won''t question anyones patriotism because he doesn''t want anyone questioning his.

[getrealobama]

If president Osama sounds right to should move to where you are comfortable....the Middle East

[beastof70]

In all seriousness folks....This is nothing more than Sen. "OsamaObama" trying to claim he wasn''t the one who used race to win the Democrat Primaries.

IOW: Anyone who disagrees with this self proclaimed hyphenated-American is the real un-American so he claims.

Hey Obama worshippers, please let me explain how this works.

When it comes to protecting America as built, we real Americans, unlike you easily emotionally stampeded hyphenated-American, simply don''t care if we hurt your wibble biddie fewwwwwwwiiiinnnnnggggssss, you un-American pieces of ka,ka.

You need to understand, Sen. "OsamaObama" can''t buy our vote. Nor, will we give it to him in exchange for a bunch of faux promises du jour.

[getrealobama]

Ah talking french, Now the democrates undrestand....

[destardi]

Yea just like OBAMA said he regreted his campaign''s use of race to insinuate the clinton''s are racist!


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/12/obama-camps-memo-on-clin_n_81205.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQY_9ZcsjpQ&feature=related%3cbr


Can''t stand obama and his minion, jackboot supporters!

[noloyalisti]

Is McBush still running for pResident or has he come to his senses? What an embarrassment for America to have this clueless old this is my story and I''m sticking to it moron. He shouldn''t even be allowed in Washington where the real patriots go.

IS it patriotic for any official to engage in any activity not specifically allowed by the Constitution?

I guess we know our answer.

Posted by lorinkundert at 02:46 PM : Jun 30, 2008

Think about what you wrote, and I hope you can see that it''s bizarre.
Is it unpatriotic for an official to eat corn flakes, or play baseball?
What was your point, anyway?

[texanforlogi]

Senator Obama, through his remarks today, again proves he is the class act in this campaign.

I will be proud to call him President Obama!
Posted by briannorwood at 02:58 PM : Jun 30, 2008
====================

While on your knees??


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Beastof70 at 02:59 PM : Jun 30, 2008


Isn''t that the usual position for giving thanks to God? Yes! I''ll be on my knees thanking God for giving us President Obama!

[clestes-2009]

Didn''t think he would. He will stay focused on the issues, just like he should. He can''t control Gen Clarke and won''t make the effort to do so.

Considering the state of the economy these days, who cares what Gen Clarke thinks. If his comments are going to be what you base your vote on, that is pretty stupid. Find a couple of issues you care about and read what the candidates say on them. I heard one woman complain that she didn''t know where Obama stood on the economy.

It is real easy to find out. Go to his website and click on economy.

[irliberal]

Obama''s a smart cookie.

What a refreshing change.

[mjvw2]

"Obama: I Won''t Question Others'' Patriotism"

Easily said by one who has never exhibited any patriotism.

[tawpdawg11]

"Obama: I Won''t Question Others'' Patriotism"


"Obama sought to reassure voters about his commitment to the country,"

Hey Obama. If ya got any nads there skinny man, why don''t you show off your much-ballyhooed leadership skills just a little and INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ..........RIGHT NNNOOOWWW!!!..........to close the ENRON LOOPHOLE up tight.

Or is it true what they are saying about you being all talk and no go.

If McCain beats you to it then he gets my check and my vote.

This speculation must end NOW!

[samthetvcat]

pt 4

That being said, if a decorated general like Wesley Clarke is having problems raising the issue of McCain''s war record, this area truly does seem like it may be a ''third rail''.

Then again, Clarke is a former GOPig and just like all GOPigs he''s dismissive and arrogant. Independents who are largely alpha male types might not mind the jockeying amongst equals for dominance. But if they do, then maybe surrogates would be better served to preface their attacks with acknowledgment of McCain''s sacrifices the way Barack did today (?)

[samthetvcat]

pt 2

Just keeping it real, but aspects of McCain''s service which maybe are relevant to his bid for the Presidency are:
1) whether leading a squadron did in fact give him experience in picking good economic leaders as he claims
2) whether he showed good judgment in fulfiling his duties as an air force pilot before he got shot down
3) patriotism - Dems accept that there is honor in self-sacrifice, but if McSame accepts the mantle of what it means to be a patriot does that not give him the responsibility to then stand up and also champion other forms? Is he saying service is the only way one can earn the claim of patriot? Jeremiah Wright - patriot? Barack stands up for McCain''s patriotism - why doesn''t he ever stand up for Barack''s? What about a prisoner who under torture makes propaganda for the enemy - still patriotic?
4) Effect of combat and torture on a person''s psyche - other VietNam war vets including Hagel have speculated that McCain may be ''recreating the trauma'' to this time prevail. Political speech or relevant issue?

[one-american]

"Obama: I Won''t Question Others'' Patriotism...I will just have an expendible surrogate like Wesley Clark do it for me."

[samthetvcat]

pt 2

McCain never thinks any of his arguments ought to ever be questioned, and of course the GOPigs are going to say that he should never have to compete because they''re losing already. But given that this is a competition for the most powerful position in the country, I''m not necesarily sure that''s to society''s benefit for we Dems to adhere to their beliefs because McLame''s qualifications need to be vetted as much as Barack''s.

I guess though that there''s like an additional concern that comes with any attempt of team Barack to attack McSame''s credentials - it''s not just whether McCain''s claims'' hold water, it''s also about team Barack being able to raise issues in this area without instead having the dialogue turn onto them for being ''slimy'' or whatever.

[samthetvcat]

pt 1

-----"I think that that kind of thing is unnecessary," McCain said."-----

Well, look - this was McSame''s answer from a GOP primary debate:

---"HOOK: What makes you more qualified than Mitt Romney, a successful CEO and businessman, to manage our economy?---
---MCCAIN: Because I know how to lead. I know how to lead. I led the largest squadron in the United States Navy. And I did it out of patriotism, not for profit. And I can hire lots of managers, but leadership is a quality that people look for. And I have the vision and the knowledge and the background to take on the transcendent issue of the 21st century, which is radical Islamic extremism.---

So basically, McSame said he can lead the economy because he was in the military, didn''t he? He also uses every opportunity to mention that he was a POW - apparently making a character argument for why he deserves to be President.

[gkc99]

"simply don''''t care if we hurt your wibble biddie fewwwwwwwiiiinnnnnggggssss, you un-American pieces of ka,ka."--Posted by Beastof70




See, senility CAN set in by age 70. McCain is 71.

The elderly get petulant a lot, fuss about all their "experience", although experience is only valuabe to people who have a bit of brain to absorb the experience. The drooling Bushits don''t fit that category.

[erichsh]

"Obama: I Won''t Question Others'' Patriotism"

Easily said by one who has never exhibited any patriotism.
Posted by mjvw2

And a smart move, too. Otherwise, its kinda like Bill Clinton saying he wouldn''t raise questions about another man''s se.x.ual indiscretions.

[mbcsmith]

Didn''''t think he would. He will stay focused on the issues, just like he should. He can''''t control Gen Clarke and won''''t make the effort to do so.
Posted by clestes at 03:59 PM : Jun 30, 2008

He''s a LIAR. What happened to his public campaign financing promise.

[poppykock1]

if your a true american you will not vote for arab sand ***.his church has proved he is not patriotic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[one-american]

Obama sez: "I Won''t Question Others'' Patriotism...I will just have an expendible surrogate like Wesley Clark do it for me. Change. Hope. Change..."

[gkc99]

The list of generals who have pointed out how full of boolsheeyit is Mr. Bushit is a pretty long list now.

The Bushits are all flag-wrapped until one of our generals tells the truth, then the smear machine comes on.

And they''re all concerned about 100 innocent people killed at Waco, but they''re quiet as little rats about the 100,000 innocent people Bushit and his bumbling, incompetent administration has killed in Iraq. At least 100,000 women and kids. But they don''t count. They''re not wacko religious nuts from Texass.

[bobs1066]

"2) whether he showed good judgment in fulfiling his duties as an air force pilot before he got shot down..."
McCain was in the Navy. But don''t you let reality get in the way of a good snarky rant.

[rushlimpdrug]

None of the CLOWNS are talking about real issues.

Change?

c''mon, is that an issue?

[irishmail42]

Why not questions McCain''s military experience? Look at the last few elections and that exactly what the Republicans did to the Democratic nominee.

[one-american]

Posted by gkc99 at 04:39 PM : Jun 30, 2008

You can tell when a liberal is losing an argument - they always try to change the subject.

[watcher269-2009]

Democrats are Patriotic - just look - they had the balls to drop 2 atomic bombs to win a war in 4 years - F**king Republicans can''t win a war in 5 years with the BEST Military in the WORLD - something is wrong here - Oh, I know - it''s Republicans - they talk the talk but can''t fight a war!

****** loosers! Bring in another Democrat to finish a Republican war!

[samthetvcat]

---"2) whether he showed good judgment in fulfiling his duties as an air force pilot before he got shot down..."
McCain was in the Navy. But don''t you let reality get in the way of a good snarky rant."---
Posted by bobs1066

I stand corrected! I also say despite being a sore-spot, McCain''s torture propaganda video is relevant to the concept of patriotism. Not just in terms of the Presidential campaign, but in terms of the national psyche which seems to sometimes hold an overly-romanticized vision of war which has in the past been used to persuade people to support actions which haven''t in the long-term been good for the country.

Any other clarifications you wish to make bob?

[erichsh]

I''m all for questioning McCain''s military experience. Think of it as questioning Einstein''s intelligence. Americans will like what they hear. They should know that McCain''s son is serving in Iraq, too. Now about Obama - while we''re at it we should also question his military experience.

[terrorislami]

DEMONIC-RAT PLAN TO LOWER GAS PRICES,,,

do nothing,,,, like they have for years,,, hussein says he wants high gas prices,,, gore said so too back in 1993,,,

if you want a baby,,, you have to f''''''''''''''''k,,, yes it still will take 9 months,,,

if you want oil,,, you have to DRILL,,,

NORWAY had a huge find off their coast,,, they are oil independent now,,,

brazil had two huge oil finds off their coast,,,

DEMONIC-RATS will let CHINA drill off the usa coast before it allows the usa to,,,

talk about putting party before country,,,

DEMONIC-RATS are the wrong way and the wrong change,,,

[smirk5]

Out of all the ex POWs from Vietnam, the Republicans have to run with one that is a serial flip-flopper and has the initial signs of dementia.

[jack3213]

So, bottom line: THE MEDIA IS AT FAULT FOR PERPETUATING THE BS.

AS WELL, OBAMA WON''T QUESTION ANYONE ELSE''S
"PATRIOTISM'' BECAUSE HE DOES NOT WANT TO BE QUESTIONED.

IN THE END: YOU WILL VOTE FRO THE PERSON WHO HAS PAST EXPERIANCE CAPABALE OF MAKING THE RIGHT CHANGE.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?

[mcvet]

so by your assinine commentary, it appears you support nuking Iraq...good idea Miss.

Posted by badaxmofo at 04:55 PM : Jun 30, 2008
+ report abuse

You see this is the problem with these HATE any American who doesn''t agree with me NAZI''s. THEY didn''t go far enough in school to be able to read and understand the post so they just sling mud. The poster made the point that Democratic Presidents in the past had been MUCH more successful with the Military than had the Republican''s. THIS poor simple minded loser can''t understand that. The poster referenced Truman''s dropping of the A bomb''s on Japan to end WW II, he automatically, wanting to create some hatred for his fellow citizen, accused them of wanting to NUKE Iraq. Sad isn''t it?? Sieg Heil Bush!

[jack3213]

So, bottom line: THE MEDIA IS AT FAULT FOR PERPETUATING THE BS.

AS WELL, OBAMA WON''''T QUESTION ANYONE ELSE''S
"PATRIOTISM'' BECAUSE HE DOES NOT WANT TO BE QUESTIONED.

IN THE END: YOU WILL VOTE FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS PAST EXPERIANCE CAPABLE OF MAKING THE RIGHT CHANGE.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?

[mcvet]

You can tell when a liberal is losing an argument - they always try to change the subject.

Posted by One-American at 04:41 PM : Jun 30, 2008
+ report abus

It is so sad to see creatures like this infesting the nation at this time. As if we didn''t have to go through enough with Joe McCarthy and his witch hunts, we today have THESE simple minded clowns who simple plug in the word "Liberal" instead of "communist" and take off. It''s hard to figure where they crawled from or why but American... NOT EVEN in the same park!! Sieg Heil Bush

[smirk5]

Iraq: McCain says it''ll be quick and easy. Then, he later says it''ll be tough and long. He''s for staying the course. He''s against a long occupation. He''s for a long occupation.

Abortion: He''s for keeping Roe v Wade. He''s against Roe v Wade. He''s for an exception for rape and incest. He''s against an exception for rape and incest.

Bush Economic Policy: McCain is against the Bush tax cuts. He calls them irresponsible and unfair to the middle class. McCain is for the tax cuts and wants to make them permanent.

Torture: McCain is against it. Now, McCain is for it.

Offshore drilling. McCain is against it. Now, McCain is for it.

Of course, this is a TINY, TINY list of McCain''s flip-flops. A very tiny list would be the list of positions that McCain hasn''t utterly flip-flopped on.

Does McCain stand by any position longer than a change of depends?