(AP Photo by Charlie Neibergall)
by John McCormick
WATERLOO, Iowa – Wearing a white shirt, with his sleeves rolled up, there was no place for a lapel pin, as Sen. Barack Obama spoke to several hundred here this afternoon.
Still, reporters were straining to look at the Illinois Democrat's clothing, after a local television interview Wednesday revealed Obama does not wear an American flag pin on his lapel, as has become tradition for many politicians since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The interview was done by KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The question and answer, according to a transcript provided by the campaign:
Reporter: “One last quick question, and this is just kind of a lighter note, you don’t have an American flag pin on, is this a fashion statement? Those have been on politicians since September 12, 2001?”
Obama: “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 I’m gonna’ try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism.”
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Excellent answer, Barack, to a question that's phrased like that stupid, hackneyed question "Mr. _______, when did you stop beating your wife?"
theteach
