Obama explains not wearing flag pin
Posted: Thursday, October 04, 2007 3:11 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Per the AP, Obama has decided to stop wearing the American flag on his, well, lapel. He
told local Iowa TV station KCRG yesterday: "I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest. Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism."
This will likely prompt the unpatriotic shots from Republicans. Will Dems join in?
*** UPDATE *** This is what Obama said right before what's above: "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."
*** UPDATE 2 *** The Obama campaign passes along that he stopped wearing the pin years ago. Here’s the full context of what Obama said to the reporter:
QUESTION: "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 what will make this country great and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism."
