Obama was just given a flag pin by a War Veteran while being endorsed and put it on

[jenmito]

saying it means a lot to him and he'll wear it proudly! You can watch him talking to veterans here (where he was just endorsed by a Vietnam Vet. and PA Auditor Gen. Jack Wagner): http://www.cnn.com/live/

[AtomicKitten]

1. That's a flag pin that means something to Barack as opposed to faux patriotism.

:hi:

[jenmito]

4. Exactly! GOOD for him!

:hi:

[redqueen]

6. Yup!

[City Lights]

54. That's exactly right! nt

[blm]

63. Exactly - and it looks like some of our Fighting Dems have emerged in Pennsylvania.

This is going to be a battle TeamClinton never expected to have.

[knixphan]

76. YES!

[Maribelle]

90. Seems as if Obama has recognized his bad judgement in not wearing it before this.

[jenmito]

91. Seems as if you have no idea what you're talking about.

[SoxFan]

95. Cranial-rectal inversion syndrome

It's a tragedy that can be prevented

[my3boyz]

96. Where is Hillary's flag pin? nt

[Orangepeel]

2. good for him. that particular flag pin means something more than

"I wear jewelry made in China," which is what most of them mean.

[AtomicKitten]

Did you know all of Barack's campaign paraphernalia are U.S. union made?

[gateley]

27. I didn't know that, and to be honest,

hadn't even thought about it -- admirable. And right.

[AtomicKitten]

46. He walks the walk with very little fanfare, sometimes unnoticed.

I noticed.

:hi:

[jenmito]

49. I wish SOMEONE would point these things out, though, so he got credit for it!

:hi:

[SoonerPride]

62. Are Hillarys all made in China?

I wouldn't doubt it.

[AtomicKitten]

72. I have no knowledge of that; just wanted to point out that we have ordered

all kinds of stuff from Obama's website: Skullcaps, T-shirts, sweatshirts, bracelets, buttons, etc.

[RaleighNCDUer]

73. Gets a special discount through WalMart, no doubt. nt

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

120. Colombia, I think.

:D

[The Doctor.]

121. I'll lay odds he'll wear it from here on out...

Or at least he should, because if the press or anyone else tries to say it's 'phony', he'll have a marvelous opportunity to put their feet in their mouths up to the knees.

[lisa58]

3. That should satisfy some people

[backscatter712]

5. Thumbs up.

True patriotism, as opposed to jingoistic bullshit.

[cali]

7. I so detest wearing one's patriotism on one's lapel.

even in this instance.

[MadBadger]

Do you wish he turned down the vet?

[cali]

no, of course not, but I hope he won't feel obligated to wear it

constantly.

[MadBadger]

24. We are in agreement.

[jbnow]

77. It might be like the wrist band he was given by the mom whose son died in Iraq

Not something he'd have worn on his own but something he's kept on since. He rarely mentions it anymore but it sometimes still shows under his sleeve.
Viet Nam vets are a forgotten lot who didn't get the honor they deserved. I don't know why but I often think of them when I hear about "Honoring our vets" and taking care of them for what they did for us. I wonder how they feel when they hear it.
So in some ways I hope Obama will wear it often...just as a sign of long due respects of the many thousands who served and have not forgotten, Know what I mean?

[RichardRay]

21. He's not 'wearing his patriotism on his lapel'

He's wearing a pin given to him by a veteran who endorsed him.

What would the nessage be if he chose not to wear it? Not just to not wear a flag pin, but to not wear this particular pin given to him by this particular person?

[Hepburn]

29. IMO....

...this was a gift with meaning! Makes a difference!

[RichardRay]

32. Agreed.

I don't wear a flag pin (heck, I don't even wear clothes that have lapels!), but that item from that person in that situation is a lot more than just a pin. If I wanted to beat the analysis to death it comes out in a lot of different ways - each of them saying the pin goes on.

[MyNameGoesHere]

83. Well he chose to be against the war

yet when he had a chance not to fund it he chose to do so on several occasions. It seems he does whatever is convenient to his being nominated. But hey I never believed him in the first place.

[RichardRay]

98. One of the many reasons I support Senator Obama

is his ability to behave appropriately in complex situations. As much as I'd like to see the simple solution always be the right one I'm afraid it's not been my experience that that's true.

[jenmito]

47. This is different. It's a gift from a Vet. It has real meaning. n/t

[DemVet]

66. Yeah

Heaven forbid one shows a little pride in what they believe in. :sarcasm:

[Bucky]

97. Amen, brother! Obama should have slapped this guy in the face!

That'll teach 'em not to be bitter!

[JeffR]

8. New anti-Obama talking point: "BARACK FLIP-FLOPS ON FLAG!"

Any minute now...

[babylonsister]

33. No kidding! And it'll be spun to be a 'vewy vewy bad thing'. nt

[Adelante]

40. Yeah, coming right up

:D

[K Gardner]

103. Yup.. you called it. Exactly what they just featured on Abrams.

[Tarheel_Dem]

9. happy to k&r jen............nt

[jenmito]

15. Thanks, Tarheel_Dem!

:hi:

[phantom power]

10. Great. Now if he ever,ever shows up in public without it...

a bunch of GOP operatives and media lackies will turn it into "lapel-flag-gate."

[Hepburn]

11. Watching this....

...lots of applause! He is such a wonderful speaker and so well liked.

Proud to have him in the Democratic Party! :hi:

Edit to add: Hi, Jen...and a K&R for ya!

[jenmito]

17. The applause was so long in the beginning I thought my computer was frozen!

He's taking questions now! :hi:

[jenmito]

12. He just said he'll have ZERO TOLERANCE for homeless veterans!

:bounce:

[Coexist]

13. amen.

[Hepburn]

18. Boy....

...do I strongly support that sentiment.

It tears me apart to go to the Feddie building on Wilshire in LA and see the homeless vets hanging out in the Vets Cemetery across the street.

GOBAMA! :patriot:

[RichardRay]

14. I think that one is put to bed, now...

He didn't wear one for the right reasons not to wear one, now he's wearing for for th right reasons to wear one.

(edit for silly spelling)

[jenmito]

31. Exactly...

this one has meaning.

[ShortnFiery]

16. Watching him now. He's excellent!

On Edit: Dammit! They are NOT airing the question and answer segment. :grr:

Clinton News Network? INDEED!

[jenmito]

34. Of course they're not airing the Q&A session. They'd be seen as too pro-Obama if they

did that. :sarcasm:

Don't worry-I bet this will get covered later (at least the good parts-like the guy accusing Hillary of calling Obama an elitist, like he's "uppity.")

[BeyondGeography]

19. It was obviously STAGED, shame on you, Barack Obama!

:thumbsup:

[oviedodem]

20. Wow a man stood up and called out Hillary and lauded Obama; very resonating.

[jenmito]

26. Yes-he accused Hillary of implying Obama's "uppity" (in a racist way)...and Obama

said he appreciates that, but he doesn't think it's racial-just political.

[JimGinPA]

78. The Clip Of That Was Up On M$NBC Before The Town Hall Even Ended...

I'm sure it will be replayed too.

[jenmito]

88. I saw it a few times already!

:D

[MadBadger]

22. OMG! Did everybody just hear that question?

The old man accused the Clinton's of almost callling him Uppity.

[jenmito]

30. Yes!

[Hepburn]

67. That exchange was outstanding!

Obama has soooooo much class....the way he handled that. The more I see of this man, the better I like him. He seems to handle any situation with grace and caring. We are seeing a really great person come onto the world stage!

GOBAMA!

[Onlooker]

23. Thank God!

It was so stupid and petty of him not to wear one in the first place. You need to pander to stop the slander!

[babylonsister]

36. Why should he be wearing one? It only became 'patriotic' after

9/11. He'd be pandering if he wore one. I'm glad he doesn't march in lockstep.

[jenmito]

37. I disagreer 100% that it was "so stupid and petty of him not to wear one in the first place."

He's principled and got to where he is today without wearing it.

[nichomachus]

80. How dare he

"Stupid and petty" is the exclusive domain of the Clinton Clan.

[death to the DLC]

94. No, it wasn't,

a flag pin represents one thing: I'm a brain-dead, god-fearing, anti-life idiot.

[gateley]

25. That's really touching.

It's almost like Johnny Depp wearing this goofy looking bracelet his daughter made for him, because it had MEANING.

Odd comparison, but you know what I mean.

I know Obama will treasure that pin.

[jenmito]

39. Yes, I know what you mean.

:hi:

[DB1]

28. k/r

[jenmito]

41. Thanks, DB1!

:hi:

[Symarip]

35. It'd be pretty cool

If he has it on for the debate. I'll be watching.

[jenmito]

42. I bet he'll ALWAYS wear it. It's a perfect opportunity to tell this story every time.

I hope he's asked about it at the debate.

[Symarip]

51. Can you see him delivering the response if/when asked about it?

Ah hell, my heart is swelling a bit.

[jenmito]

55. I sure can!

Same here. I KNOW it will be great! :hi:

[oviedodem]

38. It is so sad listening to these vets and McCrap does not support the GI Bill

Vets are pissed, one just called the Bush Co. on treason.

[oviedodem]

44. Barack is on the VA committee, why is McCain not on it or has he ever been on it.

[jenmito]

45. I agree...

The guy asked if Obama would go after Bush and Cheney for war profiteering, and he said he's going to move forward, helping out the veterans, etc.

[cooolandrew]

43. That is powerful imagery that. U-tube it mail it 300 million times.

[jenmito]

48. I agree. MAYBE this will change the MSM's narrative.

But probably it won't.

[David Zephyr]

50. That's a pin worth wearing and for a good reason. I like this.

Good for Senator Obama.

[jenmito]

52. I agree.

Good for Obama for taking a stand and then accepting this pin from someone who supports him who served in the military!

[oviedodem]

53. 25% of homeless are vets 60% of those are minorities - really incredible. Obama's

response:

"I don't care what color you are, a vet should not be homeless". "Zero tolerance".

[MadBadger]

56. "Mr. President, I love You!"

What an amazing sentiment by that vet.

[Bonobo]

58. OMG.

Wasn't that great!

[jenmito]

60. It gave me a tear in my eye!

WOW-powerful stuff!

[Bonobo]

57. OMG! Did you just see that endorsement from that vet!????

[jenmito]

61. YES! I hope THAT gets played in the media today! And the hug at the end!

Beautiful!

[Bonobo]

82. I hope they make that into a commercial. They should!

[jenmito]

86. What a strong, uplifting message that would be!

:hi:

[jenmito]

59. WOW!!! Did you see that last statement? "Mr. President, I love ya!"

That was after a loooong statement/comment/compliment!

[Writer]

64. That will be one less thing the Republicans can hit at a Democrat about.

Thank God.

[jenmito]

68. True, but he did pretty well without it!

[Writer]

74. Well... we're not quite in the General Election yet.

That's an entirely different framework.

[jenmito]

75. True, but the RW has been pushing this for a while now.

[liberaldem4ever]

65. K & R-thanks for posting it

[jenmito]

69. Thanks, liberaldem!

:hi:

[Voice for Peace]

70. Thanks jenmito, that was excellent.. I didn't see the part with the flag pin, but

it was a great q&a, esp. the Vietnam vet who so heartfully spoke close to the end, the one who called him "Mr. President." And the question about the homeless vets, all of it. big K&R

[jenmito]

71. You're welcome! It happened in the very beginning. I'm SURE it will be on youtube.

Yes, that was the BEST! Thanks! :hi:

[jenmito]

79. MSNBC showed the clip of the guy calling Hillary on her "elitist" BS comment, saying it verges on

prejudice, implying she means he's "uppity."

[DangerousRhythm]

81. Awesome!

This makes me so happy to hear. A heartfelt gift of a flag pin by a veteran means SO much more than just buying some cheap Made In China flag pin, slapping it on and calling yourself patriotic. :)

[jenmito]

84. I agree!

But so far, no coverage of that part of the town hall on tv.

[Window]

85. K/R.

:kick:



:thumbsup:

[Texas Hill Country]

87. very nice.

[Zachstar]

89. Wow cool!

God Bless our Vets!!

[MagickMuffin]

92. Senator Obama shows his conviction and compassion once again

Thx for posting jenmito.

I'm glad Obama now has a reason to wearing one, and not doing it out of his being called "unpatriotic" for not wearing one.

:applause:

[jenmito]

93. Yup...

You're welcome! I bet it'll be on youtube! Yes, he's now wearing one for a REAL REASON.

[TML]

99. Very honorable

To receive one from a veteran who fought to protect our freedoms....that's the best reason to wear one.

[jenmito]

102. I agree. Predictably, though, Dan Abrams gave him a "loss" for accepting it and

putting it on, playing the old video of him saying he wouldn't wear one after the Iraq War since it became a symbol of false patriotism. So I wrote to him:

"Are you insane giving Obama a "loss" for accepting a flag pin from a Vet. and putting it on? He said he wouldn't wear one after the Iraq War started because it was an empty symbol of patriotism. But having the HONOR of getting one from someone who has actually fought in a war and now supports you as a presidential candidate gives it real meaning. I'm surprised at you."

[anonymous171]

100. Good. There will be nothing "faux" about this pin.

[jenmito]

105. That's not stopping the media from making it out to be "faux."

How typical.

[Cha]

101. There's a thread on the front page

that says Dan Abrams is trying to make a big deal outta Obama not wearing a flag lapel pin..wait till he gets a load of this and takes his foot outta his mouth.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5521898

[jenmito]

104. Thanks. I saw the show and wrote him an email:

"Are you insane giving Obama a "loss" for accepting a flag pin from a Vet. and putting it on? He said he wouldn't wear one after the Iraq War started because it was an empty symbol of patriotism. But having the HONOR of getting one from someone who has actually fought in a war and now supports you as a presidential candidate gives it real meaning. I'm surprised at you."

[Cha]

106. Thanks, 'cause Dan Abrams sounds like

one dense pundit head. I swear I thought he was smarter than he acts.

[jenmito]

108. No problem...

so did I, which is why I said I was surprised at him.

[K Gardner]

107. I just wrote, too.

[jenmito]

109. Good!

:hi:

[Danger Mouse]

110. hopefully that shuts up some of the right wing noise about this issue.

it sounds very moving.

[Imagevision]

111. Gobama! smart move, this should put a lid on "bittergate" - Abrams dedicated his show to the lapel

pin story for the next month.

[cboy4]

112. Oh Brother. You'd think by the reaction in this thread he was

just awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.

[jenmito]

113. Nope-not a Nobel Peace Prize. Just the Presidency.

:hi:

[Buzz Clik]

115. Whoever that was, I'm thinking I'm glad I have them on Ignore.

[jenmito]

117. It's good that you have him on ignore...

his comment was ridiculous. :hi:

[ORDem]

122. Isn't that a wonderful DU feature? Use it all the time.... n/t

:)

[Buzz Clik]

114. I can think of no better reason to wear a flag lapel pin.

In fact, I can think of no other reason to wear one.

[jenmito]

118. Exactly, which is why I don't get why Dan Abrams thought it was a BAD thing.

:eyes:

[zulchzulu]

116. Breaking: The flag pin was made by a Marxist Muslim from San Francisco!!!!

Some people say....

[jenmito]

119. Some people like...

Hillary and Bill Clinton?