John Baer: We're still on the lapel thing? Seriously?

[Barack_America]

John Baer: We're still on the lapel thing? Seriously?

By John Baer
Philadelphia Daily News

Daily News Political Columnist

-snip-

The whole thing started with a soft opening, short general statements from each about how voters "don't feel like they're being listened to" (Obama) and "feel that their government is not solving problems"(Clinton).

Then there was a TV commercial.

That should have been a warning.

There followed a rehash of Obama's "bitter" words, of the Rev. Wright, of Bosnia and - proving there is no standard whatsoever when it comes to modern national political debate - a discussion of American flag lapel pins.

I don't know.

Somewhere in the back of my mind is this notion that voters, whose economy is crippled by a senseless, seemingly endless war, whose personal budgets are crushed by the price of gasoline and the cost of health care and, for many, college tuition, maybe, just maybe, aren't so interested in flag pins.

I could be wrong.

And "Bittergate"?

Obama said he can see "how people were offended" by his comments that when some working-class people get frustrated with their government they cling to guns and religion.

He also called the "issue" a distraction that's "not helping that person sitting at the kitchen table trying to figure out how to pay the bills."

-snip-

More:
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080417_John_Baer__We_re_still_on_the_lapel_thing__Seriously_.html


A view of the "thrilled" audience

[caledesi]

1. Not this time! - no distractions - just REAL issues! NT

[ClassWarrior]

2. It's all they have.

NGU.

[GoldieAZ49]

3. The next Obama Drama: Farrakhan, Wright and Obama at the Million Man March

It was not brought up last night, are they saving it for the next debate?

Will the MSM start covering it a week before the next primary?


Did Obama help organize it as well as attend it?

[Barack_America]

4. Edited to add a couple of paragraphs and pic.

:hi:

[kentuck]

5. That is why they have to be called on it..

and they have to suffer the consequences. If only in the public's view.

[Barack_America]

7. Agreed.

We here in Philly have real problems. Violence, unemployment, failing schools, etc. Shit, there was a manhunt steps from the last Philly debate for a cop-shooter, DURING THE DEBATE! You figure that would've made a good intro into a discussion about crime and gun control this time around.

But no, we get fucking lapel pins.

It's frankly insulting.

[Deep13]

6. I'm not. I think the whole flag lapel thing is idiotic.

Unfortunately, the public loves its symbolism and the matter will dog him until the convention. (:P )

I saw a bumpersticker that read something like if you want to burn MY flag, wrap it around your ass first. Because, you know, that is an issue of great importance and stuff.

[dbonds]

8. The flag is just a symbol of the US.

The lapel pin is a 'made in china' piece of jewelry that is a symbol of the symbol. It is like wearing a cross as jewelry, it doesn't make you a christian. These are the issues that some people cling too when they are frustrated with the lack of any progress in real issues (otherwise known as bitter).

[Frustratedlady]

11. And, when you have to publicly profess your loyalty to the U.S. or a religion,

you aren't too sure of your true allegiance or yourself. If you have to continually tell people you are a true American or you are truly religious, you have a problem. Handle it.

[dbonds]

12. Huh?

Couldn't follow that. What are you referencing?

[Frustratedlady]

13. I was referencing people who constantly tell people they are patriotic...

they are Christian or whatever religion. When they profess this constantly, they are trying to convince themselves...they aren't sure of their own beliefs or feelings. I'm talking in general, not about YOU. Sorry.

[Vinca]

9. FYI - McCain doesn't usually wear a lapel flag pin. Hillary doesn't.

Is Barack, based on his color and the Muslim terrorist innuendo, obliged to wear one to prove something? I swear this is a country so chock full of stupid people we'll probably end up with fucking President "Bomb Bomb Iran" McCain.

[JoFerret]

10. I agree. Total crap

But you know - it is best to get this handled now - before the GOP onslaught in October.

[Bonobo]

14. How many Hillary supporters have said they both got it equally from the moderators?

Cognitive dissonance or outright manipulative lying? Hard to say.