Obama Defends Wife Over 'Pride' Remark

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Democratic Sen. Barack Obama sought Tuesday to clarify his wife's statement that she is proud of the U.S. "for the first time in my adult life." He said her newfound pride is about the political system and was not meant to disparage her country.

He commented after Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, made a veiled reference to Michelle Obama's recent remarks.

Cindy McCain told a Wisconsin rally on Tuesday: "I'm proud of my country, I don't know about you, if you heard those words earlier."

Barack Obama, interviewed on WOAI radio in San Antonio, Texas, expressed frustration that his wife's comments became political fodder.

"Statements like this are made and people try to take it out of context and make a great big deal out of it, and that isn't at all what she meant," Obama said.

"What she meant was, this is the first time that she's been proud of the politics of America," he said. "Because she's pretty cynical about the political process, and with good reason, and she's not alone. But she has seen large numbers of people get involved in the process, and she's encouraged."

In Milwaukee on Monday, Michelle Obama said: "Let me tell you, for the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."

Cindy McCain asserted, "I have, and always will be, proud of my country," and repeated the sentiment later in Columbus, Ohio.

Comments

[elr50]

06:00 PM on 02/22/2008

During my lifetime I have witnessed the debacles of Vietnam and Iraq, the murder of JFK, RFK, and MLK, those "wonderful" years of Regan (NOT) and the disaster of George W. Bushit and his unnecessary war on terror. I have had very little to be proud of in this country. Cynical? Yes, but justly so.

By the way, I have not saluted the flag in 7+ years, and I will not until George W. is out of Washington. My goal is to outlive the bastard so I can go to Texas and spit on his grave. That is the only reason I would ever go to that miserable state.

[lleetdoria]

11:13 AM on 02/22/2008

See the true color of Obama? It's coming from his wife's remarks. Question is, Are the Hussein Obama's family true Americans? His wife just found out how beautiful America is... Wow, the color. So danderous with Hussein to rule America. Wake America. Vote for a candidate who is true American in words, in deeds, and in principle. Hillary is the best choice.

[RumiSouth]

03:43 AM on 02/23/2008

I just threw up in my mouth. You're disgusting.

[JackWOrf]

09:35 AM on 02/22/2008

There is a serious problem in the Obama campaign. There is a drastic shortage of Obamabunto translators. Obamabunto, of course, is the native language of the Obamas. And while Obamabunto sounds very similar to English, it actually has VERY different meanings.

For example, Mrs. Obama recently said that "for the first time in my life, I am really proud to be an American." Now, of course, in normal ENGLISH, this would seem to indicate that Mrs. Obama has been ASHAMED to be an American her entire life.

However, in OBAMABUNTO, the phrase "For the first time in my life", has an entirely DIFFERENT meaning! In Obamabunto, the phrase "For the first time in my life" translates roughly into the word "Achooo". Or, in some cases, "burp".

In other words, after translating to Obamabunto, Mrs. Obama's statement has AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MEANING!!! What Mrs. Obama REALLY said was "Achooo. I am really proud to be an American." Which, of course, is VERY patriotic, as SHE is very patriotic and always proud to be an American. However, you might think otherwise is you do not speak Obamabunto.

Obama had a similar problem with the word "plagiarism". In Obama's native ObamabuntoLand, political leaders FREQUENTLY copy ENTIRE speeches from other political leaders. Yes, MANY leaders in ObamabuntoLand have given the ML King "I have a dream" speech, and of course, claimed it as their own! Many of the natives in ObamabuntoLand have never heard the speech before, not having any electricity in their huts, so there was no question of plagiarism.

In FACT, in Obamabunto, there is no word for "plagiarism".

So you can certainly see that there is a dire need for Obamabunto translators in the Obama campaign. It is likely that MANY mis-understandings of this nature will arise, simply because Obamabunto sounds so similar to English, but yet has entirely different meanings.

Care must be taken to ALWAYS consult an Obamabunto translator before assuming that an Obama has said or done something wrong. Because, of course, the Obamas are PERFECT, and NEVER say or do anything wrong. THOUSANDS of Obama supporters will swear to that, and how could they be wrong?

[FirstShirt]

11:15 AM on 02/22/2008

Good points. For the first time in my life would imply that it is the first time in her live or it could mean that she really hadn't given it much thought and this was the first time in her life that she did.

Obama is now going to feel the real heat. Every work parsed, every comment sifted for some kind of issue, the meaning of each phrase analysed by those who make money being wrong on tv, radio and print.

[Orikinla]

11:23 AM on 02/22/2008

JackWOrf,
You must be one of the primitive natives of ObamabuntoLand.

Is it in Kenya?

[JackWOrf]

09:34 AM on 02/22/2008

There is a serious problem in the Obama campaign. There is a drastic shortage of Obamabunto translators. Obamabunto, of course, is the native language of the Obamas. And while Obamabunto sounds very similar to English, it actually has VERY different meanings.

For example, Mrs. Obama recently said that "for the first time in my life, I am really proud to be an American." Now, of course, in normal ENGLISH, this would seem to indicate that Mrs. Obama has been ASHAMED to be an American her entire life.

However, in OBAMABUNTO, the phrase "For the first time in my life", has an entirely DIFFERENT meaning! In Obamabunto, the phrase "For the first time in my life" translates roughly into the word "Achooo". Or, in some cases, "burp".

In other words, after translating to Obamabunto, Mrs. Obama's statement has AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MEANING!!! What Mrs. Obama REALLY said was "Achooo. I am really proud to be an American." Which, of course, is VERY patriotic, as SHE is very patriotic and always proud to be an American. However, you might think otherwise is you do not speak Obamabunto.

Obama had a similar problem with the word "plagiarism". In Obama's native ObamabuntoLand, political leaders FREQUENTLY copy ENTIRE speeches from other political leaders. Yes, MANY leaders in ObamabuntoLand have given the ML King "I have a dream" speech, and of course, claimed it as their own! Many of the natives in ObamabuntoLand have never heard the speech before, not having any electricity in their huts, so there was no question of plagiarism.

In FACT, in Obamabunto, there is no word for "plagiarism".

So you can certainly see that there is a dire need for Obamabunto translators in the Obama campaign. It is likely that MANY mis-understandings of this nature will arise, simply because Obamabunto sounds so similar to English, but yet has entirely different meanings.

Care must be taken to ALWAYS consult an Obamabunto translator before assuming that an Obama has said or done something wrong. Because, of course, the Obamas are PERFECT, and NEVER say or do anything wrong. THOUSANDS of Obama supporters will swear to that, and how could they be wrong?

[JackWOrf]

09:34 AM on 02/22/2008

There is a serious problem in the Obama campaign. There is a drastic shortage of Obamabunto translators. Obamabunto, of course, is the native language of the Obamas. And while Obamabunto sounds very similar to English, it actually has VERY different meanings.

For example, Mrs. Obama recently said that "for the first time in my life, I am really proud to be an American." Now, of course, in normal ENGLISH, this would seem to indicate that Mrs. Obama has been ASHAMED to be an American her entire life.

However, in OBAMABUNTO, the phrase "For the first time in my life", has an entirely DIFFERENT meaning! In Obamabunto, the phrase "For the first time in my life" translates roughly into the word "Achooo". Or, in some cases, "burp".

In other words, after translating to Obamabunto, Mrs. Obama's statement has AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MEANING!!! What Mrs. Obama REALLY said was "Achooo. I am really proud to be an American." Which, of course, is VERY patriotic, as SHE is very patriotic and always proud to be an American. However, you might think otherwise is you do not speak Obamabunto.

Obama had a similar problem with the word "plagiarism". In Obama's native ObamabuntoLand, political leaders FREQUENTLY copy ENTIRE speeches from other political leaders. Yes, MANY leaders in ObamabuntoLand have given the ML King "I have a dream" speech, and of course, claimed it as their own! Many of the natives in ObamabuntoLand have never heard the speech before, not having any electricity in their huts, so there was no question of plagiarism.

In FACT, in Obamabunto, there is no word for "plagiarism".

So you can certainly see that there is a dire need for Obamabunto translators in the Obama campaign. It is likely that MANY mis-understandings of this nature will arise, simply because Obamabunto sounds so similar to English, but yet has entirely different meanings.

Care must be taken to ALWAYS consult an Obamabunto translator before assuming that an Obama has said or done something wrong. Because, of course, the Obamas are PERFECT, and NEVER say or do anything wrong. THOUSANDS of Obama supporters will swear to that, and how could they be wrong?

[sa]

07:28 AM on 02/22/2008

i sort of
want to nail
obama's wife.

the couple
is bringing
sexy back.

but can they
take it to the bridge?

[flodlite]

12:13 AM on 02/22/2008

Michelle Obamma has not appoligized for anything. Wolf Blitzer aired Michelle Obamma when she was to appoligize. She didn't, and she won't. Look at her when her husband is speaking. She very rarely looks at him, WHY ? Both her and her husband's ego will attrubite to their short comings. Can you picture Michelle Obamma in the White House greating foreign dignitaries, trying to be so courtious and humble ? Her attire that day will probably be an armoured suit. I hope no one farts. BUTT,
she will never see the White House as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd lady.

[barrycourage]

02:04 AM on 02/22/2008

You hope nobody farts?

You're afraid of competition?

[kinderworld]

10:09 AM on 02/22/2008

Your spelling and grammar reflect how uneducated you are, and the tenor of your comment...well, I don't want to be unkind, and since any response would not be understood anyway, I will stop here, and not waste any more of my precious time.

[boomslang]

10:22 PM on 02/21/2008

Cindy McCain asserted, "I have,AND ALWAYS WILL be, proud of my country," and repeated the sentiment later in Columbus, Ohio.
Classic nationalistic Republican pabulum from a cypher

[FirstShirt]

11:17 AM on 02/22/2008

Right, if the liberals get back in power there wont be any of that national pride again...at least until another republican gets in.

[mungley]

08:27 PM on 02/21/2008

Two Americas.
A white woman who was born into a wealthy family might have more cause to be "proud" of America than a black woman of modest beginnings.

I suppose jingoism is what counts as patriotism if you're a high ranking Republican these days.

[resonate]

11:56 PM on 02/21/2008

Blind nationalism has been all the rage for so long why not continue the tradition hm? Attack Michelle Obama for her comment. Her comment is why we are losing the war in Iraq and why people cant get health care and how dare she blah blah hate hate don't pay attention to what matters blah.

Uhg.

Obama 08!

[FirstShirt]

11:18 AM on 02/22/2008

America..love it or leave it.

[AMERIKA]

04:35 PM on 02/21/2008

Why is this an issue...she said "I am REALLY proud of my country ..."On the other hand, Bill O'Reilly is a fucking bastard who should himself be lynched.

[AnyonebutBush]

04:28 PM on 02/21/2008

Cindy McCain should really stear clear of critizing Michelle Obama.

Being a homewrecker who had an affair with a married man, then became a drug addict and stole pills from a charity is not really the best vantage point to smear someone from.

[Brebro]

02:33 PM on 02/21/2008

Yeah? Well I'm more prouder of my country than you are!!!! Proudest! No one more prouder. Pride USA. Did I say I've ALWAYS been proud? Yeah, always...Always most proud, prouder than anyone else!!!!

[docpooh]

04:43 PM on 02/21/2008

During the patriot fervor that ensued when we attacked Iraq, stores were selling all these little items with the American flag and "Proud to be an American" on them. They sold like hot cakes. One time I picked up one to examine it and, I swear, the label said "made in China".

[Ronp]

12:58 PM on 02/21/2008

It's obvious to me that not only most of the media, but many of the comments on this blog appear to have been made without viewing/listening to the whole 45 minute speech Mrs. Obama made in Madison on Monday. She clearly in her speech clarifies why she is proud for the first time in her adult life of this country. She clearly says that for the first time in over 20 years the people of this county have something to HOPE for. I thought that at least journalists should know better.

[SeekerOne]

01:34 PM on 02/21/2008

I feel very strongly that Michelle should be overtly explaining her comments, describing her love of America. In a television interview perhaps. She, and they, should not wait.

The reason I say this is because I just heard Hillary declaring in a speech this morning, how very proud she was to be an American. It wasn't just an aside, oh no, she hammered it home. They have no scruples. It really doesn't matter what Michelle meant. If it resembles a weapon, it will be wielded against Obama.

[FirstShirt]

11:19 AM on 02/22/2008

It's politics. Ain't it wonderful!!

[nepat]

10:55 AM on 02/21/2008

Re: the bogus "Larry Sinclair" issue. The reason the MSM is not picking up the "story" is because it's a steaming pile of horse manure propagated by a bunch of bat-sh#t crazy right-wing Republican Ron Paul supporters (no offense to Mr. Paul himself who has been unfortunately cursed by a following of paranoiacs, conspiracy theorists, racists, white supremacists and general-audience kooks of all stripes). Any middle-schooler with an internet connection and a browser could debunk this "story" in ten minutes. The toothless and mealy-mouthed Mr. Sinclair himself has a history of mental illness, lives in assisted living, and is busy taking money from anyone who will offer it. His allegations are totally unsubstantiated and include a mish-mash of fictions, contradictions, and psychotic projections. His "lawsuit" is a trumped up slander suit against some anonymous blog commenters who, he is alleging, are agents of David Axelrod and are "intimidating him." Mr. Sinclair will also be acting as his own attorney in his "case."

See what happens when you combine mental illness and crusading right-wing kookery with internet access and a video camera? Instant smear campaign! Stir in a little message board viral marketing, season with anti-Obama racist sentiment, and sit back and wait for the gullible to take the bait.

It's amazed me how credulous the right wing nutcases actually are. They will literally believe anything. And their delusions become are regularly reinforced in their network of blogs and forums. Scary.

P.S. next time they'll need to try a little harder with their smear campaign. This one's not even original. It's a direct lift from "Primary Colors" - the book and movie send-up of the Clinton's first run for the White House.

[Ramirez]

12:10 PM on 02/21/2008

nepat:
Good post. This sort of crap happens in every campaign and it's always the same; some piece of lowlife trash says he did drugs with the candidate or sold him drugs or blew him or whatever. Then the lowlife goes on a B-list radio show or some obscure website and tells his story. Sometimes he even "files" a lawsuit that is eventually tossed without a second glance when it gets to a judge.

In every case the lowlife is hoping to get a few thousands dollars in "Just Shut Up and Go Away" money so he can continue his pathetic lifestyle for another year.

Anyway, that's my take. I'm not an Obama guy by any means, but this shit is weak.

[Ramirez]

12:18 PM on 02/21/2008

Plus, if Sinclair really did blow the Obama, then he would probably now have magical powers like being able to fly or some shit.

[Felicty]

01:03 PM on 02/21/2008

Blow him.

See if it works.

[J27]

10:22 AM on 02/21/2008

The chorus of cynics only grows louder and more dissonant.