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

[bobdob]

She stuck her foot in her mouth. It was a dumb gaff, but hardly earth-shaking. She should just spend some time talking to people about what personally makes her proud to be an American. She could turn this into an advantage if she'd just clarify and amplify a bit.

[Ramirez]

She didn't stick her foot in her mouth and it was not a gaffe. It was a scripted applause line in her standard stump speech and she delivered it twice that day. You can view both of that day's speeches here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGjR81pFJI4

She is a Democrat and there is nothing unusual about that sort of rhetoric. On both occasions the line received strong applause from the audience, who agreed that they too were proud of their country for the first time.

[FirstShirt]

"On both occasions the line received strong applause from the audience, who agreed that they too were proud of their country for the first time. "

This is a sad commentary on liberalism in general and the left wing of the democrats in particular. It is right out of the Jimmy Carter playbook which worked so effectively against a Ronald Reagan [that's satire] who was always proud of his country and described it as a shining city on a hill. If you listened to Jimmy Carter very long you would go into a blue funk from the negativism. If it is Obama, I hope he has the personal power to stand up against the negative ninnies on the left.

[rockadayjohnny]

Bill Bennett wrote a book called "The De-Valuing of America : The Fight for Our Culture and Our Children", and Bork wrote "Slouching Toward Gomorrah", about the total decline of America, but let one Democrat mention that the US has gone through some shameful times, and suddenly she's the younger sister of Hanoi Jane.

Press on M.O., you know they're on the run when they howl like that about one sentence out of context.

[gsikev]

MEDITATION REVEALS OBAMA ACCOMPLISHMENT!

I feel left out. America loves Obama but I can't feel it so I scoured the earth searching for an Obama accomplishment. I asked every Obama supporter I know and failed, I watched the media and again I failed, and I did a google search and alias I failed.

I then mediated hour upon hour staring into a flame then closing my eyes thinking only positive thoughts on this young senator with the single focus of finding the accomplishment.

Then I awoke enlighten!!! I Found his accomplishment.

" He has the backing of the average voter who doesn't know why they want to elect him other than they like his speeches that allow them to project all their hopes and desires into one man. Now that's an accomplishment"

[TommyMcCarthy]

I LOVE THIS COMMENT!...................................tm

[enoughalready13]

I second it - excellent!

[vippy]

I can see where she is coming from. She is black and the black population has been surpressed for a very long time. With Obama now
making it to the top, I can see where she would
say that. So don't be so hard on her, she has
a point. Exercise empathy!

[hrayovac]

It wasn't about black at all. It was about particpation and in the last forty years since Robert Kennedy, there hasn't been this level of particpation especially with younger people.

[jonnie66]

www.youtube.comm]
Man files Federal Lawsuit against Obama regarding GAY sexual act and drug use claims **
Larry Sinclair posted a video to YouTube claiming to have used cocaine and engaged in a gay sexual act with Obama when Obama was a state legislator in 1999. In the video, Sinclair claims he and Obama met on two separate occasions, that Obama used crack cocaine and that Sinclair performed an oral sexual act on Obama both evenings. Now Obama and company are quickly trying to quiet this man, but Sinclair has filed a federal lawsuit. Sinclair filed suit against Obama and his campaign guru David Axelrod in Minnesota district court for allegedly attempting to abridge Sinclair's right to free speech, and for waging an intimidation campaign against him. check out the video on youtube for yourself:
www.youtube.comm]
This has also been covered by The Smoking Gun but no one else.
America wants to know: where's the media coverage on this???? We deserve to hear the truth!
www.worldnetdaily.comm] is the latest website covering the story.

[TommyMcCarthy]

Where's the media coverage?

I know it's hard to believe,....but some things are too sick and stupid for even the present-day media to acknowledge.

"We got STANDARDS ya' know........they're LOW but, by God we GOT em'".........................................tm

[Strywever]

Reporters learn at J-school that to ensure the most accurate reporting possible, they shouldl never publish what they hear from a single source until they are able to independently verify it with at least two other sources. I doubt this meets that standard. (Yes, I know reporters in today's media don't hold themselves to very high standards anymore, but this is a big enough deal that they wouldn't dare report it as anything other than innuendo from a questionable source unless and until they are able to verify it.)

[barrycourage]

The Smoking Gun? It publishes half-truths, lies, and distortions like it breathes.

Worldnetdaily? It is the prime forum for the most extreme right-wing nut jobs: David Duke, Phyllis Schlafly, Limbaugh, Coulter. If you want the latest KKK and Neo-Nazi dogma and spin, visit worldnetdaily.com.

These are your sources?

Have you been inhaling too much smoke from all of those crosses you burn?

[jonnie66]

CNN- Lou Dobbs; Michelle Obama proclaimed yesterday that for “the first time” in her adult life,” she was proud of America, as she spoke during a rally to support her husband’s presidential bid. My family and friends are AMERICANS and have always been PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY. ANOTHER OBAMA GOOF WHEN THERES NO SCRIPT. OBAMA IS A NO GO FOR ANY PATRIOT OF THIS GREAT NATION.
The first time in her adult life she is proud to be American? What kind of trash is that? I am married to a military man, I have lived all over the world and in all kinds of situations.....never NEVER have I been ashamed or embarrassed to be an American!!!!! There were times when I wasnt espeically proud of some of our leaders...BUT ALWAYS I WAS PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!! Why is she so proud NOW to be an American? Because a black man is running for President? Because she will be in the White House if he wins? Or because for the past 6 months or so her husband has been taking issues from the other candidates and claiming them as his own under the word change? Obama has no issues of his own. Not one idea he has used has been his own. Change..Edwards was talking change long before Obama came up with it...Change..Hillary was talking change last year. What will this guy do, when he has no one to steal a speach or an idea from anymore? He will be come a Democratic George Bush... because he has no idea!! And Michele will be proud.

[hank48188]

Obama and wife have 4 Ivy League degrees between them and earn about a million a year. I guess that is why they BOTH HATE AMERICA, life has been so unfair to them.

[Ramirez]

It's HARD out here for a pi.... uh, lawyer...

[Shawn828]

Can you two (among others) be any more ignorant? She was talking about our political participations. And as for stealing ideas - by your standards and examples hardly any politicians had an original idea in about 200 years.
Obama did manage to get a bill throught he senate changing the relationship to lobbyist, so they couldn't take polticos to all the expensive dinners and other items to improve access.

Michelle and Barack earned those degrees through very hard work, so America didn't give them a damn thing.

[Strywever]

Exactly where did you read (or hear them say) that they "hate" America? Or is that just more empty hyperbole, which is all most of commenters on this blog seem able to conjure up?

[Strywever]

But that isn't what she said. The full (albeit out of context) quote is that she is "really proud" of America for the first time. That comparative adverb "really" means that she was less proud in the past than she is today. So you probably need to go find a more substantial issue than this to beat the Obama's with -- it's as lame as all of your other shrill complaints about not much of anything. Until adversaries of Obama's are able to find *substantive* points of comparison, they are destined to be disappointed by the results of the upcoming election.
By the way, I have been an American all my life, and I too am more proud to be an American today than I have been at any time in the past.

[UrbanInterloper]

Get real. Obama owns the antiwar stance as regards Iraq, 300%. Please. It is his signature issue, along with reforming government to be more open and accountable. Check out www.usaspending.gov -- the Coburn-Obama act created it so you can see how your tax $ are spent. He's got more integrity than most of Congress and to be sure, all of the Bush administration. The fact that you cite Lou Dobbs proves you've been duped; Dobbs is a propagandist who's only a hair less dishonest than Bill O'Reilly. The fact that Dobbs has some understanding of and training in journalism only makes him more effective at it.

[veracity]

Thanks for publishing the full, CORRECT comment as Michelle Obama said it, HuffPost:

**"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."**

Note the word "REALLY", which COMPLETELY CHANGES the meaning of the sentence vs if you delete it - implying (if deleted) that Michelle has _never_ been proud of her country.

That, quite simply, is NOT what she said.

That said, some excellent writer (here at HuffPost?) commented that _the_ signature skill of Barak's campaign is his ability to speak to deeply felt needs for "change" and confronting the old ways of "business as usual", WITHOUT USING THE SCARY WORDS that would drive off conservative leaning whites, both men and women, especially the blue-collar, hard-hat Democratic voters who belong to unions and should identify with "liberal" Democratic politics, but often vote for Reagan or "Blue Dog" (Southern conservative) Democrat candidates like Sam Nunn was (or Mary Landriu of Louisiana or Bill Nelson of Florida are today).

Although I believe that the "Solid Red Republican-voting Heartland" electoral map from election 2004 is sheer Repub propaganda (despite senator kerry's DISMAL, AWFUL, anemic "time for a change" campaign, Bush-Cheney Republicans STILL had to STEAL wins in Ohio, Iowa, New Mexico, Nevada, and probably Florida, by the now usual voter disenfranchisement and computerized vote-trashing methods), the ability of the Repubs to CLAIM former PROGRESSIVE states like Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas has no doubt been the key to their near-monopoly on Congress until the 2006 election.
Michelle Obama needs to take a page from her husband's playbook, and avoid the gaffes - or even the APPEARANCE of gaffes - that make her look bitter or resentful.

[sarainitaly]

No, she said it twice. The *really* was added teh second time.

http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/02/19/michelle-obama-is-proud-of-her-country/

So, since she did say it without the word *really*, based on your assertion, she in fact, has never been proud of her country.

[Plowboy]

Don't hold your breath waiting for stupid assholes to give out wisdom. Of course, anyone with a brain knows what she was saying. But the brainless (who approved of the leaders who have created America's numerous current problems) and the bigots, who still froth at the mouth occasionally, will ignore history and reason to jump on an out-of-context and misquoted statement to drum up another BS issue?
Is there any wonder that we have had such poor leaders, leaders like the genius Bush or the copy in pantsuits being put before us now?
Get real, get smart, or get lost! This issue has no merit! ! And if this is the best thinking that Obama opponents can come up with, then they are not worthy of a hearing.

[barrycourage]

FoxNews. Now there's an accurate source for ya.

[kennedy]

A VOTE FOR HILLARY: JOBS, HELP, INSURE AND NO WAR.

Senator Obama has no experience to lead America. We need Senator Clinton who is the biggest change of all. On day one she will meet with her advisors to start planning out everything that needs to be done. Within the first year Hillary will get our ecom. moving again, create millions of new jobs, keep in America the jobs we are losing over seas, stop the mortgage blood shed by helping Americans that need help, safely bring our troops home and insure all Americans. And she will work across party lines as she has done in the senate to get the job done. Senator Obama will not be able to do this. Our great country faces great challenges at home and abroad. And Senator Clinton is the only one that can meet these challenges.

Vote for Senator Clinton and she will make us proud. As President, Hillary will work long and hard everyday for each and everyone of us. She will do great things for America.

[kennedy]

Huff. Post. where is the story of Larry Sinclair and Obama? He is suing Obama and has taken him to court. Where is the report on the court case? God knows you cover everything else here. The REP will spread this across America if he gets in. The American people need to know the truth now. And Rezko is also in court in a few days. Where is the story on that?

THE COURT CASE WAS JUST FILED ON FEB 11TH AGAINST OBAMA.

Case filed in the Minnesota District Court

(Sinclair vs. Obama)

Plaintiff: Larry Sinclair

Defendant: Barack Obama, David Axelrod
and Democratic National Committee

Case Number: 0:2008cv00360

Filed: February 11, 2008

Court: Minnesota District Court

Office: DMN Office [ Court Info ]

County: St. Louis

More http://dockets.justia.com/browse/state-minnesota/court-mndce/ce/

Mr Sinclair says he had drugs and sex with Obama in 1999. He has tried to get the MSM to tell the story, they won’t. So he made a Youtube video. Obama’s people apparently have been turning his life upside down since, and he has filed suit against Obama, his manager Axelrod and the DNC for violation of his civil rights.

And here is a long interview he did on Right http://trp.fileburst.com/TRP_2008.02.08_Larry-Sinclair-Interview.mp3terview.mp3



The DEMS do not need things coming out in these trials down the road that will rain down on our party later.

[sparkandy]

Sugar, you gotta quit posting this. Everyone already knows, and right now it's nothing more than innuendo and speculation. If and when this case goes to trial, and if and when Obama's found to have a degree of guilt, then is the time to trumpet it all over the place. Then you'll be vindicated. But until then, let it go. If you're against Obama, hone in on the solid proven things that will damage him.

[TommyMcCarthy]

"kennedy" Re: This Sinclair business............Believe me I've SOMEHOW manageed to remain immune to Obamamania

Some things are just too sick and silly for even today's awful media to address....really.

"We got STANDARDS damnit!...They're LOW but we got em!!".................................................................................tm

[sparkandy]

If Obama's elected, will he have to spend the next four or eight years, explaining away his wife's racist remarks and attitudes, and any other tasteless, unconsidered remarks, every time she says something tacky? It's gonna be like 'I Love Lucy' in the White House.

[sarainitaly]

Hey, I love Lucy was funny! :O)

[veracal]

LOL

Obama to wife: SHELLY, you have some splaining to do!!!!!

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

Mrs. Obama is a very intelligent woman. I'm sure, as she becomes more seasoned to the nasty ways of political "gotcha'", she'll be very careful what she says. But come on, now. After the idiotic things that have rolled out of Chimpy's mouth the last seven years, (and I mean words as well as the bread at International conferences), anything will be an improvement.

[kennedy]

Huff. Post. where is the story of Larry Sinclair and Obama? He is suing Obama and has taken him to court. Where is the report on the court case? God knows you cover everything else here. The REP will spread this across America if he gets in. The American people need to know the truth now. And Rezko is also in court in a few days. Where is the story on that?

THE COURT CASE WAS JUST FILED ON FEB 11TH AGAINST OBAMA.

Case filed in the Minnesota District Court

(Sinclair vs. Obama)

Plaintiff: Larry Sinclair

Defendant: Barack Obama, David Axelrod
and Democratic National Committee

Case Number: 0:2008cv00360

Filed: February 11, 2008

Court: Minnesota District Court

Office: DMN Office [ Court Info ]

County: St. Louis

More http://dockets.justia.com/browse/state-minnesota/court-mndce/ce/

Mr Sinclair says he had drugs and sex with Obama in 1999. He has tried to get the MSM to tell the story, they won’t. So he made a Youtube video. Obama’s people apparently have been turning his life upside down since, and he has filed suit against Obama, his manager Axelrod and the DNC for violation of his civil rights.

And here is a long interview he did on Right http://trp.fileburst.com/TRP_2008.02.08_Larry-Sinclair-Interview.mp3terview.mp3



The DEMS do not need things coming out in these trials down the road that will rain down on our party later.

[Seattlelite]

When did they start making talking "Barbie's"?

[barrycourage]

Well now we have absolute evidence that Cindy McCain is a jive-assed-honky bitch.

She never had to face the obstacles that Michelle Obama has faced.

But of course, Mrs. McCain never set her goals as high.

I'd like to see Mrs. McCain try to become a successful attorney. She'd be a bit less smug after dealing with the sexism alone. I wonder how far she would get if she had to overcome racism.

I'll bet Mrs. McCain bakes a mean Toll House cookie, 'though. White chocolate chips notwithstanding.

[barrycourage]

By the way, I am a white man. And like Mrs. McCain, I have a master's degree in education and have worked extensively with children with special needs.

A special ed teacher is an acceptable role for a woman in a sexist society. McCain didn't go up against any societal or systemic prejudices.

But men have a much more difficult time in that field. Especially gay men.

I obviously identify more with Michelle Obama.

And I would be more proud of an America that elected a black or woman president.

[betabeta]

If you aren't a gay male, will you marry me? LOL

But seriously, thank you. I was so angry at not only Cindy McCain, but the other white lady on MSNBC tonight defending her. In my mind I was wondering don't these people understand that we didn't get the Civil and Voting rights act until 1964!!??

Segregation didn't happen to some distant ancestor, it happen to our parents, our siblings and us! Geez people cut us some friggin slack if haven't exactly felt proud of this country at all times!

Especially when you consider our ancestors were here for over 300 years building this country but we didn't get to vote without discrimination, or even sit at a lunch counter next to you until a little over 40 years ago.. .geez... and even then, people (white and black) had to DIE for us to have those freedoms.

But then I saw your post and realized there are some sane and reasonable people out there and my head is back on straight. Thank you so much!

I feel sorry Michelle had to correct her statement, but girl gotta do what she gotta do to support her man.

[sparkandy]

So it's not sexist of you to say that Ms. McCain's work is suitable for a woman? What work, exactly, IS suitable for a woman? I know sexism in the workplace very well. I spent the first 25 years of my working life running warehouses, driving a forklift, unloading trucks, processing freight. When I started in 1980 there were almost no women in that field. I fought the good fight, believe me, and as far as I'm concerned I came out the winner. But it seems by your logic, that would not have been a suitable job for a woman. Instead of doing work I loved, I should have just taken my little degree and taught high school English and German like a nice little lady. And believe me, going up against truck drivers is probably at least as hard as bucking the good ole boys in a law practice.

[sparkandy]

Duh. Too early. Not enough coffee. Started unloading trucks in 1974, not 1980.

[IngeniousGirl]

omg, LOL ;)

[MRb1000]

I serve twenty years in the military. I know exactly what she is speaking to. When Colin Powell became the first black General of the most powerful nation in the world. I to became proud of my country for the first time along with owning up to giving the Black Airmen a place in the history books. These Airmen never lost a bomber out of 1000 missions. This has never been done by any fighter squadron in American history or world history. Just with in the last 10 years the got recognition for their heroic act. If you are not a person of color you would not understand the feelings. Think about after WWII when black soldiers came home and the were treated worst that the german prisoners.

Ask them would they do it again the would say yes! In spite of all the bigotry they had to put up with.

So get off this Mrs. Obama trip!!

[kennedy]

Obama got upset today about the way the media was questioning his wife. Give me a break. Go home.

[fearwig]

Didn't seem all that upset to me. I mean, it's not like he cried for the camera.

[IngeniousGirl]

Kennedy posts start yesterday? Just joining or taking pot shots?