Obama: I Will Never Question Others' Patriotism

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Monday he will never question others' patriotism during the race and blames his own "carelessness" for some criticism of him so far. Obama sought to reassure voters about his commitment to the country, choosing the aptly named town of Independence as his backdrop.

Questions about his patriotism were raised during the Democratic nomination fight, and Obama recently started wearing a flag pin on his lapel in one attempt to answer them. But a weeklong focus on American values in the run-up to Friday's July 4 holiday represents his most concerted effort so far to do so.

Obama said he chose the topic in part because of his experience during the race, even though he has always considered his love of country a given and his inspiration for running for office.

"I have found, for the first time, my patriotism challenged _ at times as a result of my own carelessness, more often as a result of the desire by some to score political points and raise fears about who I am and what I stand for," he said before a crowd of a few hundred people at the Truman Memorial Building here. "I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign. And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine."

Obama also sought to tamp down controversy surrounding comments over the weekend from a supporter. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark said in a television appearance that the Vietnam War-era military service of John McCain, Obama's Republican opponent, does not necessarily qualify him to be commander in chief.

McCain was a fighter pilot who was captured and held as a prisoner of war for more than five years.

Obama said that patriotism "must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice" and sought to distance himself from Clark's remarks without mentioning them.

"For those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country _ no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary," Obama said. "And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides."

The comment drew loud applause.

At a news conference in Harrisburg, Pa., McCain was asked about Clark's comments.

"I think that that kind of thing is unnecessary," McCain said. "I'm proud of my record of service, I have plenty of friends, leaders who will attest to that.

"The important thing is if that's the kind of campaign Senator Obama and his surrogates and supporters want to engage in, I understand that. But it doesn't reduce the price of gas by one penny. It doesn't achieve our energy independence or make it come any closer. Doesn't make any American stay in their home who's at risk of losing it today. And it certainly doesn't do anything to address the challenges Americans have in keeping their jobs, homes and supporting their families."

Separately, in a statement, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "As he's said many times before, Sen. Obama honors and respects Senator McCain's service, and of course he rejects yesterday's statement by Gen. Clark."

Comments

[NotFooledByDistractions]

I'm really tired of McCains faux hysteria to every issue. It's like a tired old record. Stop screaming at the clouds - your schtick is old Gramps.

[Charmed]

McCain is so damn phony.

[TooDarkMark]

Republicans are a sad bunch. I happen to agree with Wesley Clark. How does getting shot down and surviving a camp make someone more presidential? It makes you a strong survivalist. Does anyone who survives in Gitmo deserve to be President someday?

But the sad thing is how ANYTHING anyone says they quickly point out how Obama says he wants to run a certain type of campaign and doesnt. Then Obama does this amazing speech and his ACTUAL words are ignored again. Why not challenge Obama on what HE SAYS. Not what his pastor, a former general (that until this month was on Clinton's team), or his wife. You cant challenge his word.

The Republicans biggest way of attacking Obama this year is hes a liar. A LIAR? Are you serious? Thats the big attack? Yet McCain has flip flopped on the bush tax cuts, his lobbyist ties, torture, immigration, and hes NOT A LIAR? Please. The Republican Attack Machine is nothing but a propaganda machine.

[hellenhat]

You can honor one's service and sacrifice and still tell the truth about their qualifications to be president....the same as if someone says Obama is too young and too inexperienced.

Instead of tthrowing Wes Clark under the proverbial bus, he should have recongnized General Clark's service, you know, the one where he, too, was wounded, taken off the field in Vietnam on a stretcher (although not captured) and then served honorably as commander during the Kosovo conflict....you know, the one where we lost not one American soldier in combat.

Shame on you Obama for not supporting another war hero who is telling the truth.

[spiderbucket]

Bitter much ? You should start saving up for therapy when November rolls around.

[Speakchic]

Pick pick pick pick pick. I'm glad this man is being sent through a series of unrealistic demands just like EVERYONE else. I can't wait until he's President.

Obama '08

[GolfingDevil05]

I just can't wait until November 5th, let alone the day he's sworn in. That way I won't have to hear my fellow Democrats squeal about our candidate not being perfect. This is one area where I actually envy the Republican's ability to march in lockstep. Granted, that's usually right off a cliff, but they generally don't sabotage their own chances of getting into power by sniping at their own candidates. That's why they've been good at winning elections, and we haven't.

Three Democratic administrations in the last 40 years, and two of them were the same man. Why? Because we can't stop whining. No wonder we're accused of having no spine. You'd have no spine either if you had to bend over backwards to ever nitpicking constituent of your party too. Trying to form a coalition from Democrats is like herding cats without any catnip.

I'm glad we're not mindless automatons like the people on the right, but for God's sake, give the man some room to work! He has to be ELECTED to make changes. Remember that.

[bessie1]

He'll only do it on condition - that it benefits him.