Inhofe Questions Whether Obama "Really Loves His Country"

Some harsh talk from Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK):

Regardless of what polls show, Inhofe said, voters will have to ask themselves a question once they get behind the curtain in the voting booth on Election Day.

"Do you really want to have a guy as commander in chief of this country when you can question whether or not he really loves his country?" he asked.

"That's the big question.''

The story quotes an Obama aide criticizing Inhofe's remarks, then a runs a "clarification" from Inhofe that seems just as harsh:

"Let me be clear,'' he said.

"I am not questioning Sen. Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin.''

The message coming out of Minneapolis sure does seem to have crystallized: McCain's a patriot, Obama...not so much.

Comments

[slayer2369]

There's more to being a patriot then demonstration it in symbolism, such as wearing a flag pin. Barack Obama has in his life worked in the community to improve conditions for the poor and needy. In my eyes, he's proven his love for America.

It's not what you wear, it's what you DO.

[Darkdonnie]

How do you get by the 20 years in a r@cist, anti-American church?

[Forsetti]

Do you read anything that cannot be found in your email inbox?

[MajorKong]

Compared to Palin's church they're practically Episcopalians.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-wilson/sarah-palins-churches-and_b_124611.html

[gappedtoothgodwarrior]

How about the 30 in an anti American Church for Palin?

[MYSTERIOUS]

This is such a narrow-minded statement. Have you ever attended that church? And, to take it a step further, even if he did worship in an "racist, anti-American church," does his views reflect such? Have you been paying attention, or are people (and I use the word "people" cautiously) to what Barack Obama has been saying for the last 19 months? Oh, why am I wasting my time with closed-minded individuals like this. OBAMA '08 O-YEAH!!!

[LABC]

How do you get by repeating GOP talking points over and over? Yeah, like you care so much about racism...

[Lion24]

Inhofe should take his holier-than-thou act back to Oklahoma, and -- in the words of
K e i t h O l b e r m a n n -- SHUT THE H E L L UP.

May Inhofe lose his next run for office in a very large way.

[Freeman08]

I seriously question Obama's loyalty to the US. I also question McCain's as well. Both men are members of the Trilateral Commission which works for a One World economy! You can't have that without a One World government. Henry Kissinger, who is for One World government, is helping McCain formulate foreign policy. This policy calls for: no national sovereignty, no borders, the UN commanding our troops, the North American Union, and a new currency for us called the Amero!
I strongly support a Constitutional government! Support Chuck Baldwin, of the Constitution Party, for President of the United States in November!

[2cntswrth]

The real meaning behind this constant inuendo about the lack of Barack Obama's patriotism pertains to racist ideology that has always been to fear and degrade black people and relegate them to second class citizens. Therefore, it seems difficult for the perpetrators of these silly rumors to fathom that people who belong to a group that has been generally oppressed as a whole race would indeed still love their country and be proud of it, while at the same time, they are systematically victims of prejudice, bigotry, and separatist philosophies. Even when blacks are very successful in life, they still must bear the impacts of racism for those who still harbor it. While in no way does that represent the feelings or attitude of most people in our nation, it does support the view of some who constantly revisit this same old worn out theme that Barack Obama carries something inately hateful and spiteful against America, when nothing could be farther from the truth. It is a poisonous idea tethered to the old stake in the ground of racism.

[trythetruth]

But it does make you question because the U.S Flags did show up in the garbage in Denver. How did that happen?

[MajorKong]

True. The US Flag Code states that the proper method for disposing of a flag is................burning it.

http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=2477

< sound of right wing heads exploding >

[gappedtoothgodwarrior]

Yeah, you're talking bollocks there M8

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/06/thrown-away-flags-story-f_n_124499.html

[grata2ude]

LOL nice try. That was another lie that was debunked. Even the so called pictures were proven not to be at Invesco field. Nice try though. Repugs .........the liars that keep on lying.

[kadene]

Simple. The flags were being stored for another event, and some republican stole them.

[devinsbuddy]

Questioning whether Obama loves his country is laughable! We've had eight years of an administration whose main culprits might also be subject to the same scrutiny.

[Darkdonnie]

What has he done to prove his love of country? Other than pandering to his constituents!
As a side his wife was not proud of this country till her husband started winning!

[Charmed]

And Palin and her husband don't want to be a part of this country and that's why they are part of the AIP......and the leader said he didn't want to be buried under "that damn flag".....the church Palin goes to is so radical I wouldn't want my kids walking past it even if the police officer was right there......

[faithfully]

And Palin and her husband wanted Alaska to secede from the US-they were so proud to be American (not)

[MadJeffersonian]

What have YOU done?
What has Bush\ Cheney done? Aside from avoid Vietnam and destroy the armed forces?

What has Palin done? Particularly of Palin, Alaska first? If you have incriminated Michelle Obama for her "supposed" disdain for the US, what about Palin's husband? He is a member of a group that promotes Alaska first and wants Alaska to secede form the Union. We still don't know if she is a member, but she has addressed the group and donated money. So if the Obamas "hate" America, then so do the Palins.

[MYSTERIOUS]

You know what she really meant. She meant (like me) that she is really proud that people are getting involved in the democratic presidential process. YOU ALL KNOW THIS.

[ZimboChick]

one mooseburger for the moose called dark donnie

[jollyelle]

Here's his address, contact him and voice your concerns...................

http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

[Lion24]

A US Senator who questions the patriotism of another duly-elected US Senator owes that Senator an apology, and in this case, the people of Illinois and Oklahoma apologies.

In addition, Inhofe should be formally censured by the leaders of both parties in the Senate.

[Nonpartay]

I wrote an email to the Senator. I hope everyone does. Thanks for the link!

[Pink Floyd]

Isn't it ironic that the party that loves to burn the flag are questioning where McCain's flag pin was?

[bola47]

engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear.

[Darkdonnie]

It was a question, where is your answer? Pay attention if you want to play!

[Forsetti]

Great, another non-issue.

It never ceases to amaze me how people will get worked up over jewelry and cloth but don't seem to care that the Republicans have run up the National Debt, usurped power and rights, entered us in a war based on lies and depleted our political capital around the world. It is sad that symbols are more important than actions that have real consequences.

[ferky123]

I agree with you totally. As Obama said, "There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America."

[MajorKong]

Gee Pink, I bet it took you all day to build that straw-man. You must be tired.

So, just because I don't think we need a constitutional amendment banning flag burning means I "love to burn the flag"?

So we can assume that since you're not in favor of a constitutional amendment banning goat buggering that you love to bugger goats?

[MadJeffersonian]

Isn't it ironic that the party that has badly damaged the military, p*ssed on the Constitution, and wreaked havoc on numerous government agencies and departments is asking for another 4 years? What you haven't screwed it up enough or stolen enough millions that you need 4 more years to make sure it is Mission Accomplished?

[Nonpartay]

What's really ironic is that anyone would think Obama supporters love to burn the flag. Where's your evidence?

[JRN]

WHY THE HECK DOESN'T SOMEONE ASK SARAH PALIN THIS QUESTION?!?!!? How is it possible that more hasn't been made of the fact that her husband belonged to AIG, and Alaskan SECESSIONIST group from 1995-2002, and that she, herself, verifiably spoke at their conference last year?!?!? She is a heartbeat away from the presidency!? Imagine, seriously, for just a minute, if Michelle Obama (the SPOUSE), belonged to such a group?! The outrage would deafen us! The media would NEVER let it lie! The election would be over!!! I'm just AMAZED that this hasn't been picked up by the MSM.

[JRN]

Just had to post a quote from an (recent?) AIG leader:

""The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government,"

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/aip_founder_professed_hatred_f.php

[charleydan]

Why not asked why Obama has strong ties with Resko, Ayers, and of course the two years studying his past, Muslim. Michele mistake of her country and Pastor Wrights remarks which are damning America or why it took Obama so long to separate from them.

Personally, I do not care as I am not so concerned on the route that they took to their beliefs. They are interesting and might help one to understand how they got to what they believe today. But does not mean they believe everything of any one or orgs ideology.

I am concerned about what they believe now and their ideology.

Would be concerned if their present ideology reflects one of these past figures or orgs. ideology very closely. As that would give a better understanding to what they believe.

Otherwise all is just trash talk. Let us get back to the issues.

AIM gives some insight with her husband belonging and why Palin believes in a small federal government or as she stated, Reformist. There actually is a Reformist Republican for those who are familar with each parties distinctions within. There is also Reformist Democrats. Most often referred to these days as Reagan Democrats.

She will appeal to those Reagan Democrats and Libertarians within the Democratic party. Bet many of you did not know you had Democrats so conservative in ideology.

[StephenDedalus82]

McCain didn't wear his lapel pin during his big speech. Is he a muslim terrorist now too, Senator?

[Paul Peete - Huffpost Blogger]

The Repugnicants don't question his patriotism, just his refusal to wear cheap made in China trinkets!

[vegangoddess]

yeah....McCain ..where was your "Made In China" flag pin???

[Darkdonnie]

When you are without a doubt a PATRIOT you do not need a pin. But when you are ambiguous and do not show your love of country you need to wear A PIN. But more importantly you must SHOW you love the country and not patronize and r@cist, country h@ting church for 20 years. You know David Duke quit going to Clan meetings do you think he stopped believing what they preached?

[Charmed]

Do you mean like being a member of a organization that doesn't want to be a part of America. Just trying to get the facts as far as you're concern....are you saying if you're white, you don't need a pin? Where is this test located so prove who is and who isn't patriotic....I can tell you this "I'm NOT proud of this country and the double standards" that are glaring. The nasty attitude that was displayed at the RNC is NOTHING to be proud of.

[Forsetti]

This is quite the fallacious argument and circular in nature. If we think you are not patriotic enough you need to wear a pin, if you wear a pin it is a sign that you are not patriotic enough so you need to wear one. If you don't wear a flag pin it is because you don't need to because you are patriotic enough to not wear one.

[MadJeffersonian]

Shall we make everyone wear the 2008 version of the Star of David, then?

Speaking of churches, read about the Palin's church. It may open your eyes. But since you don't mind to turn a blind eye to certain things, it may not bother you.

[wanttruth]

Darkdonnie, I'm sick of the guilt by association crap. Rev. Wright NEVER advocated 'to kill' a race of people like the Klan. Just because Rev. Wright doesn't think the government has been fair to all of its citizens (a historic fact), doesn't make him less patriotic. In fact, being able to criticize ones' government is a very 'American' thing to do. By the way, Rev. Wright is a vet.

Everyone has freedom of speech. I assure you and others that it's possible to attend a church and not believe everything the pastor says. In fact, I don't know anyone I agree with 100% no matter what the relation. People can change their political, religious affliations and other things. It's the American way to promote choice!

[MYSTERIOUS]

NO MATTER WHAT INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU THINK, IT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT. MANY OF US BELIEVE IN BARACK OBAMA. AND TO COMPARE BARACK OBAMA, A SITTING UNITED STATES PRESIDENT WITH DAVID DUKE, THE FORMER GRAND WHEVER OF THE KLAN? THAT IS TRULY PATHETIC. YOU NEED TO GROW UP AND SHOW RESPECT. BUT YOU PROBABLY DON'T UNDERSTANT THAT CONCEPT, JUST LIKE THE REST OF THE REPUBLICANS WITH THESE VIEWS. I THINK PEOPLE LIKE BUSH, CHENEY, ROVE, LIMBAUGH (CHAOS AGENT) ARE WHAT SHOULD BE UNPATRIOTIC. LOOK AT HOW THEY TRY TO MAKE THIS A "PERMANENT REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT." THAT BASICALLY SAYS THEY WANT TO IGNORE ALMOST HALF OF THE AMERICAN CITIZENS.

[dadw5boys]

This from a man that votes against Veterans unless he can put his name on a building !!!!!

[Darkdonnie]

If it is a bad bill an honorable person should vote against it!

[Lemeritus]

Please enlighten us -- on ALL the veterans' bills he's voted against.

[MadJeffersonian]

So how do you explain McCain voting against all the bills for veterans, especially Webb's recent bill/law?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoZ3BPqXrq0&feature=related

http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,164859_1,00.html.dk

[rajoro]

Hey isn't this the same guy who questions Global Warming?

So I guess all of the people who voted for and are supporting Obama and don't wear flag lapel pins are unpatriotic as well?

Idjet!!!

[Darkdonnie]

It would depend on there words and past actions! Like going to an American h@ting church would put you in that column!

[MadJeffersonian]

Speaking of churches, read about the Palin's church. It may open your eyes. But since you don't mind to turn a blind eye to certain things, it may not bother you.

[MyAudacity]

Jim Inhofe claimed Global Warming was a myth conjured up by the Weather Channel to increase their viewership. He was investigated by the SEC in the mid 80's after the Quaker Life Insurance Company was liquidated under his management during the Iran-Contra conflict.. He is usually ranked among the most corrupt in Washington, literally selling votes to the highest bidder. He has taken over a million dollars ($1,076,573) from Oil Companies in exchange for votes and resolutions, it is no surprise that he supports off shore drilling and opening up ANWR? Inhofe has compared environmentalists to Nazis and the EPA to the Gestapo, yet HE sits on the US Senate Committee for Environment and Public Works as the ranking minority member. He also sits on the Armed Services Committee. He sides with GOP conservatives more than 85% of the time!

His votes:
Against the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 (says torture is ok),
Opposed Jim Webb's GI Bill of Rights which would expand coverage and benefits for soldiers and veterans.
Against a bill that would lower interest rates on student loans
In favor of illegal wiretapping
Against children's health insurance
Against bringing Alberto Gonzales to trial
Against immigration reform
For the Iraq War
Against setting timelines
Did not cast a vote at all when it came to increasing the minimum wage, and
Regularly votes against scientific and technological advancement.

How can Inhofe question whether Obama really loves his country?

[roshni]

Back to the lapel pin, are we?????
Hope you get kicked out of office, inhofe!