Paul Won’t Condemn Obama on Flag Pin
EmailABC News’ Teddy Davis Reports: Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul said Friday that he would not condemn Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for dropping his American flag lapel pin in the wake of the Iraq war.
"A lot of people might condemn him," said Paul, "I’m neither going to condemn him nor praise him because I don’t know his inner motivation."
"He may be very, very sincere in what he is saying," he added.
Paul, who, like Obama, opposed the Iraq war before it began, made his comments to ABC News two days after the Illinois Democrat told ABC’s affiliate in Cedar rapids that he stopped wearing an American flag lapel pin in the run-up to the Iraq war because he believed the pin had become a "substitute" for "true patriotism."
"You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin,” Obama said Wednesday. “Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we’re talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won’t wear that pin on my chest.”
Watch the Obama video: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3689734&affil=wftv
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Jon Stewart is right in condemning the MSM as essentially worthless. Quit wasting your time on irrelevant nonsense. People are being killed and tortured worldwide by means of US policy and this is the garbage you people focus on? For shame.
Posted by: Casey Khan | October 5, 2007, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
Why is it that we have to focus on non-issues such as this? I am more preoccupied with Obama’s statements with regard to Iran and Pakistan than whether or not he wears a meaningless decoration on his suit.
Besides, Obama is right. Many people use symbols to take he place of actual patriotism. True patriotism is standing up for liberty (you know? the ideal this country was founded on) and confronting those that mean to strip it from us.
Posted by: gdub | October 5, 2007, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
Ron Paul refuses to play Divide and Conquer, am I supposed to be surprised by that?
Posted by: Chris S | October 5, 2007, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
Seriously, why is this relevant? Instead of asking Paul/Obama for their opinion in this stupid non-story, why not take the same time and ask them both to compare/contrast each other’s opinions on a major issue like healthcare or something. Then at least readers get the benefit of being informed about something.
Posted by: Andrew | October 5, 2007, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Wow! I guess breaking into the top tier of the Republican candidates means that Paul will now be bombarded with irrelevant questions in an effort to disparage the other side for no real reason. I can’t see how Obama wearing or not wearing a flag pin has anything to do with anything affecting the country directly.
Posted by: Nick | October 5, 2007, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
Yes, there are bigger things,lets concentrate on the real morons who think losing in Iraq will be a good thing for this country. Im sure there are a few on this site. God knows part of our congress agrees.
Posted by: Zelda | October 5, 2007, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
We’re on the brink of an economic collapse, police state, wars and more wars, illegal immigration, etc … and someone is worried about a GD pin??
c’mon MSM – instead of keeping your eye on the ball, do you even see the ballpark?
Posted by: chris lawton | October 5, 2007, 2:05 pm 2:05 pm
Wow. You covered Paul and it wasn’t even snide–of course it was a stupid distraction issue, but hey, you’re getting better!
Posted by: jeff | October 5, 2007, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
Paul said the right things though I kind of wish he had said something controversial so he’d get more press. (It’s sad but true)
Posted by: Jim | October 5, 2007, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
America is just a collection of ideas and principles. Some only see the flag or a flag pin as a symbol. To me it is a touchstone that means a connection to the idea of America.
I know in our very enlightened world today that silly things like symbols, honor, duty, and code are silly. It does not bother me that Obama thinks it’s silly too.
However, to me, it is a tangible visible display of the touchstone I use to feel connected to the idea.
What do I know? I’m just a hatemongering, bigot, red state inbred. That’s what all the progressive and “enlightened” masses state every day in all mediums. I doubt that I have anything meaningful to add.
Oh and by the way, the idea of America is powerful and beautiful. When you see one of those silly pins think about that.
Posted by: Sgt. Fury | October 5, 2007, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
I’ll take a stab at the answer as to “why are we concerned/focusing on the pin?”
Why? Because it’s easy for people to see. It’s tangible. It doesn’t require thought or comprehension to read the words in a story (or listen to them on the TV) and look at a picture of Obama and say “By golly gee – that candidate doesn’t wear a flag pin. I bet he hates our freedom.”
It’s a sad, sad state that THIS is a lead story – story at all – and that there are more news articles about Brit’s babies than states changing primary rules, predisential directives, executive orders, etc. But, those stories require investigation, journalism, and reading comprehension, all of which are lacking in today’s dumbed-down, lowest-common-denomenator society.
That’s why.
Posted by: Cory | October 5, 2007, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
ABC News: While I’m glad that you are asking Ron Paul questions, you must understand that he is not one of these idiot Republicrats who wants to set one American against another or pretend that political attack = political discourse.
Americans are SICK of that kind of nonsense. Maybe you could follow Ron Paul’s lead and not participate in the ti-for-tat garbage that passes for campaign news. Obama’s pin tells me nothing about his political philosophy or the way he would deal with an issue.
On the other hand, Ron Paul’s refusal to engage in this tripe does say something important about the good doctor.
Posted by: Roger | October 5, 2007, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
I rather like this about Paul: He doesn’t feel the need to sit in judgment of every action taken by other human beings.
Posted by: Stephen C | October 5, 2007, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
This is really a non-issue, move to something of substance please.
Posted by: Katherine | October 5, 2007, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
“I don’t get all choked up over yellow ribbons and American flags. They are symbols, and I prefer to leave symbols to the symbol minded.” -George Carlin
Posted by: Scott | October 5, 2007, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
Jim -
The American flag flying AS A FLAG symbolizes honor and duty. The American flag as a lapel pin symbolizes kitsch.
It is possible to be pro-patriotism and anti-kitsch. That would be my position.
Musically, I am also pro-Star Spangled Banner and anti-Proud To Be An American. Why? Because one is the actual national anthem, and one of them is kitschy garbage beloved of redneck punks.
I am pro-Gold Star Banner in your house window and anti-magnetic yellow ribbon on your SUV. Why? Because one represents an actual sacrifice for the country, and the other is kitschy trash purchased almost universally by nimrods.
Have you red state guys descended so far that you no longer only defend your bad policies by hiding behind patriotism, but now you want to defend the wretched taste of your material culture with it as well? Give me a break.
Posted by: Brian | October 5, 2007, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
How can the mainstream media get any more shallow? Ron Paul doubled his prior quarter’s fundraising and the AP blasts a story about Fred Thompson’s trophy wife. Ron Paul is a statesman and should not be questioned by the media about such a trivial matter. Meanwhile the administration and the neocons are cooking up another war while Iraq drains the lives of our soldiers and drains our treasury.
Posted by: Bob | October 5, 2007, 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
What does Ron Paul think of the Obama pin?
Who cares?!?!?!?!? Lets ask some relevant questions!
I personally am WAY more interested in hearing what Paul thinks of Hillary’s latest earring choice. and how well they match her pantsuit. Thats a way better topic!
Posted by: Aaron Kinney | October 5, 2007, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
Wow, are you kidding me? This is NEWS? Although I agree with Paul on the fact that he can’t possibly know Obama’s inner motivations, so why should he be condemning him or praising for that matter?
You covered Paul, but this was the best you could come up with? Inane.
Posted by: Jeremy C. | October 5, 2007, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm
I think this is quiet movement beginning.
Do you truly wan to end partisan politics?
Obama/Paul or Paul/Obama 2008
These men could truly work together to change our nation. The realist party ’08.
A breath of fresh air, but they would never agree on healthcare, ever.
Posted by: Roach | October 5, 2007, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
Once again, Mr. Paul proves he is an honest, forthright, intelligent man.
His use of reason is what makes him different than all the other candidates, who are guided by nothing but emotion. I doubt any one of them could come up with as perfect a response as Mr. Paul gave.
Posted by: Greg8898 | October 5, 2007, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
You guys are missing the point. Obama is an active member of the Council of Foreign Relations. So are all “top tier” candidates, democrat and republican alike. Get on You Tube or google the history behind this organization and see for yourself why top-tier candidates are just speaking hogwash. They are talking, but not saying anything.
Posted by: Steven | October 5, 2007, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
Paul/Obama? Try Paul/Kucinich. ;)
Posted by: Daryl Sawyer | October 6, 2007, 12:09 am 12:09 am
It is obvious mainstream networks are going the way of the dinosaur here pretty soon. I don’t know whats more irrelevant, this story, or the media itself. What a joke.
Ron Paul is the one of the few sane people left in politics.
Posted by: Henry | October 6, 2007, 9:03 am 9:03 am
More than anything, this goes to show me that Mr. Paul walks the walk after talking the talk. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more eloquent or pointed response to a non-issue.
I cannot fathom how much this country would change for the better with Mr. Paul as the president and being the role model for the free world to follow.
Posted by: Dan | October 6, 2007, 11:28 am 11:28 am
MSM is doing its job…spoonfeeding the conditioned masses/Skinner mice into glasly running throught the maze(election charade) or proudly dismissing the whole thing and watching American Idol/Football..
either way the freedoms and liberties we have left here in America are dwindling and ONLY DR. PAUL is addressing them AND offering honest and Constitutional proposals and solutions to not only keep the ones left but regain the ones so indifferently given away by the “voters”…
I did it..so can/should you..ReRegister Republican and vote for Dr. Paul…to send a RECORDABLE and TELLING message to the Elites of America and the Republican Party that you said NO to their lackeys/shills/puppets ie the REST of the motley crew and YES to individual freedom, extricating our GOVT from foriegn entanglements and our country’s soveriegnty by voting FOR Dr. and Congressman Ron Paul.
Posted by: Chris Bieber | October 6, 2007, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
When are they going to ask Britney Spears and Paris Hilton what they think about wearing the pin? That would provide more meaningful insight than anything reported thus far.
Posted by: John P Slevin | October 6, 2007, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
Steven, are you referring to the Council on Foreign Relations, of which the vast majority of us know about, or some other group with a similar name?
Posted by: Suzy Evans | October 7, 2007, 9:39 am 9:39 am