Sneak Peek: Let the Chest Thumping Begin

October 4, 2007— -- Let the chest thumping begin.

Barack Obama wore an American flag lapel pin right after 9/11. But as the drumbeat to go to war in Iraq began, he stopped wearing one, believing that the lapel 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."

Obama made his comments after an eagle-eyed reporter for ABC's affiliate in Cedar Rapids noticed something missing from Obama's lapels.

Watch the video: LINK

For those of you who have struggled mightily without much success to get added to Fred Thompson's press list, the former Law & Order actor is planning to hold his first D.C. press availability as a presidential candidate on Friday at the Mayflower Hotel.

The Thompson presser, which gets underway at 11:50 am ET, takes place after he delivers 11:30 am ET remarks to "Americans for Prosperity" at its "Defending the American Dream Summit" in the same hotel.

Thompson is one of six Republican '08ers speaking Friday to "Americans for Prosperity," a group which advocates lower spending. (A seventh GOP hopeful -- John McCain -- speaks to the group Thursday evening).

Friday's "Americans for Prosperity" Speaking Schedule:

9:10 am ET: Rudy Giuliani

9:45 am ET: Ron Paul

9:55 am ET: Sam Brownback

10:10 am ET: Mike Huckabee

11:30 am ET: Fred Thompson

7:35 am ET: Mitt Romney

Friday's American Dream summit comes as Giuliani and Romney are stepping up their competition with one another on taxes and spending. LINK

Fighting is also emerging between Giuliani and Romney on the issue of health care with Romney spokesman Kevin Madden accusing Giuliani of hiding behind Sally Pipes, a Giuliani health-policy adviser who took to the pages of The Wall Street Journal last week to tie Romney to "HillaryCare." LINK