Obama returned to this theme of attempting to dictate the terms of debate through intimidation and name-calling. John McCain suggested that His Oneness' foreign policy stance was related to his political ambition (shock!). Obama responded today:"One of the things that we have to change in this country is the idea that people can't disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism,"
What? As McCain rightly retorted, he was questioning Obama's judgment not his patriotism. Is Obama implying that failure to support the war automatically calls one's patriotism into question? That would be an odd stance to take. Or is he just saying that Republicans questioning his war judgment are automatically taking the low road of name calling? So much for elevating the discourse.
I also wonder about his thin skin over the subject of patriotism. He has taken flak for removing the flag lapel pin, and can't really explain it adequately. (But I can, it's a cultural message, letting his left wing base know that he too is suspicious of American power. It's a sort of Dog Whistle politics. Also, for the record, I do not wear a flag lapel pin even though I wear a suit most days. You can question my patriotism, it won't phase me.) He has been buds with folks like Bill Ayers and Rev. Jeremiah Wright who see America as a source of great evil in the world. Michelle Obama is proud of America for the first time in her life. If it was just one thing, we wouldn't wonder about his true feelings, but there seems to be a trend building.
So ok, I won't question his patriotism; but I wish Pastor Rick had asked the following: "Overall, is America a source of good or evil in the world?" Is there any doubt what McCain's answer would be? Do we have a clue as to what Obama's would have been, other than meandering?
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