On Friday's "Good Morning America," ABC reporter David Wright narrated a sympathetic look at Barack Obama's decision not to wear an American flag lapel pin and asserted that this country's "obsession with flag pins is relatively new." To further defend the Democratic presidential candidate, Wright pointedly noted that liberal bogeyman Richard Nixon wore such a pin. He observed, "Ike didn't wear one. JFK either. Nixon did wear the flag as he told the American people he had nothing to do with Watergate."
Of course, Wright himself was not wearing a pin with the U.S. flag on it. As the MRC has previously noted, ABC President David Westin banned on-air talent from having such pins adorn their lapels. In 2003, he deemed it the "patriotic duty" of reporters not to display the flag. At a journalist conference, he elaborated that "after 9/11, the question came up and we, as a matter of policy at ABC News, tell our people on the air, you shall not wear an American flag or any other symbol on the air."
In a brief follow-up piece, "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos criticized Barack Obama for his explanation surrounding the controversy. He derided the Illinois senator's claim that the pins are a "substitute for... true patriotism," calling that a "mistake." Stephanopoulos asserted, "The problem for him is, in that first answer, he seemed to slam people who did wear the pin as we were moving towards war in Iraq and he was suggesting this was a protest on his part and that was a mistake for Barack Obama."
The ABC anchor predicted the gaffe could "limit his gains further on down the road." Of course, viewers should probably attribute the harshness of Stephanopoulos's statements not to objectivity, but to a continuing loyalty to the Clintons. Just last week, the network host touted talking points e-mails he received from the Hillary Clinton camp during the midst of a debate. On Sunday, the MRC's Brent Baker covered the sycophantic interview Stephanopoulos gave his old boss, Bill Clinton. He cheerfully asked if Clinton would be "okay" with being known as the "the philanthropist who happened to be President."
A transcript of the segment, which aired at 7:05am on October 5, follows:
ABC Graphic: "Politics of the Pin: Why Won't Obama Wear Flag?"
Chris Cuomo: "And let's take a look at the race to '08 and why presidential contender Barack Obama won't wear an American flag lapel pin. His answer? Obama told an ABC affiliate that they've become a substitute for true patriotism and that's why he declined to wear one. But the story will not end there. David Wright has more."
David Wright: "After 9/11, the red white and blue lapel pin became the fashion accessory of choice for politicians, but not all of them."
Unidentified reporter: "You don't have the American flag pin on. Is this a fashion statement?"
Wright: "This week, a reporter for ABC's Cedar Rapids affiliate was the first to notice."
Senator Barack Obama (D-ILL): "You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin."
Wright: "But Obama said he eventually decided to stop wearing the pin."
Obama: "That became a substitute for, I think, true patriotism which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security. I decide I won't wear that pin on my chest."
Wright: "The comments kicked up a hornet's nest."
Sean Hannity [from radio show]: "Why do we wear pins? Because our country was under attack."
Wright: "The obsession with flag pins is relatively new. Ike didn't wear one. JFK either. Nixon did wear the flag-"
Richard Nixon: "Well, I'm not a crook."
Wright: "-as he told the American people he had nothing to do with Watergate. Turns out, Senator Obama is in pretty good company in this campaign. Most of the other candidates for president this year don't wear the flag pin. John Edwards also wears his late son's outward bound pin. Hillary Clinton often goes pinless out on the campaign trail."
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY): "I think there are so many ways Americans can show their patriotism."
Wright: "Of all the candidates this year, only Rudolph Giuliani is rarely seen without his flag pin."
Obama: "I'm less concerned with not what you wear on the lapel, but what's in your heart."
Wright: "A fashion statement that could provoke plenty of debate. For 'Good Morning America,' David Wright, ABC News, Washington."
Cuomo: "Now joining us live with the bottom line is ABC's chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos. George, thank you for joining us this morning as always. Tricky politics here for Barack Obama. When you're playing with the American symbol, the flag. How does this go for him?"
George Stephanopoulos: "Well, listen, the problem is not the fact that he's not wearing a flag pin As David Wright pointed out, a lot of candidates aren't wearing the pin. The problem for him is, in that first answer, he seemed to slam people who did wear the pin as we were moving towards war in Iraq and he was suggesting this was a protest on his part and that was a mistake for Barack Obama. He fixed it yesterday. I don't think this is going to be a huge problem for him going forward. In fact, it probably appeals to some in the Democratic base who are very much anti-war, but it could limit his gains further on down the road."
Cuomo: "All right, let's take a look at the other side of the aisle now. Senator Larry Craig has said he's going to serve out his term even though the judge refused to vacate his guilty plea. What do you think the Republican Party will have to do about him now?"
Stephanopoulos: "Well, there's not much they can do and that's the problem, uh, Chris, right now. His Republican Senate colleagues are just livid about this. You saw the head of the Republican campaign committee, John Ensign, and several others came out yesterday and say they wish he would stick by his original decision and just retire, just resign from the Senate, but Craig is determined to stay right now and there's not much Republicans in the Senate can do. They could vote to expel him, although that's a hard row to hoe. They could threaten him with public hearings in the Ethics Committee, but then it just has a huge public spectacle that will reflect badly on all of Congress."
Cuomo: "You think it hurts them in trying to control Congress next election around?"
Stephanopoulos: "It certainly doesn't help. And we all remember last year, Chris. The Republicans were tarnished by the Mark Foley scandal in the Congress and other ethical questions. But, bottom line here, I think there's a very decent shot Larry Craig can finish out his term."
—Scott Whitlock is a news analyst for the Media Research Center.
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Comments Policy
I don't particularly care
October 5, 2007 - 12:33 ET by Chris NormanI don't particularly care if Obama wears a flag pin or not. However, if like a lot of liberals, he thinks displaying the flag is corny, hokey, and unsophisticated, then he shouldn't pretend to not be embarassed of it. It's better that people know what he thinks of displaying the flag, up-front.
The Clinton cronies are
October 5, 2007 - 12:36 ET by general companyThe Clinton cronies are right on top of it arnt they? Obama is reveling every day how naive he is. Why would he purposely alienate anyone whom wears one with this nonesense, instead of just blowing it off?
Im not suprised by Obama at
October 5, 2007 - 12:46 ET by bassndudeIm not suprised by Obama at all here. After all, he was educated in a muslim mosque and his name is Hussain. How is this not in line with his history?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Wright's examples of
October 5, 2007 - 12:46 ET by In ExcessWright's examples of "pretty good company'' makes me wonder what ''pretty bad company'' would be.
I wonder how many would have an R after their name.
More people would respect
October 5, 2007 - 12:53 ET by ConservativeRexMore people would respect these knuckleheads if they just came out and said why they don't want to have anything to do with any flag.
They don't respect what the our flag means to us. They do not salute it with any respect, they salute it because they know the television cameras are on them. And half-assed at that.
When 1 in 5 of their constituents want the United States to lose in the war in Iraq, you know where their loyalties lay.
What about wristbands?
October 5, 2007 - 13:06 ET by i was just thinkingI wonder if he feels the same way about the different colored wristbands people wear.
There are those out there who can wear a wristband to show their gay pride, but can't wear a flag to show their national pride.
Scott
October 5, 2007 - 13:15 ET by Gary HallScott. My view is that the media is pushing the wrong angle here, in an effort to keep our eyes off the issue. The issue is not whether or not JFK or Nixon (or anyone else) wore a pin; rather, it's the very principled statement made by Obama (and others), when he woke up one morning and decided - publicly - that he would no longer wear the pin.
Ya think? (;~> gary
Good point, Gary
October 5, 2007 - 17:07 ET by Scott WhitlockGary,
I think that's a good point, the media reflexively wants to defend Obama from any attacks he might recieve on this issue. Not wanting to wear the flag pin? Well, that's just bravery on his part!
Solution for David Wright, Barak Hussein Obama and Chris Cuomo
October 5, 2007 - 13:47 ET by Lame CherryI have a simple solution for Wright, Obama and Cuomo which is real life experience.
Send these 3 to the Pushtan where they can be captured, beat, belittled, tortured, enslaved to be mules doing hard labor, freeze in the cold, scald in the heat, starve, thirst and stink like a sewer covered in dust. Let them sit like American Soldiers did in being Japanese POW's with a knife between their shoulder blades as they held a rock over their head for hours.......knowing if they dropped it they would be killed on the spot.
Then after all hope is gone for a few years.........let them see an American plane fly over........let them see a Humvee crest a hill with an American flag flying over it with United States soldiers bringing freedom to them and death to their terrorist captors.
Perhaps ABC would understand then just like Barak Hussein Obama just what a US Flag means.
Oh and Mr. Wright, Richard Nixon knew very well he was set up in a coup by what he thought then were Kennedy operatives looking for a money trail from Bebe Robozo. Nixon leaving office knew very well the people behind it would either assassinate him if he did not leave as that was the message given.
Nixon wearing a US Flag was telling Americans the Truth as he had nothing to do with Watergate.........as Watergate was sanctioned by the cartel to be deliberately caught and the plumbers would lead it right back into the White House.
EXACTLY like Alberto Gonzales was supposed to lead Richard Armitage's testimony back into the White House on Plamegate, but Gonzales said no so as not to repeat the mistake of Watergate.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Pin
October 5, 2007 - 13:53 ET by bsmarjI am proud to wear my pin. I love this country and not afraid to offend anybody when I wear it. Truthfully I would love to have someone be offended and tell me to my face. I can't wait!!
GWB's pin.
October 5, 2007 - 14:14 ET by alamojbI increasingly believe that if you scratched the Red White and Blue off of GWB's pin you would find a Red White and Green pin. Then if you scratched another layer off you would find a Strange Hybird flag underneath that.
I should make a cartoon of this.
The left made flag pins an issue
October 5, 2007 - 14:34 ET by nkviking75I have a truly amazing memory. I'm one of those rare Americans who can remember all the way back to the period just after Sept. 11, 2001. (Obviously, I'm being sarcastic to make a point.) After the attacks, a wave of patriotic feeling overcame the country, and lots of people started doing things like wearing flag pins and putting flag bumper stickers on their cars. They were small gestures meant to express national unity.
What made all this controversial? A lot of MSM members started suggesting there was something unethical about wearing a flag pin on the job. If they'd stopped wearing them without making a statement about it, no one would have noticed. Now Obama is trying to sell the notion that wearing a flag pin is somehow shallow patriotism. Ultimately it takes more than wearing a pin to make one a true patriot. But a liberal refusing to wear one and feeling superior about it is why flag pins have become an issue.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
You've stated it better than
October 5, 2007 - 14:41 ET by fitzfongYou've stated it better than I could have.
Good analysis, nkviking, as
October 5, 2007 - 16:28 ET by JerGood analysis, nkviking, as far as it goes, which isn't quite far enough...and, includes a crucial but debatable supposition.
I likewise recall the discomfiture expressed by some in the media regarding the wearing of a flag lapel pin on air. The concern was whether doing so might somehow compromise their ostensible roles as "objective journalists" by creating a public perception of administration "cheerleaders" [a sore spot with the media since being burned by governmental "news management" a/k/a the "Saigon follies" in the early stages of Viet Nam].
Your assertion that "if they'd stopped wearing them without making a statement about it, no one would have noticed" is highly questionable. My recollection is that television viewers did notice--i.e., who was, and who wasn't wearing a flag pin--and were making judgments about a journalist's level of patriotism accordingly. In fact, I believe it was in response to that very phenomenon which resulted in directives that such emblems would be dispensed with on air.
So there were dual reasons: To project the appearance of objectivity, and to avoid the 'pin-wearing reporter X is more of a patriot than reporter Y' comparisons.
That said, I agree with Stephanopolis' opinon that Obama's "shallow patriotism" comment/explanation was insulting and politically unwise.
Jer
The way Obama and his
October 5, 2007 - 14:40 ET by fitzfongThe way Obama and his willing parrots at ABC have handled this situation further illustrates their arrogance, stupidity and inability to lead. They're supposed to be Americans...instead they embrace the "citizens of the world" posture. Obama creates the myth that his attitude is motivated by a "greater patriotism"...that the President of the United States is supposed to be some kind of world steward rather than someone who governs in the best interests of his own country. Of course, the media is more concerned with creating the phony illusion that they are engaging in "journalistic objectivity" by sneering at those who openly exhibit their pride in the USA. At the end of the day, these people are not objective journalists, and they're certainly not patriots...they're simply propagandists for the left.
Well said, fitz
October 5, 2007 - 14:46 ET by QueenMumIt seems Sen. Obama is suffering from delusions of grandeur. I think Oprah may have something to do with this. ;)
Power to the people!
Queen... I believe that
October 5, 2007 - 16:39 ET by bigtimerQueen...
I believe that Oprah will do that every-time to some people...
Especially ones like Obama's that are suffering from those delusions that you were correctly speaking of.
bigtimer,Speaking of
October 5, 2007 - 17:44 ET by msh1973bigtimer,
Speaking of Oprah...she is back to pushing the New Age with a new book called Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. This woman left her family to find the "true" religion which she calls, "silence". Okay Oprah, thanks for the info!
Flag pin concession
October 5, 2007 - 15:06 ET by desertdwellerThe US Flag pin concession sales will see a boost, as I go out and buy a dozen or so for my hats, coats and whatever else.
And then buy more to hand out...
Lame Cherry
October 5, 2007 - 15:17 ET by krismcsherryThen after all hope is gone for a few years.........let them see an American plane fly over........let them see a Humvee crest a hill with an American flag flying over it with United States soldiers bringing freedom to them and death to their terrorist captors.
Exactly. These gentlemen like Obama just don't get it. They don't feel it, don't see it.
All this talk about a flag pin. Nothing more pressing to do or discuss. The media continues to wallow in the depths of mediocrity.
Nixon wore one. Big, fat, hairy deal as Garfield used to say in the funnies.
ABC tyrant: "...after 9/11, the question came up and we, as a matter of policy at ABC News, tell our people on the air, you shall not wear an American flag or any other symbol on the air."
"You shall not"? What is that, a biblical echo? "THOU SHALL NOT wear any symbol."
As for the pin-banning: I'll remember that next time an ABC talking head complains about conservatives infringing on their free speech. Unfortunately, some companies do feel they have the right to restrict what people wear while on their clock. Found that out when I worked for a Pepsi company. The workers there told me not to bring in canned drinks from other companies--and they were serious. I moved onto another job.
Obama is really working
October 5, 2007 - 15:26 ET by bigtimerObama is really working hard for those leftist votes...gonna be taking some from Hillary this way....that is for sure...what a guy, what a plan!
LMAO!
Btw...as far as Craig goes, I hope with all my heart they get someone good to run against him, it has nothing to do with the set-up bust of him in the bathroom episode, it has to do with his votes on illegal immigration and his ties to agriculture in Idaho....you know, the spuds and all.
In all honesty, this was
October 5, 2007 - 16:14 ET by drillanwrIn all honesty, this was really very politically dumb. The ONLY thing dumber he could have done was burn a Flag in public and announce he was demonstrating "Free Speech" ... (recall the teacher who did that in front of the class?)
While I don't feel Obama is qualified for the dem nomination, I also didn't know I should expect something so Kucinich-esque from him.
Take the pin off and shut up about it. Answer only when asked ...
Gives new meaning to "light-weight" and "empty-suit".
Hypocrites
October 7, 2007 - 02:01 ET by stratmanI believe these folks are either delusional or cherry-picking liars. They seem to forget, conveniently, others who have worn a lapel/coat pin of the US flag:
William Clinton has worn the US flag as a pin before - this photo was at his appearance at Harvard, no less, where there probably is a ripe rot concerning those that wear US flag pins today. (Side note... this picture reminds me of when Clinton waggled his crooked fingers and swore he did not have sex with that woman. Is he referring to Swanee Hunt in this picture?) He also wears other buttons/pins here and here. Is it ok then to wear a pin as long as it's not of the US flag? Why are they not castigating Clinton for precisely the same behavior?
John Kerry has worn the US flag as a pin as well. He probably threw someone else's away after this photo was taken.
Louis Freeh, director of the FBI during Clinton's entire presidency, wore a US flag pin. Is Obama passing judgement on him too?
I couldn't find Jimmy Carter wearing a US flag pin. Not surprising. I did note some pictures of him wearing lapel pins like this but couldn't make out what it said. I imagine it said something like "I'm with Arafat" or "Vanessa Redgrave's now the #2 anti-Semite" or some such nonsense. I did manage to find one picture that displays that which is near and dear to his heart... and one thing he will wear over his heart! Disgusting.
Didn't spot Albert Gore with a US flag pin. He does like to wear a lot of black clothing though. Has he gone Goth or Emo or Johnny Cash? Regardless, he's still a charlatan snake oil salesman.
And how could we forget the most flagrant lapel pin wearer of them all, Lyndon Baines Johnson, a man that would sell your honor to makes his look bigger. Johnson received a Silver Star during WWII just for flying around in an airplane once, shooting one of the machine guns into thin air, without a single enemy in sight or an attack of any kind. LBJ wore his Silver Star "proudly".
I guess Obama and Wright didn't want to discuss any of these points in their diatribe. Don't want to make the hometeam look as stupid as they really are.
If wearing the US flag on your lapel is so abhorrent to these schmucks, why then do they embrace with such gusto the burning of the same flag by others? Why aren't they equally as snotty about all symbols that are worn?
This is pure political puffery and deserves to be trounced soundly and immediately.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
it's in the US Flag Code
October 5, 2007 - 18:28 ET by RousseThe U.S. Flag Code permits "wearing" the flag in two ways only. One way is in the form of a patch, and the flag code specifically details how a flag patch may be used. The other way to wear the flag is by wearing a flag lapel pin.
Too bad the MSM can't read.
}}---> Hussein Obama's last Hurrah
October 6, 2007 - 04:19 ET by Cool ArrowPoor ignorant wimp doesn't realize it isn't whether he wears a flag pin, it's that he made a such a production of shedding it. Are there any more props he can shed to show how much of a self-made man he is?
By the time the primary rolls around he'll be showing off his "heavenly abs" again and whimpering because somebody made fun of his ears.
Suppose his supporters decided they won't give any more money but they still support him.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Poor ignorant wimp doesn't
October 6, 2007 - 13:13 ET by drillanwrPoor ignorant wimp doesn't realize it isn't whether he wears a flag pin, it's that he made a such a production of shedding it.
EXACTLY!
What's next? Joining Code Pink for a spray-painting of a recruitment office to show how against the war he is?
You know ... It's the little things that tell the big things about a person ... I always say.
As long as he is NOT
October 6, 2007 - 13:24 ET by botgwearing (ie: representing) the flag when he makes absurd statements to abandon Iraq and attack Pakistan
Support our Troops
Osamabama doesn't even know which country he's in
October 6, 2007 - 09:22 ET by JayTeethe Dude just doesn't get it....His next step would be to stop the National Anthem during Sporting Events, and just let the player's actions show how patriotic they are.
He's in America, and we have little flags on the Arms of our Police, our State troopers, Football helments and BIG flags all over the place.
Obama is dead meat for the election....let the little 'ole flag wavers send the squirrel a message.
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
The one thing this story
October 6, 2007 - 13:20 ET by fitzfongThe one thing this story exhibits above everything is just how obsessed these lefties in the media still are with President Nixon. Any time they want to blindside Republicans for their aging hippie audience, they trot out old "Tricky Dick" videos to make their point. When all legitimate tactics are exhausted, the left-wing media turns to word association...Kennedy good, Nixon evil. It's lazy, it's dishonest, but sadly it's effective. Perhaps we on the right side of the aisle should start running commercials featuring videos of the inept racist Jimmy Carter so we can play word association, too. Reagan good, Carter failure. I wonder if Jimma was wearing a flag pin during his malaise speech.