Obama flip-flops and flaunts the flag! (with update)

Do you believe it?

He put on the flag pin!

How long before the McHillary team smears him for being a flip-flopper???

Here's the link:

http://www.cnn.com/...

Seriously...

...it was a nice gesture from the disabled vet who presented it.

Do you think this will terminate flag pins as the symbol of the patriotism issue?

Can McHillary really attack him now that he is sporting the pin? Would they dare? Can you think of any way in which this can be spun as condescending to veterans?

Will he continue to wear it each day to honor disabled vets just as he wears the bracelet given him by the mother who lost her son in Iraq?

Sad that we have to worry about how a decent gesture might be trashed.

Update:

Just found this:

On April 1, Rove had this to say about the issue:

"In a newly-published interview with GQ magazine, Rove says Obama's reluctance to wear a flag pin on his lapel may translate as elitism to many blue collar democrats.

"There are Democrats, particularly blue-collar Democrats, who defect to McCain because they see McCain as a patriotic figure and they see Obama as an elitist who's looking down his nose at 'em, which he is," Rove told the magazine."

That's right! It's not the patriotism, stupid, it's the elitism!!!

And here's the 11 seconds that started it all:

•  I hate this friggn campaign..............n/t

  by arodb on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:50:32 PM PDT

  •  I just really hate US politics...

    For the last week or so I've really been regretting that I even started to give a shit again..

    Damn you Obama!  Damn you!

    by audiored on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:07:44 PM PDT

    •  He is just doing what has to be done...

      when he tried to be rational, he was caught for the sin of being elitist, which I guess means being introspective and trying to look at political processes.

      As penitence he now wears an American Flag, and a cross showing through his shirt wouldn't hurt, would it.

      This is getting ugly, and I really miss my old Dkos.

      If you want a taste of the heavy real issues diary, I wrote one that got all of two recs.  

      When will I learn.  

      by arodb on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:13:44 PM PDT

•  I like the flag pin

  It is special since it was given to him by the leader of the disabled veterans.

  by Drdemocrat on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:51:41 PM PDT

  •  I agree n/t

    by Kid From Vegas on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:54:13 PM PDT

  •  yes...

    I thought the way he did it was touching.  And, can you imagine the headlines if he had refused to put on the flag pin that a vet had given him?

    by mnleger on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:56:43 PM PDT

  •  I agree - nice move!

    the title says it all!

    by obamagramma on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:14:53 PM PDT

•  You're a liar...

  he did not flip-flop. He acknowledged a gift from a veteran, and honored him by putting it on. With Obama, it's not all about him, but about others.

  by midnightreader on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:51:43 PM PDT

  •  I think the writer might have been teasing

    by MotherGinSling on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:07:48 PM PDT

    •  Thanks for understanding me.

      Clearly, I misspoke with poorly chosen words and mangled syntax! (;-}

      by wayne204 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:13:03 PM PDT

      •  but watch it, buster, with all those effin' f's!

        by MotherGinSling on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:23:42 PM PDT

      •  damn it

        i think you may be being elitist.

        by rickrocket on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:37:40 PM PDT

•  Abrams and his peanut gallery just basically

  called it a flip-flop.  It'll probably be all over the news tomorrow.

  He was trying to do something nice for a Vet.  Trust me, it'll be blown all out of proportion by tomorrow morning.  The press are seriously huge wastes of air.  

  If ever there was a better excuse for summary executions, it's been well hidden.

  by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:51:51 PM PDT

  •  What on earth was their reasoning?

    It's obvious what happened - how idiotic can they get??

    by bumblebums on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:55:42 PM PDT

    •  Abrams doesn't need a reason...

      he's an idiot!  He also tries to keep the strikes against Obama & Clinton equal.  I can't bear to watch even a second of his show.

      by C Mac on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:57:38 PM PDT

    •  They get dumber by the second.

      by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:58:12 PM PDT

    •  Rhetorical question right?

      n/t

      by Vita Brevis on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:03:55 PM PDT

    •  I actually caught this....

      First time in a month I've watched anything on a news network besides Olbermann.....I swear!!  Seriously!!

      Anyway, I got sucked in after Olbermann while I was because Dan's intro included an interesting topic that "Is the Media Overplaying these Bitter Comments."  Alright Danny boy, you're speaking my language...whats up?

      Well I remembered why I don't watch any of this shit...He had a Mitt Romney advisor to take the anti-Obama stance.  Of course.  Whatever.  Nora O'Donnell or whatever her name is shocked me and actually had it right: "He had no choice.  If he would have put the pin in his pocket and not worn it, or given it to an advisor, and the media found out, he would have been bashed."  EXACTLY.  Abrams talked her out of her opinion though and she folded.  Oh well.  I turned it off.  Had to relearn my lesson.

      by dehydratedcracker on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:05:04 PM PDT

      •  Such small, feeble petty minds

        Unbelievably corrosive. What a waste of time these people are. It's fucked up beyond measure that this process is so vulnerable to being pointlessly mucked up by the shit these imbeciles fling.  

        by bumblebums on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:11:09 PM PDT

  •  Seriously?

    Talk about not being able to win.  If he had not put it on the story would have been "Obama rejects flag pin from veteran...Proves anti-American sentiment"

    by MLDB on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:56:13 PM PDT

    •  Damn straight, the headline woud read "God Damn..

      Vets!"  

      These people are like a gaggle of dumb fucks.

      by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:59:19 PM PDT

      •  Actually the press is a gaggle of dumb fucks!

        Not like one.  They simply are.

        by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:01:28 PM PDT

  •  I saw that too.

    Abrams is just a total idiot.  And John Ridley & the Republican on the panel agreed with him.  Nora O'Donnell initially said it would have been worse if he'd put in his pocket & then the media would have a field day with that. But Dan pulled out an old tape of Obama saying why he wasn't wearing one & then Nora caved.

    by Fineena on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:03:11 PM PDT

    •  Nora O'Donnell: Elitist Flipflopper!

      by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:06:41 PM PDT

  •  He's damned if he doesn't and damned if he does.

    Abrams is a mean-spirited hyperactive bully.

    by MotherGinSling on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:11:14 PM PDT

  •  Nobody cares what Abrams says /eom

    by somtam on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:37:17 PM PDT

•  He made that flag pin what it isn't

  for those who criticized him for not wearing it: meaningful.

  by mrchumchum on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:52:46 PM PDT

  •  Well said.

    BHO kicks ass so much sometimes.

    by rudewarrior on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:53:55 PM PDT

  •  Great point

    and I think he should keep wearing it henceforth.

    by NYFM on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:57:55 PM PDT

  •  Bull's eye n/t

    by Mbuto on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:59:06 PM PDT

  •  Yes, on an earlier diary,

    another poster said, he should respond "I'm not wearing a pin, I'm wearing this pin. It was given to me by a vetran of the Vietnam war and I appreciate his service.

    by JNSD on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:24:41 PM PDT

    •  vetran=veteran :(geeez

      by JNSD on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:28:10 PM PDT

•  Presumably:

  He would say words to the effect: "I was given that lapel pin by a disabled veteran supporter of mine. I don't care at all what John McCain or Hillary Clinton have to say about it. I can tell you one thing though, it wouldn't be the first time either one of them disrespected our disabled heroes".

  Except he would do it better.

  by Inventor on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:55:03 PM PDT

  •  I like the answer. But in this world

    of low-IQ press people, it's probably still gonna be mocked and talked about until I drive to a studio and whoops someone's ass.

    by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:57:03 PM PDT

    •  No Sh*t.

      Here was the conversation that will be leaked to the media by some random Hillary supporter tape recording:

      Veteran, "Senator Obama, would you like some OJ?"

      Senator Obama, "I'll have a flag pin instead."

      by rudewarrior on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:16:08 PM PDT

      •  LMAO

        by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:18:02 PM PDT

•  Bet: It will be mentioned in tomorrow's debate

  I bet anybody $50!

  Any takers?

  by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:55:38 PM PDT

  •  Well, George Stephenopolis was on Hannity today

    discussing questions for tomorrows debate (I read it, I didn't hear it so this is hearsay) so I'm sure the questions will be RW/Clinton approved.

    I'll look for a link re them chatting today.

    by Pirate Smile on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:04:30 PM PDT

    •  Your definitely right.

      The media is really hard on Obama and gives Hillary a free pass.

      by laternighter on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:53:15 PM PDT

  •  Here is what I read:

    George Stephanopoulos Taking Notes From Sean Hannity for Tomorrow Night's Debates

    George Stephanopoulos was just on the Sean Hannity Radio show getting all chummy with Hannity. George told Hannity that Hannity was "absolutely right" that Obama has tarnished his image as a uniter when he "pandered to the elite San Francisco crowd about the blue collar Pennsylvania workers" (summation of George's comments, not an exact quote, but close).

    Hannity asked George what kinds of questions they'll be asking at the debate tomorrow and they discussed a few things. When Hannity asked about the first question below about Ayers and whether George had plans to ask such a question, George replied, "Well, I'm taking notes now Sean." It did actually sound like he was pausing to take notes. And Hannity continued to feed him more:

    1. Ask Obama about his relationship with Ayers and WeatherUnderground and Axelrod's comments, "They're friendly"

    2. Ask Obama why he attended the Million Man March

    Let's see if George takes Hannity's advice on this. More collaboration with Fox News. Hmmmm....

    http://www.democraticunderground.com...

    by Pirate Smile on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:10:38 PM PDT

    •  Hannity is a Hate-Monger n/t

      by JTRicher on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:12:36 PM PDT

    •  George is such a little weasal.

      by dlh77489 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:15:58 PM PDT

•  ahem

  http://www.dailykos.com/...

  (sorry)

  by edgeways on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:57:41 PM PDT

  •  Sorry...

    When I searched to see if this had been covered, I didn't think of "PinGate" as a tag. I tried pretty much all the other variations of pin and flag and the search came up blank.

    by wayne204 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:06:03 PM PDT

    •  nah, no prob. cheers eom

      by edgeways on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:09:28 PM PDT

•  I know the title was tongue in cheek

  but if others have the same initial reaction as I , you may not get as many people to read. Or, it could work. What do I know :)

  Dan Abrams was popping a vein on this tonight. I don't think there's any flip flop or hypocrisy here. I understand what he said in October when he was asked about why he doesn't wear a pin

  October Statement

  and I understand why he put on the one he received from this disabled vet today, and I agree with both. It's that damned nuance again.

  Can you imagine the hissy fit that would have been pitched if he'd taken the pin from this vet and handed it to an aide or stuck it in his pocket? Thanks to Nora O'Donnel for saying my exact words to Abrams before she slinked back after he showed the October video which again, I don't think negates his decision today. He took the pin today because it had meaning; he said in October and in general, that he doesn't wear the pin "just to wear the pin". How hard is that to grasp Dan?

  by Vita Brevis on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 06:59:00 PM PDT

  •  Thanks for the link

    I'll add the video to the main body now.

    by wayne204 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:06:49 PM PDT

  •  I think Dan Abrams means well.

    Unfortunately he's not very bright.

    by somtam on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:42:07 PM PDT

•  Pingate!

  Coming soon to a cable news station near you.

  by lastman on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:01:39 PM PDT

  •  why is a scandal always suffixed with Gate

    was Nixon broght down by a scandal involving water?  (I know it was the Watergate Hotel) I always wondered about that.  If that is the case, then I want to see the press talk about Dumbassgate, which is the scandal that John McCain is running for President.

    Let's stop using the Gate suffix.  I think it is really dumb.

    by rickrocket on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:42:25 PM PDT

•  The fact that...

  we are even having a discussion on a democratic blog on the issue of Obama wearing a flag lapel is somewhat troubling to me. I dont' see the issue, and I dont' think the voters in 40 plus primaries so far have either.  This is fodder for the folks over at Redstate.  

  by JTRicher on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:07:37 PM PDT

•  Wake me up in November

  This is just getting ridiculous. Can't they at least find something good to go after Obama about? Do they honestly think Obama could refuse the vet?  I can't even imagine wingnut and Hillary reaction if he did.

  by Into The Stars on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:09:08 PM PDT

  •  The caterwauling would never cease

    Hillary and all her groupies would be rushing to every open microphone to excoriate him. Sean Hannity's head would spin off its axis into outer space and O'Reilly would spontaneously combust.

    by bumblebums on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:16:38 PM PDT

•  I Loved the Flag Pin !

  Obama's out there, pinning on flags, eating ham, bowling, speaking the truth, talking about political involvement being necessary to achieve political & economic changes - I see a winner !!!!

  by obamagramma on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:14:19 PM PDT

•  I've never notice HRC wearing one, but then...

  it would probably clash with her day-glo safety-cone colored pantsuit.

  by MotherGinSling on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:15:15 PM PDT

  •  That's HRC's Killer Bee Outfit

    She'd fit right in with John Belusi on SNL circa 77 or so

    by Empower Ink on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:31:21 PM PDT

    •  you're cracking me up...LMAO. n/t

      by mrchumchum on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:38:02 PM PDT

  •  In the pingate diary

    I said she'll probably come out dressed as the statue of liberty for the debate. She always tends to overplay.

    by JNSD on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:32:47 PM PDT

    •  haha

      that is an awesomely hilarious mental image.

      by mnleger on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:34:23 PM PDT

    •  OMG that just made me snort

      It's that "Rocky" theme again...in between rounds where the ladies came out as the aforementioned grand lady.

      Maybe she'll ride in on a horse a la "Paulette Revere" ?

      by Vita Brevis on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:37:45 PM PDT

  •  The bubble-bee is my favorite

    by VClib on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:37:09 PM PDT

•  groans....

  wouldn't it be really amazing if we could have a presidential race that discussed issues instead of this garbage everynight on TV?  I am sure they will take Pingate and run with it.  They have to for ratings.  You know this is all the fault of the writers strike.  LOL  If there were any decent TV shows on, many people would be watching that instead.  **I am just poking fun, please don't take me seriously on that last statement.

  by lpeggy on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:15:16 PM PDT

  •  You want

    the media to have to take all that time to learn the issues and present them to the public?  And then you want the public to actually have to think about all of these issues and make a decision?  That sounds like a lot of hard work.

    by TracieLynn on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:03:58 PM PDT

    •  Sorry...

      I can dream can't I? :-) This is so frustrating...but thats ok, we can all keep hoping that the American people will wake up eventually.

      Hope for 08
      Obama

      by lpeggy on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 09:54:37 AM PDT

•  Let's send special "pinhead" pins to the pundits.

  this alliteration is contagious.

  by MotherGinSling on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:26:46 PM PDT

•  Non-issue

  If anyone calls Obama out on this they will look like a fool by just about everyone, a vet in a wheelchair gave the man a flag pin(that says a lot #1) and he put it on to honor that man (that says a lot #2), not to pander, or to be fake, but to say thanks to man who served his country, end of story.

  by rinojg on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:37:30 PM PDT

•  He should wear it tomorrow....

  He'll be asked about it and can give the perfect answer.

  It's not a lose/lose.

  The disabled vets desire for him to wear it....trumps his own personal preference.

  by gnicholl on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 07:37:50 PM PDT

•  I dont care

  A disabled vet gave it to him, and Obama did the right thing wearing it. I would love to see the media go after him for this, I think he will certainly win this argument.

  by jj32 on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:03:56 PM PDT

•  Wear the Immunity Pin - U Can Do NO Wrong

  from now on. Believe it or not there are pinheads out here who would not vote for him because of the flag pin. Same asshats that vote Guns God and Gays ,but he is taking their talking point away. Good move! Pissing on their bonfire-touche'

  by barbybuddy on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:10:47 PM PDT

•  EVERY LAST graduate of Harvard,

  including Mitt Romney, is looking down his or her nose at EVERY last
  person who didn't graduate from college.  Why everybody wants to
  PRETEND otherwise is HARD to fathom.  Of what value is it to you when
  somebody PRETENDS to respect you?   Of what value is it to YOU to think
  you're smarter than somebody else WHEN YOU'RE NOT?  I would hope
  and pray that most people WANT to vote for somebody smarter than
  themselves for president.  Otherwise, why aren't THEY running, if THEIR
  skill levels are high enough to justify it?

  by ge0rge on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:21:27 PM PDT

•  No flip-flop potential

  This is great, the pin won't be mentioned by McCain or in the debate. He should wear it until November and when asked, talk about how he acquired it.

  by VClib on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:36:18 PM PDT

•  Hillary better not attack Obama.

  Whatever he does is appropriate whether he wears the flag pin or not.  

  by laternighter on Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 08:50:09 PM PDT