Tulsa World reported Inhofe's smears of Obama's patriotism without rebutting purported evidence
SUMMARY: A Tulsa World article uncritically quoted Sen. James Inhofe stating, "I am not questioning Sen. [Barack] Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin." The article failed to note that Obama is not "opposed" to "wearing an American flag lapel pin" or that Sen. John McCain reportedly said he doesn't wear a flag lapel pin on a daily basis.
In a September 6 Tulsa World article, headlined "Inhofe says patriotism question will sink Obama," reporter Jim Myers uncritically quoted Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) stating, "I am not questioning Sen. [Barack] Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin," without noting that Obama is not "opposed" to "wearing an American flag lapel pin," as Media Matters for America has noted, or that he wore one on the night of his speech at the Democratic National Convention. Nor did Myers note that Sen. John McCain reportedly said he doesn't wear a flag lapel pin on a daily basis or that he did not wear one on the night of his speech at the Republican National Convention.
In the article, Myers repeated comments Inhofe made at a breakfast for the Oklahoma at the Republican National Convention, in which Inhofe asked the crowd: "Do you really want to have a guy as commander in chief of this country when you can question whether or not he really loves his country?" Inhofe reportedly later released a written statement to clarify his comments in which he said, "I am not questioning Sen. Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin.'' However, Myers did not report that, as The New York Times Caucus blog reported on October 5, 2007, "John McCain said he doesn't wear a flag pin on a daily basis," and did not wear one on the night he gave his acceptance speech in Minneapolis.
From the September 6 Tulsa World article:
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe predicted voters' uncertainty over whether Barack Obama really loves his country will help Republicans win the White House again in November.
A spokeswoman for the Democratic nominee said Obama will not let anyone question his love of his country, adding that Americans have grown tired of cynical partisan politics such as challenging an opponent's patriotism.
Inhofe made his comments at a breakfast for the state party's delegation earlier this week at the Republican National Convention.
"I have no doubt in my mind that we are going to win this election, the presidency and vice presidency," the Oklahoma Republican said.
Inhofe recalled Obama's recent trip overseas.
"He had nothing but positive media all the time, and then he goes into their convention and comes out of the convention without a lead,'' he said.
"That's unheard of."
Regardless of what polls show, Inhofe said, voters will have to ask themselves a question once they get behind the curtain in the voting booth on Election Day.
"Do you really want to have a guy as commander in chief of this country when you can question whether or not he really loves his country?" he asked.
"That's the big question.''
Shannon Gilson, spokeswoman for Obama, said Friday that he has a plan to strengthen the economy and offer immediate relief to working families, while Republican nominee John McCain and his Washington friends such as Inhofe are offering four more years of President Bush's failed economic policies.
"Sen. Obama won't let anyone question his love of this country,'' Gilson said.
"Challenging your opponent's patriotism to win an election is the type of cynical partisan politics Americans are tired of -- and won't bring the change we need in Washington,'' Gilson said.
After he was asked for an explanation on why voters should question Obama's love for his country, Inhofe issued a written statement on Friday to clarify his earlier comments.
"Let me be clear,'' he said.
"I am not questioning Sen. Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin.''
Inhofe said Americans can show pride in their country in different ways but suggested all should be straightforward.
INHOFE:
"Do you really want to have a guy as commander in chief of this country when you can question whether or not he really loves his country?"
"That's the big question.''
"I am not questioning Sen. Obama's patriotism, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of patriotism and national pride, like wearing an American flag lapel pin.''
I see, Inhofe is not questioning Obama's patriotism...he's just questioning whether he loves his country. Perfectly rational... ;>)
"That's the big question.''
"I am not questioning Sen. Inhofe's faith, but you have to question why at times he seems so obviously opposed to public displays of Christianity and religious pride, like wearing a cross.''
You forgot to preface your question with an inane disclaimer, such as:
I'm not questioning James Inhofe's belief in God, but does he really hate God?
Again with these darn flag pins.
I don't wear a flag pin, never have. I don't have an American flag waving in my yard. I don't have a bumper sticker on my car proclaiming, America love it or leave it.
These trappings don't make one a better American. Or mean that those that choose to display these symbols are more patriotic than others.
It's just bogus.
I don't attend church either, but I'm a Christian. And probably a better one than some who need to be seen in the pews every Sunday.
You're not accusing Jeter of being a braggart, are ya, AA? I mean I know the dudes got an ego the size of Texass, but..........................?
Darlin you must be suffering from jet lag. You're the one with the ego the size of Texass, mine is only the size of tiny weenie Massachusetts.
But I still luv ya :-)
I don't attend church either, but I'm a Christian. And probably a better one than some who need to be seen in the pews every Sunday.
The late Ann Landers said it best:
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Good one! I can't remember the comedian's name, but he summed up my faith perfectly:
I'm Catholic. At least I'm Catholic in the way that if a Cow was born in a tree, then he's a bird.
WZ
What a great comeback. As always, you have added a lot to the discussion at hand.
What a great comeback. As always, you have added a lot to the discussion at hand.
More than you ever add....
Calm down John Frink!!
It's amazing how many personal attacks used on these pages by conservatives are supposed to be taken as a joke but when reciprocated leads to whining about how bad they are.
It's amazing how many personal attacks used on these pages by conservatives are supposed to be taken as a joke but when reciprocated leads to whining about how bad they are.
And usually followed by instructions from the conservative to us liberals about how we should behave in a forum such as this....
YAWN.........
Look, I'm not saying Sen. James Inhofe is a moron, but why is he so opposed to Americans getting an education?
(background: he opposed expanding access to student loans)
"You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin," Obama said. "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.
"Instead," he said, "I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism."
-Obama
Obama made a statement that he wasn't going to wear a pin because of his disapproval of the Iraq war.
He simply judged wrong that his words are a testimony to his patriotism. He forgot that symbolism is also a big part of patriotism. He basically insulted anyone who wore a flag lapel pin and by extension those who hold the flag in high esteem.
His action spoke louder than his words.
He basically insulted anyone who wore a flag lapel pin and by extension those who hold the flag in high esteem. - AA
Please show us where in his words there is any insult of those who chose to wear a flag pin. I fail to see that suggestion, either implicit or explicit.
Obama referring to wearing the flag pin, "... that became a substitute for I think true patriotism,..."
So what part of wearing a flag pin is not true patriotism do you not understand?
By your logic, an Al Queada member could wear an flag pin and be patriotic.
Let me simplify it for you further, symbols are just that - symbols. True patriotism means taking action in support of your country.
AA,
He is only denigrating people like you that use a pin as a substitute for true patriotism.
It's really analagous to those people who profess to being of higher moral fiber, but only when it's convenient.
For example, the bible thumpers who only believe in certain parts of the bible. Jesus said that we should love one another as he loved his apostles (unless you're gay, then it's a sin). Or those who condemn others without looking in the mirror (let he without sin cast the first stone).
It's a lot easier to judge people when you have cognitive dissonance.
Easy. The wearing of a flag pin does not denote anyone's patriotism, and in fact, as evidenced by this article, you can be called on your patriotism for not wearing one. Most people, on a daily basis don't wear flag pins, and yet, somehow, we're still all probably patriotic in our own ways.
Obama didn't insult anyone, but there are plenty out there who are flag pin wearing patriots, meaning, they wear the pins, they put the magnetic flags on their cars, and proudly proclaim to "support the troops" while they actually DO NOTHING to support them. Obama was trying to show, and you missed it, that actions speak louder than words, or in this case, stupid flag pins.
The uberpatriotism that followed 9/11 is nothing more than another form of political correctness.
What part of that don't you understand?
So what part of wearing a flag pin is not true patriotism do you not understand? - AA
It's simply a factual statement. You can be patriotic and wear a pin. You can be patriotic and not wear a pin. And you can certainly be non-patriotic and still wear a pin. That is the entire meaning of what Obama said. In those times there were many who wore the flag pins and behaved in a manner that was not patriotic.
Nothing he said was a blanket insult to those who chose to wear a pin, no matter how deperately you want to spin it that way.
By extension, AA, do you believe that McCain is not patriotic because he did not wear a flag pin when he accepted the Republican nomination for President?
Also, you have mentioned in the past that you did not support the Vietnam War. Am I to believe that you are unpatriotic? After all, your actions speak louder than your words.
FLAG PIN?
You're attempting to redefine patriotism, while Obama was reaffirming the true definition of patriotism.
John Boehner of Ohio, the Republicans' leader in the House of Representatives.
FLAG PIN?
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FLAG PINS?????????????????????????????????????????
Anyone can wear or worship a symbol. Only a fool can determine someone's patriotism by observing their apparel.
Beware of anyone who questions someone else's patriotism. It only shows how little that person knows about patriotism.
-- Only a fool can determine someone's patriotism by observing their apparel.-- king
Just a minor point...what do you think of the patriotism of a wearer of a swastika?...a white hood?
Just a minor point...what do you think of the patriotism of a wearer of a swastika?...a white hood?
I would think that once they take off the swastika or the white hood, they put on their flag pin and go hang out with their fellow Republicans.
The kind of patriotism that was shamelessly exploited by the Republicans after 9/11 is just an emotional, tribal response. It's akin to the fascistic nationalism that has drawn people into wars throughout history.
"All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets."
Voltaire
I used to have to cover this turd when I worked in Oklahoma. He's a knuckle-dragging right-wing wacko in every sense of the word. Nice to see him slithering out from under his rock.
Jim JERKhofe is a National Embarrassment. I have the misfortune of having to admit I come from the state of Oklahoma. Where our two senators Jerkhofe & Coalburn are about 3 years behind the "Civil War" and the creation of the "Confederate Flag". What I want to know is why was this even printed. The Tulsa(Republican)World as with all of the Mainstream Limpbaugh Corporate Media will print any Smear/Propaganda Piece against any Democrat. Never mind JERKhofe/McCheney/Failin' Palin none of these Hypocrites are wearing a cheap "MADE in CHINA" American Flag Pin. But the Mainstream Corporate Media doesn't run that one on a 24/7 Constant Loop.
The member's of the
S.ocial
C.onservative
U.nified
M.ovement(aka S.C.U.M.)
are hard at work spreading the Lies of the Reich Wing Agenda. The constant smear campaign against Obama/Dems is proof of just how desperate they are. But with the Bush/McCain Failed Policies in action you really can't blame them for being Scared to DEATH.