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				<option value="301" title="Kady II, Martin ">Kady II, Martin </option>
			
				<option value="551" title="Klingebiel, Jacqueline ">Klingebiel, Jacqueline </option>
			
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													<p><br><b style="color:#666666;">August 19, 2008</b><br>
													<b style="color:#666666;">Categories:</b>&nbsp;<a href="http://dyn.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/index.cfm/category/BarackObama">Barack Obama</a></p>
													<h1 class="section_best_breaking">Obama calls on McCain to acknowledge his patriotism</h1>
													<p class="blogtext"><p>Obama tries to push back McCain's shots at his character, without impugning McCain's, in a speech to veterans today. In particular, he's demanding that McCain call him a patriot -- forcing the direct question to a candidate who, at times, shies away from his own harsh attacks; and pressing a storyline Obama likes: That McCain is Mr. Negative.</p>
<p>From the prepared remarks:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>But 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. I have never suggested that Senator McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition. I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America's national interest. Now, it's time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same.</p>
Let me be clear: I will let no one question my love of this country. I love America, so do you, and so does John McCain. When I look out at this audience, I see people of different political views. You are Democrats and Republicans and Independents. But you all served together, and fought together, and bled together under the same proud flag. You did not serve a Red America or a Blue America -- you served the United States of America.<br />
<br />
So let's have a serious debate, and let's debate our disagreements on the merits of policy -- not personal attacks. And no matter how heated it gets or what kind of campaign he chooses to run, I will honor Senator McCain's service, just like I honor the service of every veteran in this room, and every American who has worn the uniform of the United States.<br />
</blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p></p>
													
													
													
													
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												<b style="color:#666666;">By Ben Smith 10:09 AM</b></div>
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">truely,it saddens me,and even makes me cry,that we so easy throw out the word and suggestions of lack of patriotism at others we disagreee with</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:13 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<a href="http://dyn.politico.com/abuse.cfm?id=%26%29%3EL%2A%2BY9%5E%0A&type=blog&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epolitico%2Ecom%2Fblogs%2Fbensmith%2F" title="Click here to report this comment as abuse."><img src="http://images.politico.com/global/secondary/abuse.gif" align="absbottom" hspace="3" border="0" alt="abuse icon" /><b><font style="font-size:8px;">REPORT ABUSE</font></b></a>
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">i think mac should apologise,just cos  one didnt serve in the military doent make one less of a pariort</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:14 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<a href="http://dyn.politico.com/abuse.cfm?id=%26%29%3EL%2A%2BY9Y%0A&type=blog&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epolitico%2Ecom%2Fblogs%2Fbensmith%2F" title="Click here to report this comment as abuse."><img src="http://images.politico.com/global/secondary/abuse.gif" align="absbottom" hspace="3" border="0" alt="abuse icon" /><b><font style="font-size:8px;">REPORT ABUSE</font></b></a>
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">VERY good play by team Obama. They shouldn't have let Lieberman get away with what he said last week as long as they did. By forcing McCain to go on the record with the patriotism question, McCain's inability to control his surrogates will become more and more of an issue. THIS, ladies and gents, is how you win the center.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:15 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">maccain can do better than suggest his opponent committed treason,he can do better.no one will subject themselves to this gruling process without a deep abiding love.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:17 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">This is what you do with bullies; stand your ground and punch them in the nose if necessary.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Ready in VA | August 19, 2008 at 10:18 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">One thing about the "high road":
very little traffic.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> howie in seattle | August 19, 2008 at 10:18 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">the notion that a minority is not pariortic and will not look out for the interest of america like a white would is sad.and divisive.
is mc so desprate to be president that he doesnt care if he destroys oour souls?God please help us</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:19 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">I grew up in China during the notorious Cultural Revolution when people were labeled ?antirevolutionary? when they didn?t agree with the government.  The sad thing is that Americans are doing the same thing.   I have lived in the US for 18 years, and I am still having a hard time understanding why people question the patriotism of their follow Americans.  Do they seriously think so many Americans actually hate America?</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Sally | August 19, 2008 at 10:21 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Excellent move, Obama!  Put the creepy old trash-mouth SQUARELY on the spot!</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> McCain: Ego First | August 19, 2008 at 10:21 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">So, now we're playing truth or dare?  If BO demands the "truth" from McCain, can he also elaborate on all the other truths that apply...lying, corrupt, inexperienced, arrogant, pompous...I'm sure McCain could think of a few others.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> dmooney | August 19, 2008 at 10:22 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">That's exactly what he needs to be saying day in and day out.  I'm so tired of Republican leaders (not necessarily ordinary Republicans) questioning people's patriotism when they disagree with their war policy.  That's a load of crap...and I don't think any Democrat should stand to have their patriotism questioned for disagreement.  I certainly would never question the patriotism of a Republican who believed the Iraq War was the right policy, even though I believe it was a HUGE mistake on many levels.

That's the level of discourse that some of our leaders like to go to instead of debating policy.  It has got to end.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> TW | August 19, 2008 at 10:22 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Well Dan, I am sick of your whining. You post comments without thinking. Put I aplaud your effort to get those Maverick points.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Mr Smart Ass | August 19, 2008 at 10:23 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">10:13, so this is really what the GOP has been reduced to, huh? American-ness...just pathetic. You clowns would bring back the blacklist and loyalty oath if you thought you could get away with it. By the way, this isn't Obama "whining", he's simply calling out McCain for the hypocrisy that has enveloped the Republican campaign this month.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:24 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">This is the switch to start calling McCain dishonorable.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> important point | August 19, 2008 at 10:24 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Obama is absolutely correct. This is what the Republicans did when those AMERICANS opposed invading Iraq, that they were not patriotic. What a crock of manure, those same folks ragged against McCain when he ran against Bush 8 yrs ago, those same republicans said being a war veteran was not a qualification for being president and now love at them, talking as usual out of both sides of their mouths.  I am Independent and feel America does not need someone like McCain who because of his age, and his blood is military red. The guy is not suited to be president he's too gun ho, and shoots from the hip in what he says.  Someone who makes a joke about bombing a country (BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN), and makes statements that he will go to the gates of hell to catch Ben Laden, I can do I know how to do it"  Watch out America McCain is not fit to be president.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Sherri | August 19, 2008 at 10:24 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Let me be clear, you served in a racist hate filled church for 20 years. And have never worn a uniform.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> m-antony | August 19, 2008 at 10:26 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Obama could have hit a little harder but at least this is a start.  And screw you bigots who question the sincerity of Obama's "American-ness" based on nothing more than his name and his skin color, Songbird McCain is the one who made propaganda videos denouncing the US.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong>  | August 19, 2008 at 10:26 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">If Obama is truly patriotic and espousing of transparency, why won't he and William Ayers release the Annenberg Challenge files being held at the University of Illinois library? How is it that an Illinois public institution can act as a conduit of secrecy for Obama and Ayers? Come on Obama, if you are really for transparency open the files.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Macro | August 19, 2008 at 10:26 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">MORE WHINING FROM "THE ONE".

MY NAME IS BARACK DUKAKIS, AND I AM THE DUMBOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT.....</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Foodforthought | August 19, 2008 at 10:26 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">OBAMA SHOULD STOP WHINNING. HE TRIED TO PLAY THE RACE CARD TO SMEAR McCAIN AND THE GOP. HE ALSO USED IT AGANIST THE CLINTONS. SO WHY SHOULD McCAIN GIVE HIM ANYTHING. OBAMA SHOULD GIVE McCAIN CREDIT FOR THE SURGE. 

FREE THINKING DEMOCRAT</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> JFKDEM67 | August 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">McCain can barely run his own campaign, he doesn't have time to help with Obama's.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> DCortez | August 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Dan,
it's clear that you are clueless. I have a thought that I make full effort to live by and with everyday, which is i like to win at everything and more improtantly, I would rather loose real bad by getting my brains beat in than cheat or play dirty tricks to get my win. A win by lying, cheating is not a win and it takes a man to know that. John McCain is not that type of person and apparently neither are you if you look at this election in it's entirety, you would know that your biy Johny be badass, is full of BS. He does not represent any straight talk express, he represent the double talk express and you are as stupid as he expects you to be.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> rabprevent | August 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">It should go without saying. So why does Obama have to say it? 
Because Americans listen to and view the candidates words, voting records and actions. Obama's words, voting record and actions suggest that he is not strong enough to stand up to those forces that would destroy our Constitution and squash our liberties and freedoms, including those in his own party.
So while I have no doubt that Obama loves this country, his and the Pelosi-Reid-Dean kumbaya policies are the wrong kind of love in the war against terrorism.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> I_E_Democrat | August 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">"Honor Senator McCain's service"? My god, what a liar. Is it possible for Barry to tell the truth ever?</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Bruce, NV | August 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">I admire Obama for trying to raise the level of the debate, even while McCain is doing everything he can to lower it. Sadly, I'm afraid the media is more content with the low road because it makes a better story. Who wants to analyze the issues when you can spend endless hours of cable news dissecting the latest negative ad? And I fear that if the low road continues to dominate the campaign as it has for the last few weeks, we'll be stuck with President McCain.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> nina | August 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Why should John McCain have to validate Obama's patriotism? The American people will decide whether
Obama is patriotic or not. John McCain is a patriot who has served his country. Obama has given a few speeches.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Boston Kathy | August 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Boo hoo hoo for Obama.  I'm tiring quickly of his constant need to play the victim.  Do I want a president with a victim mentality leading my country?  Heck no.  The more Obama whines, the less I like him.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Johnny in PA | August 19, 2008 at 10:31 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Good move.  Obama is wise to call McCain out on this.  Now the question is how does McCain reply?  Anything less than full acknowledgement is likely to hurt him in the center.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Dan, NJ | August 19, 2008 at 10:31 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Why is Obama so angry? :) What McCain is doing MUST be working. lol!</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Mr Defensive | August 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Important Point write: "This is the switch to start calling McCain dishonorable."
<br>

<br>
Absolutely correct.  If McCain digs in his heels, or starts with his, "I'm just pullin' your chain, enjoy the humor" business, it gives Obama the moral authority to start portraying McCain as dishonest.  Brilliant play.  And long overdue.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> ChrisNBama | August 19, 2008 at 10:34 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Obama doesn't love this country, he loves himself.  He admitted that his greatest flaw was his selfishness and his inability to think about others.  If he was a true patriot, he wouldn't have spent 20 years at a church that spews hatred for America.  I hope McCain has the balls to tell it like it is.</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> David | August 19, 2008 at 10:34 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">Oh yeah - here comes "the victim" again. Every slam on this empty suit's positions is either racist or against his patriotism. If elected will he cry the same way about Putin, Ahmadinajhad and every other aggressor on the national front?  WAHHHHHHHHHHH  whiiiiiiiine pooor meeeeeeeee. sniffle sniffle. "you owe me - bow down to my Oneness!!!" The Germans love me for who I am!!!</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Barncat | August 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">the audacity of patriotism:
1. flag pin on and off
2. hand over heart during national anthems? what, fist bumps don't cover that?
3. flag stomping- bomb making ayers dude who he does not really know...he dares you to go to the chicago library and prove it.
4. rev. wright
5. he's a citizen of the world...therefore, a patriot of the world.
6. he wants to be president...even if you are a gun-religion clinging and bitter american...he's actually doing you a favor.
7. nothing screams patriot more than a new presidential logo!
8. michelle will be even prouder of america (for the 2nd time) if she declares obama a patriot.
9. oprah thinks he's a patriot, so should john mccain!</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> dp | August 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">TO: BARACK DUKAKIS, DUMBOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT & BIGGEST WHINER IN HISTORY

MCCAIN IS YOUR OPPONENT!  HE'S NOT GOING TO CAMPAIGN FOR YOU.  DUH!</div></td>
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													<strong style="color:#034694">Posted By:</strong> Foodforthought | August 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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													<td colspan="2"><div style="overflow:hidden;width:458px">So whats Obama up to now?  Playing the "true patriot" card as well as his former "race card".  he makes me sick.  he never served his country.  he has never demonstrated his patriotism.  Who would blame anyone who doubted Obama's patriotism?  McCain did not cast any aspersions on Obama; Obama needs to just shut up and act like an adult.  Some people will accept what Obama says: he loves this country.  Its odd,of course, given his backgrouns, but Ok let it be.  let him say whatever he wants; he will have to take the flak for it.  Its not up to his competitors to defend him -- where did he get that lunatic idea?  Obama needs to defend his own record!  Which is zilch, as far as I am concerned.  It took almost the entire US press to pressure Obama into wearing a little flag pin with the US flag on it.  Who the hell is he complaining about.  He set himself up for this.<