Question: how is Barack Obama different from most other candidates running for president? Answer: He doesn't wear a flag pin on his lapel and he doesn't put his hand over his heart during the National Anthem.
While these aren't necessarily new allegations against Obama, MSNBC has now reported that Michelle Obama has drawn fire from conservatives regarding her American pride.
Questioning patriotism isn't something that America's potential first family really needs, but Obama's opponents may be struggling for something to criticize him for. His short stint in the Senate doesn't give opponents much to dig up. His supporters don't seem to mind.
America is built on principles of change, but the allegations against him bring up the question of what constitutes patriotism. Flag pins didn't help Edwards or Romney stay in the race.
Does our president need to have a decorated military record? McCain is being touted as the patriotic war hero, but a Google image search proves he doesn't wear the pin either.
The best thing for Obama to keep doing is to stay true to himself, and his supporters need to stay true to him too. He's been open to the public about everything from his past drug use to accusations of plagiarism.
Obama's current lead over Hillary, who supposedly puts her hand over her heart, shows that voters aren't as worried about this kind of patriotism as they were during the 2004 election. At the time, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth jeopardized Kerry's chances of getting elected by casting shadows over his reputation.
People should come to expect some changes from the man who says we can change. Younger voters don't seem to mind that he doesn't wear his pride on his sleeve. They know love for one's country goes much deeper than a fifty-cent flag pin.
Clinton down for the count?
Is she primed for a comeback or is she finished?
Hillary Clinton was once a sure bet to win the Democratic Party's nomination. But now, she seems like more of a long shot. A much more solemn Clinton was the focus of a recent New York Times article, her ever-present optimism and confidence now lacking.
Her shrinking circle of supporters appears to be responsible for part of her somberness. Clinton's once-guaranteed voting blocks of women and union-workers are instead rallying around her opponent: Barack Obama.
Dubbed the candidate for change, Obama has surged ahead in the Democratic race. Voters tend to view Obama as the candidate to unite America, while Clinton remains the divisive one. The question many of Clinton's analysts have tried to figure out is why does Clinton not resonate with the younger generation as much as Obama?
While both are the junior senators of their states, Illinois and New York, Clinton is considered the insider. Her "long" career in politics is criticized more than it's praised.
When she ran for Senate in New York after purchasing a house, many critics cried foul. Voters see Clinton as more of the same, an insider to the game of politics. Being a Democrat and a woman aren't enough to change the perception of her legacy.
Her incompatibility with younger voters comes from her inability to compete with Obama's presentation skills. Clinton comes off to viewers as condescending, and her speeches aren't easy listening when compared to Obama's. One can see it in the hand motions; Obama's speeches are delivered with a smile on his face, while Clinton seems to angrily point at invisible assailants.
Even though history repeats itself, a candidate's past actions are good indicators of the future. Just because a Clinton was in office before doesn't mean it should - or will - happen again.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
