Guide Note

On June 30, 2008, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama delivered a speech in Independence, Missouri, defending his patriotism. Obama said his "deep and abiding love" of the United States is the reason behind his bid for the presidency.¹

Fast Facts

1. Obama gave patriotism speech on June 30, 2008
2. Spoke at the Truman Memorial Building in Independence, Missouri
3. Backdrop for the speech: four large American flags
4. Obama said no political party "has a monopoly on patriotism"²
5. Said he would "not stand idly by" when his patriotism was called into question³
6. Obama added he would not question the patriotism of others in the campaign³
7. Comment came in the wake of Obama supporter Wesley Clark's questioning of Republican rival John McCain's military service⁴

Barack Obama has faced criticism and questions surrounding his patriotism throughout his presidential campaign. In September 2007, Obama did not place his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem at a campaign event in Iowa. In October 2007, Obama was accused of being anti-American for not wearing an American flag lapel pin.⁵

Obama began wearing the flag pin again in April 2008.⁶ The pin was prominently displayed on Obama's jacket during his June 30, 2008 speech on patriotism in Independence, Missouri.

"At certain times over the last sixteen months, I have found, for the first time, my patriotism challenged—at times as a result of my own carelessness, more often as a result of the desire by some to score political points and raise fears and doubts about who I am and what I stand for...I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign, and I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine."⁷