On June 13, 2008, Barack Obama used this line at a political rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
"If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun. Because from what I understand, folks in Philly like a good brawl. I’ve seen Eagles fans."
The statement generated a negative response from his critics in the Democratic party as well as from the campaign of Republican John McCain.
Quotes
"Barack Obama’s call for ‘new politics’ is officially over. In just 24 hours, Barack Obama attacked one of America’s pioneering women CEOs, rejected a series of joint bipartisan town halls, and said that if there’s a political knife fight, he’d bring a gun."—Tucker Bounds, McCain campaign spokesmanWashington Wire: Obama: 'If They Bring a Knife to the Fight, We Bring a Gun' (June 14, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Statement made in Philadelphia
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Was in reference to what would be done about John McCain's negative attacks on the campaign
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Listeners responded with applause and laughter
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Republican Party officials call the statement negative
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Obama has never promised not to go negative
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Obama has bragged about his Chicago upbringing
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