Obama Defends His Patriotism, Lauds McCain's

PlusObama Defends His Patriotism, Lauds McCain'sObama Defends His Patriotism, Lauds McCain'sThe Associated PressBarack Obama is on a patriotism tour, defending his commitment to the country. He's also defending rival John McCain's military service, saying no one should question its importance. (June 30)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] It's a question that's dogged Barack Obama since he started his run for the White House.Is he patriotic?Obama is making his most concerted effort to answer that question, with a weeklong patriotism tour.SOTBarack Obama"I've always taken my deep and abiding love for my country as a given. It was how, I was raised, it is what propelled me into public service, it is why I am running for president" [Notes:video of Obama without flag pin]Obama was questioned early in the campaign because he didn't wear an American flag pin. At the time, he said he didn't need a pin to prove his patriotism. [Notes:Obama with flag pin]But recently, the pin has been a staple on Obama's lapel.Obama blamed some of the criticism on himself, and the rest on his opponents. SOT"i've 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" Obama is also seeking to tamp down the controversy surrounding comments made by his supporter, Retired General Wesley Clark.Clark questioned whether Republican John McCain's military service prepared him to be president, saying "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president." Obama is distancing himself from Clark's remarks. SOTBarack Obama"For those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country _ no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary. And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides."McCain called the comments unnnecessary, and said is proud of his record of service. ___ ___, The Associated Press.