Video: Manufactured controversy of the day
posted at 6:39 pm on October 22, 2007 by Allahpundit
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It happened more than a month ago, even before the flag lapel pin controversy, but for some reason it’s just breaking now.
It’s going to be a long campaign, folks. Click the image to watch.
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Hillary snickers and has no comment about who released this video
BTW notice all the Hillary signs in the vid
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 6:41 PM
Maybe he was protesting the singer…she sucked.
sunny on October 22, 2007 at 6:44 PM
While most liberal kids will love it, this is just not American. And certainly not patriotic enough to be our President.
Vincenzo on October 22, 2007 at 6:44 PM
ha ha, yeah sunny, I was thinking maybe he didn’t recognize the National Anthem.
maggie katzen on October 22, 2007 at 6:45 PM
He looks so awkward standing there that way.
frankj on October 22, 2007 at 6:45 PM
holy cow that has to be one of the worst singings of the anthem Ive ever heard!
Obama looked like he was singing along too
offroadaz on October 22, 2007 at 6:46 PM
Obama is clueless…
and that singer was atrocious.
Always Right on October 22, 2007 at 6:46 PM
Yeah Hillary’s hand is having trouble finding her heart and obama looks like he is just standing there holding his junk
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 6:47 PM
Maybe he was wearing his flag pin at the time and was afraid he’d cut himself on it.
Ok, maybe not.
Kowboy on October 22, 2007 at 6:48 PM
PLAY BALL!
Kini on October 22, 2007 at 6:49 PM
At the ball park I see this stuff all the time. Hats left on, jabbering about some new phone, teens walking up and down the aisles. To those people all that matters is the circus. Bama and Edwards are just another two idiots in the crowd.
Limerick on October 22, 2007 at 6:49 PM
Just goes to sadly show that Hillary has more decorum that Obama
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 6:50 PM
At least a few of them are pointed at the flag…
BadgerHawk on October 22, 2007 at 6:52 PM
None of the democraps have “the right stuff” to be president.
Zorro on October 22, 2007 at 6:53 PM
Maybe I’m missing something here, but I did not realize that it was protocol to put your hand over your heart during the national anthem. I love that song as much as anyone and sing to it every time I hear it. But I just thought you were supposed to remove your hat.
I thought the hand over the heart was reserved for the ‘pledge of alegience to the flag’. I guess if this is a controversy I have been misguided.
ThackerAgency on October 22, 2007 at 6:54 PM
Agree that this is “manufactured” controversy. They were all respectful.
But that singer…YEESH!
asc85 on October 22, 2007 at 6:54 PM
As much as I dislike everyone on that stage and I detest everyone of those shreds of human debris, this is a non-issue. Obama is standing there looking at the singer and by extension, the flag. He’s not looking away and looking at everything else but the flag like Hillary is. If you notice, Edwards has his body turned so that you cannot see his hand. I think this video was not released by Hillary’s people to make Obama look bad, but by Edwards people to make Hillary and Obama both look bad. I wouldn’t be surprised if Silk Pony also does not have his hand over his heart. He probably has it in his pocket feeling around for his lip balm and mosturizer.
Ceroth on October 22, 2007 at 6:55 PM
Actually that was during the Mexican national anthem but he did salute during the call to prayer.
TheSitRep on October 22, 2007 at 6:55 PM
“Manufactured controversy”? You seem unfazed by this, AP…
Interesting, it hasn’t been noticed for so long.
On a side note: Am I the only one who can’t stand it when our National Anthem is turned into some kind of top-40 pop or R&B tune?
JetBoy on October 22, 2007 at 6:56 PM
He’s just trying to downplay that “he’s a muslim” thing by pretending to be a Jehovah’s Witness. It focus grouped better than Islam.
rw on October 22, 2007 at 6:57 PM
HAHA!!
Theworldisnotenough on October 22, 2007 at 6:58 PM
Which is why you have to wonder ABC News ran this. ITs clearly an anti Obama video and who benefits from shooting Obama down ?
Will add this
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/18/roland.martin/index.html
CNN editor George Martin on why Blacks arent supporting Obama
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 6:58 PM
Its a non-issue. I’m not OUTRAGED! by this, it just says that Obama’s a dumbass, which I knew already. Put your hand to your heart numbskull, didn’t you pay attention in gradeschool?
Bad Candy on October 22, 2007 at 6:58 PM
my god who ever that was singing needs to just stop.
trailortrash on October 22, 2007 at 6:59 PM
Yeah, I have a problem getting up in arms about this one. Chances are it’s not an intentional snub, just an inexperienced guy who doesn’t know how to go through all the motions…which is the real problem.
StoutRepublican on October 22, 2007 at 6:59 PM
No.
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 6:59 PM
Obama is a nincompoop. Whoever invested time and money grooming him for the presidency should demand refunds … um, wait, Obama should demand apologies from them for leading him to think he had a chance. Hmmm, okay, both.
Dusty on October 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Oddly enough, I have plenty to criticize him just counting policies and issues. This seems like red meat with a big ol’ hook in it.
trubble on October 22, 2007 at 7:01 PM
All three of them said the same thing, “Nope, nothing here”.
MB4 on October 22, 2007 at 7:02 PM
I can never stand when someone “emotes” those songs. I never liked the Whitney Houston version for the same reason.
CrimsonFisted on October 22, 2007 at 7:02 PM
Okay, this is fun for a little jab at Obamarama, but seriously, could have been a brain-fart — happens to the best of us, and in this case, to The Savior Of The World himself. I Googled for an official response from The Savior’s campaign and didn’t find one, so for now I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. There are more than enough genuine controversies to discuss.
The more serious issue: Gawd Almighty, do we really have to live with PantSuit as our next president? Ugh, can’t stand the thought of having to look at that for four years. Nor would I be thrilled, aesthetically speaking, about Richardson. He looks like he just got back from a 80-mile bareback ride on Nightmare, the ADHD stallion.
Splashman on October 22, 2007 at 7:03 PM
I know! They just riff it to shreds! Apparently, they have never heard of Melody. Sheesh.
ronsfi on October 22, 2007 at 7:03 PM
They sure are a sad looking bunch.
It doesn’t really matter what Obama does or does not do, he’s not getting the nomination and of course at this point he knows that. So maybe he’s just trying to set the new standard for dirtball socialist politicians in this country.
Maxx on October 22, 2007 at 7:05 PM
Please make that a bumpersticker/t-shirt/campaign slogan.
OBAMA IS A NINCOMPOOP!
CrimsonFisted on October 22, 2007 at 7:06 PM
I think its one of those unspoken things…everyone’s annoyed by it, but no one will come out and say it.
Bad Candy on October 22, 2007 at 7:07 PM
Didn’t they pass a law about burning the flag?
Well, they should pass a law about F’ing up our National Anthem. I’ve had enough of these gospel/blues renditions.
OBX Pete on October 22, 2007 at 7:07 PM
It sounds like the Star Spangled Banner was mangled so badly that he probably just didn’t recognize it.
(For a minute there I though he was wearing pink shoes.)
FloatingRock on October 22, 2007 at 7:09 PM
The real controversy should be how the National Anthem got butchered. Yikes! That was Roseanne Barr-bad without even trying.
Jim-Rose on October 22, 2007 at 7:09 PM
It pains me to say this, but Hillary is the only one who is showing the proper respect to the flag and the Anthem. She’s at attention, with her heels together and her hand over her heart. Richardson’s feet are apart, which is not the proper stance when at attention. And Obama, well, he’s not even close to being at attention, which is how you should be standing when the Anthem is playing. Call me old school if you want.
rivlax on October 22, 2007 at 7:10 PM
What got my attention were the folks in the audience wandering around, hats on etc. The photographer doing his thing I understand, but the rest?
Jim708 on October 22, 2007 at 7:11 PM
LMAO. That is an awesome line.
Shouldn’t she be facing the flag?
BadgerHawk on October 22, 2007 at 7:13 PM
This vid is much more controversial. Why did Obama bow to a white man asks AP News ???
Obama in New Hampshire
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 7:14 PM
United States Code Title 36 Chapter 3 — National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem, and March
301. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner
The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.
Conduct during playing — During rendition of the national anthem—
when the flag is displayed —
all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
bnelson44 on October 22, 2007 at 7:14 PM
I guess they do not realize that it is a SING-A-LONG!!! We the people like to sing it too, and we CANNOT when these morons make it all about THEMSELVES as entertainment.
pant, pant, pant.
Taking a breath now.
CrimsonFisted on October 22, 2007 at 7:14 PM
I did love that one simply because she didn’t “R&B” it up. She didn’t need to, since the quality of her pipes (back then) did the “talking.” I have that version on my iPod. If you listen to it you’ll notice that she almost whispered the second stanza and she did little to no “flourish” with the notes. The only flourish she did was when she hit the “free” note an that was only a simple change of keys–something that few singers can do.
Now it seems that every female R&B singer who subsequently gets the chance to sing the Anthem in a public space is trying to meet that standard–with ear-splitting results.
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 7:16 PM
Didn’t he go to school in a madrassa? I think he did.
CrimsonFisted on October 22, 2007 at 7:16 PM
Agreed, it’s a manufactured controversy.
What isn’t? That singer. My God, I thought there was a problem with the sound system.
amerpundit on October 22, 2007 at 7:17 PM
And Richardson has a pretty wide stance …
fred5678 on October 22, 2007 at 7:18 PM
Thanks for fishing that up. I knew that was how the military did it, but wasn’t sure if there were some different rules for you civilian pukes.
BadgerHawk on October 22, 2007 at 7:18 PM
I think the hand over the heart is reserved for the pledge – not the anthem. My students are very respectful during the anthem, but they place their hands over their hearts for the pledge. Much to do about nothing, really…
mcra99 on October 22, 2007 at 7:21 PM
I’ve never heard that before. Is that a military thing?
I go to lots of ballgames, and generally stand, face the flag, take off my hat and put it over my heart.
I notice that most of the women at the games take off their hats for the anthem. I think we (women) should, especially these days. What do ya’all think?
Bad Penny on October 22, 2007 at 7:23 PM
Nope, not according to the code. Your students are doing it wrong, better correct them. See my note:
bnelson44 on October 22, 2007 at 7:14 PM
bnelson44 on October 22, 2007 at 7:25 PM
I never do my hand/heart thing for the anthem, and most people I see at ballgames, etc, don’t.
It’s funny, because Wiki has an entry on proper protocol, and the link for the United States code saying hand over heart is correct was just added on Sept 14. Is that when this tape came out, by any chance?
MayBee on October 22, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Ah, I see bnelson44 has preemptively answered my question. Thanks, bnelson.
Bad Penny on October 22, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Actually, it has long been a tradition to do so. I am not sure why Obama has so much trouble doing so.
I don’t find it to be manufactured news. I think it is telling of the person and the lack of respect he holds for our customs and traditions.
Pam on October 22, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Someone needed to bitchslap the vocalist.
bofh on October 22, 2007 at 7:27 PM
Is this how Obama is going to show his patriotism? Just curious..
Pam on October 22, 2007 at 7:29 PM
Other than putting my hand on my heart, I don’t remember being taught the position of attention in school.
I did, however, learn that in the military.
That aside, unless he has some sort of religious conviction about not putting his hand over his heart, he at least ought to fake it if he wants to be president. As a leader or potential leader, he’s supposed to be an example and setting the standard.
I guess that was too much to ask.
Tennessee Dave on October 22, 2007 at 7:30 PM
The Star Spangled Banner was originally a poem that was later set to the tune of an old British drinking song. Maybe that’s why most people sound like drunks when they sing it.
RedWinged Blackbird on October 22, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Anyone who doesn’t know protocol for the Star Spangled Banner is ignorant. Even back in the 50’s we hand hands on hearts. No forgiveness for anyone who doesn’t know it, sorry. I guess I’m a right wing fanaticist, I’m sure I’ll be told.
MNDavenotPC on October 22, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Oof, that was awful! Sounded like someone was beating Rosanne Baar with a bar of soap in a sock during her infamous rendition….
sMack on October 22, 2007 at 7:35 PM
No doubt. I was almost going to give him a pass, thinking ‘this must be a joke, no one sings that horribly’. Of course I’m going to feel bad when I learn that it was some handicapped person or something, but I’m sorry, it was terrible… almost unbelievably so.
RightWinged on October 22, 2007 at 7:36 PM
That whole thing was f’d up
Drtuddle on October 22, 2007 at 7:36 PM
Obama was born in 1961. Hillary and Richardson were both born in 1947. It is probably mainly a generational thing.
MB4 on October 22, 2007 at 7:37 PM
FYI re proper decorum:
1. Hand over heart is called “Saluting the flag”
http://www.americanflags.org/docs/etiquette.jsp?pageId=0690200091781119362391255
2. Yes, it is expected during the national anthem.
http://www.americanflags.org/docs/etiquette.jsp?pageId=0690200091781119362392163
3. Obama is a tool.
(too many links to list them all)
JustTruth101 on October 22, 2007 at 7:39 PM
Why don’t these jerks just find themselves some left wing sectarian slime pit country to live in and stop trying to destroy this nation?
rplat on October 22, 2007 at 7:40 PM
Did he forget or is he a unpatriotic sack of $hit?
csdeven on October 22, 2007 at 7:41 PM
I didn’t do it either until I joined the military, where when in uniform I was required to salute of course (when outside) during the playing of the Anthem. After that particular bit of indoctrination, I felt inclined to do something more when wearing civilian clothes while the Anthem was playing/being sung/being butchered.
On Topic: Obama’s problem is that he’s simply operating from moment-to-moment, from event-to-event, from soundbite-to-soundbite. He’s not looking at the connections between everything he says and does as a presidential candidate, nor the connection between those things and the public perception of him. And he has hired no one who is competent enough to do that for him.
He’s an amateur; not just an amateur presidential candidate, but an amateur politician.
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 7:42 PM
I was born in ‘61 also. so I’m guessing that you’re probably right (see my last comment).
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 7:44 PM
We all know that for liberals its a vast left wing conspiracy to get Bill Clinton back in the Whitehouse.
A faux pas here and there is just all part and parcel.
Besides Hill wants to be the Pres.
overfor Patriots too.Speakup on October 22, 2007 at 7:45 PM
No. And it is especially grating when it is done so badly.
csdeven on October 22, 2007 at 7:46 PM
Actually, to me, amateur politician is not sounding at all bad these days.
MB4 on October 22, 2007 at 7:47 PM
OMG, I just listened to it. That is the most horrid thing that I’ve ever heard.
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 7:49 PM
If I had to listen to the Anthem butchered that way, I’d probably follow Obama’s lead…for the boys’ sake.
sulla on October 22, 2007 at 7:50 PM
LOL!!!!!! That was hilarious it was so bad… I hate it when singers try to jive or jazz up the National Anthem… sing it as written, you idiot.
D2Boston on October 22, 2007 at 7:50 PM
LOL!!!!!! That was hilarious it was so bad… I hate it when singers try to jive or jazz up the National Anthem… sing it as written, you idiot.
D2Boston on October 22, 2007 at 7:50 PM
Who killed the cat? What a horrible rendition of our National Anthem. Maybe the big “O” was holding out for a better singer.
Mojave Mark on October 22, 2007 at 7:50 PM
Is it just a coincidence that the only politicians who have shunned national tradition are Keith Ellison (using a Koran for his private swearing-in ceremony) and Barack Obama (refusing to wear a flag pin and refusing to put his hand on his heart for the national anthem?
The bigger question seems to be why would Barack Obama’s advisers being telling him that shunning American tradition would be a good ticket to the White House. Does this mean that the majority of Americans now are against such “old-fashioned” traditions such as respecting the flag/national anthem and being proud to show patriotism?
Also, if he does not like these traditions, what other traditions will he be shunning? Does he intend to be the first President to swear into office not using a Bible? Will he refuse to change the typical ending of Presidential speeches from “God Bless America” to “Allah Bless America” or “may all the gods we all choose to worship (or not worship) bless America”? Will he decide to not fly the American flag at the White House, because that is not a good showing of patriotism?
I am already not voting for Senator Obama because of his policies. However, he is a role model and an example for many people across this nation. Many young people look up to him and see him as an inspiration. Is this what we want in a leader? Someone who does not respect America’s traditions and is uncomfortable showing patriotism?
This may not be a “controversy”, but it says a lot about the man and says a lot about America if the majority of American approve of his actions.
Michael in MI on October 22, 2007 at 7:51 PM
I guess it’s good to hear that Roseanne hasn’t given up her, um, singing career.
DON’T QUESTION MY PATRIOTIC SINGING!
sulla on October 22, 2007 at 7:51 PM
I have not listened to it. Is it worse than the sound of Gibbons screeching?
MB4 on October 22, 2007 at 7:53 PM
They look like The Three Kids Who Nobody Ever Picked.
(That Obama didn’t look around and notice his rivals had their hands over their hearts -and get with the program, quick- shows that he isn’t up to the political savvy level of this endeavor.)
profitsbeard on October 22, 2007 at 7:55 PM
Yup, once he heard such a horrid sound he was probably concerned that if he did not protect himself he would become sterile.
MB4 on October 22, 2007 at 7:56 PM
I’d say that the Gibbons sound better.
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 7:59 PM
So did anyone actually ask Obama if he was trying to make some kind of statement?
bnelson44 on October 22, 2007 at 7:59 PM
So in a parallel universe where Obama is elected president, what on earth is he going to do when hosting foreign dignitaries or, god forbid, visiting dignitaries in other countries? Act like a complete n00b like he did here?
Mindcrime on October 22, 2007 at 8:00 PM
WORST…SINGING…EVAR!!!!
This is the kinda of stuff that is actually worth NOT voting for someone. I’m glad this is coming out. People need to point out his hatred for America. lolz
ballz2wallz on October 22, 2007 at 8:01 PM
Well I’m glad I’m not alone in the National Anthem as a top-40 song thing…that’s the kinda thing I’m most outraged about…that, and people who don’t take their hat off during the Star-Spangled Banner at the games.
Why is it only the military vets, by the looks of the thread, that do this? Dear gawd…it’s a no-brainer.
I think this just goes so well with Obama’s stated refusal to wear a flag pin. If he just quietly didn’t wear one, cool. But he made a stink about shouting that fact.
And to stand in defiance like he did here…and no, he doesn’t seem like he simply zoned it and “forgot”…is horrible. Since he’s been lagging behind Hillary, he’s doing all he can for the anti-Hillary vote in the Democratic Party.
JetBoy on October 22, 2007 at 8:03 PM
Possibly the loveliest version of the Star Spangled Banner is sung by Tracy Sloat.
Link to The Star Spangled Banner Still Inspires, a 15 minute podcast, where she explains…and sings. It will fill your hearts, HotHeads!
RushBaby on October 22, 2007 at 8:04 PM
Leave it to you to teach us that! :)
I was born in 1964 and was taught to place my hand over my heart and to remove a hat, so i’m guessing it’s a parental thing.
Pam on October 22, 2007 at 8:05 PM
Further proof that he is a muslim/fake Christian. Muslims HATE to pledge to the USA. They HATE it. Most fake it. This loser doesn’t even try anymore. UGH…
PoliticallyIncorrectSandy on October 22, 2007 at 8:05 PM
The perfect nick.
baldilocks on October 22, 2007 at 8:05 PM
In reference to hand positioning:
She couldn’t find what she doesn’t have, and he was holding a really small pile of junk.
Helloyawl on October 22, 2007 at 8:06 PM
Nice :)
Isn’t that the truth! Here’s more on her
Pam on October 22, 2007 at 8:19 PM
[RedWinged Blackbird on October 22, 2007 at 7:34 PM]
LOL
I can understand some people here not knowing, but Obama? No. I’m not persauded by the generational thing or a parental oversight, either. This has been his career for how long? How many of these things has he been to? How many meetings has he attended where the pledge is recited? How many sporting events has he attended or watched where he could see this happen? How unattentive is he that he didn’t notice anyone doing it at this event? How is it possible that he could think it wasn’t custom when what 90% of Americans on their worst day do it in a manner at least twice as well as he did.
How many years of his life has spent rubbing elbows with politicans and he doesn’t know yet? Not.
I’ll withhold criticism of Richardson and Clinton as I can’t see whether they are in fact facing a flag (there might be an honor guard near where the singer is), but notice that the those to the right of the podium are facing the large flag behind the stage. My guess it that was the result of Harkin’s lead. But Obama might just as well be attending with his parents and clutching one of their legs. Utterly clueless at 46 years old and not even a good politican. The man ain’t ready and probably never will be.
Dusty on October 22, 2007 at 8:23 PM
LOL does that make Hillary a moonbat ???
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 8:26 PM
Cspan has more coverage of that event just look under “Tom Harkin steak fry” to see footage
I couldnt handle all the speaches
William Amos on October 22, 2007 at 8:27 PM
1. The national anthem should be played crisply by a military band or not at all.
2. Obama gets a C-. He stood instead of staying seated. But he looked like a sullen teenager with his slouching.
3. This is not a surprise. It would be a surprise if we saw McCain slouching through the national anthem. Forget about it.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on October 22, 2007 at 8:31 PM
If Barack Hussien Obama had shown any more respect for the American national anthem, he would have been branded as heretic by his church, the United Church of Christ. Heretics in the United Church of Christ face the mortal danger of being labeled a “xenophobe”.
thuja on October 22, 2007 at 8:32 PM
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