Obama Defends Patriotism and Dissent in Independence

By Maria Carter

Independence, MO – Hundreds of people turned out to see Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama Monday morning in Independence. KCUR's Maria Carter was there.

Senator Obama has been plagued by detractors who've questioned his commitment to the country, but Obama fired back today with a 30 minute speech outlining his views on patriotism.

Obama said patriotism should not be defined as loyalty to a particular leader or policy. Instead, he called on the words of a Missouri native: "As Mark Twain, that greatest of American satirists and Missouri son, once wrote, 'patriotism is supporting your county all of the time and your government when it deserves it.'"

Obama also pledged not to question the patriotism of others in this campaign, and adamantly said troops deserve undivided support for the sacrifices they've made.

Obama plans to next travel to two other swing states Colorado and Ohio.

Listen to the June 30, 2008 broadcast of Up to Date: Live from Independence with Presidential Candidate Barack Obama here.

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