2008 Primaries, Branding Politix • July 2nd, 2008

The case of the reappearing pin

by Chris Lato

I have subscribed to ‘Rolling Stone’ for nearly 20 years now. What can I say? I like the pop culture coverage. As for the political stuff, it’s all been downhill since Hunter died.

Anyway, I was greeted at my mailbox this week with the new issue of ‘RS’ and the grinning face of Barack Obama, eyes closed, head tilted slightly downward…

OK, the coronation of Barack Obama has begun at ‘RS.’ That’s about the least shocking news in recent memory. But what I was struck by was the very conspicuous return of ‘The Pin.’ With such a basic, copy-free cover, that American flag pin on the senator’s lapel just leapt out at me.

Remember the flap a few months ago when Obama took the time to offer a dissertation on why he wasn’t wearing an American flag pin on his lapel? Read this for a refresher.

Now, I wouldn’t deny Sen. Obama the right to change his mind (the more combative term is ‘flip-flop’). Ultimately, it is up to the voters to weigh whether Obama’s changing positions are a thoughtful reconsideration of the issues, or a sign of a candidate who is not prepared to lead.

The flag pin sends an undeniable message. In some states, refusing to wear that pin would cost a whole lot of votes. I appreciate Obama’s belief that his ‘ideas’ are the true sign of patriotism, but sometimes in politics the game is simple: step up and embrace the symbolism along with the substance. Not wearing the pin on the campaign trail, and offering what could be perceived as a condescending explanation of that decision, also sends a powerful message.

The flag is one of those few symbols that many Americans of all generations respond to deeply and without apology –witness the passion that emerges anytime a flag-burning story is in the news. To deny this basic truth is to run the risk of alienating large chunks of voters. It looks as though Senator Obama is learning as he goes on the campaign trail. The real question is whether he is learning fast enough.

Regarding candidates and patriotism, check out this week’s exchange between Greta Van Susteren and Karl Rove. The full piece can be found here.

ROVE: Well, remember also, Senator Obama said that he stopped wearing a flag lapel pin because he decided after 9/11 that true patriotism did not consist in wearing a flag lapel pin but in speaking out on the issues. He questioned the patriotism of anybody who thought, you know, that they were honoring their country by putting a flag lapel pin on. So I mean, I thought it was really interesting that he was so sensitive. I don’t know who he’s talking about questioning his patriotism, but I do know that he questioned the patriotism of literally millions of Americans, who in a symbol of devotion to their country, put a flag on their lapel or on their uniform or on their automobile. I mean, I just — you know, it’s…

VAN SUSTEREN: Well, I take sort of a flip on that, though. I actually — I side with Senator Obama partially on that, is that anyone who would criticize him for not wearing a flag pin, because you know, I — I don’t know why, but that’s not the measure of my patriotism, so…

(CROSSTALK)

ROVE: I agree — I agree with you.

VAN SUSTEREN: OK.

ROVE: Nobody should be criticized for not wearing a flag lapel pin. On the other hand, nobody should say that you’re not being a true patriot if you do wear a flag lapel pin, which is what he said. He said true patriotism does not consist of wearing a flag lapel pin but instead speaking out on the issues. Look, you can be a true patriot and wear a flag lapel pin or not. You can be a true patriot speaking out on the issues or not. But the judgmental nature of his approach, saying if you wear a flag lapel pin, that’s not true patriotism, that was calling into question the patriotism of those who make the decision to wear that symbol.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm and is filed under 2008 Primaries, Branding Politix. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.