Blogs Apr 2, 2012 at 1:51 pm

President Obama Swipes Back at Claims That He Hates American Exceptionalism

Paul Constant
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Comments

2
And if he hadn't said this, then the rightwingers wouldn't get on his case, right?

It's a version of something I'm sure he's said before that basically goes, "Who would think that the child of a single mother and a Muslim father who got in some trouble as a teenager could grow up to be President?"
seatackled on April 2, 2012 at 2:11 PM Report this
3
that's not even what "american exceptionalism" means. it means we think we're the bestest, most special country on the face the of the earth. it's hubris, pure and simple. fuck the GOP for making this a requirement of politics, and fuck the Dems for allowing them to.
Max Solomon on April 2, 2012 at 2:23 PM Report this
4
I can't believe there are actually adults out there defending the idea that we Americans don't have to follow the same rules BECAUSE I SAID SO NOW SHUT YOUR MOUTH OR I'LL GET THE BELT. I especially can't believe there are enough of them that the President feels like he has to pay them lip service.
balderdash on April 2, 2012 at 2:24 PM Report this
5

Didn't it take Obama like six months of prodding and poking after he was elected to wear the little American flag pin?

I have a hard time suddenly believing this...
Supreme Ruler Of The Universe on April 2, 2012 at 2:37 PM Report this
6
American Exceptionalism is the belief that All Are Created Equal, but we are more equal than others.
Proteus on April 2, 2012 at 2:40 PM Report this
7
@ 5 Just because he doesn't wear the flag pin he hates America? Not everyone has to overcompensate and wear their patriotism on there sleeve.
Seattle14 on April 2, 2012 at 2:49 PM Report this
8
Shorter American Exceptionalism: God likes me best = I am an incredibly self-righteous dick.

And not serving up every available morsel of this shit to each other continuously is supposed to be a BAD thing? 'Cause this attitude has never caused even one single problem for our country...

I like balderdash's formulation best.
ScrawnyKayaker on April 2, 2012 at 2:51 PM Report this
9
I like that we finally have a president that talks back and stands up. Clinton backed down all the fucking time and it drove me nuts.
Vince on April 2, 2012 at 3:11 PM Report this
10
@ 10 Clinton stood up plenty esp with the government shutdown that he ended up winning and taking down Newt.
Seattle14 on April 2, 2012 at 3:25 PM Report this
11
I wonder if there's a way to make @8's points that hits home for the Republican base. Something like 'you can honestly, deeply love your country without making a false idol of it.'
Beguine on April 2, 2012 at 3:43 PM Report this
12
Yes, we are rather exceptional, aren't we?

FROM WOUNDED KNEE TO LIBYA:

A CENTURY OF U.S. MILITARY INTERVENTIONS

http://academic.evergreen.edu/g/grossmaz…

Linda J on April 2, 2012 at 4:12 PM Report this
13
Maybe Obama is trying to redefine the idea of American exceptionalism. I think he could be onto something, just as he was smart to make contraception an issue at a particular moment (before mitt had it in the bag). Obama is a Jedi politician.
David from Chicago on April 2, 2012 at 4:17 PM Report this
14
We aren't exceptional and there is more proof everyday. It is a charade Americans like to play.
gberry on April 2, 2012 at 5:23 PM Report this
15
@5: Nope. He started wearing one during the campaign, when all of the patriotic zealots said his lack of flag pin meant he hated Jeebus and Apple Pie. I remember it distinctly, because I was disappointed in him for pandering, and because McCain was not wearing one, either, but no one seemed to give a shit.
aureolaborealis on April 2, 2012 at 5:32 PM Report this
16
@11 Nope. If that was possible, they'd have caught on long ago.

And they wouldn't consider this to be a counter-argument to anything they don't like:
USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
ScrawnyKayaker on April 2, 2012 at 7:24 PM Report this
17
To me, and to most liberals, American exceptionalism means that we need to hold this country to a higher standard. To today's Republicans, it means that America can do no wrong.
venomlash on April 2, 2012 at 8:05 PM Report this

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