Debunking Congressman Kingston’s HBO Attacks on Obama
Friday night, Congressman Jack Kingston appeared on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. In the course of his appearance, he made a series of false statements about Obama. Bill Maher and the guests on the show did little to counter Kingston’s claims, which was disappointing, particularly since they are easily debunkable, as the videos below demonstrate.
Kingston Myth: Michelle Obama hasn’t explained what she meant by her ‘proud of America’ statement
“Here’s a woman who is Harvard educated, Yale – married to a U.S. Senator; she’s done real well. And now she’s proud of her country? She’s proud of it because they’re voting for him? That’s just, I think, a careless statement to say. But, you know, she could have jumped up and said, ‘You know what? That’s not what I meant to say, and I’m sorry people are twisting it, and this is politics.’ But she hasn’t said anything . . . the thing that she did not do, and still has not done now for three days, is to explain what she meant. And it would have been that simple, just to say, ‘You know what? This is a great country, and I’m just proud that people really are getting involved in this election.’ That would have been the end of it.” -Jack Kingston
In fact, she has done just that. Here’s a video of Michelle Obama (from February 20th) explaining the statement:
(Oh, and incidentally, she went to Princeton, not Yale.)
Kingston Myth: Obama won’t say the Pledge of Allegiance
“When you combine that with the fact that the guy [Obama] would not say the Pledge of Allegiance . . . the famous picture of him standing while Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton have their hand over their heart, saluting the flag during the Pledge, and Obama has his hands deliberately down, that is disturbing to Americans.” -Jack Kingston
Here’s the real story: As it turns out, they weren’t saying the Pledge of Allegiance at the time, they were listening to (an awful rendition) of the Star Spangled Banner. Here’s the video (note, Obama even sings along!):
According to the director of communications for the Maryland Historical Society, modern custom does not require a hand over the heart when listening to the Star-Spangled Banner (as compared to the Pledge of Allegiance). And yes, Senator Obama says the pledge of allegiance. He even voted to require the pledge to be recited in schools. Anyway, here’s a clip of him reciting the Pledge:
Kingston Myth: “[Senator Obama] apparently still wants to bomb Pakistan, which makes no sense at all.”
This claim (repeated by McCain) has been debunked by a variety of mainstream media sources. (The Huffington Post has a nice summary of sources.) Long story short, Obama never said anything about “bombing” Pakistan, or anything close to it. Here’s a video of his position on Pakistan:
Kingston Myth: Obama lacks bipartisan credentials
“But, what I’m saying, you have a guy [McCaine] who has honest-to-goodness, bipartisan credentials. There are absolutely none from Hillary or Obama, none whatsoever. . . And I’ve served with both of them. I can tell you, I’ve never seen them reach over across the aisle to do something. But, there are many Democrats and many Republicans who routinely do things together.” -Jack Kingston
I hate to use the Clinton expression “Karl Rove playbook,” but this myth really did seem to originate from an editorial by Karl Rove in which he argues that “Mr. Obama hasn’t worked across party lines since coming to town.” In fact, Obama has worked closely with Republican Senators Bond, Coburn, Hagel, Lugar, and others. My Direct Democracy has a nice summary of bipartison legislation he’s worked on, like the Lugar-Obama Bill (dealing with WMDs) and the Coburn-Obama Bill (improved tracking of federal spending).
Kingston Myth: Obama didn’t take a position on the Defense Appropriation Bill
“I’m going to say, the only senator two years ago to hold up the Defense Appropriation Bill, was John McCain, and it was on the treatment of prisoners. And Hillary Clinton and Obama were nowhere to be seen on that.” -Jack Kingston
By now of course you know the pattern. Obama not only voted against it, he spoke against it on the senate floor (full transcript). Here’s the video (and thanks for the find, Sam!):
Kingston Myth: Obama’s name sounds funny
[sarcastically] “Obama is going to go around meeting everybody. And so the world will be a better place. ‘Hi, I’m Barack Hussein Obama.’” -Jack Kingston
Okay, “myth” is the wrong word. Frankly, I like it when critics take the “he has a funny name” attack (like Dick Morris), a fallback position after criticizing Obama’s patriotism. What was that famous quote from Samuel Johnson on patriotism? The last refuge of scoundrels? Congressman Kingston teaches us it’s only the second-to-last.
Now, go make your voices heard and tell Congressman Kingston and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher how you feel. It only takes a minute. Here are their contact forms: Congressman Kingston and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher
Update 2/28: Last night, Congressman Kingston appeared on Live with Dan Abrams, planning to blast Obama’s lack of a flag lapel pin and–oops!–he forgot to wear his own flag pin. Please enjoy this karmic justice:
28 Responses to “Debunking Congressman Kingston’s HBO Attacks on Obama”
Well done, sir.
Thanks for this. I get these questions all the time. The videos here should be very useful.
Thank you. I appreciate the work you did in finding and sharing this info with us. Perhaps you can send the info to Bill Maher so he may enlighten his audience on next Friday’s show.
Nice work. When I watched Maher that night I was wondering why they were letting this idiot flap is maw unchecked.
Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this information. As I listened to Kingston on Friday I grew progressively disgusted with his behavior.
Thank you for being an honest voice in the storm.
Here’s a video of Obama reading his comments on 9/28/2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc6I3jnTRe0
Looks like he didn’t get to finish, and had to ask for the rest of his statement to be added to the record as if read.
About the “pledge” anthem thing: Edwards is the only one looking at the flag… so maybe Edwards is the only patriotic one. HOW DARE they turn their backs to a flag!!!
Go Obama!
Also, with regard to the Defense Appropriation Bill, was Kingston referring to the amendment John McCain inserted into it banning the cruel and inhuman treatment of detainees? Because if so, Clinton and Obama both voted to support that amendment:
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/109/senate/1/votes/249/
The link in your post (and the video I commented with) refers to the Military Commission Legislation in 2006.
The Repubs are getting desparate, they don’t like their canadate, they know they will loose this election, so I guess they are taking a nod from W to just lie through your teeth, and maybe more ignorant people will believe you.
Good job and thanks for sharing. I’m definitely going to send this on over in hopes that Bill can share the info over the airwaves. Everyone else should too :P
Seriously, Jack Kingston - he’s just issuing the only talking points he could muster from a clearly disallusioned party.
Funny while he sits there, hides behind a flag and talks about “patriotism” - a Democratic candidate he ran against in the state senate in Savannah 4 years ago is serving in Iraq now. How do I know? She’s my Aunt.
I feel he is just another face on the same policies. He is a member of the Council On Foreign Relations therefore he is going to represent the PNAC mentality. That is dangerous and we have already had this mentality kill our civil liberties and our national pride. It is interesting that everyone wants to rally behind “change” when the only true candidate that was speaking about change was Kucinich, so much so that he was banned from the debates. Perhaps those Americans that are truly looking for a pro-peace candidate who represents the people, they should look to Kucinich and try and get him elected. Those who say they won’t because he will surely loose have already allowed their vote to be taken and that is why he had to drop out.
Peace, Love and Respect,
Jen
Thanks for doing this. His comments instantly caught my attention and I considered creating a video rebuttal. Then I thought how much energy that would take, and “screw it” came to mind. Glad someone out there did the work.
good work!
I used to watch Bill Maher, but I do not have time to watch him any more. Usually he or a member of his panel will debunk or at least speak against anything someone says that is that way off base.
Thank you for posting this and I am going to post a link on my MySpace page for your site so that people can see the truth.
Kevin
You might want to add the fact that George H.W. Bush was photographed during the National Anthem without his hand over his heart as well.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/25/does-this-make-george-hw_n_88397.html
Very nice work. I’m not a Obama supporter because of his policy positions. However, Rep. Kingston was completely out of line in his behavior on “Real Time” and should be held to task.
I guess we should be used to it by now, but a fear based jingoism has gripped this country and Obama might be the last refuge of sanity for the next generation. I do respect the man….don’t agree with him on economic issues….but do respect his ability to listen to differing opinions.
P.S.- the funny name attack is as childish as you can possibly get. Unfortunately, it might just work. Sad.
Bravo! It is people dedicated to truth, like you, that make this country great. I applaud you, sir. The future belongs to the just.
Well done sir. I will also point out that Obama was the only one singing the national anthem - not Hillary and not Bill Richardson.
Oh what have we come to, hands over hearts indeed.
I, like you, was very disappointed that Bill did not correct, or preferably in my opinion, embarrass Congressmen Kingston for making such blatantly ignorant comments. What were the voters of Georgia thinking?
Thank you for the work you do, it is important and I appreciate it.
I have been gathering video on Kingston for the Dem running against him…please check out our latest video on ‘ol Jack…we have started calling this “PinGate”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpwZFvPZbkg
and the button on his left lapel…yep you guessed it…not a flag…
My name is Bill Gillespie, and I’m Kingston’s Congressional election opponent this year. Here Jack goes again, seeking the spotlight and spending the taxpayers time politiking instead of serving the people of District 1. Jack is in Congress for one purpose: to represent the people of South Georgia, fighting for what’s best for our region and America. He is not there to campaign for President. Partisan publicity stunts like this interview only waste taxpayers’ money and make South Georgia look bad. This is no surprise though. For several years now Jack has put his political party and special interest friends ahead of the people he represents. As Congressman, all my energy will be focused on serving South Georgia and putting the people first. Thank you all for your support. Visit my website to learn more about me: http://www.billforgeorgia.com
Mr. Gillespie:
Best of luck in your campaign against Mr. Kingston. I would you to explain something though, if you would be so kind. You have stated, in effect, that by getting involved in presidential politics, Mr. Kingston is wasting time he should be using to serve the people of the first dist. of Georgia. I’m not certain that your opponent would see it that way. I could imagine that if you want legislation that is going to benefit the people of the georgia first, after 2009 acquiring the allegiance of the next president, and the group of incumbent legislators who also have that president’s alleigance, would be very helpful. Without pork to trade, how can you or Mr. Kingston do anything for the people of the first district of Georgia?
Thank you for your question Matt K. First of all, what happens if the person/party you’re campaigning for loses? Then you are up a river with no paddle. That’s a HUGE risk for South Georegia. Secondly, I am confident that the quality of my ideas, character and persuasive skills will serve me and the people of South Georgia well in Congress. I don’t need to sling mud in someone else’s campaign to do my job. Frankly, I think it’s wrong to get things done that way. Legislation and money benefiting my district will become a reality because of hard work…at least that’s the way Bill Gillespie rolls. If the voters don’t like it, they can vote me out and elect a purely political animal to represent them.
Also, check out this funny video my campaign put out about Jack Kingston and PinGate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpwZFvPZbkg
http://google.com
H. Klinton vs. Obama. How you think who will win elections?
That “Klinton” spelling reminds me of this:
http://carpetblog.typepad.com/carpetblogger/2007/10/we-miss-him-too.html
Discussion