Obama irritated by photo claiming he didn't show respect during pledge
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Barack Obama complained on Wednesday about an Internet photo that claims the Democratic presidential candidate did not hold his hand over his heart during the traditional pledge to the American flag.
"This is so irritating," Obama said when asked about the photo in Muscatine, Iowa.
The photo, which has circulated widely on the Internet, was taken in September during Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin's annual Democratic fundraiser. A message accompanying the photo claims Obama did not observe the Pledge of Allegiance.
Obama said the photo was taken during the singing of the national anthem, not the pledge.
"My grandfather taught me how to say the Pledge of Allegiance when I was 2," Obama said, his annoyance obvious. "During the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart. During the national anthem you sing."