No U.S. Flag Pin For Obama

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has stopped wearing the American flag lapel pin that has become a common symbol of patriotism since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Asked about the decision Wednesday in an interview with KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Illinois senator said he hoped to show his patriotism by explaining his ideas to citizens.

"I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest," he said in the interview. "Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism."

The television interview didn't include an explanation for his decision or when he stopped wearing such a pin.

Campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor said Thursday that Obama didn't plan to say more about his decision.

"I think he explained it pretty well," Vietor said.

Obama was campaigning in Iowa Thursday, the second day of a four-day trip to the early voting state.