Obama defends patriotism against McCain

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama defended his patriotism to vets in a speech criticizing his rival John McCain's tactics.

Speaking Tuesday to a Veterans of Foreign Wars audience the day after McCain, Obama said their different positions on Afghanistan and Iraq should be considered respectfully, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"I have never suggested that Sen. McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition," Obama said. "I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America's national interest. Now it's time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same."

Obama told the veterans his patriotism was clear.

"I will let no one question my love of this country. I love America, so do you, and so does John McCain," he said, noting that Democrats as well as Republicans serve in the military.

Obama received applause when he added, "You did not serve a red America or a blue America, you served the United States of America."