Obama News on Monday

Check out the pictures in the Flickr slideshow showing Barack Obama in Independence, Missouri. Barack took a walk through town after his speech and then visited the old home of President Harry Truman that was known as the "Summer White House."




Here are some photos from the speech earlier in the day. As the July 4th holiday nears, Barack spoke about patriotism, and why it is improper to quickly judge another's patriotism or lack thereof.

For a young man of mixed race, without firm anchor in any particular community, without even a father's steadying hand, it is this essential American idea – that we are not constrained by the accident of birth but can make of our lives what we will – that has defined my life, just as it has defined the life of so many other Americans.

That is why, for me, patriotism is always more than just loyalty to a place on a map or a certain kind of people. Instead, it is also loyalty to America's ideals – ideals for which anyone can sacrifice, or defend, or give their last full measure of devotion. I believe it is this loyalty that allows a country teeming with different races and ethnicities, religions and customs, to come together as one.

The Obama campaign also released a new television ad campaign, the second for the general election. The ad entitled "Dignity" highlights the senator's work to help struggling workers and families.



Preaident Bill Clinton and Barack spoke today according to a press release from the Obama campaign. Spokesman Bill Burton said the two spoke for about 20 minutes by phone and had a "terrific conversation."

Burton said that Obama "has always believed that Bill Clinton is one of this nation's great leaders and most brilliant minds, and looks forward to seeing him on the campaign trail and receiving his counsel in the months to come."