Did Obama put the wrong hand over his heart during the pledge?

Answer 1

No. There are videos and pictures available on the web that show Barack Obama saying the Pledge of Allegiance on numerous occasions. This false rumor was spread with a picture that shows Obama standing next to Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton. In the picture, Richardson and Clinton have their hand to their heart, but Obama does not. However, this was not taken during the Pledge of Allegiance, but rather during the singing of the National Anthem (which can be verified by watching a YouTube video of the event). This was during an informal, outdoor event for Democratic candidates. Although protocol suggests that the hand should be held to the heart during the National Anthem, observing any sporting event will show that only some Americans do so. But regardless of hand placement, most Americans stand respectfully during the National Anthem, which is what Obama was doing in that photograph. When his aides were asked about this, they replied that sometimes Obama puts his hand to his heard during the Anthem, and other times he does not. Regardless, there is a YouTube video showing Obama leading the Senate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and his hand can clearly be seen on his heart.

Answer 2

Of course he does. There are some internet myths that have been circulating for years that claim he does not salute the flag, but these are false. There are many videos and photos of him with his hand on his heart during the pledge of allegiance. On the other hand, there were occasions during his first presidential campaign when he did not salute during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Placing one's hand over one's heart during the national anthem is a custom, however, and as you can see from many people at sporting events, not everyone does it.

Answer 3

No, this was an urban legend perpetuated by a Photoshopped email. There is a full article about how it was faked on the Snopes web site.