The other night in an interview with Anderson Cooper, Obama joked about not being able to sing well enough to sing "God Bless America," when asked. That was his opportunity to just say the words, but for some reason, it didn't occur to him then. The interview ended without him even just saying the phrase. I thought that was odd and noteworthy, and I wasn't the only one in the room to notice.

Michelle Malkin has noted that in an interview with The Baltimore Sun, it finally dawned on him that we might actually want to hear him say the words. It's not much, but it's a start. He is in damage control mode now. His speech in Philly is just about to begin. We'll see what happens...

Here's how the Anderson Cooper interview went:

COOPER: Just for the record, you have no problem singing "God Bless America"?
(LAUGHTER) OBAMA: I don't want to sing it here, because...
(LAUGHTER)
OBAMA: ... people might question my talents. But...
(LAUGHTER)
COOPER: All right. We will leave it at that.
Senator Obama, appreciate your time.
OBAMA: Thank you so much.

The fact that he is now saying it is obviously in response to the Reverend Wright controversy. It is clear that he underestimated the importance of patriotism in this country. I guess that's what happens when you happen to be running in a party known for its acceptance of America-bashing liberals. I think he is fast finding out that even though the America haters may have loud voices, the majority of Americans still actually do love their country and want it to succeed, both conservatives and liberals.