Obama vows not to resort to 'patriot games'

US Democrat Barack Obama defended his own patriotism and vowed never to use the issue against anyone during the race for the White House, rejecting comments by a retired general and backer about the military record of his opponent, Republican John McCain.

Shortly after, the Obama campaign announced he and former President Bill Clinton had a “terrific conversation” by telephone, breaking an icy silence between two of America’s most gifted Democratic politicians.