I am not from a small town, but I am from
Cleveland where we have lost plenty of jobs to Mexico, China, India and who know's where else and I have to say I am very bitter that those who have money decided that taking the working class jobs in this country away to fatten their pockets and to stir the economies of other nations. I don't appreciate the empty factories or any of the other signs of outsourcing that I see. Obama made true statements, whether anyone agrees with them or not, and I'm sure he did not mean to offend anyone.

I come from a small town with family in rural Arkansas and they ARE pretty much fundamentalist gun-loving people with little fondness for people who aren't like them.

This is something the Obama opponents were waiting for. The moment this tape came out I could hear them:a

"WE GUNNA GIT 'IM! WE GUNNA GIT 'IM GEWD!"

I have read the phrase"Vote against their own best interest" on this thread several times.
Here's a news flash- Nobody votes against self interest. They have different interests than you.

"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to go to heaven maimed than to hell with two hands."

The inability to see "good" in any ideas but your own is what makes you elitist.

From the article, "Republicans are certain to use comments like this one to paint Obama as an out-of-step liberal beholden to the wants and needs of voters on the two coasts."

I love this. The Republicans are 'painting' him to be elitist. Not pointing out a characterization using OBAMA'S OWN WORDS AS PROOF. They're 'painting' him as one. Mr. Cillizza, its hardly paint when a candidate's own words are being quoted back to him, with full context and no distortion.

Arugula anyone?

Thanks, SnObama! Just what I needed needed on my cheese steak. Now, back to cleaning my gun and opiating myself with Jesus.

It is hard to believe that people with any common sense resent Senator Obama's comments about the unhappiness of Americans living in the shambles in which the Republican administration is leaving our country. He spoke the truth, which is often a hard pill to swallow. I for one am also frustrated and embittered, and he is the only of the three candidates still running who I think has the wisdom and determination to honestly confront and
seek solutions to our problems. As for Mr.McCain's illogical twist on Mr. Obama's words as outrageously implying that our country was founded on frustration and bitterness, you might say that in a way he is right: the colonists were so frustrated and embittered by their treatment at the hands of the British that they revolted and eventually produced our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and our country. Also you have to admit that their leaders, Washington, Jefferson, and all, would be described as "elitists".
And, McCain, with his family background, and Clinton a Yale Law graduate and Rhodes Scholar, and Obama,a Harvard graduate, seem to be equally "elitist".

And with that said about this make-hay-because-we-got-nothing issue, Obama should apologize when every right ring pundit apologizes after slamming major cities across this country. Oh, they're not real Americans. Some have even said certain cities DESERVE to get hit by terrorists because of some perceived political affiliation of their populace. Hey, those people care about their jobs, families, and religions as much as those who live in small towns. When y'all enjoying the talk of folks and pundits slamming big cities, some even yukking on the potential deaths of Americans because they might vote one way or another because they "brought it on themselves," when YOU get offended at that THEN you can cry elitism or some other idiodic thing about Obama or anyone else.
Regionalism is childish, period. Last I heard Boston, San Fran, NY and Cleveland are part of America just as those in the offensively named "flyover country."
Of course, this would be a 1-1 need for apology (and I doubt those right-wingers who exploit some city/rural animosity would apologize anyway) if Obama wasn't right about slamming those issues that distract and make folks vote against their best interests.

I read a lot of the posts today, and from what I read, the majority of people think osama told just what he thinks about the average white person. Some mentioned that the small towns had lost jobs, and someone promised them they would get them back. What fools. Don't people know that it is not the Gov. job to make jobs. The private sector does that, and very well. Another thing that small town people are gripping about is the businesses closing. I'll bet most of these towns have gotten a Walmart Store in their town or in one close by.Then all the people started trading at Wal Mart, and all the mom and pop stores had to close. Osama is not going to bring those back. In fact, I doubt he will creat one single job. He talks a good game, but he strikes out ever time he opens his big mouth. All you osama lovers should reappraise you thoughts, and take a good look at what you are about to do. If you want to be like Cuba, elect the man. We will try to elect enough in congress, so we can put a stop to his socialist ways.

I like guns, I hunt...neither of those realities exist because I am a bitter out of work white male. I believe in God, have believed in God for a LONG TIME, my belief was not created out of, or found in my bitterness. There are so many things WRONG with what Obama said, but the pundits are trying to protect their dream candidate when in reality, it is time for Obama to step down.

Take his comments about blue collar folks, and blend them with his position on Illegal Aliens and you begin to realize just how out of touch with the average American Barack Obama is...average Americans do not support Amnesty and a pathway to citizenship for Illegal Aliens, but Obama does. Most Americans do not embrace Social Services and Social Security benefits for illegals, but Obama does. Most middle and lower class Americans are bitter at Federal Governments refusal to ENFORCE OUR LAWS, to deport those here illegally, and to take criminal action against those who employ illegals...guess what, Obama is a part of that Federal Government that refuses to address this issue, to put and end to illegal immigration that is depressing our wages...let's not confuse being ANGRY at reality on the ground with some deep seated bitterness.

This is not the first time Obama has shown his true colors, it is just the first time he has exposed himself in a way where SUPER LIBERALS cannot HIDE HIS GAFFE. His career should be over, and the super liberals instead of defending him, should let him impale himself on his own elitist saber.

I am glad that the fake outrage generated from posh offices of the RNC in DC got this rolling has gotten so much outrage from "Middle America." Happy that people are falling for it yet again when well off politicos making a killing during the election season tell you what to be outraged for and who's an elitist or not. You know what's an real outrage, I watched my home state of Ohio fall into serious economic disrepair through the past 8 years and what did the RNC or the DNC offer the state in 2004? Did the RNC talk about the economy and how they installed policies to help move business out of the state, did they talk about the war killing so many Ohio sons and daughters? Oh hell no, they offered a gay marriage initiative (which screwed non-married heterosexual couples too kids.) They don't want to even try to tackle REAL problems. So to the politicos telling us to be outraged at these CORRECT comments, who is the elitist: the one who calls you on your game or you who tells Middle America when sitting at our kitchen tables what we should be worried about?

love the old "gotcha!" politics!

When asked why "working class" Pennsylvanians (meaning WHITE working class Pennsylvanians) are not getting behind his campaign in bigger numbers, Obama dismissed the idea that "The white guy won't vote for the black guy".

Instead he tried to articulate why he believes that white working class Pennsylvanians would vote against their own economic interests. It is their "bitterness" he stated that allows them to fall prey to the politics of fear; the politics which turns them into "issue" voters, be it guns, gays, patriotism, religion etc.

He was wrong. He gave the white Pennsylvania working class the benefit of the doubt.

He simply should have quoted Ed Rendel :

"You've got conservative whites here ... who are not ready to vote for an African American candidate."

That's the truth, plain and simple. Rendel knows it. Obama either doesn't or won't say it. The Pennsylvania white working class doesn't need an excuse not to vote for him.

Now or course we have the Hillary bandwagon calling Obama an "elitist". We've certainly come a long way in race relations when the BLACK guy named Barack Obama can be cast as the establishment liberal elitist while the former President and his Senator wife, who earned in excess of $100 million dollars in the past 7 years, now cast themselves as "regular folk".

How sad our politics has become.

What is all the uproar about? Has anyone LISTENED to Obama's comments? I, living in Pennsylvania, and watching the blue and then white collar decent jobs be exported to India and China over the last 30 years, with nothing but "talk, talk, talk" from politicians promising better new jobs that have not shown up, politicians from BOTH parties- am disillusioned and, yes, even bitter and believe Washington is not unable but unwilling to end their gravy train.
I am not offended by these comments, and anyone who is does not know what is going on in formerly blue-collar America. Billary and McCain's taking offense on my behalf when neither of them seems to have one freakin' clue of what's going on and how people feel is what's offensive to me. They are both, as are most Washington politicos, so far out of touch voting for any of them and expecting change is insanity.
Great quote from Joker in Batman movie (slightly misquoted): "What Washington needs is a good enema". After that we can order 2 more up for the RNC and DNC as well.
All that said, Obama is still an elitist with strong socialist tendencies. But he talks a good game, while the others are talking gibberish. But I won't vote for him. He is untrustworthy and his associations are suspect.
Now what DOES offend me is our 'free media' who is unwilling to cover the 2nd Republican candidate- Ron Paul. How can his campaign not be covered? More importantly, why? He is still running and is the true candidate for change- back to the course set by the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. One would think that the media would have a vested interest in reporting on the one candidate whose core belief is the return to the document that guarantees the freedom of the press- but no, they totally ignore him.
So the question becomes who to vote for in an election with no viable candidates?

To A de la Torre and your post:

I am from a family of immigrants... most people here in PA have no problem with immigrants. It is the illegality of few immigrants. Most PA love the ethnic diversity...

Religion sought as refuge. <--- That is ridiculous. The belief in God and the practice of religion is not sought only in times of refuge. It is a fundamental fiber for those that know God.

And about your statement for a semi or automatic rifle to go hunting? What is that suppose to mean? Now you are saying that PA hunters hunt with semi and automatic rifles?

You have me lost... If this was your attempt at clarifying what Obama really meant to say.. you are not helping him any. And you seem to be an elitist and out of touch yourself.

I have to say Ed that was a GREAT POST. Your post should put it in perspective atleast I hope so. But they are die-hard Obama supporters - who won't conscede that what he stated was hurtful. To the Die Hards.. there is no defense for his statement. Obama and die hard Obama supporters keep going around the issue about the word "Bitter" and personal economics... but most will not address the gun and religion statement.. because you are to busy trying to spin his statement into something else.

The keyword here is "pounced." The Clinton and Bush Dynasty surrogates AND Hillary herself practice a predatory politics that eats up the American people to enrich the dynastic families and their oligarchic and coporate henchmen. Bill lies about Hillary's sniper fire lies, Hillary lies about their dynastic multimillions, NAFTA, free trade, etc, and the media let them scoot free as "mis-speakers." Senator Obama finds it difficult to pander and refuses to attack Hillary on her lies. He is attacked for being an elite. Please give the American people a break. Here is a man who grew up the biracial son of a single teenage mother, raised by struggling middle-class grandparents, who excelled in law school on scholarship and loans. He comes from us, from the US, and from the common folk--a son of the peple, for the people and by the people. If the citizens of Pennsylvania permit the Clinton dynasty machine to manipulate our beloved democracy yet again and to return to the White House for an unconstituional eight more years, then truly we will find ourselves globally falling down the down staircase. The eyes of the world are watching us. Dear Pennsylvania, turn the page and say no to Hillary's tear-down campaign of personal destruction.

Having read the post. It doesn't appear elitist, at least to me. Granted, it could have been worded better.

But I believe there is a lot of bitterness in these rural areas as a result of trade policies that have driven jobs away.

Immigrants are treated as scapegoats.

Religion is sought for as refuge, and occasionally misused to influence people.

As far a guns, I'm just not a fan of guns. Although if someone wants one, thats their choice. However, I don't see the need for a semi or automatic rifle to go hunting.

I'm perplexed that many commenters here don't understand why Midwesterners would feel insulted by Sen Obama's statements. This may help put it in perspective

"You go into some of these large cities in California, and like a lot of large cities on the West Coast, real estate values have plummetted. So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to gay sex or atheism or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-American sentiment or pro-abortion sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

To those that keep referencing money as the only contributor as being an elitist. Please understand the word first. Do not chide Hillary or McCain just because they may have some money... I do not care that Obama has less or even more money.

I consider Obama an elitist because he is always saying I know more about this... I know what is wrong with PA .. I know what is wrong with MI... He speaks before he listens... and he was with a bunch of obscenely rich folk in San Fran... He did not care to talk to us wee folk in PA...
You can be an elitist without a dime.

I don't care if you have a lot of dough or not a penny.. I like those that roll up their sleeves and going to get 'er done with the rich the poor and most definately the in between. But don't be sneaking around and going psst -- PA people are bitter and that is why they cling to their religion and guns.. that is why they are intolerant to immigrants blah blah blah. That is what was elitist .... that is what was snobbery...

By the way it was Huffington Post that broke the story... not CNN. And the reason that the story has wheels .. is that most Pennsylvanians are flabergasted.

Definition of Elitist:
1. The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.

1. The sense of entitlement enjoyed by such a group or class.
2. Control, rule, or domination by such a group or class.

Thesaurus: elitist
adjective

Characteristic of or resembling a snob: snobbish, snobby. Informal high-hat, snooty, stuck-up, uppish, uppity. See attitude/good attitude/bad attitude/neutral attitude, self-love/modesty.

noun

One who despises people or things regarded as inferior, especially because of social or intellectual pretension: snob. Informal snoot. See attitude/good attitude/bad attitude/neutral attitude, self-love/modesty.

I just can't believe that there's so many "little people" here.
That's the only explanation that I can come up with on why Obama's ELITIST statement is going over so many heads.
It's NOT about bitterness.
We ALL agree that the loss of Millions of jobs, massive influx of Illegal Aliens, Dollar devalued, China owns our as**s, etc, has everyone P.O'd at the Government. This is news?
The problem with his statement is that he has accused ALL rural Americans of being gun totin', bible thumpin' xenophobic, bigoted, radical, trailer trash.
And said it to a $2500.00 a plate, Millionaire crowd, fund raiser to show them he's as good as they are, and better than us.
And if you don't understand this, then YOU'RE the Elitist.

Obama has spent two days in a row stuttering out the "REAL" meaning of his stupid gun totin, bible thumpin', xenophobic, bigoted rural Americans statement.
Two days, This is a show of his weakness and insincerity of the retraction.
He might as well had just lifted his chin and presented his jugular. If Hillary doesn't tear it out, the GOP will in November.
What a buffoon!

Every second of this election cycle makes it clearer and clearer to me. America took a giant step closer to losing it's revered place in the world the moment people like Karl Rove stepped into the politcal scene.

This nonsense continues and voters still ignorantly believe the real elitist (Bush, McCain, Clinton) who pretend to understand the plight of working America in this 21st century but actually have zero clue. If we don't draw a line to wiping out this nonsense that's polluting our way of life we will, for sure, lose any grounds left in our standing in the world. What the world thinks affects us as we have to interact to maintain our security.

Voters need to understand everything rests on them. It's too bad that the ones who make the questionable choices that leave us in such mess refuse to do their homeworks thoroughly by relying on snippets from certain news stations. I'm still shaking my head because I do my homework get my facts straight but I still end up being put in such a bad condition from the bad choices made by others. This is so sad. I feel so helpless and damned for doing my part as best as possible. I feel damned for the media (mostly the cnn's) and pundits who betray us too often with their bogus analysis. Why can't they do true journalism and report it as it is not as they want viewers to think it is? What do they think they are to tell us how we should think? Report the damned facts and let people judge it themselves.

After reading this I know why the left wing water carrier Cillizza appears regularly on MSNBC. Hey Chris, time to clean you blue dress.

Who hates the United States of America the most: Jeremiah Wright, Michelle Obama or Barack Obama?

I have to laugh when muli millionairs like the Clintons and Dan Quayle call people
elitist.

First millions of working class people have voted for Obama, so obviously they don't think he is elitist. He's outperformed Hillary in rurual states so they don't think Obama is an elitist.
He has a history of helping working people who lost jobs due to outsourcing find work.
Meanwhile the Clintons have made money exporting jobs to India and other countries.

Ed Rendell said some Whites won't vote for Obama because he's Black. Is it Ed Rendell right. Now imagine the outcry of Obama said the same thing.

No question some people vote against their own economic interest because of one issue.

Bush knew that he could attract some voters
when he proposed a Constitutional ban against gay marriage prior to the 2004 election. Once the elections was over nary a peep on the subject

Senator Obama's comments were made to a group of wealthy San Francisco donors
in response to a question about why he was behind in the polls in Pennsylvania. The tone of his entire response is condescending and offensive--not simply the final two sentences. In his response--which can be heard at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-no-surprise-that-ha_b_96188.html--
Senator Obama again raises the race card and suggests that the people of Pennsylvania don't respond to his message because it's brought to them by a black man. The audience begins laughing and as the laughter continues, he adds more disparaging comments about small town Americans.

Rather than taking a positive approach about his campaign strategies, Mr. Obama grouped together all people who prefer another candidate as bitter, ignorant and cynical. He played to possible biases that his wealthy San Francisco donors might have about the working class. The fact that informed voters may be making an educated decision to vote for HRC is lost on him and makes him seem arrogant and out of touch. There is no excuse for any politician to tap into stereotypes or to make disparaging statements about poor, rural, white America. Senator Obama's words were extremely divisive and do not reflect the attitude of someone who could unite our country.

Some people want to read into his statement an attempt to be honest and shed light on the reality of rural PA, but he made his comments in a mansion in SF where the audience laughed when he joked about the reaction of small town American voters to a black politician. His link between guns, religion, and xenophobia to explain why he's losing the vote was disappointing and delegitimizes how people make decisions and live their lives in rural America. I think the energy of his campaign is great, but it seriously concerns me that he and his supporters are oblivious to how ugly and hurtful his comments were. If he is to bring us together--to unify us--he must give the people in small town Pennsylvania the same respect as his wealthy donors in San Francisco.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-no-surprise-that-ha_b_96188.html

Senator Obama's comments were made to a group of wealthy San Francisco donors
in response to a question about why he was behind in the polls in Pennsylvania. The tone of his entire response is condescending and offensive--not simply the final two sentences. In his response--which can be heard at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-no-surprise-that-ha_b_96188.html--
Senator Obama again raises the race card and suggests that the people of Pennsylvania don't respond to his message because it's brought to them by a black man. The audience begins laughing and as the laughter continues, he adds more disparaging comments about small town Americans.

Rather than taking a positive approach about his campaign strategies, Mr. Obama grouped together all people who prefer another candidate as bitter, ignorant and cynical. He played to possible biases that his wealthy San Francisco donors might have about the working class. The fact that informed voters may be making an educated decision to vote for HRC is lost on him and makes him seem arrogant and out of touch. There is no excuse for any politician to tap into stereotypes or to make disparaging statements about poor, rural, white America. Senator Obama's words were extremely divisive and do not reflect the attitude of someone who could unite our country.

Some people want to read into his statement an attempt to be honest and shed light on the reality of rural PA, but he made his comments in a mansion in SF where the audience laughed when he joked about the reaction of small town American voters to a black politician. His link between guns, religion, and xenophobia to explain why he's losing the vote was disappointing and delegitimizes how people make decisions and live their lives in rural America. I think the energy of his campaign is great, but it seriously concerns me that he and his supporters are oblivious to how ugly and hurtful his comments were. If he is to bring us together--to unify us--he must give the people in small town Pennsylvania the same respect as his wealthy donors in San Francisco.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-no-surprise-that-ha_b_96188.html

Let me get this straight: Obama is "elitist" to suggest that people who've had their good-paying jobs snatched away and now put $4-a-gallon gas into their cars to deliver pizza are feeling bitter and frustrated? Every time I think that Clinton, McCain, and their pals in the media can't rise to a higher level of hypocrisy, they succeed in proving me wrong. Obama is right on target when he points out that many working people have given up on the idea that the government is going to do anything to protect their jobs or help improve their economic situation. So it makes sense that they at least try to make their voices heard on guns, and religious and social issues. Eliitism has nothing to do with that argument. It amazes me that the Clintons, with their $100 million payday, and McCain, with his beer heiress wife and lobbyist buddies, would have the gaul to accuse Obama of being an elitist.

I simply don't see what the issue is here. I'm not an Obama supporter (yet), but I don't see how his comments were condescending at all. It seems that his take on what's happening with America is pretty accurate. The only thing the he should have added is the scarier notion beyond small town America voting social rather than economic issues: That people get so frustrated THEY STOP VOTING PERIOD.

Obama says it and you blame Republicans for it.

Brilliant

Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the people." That was Barry-O's real mentor, Karl Marx.

In the Obama and Clinton future, The state is god and all are to serve it.

Distract. Distort. Divide. This is what the anti-Obama crowd here is good at. Solving the problems of small town Pennsylvanians and every-town Americans isn't on their agenda.

Posted by: rippermccord |
------------------------------------------

I don't believe these comments were solution to every-town Americans. Hope and change are the only solutions I've heard from him. When he over orates and gets himself in trouble he always goes back to hope and change.

What does that mean? I've been voting since 1956 and every candidate I've ever heard promises hope and change, but it never does except for Bush JR. Boy, did we get change, but not much hope. My bet is that it will be the same with Obama.

1. I have lived in small towns all my life. So many people here claim that people living in them are bitter. That's not my experience. Quite the contrary. Most of the people I know are quite happy, even though they generally have less material wealth than my urban friends. They will do anything for you--almost too much. (But I sure do feel the bitterness coming from the folks here; I suspect that's projection, or anger over repeated political losses, or something)

2. Bitterness is a terrible campaign strategy. Where is Barack's message of hope? I don't know a presidential candidate who has ever won by fanning the flames of resentment and bitterness. Good luck with that one. Another four years on the outside looking into the White House.

3. Chris needs to get out of the Beltway more often, too. Republicans didn't force Barack to make this stupid comment. Nor did they force Chris to write his dumb analysis.

Let's face it---Obama is a racist.

I saw you on Fox earlier today having a vapid conversation about this total non-issue with some other self-congratulatory faux journalist scumbags. Thank you, Mr. Cillizza, for buying into yet another stupid distortion.

Addition to my last post.

Marjon -- I think you meant "loser" not "looser." But what do I know.. I am just a stupid Pennsylvanian.

Marjon Quote "I did not know that pensylvania voters where so stupid and can not speak for themselves...they need looser Clinton and grandpa McCain to feed them words. Pls. do not make me laugh!"

Marjon.. I do not know what you are trying to say. You certainly cannot be from Pennsylvania because you cannot spell the state. Try spell check or the phone book.. and watch who you are hinting at being stupid.

I got to laugh.. that it takes scores of you to tell me what Obama said. It is like he needs an interpreters even though we are all speaking English. If he is elected President and has to visit foreign countries... he will not only need a translator.. but he will need a context translator. It's bad enough that things are lost in translation...

Maybe a few of us here can have a new career and a job in "What Obama Really Meant when he insulted you" when he speaks to those Foreign Leaders. Because Obama will not only need a translator in a language .. but will need a "oh it was out of context" translator. And if all of you don't get the Barack assignment... there is still more openings in the "Michelle" assignment.

--- I just wanted to add !!! ---
Then maybe those Obama supporters that are bitter ... will all have a job. You will have enough work to last you. Kudos..

I did not know that pensylvania voters where so stupid and can not speak for themselves...they need looser Clinton and grandpa McCain to feed them words. Pls. do not make me laugh!

Obama must be embittered to
cling to his racist church all these years.

Obama made these remarks at a San Francisco Oil Billionaire's Mansion during a private Fund raiser in Pacific Heights CA.. Why no to the people in smalltown? Yeah, that was helpful... Probably Sipping Champagne and eating Prime Rib.

We are from small town America - we are the people you are talking about, the people you say are leading "bitter" lives. Well, Senator Obama, nothing could be further from the truth. Here in small town America we lead productive lives full of belief in God and country. We live in communities where we go to church because we are hopeful, not because we are bitter. We believe that our passion for fair trade is born out of the principle of fair play, not frustration. We believe that the future of our country is bright and reflected every day in the stars and stripes of our country's flag.
We need a leader who will stand up for small town people and all Americans. Someone who understands that we are a resilient and hopeful people who are proud of our values and our communities. That, Senator Obama, is apparently not you.

The issue is not that he said people are bitter. The issue is that he said that their bitterness is what leads them to religion, guns and antipathy. This is huge. It shows the utter arrogance of a man who thinks he knows why people choose their belief systems and implies that it is rooted in negativity. Wow! And this coming from someone who sat and listened to Jeremiah Wright for twenty years. What gall. And he is unelectable in November. Wake up Democrats.
Same old chorus from Obama's silly supporters--"What did he say that was wrong. Why are people picking on my ill-equipped little clueless neophyte." This isn't a fan club for the cutest candidate people. We're electing a Democratic candidate who can win in November. It is not Barack Obama.

I got to laugh.. that it takes scores of you to tell me what Obama said. It is like he needs an interpreters even though we are all speaking English. If he is elected President and has to visit foreign countries... he will not only need a translator.. but he will need a context translator. It's bad enough that things are lost in translation...

Maybe a few of us here can have a new career and a job in "What Obama Really Meant when he insulted you" when he speaks to those Foreign Leaders. Because Obama will not only need a translator in a language .. but will need a "oh it was out of context" translator. And if all of you don't get the Barack assignment... there is still more openings in the "Michelle" assignment.

FUH QUE, iowatrasures

JanD wrote:

Do you hear that noise Democratic left wingers? Its the sound of republicans chewing up Obama and getting ready to spit. The last couple of days is just a TASTE of what to expect in the general IF he's nominated. ONLY CLINTON CAN BEAT THE republicans IN THE GENERAL ELECTION!!!
--------------------------------------

B*llsh*t. Hillary was the first to make a big deal of this non-issue. It's fine to argue that your candidate benefits from her lies about Obama, but the country won't benefit from Hillary in the White House. Not unless you consider listening to Hillary continually lying a "benefit."

Shame on Hillary Clinton. Shame on McCain. And shame on the infotainment media.

What did Obama say that was so wrong?

Here's his words:

"You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

On NBC's Today program, Lester Holt ran a report from correspondent Lee Cowan, who quoted only the part of Obama's remarks from "they cling" to "anti-trade sentiment." Holt, unable to resist referencing "Rev. Wright," then asked guest Howard Fineman of Newsweek if Obama would spin the remarks from negative to positive. Fineman called Obama an "elitist" and a "brilliant rhetorical tactician" in his pronounced bashing of Obama.

Screw Hillary. Screw McCain. And screw the media and the minions of hell represented here who can't take Obama at HIS word but have to use THEIR words to replace his honest and accurate context.

Here in Missouri, many people DO cling to guns, religion and and antipathy to minorities and trade -- in the same way and for the same reasons Obama was talking about Pennsylvanians.

In the last four years, Missourians have gone to the polls to vote on a ban on gay marriage (religion), a concealed carry law (guns) and anti-minority measures like the one the GOP and white construction companies want on the November ballot, an anti-affirmative action measure deceptively titled "The Missouri Civil Rights Initiative."

Hell yes, red meat issues bring out conservative GOP voters. That's why Republicans always feel compelled to split hairs and make voters take sides about the number of angels that can dance on pinheads at election time.

Distract. Distort. Divide. This is what the anti-Obama crowd here is good at. Solving the problems of small town Pennsylvanians and every-town Americans isn't on their agenda.

Here is the truth for interested and responsible voters:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G8dRMofHNs

responsible journalists back Obama

To typical White person...you are.

Coming from a small community where I do hear people say they want their towns to have English-speaking people only, or hearing them blame others because there are people who come here to give themselves along with their families a better life. Many do turn to religion to try and ease their sorrows. Instead of being judgmental, lets find out what small towns he is speaking of and who are in them. Don't through this out of context and say he was calling all blue-collar workers gun holders or prejudice, lets look at the meaning of the comment. If you have lost your job to someone overseas because they are paid $600 a month, or if your pension has been taken away from you after working 35 years, wouldn't you be a little mad? Haven't you heard of people going 'postal"? Well they hold guns. Obama is not saying everyone who is a blue-collar worker or everyone who lives in a small town is holding a gun. He is saying, with what is going on with the economy now, it's no wonder people are reaching out to different means to relive their frustration, such as church. At least he is not a liar. It's also very unfortunate that people have to continue to use his middle name, I think we all know it now.

Do you hear that noise Democratic left wingers? Its the sound of republicans chewing up Obama and getting ready to spit. The last couple of days is just a TASTE of what to expect in the general IF he's nominated. ONLY CLINTON CAN BEAT THE republicans IN THE GENERAL ELECTION!!!

The bottom line is clear: there are those people who are bitter - who have been slammed by these free trade agreements and who have been betrayed by our politicians.

Time and time again.

Then there are people who have been pushed by affirmative action programs - given college admissions when their scores were lower than others - pushed to fill quotas when there were better qualified candidates out there who did not have the correct color of skin -

To those who have been betrayed:

Those people who have received those benefits - who have Ivy League degrees whether they deserved to go or not based on merit - those people want to say to you: Don't be bitter, you still have your guns and religion.

Is he an Atheist?

I've been a Democrat for 27 years born and raised in the great state of Pennsylvania and rural PA, raised on a dairy farm. We have all of the issues here and yes, we have bitter American's!! But I have to say, Pennsylvania isn't alone in the "bitter department".

Posted by: Luanne | April 12, 2008 10:47 AM

Wow, a whiney Democrat, blaming others for their troubles.

I'm shocked (shocked I tell you!)

Someone thought I sounded bitter. No I am not bitter. PA as the rest of the US is going through a metamorphisis. In the 80's the computer age came to be .. then internet etc. Jobs come and jobs go. I keep hearing everyone say how eloquent Obama speaks. I am not upset with him saying some Pennsylvanians are disheartened... if that is what he said. But he stated to paraphrase that we cling to our guns and bibles ... also painted us as intolerant people.

I have read the postings from those that live within and outside of PA.

I have changed occupation just like everyone else. Yes the Steel Mills have moved out .. and the Coal Mines. But I am disgusted by the hypocrisy of some people. Let me ask... does it not burn you up that Michigan is a lot like PA with losing many jobs and occupations... WHY? Well look down the road... people driving foreign imports. Why its cheaper! No one deserves to lose his or her job if they work hard... but it happens.. you adapt and change. Yes it makes you sad... but life is change. There are beautiful homes in PA.. it is beautiful here today... People are just like everywhere else. Big hearts... hard workers...

I think that some of you are missing the point. Obama was not speaking to us... He was speaking to San Fran in a closed room. He painted us all the same way...

Right now if Obama tried to shake my hand.. I would say duh sorry... I have a gun in my left hand and a bible in my right..

I have a great job that I started in a new industry apx 1 year ago. Something that I have never done before. I love my job. My home is too small but I live within my means. Do I blame our government .. hmmm .. not really. Times change.. Chinese rode bikes and walked most times.. now they are driving cars... Russians used to stand in line to get rationed products... Sometimes things just have to balance out. If anyone thinks that the government is the answer to it all.. they are kidding themselves. When the going gets tough the tough gets going.

So stop whining and do what you can to bring jobs back to the United States.. because the last time I went through your house everything read made in China and you were washing your foreign import. So don't blame the government on everything .. look in the mirror and stop it ..

I take ownership in my life. I work hard .. and if I lose my job.. then I will do something else. How would Obama save our jobs... or bring Western PA jobs back.. do you really want to work for in the textiles and mining.. hell lets go back to steam .. or even further back to making fire and wheels. Most of you sound like constant complainers with no love in your life. Sound like a bunch of people with entitlement and welfare wishes. Get off your butt and support your local businessman.. and skip going to X-Mart and buying made in China. That is where your jobs went. I did not support NAFTA when it came to be in the 90's ... I worked in manufacturing and we signed a petition to stop it... but it came to be... and I do understand the good in free trade but I also understood the not so good.. everything is not always black and white. NAFTA is one of those Grey areas.. there is good and bad in it. But we try to tweek it until it works.

Obama wants to be a uniter... hmmpf.... he is too busy putting labels on people. Classifying his mother.. his preacher...
PA... this that and the other thing... He uses Guns and God like they were bad words... but condemns someone if they classify Rev. Wright etc. Interesting. Oh he speaks well and dazzles... SO WHAT!

Work is work. Life is life.. and I plan to constantly move to make my life and my fellow Americans lives better. Instead of sitting around and crying because the government has not spoon fed me.

So right now I am going to wash my car.. and garden.. because that is what some people in PA are doing ..

I grew up in Michigan. All of the manufacturing jobs have disappeared while corporate CEOS become multi-millionaires. There are a lot of bitter people in the Rust Belt. And no one is willing to speak up for them.

I wonder when McCain or Clinton last shopped for groceries or went to the gas station?

It's true that guns, religion, anti-trade and anti-immigrant issues are seen as Republican issues, but only because the GOP has used the most extreme leftists as poster children in its long campaign of spreading fear of Democrats. Most Democrats also believe in God, go to church, agree with a personal right to bear arms, are troubled by unfair trade and don't like illegal immigration.

But you'd never know it from the GOP, whose leaders like to set up hair-splitting arguments that demonize scapegoats and do nothing to solve problems.

Thank God we have Hillary Clinton (net worth $110 million) and John McCain (net worth $250 million, condo in Aspen & 7 other vacation homes, private jet, etc) to stand up for the little guy against Obama the elitist.

Where is the put down of small town America? The point was clearly made by Obama that small town American deserves to be heard but Washington doesn't listen.

This sort of political exploitation by distortion is another indication that in the communication centered age we are manipulated to vote more and more on personality not competence or issues.

man, I've watched that speech now over and over...it's so freaking brilliant!

Geez, Obama!

Hillary, you've already lost, and McCain, get ready....you don't have a chance

Man, Obama; what a amazing guy...this speech is a classic !

Hope it becomes his next tv ad

I agree with CNN's Toobin,Borger and Cafferty.

If CNN is saying this, who isn't?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G8dRMofHNs&eurl=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/4/11/235050/410/205/494075.

Thank you Barack Obama for having the courage to say what is really going on in Pennsylvania. I find it refreshing, being a resident of the great state of Pennsylvania, and living and working around the people in rural Northwestern Pennsylvania, I hear it all the time that Barack is willing to speak the truth. He recognizes the fact that American's are bitter, it's not just Pennsylvania, but we certainly have a large share of them right here!!

So why can't Hillary "get it"!! Barack is not downing Pennsylvania AT ALL!! He's helping us to cry out for help and he is RIGHT!! Barack is our voice in Washington!! I hear these people with their bitterness all the time and I'm right there along with them. Basically, the opinion of rural Pennsylvania is that with all the factories either being shut down or bought out by foreign countries, ie Canada and China come to mind quickly, and Walmart and the way they treat their people and the outsourcing which all of these big companies have been doing, taking jobs away. I even told my staunch pro-Hillary democrat mother this morning, at the age of 76, she is bitter and she said NO and I said, but Mom, you ARE bitter!! She said, well, there's nothing we can do about it, the way everything has "gone to hell in a handbasket"!!! I said, but you're still bitter!! But she's also, all about Hillary and I say "so be it"!! Pennsylvanian's when they have their mind made up about something they are tough nuts to crack, but they're still bitter as hell and I don't blame them, because I'm bitter too, but I also believe that Barack Obama is the man for the job. I appreciate the fact that Barack has identified and understands it. If nothing else, Pennsylvania should open their eyes and realize that this man "gets it" and I, along with other Pennsylvanian's for Barack Obama get it too and we also believe that without hope, we have nothing. I hope that the good people of Pennsylania will hear that he's simply speaking the truth, he's on our same playing field and that's what scares the hell outta Hillary is that we can relate to Barack!!

I've been a Democrat for 27 years born and raised in the great state of Pennsylvania and rural PA, raised on a dairy farm. We have all of the issues here and yes, we have bitter American's!! But I have to say, Pennsylvania isn't alone in the "bitter department". If we can turn this bitterness into a "fire in our bellies", I believe that we can all come through this together!!

Obama 2008

To rmorrow. You asked for a response to the religion and guns issue. For Obama to say it's because of the economy people cling to their religion or guns is not true. Where I come from, I would say at least 75% or more of the religious voters cannot get beyond gays, guns & abortion issues, and will only vote republican, no matter how bad the economy is or what a lousy job GWB has done or how he has ruined this country, because they truly believe the republican party gives a hoot about these issues. I know voters so passionate about their guns that they will only vote republican regardless of how rotten the last seven years have been, because they're scared to death a democrate will take their guns from them. This is their mindset.

in 2006 there was a resolution to ban the cluster bombs use during the Israil/Lebanon war. Between these three presidential candidates. McCain and Clinton voted for the cluster bombs use while Obama voted against it. Time and time again Obama is using his common sense. People please try not to get destructed base on the misstatement. Try to look for the characters of these candidates.

Yes, Barak Obama should have been more sensitive. His comment about those "bitter" people in Western Pennsylvania who had lost their jobs will come back to haunt him. Nonetheless, what he said was true. It was their bloated union benefits and their continual demand for even more benefits that drove their employers to take their business elsewhere, first to right-to-work Southern States and later to China and other foreign countries. NAFTA and illegal immigrants had noting to do with it. If those unemployed folks want to get back on their feet or, at least, avoid passing their misery on to their children, they need to stop scapegoating and face the truth. They might ponder the words of the 1950's comic strip sage, Pogo, who said: "We have met the enemy, and they are us."

Obama reminds me of Clinton 1992, the Republicans will bash him unmercifully and he'll come right back at them. That's what the Dems were lacking in 2000 and 2004 when they gave away very winnable presidential elections, or how ever you want to describe what happened in 2000. At least if we lose, we'll have gone down fighting if he's the nominee. I think that would be true of Ms. Clinton as well.

McCain is right. Obama is out of touch.

Have any of you ever KNOWN of small town America NOT I repeat NOT to be be clinging to guns, church goers and leary of strangers. Typical white people.

I ask you have you ever? It's their way of life. It has nothing to do with bitterness.

OBAMA OUT OF TOUCH.

Now Obama go to Detroit and preach about the bitterness there. Blame all the murderers, robbers and crack city on bitterness.

Better yet visit the rich white people in Ca and tell them that blacks are bitter towards them. Wright preaches just that.

I do not understand how any working class middle-income family think that Hilary & Bill can have their interest at heart - look at their financial records since leaving office. They've accumulated a fortune & become a very welathy couples. How did Bill get his $ from foreign speaking engagements & don't forget he brought NAFTA into play!!! John & Cindy McCain are one of wealthiest couples in US. So who are the elitist here between the candidates in regards to financial power & wealth???

More broad generalizations from a elitists. What is his point? That small town America should be more like big city America? Did he do such a great job getting jobs for the inner city youth in Chicago NO NO NO! Crime, gangs, unemployment and high school drop out rate skyrocketed in th districts that Obama represented. He went to San Francisco and insult fly over country That is his right. It is also very America, very patriotic for US citizens to express their dissent of his ridicule, condescension, stereotyping, and dismissiveness. He insulted the moral beliefs of those in small towns who don't participate in San Francisco style parades where transvestites dressed as nuns hold sex toys. I guess those small town people really need to get with the hip Obammunists.

The reason Obama should have said those hicks back in PA are bigots gun-holding, religious zealots, is because they ARE bigots gun-holding, religious zealots. That's not quite what he said, but I'll say it for him. The folks there (and everywhere else) who've been out of work for 25 years, whose jobs got sent overseas by corporate fatcats and are never coming back, who have no hope and no prospects, are bitter and have every right to be bitter. But instead of being bitter at the corporate fatcats and their Greedy Ol' Party enablers, they are bitter at outsiders and anyone different than themselves. They swallow hook, line, and sinker the lie that liberals want to take their guns away. They have no faith in politicans because politics have become so poisoned by the extreme-right-wing-zealots, so they put their faith in zealot preachers who reassure them God said it's not their fault.

By any rational definition, Obama told the truth. But the Greedy Ol' Party can't handle the truth. All they know is lashing out at anyone and everyone they perceive as an enemy, which includes most of America.

Bill and Hillary sure sound like the man on the street.We all made $109 million over the last seven years advising people how they could get around the laws of the country. We all get to flaunt the laws and morals and ethics like the Clintons did.The Clintons profess to be of the people, but what kind of a country would we be if we all had as little respect for what is moral, legal and ethical as the Clintons do?Their behavior sets a poor example. What if we all lied like Hillary does on the campaign trail?Then Bill Clinton tells two more lies and Hillary tells two more to go around the first lie. Is that the kind of leader the country needs?

if you read the whole article of what he said, these are the comments which many find the most offensive...when he said this about Penn. workers who lose their jobs...

"...And it`s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren`t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." - Sen. Barack Obama

what an arrogant, snob...so, he thinks the Penn. working-class gets bitter...and when things get tough with jobs being lost, etc., workers in Penn. turn to guns, (read...violence and crime), to religion, (read...out of bitterness), to antipathy towards people not like them, (read...racism), or anti-immigrant sentiment, (read...more racism), anti-trade sentiments, (read...excuses), to explain their frustrations.

so, properly translated from Obama-Speak, when things get tough in Penn. with workers losing their jobs, they get bitter and over-emotional, turn to violence and crime, to religion out of bitterness, to racism, and to excuses to explain their frustrations.

i never, and never have, fit any of his descriptions...and the stereotyping is outrageous and infuriating!...obviously, this guy`s COMPLETELY LOST when it comes to Penn.`s middle-class workers! indeed, it sounds like Obama doesn`t know Penn. workers very well at all...and what it`s like to actually lose a job...

the remarks speak for themselves...that`s what he really thinks of unemployed Penn. workers and how they behave, etc...and Penn. workers in general...nice to know that sometimes, the real BO slips thru showing us all what he`s really like...and what he really is!

Oops, Obama has been caught doing something awful. He told the truth.

Maybe, and I mean maybe, he made a mistake singling out PA over other states. But please, tell me, what did he say that was incorrect?

People are bitter in this country, and they have every right to be. They're frustrated with their government doing nothing to help them keep their jobs. They want to know that they'll be able to keep their homes and send their kids to college.

And, time and time again, people vote against their economic interests. One need only look at the direct mail that conservative groups sent out in 2004 to see what's happening in this country. The social issues he mentioned (gun control, immigration, gay marriage) are used to divide and conquer. It's been in the GOP playbook since the rise of the Moral Majority.

And you would be more than welcome to be offended if these tactics weren't successful. But they have been. Extremely successful. So, as all of you spend your time wallowing in your false sense of indignity, try to remember that.

He may lose because of this situation, as much as it pains me to say it. He'll lose, but at least he's honest.

Signed,

A 30-Year-Old College Graduate Who Can't Find Work

Bella Bella ===you sound bitter.

IS HE NOT RIGHT!? I mean, think about it. Put yourself in a hypothetical situation where you have been making your living in a factory in small-town America and all of a sudden your job gets shipped to Mexico because of NAFTA. Would you be bitter? You bet. I feel that Obama is speaking the truth.

When I heard just the snipets of Obama's comments being flashed around the cable news. I thought my God not again!! But when I read and heard the complete message I realize that he was trying to bring to the attention the frustration of the middle class in the small town of middle America. People are reacting without getting the real facts; Please analyze and search everything before judging this man. For once in our lifetime a candidate who is telling the truth. He is not perfect what at stake is voting for candidates that might bring us another war which Clinton and McCain represents.

Wow, lots of Pennsylvanians whining about their lost jobs. Guess what - it's a global economy, and jobs will be gained and lost. It's not the politician's fault (or anyone's fault), it's the nature of the world.

If you want to survive/thrive, you better get some skills that people need, not hold onto the old ones like grim death, moaning how some Mexicans or Chinese stole your bloated manufacturing wages.

Interesting this morning's line is that Obama's obvious misstep, even WP objective anyalys saying so this morning turns into a sickening attack on HC. Its her fault she and her H's 400,000 d*** jobs for Pa made me say it. Now she is "the equivalent of the plague" and Samantha Powers calling her a monster are absolutely correct according to Obama apologist. So her apology and admission of calling her opponent a monster should be taken back. HC says the voters she has talked to are optimistic and positive I guess saying they are bitter and that is why they cling to the bible makes sense to Obama supporters.

And this suggestion by you, blame the voters if you can't blame Bill Clinton for those durn 400,000 jobs:

"The point was that instead of trying to change things, people take solace in their own misery and become bitter and resentful at the outside world. You can change the way things are."

right its the voters' fault yell at the voters if yelling at HC doesn't get your way. Keep saying that to Pa voters, yeah right why don't you also just call Peynslvanians stupid and lazy while you are at it, that should win you lots of support for your candidate.

The we hear:

For the first time in my adult life, this bitter, clingy, typical white person wishes that the Obama's would just go away.

Obama

I just wanted to add... you may look down your nose as us here in PA. But we are proud to put in a hard days work. I do not own a gun.. but it takes money to put bullets in those guns that we all supposedly own and money to put into church collection (so we can't be doing too badly). San Francisco has a different dimension and life style. I live in a town where children still play outside everyday.

If you want to say something bad about PA... its the winter weather and ice.

It is how you said it... to make a point you threw us under a bus. People come to PA to see the Liberty Bell... Gettysburg... Valley Forge... Hershey Kisses... the Pocono's ... skiing... You have the rest of America thinking why vacation in PA if we are just a bunch of nuts running around like some Commune Camp. Maybe PA tourism should address your comments.

Obama should of addressed PA concerns with PA.. not in some room in California... And he should not have broadly stroked Pennsylvanians as people that cling to their guns and bibles .. and that we fear immigrants... when most of us here are immigrants and transplants themselves. It was a snob statement...

Watch out America... next he will be over in a Foreign Country airing all of the United States dirty laundry and dishing on all of us.. and not just PA.

My advice is Please think before you speak.
And for those of you trying to tell me that no one should be insulted and this is what he really said...... blah blah blah... He said what he said.. and he did not say it to PA.... He painted a picture of PA that is depressing .. and making us look like we live in the USSR...
The ends do not justify the means.

Ciao

"then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." So this is what Sen. Obama thinks of us poor, little, feeble-minded, small-town hicks, huh? Nice. And this guy is the "Great Uniter" candidate, right? Then he tries to cover it up by saying, "Oh, I meant that small-town people are bitter about losing their jobs." And he thinks we are just so stupid that we will fall for that line. Nevermind that he just generally accused us small town folk of being gun-toting, xenophobic, religious zealots. This guy is such a snob.

"then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." So this is what Sen. Obama thinks of us poor, little, feeble-minded, small-town hicks, huh? Nice. And this guy is the "Great Uniter" candidate, right? Then he tries to cover it up by saying, "Oh, I meant that small-town people are bitter about losing their jobs." And he thinks we are just so stupid that we will fall for that line. Nevermind that he just generally accused us small town folk of being gun-toting, xenophobic, religious zealots. This guy is such a snob.

I would like to address the die hard supporters of Obama. You have claimed coming back to PA and that what Obama has said is true.

Pennsylvania is not a small state. I live in North Eastern PA. Which is One hour and 15 minutes from NYC. Pocono's is a bedroom community to New York City. We have many New Yorkers that live here in the North East and that commute to New York. We have Casino's that are just starting to sprout up all over the place.

I have lived in Scranton PA.. you may now it as the city where the TV show Office is suppose to be set. It is an Old Coal Mining Region.. My grandfather was a Coal Miner that died of black lung. Times changed and Coal Mining dwindled. Scranton was not that same industrial scene anymore... it had to change with the times as anywhere else. My moms side of the family were Russian Immigrants. My father son of Italian/Sicilian Immigrants.

I have lived in Central Pennsylvania .. and yes Hershey have some major lay-offs. But Central PA is home of our Capitol... so it is full of politicians... And Harrisburg is not so tiny.... Nor is Williamsport Home of Baseball Little League.

I went to college out in Johnstown PA .. which is Western PA... Western PA is where some of your great actors Jimmy Stewart, Michael Keaton and Jeff Goldblum... and not to mention Pittsburgh Steelers. And yes there are miners there for years that lost their jobs.. because other energy sources were cleaner.. and environmental and safety etc. Some of those people yes were waiting for their jobs to come back... Hard for change. It is hard for me and hard for you...

Oh yes there is Philadelphia... and that is no small city either.

Dear Obama, You went to California for which I have been several times. You went and spoke behind my back... Making fun of us. There is a difference between PA and CA. I have changed my occupation from manufacturing to technical. Why? Because as time progresses so shall I. Adaptation. I loved my grandfather the coal miner.. but he too knew that life changed. He stayed in his small town... for the love of his family and friends. He could never sit at a table because he was used to crouching in the mines and lost his finger to boot. He vowed to his family way back that he would never take welfare ... He never admitted that he was poor. In my eyes he never was.

We are fighters here in PA.. we have changed with the times.

Obama, how is what you said any different then Rev. Wright putting us all into one classification? You say you are for Hope and Change... You say you dislike people small minds.

PA is PO for Potential. And for those of you who come back home... you left when you were 18 and most likely love where you live now. There is nothing wrong with that.. but why don't you ask your folks and family why they did not leave.. and I do not mean recently because of home price.. but all during the years. It is the same reason you hang on to that pair of old shoes... It is comfort and sensibility.

You spoke behind our backs like a gossip. It hurt. Please next time you pass through PA .. don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Sorry, I have to go and clean my gun and beat my bible.

why didn't obama ever serve in the US Military...
oh, yeah, he hates America and people who work for a living

Those who pounced within moments may well come to rue that they did so.

You know, I think it's time for us as Americans to grow up. We are currently in a war that has lasted longer than WWII, an economy that is in a recession; we're paying almost $4 a gallon on gas, and our jobs are leaving. We finally are blessed with a candidate that isn't going to sugarcoat his comments about the problems in this county. For example: "We should talk to our enemies" or "Parents need to be better parents", or "People are bitter", and what do we do? We play gotcha politics, get all offended, and let a handful of pundits drill these negative ideas in our heads all day. Making things better in this country is not going to be easy and it's going to take more than the usual B.S. from our politicians to make things better. Obama is absolutely right. People are bitter about their situations and they should be. But I'll take it one step further, the reason guys like Bush are elected for two terms is because we as a country don't vote on the issues that are important we vote for what makes us feel comfortable and we accept being spoken to as children, matter of fact we're like children who always wants desert but never want to eat our vegetables but then we complain when we have a toothache. We complain every four years about how our politics are run amuck and how we never have any clear choices...Life's funny because this year Americans will be tested, this year we as Americans will have to show that we're ready to be treated like adults, this year Americans may have to accept the fact that the best person for the job is a skinny, young, black man with a Muslim name. Irony? Sure. Or maybe it's just time for us to grow up and eat our vegetables.

Words of Wisdom = Ranting of a Wacko

All this rhetoric about how "good" the democratic candidates are - that is just an urban legend that simply isn't true - these two candidates are horrible, horrible, horrible.

Try to tell that to some wacko lefto - they will not listen.

The democrats did this to themselves - they had 2 really good candidates in Biden and Dodd - and the democracts refused to finance these candidates adequately. The democrats who chose to send their money where they did during the primaries did this to their own party - IT just goes to show what kind of judgement the democrats rank and file exercise.

Obama's real problem is that he thinks too much about himself. He is spending time in Indiana talking about Pennsylvania and San Francisco, and himself, instead of talking about Indiana and the people of Indiana.

If you listen to the comments in their entirety, you get the sense that Obama has a great deal of compassion for people who are hurting and have been forgotten by the powerful in this country. And although his statements about some who cling to guns or religion or fear of those who are different may have sounded harsh, and were not advisable comments to make, politically, they were also courageous and honest attempts to understand and explain what is motivating some of out citizens.

By the way, Kathy, gun toting Bible thumpers cannot take care of themselves. The states in the Bible belt receive a larger share of federal revenue per capita compared to the rest of the country. Always have, probably always will. And you talk about Marxism! You're clueless!

For too long fear, division and rancor as instruments to maintain power and position in Washington.

Why are the Clintons' traditional adversaries Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity now embracing Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Party's nominee? Because both the Clintons and John McCain are willing sparring partners in the fear mongering arena, whereas Barack Obama's means of governing through confidence, unity and reason threatens the wealth, power and position of these fear mongers.

It's refreshingly nice to see the better angels of America's character prevailing as voters reject the racial, religious and ethnic slurs being spewed by the divisive surrogates of the Clintons, Limbaugh and Hannity.

Hillary Clinton says her economic policies will restore the economic policies of her husband's administration. However both Hillary and her husband failed to demonstrate any economic wisdom or foresight as Alan Greenspan warned of irrational exuberance while the sub prime housing loans and dot com investment bubbles were created and pandered during her husband's administration and both supported China's entry into the World Trade Organization without any conditions such as protecting the environment or labor and property rights to levels that are comparable to western standards.

The U.S. government surplus (generated by taxes raised from the housing and investment bubbles) evaporated once the housing and investment bubbles burst.

Furthermore, China today is not only a leading contributor to environmental pollution and global warming (thank you very much Mr. Nobel Laureate, Al Gore), it's also pushing up oil and other commodity prices, taking our jobs and stealing our intellectual property.

Like the Roaring Twenties decade that preceded the Great Depression, the Irrational Nineties that preceded our current decade were both golden ages for technology, scandal-plagued politicians, corporate greed, and unrestrained personal debt and speculation.

As the global economy teeters on the brink of economic meltdown not unlike the Great Depression, America doesn't need finger pointing and fear mongering, America needs a president whose economic policies are based on confidence, unity and reason. America needs Barack Obama.

When political and military judgment mattered most to U.S. military personnel and the American people, John McCain and Hillary Clinton failed as U.S. Senators to demonstrate any commander-in-chief qualities when without competent questioning, they both accepted the faulty intelligence used to justify the Iraq war and misjudged the Bush administration's competencies to lead the war.

Barack Obama on the other hand demonstrated his superior judgment and commander-in-chief qualities when he took an unpopular position and cautioned that without clear rationale an invasion of Iraq would encourage the worst impulses of the Arab world and strengthen Al Qaeda's recruitment.

Now, John McCain advocates maintaining U.S. troops in Iraq indefinitely which does little to incentivize the Iraqi government to deliver the political reforms needed to promote civil unity whereas Barack Obama's threat to withdraw U.S. troops does more to incentivize the Iraqi government to deliver the necessary reforms.

As the threat of global terrorism persists, neither John McCain or Hillary Clinton have demonstrated any understanding of the complexities of building and maintaining global alliances to confront this common enemy. America needs a president with demonstrated commander in chief qualities, leadership and judgment. America needs Barack Obama.

If experience, wisdom and judgment may be relied upon to judge a presidential candidate's abilities to solve problems, then let's look at the records of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

2007 - While Barack Obama promoted a restoration of balance between work and wealth and criticized special interests for distorting U.S. tax codes, Hillary Clinton and her husband liquidated their blind trust of the nearly $50 million amassed during their years in public office.

2002 - While Barack cautioned that without clear rationale an invasion of Iraq would encourage the worst impulses of the Arab world and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Qaeda, Hillary told Larry King she didn't regret her vote on the Iraq war resolution because like the Bush administration, the Clinton administration viewed Saddam Hussein as a threat to the international community.

1999 - While Barack secured bipartisan support for health-care reform and passage of low-income tax credits and child care subsidies in the Illinois legislature, Hillary supported her husband's Iraq "regime change" policy in order to divert public attention from the president's marital, legal and ethical infidelities.

1989 - While Barack Obama served as the Harvard Law Review's first black president, Hillary Clinton then wife of the Arkansas governor received payments from a law firm that was doing the state's business and received board of director payments from Wal-Mart where she remained silent about Wal-Mart's anti-labor union practices.

1979 - While Barack Obama was actively involved in the South African divestment movement to end apartheid, Hillary reaped profits of almost 10,000% in the futures markets and left taxpayers with her real-estate losses in the Savings & Loan bailout.

The Clintons would have us believe that Hillary and Bill have been thoroughly vetted. If that were true, then why don't we have answers for:

FOREIGN: How will Hillary know whether Bill's advice serves U.S. interests or the interests of his Russian, Chinese, Indian, Kazakhstan, Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Brunei clients?

MONEY: Do the Clinton Foundation, Clinton Library, Clinton campaign and Clintons tax records show a proper accounting for the sources and uses of funds?

PARDONS: Will Hillary "reject" contributions or compensation from persons she pardons unlike her husband Bill who accepted contributions from Marc Rich, partner of Viktor Bout (the merchant of death), and her brother Hugh Rodham who accepted compensation from drug lords who were pardoned by Bill?

Voters in Pennsylvania now have an opportunity to change the direction of America's policies, economy and foreign relations for the better by voting for Barack Obama and rejecting the fear mongers.

As a Republican-leaning independent, I will vote for the Democratic nominee if it is Barack Obama but I will not vote for the Party's nominee if Hillary Clinton is on the ticket. America needs Barack Obama.

Obama's a Marxist! Now that's a wingnut talking!

Obama's just another elite liberal that wants to take care of all of us clueless, gun toting bible thumpers as we can't possibly take care of ourselves. The man's a Marxist.

I have lived in a small border town on the PA/NJ border for over twenty years. There's plenty of bitterness in PA. There are plenty of guns. I live near Easton, PA, and people have been out of work for generations. I dare the Obama critics to come to PA and visit just any town, and you will hear and see bitterness. Talk politics, and you will find people don't even vote anymore, they are so bitter.

I have seen it first hand. Senator Obama speaks the truth.

The same people who voted for Bush (Twice!) are now calling Obama elitist! Bush, the guy who lied us into war and sends America's children off to die while his kids party-on stateside! Yeah, right. The guy who has gutted the US economy and who's brought us $4 a gallon gas! And McCain's no elitist, nah! He's just one of the Keating Five (kinda like the Jackson Five without soul). He loves the war and wants to see America bogged down there for another hundred years. And Hillary can't keep straight what happened in Bosnia and voted with the GOP on the Credit and Bankruptcy Bill, a sop to the Financial lobby.

What a crock of s_t this "elitist" meme is! Someone yells "elitist" and the wingnuts repeat it in unison. How rare!

The Starbucks liberal offers his views on the quaint working class...

Bitter? Hell yes we are, and he hit the nail on the head.
-We are bitter about the Bush/Clinton war and the more than 4 thousand dead and 10's of thousands wounded young Americans.
-We are bitter about the Bush Economy.
\We are bitter about American Jobs going overseas, and bitter about NAFTA.
-We are bitter about poor health care.
-We are bitter about corrupt politicians.
SAY IT LOUDER OBAMA...HELL YES WE ARE BITTER!
!WE ARE BITTER, ANGRY, MAD, DISAPPOINTED, DISMAYED, AND UPSET. Thankfully OBAMA give us reason to HOPE...Hold On Pray Everyday.
HILLARY, YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH. Americans are indeed BITTER!

To all of the Obma supporters who claim that he is just speaking the truth, please tell me:

That you believe that people in small towns:

1) Don't really have religious faith. They are just "clinging" to it due to economic reasons.

2) Don't really believe in the 2nd Ammendment. They are just "clinging" to it due to economic reasons

3) Are xenophobes who don't like people who look different than them?

I've asked this question several times tonight, but can't get an answer. This is what I heard the guy say. Can someone tell me where I am wrong?

Posted by: rmorrow | April 11, 2008 10:20 PM
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This just shows how each of us brings our own biases to what see, hear, and read ...

Obama should stay way from providng this type of punditry analysis when answering questions, but that doesn't make what he said offensive. I live in Federalsburg, MD. Look it up. It is a very small town. Like others that have previously posted, I have heard on numerous occassions accustations that Obama is a Muslim, is unpatriotic, etc. I expect I'll now hear that he is an elitist. Most ofe people arond here are FOX News junkies and will vote GOP, which is intersting since they are primarily farmers and hourly wage workers (average annual income is just over $25K/year).

I was an Edwards supporter and will support whomever is the Democratic nominee, so I have no dog in this hunt, but as far as I am concenred this is just another case of much ado about nothing.

So in response, your response shows your own biases. Here is my interpretation of what was said.

1) Don't really have religious faith. They are just "clinging" to it due to economic reasons.

"But the truth is, is that, our challenge is to get people persuaded that we can make progress when there's not evidence of that in their daily lives... So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

What he's saying is that the economic situation creates a litany of behaviors (other than racism, see response to question 3)that individuals "cling to" to "explain their furstrations," i.e, place blame on someone else for their situation. He doesn't say that is the only reason people are religious, or cling to the second amendment (guns), or are anti-immigrant, etc.

2) Don't really believe in the 2nd Ammendment. They are just "clinging" to it due to economic reasons

See response to 1.

3) Are xenophobes who don't like people who look different than them?

He is saying that regarding his problems with rural voters in PA (I am guessing he is reponding to a question here), "everybody just ascribes it to 'white working-class don't wanna work -- don't wanna vote for the black guy.' That's...there were intimations of that in an article in the Sunday New York Times today - kind of implies that it's sort of a race thing."

In other words, he is defending the rural voters and saying they ARE NOT xenophobes.

I am a Pennsylvanian and nothing that Barack Obama said in that conversation with fundraisers (it was not a speach, but a conversation with a group of fundraisers) was insulting or offensive, if anything it was nice to hear someone actually get it right. People in America, especially small towns, have been getting screwed by the big cats for years. Jobs have been leaving these areas in droves, most of them thanks for flawed trade agreements like the Clinton supported NAFTA. People are struggling and Washington has turned its back on them for a long time. Being bitter and holding on to