First thoughts: Take a deep breath

Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 9:14 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Time to take a deep breath? In the span of 72 hours, Obama’s controversial “bitter” remarks traveled from the Huffington Post (which published the original story) and the blogs that picked it up, to the campaign trail and cable TV, and then to the Sunday morning shows and last night’s Compassion discussion. And it will likely reappear at today’s manufacturing forum in Pittsburgh (which Obama addresses at 8:45 am ET and Clinton at 11:00 am), and also at Wednesday’s debate in Philly. The story clearly is a problem for the Obama campaign, but how big of one is anybody’s guess until we begin to see some good polls or until after the Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina contests. Perhaps being cynical, what primary voter that was already with him will now leave him over this? So far, Obama has had an uncanny ability to turn lemons into lemonade -- whether it was over the “unsavory world leaders” brouhaha last July, the “Republicans were the party of ideas” debate in January, or the recent Wright controversy. Will he do it again this time? If so, he may very well be this cycle’s Teflon Man, a characteristic that might not be lost on Democratic superdelegates. If not, we could once again have a real Dem race on our hands. But beware of anyone -- especially the fairly elite political operatives and pundits from DC and New York -- who thinks they have answer. It's always amusing to watch folks (be they candidates or pundits) who haven't lived in a small town ever or in over 20 years try to claim they actually know how small-town America thinks.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd gives an overview of the weekend's political news, touching on the "bitter" battle and the upcoming Pennsylvania primary.

*** Does Lee Atwater live? No one knows for sure whether these controversial comments have done damage. But the assumption is that they did. Why? It's the lesson many in the media and in the Democratic Party learned from Lee Atwater and Roger Ailes in the 1988 presidential race. The guy who could really take advantage of a comment like this is Bill (Astroturf in his El Camino) Clinton, and he isn't running. Neither Hillary nor John McCain seems like someone who can easily relate to the folks both campaigns are claiming Obama alienated (more on that below). There's no question Obama is struggling to connect, but are the other two only connecting a tad more because Obama can't? It is very reminiscent of '88, when two fairly elite candidates, George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis, were the choices, and Atwater/Ailes turned the more ethnic candidate – Dukakis -- into the Yankee and somehow made the Yalie Bush into the down-home candidate (mmm, pork rinds).

*** Slighting Gore and Kerry? At last night's compassion forum, Clinton surprisingly took a direct shot at Gore and Kerry in trying to make the point as to why Obama's comment was so damaging. Here's what she said: “We had two very good men and men of faith run for president in 2000 and 2004. But large segments of the electorate concluded that they did not really understand or relate to or frankly respect their ways of life.'' So did SHE believe they didn't respect their ways of life? Clinton going right after the Gore-Kerry comparison was a risky strategy, but it may be her only chance of trying to sell this as an issue to Dem primary voters who may not believe Obama said anything that bad. Clinton HAD to make the connection to electability to potentially move Dem primary voters (or more importantly, superdelegates). But it's risky because in order to draw the link, she has to sell a negative message about Kerry and Gore -- something that certainly won't sit well with either former Dem nominee (and it was something Obama subtlely seized upon at last night’s forum). Still, the average Dem superdelegate does believe that, ultimately, the reason why Gore and Kerry lost was because they were out of touch. So while Dem activists won't be swayed by this argument, the cold, calculating superdelegate just might.

*** The Potential to backfire? That said, it’s also worth pointing out that this controversy could end up backfiring on Clinton and (to a lesser extent) McCain. Both campaigns have been fanning the flames with glee, and there is a real sense that the Clinton camp sees this as a game-changing moment. But in a change election, when polls show that 81% think the nation is on the wrong track, there is a danger of not recognizing voters’ anger or bitterness; you don’t want to get caught up defending the status quo. In addition, do Clinton and McCain really want to fight over God and guns -- issues that aren’t particularly strengths for either candidate? They just appear less out-of-touch than Obama. Indeed, Obama struck back yesterday at Clinton, “She's talkin like she's Annie Oakley! Hillary Clinton's out there like she's on the duck blind every Sunday.” McCain, meanwhile, didn’t even show up to last night’s Compassion forum. And it’s probably not lost on voters that both Clinton’s and McCain’s families have millions upon millions of dollars. Sometimes when you try to fan the flames, you can get burned.

*** The narratives are set: What this controversy has done, however, is cement the opposition narrative for Obama should he become the Dem nominee -- that he is an elitist, out-of-touch snob. In addition to this, they will point to his Ivy League degrees, his wondering about the cost of arugula at Whole Foods, and his surprise that folks in Iowa cared what was going on in Burma/Myanmar, and even his now-famous bowling excursion. And they will add a dash of the patriotism card (flag lapel pins, Rev. Wright, that Michelle Obama comment). That narrative matches up against Clinton’s (suspicions about trustworthiness/willingness to say or do anything to win/ Bill Clinton back in the White House) and McCain’s (fine with the US being in Iraq for 100 years/doesn’t know much about the economy/tied to George W. Bush). What does this mean for Clinton's hopes of stopping Obama? Well, right now, the campaign can make the case he's no longer more electable than Clinton. And they NOW believe this small-town remark means they have a case to make that he's LESS electable than she is. BUT is even LESS electable enough, or does he have to become completely UNELECTABLE until Supers move en masse to Clinton?

*** Bill's ties to China? While all the attention is on Obama’s “bitter” remarks, could the man who was the focus of Friday’s news before the controversy erupted -- Bill Clinton -- be a bigger concern for Democratic superdelegates? Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported that a Chinese firm, which has generously given to the Clinton Foundation, has collaborated with the Chinese government in its crackdown of Tibetan activists. Why is this story significant? Because Hillary is out in front of the issue of asking Bush to boycott the opening Olympics ceremony in Beijing due in part to China’s actions here, and she repeated her call at last night’s forum. How many other potential conflicts of interest concerning Bill are out there?

*** The delegate count: Obama picked up a superdelegate over the weekend, Rep. Nancy Larson, a DNC member from Minnesota. Larson had been a Clinton endorser, who went uncommitted and now is supporting Obama. The superdelegate count: Clinton 259, Obama 231. In the overall count, Obama leads by 136 (1,647-1,511). He has a 164 pledged-delegate lead (1,416-1,252).

*** On the trail: Elsewhere today, Clinton attends the Philadelphia Democratic Dinner and then holds an evening rally in Bristol, PA; McCain attends the AP annual meeting in DC and then heads to a Pittsburgh fundraiser; and Obama also attends the AP annual meeting in DC before heading to the Philadelphia Democratic Dinner. In addition, Bill Clinton campaigns in Indiana, while Ted Kennedy stumps for Obama in Erie, PA.

Countdown to Pennsylvania: 8 days
Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 22 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 204 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 281 days

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Comments

Hey God Forbid.....did you see who was at the fundraiser in San Francisco....??? Common every day workers supporting Obama .... not billionaires. Obama is far from an elitist....graduating from Harvard that nurtures intellectual abilities from candidates around the world often without any elitist connection. And even if Obama was a "dyed in the wool" elitist, I certainly would prefer that presence within the respected walls of the White House than a crook. Then again Bill certainly brought down the White House respectability quite a bit... I think the Annie Oakley reference is right on track.... Annie had great shooting ability when she was looking backwards and reversed through a mirror. That must be how Hillary supporters see Hillary otherwise if the truth was rightfully seen why would she have supporters?

garyd, amherst, nh (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:14 AM)

If anyone is elitest it Hillary--

she is rude to her security details--like she is above them(as per this post a month ago)

Hillary seems to be better at dishing out "sniper fire" than she is at "taking it." \

And since Hillary wants to act like a Republican (she sides with McCain more that with Obama)I believe it is time for her to change parties.

Obamas empathy for the people and how they feel is a very great thing--to demean it is to lesson all our humanity--which is a very terrible thing.

Don't be petty (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:14 AM)

The one point not made here today:

Hillary had a whiskey drink, not a shot!

A shot is taken in one mouthful (maybe one and check the glass for leftovers).

Hillary sipped her one ounce of whiskey. Makes you understand then why she went on on about her love for outdoors sportsmanship!

Hussein (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:14 AM)

Obama "misspoke" but he didn't lie!
I have to wonder if this is a diversion by the Clinton campaign on yet another racially charged comment made by Ex President Bill Clinton last week. Why is Ex President Bill Clinton comment saying," You got to vote for me for president I don't steal cars." , not being reported by the media? Is the media aiding and abetting the Clintons here?
Please see youtube link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=e8xHgGc4zLM
A.

Annalise, Santa Fe, New Mexico (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:15 AM)

After 8 years of having a frat boy, cheer leader President, who shows his ignorance and lack of couth every time he opens his mouth, it will be refreshing to have a President who won't embarrass us internationally, and who knows what it's like to work in distressed communities.

Bring on the 'class and dignity' President

Vote with your head, vote for the economy, vote for jobs.

Vote Democratic 2008 -- don't let the corporations and their Republican stooges win again.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:15 AM)

This whole "bitter" stuff is why the best and brightest among us never run for politics. First he is criticized for acknowledging the obvious (all Americans are upset over the direction of this country). Now he's going to be criticized as a "elitist" for going from a single parent home and getting a degree from Harvard? Doesn't most people imply that is what all Black men from troubled backgrounds should do?

Gimme a break....

This nation will never have a good government, let alone a great one. We will only get the government we deserve. A dumb one who continually dumbs itself down to distract us while they pick-pocket our wallets and other benefits.

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:15 AM)

Obama is getting worse with his ramblings. As he is getting put on the line more his jibberish is getting more and more hard to figure out what he is saying. He can speak for 15 minutes without saying anything. He is such a fake. If he is elected, (using someone elses words,) he will crash and burn early in his first term like Jimmy Carter.

Brother Odd (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:17 AM)

The media is going to keep dredging up non-issue items like. people are bitter, dodging sinper fire, Rev. Wright, Monica Lowinski over and over. I want to hear what is going to be done about bringing regulation back to loans, bringing the thief's to justice who profited from the illegal war and returning the economy to the plus side for Americans. Stop this smoke and mirrior stuff immediatly.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:18 AM)

"Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Galatians 4:16

Sorry Barrak, that is what you are doing. You are making enemy's being honest. You told the truth, I cling to my God in times of trouble because he is my source and protection. And I cling to my gun, because and an Soldier and strong believer in self presevation. And I don't see why I would take offense.

BJ, Oklahoma City, OK (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:21 AM)

You Obama supporters are stupid and will never see what a mess he will make of our country. He said last night that we are no longer a christain nation that we are Islam and a lot of other religions. this country was founded on christain religion and we need to stay that way. AMERICA WAKE UP, WAKE UP

ann chandler, ok (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:21 AM)

This will be the end of Democratic Party: it will not exist in 2012.

Both campaigns are locked on an unchangeable and internecene course . . . it is too late for either camp to either win outright or withdraw gracefully . . . and the Party structure is too fragmented and corrupted to do anything about it.

For a great history lesson, read up on the corrupt election of 1824, which lead directly to the death of the old Federalist Party and the birth of the modern Democratic Party . . . history is getting ready to repeat itself!

I am an independent, and while I have been backing Obama so far, I am starting to get excited at the prospect of the disolution of the current parties and reformation on lines that make more sense in the 21st century. I don't particularly like either current party anyway, and look forward to a viable alternative.

You need nothing more than this weekend's wasted news cycle squabbling about ridiculous non-issues in psite of the many profoundly serious topics we should be foucused on to see that this shake-up is LONG overdue.

Independent in TN (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:24 AM)

Well, I think Obama had it right the first time. I, and many of my friends and family, all who live in small towns, are pretty darn bitter about our government. Just look at the ratings for the president and the congress. I see on tv all the time reasons why America hates Washington. Bitter? YES! Tired of the same old? YES! Stop saying you spoke wrong Obama, and say, yes, people are tired of it, and WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE! Shame on the Clintons for this! I am finding it harder and harder to ever vote for her. The only thing that would make me vote for her if she is the candidate, is I think McCain is even worse! I hope PA wakes up and votes for Obama. I live in NJ, but I have family in PA, and I can tell you they are just as BITTER as we are. They have worked hard their whole lives, and have had to watch their jobs go away, pensions lost, gas & food go up while salaries go down, price for health insurance go up, while being covered for less, all the time Congress and the President make millions! You bet we are bitter!!!

New Independent (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:24 AM)

Diane from Illinois, yes, Hillary lied, like you, me, adn Obama, and guess what? there is not difference. Obama lied 3 times when he was asked if his advisor talked with Canada consul ... Later he apologized for it, LETS FACE IT, ALL OF THEM LIE, just like you do all the time too. :)

latino boy chicago IL (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:26 AM)

Hummmm lets see, electable come November?

Tony Resko
Rev. Wright
William Ayers
Multiple comments referring to 'typical white persons'
"Religious, gun clinging - frustrated, bitter middle class"

Does anyone else see a derogatory pattern here, or is it just me? This weekend I saw Wolffsong from MSNBC in an interview stating and talking about how he is embedded with the Obama campaign and it seems to Wolfsong that although Sen. Obama enjoys campaigning… it seems to be “somewhat beneath him” PULL THE TRANSCRIPTS !

How interesting. The Super Delegates are willing to gamble the White House on Sen. Obama… UNREAL ! Say bye, bye to the While House dems !!

eeezeeed (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:28 AM)

Less hope the Super Delegates are more concerned about "Lies" Bosnia, a candidate that lied and was elite in her response and never not once said regretted let alone apologized she said in the end, "it's a revelation for some folk." If that's not elitist what is and till this day She feels that lying on about 5 occasions to the American public is ok? Having you husband receive $800,000 and your Campaign Manager receive $300,000 from a trade deal you say you are against is just not passing the test. Just this am CNN broke a story that President Clinton was involved in yet another deal or speaking engagement in CHINA, they did not reveal the amount of money involved. Do you really think we trust someone to run the White house when the spouse is making money on what the "President" is against. Talk about conflict of interest that not in the best interest of the American people.

Sen. Obama might have said the word bitter for some that preferred it to be said angry, had enough, sick and tired, but she spoke the truth. American are tired all over the country because Career Politians have sat on the side lines while we went straight into this adverse economic crisis which many refuse to call a recission. Don't we pay them to prevent the problem. Why would we promote the very career-longterm politicians who were there when it happened on their watch? Why do these Senators who have been sitting in Washinton for many years expect Americans to Promote them for getting us into this situation. We pay them to "Prevent" situations such as these." At the very least they should have sounded the alarm as Sen. Clinton and others do when they want to get elected to President. Americans are much smarter than the media give us credit. Making $100+ clearly places the Clintons in the Elite group and throwing back "Shots of Whisky and Beer" in the local bar is very patronizing, for votes.

Vern, FL (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:28 AM)

Hillary is making things up again! Can you see her code words for divisiveness?
A woman who duped the Ohio voters with her lies about NAFTA should have been enough to awaken them with Bosnia as well as Ireland. All she is capable of is twisting issues for sensationalism to address her practice of emphasizing the most piercing, shocking, and sensitive aspects of her quick-tempered, tricky, quest for power by skewing the real agenda; which is the economy. What should be under discussion or investigation, especially by the media, where are the 200,000 jobs that were never gotten? Bill reinforced the Bosnia LIE, with a new version (another lie).
Obama worked very assiduously on the streets of Chicago with the poor as well as with steel workers who lost their jobs; unlike Hillary who downs a shot. That was the epicenter of pandering; not equivalent to rolling her sleeves up.
Interpretation: Obama is not an elitist people are angry, bitter, and there is much social pathology in our society. Why, if she did not agree, is she proposing to put 100,000 new police officers on America’s streets as part of her anti-crime agenda?
The obvious is unemployment, healthcare, foreclosure and homelessness.
The only elitists I can see are McCain and $109 million elitist Hillary. ESP. she sent jobs away.
Now we see that Mark Penn who wanted to increase his capital gain with Columbia is still on her campaign. And of course, $800,000 million to Bill's gain and his reinforcing the Bosnia LIE. How can you trust her America esp. Pennsylvania? Pull up your sleeves; if they aren't tattered; to a vast wasteland; seemingly Hillary has contributed to.

Beverly, Chicago (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:28 AM)

All you people looking through coke bottle glasses worry about whether Obama has a flag lapel pin. Meanwhile, Hillary yells for Bush to Boycott Bejing after her and Bill's check clears from the firm backing Tibet's demise. Where in H-ll is your piority????????

KNOWLEDGE IS THE WAY (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:29 AM)

WAKE UP FOLKS!
If Obama was an elitist, he'd have plied his stock-in-trade selling blocks of equities to foreign governments. But Barry Obama rolled up his sleeves and plied his stock in trade inspiring the poor of Chicago to turn their lemons into lemonade.

What did Hillary Clinton do with her gifts? Support her philandering husband's presidency in exchange for his support of her's? Use stock insider information to convert a 10,000 investment in Tyson Foods into over 100,000 almost overnight? Repeatedly tell bald-faced lies in public during a campaign for President of the United States?

What did John McCain do with his gifts? Supported the shipping of American jobs overseas by downing Boeing and taking contributions from EAD? Apparently torture weakens the moral character and integrity of the person receiving the torture.

The average American understands hard times. The average American knows and appreciates the polish that results from having your fanny hung over a vat of boiling oil.

It's time we hung Hillary over that vat a few times. She apparently has avoided that distinction throughout her career.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a88wMPAWc90

HuffingtonPost: Noteworthy Political Scientist Says Clinton Was For Characterization of Working Class Voters Before She Was Against It

God forbid there should ever be a Clinton in the White House. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:30 AM)

Obama wasn't raised in a "poor single parent household".
He went to private schools overseas, and when he returned to the United States he lived in HONOLULU HAWAII for cripe sakes! He went to Columbia, and Harvard Law School!
It is grotesque to the extent of being OBSCENE for anyone to try and make it sound like he was ever an underpriviledged soul who is deserving of sympathy and compassion.
Yes, he IS an eliteist and he has no idea of what it's like to live within "normal" society or walk among us "bitter" common folk.
Who in the hell does this guy think he is to make such a statement?
I believe in God, I have owned guns, and I'm certainly not bitter.
The media needs to scrutinize this guy a little better than it has, and I think the Democratic Party does too.

Citizens who want more scrutinization of Obama and FAIR coverage of this election (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:31 AM)

Sounds like she talked down to John Edwards, time for him to endorse OBAMA. Oh and I am bitter and Hilary is a monster.

Sean, West Chester, PA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:31 AM)

I have lived in small towns in the south all my life, and as a caucasian female, I can tell you that people are indeed bitter and cynical and angry and rightly so. I am glad that Obama recognizes that fact. Do Clinton and the MSM think that we small town folk are too stupid to understand Senator Obamas remarks in the context they were given? What insults me is that the Clinton's think we are all so gullible and stupid that we will swallow this ridiculous spin. Enough of her mock outrage. For someone who has raked in 100 million the past few years to accuse someone worth 100th that amount of being the elitist is absurd. I used to live in Arkansas and always supported the Clintons, but now that they are campaigning right out of the Rove playbook, I won't be supporting them anymore...and shame on the media for continuing to hype this silliness for ratings. Move on to real issues please.

Frustrated, Bovina MS (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:31 AM)

Anyone who votes for a candidate because of their of his or her gender clearly is not looking out for the future of their children or for themselves. America cannot afford to focus on gender. We should clearly want the most qualified regardless of gender. If we make that mistake we have no one to blame but ourselves. We have been down this path before but for different reasons, thus today's economic situation speaks for itself. Our children are far too important to make decisions based on our favorite. Issues are the key, attributes and actions, anything less will distract us just like past political races.

Vern, FL (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:32 AM)

Most of you naysayers on here wouldn't vote for Obama if he gave you a car, so the GOP rants ring hollow. But I have concluded that Obama will always get a little fluff from his occassional remarks because he is not politically correct when he talks about his thoughts and experiences. It's just that the conservative media pundits gleefuly goes along with the false rants of politicians when they want to twist his words. If you are a Democrat you know better. I guess it's really been that long since we've had a candidate actually talk about real issues and not platitudes. Hillary did try a risky move, but being the Republican in a Democratic nomination isn't going to win you points. And the conflicts of interest that the Clintons have make them unelectable...the media just doesn't focus on them as much as Obama's sentences.

CJ (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:32 AM)

I am confused.

Obama speaks the truth (that people in PA have been taken advantage of for their votes for years, have lost their jobs to NAFTA, and are bitter), and Clinton turns that into a 'bad' thing to say?

Can someone tell me what it is that Obama said that is not true?

How would she have put it? "Everything in PA is rosy"? She has a license to 'misspeak (lie)' whenever she wants I suppose.

Is this how people in PA really feel, or is it the media buying into the Clinton spin? I just don't get it. Why is she a Democrat - shouldn't she be a republican based on the way she uses tactics?

I am impressed that a politician has no fear of speaking the truth for once (even if its not what we want to hear). Isn't that what we need? I certainly think so -

John Caliber, NJ (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:33 AM)

Hillary took that shot at Gore and Kerry because she knows Gore is about to come out and endorse Obama. She also knows there is no way she can win this thing , so she has teamed up behind the scenes with McCain to destroy Obama at all cost.

THE REASON ?........She is counting on being McCains VP ( THEY ARE GOOD BUDDIES ) and she figures McCain is a one term President.

She is pretty much done in the Democratic party , especially after what she stated last night about Gore.
She is a Republican at heart any way.

James in Oregon (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:36 AM)

So it goes something like this, Hillary and Bill have a quiet evening meal channeling George Patton, retiring to bed they talk about the economy, only Hillary falls asleep while bill rambles on about free trade and Chine and the millions in donations received today, In the morning she apologizes to Bill and blames the shot of Crown Royal for putting her out.
An early knock on the door, it's Mitt arriving for their morning hunt. The two mount up on and a armored SUV with twin 50's and a proceed to wipe out a camp of prairie dogs and ducks.
Note: One of the ducks that came under early sniper fire told me this story.

Charles Holden (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:36 AM)

Every is getting all worked up over nothing. The people that were "offended" by what Sen. Obama said were never going to vote for him anyway. The rest of us that actually know what he meant, know that what he was saying is the truth. If you're happy with the way things are in this country, God bless you, you're doing well and I "aint gonna hate on you". If you, like me, struggle to make sure the bills are paid, working a lot of OT hours so your oldest child can go to college, and wondering where you're gonna come up with more money for the 2 younger ones, and you're not making as much now as when you were a little younger and more energy, and the medical bills keep pilling up, then you know that Sen. Obama was speaking to you, because he needs you to help him make changes in the way we think and do things around this country. Dont buy into this "He was condescending, because usually the person who claims that, is the one who is laughing at you on Jay Leno, and laughing her way to the bank with her 109M dollars. Smile, this is America, its ok to make money, and hey, part of the pursuit of happiness is the struggle, so if you struggle, the reward will be reater in the ned when you succeed. Lets find that success with Obama. By the way, just dont tell yo mama, tell pops grandma, grandpa to all vote for Obama!

Cross, Lauderhill, FL (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:37 AM)

What a joke that the two Washington elitists, Clinton and McCain, have the gall to call Obama elitist. Obama spoke the truth about people being bitter that the destructive policies of the GOP have had on their lives and communities over the past 3 decades. It's time for a change from the politics as usual of Clinton and McCain.

Instead of talking about the important issues Hillary has stooped to becoming a GOP advocate by complaining about Obama's bitter comment. What a tool that bitter little loser troll is.

It's time to get focused on the important issue, getting rid of GOP domination of our government and it's time to take away all those perks to the rich and greedy elitists that Bush has doled out to them while bankrupting our treasury and social security.

Go Obama!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:38 AM)

Obama is an elitist...you have got to be kidding me. Hillary who has more money than Obama now and before, who went to Yale Law School, is now all of a sudden a person who understands the woes of the blue collar workers. My god this woman will do anything to win. I mean this is so low especially on comments that are inherently true, the government has not been there to help people and workers are bitter...to say that everything is rosy is ridicoulous. And it just amazes me how each day Hillary Clinton becomes lower and lower. Did you see Obama anywhere hammering at her Bosnia fiasco and call her a liar. No you didn't, because he has more class and is above the pettiness....

Tina, NY (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:38 AM)

I was once told that "PRAYER" is very powerful, because when you are on your knees you humble yourself. But the most important part of "PRAYER" happens when you get off your knees and decide to live a better life. If you get off your knees and continue to be the same (lie, cheat and steal) you have waisted "GODS" time. Hillary Clinton has wasted "GODS" time and my time. She is not the representation that I want for my country. Barack, I am very proud of you and what you want for our country. "UNITY"

Babawawa, Warrensburg, MO (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:38 AM)

"People don't vote on economic issues because they don't expect anybody is going to help them," Obama told a crowd at a Terre Haute, Ind., high school Friday evening. "So people end up voting on issues like guns and are they going to have the right to bear arms. They vote on issues like gay marriage. They take refuge in their faith and their community, and their family, and the things they can count on. But they don't believe they can count on Washington."

Do you consider Obama's remarks as "condescending" and "out of touch"?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=2082

.

dblake Austin (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:39 AM)

Let me say that I am a PA resident, an older (61) female, so I guess I hit alot of the demographics that pundits talk about. I was a Shrillary supporter in the beginning, but now - never! What first turned me away was the BIG fact that she alone was the only candidate at the beginning of this 2 man race to NEVER give a concession speech. Poor sportmanship, to say the least. We all teach our kids to be good losers. Throughout these last few months my "illusions" that she was a great candidate have totally eroded. Is seems she is ready to throw the Democratic Party AND the Nov. election under the bus, in order to win @ any cost. How sad.
Yes, I am a rural small town PA resident who IS BITTER.
As far as the "elitist" comment, WOW!! This is surely a case of POT AND KETTLE.
I am now not necessarily Pro-Obama as much as ANTI-SHRILLARY!!

B A ,ERIE, PA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:39 AM)

I think this election cycle will be one for the history books; like Lincoln - Douglas. (I hope I'm remembering the losers name correctly). Initially I dreaded having to go through a long drawn out fight to the finish. Now, I know I am witnessing history, and that it is an honored privilege. Being 57 years old, I've lived in a time where change socially, technologically, and even on the religious landscape, has been nothing short of breathtaking.

Pulling for Obama '08

donna, pgh., pa. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:40 AM)

Obama had the gall to just laugh off his "bitter" remarks, and then try to blame Hillary -- and say she should know better to comment on it! "He is the one who should know better than to make such ridiculious and insulting remarks! EVERY NOW AND THEN HE SLIPS AND SPEAKS WHAT HE REALLY THINKS--THEN HE TRIES TO COVER IT UP WITH HIS SWEET TALK. 'JUST LIKE HIS WIFE DID, WHEN SHE STATED THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME SHE WAS EVER PROUD OF THIS COUNTRY.'

g.eglesias`nepa` (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:40 AM)

OK, so a candidate had the guts to say that working people are frustrated with their situation and think the government couldn't care less. Duh, that's been the case for years, and that frustration has only increased while the Republicans that promise to take care of things for us take care of their wealthy patrons instead. I think it was a mistake for Obama to use the term "misspoke". He should have said "Yes, I said people are bitter. They have reason to be bitter. It's about time someone listened to them."

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:41 AM)

After saying "not relevant," to the question of the last time she went to church, she then adds "I went to church on Easter. I mean, so?" SO!!! Didn't we hear V.P. Cheney say SO!! not long ago on what the american people think about the war. Maybe she really is a Republican. She is out of touch, lies to the american people, and is only out for herself. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, you can pretty much bet, its a duck. Bye bye Hillary, and take Bill with you. We have had enough.

ruth, youngstown ,ohio (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:43 AM)

She's trying so hard to pretend she isn't elite, as if she & her spouse didn't also go to ivy league colleges, as if they weren't multi-millionaires, as if PA voters really care she can toss back a boiler-maker.
What she really did was distract media attention from her Bosnia lies.

McCain-Clinton, a ticket in '08 (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:44 AM)

I'm happy to see that racism and ignorance in general are dividing the Democrats. The GE will be a piece of cake!

John McCain, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 10:44 AM)

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