Barack Obama came to speak to editorial writers and reporters from the Daily News and Inquirer this evening, and he essentially tried a do-over on his controversial remarks about "bitter" small-town Pennsylvanians, admitting that he'd "mangled" what he was trying to say at a San Francisco fundraiser 10 days ago, but that he agreed with a backer who told him that "you misspoke that you didn't lie."
His remarks were perhaps his most detailed effort, to date, to recast what he said on the West Coast, when he said that the ailing eonomy in the Rust Belt caused people to "get bitter" and that "they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment ot anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." Tonight, he sought to explain that he never meant to imply that either religion or the use of guns for hunting -- a huge pasttime here in Pennsylvania -- was a bad thing.
Here's a full transcript of what he said:
The problem actually with this most recent episode is not that I was saying one thing behind closed door and saying something else in public. The truth is actually that I’ve made these same comments in a similar way on “The Charlie Rose Show" back in 2004 or 2005, and I had said it in town hall meetings in small towns.
The problem is that I just mangled it, which, you know happens sometimes. The point that I was making was actually two separate points that got conflated. Number One, that people who had felt abandoned by Washington and political leaders when it comes to an economy that’s falling apart, they find stability in those things that they count on – their faith, the traditions that have been passed down generation to generation and in many rural communities that includes hunting, their family, their community – those are positive things.
They also are vulnerable to, you know, explanations for why the world has changed and politicians seek to divide them,. And sometimes politicians over the last decade have used anti-gay sentiment, they’ve used anti-immigrant stuff, and there’s a long history of quote unquote “wedge issues” that I think distract from the very difficult issues that we have to deal with.
And so my syntax was poor but as a wise older woman who was talking to me the other day said, ‘You misspoke but you didn’t lie,’ and I think that’s how I feel about it, and as I’ve said these are things that I said as I was campaigning in Iowa -- and when people would talk to me about immigration and some of these other hot button issues, I’d say I think these are distractions from our failure to deal with some very critical issues.
That last comment about how he "misspoke but didn't lie" was a telling one, because it was in this same room two weeks ago that his rival Sen. Hillary Clinton also acknowledged that she "misspoke" about landing in the line of Bosnian sniper fire, which had been shown by tapes of the event to be untrue. Obama is more or less, pardon the pun, sticking to his guns here, with the caveat that he never meant to suggest that firearms or the church were bad things to "cling" to. Somehow I doubt this new nuance will satisfy his critics, either on the political right or within the Clinton campaign.
Posted by Will Bunch @ 8:28 PM
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76 comments
most politicians are rich...including Obama...at the same time, most don`t make the kind of elitist remarks that BO made...Hillary gives about 10% of her income to charity...compared to that elitist cheap-skate, Obama, who only gives less than 1% most yrs...and Hillary pays another 33% in taxes...which is 12% above the avg. in her tax bracket...she even proposes taxes on herself and others in her tax bracket...btw, here`s more links to govt. officials speaking out/offended by BO`s remarks...Mont, Ind, and WV are weighing in...:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=7101
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=7114
http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_105221505.html
they join numerous govt. officials in several other states who`ve spoken out against Obama`s comments!
I have a real problem with rich people thinking that they know more about the middle class and the less fortunate than a person that has lived it. Do you all really think a 72 year old man know more about what poor people think than Barack? Do any of you really think that a former first lady knows your pain more than a Barack Obama? Her biggest challenge in her time at the white house was keeping tabs on her husband's philandering! I just hope that she does not do too much damage to the Democratic Party! She is not ENTITLED!
Coachslife
once again, Hillary is completely against NAFTA and was even while Bill was Pres...:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=6892
and of course Hillary`s obviously ALL for keeping jobs right here in the US...Penn and the campaign have gone separate ways...and, one more time, BILL IS NOT THE ONE RUNNING FOR PRES!...with that in mind, Hillary`s made it perfectly CLEAR that he will have absolutely no say in issues involving NAFTA...they couldn`t disagree more on it...
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I used to believe that Obama was a great orator, like the mainstream media brainwashed me to believe. I used to believe Obama was for change and hope, like a good little lefty sycophant. I used to believe Obama was able to represent all Americans, now I know better. The more Obama the snake oil salesman is vetted, the less I like him. I now believe McCain is going to walk away with this one in November.
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".......This is how he truly believes about red state rubes......" Good to see that while db_cooper may have gone away from Attytood, he's now back, and his extra sensory powers are still intact. It sure was hard going without him, and doing without his mind-reading insights.
Interesting how the words of Obama are carefully twisted and used against him by HRC, and when he said he is sorry and misspoke, they still will not let go. When Clinton lied, we simply laughed about it. Seems to me like we prefer to be lied to, instead of being told the truth...
Obama is CORRUPT.
1) A houseowner wants to sell both a house and adjoining land. Obama can afford to buy only the house. No problem, the criminal Rezko to the rescue. Rezko pays full price for the land, whereas Obama gets a discount of $300,000 on the house. (ABC News)
2) Exelon Corporation had not disclosed radioactive leaks at one of its nuclear plants. Obama, introduces a bill to make disclosures mandatory. Seems like Exelon doesn't like it. Each draft of the new bill by Obama goes more and more towards Exelon till disclosures end up being "voluntary". What gives? $250,000+ donations by Exelon to Obama's campaigns!!! (New York Times)
Take a look at:
http://www.obamaunveiled.com
Mmm
From "cj410":
"Obama has said demeaning things about white people in the last month or so. 1) she reacted like a typical white person...."
Another hysterical attempt to see something sinister or less-than-honorable in a completely innocuous comment. What if I said the typical American family has visited Disneyland, or the typical NRA member eats meat, or the typical teenage girl has body image insecurities? Would these be interpreted as bigoted remarks? No, they're simply observations on a broad population segment, and many exceptions can be found within each group. No one would take it as a slur. Why then are we so quick to pounce on Obama's reference to his grandmother as "evidence" of racial bias? If you listened to his recent speech, "A More Perfect Union," you'll see he really "gets" the white experience in America as fully as he "gets" the black experience. If you've read his book, "The Audacity of Hope," you'll see how he also "gets" the Latino experience -- it was certainly an eye-opener for me, a white female.
Obama is the only candidate with a truly homogenous and inclusive perspective, thanks to his background and the cultural diversity within his own family. Please don't rely on soundbites -- listen to and read his OWN words, all of them, in context. Don't vote based on a hasty conclusion drawn from a single phrase -- this election is too important to play dice with!
Feel free to contact me if any questions: http://www.myspace.com/piercecovets4obama
~~Cheryl
Hillary talks 'cracker': her days of guns and food stamps
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Hillary says. "When in Pennsylvania cracker land, talk cracker."
"That is in no way condescending" she said, "It's simple political play book, page one tactics. Talk guns and beer."
"Barack, however, is different" she said. "Even tho' he was telling a known version of cracker truth, he used a five syllable word plus complicated syntax. That, my friends, is elitist. Knee slappin' elitist."
"Back when Momma, Poppa and I were on welfare.......and the revenuers were looking for our stills........"
Labels: Barack Obama, elitist, food stamps, gun control, Hillary Clinton, hypocrisy is in the mouth of the beholder, keep it stupid - simple, pennsylvania, southern crackers, welfare
Obama did not misspeak, and he's lying when he claims such. This is how he truly believes about red state rubes. And when he thought the media was excluded from a fundraiser full of wealthy San Fran liberals, he thought he could let his hair down among kindred souls. Pretty stupid politically. He is making the case for Hillary to the superdelegates that McCain would eat Obama alive in the general election. Hillary's only chance was for Obama to give himself some foot-to-mouth resuscitation. This might have just done the job.
I thought this guy was supposed to be Mr. Eloquence. The problem is that his liberalism got in the way. The more he talks the more what he really think sis going to come out.
Now all the folks come out who were never going to vote for Obama anyway. C'mon - at least be honest about who the real elitist is here. Lack of substance and actual elitism come from campaigns that can only get riled up when finding faults and twisting them with glee.
The reality is that Obama has no real experience, and people are behind him because Oprah endorsed him and is funding his campaign. OPRAH! Now that's insulting.
No, he didn't lie: He meant to say that small-town voters are gun-toting bigots who worship God out of bitterness and anger. They spend too much time at the firing range to know what's good for them. Rubes!
For someone who is as highly educated and allegedly well-spoken as Obama, this gaffe was simply shocking.
He's the black Kerry.
People that are saying think and get informed before you turn away from Obama need to explain, because they must be informed, why Obama attends a black SEPARATIST tight-knit church that selected racist Louis Farrakhan (a person that calls all white men blue eyed devils and says blacks deserve reparations for slavery and the only way to achieve justice is to turn over ALL of America to them). They need to get informed about black theology. They need to explain why Obama has said demeaning things about white people in the last month or so. 1) she reacted like a typical white person (imagine saying he reacted like a typical black person. What would a "typical" black person be? No, Obama has some explaining to do and fast talking just will not cut it. He needs to educated the American public about black theology, what his BRANCH of his church adheres to.
Obama's right... I want access to better opportunities, more money and a higher quality of life. But Washington has deprived me and my family of these opportunities. Yes I am BITTER, and you're damn right I hold onto my guns and my religion. Hillary / Washington can't take that away from me.
THE PEOPLE THAT ARE MOST CRITICAL OF SENATOR OBAMA WERE NEVER GOING TO VOTE FOR HIM ANYWAY. NOW YOU HAVE A REASON!!!!!!!!, jUST THOUGHT I'D PUT THAT OUT THERE. GOOD LUCK WITH LYING, BOOZING, GUN TOTING HILLARY.
For all the Obama haters, why is there such a double standard. Hillary was ALLOWED to say that she MISSPOKE on Bosnia even though she told that LIE on several occasions. I am a Christian, "as Hillary professed during the faith conference", so what HOLY SPIRIT was she feeding throwing back shots like a pro, the "BODY" is the temple of the Spirit. I was a Clinton supporter, until she became a "typical" politician. And the elitist comment. Funny coming from a person that has made 109 million dollars with a husband selling speeches to the same people that are responsible for many of the lost jobs, Where is MS RIGHTEOUS NOW!!!! Her campaign strategist is STILL EMPLOYED with her campaign and was negotiating with Colombia until they fired him "wink Wink". I respect that Obama has stood the Test of all the harsh criticizism, and has show strenght, integrity and still willing to fight and go forward, HIS CHILDREN HAVE TO HEAR ALL THE UGLY NAME CALLING AND MISREPRESENTATIONS. For one of the few times in our history, OUR YOUNG PEOPLE are engaged and excited about participating in a better country. Obama is not MUSLIM, RACIST, A BIGOT, or "BOY", he is living MARTIN LUTHER KING'S dream for ALL americans. From humble beginnings-Single WHITE mother, on food stamps, raised by grandparents, attended college on a SCHOLARSHIP and has decided to risk family, kids to encourage CHANGE for our country. I support Obama, and no longer support the status quo that Clinton offers. HER CHILD HOOD IN SCRANTON WAS A VACATION HOME ON A LAKE. DON'T GET IT TWISTED!!!!!!!!!!!
she uses whatever she can to get votes, WHERE'S THE TRUTH, SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAVE LIED SOOOOO MUCH, THEY NO LONGER KNOW THE TRUTH. WAIT FOR THE DEBATES, YOU'LL SEE HER SKIRMED THEN.
This man has done nothing but lie during his entire campaign. He thinks he can sling some mud on Clinton and we'll all forget. He thinks if he says it doesn't matter and we just need to move past it. I'm sorry but we did that with Rev. Wright. We heard your speech on race and all it did was cause a great divide between the races. Basically you said vote for me or you're a racist. He is not qualified to be president and he is unelectable in November. Vote smart, vote Clinton.
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Why hasn't the mainstream media covered the Larry Sinclair story about cocaine and "Down Low" encounters. You know it will explode in the General Election and guarantee another 4 years of GOP power if its not explored, and confimred of denied, before then.
http://larrysinclair0926.wordpress.com/
How did this go from how people vote to why they believe in God, own guns, or anything else? If you heard Obama's original speech, he was saying that it's hard to get people to vote based on who would improve the economy, their job situation, and those types of tough issues, because they've lost faith that government will ever help them. They've been let down too often in the past. So they pick a pet issue, drawn from their social or cultural circle, their church's policy line, whatever, and use that as their litmus test. I've got relatives who admit to being such a "one-issue voter." People have lost faith in their ability to elect a leader who will bring about the changes that would really improve their lives and their future, so they vote for the gun-control guy, or the anti-abortion guy, or the get-tough-on-immigrants guy, never mind the rest of his platform and record. Granted, Obama could have phrased it more carefully, but if you really listen to the speech, you'll see that was his point.
~~Cheryl
Eleanor O, How can you vote for this fraud?
Not sure I agree Jody. As a boy who moved to NY at a young age from Bangor a small town with ravaged land caused by uncontrolled slate mining, I came back to PA more than 35 years later to watch Mom die. I was in NYC on a warm sunny day in September 2001, and perhaps that is part of the reason I am here.
It took a while to realize that I was not the only one that jumps at the sound of planes, that expects to see a disaster at any moment, and who is paralyzed by the sounds of sirens. It was a tough time for our nation. Over time and after traveling and learning that people in Bloomington, Indiana were also affected is comforting to me - the I am not alone effect.
Only a year in office in a state not native to her, Hillary was there in Manhattan doing her job; learning as she went along. New Yorkers embraced her as they embrace people form all over the world, as we always have and we always will. We thrive on it, and PA needs more of it.
While Obama, is charismatic, well spoken, and supported by hidden special interests groups like the media and television (propaganda machines), he has yet to prove himself human and infalible to me.
I respect the person who knows suffering, who makes mistakes, who stumbles, and who almost succumbs to American middle class nastiness, and manages to get up and say, "Hey wait, I am the one that can honestly say I did not have sex with that woman." That's why I Love Hillary. She trips and falls and gets back up again and fights harder, and she actually listens.
I will end my rambling, only to say, if Hillary does not win, I most likely will move to Dubai,since Mom will be dead and that is where all the jobs will be. Ah, yes, the sly middle east getting back at Americans and their SUV's.
One has to wonder if would 911 have even have happened if Gore had actually been president?
Maybe, just maybe, people like their guns, like going to church, and dislike illegal immigration. Not because they are bitter or angry. But just because they do. I believe obama's comments were very "kerry-esk"
Clinton is desperate because PA voters are finally getting to know Obama and realize he is the better candidate. It is incredible that she can lie about Bosnia, lie about her support of NAFTA, lie about a health care story and yet turn around and try to make a big deal about a remark that simply means Obama knows how frustrated people are about the economy. It is this type of action that shows SHE is the one who thinks the people of Penn. can be suckered into a twisted half-truth and promise. Don't forget Bill already made promises and broke them, now she is doing the same. Talk about elitist. She's never been poor a day in her life. She probably can't tell a pistol from a rifle. She's desperate woman. Come on PA get this race over with and vote for Obama so we can move on to campaign against the Republicans!
Basing a vote between Clinton, McCain, and Obama on resentment based on his "bitter" comments is plain foolish. With McCain you can kiss Social Security goodbye, say hello to war with Iran, and get four more years of Bush. With Hillary you get the lying 'hero' of Tuzla. But I'm supposed to not vote for Obama cause he's trying to understand rural Pennsylvanians! Be patriotic and think who will better lead this country. It's Obama to anyone who spends two seconds with their brain engaged.
Remember who have lied to us before..1) " I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH THIS WOMAN" looked us straight on the TV TUBE and lied and worst he was the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED OF STATE. Bill would of continue lying if Monica did not have his DNA on her Dress but he realized he got caught. HILLARY "BOSNIA TRIP...She would of continue telling that story and backing it up if the video was not rolling...ITS OKAY FOR HER TO MISS SPOKE...Just think for about if Hillary been in touch with small town PA why was she pushing NAFTA. IF you are 20 years old right now since you've been born all you hear is BUSH AND HILLARY FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS AND POSSIBLY 28 YEARS IF SHE BECOME PRESIDENT. THATS SOUND MORE LIKE THE ELITIST FAMILY WHO WANTS TO REIGN OVER POOR AMERICAN PEOPLE. ITS TIME FOR SOMETHING NEW, SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT BEEN TAINTED BY LOBBIST.
Obama has both apologized for offending anyone with his poorly worded answer and explained what he meant in a way that is highly consistent with the what he said in his interview with Charlie Rose back in 2004 as seen on this short clip:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/188674.php
The fact that Obama is smart and graduated top of his Harvard law school class is a good thing. How anyone could consider his very nonprivilaged childhood and the choices he has made over the last 20 years and conclude he is an elitist is beyond me. Wake up people. A variation of this smear is done against the dem every time and the result is a 3 trillion dollar war started by a president people think they would prefer to join for a beer. Think and get informed. This election is much to important to get played again.
I just don't belive that America is ready for a Black, Woman nor Hispanic as a president of the United States. Sorry, I truely wish that there were evidence to the contrary, but there just isn't.
I think he said what he said but I doubt it was malicious or intended to disinfranchise in any way, prayers or hunters in america.
I truely believe that there is a certain amount of propreganda that does distract individuals amoung the masses and when this happens most main issues, especially those concerning the economy somehow get sweep under the rug. Later the policy that was adapted during the primary discussion on a nation levekl was in regard to a critical issues within the financial sector of most americans lives. Just a few weeks ago George Bush was asked in a confrence about the escalating gas prices and appeared to be confused when noted that gas prices was fast approaching $4.oo a gallon. The spin during the time was troop reduction in Iraq.
I don't know and seriously doubt that obama will become president of the United States, but i do know that at any time the troop leave iraq, there will be a bloody battel for which tribe will become the top dog and there still after five years is no definition for American Victory in Iraq. I don't know that saving Bear Stearns saved a lot of Baby Boomers and other American investors retirement funds.
I can't understand why saving someone from foreclosure is not a financially wise function to tax payers, forclosures are a way of life for a lot of americans now and in the pass. Taxtation for bad decisions or limited reading comprehension is not a good decision, but I don't think obama intended to be malicious.
I think it sad that McCain is the republican nominee. There are a mighty lot of stupid Americans, we couldn't have gotten to this point otherwise. (Bush/Cheyney)
I have great command of the English language and yet I cannot adequately convey just how bitter I am...
Bitter because I coexist with people who would cut off their own noses...
Bitter because some of my fellow citizens are so blinded by rage over a a phenom who has emerged from among the commoners... who happens to have some African DNA... who can really move this country in a new direction...
Bitter because my business is failing due to unbalanced trade practices...
Bitter because forty years after Moses led the way to the promised land...
Bitter because forty years after the mighty King challenged us to live up to the edicts of our constitution...
Bitter because I know 9/11/01 was an inside job.
Bitter because we all know that Hillary Clinton's campaign is a trainwreck, and McCain is not EVEN a viable candidate, yet,...
Can we please vote for THE candidate thet gets it??
Yes We Can!!
'08AMA
Blogger Is Surprised by Uproar Over Obama Story, but Not Bitter
NY Times, by KATHARINE Q. SEELYE
The backstory of how Senator Barack Obama’s comments about small-town voters became news is getting almost as much attention in the blogosphere as the comments themselves.Mayhill Fowler, a blogger for OffTheBus.net, a Web site published by Huffington Post and created by Arianna Huffington and Jay Rosen, was the first to report Mr. Obama’s
I'm sure most people hearing Obama that day, at the fundraiser, took it as a given that small-town simpletons from Pennsylvania can't cope without their old religious fairy tales and their shootin' irons. After all, "if they had any brains, they wouldn't be stuck in Pennsylvania (or stuck in the military for that matter.)"
Wonder why Obamy didn't want the WORLD TO HEAR HIS IDEAS on small town peeps. It was meant ONLY for far left types like Bunch.
Wonder if our "Journalist" Bunch asked about this
At Developer’s Trial, Witness Recalls Seeing Obamas at 2004 Party for Investor
The New York Times, by Christopher Drew
A government witness testified on Monday at the trial of the Chicago businessman Antoin Rezko that Senator Barack Obama attended a party in 2004 that Mr. Rezko held to court a controversial Iraqi-born investor for a large real estate project. Mr. Obama’s presidential campaign has long said that the senator does not recall meeting the investor, Nadhmi Auchi, a billionaire who has been convicted on fraud charges in Europe
Obama's Theology he follows is Liberation Theology of Marxism, His econimic Policy is Marxist and his core belief's in Government are Marxist! My Guess is he really is the Most L-I-B-E-R-A-L Senator and Presidential Candidate ever!
The fact is that what Obama said is what most liberal Democrats think of "flyover country". They believe they are the "elightened ones" and have to guide us bitter lost peons. We can't handle our guns, but their security guards should carry them. We shouldn't drive SUVs because they use too much gas, but liberals "need" them so that's OK for them. We latch on to religion because we are dumb, not "smart" atheists like them. But they have no problem using religion if it gets them votes (look for Democrats campaigning in tax exempt black churches). Can't you just smell the hypocrisy?
who started this whole mess about Bitter..who do you think really seperating the party..? Why is it the media is so bitter-crazy. They take a small thing in turned it into something that its not..The media is like the JEDI-MIND..telling us how we need to think.
whether you like it or not, Obama WILL be the democratic nominee and he WILL be our next president...deal.
What's the big deal? Thanks to Hillary and her support of NAFTA people Are bitter and their religion and hunting helps get them through it. Clinton is the establishment elitist corporate candidate and with her negatives she knows she is unelectable. Obama can and will do a Washington makeover we can all get behind.
First, "Barry" (the poor waif growing up in Honolulu and Indonesia) tells us about his "deprived" upbringing when most "at risk" kids in Philadelphia would love to be in a place where they don't have to struggle to live from day-today. Then "Barry" says that Pennsylvanians are bitter folks clinging to guns, religion and xenophobia.
"Barry", when did you have it tough? Instead of releasing your tax returns over the past few years, why don't you put out your Social Security statements over the years? We would love to see all of your earnings even prior to your tenure in the Illinois State Senate.
You talk about the job losses in PA over the past 25 years but you only label Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as the culprits. Go back a few more years to Bush 1, Reagan and Jimmy Carter. Barry, the same Reagan that you have extolled on the campaign trail and his economic policies destroyed good jobs in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Altoona, Erie, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Harrisburg.
I graduated college in 1980 and dealt with the Carter/Reagan recession. You were enjoying your time at Harvard about that time. While times were pleasant for you in school, Barry, I was struggling.
I'm doing extremely well these many years later. But I am a Pennslvanian who remembers the tough times. And I remember the elitist atttitudes of the Democratic candidates who lost afterwards--Dukakis, Gore and Kerry.
The only Democratic candidate who was in touch with we "bitter" Pennsylvanians was Bill Clinton and his Administration was the only one in the past 20 years where we had any prosperity.
I am a Pennsylvanian and a Philadelphian who never stopped "thinking about tomorrow". We are not going to buy in to the elite, effete, latte-lapping, chardonnay-chugging antics of you and the Obamaniacs.
We want substance from our Presidential candidates....not condescension!
How can Hillary relate to small town PA when her and Bill makes over $109 million and counting..and She Campaign for NAFTA back when Bill was president all the sudden she can relate to how hard its been for small town PA. When her husband made $800K from the Columbian government for pushing the Columbian Trade which she says she against. Are we that stupid to realized that she shared in that money as well probably went toward her campaign. Her top adviser dealing behind close door with Columbia recently. Hillary knows that we stupid to know the different that why she can stand in small town PA and claim that she knows how we feel. I DON"T THINK SO HILLARY, YOU NEED TO WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES BEFORE YOU CAN RELATE TO US. YOU AND BILL MAKING OVER $30 MILLION HOW CAN YOU RELATE..?
All this stuff about Obama being an elitist is just Clinton and RNC talking points, not anywhere close to the truth. He grew up somewhat lower middle class (as I did) and was a scholarship student (as I was). We both occasionally read books. None of this makes either or us part of the elite. Obama passed up the chance to be rich to help poor people. He and his wife until very recently lived as ordinary middle-class folks, with big college-loan debts, grocery shopping, and so forth. This is far from millionaire (through marriage) McCain and millionaire (through connections) Clinton. Think about who is really an elitist. Which is the one with five homes? Which is the one who theoretically lives in an elite suburb of New York (although not there very much of the time)?
ww2buff: Tonight you heard he took part in a march 13 years ago. Where did you hear it from? If he did take part in the march, so what? It was a march preaching responsibility. Regardless of what Wright or Farrakhan said, Obama did not say it. It seems to me that you and others are digging and hoping for something and can't find anything. We talk about Obama's Pastor, let's talk about Hillary's husband;the one who had "sex" with an intern. Is his actions worse the Wright's comments? Should Hillary be judged on his actions?
Truly, I feel, if Obama doesn't become president, America will deserve what they get, and remember what you got the last time. People need to read Obama's books, listen to him speak...study the issues, not decide on media-hype and smears by rivals.
Please. Why are we just getting to know something about Obama? Where were the investigative reporters that should have vetted him? I'll tell you where they were. The reporters were acting like teeny boppers at a Beatles concert- swooning over their idol. Newspapers refused to criticize his lack of candor about his relationship with Rev. Wright and they described Obama's speech as akin to the Gettysburg address. The problem was that Wright's critics were mostly concerned about his accusations that the US govt. invented AIDS to kill people of color and that the govt. was putting drugs into the Aftrican-American community as a way of jailing blacks. The pres also never revealed that Wright attended an elite HS in Philadelphia(Central HS)and that Wright's Father was a Pastor and his Mother was a Vice-Principal of Girls High-another elite Phia. school. They gave Barack another free pass when he attempted to imply that Wright grew up poor and that is why he believes what he believes.
The bottom line is that Obama is a hard leftist and a politician. He had relationships with former radical terrorists, belonged to a church that honored Louis Farrakhan and whose preacher screamed curses at America. There is no evidence that he ever took a stand against this paranoid preacher or asked the board of the church to do something about Wright. Tonight I heard that he also took part in Farrakhan's million man march. These are all in line with someone who is a hard left-winger. If that is what you want, vote for him, but don't deny that he is not a radical.
the words that are upsetting peope are the words of the Clinton campaign-- Sen Obama NEVER said the words "demean""belittle" "talk down to"
I am bitter that the Clinton campaign thinks it can dictate what the media writes (it does) and what people think (not all)
This is such a media/Clinton created firestorm --
Are we going to lose the best person we have had a chance to elect in years because of 24/7 cable news?
JGD84 Said: So far, this is what I know about Obama... 1) That he had a 'typical' white grandmother. 2) He was the member of a church for 20+ years, but NEVER heard Reverend Wright say anything controversial. 3) Believes people 'cling' to religion and guns because they're frustrated w/ their economic status.
First, why are you commenting on this if you do not know anything about the candidate? Second, You preconceptions of Obama are incorrect as well. By putting in quotes about his grandmother, does this mean that you think this is false? The referance to Rev. Wright is plain wrong. He said that he heard the statments but did not agree with them. Do you agree with everything that you hear said? Or only if it comes from McCain or Billary? Please do some research before spouting inaccuacies as if they were fact. You probably one of the people that still think Obama is a Muslim.
The Genius said: Yes and we are the same fans that will kick your sissy boy a$$ if we see you and your little Poodle dog walking the streets of San Fran, with your little tight fudgie shorts...
Ah, this statement proves that your moniker is the same as when someone really big is called "Tiny." Please refrain from talking/typing it hurts the rest of us.
Babs92457 -- he's not implying that there is something terribly wrong, he was explaining to a supporter his challenge in getting people who consistently vote on such "conservative issues" to get behind his own campaign. It was in response to a question from someone wanting to go to PA to campaign for him.
All that's well and good...but the Flyers have a HUGE game tomorrow...Hilary and Obama can wait
Gheez...Hillary was the "annointed one", then she was the ex-co president, then the shrieker in Ohio, then Rambo in "full metal pantsuit" re her Bosnia lies...the she wants to be Rocky Balboa and now Annie Oakley.....!!!!!!!! Good grief, how anyone listens to her at all is amazing.
I was there: What Obama really said about Pennsylvania - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-coleman/i-was-there-what-obama-re_b_96553.html // Obama in SF: Not what I heard - http://momocrats.typepad.com/momocrats/2008/04/obamas-remarks.html // Obama, Bitterness, Meet the Press, and the Old Politics - http://robertreich.blogspot.com/2008/04/obama-bitterness-meet-press-and-old.html
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Philly Eagles are the same football fans that threw snowballs at Santa Claus. Obama, should expect nothing less. You deserve Hillary.
Hill and Bill
Went up the Hill
To lie about the ....snipers.
Hill mis-spoke.
Bill's a joke.
Both have forked tongues ... like vipers.
Please tell me, why do you people see H. Clinton's flagrant lies about Bosnia as benign, yet want to castate Obama when he "misspoke?"
Obama wasn't misunderstood... he actually told you what he thinks. Sadly, he doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to stand up for what he believes. Obama is an elitist who doesn't support gun rights or traditional religious organizations.
So far, this is what I know about Obama...
1) That he had a 'typical' white grandmother.
2) He was the member of a church for 20+ years, but NEVER heard Reverend Wright say anything controversial.
3) Believes people 'cling' to religion and guns because they're frustrated w/ their economic status.
Oh yeah, he knows more about foreign policy than Hillary Clinton and John McCain because he took a trip to Pakistan when he was in college.
This guy isn't qualified to be a U.S. Senator, let alone the President of the United States!
I do not believe he lied or is talking down to people. Many people are hurt and angry about not having enough income. I'm shocked this is even a conversation.
It's sad that so many people don't listen to the words, only what the taking heads try to twist the words into. The Clintons are DOA. So if you want to see McCain as prez you will believe this twist. If you want change you will actually listen to each candidate and decide.
Boooooooooooring....I am more worried about abput Flyers advancing to 2nd Round....both candidates are inferior
The point is that he was at a closed funder for billionaires in SF. Not out on the stump. He was trying to explain to them why he isn't getting the votes of those rubes. That he now says he was saying something good about their religion is ridiculous. Is he saying something nice about their bigotry and xenophobia too?
It's like he told the farmer in Iowa; "Have you seen how much arugula costs now at Whole Foods?"
Amazing how many people can't handle the truth. People are bitter in small towns that have been ingnored by Washington, but whenever they start to see a candidate who doesn't BS them, along comes an anti-gay marriage amendment, a "they're going to take you guns" falacy, etc. Obama, who worked his way up in life is no elitist. It's funny how Hillary, who made $110 mil last year and McCain, who owns over a half dozen houses and whose wife is worth a $100 mil, have the balls to call Obama an elitist. And you idiots fall for it.
It is important to remember that he was editor of the Harvard Law Review and is defacto, the best of the best when using language and articulating the exact message he wished to convey to his intended audience. The wrinkle here is that his message went beyond his immediate intended audience and their particular sensibilities. No matter how his words are re-interpreted, amended and recast, there was a certain tone that is not right. If it was a nothing comment, Sen. Obama's supporters would not feel so threatened, outraged, etc. With all due respect, this citizen has run for president and it is important to understand his thoughts when articulated in a forum he believes to be safe from scrutiny.
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Politicians love unarmed peasants
Politicians love unarmed peasants
"Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there's not a liberal America and a conservative America — there's the United States of America. There's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America."
Where did this uniter and dreamer go ?
Keep drinking the kool aid. The point is, once again Obama has shown his disdain for the working poor and the middle class people of this country and this Commonwealth. He can not disguise for long his contempt for the people who are not part of his vision of the ruling elite. What Obama has shown again and again is that he is no more than empty words and false promises. He runs commercials saying he doesn't take money from federal lobbyists, but he forgets to mention he takes money from companion state lobbist organizations, partners of lobbiests and plenty of companies. See what the LA times found http://www.caclean.org/problem/latimes_2007-04-22.php The new American political paradigm of the young the poor and republicans coming together to change the country. Please. To quote Obama stealing from Denzel as Malcom X, "Your getting bamboozled!!!"
How many times has OBAMA said "I misspoke but I didn't lie?" HOW MANY??? He is the biggest liar of all 3. Anyone hear about the proceedings today at the Rezko trial??? Are we saving this for November?
Obama is full of it,of course he is trying to apologize,it has nothing to do with the word bitter, he implied that there is something terribly wrong with God, guns and having issues with illegals. Obama is HISTORY.
Enough of Obama. Don't want him as President won't vote for him. He talks down to us & he's running for President...How will he treat us later..That's right tell us what you want us to hear..no substance go home and help Illinois do something for them first...Enough of "Keep talking do nothing Obama"
You keep putting down Hillary at least she has a plan..All talk Obama go ahead get on his bus..You will ride to nowhere just listen to his speeches..He says NOTHING!!!
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"Somehow I doubt this new nuance will satisfy his critics, either on the political right or within the Clinton campaign."
.
.
Yeah, right. As if people from either group could care less about what he says except as a way to attack him. What's amazing is that the same folks who whined incessantly about the evils of "political correctness" are now the very same ones who attack anything Obama says that isn't perfectly politically correct.
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24
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7
Of course it won't satisfy the Clinton supporters. They knew what he was saying in the first place, and twisted his words.
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Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
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