Most voters disagree with Obama comment
The first poll is out to try to measure voter sentiment on Barack Obama's remarks about bitter working class voters.
The Rasmussen Reports survey asked voters nationwide: "Do you agree or disagree with Barack Obama’s statement that people in small towns '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'?
Among all voters, 56 percent disagreed, and 43 percent of Democrats did. Not surprisingly, those who described themselves as conservatives were more adamant in their disagreement.
Among all voters, 45 percent said the comments reflected an "elitist view" of small town voters. The poll was conducted Saturday and Sunday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
UPDATE: A Gallup daily tracking poll, however, suggested that Obama is not being hurt by the controversy.
He continues to hold a 10-percentage-point lead, 50 percent to 40 percent, over Clinton among Democrats. Gallup said today that Obama's support remained strong on Saturday and Sunday, amidst the publicity over the remarks.
There has not been a poll, however, in Pennsylvania, where Obama had narrowed Hillary Clinton's lead to single digits leading up to the April 22 primary, a must win for her.
Obama made the comments at a private fund-raiser last weekend in San Francisco.
"You go into 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," Obama said.
“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.”
Clinton and her campaign battered Obama over the weekend, accusing him of demeaning blue-collar voters and their strongly-held beliefs and describing him as elitist and out of touch. He acknowledged that his remarks could have been better phrased, and explained that he meant to say that economically struggling voters feel left behind and angry and naturally turn to core beliefs.
Here's a link to the original report on the comments, posted Friday on The Huffington Post website.
Note that this was a "push-poll". The questions were framed such as they left little room for Clinton and McCain supporters to answer otherwise.
"Senators Clinton and McCain said Obama’s comments showed he was out of touch with hardworking Americans. Do Obama’s comments reflect an elitist view of small-town America?"
Look at the question. Reading that question in isolation, I'd disagree, too. It's out of context. Watch the polls, I think this will help him in the long-term. Hillary McCain overplayed her hand.
45% o Democratic voters disagree. The article could jusr as easily have been titled, 55% agree
It's not the spin doctors or the stategists that are making a mountain out of this mole hill. It's media outlets such as this one that feel obligated to foment discord where there isn't any. Elitists? The entire Democratic Party is synonomous with elitism. So I would say to Hillary, " Look who's calling the kettle black (forgive the pun"
My wife and I are both professionally employed veterans who make good money and who understand exactly what Obama was referring to in his remarks. Those who are hurting in this recession are easy prey for those who like to blame immigrants, welfare moms, gun-control advocates, the ACLU - any number of scapegoats - instead of the policies of the "experienced" Bush/Cheney administration. We will be voting for Obama come this fall despite the smokescreens thrown up right wingers, racists, and tunnel-visioned columnists. Like the Boss says in one of his songs..."fear is a powerful thing". And fear is what feeds the right.
Out of the overflow of the heart speaks the mouth.
Who are we kidding about Obama? He is a Marxist Elitist.
This is such a non-issue. Why is this comment a big deal? When Hillary Clinton lied about sniper fire in Bosnia? It is time for this primary season to end.
comments like these make me wish he'd give reasons as to why we should give up our feelings about guns and religions, in any region of the united states, instead of calling us out because we disagree with him. convince me why i should feel the same way, just don't poke fun at me.
~Ron Paul 08~
Skewed question, worthless poll.
Obama's comment about "antipathy" is his assertion that people in small towns are racist. Why have media outlets let him off the hook for such an outrageous and false assertion? Is it because they are smitten with love?
I am not an Obama supporter but I agree completely with him because I am one of those angry, frustrated americans who is fed up with the government, the war, jobs disappearing, illegal immigration, economy and a host of other reasons.
native american granny
Bye Bye Bama
i agree with obama's comment
most don't have a clue what he said...and only the pundits are spinning it..
when everything is taken away from you..jobs, lack of opportunity , change to money for school....towns shrinking, and everything going up..and every year its politicians with empty promises ..and nothing changes...
you go back to what you know...you look for support in those basic things...it might be religion, it might be cultural pastimes...like hunting, .anything to give some refuge, some comfort....and then when washington asks you to give...to help out...you have to ask...why?...when does it stop...when is it going to come back to us?..bitter, you damn right
Here in rural North Carolina, these comments have ruffled quite a few feathers.
Obama elist? Hardly.
The Clintons made $109 million, a good portion of it coming from lobbying activities that Bill Clinton did on behalf of the Colombian government to pass CAFTA, a free trade agreement that his wife claims to oppose.
John McCain once called the Bush tax cuts unconscionable, because they went to the wealthiest Americans. This is a moment when the country is in war and we are running budget deficits.
But now McCain wants to make these tax cuts permanent while he has nothing to offer to the middle class and so-called blue collar workers.
What does McCain have to say to foreclosure victims? Mr. Obama has concrete plans to provide relief.
Mr. Obama is a deeply religious father and husband, and he respects the Second Amendment and applicable Supreme Court decisions in that regard.
What will help all Americans is an end to war and economic stimulus at home.
There is one very good solution to this, just vote for Hillary.
Where's the poll about what people think about Hillary's Bosnia lies? How come pollsters put out this obviously anti-Obama poll, but I don't see one about snipergate or "Bomb Bomb Iran"??
Obama's remarks were accurate and reflect America's current anti-intellectual climate. This anti-intellectual climate has been fomented by the neo-conservative base of the Republican party, which has played specifically upon such sentiments to foist G.W. Bush upon the American people.
It is ironic that in a country with free public education, wonderful libraries and opportunities for learning streaming through the internet, that Americans have retreated into the cocoon of their entertainment centers for whatever solace and peace they may find. Obama may well represent the last great hope for a distinguished and dignified President.
Hillary went out on a limb with this one. She's clutching at straws and will do anything to win.
Since when is it meaningful to poll on a sound bite. This is a complete waste of time. You add nothing with this information.
As a Rancher and cattleman, I was not only concerned this man would make
this kind of comment, but would make the comment in the manner he did, It's
one thing to look someone in the eye, and demean them.. But far more demeaning when its made supposedly in privite. Obama knew exactly what he
was saying to these Big money folks In SF,, They asked him why he was losing
his butt in PA,, and he simply, and colorfully told them the truth, So I No longer
have to consider this man for anything. He can take his campaign and go home.
Frankly, I don't know anyone that isn't bitter or frustrated with government today. We say we want the truth, but when we get it, we can't take it. I guess that is why Bush has been president so long.
I feel that this latest comment along with the 20 year association with a very racist minister, a wife who has never before been proud of America until her husband was chosen to represent Democrates -by the way in her speach in Carolina she told students that "If America is smart they will vote for him" - another elitist comment saying that if you dont vote for her husband you are "stupid". The fact that Ms Obama says "its a very mean America in 2008" and the list goes on. I do not feel these are "smoke screens" as one person has said. They show a definite pattern of a very troubling mindset. And by the way it wouldnt matter if this person was Republican, Democrat, Black, White or Purple - I would still feel they said enough "ill-worded" things to warrent a red flag check on what is REALLY in this persons heart and agenda
I definitely think the other candidates jumped on this comment too fast. First his mistake in language is easily clarified.
It isn't like he lied, people who feel put upon return to the things they find reliable and even enjoyable.
Let's talk with Ms. Bosnia about lying.
I absolutely agree with Obama.....
Middle-American's tend to believe what they read in the media, whether it's truth or lies.
Religion (especially) makes the real world go away.
This question was asked completely out of context, picking out the worst phrase. In that sense I think this poll represents a worst case scenario: 56% to 43%. It's hardly the knock-out blow Clinton would like it to be.
Possible follow-up survey questions to give a fuller picture:
1. Because of these comments, have you changed your mind about voting for Obama? (a) More Likely to Vote for Obama (b) Less Likely to Vote for Obama (c) No difference.
* I predict the answer will be 90% No Difference.
2. Do you think Clinton is "elitist" compared to Obama? (a) Less than Obama (b) More than Obama (c) About the same.
* I predict the answer will be 90%: About the same.
In the end, this dustup will make no difference. Obama will end the primary with more popular votes, more delegates, and more states won. He will be the nominee.
Hillary and McCain are so out of touch with reality--they *should* be agreeing with what Obama said rather than trying to tag him as being elitist. Good grief, Hillary lives off of Bill's $100 million income and good ole John isn't hurting in his bank account given his wife's fortunes. Obama spoke the truth: people are angry, frustrated, and yes, BITTER and for the other candidate's to downplay those feelings is downright shameful AND condescending.
I THINK OBAMAS COMMENTS WERE RIGHT ON TARGET BUT SOME PEOPLE PREFER TO KEEP THEIR HEAD BURIED IN THE SAND. BASED ON WHAT NAFTA HAS DONE TO PENNSLYVANIA IT'S NATURAL THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE BITTER AND CLING TO THOSE "ITEMS" THAT ARE IN THEIR COMFORT ZONE.
HILARY IS CLUTCHING AT STRAW IF SHE THINKS THIS IS GOING TO SINK SENATOR OBAMA IN PENNSLVANIA. SHE WILL MOST LIKELY WIN THE STATE BUT ONLY BY 4-5%, NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE HER CAMPAGN VIABLE AGAIN. I THINK A LOW MARGIN WIN WILL PUT MORE PRESSURE ON HER TO DROP OUT.
AFTER PENNSLYVANIA I WOULD EXPECT THAT AL GORE AND JIMMY CARTER WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR SUPPORT FOR SENATOR OBAMA.
This is a tempest over nothing. It is not a wonder our country and our political system are in disarray when newspapers print results of such ridiculous polling. Further, I have yet to read in yours or other papers about Geo. Bush's admittance of knowledge of torture methods used on prisoner in Guantanamo as well as other egregious acts committed by members of this Administration. You and your mother paper, The New York Times, have disintegrated in content beyond all recognition. Do you think The Globe under the editorships of both Winships would have printed such drivel? As for The New York Times it wonders why it is losing money. Any reader could tell them why. The editors of that paper have reduced its serious content to non-recognizable levels.
You might be interested to know that I cancelled my Globe subscription over a year ago. I have hung on faithfully with The New York Times but now wonder if it is worth the fifty some dollars monthly for so little to read.
I agree with his statement, and I am a person who he was referring to. I grew up in a small Southwestern PA town. Knowing my roots and my neighbors in a town of roughly 2,000, that the veracity of Obama's comment will not be understood by some of the small town people due to lack of education and awareness; moreover, city people will think that the comment is more offensive than it really is.
Whenever a politician says the truth, there's always a punishment to be exacted in the media. Nobody likes the truth. People prefer to live in their precious little Disney world. Obama was right, and why can't people just admit it and move on? That said I still don't forgive Obama for choosing a wacky pastor with racist tendencies.
Cute little push-polling there, Rasmussen.
And thank YOU boston.com for printing this tripe.
Bravo!
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Bill Clinton never had this much fun with his pants on....Obama is a elitist who gets a free pass from slack jawed liberals. Wake up!
11thCavVet,
Could not have said it better myself!
Obama!!!!
My wife and I moved from Seattle to small town South Carolina this year. Nothing Obama said sounds out of line to either of us. I think this guy has a pretty good grip on reality, and he says what he thinks. The issue isn't that he thinks this, but that the political whore shows can make use of it for their own gain (ratings) when he says it.
"Voters" might, but the experts don't.
The Huffington Post, which broke the original story, is reporting that:
Thomas Frank, the author who redefined the perception of the red state/blue state divide in America, says he doesn't find Sen. Barack Obama's comments on the bitterness of small-town Midwesterners all that alarming.
"People are bitter in small towns," Frank told the Huffington Post. "People are bitter everywhere. I don't know if you have seen the stock market -- people are bitter about their situation. It doesn't strike me as a very controversial statement."
Frank, who famously penned the book "What's The Matter With Kansas?" had been away this past weekend and missed the controversy surrounding Obama's remarks. Read the quotes over the phone, he said he was "disinclined to comment" further as he was hoping to devote his time to his upcoming book on Republican politicians in Washington D.C. rather than media requests.
However, his comments on the Obama flap reflect what was the underlying premise of his hit book: mainly, that people were voting against their economic interests because conservatives had galvanized them around political-identity issues.
"I chose to observe the phenomenon by going back to my home state of Kansas, a place that has been particularly ill-served by the conservative policies of privatization, deregulation, and de-unionization, and that has reacted to its worsening situation by becoming more conservative still," Frank wrote of the methodology behind his book in 2004. "Indeed, Kansas is today the site of a ferocious struggle within the Republican Party, a fight pitting affluent moderate Republicans against conservatives from the working-class districts and the downmarket churches. And it's hard not to feel some affection for the conservative faction, even as you deplore their political views. After all, these are the people that liberalism is supposed to speak to: the hard-luck farmers, the bitter factory workers ...
Obama, being the Globalist shill that he is needs to demonize gun ownership, religeon and LEGAL immagration.
It's better, in Obama's view (and Hillary's of course), to disarm the people, huddle them into the cities, water down their religious views and keep the borders wide open....while the citizens of this country pay for free medical care for all illegals.
Be it Obama, Hillary, McCain, etc...They all try to convince the American people that NAFTA and CAFTA are not the cause for the destruction of American Industry, which they certainly are.
America had its chance to support a true patriot, RON PAUL, but blew it. Now we have no choice but to accept the new era of globalist tyranny.
Obama, being the Globalist shill that he is needs to demonize gun ownership, religeon and LEGAL immagration.
It's better, in Obama's view (and Hillary's of course), to disarm the people, huddle them into the cities, water down their religious views and keep the borders wide open....while the citizens of this country pay for free medical care for all illegals.
Be it Obama, Hillary, McCain, etc...They all try to convince the American people that NAFTA and CAFTA are not the cause for the destruction of American Industry, which they certainly are.
America had its chance to support a true patriot, RON PAUL, but blew it. Now we have no choice but to accept the new era of globalist tyranny.
I'm also sceptical of polls and how they may affect opinions and steriotypes. And I'm just a "bitter, frustrated, gun toting religious fanatic midwestern retired typical white guy"
As a Pennsylvanian, and a Democratic primary voter, Obama's contempt for my state and his fundamental lack of understanding of our state's demographics -- as well as his lack of respect for the religious and hunting culture found in the rural parts of our state -- struck me as profoundly disrespectful. How this man can claim to be fit to be the chosen candidate of our state, when he is so filled with contempt for the people of our state, is beyond me. Out-of-staters with their declarations that he "spoke the truth" about our state are just as clueless as he is. Pennsylvania wants new ideas and a commitment to everyday people -- not an arrogant elitist who has contempt for our working people. That's why I am voting for Hillary Clinton.
Can we take a poll about whether the media and are out of touch and elitist?
How about members of the media frequently distort the meaning of what people say by selective editing and misleading headlines in order to sell newspapers instead of sticking to the facts. Do you agree or disagree?
Try that one, I dare you.
What Obama said was a polite way of him saying midwesterners are stupid hillbillies with their guns who follow their religious leaders blindly. How offensive and stereotypical! Can you imagine if a white leader said something like "you people"? He'd be crucified, oh wait, he did and he was.
The answer to this is simple. Senator Obama never expected for these comments to be made public -- so he was speaking honestly about those small town citizens. This is how he feels about people in PA and OH and IN and while HE may not be an elitist -- this exhibits a true elitist mentality. If he doesnt have a fully scripted speech in front of him -- he stumbles. This is another perfect example of the OBAMA ICEBERG -- we have only seen SOME of the iceberg above the water and there is MUCH MORE under the water -- a general election nightmare should our party nominate Senator Obama.
why don't you conduct a poll in the rural areas of PA. Those are the people affected by the comments of Sen. Obama. Conducting a poll of the people outside the area affected is like asking oranges how they feel about apples.
if voters are interested in what he was truly saying not in what is being misconstrued, watch this youtube clip. http://youtube.com/watch?v=6oGF3cyHE7M
Makes sense to me. The war in Iraq, and over 4,000 young men and women killed, and the tens of thousands wounded. Millions of Americans losing their homes. I feel bitter everytime I pull up to a gas pump. Maybe people don't know what bitter is, but they obviously don't want to admit they are bitter. Everyone has bitterness in their lives, and that is just the truth.
What he said is true and the truth hurts. Shows how easily people can be manipulated when something like this makes big news. Everyone knows it's true, including McCain and Clinton; Obama was the only person running who was man enough to say it.
Hillary has bruised the eye of her own character. After her repeated lies and falls hood of her "Dangerous" Kosovo trip, I think we all know what she is doing.
She can keep stacking up lie after lie after lie. When the smoke clears and she has lost this Democratic nomination, all there will be left is Democratic "crumbs" for all Republicans to sweep away.
She needs to step a side, if not, I hope you have enjoyed the last eight years because the next four will be as familiar as the last eight.
And ignorance and a well-defined sense of superiority and entitlement feeds the left.
So if "fear is what feeds the right" then why is Barack Obama instilling the fear into his supporters on a daily basis that John McCain is going to propagate the Iraq War for another 100 years when in fact McCain said that it would be ideal to have a presence in the region much like the presence we currently have in S. Korea, Japan, Germany, et al? If "fear is what feeds the right" then why are both Democrats instilling fear in their supporters that free markets and free trade are going to completely eradicate their ability to ever earn a living again for the rest of their lives when in fact foreign investors are as capable of hiring American workers as American investors? Maybe it's time for all voters to stop drinking the anti-Bush kool-aid and ask themselves what the real issues are: jobs, economic growth, safe communities, good education, guest worker programs, national security (yes Virginia, there IS a War on Terror - just ask Gordon Brown) and energy independence. If we don't stop with all the partisan propaganda and think about how to work together, all of us, we're going to be in big huge trouble. John McCain is the only candidate with real experience in this area and he has humility, a penchant for honesty and great sense of humor compared to his rivals.
Where did the term elitist come from? The Clinton spin machine and the myriad of "advisors" who will try to pick on any small word to try to gain a political advantage. Why is Clinton so arrogant that she and her people think that they are the only candidate that cares about the electorate? Their's is a must win at all costs attitude, including the demise of her own party. That is the true height of egocentric elitism!!!
So if "fear is what feeds the right" then why is Barack Obama instilling the fear into his supporters on a daily basis that John McCain is going to propagate the Iraq War for another 100 years when in fact McCain said that it would be ideal to have a presence in the region much like the presence we currently have in S. Korea, Japan, Germany, et al? If "fear is what feeds the right" then why are both Democrats instilling fear in their supporters that free markets and free trade are going to completely eradicate their ability to ever earn a living again for the rest of their lives when in fact foreign investors are as capable of hiring American workers as American investors? Maybe it's time for all voters to stop drinking the anti-Bush kool-aid and ask themselves what the real issues are: jobs, economic growth, safe communities, good education, guest worker programs, national security (yes Virginia, there IS a War on Terror - just ask Gordon Brown) and energy independence. If we don't stop with all the partisan propaganda and think about how to work together, all of us, we're going to be in big huge trouble. John McCain is the only candidate with real experience in this area and he has humility, a penchant for honesty and great sense of humor compared to his rivals.
Anyone who reads that can see its a loaded question taken out of context. The person who conducted that poll and wrote this article has an obvious bias... watch Obama's response to Hillary's bullshit here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxmi3e2Vmo ... Obama has had to respond to the same bullshit politics throughout this entire campaign. When is Hillary going to focus on the real issues and start proving she's a person of substance?
I AM quite bitter, though I try my darndest day in and out NOT to be.
I am bitter that Bush was allowed to be appointed to office by his party's Supreme Court appointees in 2000. I'm bitter that he was allowed to lie to congress repeatedly after 9/11 and then allowed to get away with it. I'm bitter that because of those lies my civil rights have been curtailed & race relations have gone into the toilet. I'm bitter that he was allowed to lie to congress about WMD in Iraq and START a war with some yahoo-saber-rattling, tin-pot dictator and screw the world up for generations to come.
I'm bitter that his campaign was allowed to use the issue of gay marriage to steal the election in 2004. I'm bitter that he and his buddies in the Oil Industry have demolished the economy and padded their pockets. I'm bitter that my state is still hemorrhaging jobs, and my city is hemorrhaging people (110,000 since 1960...we're back to 1920 in population). I'm bitter that over 4,000 young people have been stolen from their families and countless people in Iraq (who we never hear about) are dead because of this administration--all that potential forever gone.
I am bitter that what I was taught in elementary school about America has been turned to ashes, that progress has been reversed in science and civil rights and medicine and social equality, that the respect this country once commanded has vanished.
So...yes...I guess you could say I am just a little bitter. And I am ready for change. If I was wavering at all about who I want to see in the White House--the wavering is over.
As the comment presented in the article, "Memoryaid" is correct in that the framing of the issue left little room to support Obama's position. In a wider context, his point about communities sufferring prolonged economic distress being ripe for appeals to xenophobia are right on time.
It just goes to show how inexperienced Obama is as a Senator to make those kind of remarks let along if he were to be President.
The guys has a lot of questions that still need to be addressed.
His wife Michelle sated two months ago this was the first time in her life she was proud to be an American.
He associated himself with Rezko the corruot Real Esate mogul in Chicago who helped to finance his house.
Obama belongs to a church for 20+ years where the former revereand esposes beliefs about America that are out of touch with reality. Obama also considers this reverand a personal friend.
To me you are a product of what you involve yourself with in life.
The organizations & friends you choose to assocaite yourself with are a direct reflection on your character.
There are too many unanswered questions about this guy and these statements about small town people in Pennsylvania are absurd as well.
This guy tries to portray himself as being for change, being fair, yet hires lawyers to block re-votes in Florida & Michigan.
If he were so concerned with being just, fair, and for real change, why not let millions of Americans in those sates have their voices heard?
Sounds to me like someon eis afraid he may lose.
I am a disenchanted Democrat and am ashamed of the party's actions with the voting for Florida & Michigan.
I can not vote for a nominee who I would question their legitimacy that is certain.
Obama was right but not smart to say it out loud. Jacob
All voters are "bitter" at this time. All three prospective candidates for President present no tangible plans for the strengthening and prosperity of all legal citizens of U.S.A.----Comments by senator Obamas preacher and close friend should raise more questions as to his true feelings towards his constituents.
I agree with Obama and here's why.
First, I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Dead end jobs, layoffs, and unemployment are synonymous with most regions of that state.
As a result, I left decades ago due to my inability to
find a REAL job with a LIVING wages in the Pittsburgh and Harrisburg areas. Nepotism runs amok in that state, especially in the Utility industries and the decent state or municipal govt jobs.
If you want to make 15 to 25 thousand a year, Pa. is the place to be.
My goals are a bit higher, that's why I left. The South did Rise Again!
To 11thCavVet: Fear is what feeds all sides, and has for a long time. I've met quite a few people from every direction who are hurting and cling to "us vs. them" rhetoric that places blame on faceless external sources. Left and right are equally guilty.
Obama is not so much an elitist, as he is a racist. He subscribes to "Black Liberation Theology", which goes something like this; "Everything is Whitey's fault, so I have no personal responsiblity for my situation or actions".
On the other hand, I really have no valid point of view; as Obama says, I'm just a "typical white person"
This is the best and the brightest? Hillary, a congenital liar, and Obama the racist,? Litle experience, and no moral integrity -great choice.
This is one of the smaller word problems Obama has had however it seems to have the mostr attention. Folks should be more concerned with Obama claiming that the historical fact "Jesse Jackson won SC too" was a racist comment. It was not. It is simply a fact of history but Obama got away with calling it racist and scaring most blacks into voting for him rather than Hillary who has fought for poor communitites her entire life. That comment was not racist but Obama twisted it. Go back and watch Jackson talking to media before he spoke with Obama and saying that he saw nothing wrong or racist about that comment.....and then Obama spoke and that simple fact of history became a racist comment. Vote Hillary Clinton or we get McCain because I and the majority of Americans will not vote for Obama. He will need to prove that he is not the hater of white America that he and his kids have been listening to at church for their entire lives before becoming the President of this America.
The poll's narrowly worded, heavily biased question proves little. The republicans, of which Clintons are honorary members, will continue to paint democrats as Elitist -- while painting themselves as working class heros--let's not forget who passed Nafta, who voted to send our children to a war for oil, who is on the board of Halliburton, who robbing us blind to pay for elitist wars. Let's not forget who turned the other way while the mortgage companies took advantage of low income people. Or who made $109 million dollars these past few years in "speaking" engagements. AS for the media, why do you think they focus on all of this drama instead of the issues?
Talk about spin~ The way that question was framed is shameful.
Let's have another poll and ask: "Do you agree or disagree that Hillary and Bill Clinton are the most BITTER couple in the United States of America"
Mc Cain and Hillary agree on their attack on Obama; GET BACK TO THE ISSUES. Any of these DC politicos and morons have some nerve labeling anyone as "elitist" I hope they did this in front of a mirror as they called the kettle black.
If what obama said was wrong, why did he apologize? Unfortunately for obama (but, fortunately for Americans), no damage control is going to work on this one. When juxtaposed with his wife's statements and Jeremiah Wright's racist rantings, this statement will be plastered over anything that moves (or even stands still) come November. obama's toast, accept it. And obama, if you're listening, get out of the race and quit helping to divide America.
11thCavVet don't put words in my mouth. Just assume the 'bitter' people just might blame the ACLU, the ILLEGAL immigrants and gun control. Who is pointing fingers at the welfare moms besides you?
Sounds like Obama's elitist attitudes are catching up with him. Too bad people haven't listened more closely to him.
I am a Hillary supporter but I am saddened to see so much focus on a not-so-perfectly worded comment. We all know they are similar candidates, Barak and Hilary; I just wish neither of them, nor the media, would capitalize on mundane issues/comments for a leg up in this race. I am absolutely sure that Obama is not anti-immigrant nor is he insensitive to the issues of the working class in this country.
Obama could come right out and admit that he is a racial bigot (which he is) and some of you idiots would defend him. Think for yourselves and quit listening to what Union leaders and Civil Rights organizations (also racists) say you should do with your votes.
Obama is not so much an elitist, as he is a racist. He subscribes to "Black Liberation Theology", which goes something like this; "Everything is Whitey's fault, so I have no personal responsiblity for my situation or actions".
On the other hand, I really have no valid point of view; as Obama says, I'm just a "typical white person"
This is the best and the brightest? Hillary, a congenital liar, and Obama the racist,? Little experience, and no moral integrity - great choice.
" Those who are hurting in this recession are easy prey for those who like to blame immigrants, welfare moms, gun-control advocates, the ACLU - any number of scapegoats - instead of the policies of the "experienced" Bush/Cheney administration."
Blah, blah, blah. Someone else who doesn't get it.
is blaming massive immigration and trade policy an 'irrational lashing out' or is it a logical 'connecting of the dots"?
if you have to train your H-1b replacement from India before you are fired, isnt it possible that your job loss is related to immigration?
Why is it 'elitist' to make an observation on the obvious. People all over the USA ARE bitter about the state of affairs, which IS dismal as a result of 8 years of the idiotic and incoherent regime of GW Bush, 12 years of Republican Congressional malfeasance, and almost 30 years of neoconservative economic philosophy (including participation in it by the Clinton administration). Unless one has substantial financial and social assets one will likely be suffering -- and be bitter about it! That would mean most regular people.
Why can't the Spin Masters understant that the Second Amendment is not about sport or hunting, it's about self protection.
Obama talked about this very subject in 2004 (after his Senate victory) almost word for word & not a single peep from ANYONE concerning it being an "elitist" view. Obama wins because he speaks truth to power. We all see who's elite (look at the bank accounts) & that's not saying Obama is poor (he's also in the upper income bracket but WAY behind both Hillary & McCain) & elitism is an attitude which Hillary & McCain seem to embody. The MSM has fabricated & fed this thing like the animals they are & I just Love how every other story headlines "Obama tries to shake bittergate" as if that in & of itself doesn't keep it alive. I'm "bitter" about the MSM making this the story. Please go away & stop push polling to attempt to support your non-story.
Obama is an elitist! His comments were made with arrogance and his follow-up comments were the typical excuses he has has been making in the entire campaign, whether it's because he follows a racist preacher, or his viewpoints toward small town Americans!
The day of September 11, 30 minutes after viewing the destruction of the tower on the morning TV news, I was in a nearby church, not even my own church, sitting in an isolated area, my head bent down, I was crying in silence for tall those who died in that terrorist act. I visited the same church three times that day, the same position and reflecting on what has just happened. I was reaching to God.
Whenever I have a serious family problem, medical or otherwise, I go for long walk or sit in an isolated space asking for guidance. I am considered a highly educated professional person. I am not a religious person by any standard of many people. But we all have our moments.
I fully agree with 11thCavVet.
Obama is not an elitist; he said what I know to be truth my area of this United States.
What is racist about being against a candidate who is all smiles and empty promises. Hell the guy doesnt even feel obliged to vote on controversial issues at his "day job" yet he is somehow qualified to run the whole country? What a load of crap.
Nevermind the clever race-baiting his camp employs then runs behind the "America is ready for a change" bologna. Of course America is ready for change. Obama is clueless and if elected (LORD HELP US ALL) we will see nothing. Absolutely nothing. He is basically a hollow chameleon that belongs in Hollywood more than politics.
MR OBAMA IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH US VOTERS. I NOW SEE MR OBAMA AS JUST A SLICK LAWYER WHO SLIPS AND SLIDS WITH WORDS...THIS IVY LEAGUE LAWYER AS NOW BEEN VETTED FOR WHAT HE IS.
SINCERELY, JIMMIE W BECK
...it's not Immigrants (why do you people change it?) it's "Illegal Immigrants" for God's sake recognize those who did it right. Blame Bush policy for depressed areas that haven't been able adapt to changes in the market, economy, job climate? Think how much worse off they'll be paying astronomical taxes the Dems advocate. Dem's pet social projects are what perpetuates dependence on big government. ...Fear you say? Talk about using a scapegoat.... Most if not all right wingers use logic, common sense, leadership and prudence to approach problems. Seems fear is what drives the emotionally based liberal agenda, not conservatives.
This poll has just one motive and goal of creating divisions among Americans. From the poll wording it looks like is being sponsored so that Obama will be kept on defence while Clinton and the surrogates will be doing the attack.
According to the poll ONLY 1000 people were asked this question out of over 300 million nationwide . I hardly call that most voters.
Hillary Clinton has simply become annoying.
I just love it....I have NEVER in my life EVER seen someone that can just seem to do no wrong.....I just do not get it....what do you think would happen if Hillary were to say "typical black person"? or if she were to make some of the same so called "out of context" statements that Obama the Perfect has said??Or had been affiliated for 20 years with a white racist preacher?? She would have been shut down....but its ok for a black man to say and do those things? You peeps are so afraid you will cause a racial uproar that you are giving Obama the Perfect a free ride......shame on you.
Truth be known, immigrants do add to crime, increased health care costs and do depress wages for jobs that could be done by legal American citizens.
There are appoximately 300,000 babies born in the US to illegal alien parents. These medical costs are funded by medicaid. How can anyone claim that there is not an enormous burden placed on our system by this?
As to 'small town...antipathy to people not like them', obama needs to look at the cities - where people regularly shoot those who simply wear clothing of different colors , let alone racial differences. The Real anitpathy to people 'not like them' is by inner city dwellers who are among the statistcally most violent people on this planet. When will obama address the avalance of black-on-white violent crime in this country? Why won't obama discuss the issue of overwhelming black violent crime?
obama lacks the courage to be anything but a racial hypocrite.
Almost everything Obama says is now examined critically, while McCain is allowed to mis-speak at will with little notice. It took the press a couple of months and her repeating her under fire in Tuzla comment before the checked Clinton's voracity on it. Are there angry, bitter people who feel let down by their govt or not? Obama said he didn't phrase his observation as well as he should have, so why is the press still harping on this? So much for the old con lie that the press is "liberal" and giving Obama a pass. It now appears that the press is doing whatever it can to trash Obama while painting McCain in shades of red, white and blue.
This is the kind of poll design I sadly expect from a candidate's lackies not a 'respected' newspaper. The editors should be ashamed of themselves. This is poor journalism.
I believe it's an accurate assement. It wasn't well put but ultimately I don't think its going to matter. They weren't going to vote for him anyway.
Pure rubbish! Why even publish this pole, it's just palin junk.
Hillary,
Get the f*ck out of the race!!! This is exactly the kind of fake controversy that you love to stir up and the media loves to cover. It is nothing but fodder for McCain in the general election.
If you truly care about this country, get out NOW!!!
What a question? This question is intentionally framed so that people will have one and only one response to it: "I disagree"
There are tons of possible neutral questions that could be asked like:
"Do you think that economic distress in small towns caused frustration?"
"Do you think Obama is an Elitist or out of touch?"
"Do you believe that Obama understand the values and practices of small towns?"
"DO you think that McCain and Clinton's accusation of Obama is appropriate?"
and so on...
shame on Rasmussen Reports survey ....
Who cares what he thinks? Will it influence anything he would do as president? What was the government supposed to have been doing for "small towns"? Paying citizens to sit around and do nothing? The more important question would be, "What would Obama do for small towns?"
Obama has "clung to religion" himself or he wouldn't have supported that bastion of bigotry, Reverend Wright. There are plenty of people in South Chicago who "cling to weapons" and "have antipathy toward people who aren't like them." People who live in glass houses.....
Per comment #5, fear and envy are what get the Dems votes. And no one plays the cards better. Obama has yet to take a stand on anything (except giving your hard earned tax dollars away) and continues to speak in vague terms...."Change is coming!" Do you think?
Senator Obama seems to always have to "explain" himself out of situations. The fact is that these statements were made in the company of "elites" in California. The appearance is that it was "behind the backs" of Pennsylvanians. It appears "elitist" regardless of the explanation. Appearance says everything. As far as spinning, Senator Obama is now doing his fair share of spinning his words. He does seem out of touch.
I knew that the quiet period leading up to the Pennsylvania primary would cause the media to fear for their jobs and ratings. This is nothing but a ratings war.
We are in a humiliating war, in a recession, beginning a race war, running from global warming, unable to pay for college, unable to imagine the jobs of the future, lost the war on drugs, lost the war on poverty, YET fighting with each other while the house burns down. And YET we are perfectly capable of working together to put the flames out. Shame on everybody for tearing each other down instead of lifting each other up!
Simplicity itself, folks:
OBAMA says "[SMALL-TOWN AMERICANS] 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,"
First substitute BUSH, MCCAIN or CLINTON for OBAMA.
Next substitute "BLACK AMERICANS," or "JEWISH AMERICANS" or "WOMEN" for "SMALL-TOWN AMERICANS."
Finally, defend it as non-prejudicial. -As not bourgeoisie condescension observing the opiates of the masses. -And the opiates he ascribes them: Guns, Religion, Hate, Fear.
Why Americans are so afraid of the TRUTH.What senator Obama said is correct
One should feed HOPE with LIES
Obama is definitely not a Washington politician
I hope he never changes
What you do speaks do loudly, I cannot hear a word you are saying. If the comments were an isolated incident, fine.
The deeper question is has Obama empathized with the voters in the comments? What has he done, beside speeches, for these voters?
Other questions such as: why did Obama not correct his comment immediately (did he just do a Hillary)?
The Rasmussen Reports survey wasn't an honest survey on the issue what Obama said. It's questions did not represent the true statement by Obama. Most of the negative articles out there have twisted what Obama said and the Rasmussen Report is no different on this issue. If you had asked the questions exactly as they were said by Obama, and surveyed people in middle America, middle class people, the polls are different, they agree with Obama. I agree with Obama's statement. I also think it doesn't matter how he would of stated it even with different words, the media and Clinton and McCain are going to attempt to twist anything he says if they can. He is an honest man, and says things the way they are, and the media and Clinton and McCain don't want people to dwell on the truth, as if they do, they are going to lose. The media like McCain most and know his only chance to win in November is if he runs against Clinton. McCain has a better chance to bet her than if he is running against Obama.
Special interests group are scared that the people are going to win out over them.
Charles
Bloomfield, Iowa
It's much worse than bitter...............and this nonsense has got to stop!!! MEDIA, please, please focus on REAL ISSUES.......THEY CAN'T BE ANYMORE IN-YOUR-FACE.............YET, THEY ARE NOT AS IMPORTANT AS ORDERING OJ INSTEAD OF COFFEE.............ARE YOU INSANE???
My entire family is from that area, and western New York, all part of the rust belt. Last time I was up there three months ago, on the shores of Lake Erie, by Buffalo, people were turning in their cans and bottles to supplment the grocery bill..........a lot of people, not just a few. THEY ARE STRUGGLING AND NARY A WORD IN THE ENTIRELY, INEPT MEDIA ABOUT THE OUT OF CONTROL COST OF LIVING............not until it simply cannot be ignored under any circunstances.....especially blatant CORPORATE WELFARE......well, yeah, guess the media better speak up, sort of, kind of, now that the Fed. Reserve has showered bilions on the real welfare SCUM.
To 11thCavVet:
It sounds like fear of conservatives is what animates your own (and perhaps your wife's) views. You claim that it is fear that feeds the right. Have you listened to any Democratic campaign ads in the last few decades, or even in the last few years, or even recently? From the little girl counting flower petals with the countdown & mushroom cloud in the background, to the claim of grandma's social security being discontinued, to any number of canards pedaled in black churches; the award for fear mongering has to go to the left, not the right. I will probably be voting for McCain -- not because he particularly excites me -- but because he is the only candidate with a resume commensurate with the job. Obama's high powered rhetoric does not conceal the intellectual vaccuoness of his positions or his apparent ineptitude to govern.
I
I will
senator Obama is absolutely right. people who are ignored and whose voice is not heard become bitter. but you need to have been there to understand this. this is just another example of the elephant in the room. a situation that exists but no one wants to address it for fear of being labeled an "elitist"
Perhaps you should replace the word "intelligence" with something more appropriate - maybe "stupidity", maybe I'm elitist for calling you and your media ilk stupid !!! Maybe if you took your sorry ass out of Boston and took a trip to Erie PA or the Scranton area, and talked to real folks You'd see that the real folks there are as Bill called them "happy" and "proud" - NOT !!! Sure - they're proud as hell to be Americans, but definitely angry as hell and more than a tad bitter !!! Even conservative republicans find it impossible to manufacture the outrage that Hillary seems to do !! (See USA today)
See the future; party at the White House. Honorary guests; Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rev. Wright, and Angela Davis.
Where are the portraits of George Washington, Tomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln? There just wasn’t enough room, so out with the old and in with the new; Huey Newton, Stokely Carmichael, and Eldridge Cleaver are our new heroes. Why is there a black panther where the bald eagle once stood?
sure, and their lack of fear in the face of the global warming disaster is evidence of what???
clear thinking perhaps?
I thought Obama was with us, even though I disagreed with his minister and his relationship with other persons I question. In this comment, he displayed himself as thinking a little better than us rural white folk. I believe in God and worship, I hunt, I want the border controlled. International trade should be fair to us. I have turned and can no longer support him.
It seems that the Obama voters are trying to spin this poll. Read the questions and the responses and decide for yourself!
IMO, the Poll is balanced, but non of the three running would be my first choice anyway :)
ALL of the questions here:
http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/pt_survey_toplines/toplines_obama_comments_april_12_13_2008
edge.
You know if Obama was smart he would dog her on her sniper fire over and over like she has done this. This is the only thing she has to grab to, to try and make Obama look bad. Hillary your own husband was trying to cover for you other day with your sniper fire lie. You even convenced him it was the truth. Obama turn the tables on her let her defend herself every day of why she lied.
Reading all the above, it seems that you all are in denial.
It might just be that he is just like all the rest, worthless, spend and lie.
This article means nothing to me since it said:
"There has not been a poll, however, in Pennsylvania, where Obama had narrowed Hillary Clinton's lead to single digits leading up to the April 22 primary, a must win for her."
Wow. So the CNN, MSNBC, and Gallup polls are all wrong when they said Obama narrowed her lead to 6%? I really wish these articles would gain some perspective.
People do SCAPEGOAT as a way to explain or cope with frustrations, the real problem with Obama's gloss is that he is---and has been--condoning just this sort of scapegoating. Witness his readines to understand why Wright rages at the U.S. government as causing AIDS, as responsible for 9/11, and responsible for the problems of African Americans. The danger is that he does not try to speak up against scapegoating---he's fully prepared to have the Rev. Wrights of this country continue fomenting hatred among the next generation. Likewise with "rednecks" whom he claims will never support him (as he doesn't look like them, etc.) All of this just CREATES DIVISIVENESS, rather than the bringing together Obama touts. He's just too naive at this stage to be trusted as president!
During last evenings "Compassion Forum" (televised by CNN), Senator Obama addressed this issue. When will the media report the statements made by the Senator last night, in which he clarified his intent ?
Definitely a push-poll. I'd like to see a poll on percentage of Americans who think HRC and McCain are twisting the issue for political benefit. I'll bet the percentages would be higher.
i agree with the comments, but i would say that it would not reflect everyones views. and i dont see the remark as intended that way. there are folks that simply believe that the government has sold out america to the wealthy. not only to wealthy americans, but to wealthy foreign companies. and that our elected leaders are simply paying lip service when they talk about american jobs, and what the economy means to them, then go off to washington and forget about them till the next election cycle. there is a sense of frustration out there that the media may be out of touch with........
Hillary is doing great things with this latest flap! Did you see her with the shot of whiskey? I think I understand what kind of shots were being fired in Bosnia now! What condition will she be in when the phone rings at 3:00 am?
I believe that the comment reflects Obama's true feelings about small town America. I think the statement was very divisive and that it indicates Obama's Marxist tendencies: religion (and guns) as the "opiate of the people."
This man Obama has attitudes born out of a radical background with his atheist Caucasian mother and Muslim-turned-atheist Kenyan father and Indonesian stepfather. His choice of church and minister bear this out.
Without passing personal judgment on Obama's personal beliefs, I see absolutely no way that this man could ever serve to "bring people together."
This is what's offensive - that Hillary Clinton can't see the pain in America. Even people who haven't taken up guns and religion and hate are sick and tired and bitter about the lack of housing, the lack of affordable healthcare, the damn ENORMOUS EXPENSE of having to live in America right now with no way out, the low value of the dollar, the lack of opportunity for young people to not only better ourselves but work our way up in the workplac, low wages, the greed that surrounds us. How ignorant is that woman that she think just because people smile at her for 5 minutes that they're not unhappy 95% of the time. It's disgusting how out of touch she is, thinking we're all happy working 40 hours a week and living off in the woods in a cardboard box, "pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps". She should try living in the 21st Century for a while.
Hats off to post number 5: (11th CavVet). Brilliantly put. And thank you, to you and your wife, for both your courage in defending our country, and your insight into understanding just what's fuelling the anger in this campaign: fear. Fear which has been exploited not just by the Bush/Cheney administration, I'm sorry to say, but also by the Clintons, who don't have any defense left, apart from exploiting people's ignorance and fear, against Senator Obama's consistently admirable, courageously honest, message of change, and hope.
My husband and I, in London, thank you and your wife for defending our freedom, not just in America, but around the world.
The media seems to be skewed toward distorting Obama's message when essentially he is lamenting the plight or rural voters who have been left out when other people are making $109,000,000 dollars in 7 yrs. Those are the elite not somebody who grew up with a single parent and worked his way up to fulfill his ambitions. Below is a link to support what his comments of voter frustration. Apparently, he had an interview in 2004 where he talked about voter frustration and why the cling to guns and religion. This man is consistent and has a true passion to fight for the plight of the poor. Share this link to as many people as you can so everybody can get the message and stop distorting Obama's message. http://youtube.com/watch?v=6oGF3cyHE7M.
I think Obama starts running his mouth before engaging his brain.
yeah this is molehill politics at its finest. Teflon John gets passes and Hillary "sniperfire" Clinton has said far more stupid things, outright lies and gets passes and she represents the "elitist" interests. She's a phony and McSame is basically an invalid.