Clinton Heckled, Obama Cheered Over 'Bitter' Remarks

The Clinton and Obama campaigns clearly have one thing in common in the wake of Barack Obama's "bitter" remarks: both sides believe the incident provides their candidates with the means to go on the offensive, with Clinton working to paint Obama as "elitist" and Obama seeking to demonstrate that he is "in touch" with the needs of working-class America. It is, of course, too early to assess what lasting impact this story is going to have on the race, but the way the audience at the Alliance For American Manufacturing forum in Pittsburgh received the candidates, and reacted to the issue, will be heartening for the Obama camp. Obama, who greeted the crowd at 8:45am, raised the issue and received applause. Clinton, addressing the same crowd later in the morning, brought up the remarks and received mostly silence, with a few audible impatient jeers.

[WATCH.]

RELATED:
Clinton Met With Cries of 'No!' in Latest Bitter Speech [WaPo, "The Trail"]
Obama's Shot at Clinton's Shot [ABC News]

Comments

[wilhelmR]

Bill and Hillary are bitter that Obama is winning. Bill and Hillary are making the entire Democratic Party bitter. Bill and Hillary are making everybody sick by not getting out of the race when the know she cannot win. They destroyed Al Gore, John Kerry, and now they want to destroy Obama. They should become Republicans and maybe she gets a chnace to be part of the McCain ticket.

[emperorsclothes]

Speaking as someone who likes Senator Obama, he did not win last night's debate and was more halting and less specific on most of the policy issues than Hillary, this one early, isolated clip notwithsanding. I watched on streaming video on 6ABC.com (not time delayed for the west ) and they also ran a simultaneous graph from a test group of undecideds who reacted with their dials. The test group graded Hillary 50%, Obama 23% which seemed about right. The Huffington Post can't be taken as a more serious news source than FOX News with it's almost comical bias in favor of their candidate -- busting him on the "bitter" comment notwithstanding!

[NJ13]

I was almost open to your remarks until you wrote "The Huffington Post can't be taken as a more serious news source than FOX News with it's almost comical bias in favor of their candidate" You cannot be serious. And you defintely are not an Obama supporter. FOX news is the most biased station on television.

Furthermore, as far as winning the debate, ABC's own "Who Won the Debate" poll shows that the viewing audience was overwhelmingly in support of Obama. I think that little biased debate is going to work in his favor come election day. What it showed is how well he works under pressure. He is unmoved unlike McCain that will loose his cool at the drop of a hat. I think I will take calm and collected over irrational and moody anyday.

[ThinkinAboutIt]

Hey Emperorsclothes-
Yeah, right. ou're an Obama supporter. Only if you spell his last name "O'Reilley."

[provgrays]

Obama wasn't allowed to win the debate because he was not asked anything of substance by Stephanopoulos and Gibson. There is too much deference paid to these idiots asking the questions. Both candidates shoud have ignored them and addressed the important issues that voters actually care about.

[SKayum]

This is hilarious. First of all they're not "jeering" because they disagree so much with her statement as they don't want anyone to talk about their guy in a negative light, that's not allowed, you see. (The truth is many people were indeed a little insulted by what he said). Second of all, the most recent Obama ad in PA showed that very clip and enhanced the sound of the "jeers" I would say by THREE times. And then it talked about how that wasn't going to fix the rising gas prices and the economic downturn, and then actually showed footage of him talking about "distraction."

Another ad that came after the news erupted about the comments he made didn't show his face at all. Instead his campaign sent Sen. Bob Casey to make his case.

[Softnsweet]

Oh yes they did disagree, my sister was there.. Don't go there!!! You are lying!!

[rachaelisacancer]

I was there and I didn't disagree so I guess that makes you a liar?

[SKayum]

I wasn't questioning the existence of the jeers; I was questioning the motivations behind them. Learn how to read.

[elascu]

Hillary is such a shrew there's small wonder that Bill wanders.

Barack Obama's "bitter" remarks were right on target; but, he missed stating what is becoming more obvious. Which is that American voters would rather "cling" to masochism than to search their souls for what they truly believe. The way of the masochist is to accept abuse just so they can claim pity for their deprived condition. Politicians know demographics very well, which is why they make promises they can never keep. The truth is a bitter pill, and masochists would rather hear anything else but the truth. They are easily mesmerized by anything that sounds like they're about to get screwed. That's why the old saying..."voters always get exactly what they deserve!"

It is the voter that creates an atmosphere where their politicians are dishonest. If the politicians were truthful who would vote for them? So, we go from voting cycle to voting cycle dwelling on personalities and appearances; and, ignore substance. That's exactly what Barack Obama has been trying to say; but, our desire to get screwed won't let us hear.

[celested9]

thank you for your honesty. There were just a few "no"s. You wouldn't know this from Obama's counterattack ad wherein he altered the soundtrack dramatically to increase the volume of the so called "jeers" which were really just a few "no"s.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/Obama_Represent.html

[kenjisan]

please tell me how we deal with this sort of thing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOYcM1z5fTs

[ILliberalPedagogue]

Of course she was jeered. Dems are a rude lot. If you don't agree with them, then you should be silenced.
I couldn't disagree with Clinton more, but were I to be in her presence, I would at least be civil and courteous to her. Far left libs are the most hateful people I have ever met. Makes my evil conservative side giggle. :o)

[ElPerro]

You’re right. Republicans are NEVER rude to people with whom they disagree.

It's a good thing they don't follow in Boss Cheney's footsteps and tell their opponents to go fuck themselves.

[Redrover666]

There's a big difference being heard to say, one-on-one, go F*** yourself and the everyday disgracefull and very public behavior of the left.

When was the last time you heard of conservative students shouting down a liberal speaker at a college? When was the last time you heard of conservative students rushing the stage or throwing a pie in the face of a liberal speaker? When was the last time you heard of a group of conservative men dressing up as nuns and disrupting a religious service because they disagree with the religion's precepts?

Liberals love to say "because he deserved it"

Most Americans see liberalism as self-centered and loutish.

[mabinog]

Political discourse or should I say intercourse in this country has never been polite. Several months ago I remember how some of our conservative opponents were saying that liberals could not win because they did not now how to fight in a political campaign.

Now that it looks like your septugenarian Bush Lite candidate is likely to get his a$$ kicked in the upcoming election the Democrats are the thugs and louts.

So spare me your disingenuous and hypocritical critique of political discourse on my "side" of the political spectrum. Spare me your genralization and labeling of all liberals. You know nothing about what all liberals feel or believe anymore than I know what all conservatives feel or believe.

Your critique is that of an adolescent, your ignorance evident to all.

Was that loutish and rude enough for you?

[Redrover666]

You can be spared the critique but the characteristic of ad hominem attack (your comment is a fine example), disruptive behavior and even assault of those with whom liberals disagree is well known and a matter of fact.

Objectively speaking, it's fair to say, the septuagenarian is doing quite well while the democrats beat the hell out of one another. Additionally, it must be very heartening for him to learn that as many as 30% of democratic voters will switch to him should their candidate not be the nominee.

And yes, you did just fine. Your comment was just as loutish and rude as one might expect.

[mhenderson]

Hi, ErikW65, and others it may concern: I checked the votes on the 2005 energy bill in the Congressional Library records, which can be linked through c-span.org. Sen. Clinton did not vote, and Sen. Obama voted yes for cloture, to end the DEBATE on H.R. 6. However, on the final vote to clear it to be sent to Pres. Bush for signature, which was a vote on the Energy Policy Act of 2005, both Sen. Durbin and Obama of ILlinois voted 'yes'. But both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York voted 'no'. Thank you for your attention.

[nicj]

CLINTON CAMPAIGN USING SUBLIMANAL ADVERTISING?

Someone please find the ad that quickly follows last nights Boston Legal. For a split second the screen appears blue and the name “Hillary Clinton” comes to screen with a commentator promptly stating “Clinton”

[ReportThis]

Maybe if Hillary spoke with an Arkansas accent people would be more willing to listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exsmFDYyK4U&eurl

[urojen]

The bitter comments apply to "some" rural folks and not a blanket portrayal of all rural folks. While it is true that majority of the people in rural areas value religion and owning guns as values and integral part of their lives they still focus on other issues like economy ,social issues,environment and immigation in a positive way.However people who lose their jobs and have not been able to find alternative jobs or get any help to improve their lives from the Government irrespective of the party in power become dejected and look to find solace in joining groups which tout traditonal life style issues like gun rights and religious issues.They start to focus on issues like gun rights,gaymarriage, immigration which are important to them,but unfotunately do not help them economically while it serves well the Republican party which exploits their support to come to power. What Obama was referring to was this kind of exploitaion. Unless these folks rise above being a single issue voter and focus on pressing issues Life will continue to be bad as it is.The election is not about electing someone who will make lifestyle better; it is about electing some one who will make life better.

The intent of Obama was not be condescending on traditonal values,but the recogniton people are vulnerable in their anger having been ignored for years that they get exploited and the need to gain thier support to effectively change thier lives.

[mediahack]

nice try.
I don't know if "elitist" is the proper word for Mr.Obama. But his comments revealed something about him that is uncomfortable. He hasn't explained yet why his supporters at that fund raiser in San Francisco were laughing at his comments. Watch the video at the link below, ask yourself what was so funny?

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/Vide o_from_San­_Francisco­.html

[mauigirl17]

Congress is in charge of the purse not the President, who had the majority in the House & Senate (the purse) for over 50 years? The Democrats. Why in over all those years have they not gotten that accomplished? Obama loves Change sure he loves change and can't wait to reach into your pockets for all of your $$$$chang$$$$ Cha-ching!

[CrabbyGolightly]

CRABBY IS SUFFERING FROM WHIPLASH DUE TO THE daily contradictory stories on the race between Democratic presidential candidates Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. To wit, a sample of headlines:

"Obama Surges on Electability, Challenges Clinton on Leadership"
"Poll Shows Obama Ahead as Candidate Dems See as Most Likely to Win in November" -- From ABC News online, April 16, 2008.

"Quinnipiac Poll: Clinton Has Stopped Obama Momentum In Pennsylvania"
From The Moderate Voice, which describes itself as a "moderate" online political website.

"Obama moves to largest lead yet in Gallup tracking poll"
"Three days' worth of polling after the news broke that Sen. Barack Obama said some small-town voters are "bitter," he has edged out to his largest lead yet in Gallup's daily national tracking survey." -- from USA Today, April 15 at 1:40 p.m.

"New poll shows Barack Obama tanking in Pennsylvania"
"...The findings could hardly be worse for the Democratic presidential contender." -- From the Los Angeles Times, April 14, 2008.

"Poll: Obama 'bitter' comments haven't hurt" -- from United Press International, April 15 at 7:51 p.m.

"New Poll: 'Bitter' Controversy Actually Helped Obama"
From The Huffington Post, April 16.

"Editorial: Obama's lapses make him vulnerable."
From the Dallas Morning News, April 15 at 12 a.m.

"The Hillary Deathwatch -- "The "bitter" flap fails to ignite."
From Slate, April 15 at 3:15 p.m.

"Bitter people, yuppies, root for your candidate and take your pick! .


Check out CrabbyGolightly.com for more contradictory headlines!

[LeftLeaner]

Your Headline is highly exaggerated.

I heard the speech, and there were "a few" voices of dissent in the crowd - That's All.

[Drewkowski]

The important thing to remember is....

If the president is a Republican after this election, we have only Hillary to blame.

[wavydavy]

Really? I would be more likely to blame the morons who voted for a rethuglican.

[trippin]

I'm a Pennsylvanian. And I'm bitter.

I'm bitter that you said you never supported NAFTA, but then we find out you ran meetings to sell its passage.

I'm bitter that you caved in to the health the insurance companies: requiring everyone to pay premiums even if they're astronomical, a windfall for them.

I'm bitter that your vote for this war is not only costing our military families untold sorrow, it's bleeding the Treasury dry when we need that money at home.

I'm bitter that Bill Gates can demand more visas for technical workers while American citizens still can't find a job after the dot-com bubble that your husband rode to popularity finally burst.

I'm bitter that unskilled laborers have to compete against illegal immigrants who come here to find work because NAFTA-exported agricultural products destroyed farming in Mexico.

I'm bitter that you only demoted, not fired, your chief strategist Mark Penn for backdoor dealing with Columbia about the Columbia Free Trade Act -- an job exporting measure you claim to oppose.

I'm bitter that while you were busting unions on the WalMart board of directors and hawking NAFTA, Obama was working on the streets of Chicago -- and you have the audacity to call him an elitist.

I'm bitter because people who work for a living are just one health crisis away from losing their homes because of the bankruptcy bill you voted for.

So, photos of you throwing back a shot of whiskey don't impress me one bit.

[ErikW65]

Thank you. Out of curiousity, what was your reaction to the allegation by the Clinton Camp and the MSM that Sen. Obama was being "elitsit" and "condescending" for accurately describing the way you feel?

[DoninJoisey]

To Ms Clinton:

And I'm bitter you dared to classify yourself as ready to lead, and that John McCain was ready to lead but Obama isn't?

I'm bitter you twist and spin facts in the face of logic - that Michigan and Florida shouldn't be disenfranchised, but stealing of pledged delegates isn't disenfranchising?

I am bitter you play the feminist card, appealing to feminazis who want a woman president, and woman, even one who only has fame as "wife of".

I am bitter you have such wanton disregard for truth that you repeated your Bosnia lie until you were caught.

I am bitter that your campaign is financed and run by lobbyists.

I am bitter that you are alleged to be a democrat, yet your campaign imitates Rove republican tactics of fear and smear.

[Twotooloose]

I applaud your comment...Both Clintons are good at one thing ,"Lying Easily"...If only these Woman Groups who support her, I am a 74 year old woman, would take the time to go back to the 90's and see clearly who the "elitist were and STILL are, maybe they could then wash out crap about seeing a woman President before they die...
However, my friend, though I agree today with your comments, I disagree with your voting Twice for Perot...I always felt he wanted to see Clinton in office so he could lead him with his many Lobbyists...He only ran to take away the votes that would have gone elsewhere and HE and the people who voted for him, brought the Two Liars to the head of the room...
Poor Chelsea, she has todefen both mother and father...
Barama is the man to beat Mc Cain...

[pleeezzze]

trippin....You should get a Few facts straight . I know you've heard what Obama pulled on the NAFTA deal and canada .
But hopefully you are Also aware that ( Walmart ) was helping to support the OBAMAS up til May 07 when Michelle suddenly quit her job ,because it might not look good for them when Obama began his run for POTUS !

Maybe you should blame all THREE instead of bad mouthing Hillary .

[ordinaryguy]

apparently you conveniently ignored what hillary pulled on the nafta deal and canada, which is more conclusive than the curcumstantial allegation against obama..

[Mairin1958]

Campaign officials said the memorandum inaccurately described Professor Goolsbee’s comments, as well as Mr. Obama’s position.

“At no point did anyone in our campaign convey to anyone that there had been any backing away from Obama’s position on Nafta,” a campaign spokesman, Bill Burton, said Monday. Full text at :
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/us/politics/04nafta.html?_r=1&ei=5087&em=&en=bc1674b80a8eb1e3&ex=1204779600&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1208369510-IAXei5QD64cCKBaGhzxs0g

This is from the New York Times (who endorsed HRC) and it is clear that even from the Candian's persepctive- what was said was grossly distorted for political reasons.

[sillyseason]

Bravo trippin!

You have done your homework. You are to be commended for learning about the candidates, and not being fooled or manipulated by 30 second sound bite politics, or attempted smear campaigns.

My gut tells me there are many more Pennsylvanians just like you. Congratulations on being an independent thinker.

[Indoboy7]

I am in California, and I am bitter too.
I wish more people had done their "homewok" like "trippin" did.....All that this long drawn-out nomination process does, is give a chance for more people to have more time to really "evaluate" the Bill Clinton Years, now after 8 calamitous years of Republican "Power"....It is there for all to see:..Clinton's failure to negotiate safeguards into the trade agreements on behalf of american working men & women..America's jobs were outsourced overseas, where wages are a fraction of what american workers earned in the US..Now, Homeland Security wants US taxpayers to pay for X-Ray screening machines for goods made overseas to come back to the US to be sold.????...Let CORPORATONS pay for those machines that have destroyed american workers way of life.....Yes, I am ANGRY, and frustrated that the next 2 generations will have to pay for George's Imperious Presidency...Even though Clinton left office with a healthy budget surplus, he will be forever linked with the Bush administration's 1-2 punch to the gut of working american men/women.­......Hill­ary needs to know that "EXPERIENCE -in washington dc- has come to mean the ability to fog-over a mirror longer than the other person............

[Softnsweet]

The only reason why Clinton left with a surplus in the budget was because the senate was republican. They did not let Clinton go crazy like he did in the first 4 years.

[Dyogenes]

"As a native-born, small-town Pennsylvanian...let me assure you that the so-called offensive, condescending things Barack Obama said about the people I come from are basically right on target.

What's offensive to me is suggesting that small-town, working-class, gun-toting and/or religious Pennsylvanians are somehow injured by a politician's words. Are you kidding me?

They've been injured from decades of neglect by political cultures in Washington and Harrisburg driven by special interests.

They're injured by a system of isolated, insulated political leadership that protects itself and the status quo above all else....

....They've been taken for granted by political parties and candidates who stay in power by - and this was the apparent gist of Obama's remarks - forcing attention and debate on issues tied to guns, religion and race (precisely because such issues resonate) rather than real problems such as health care and the economy.

Just don't tell me that he insulted a state or, given his background, that he's an out-of-touch elitist.
And I especially don't want to hear such arguments from a candidate who spent decades in the bubble of a governor's mansion, the White House and the U.S. Senate, and under the blanket of $109 million income during the last eight years.

Pennsylvanians might cling to religion and guns. I hope they don't cling to stupidity."

baerj@phil­lynews.com http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/john_baer/17652829.html

[Redrover666]

You missed a couple of points though. You said;

"Pennsylvanians might cling to religion and guns. I hope they don't cling to stupidity."

You forgot that Obama also said that they also cling to antipathy towards people different from themselves or immigrants and that they cling to these things, religion, guns etc. to try to explain the bad things that have been happening to them.

Gosh... it sure sounds like he's describing them as stupid, superstitious, bigots to me.

But, I'm sorry... you told me you didn't want anyone to tell you that.

[ErikW65]

"Sounds like" being the operative phrase in your post. You're putting words into Sen. Obama's mouth, so that you're hearing what you want to hear him say, so it confirms your bias against him, that's all.

You missed Obama's point entirely (you're not alone, practically the entire MSM parrotted the Clintons' illogical theme...) What Obama said about antipathy is that because many rural voters no longer believe that Washington can do anything to help them financially, they often vote on other "wedge" issues like "anti-immigration" or "abortion."