Clinton: Obama Not Winning Over "Hard-Working Americans, White Americans"

USA Today notices that Sen. Hillary Clinton has begun referring explicitly to her appeal among white voters while on the campaign trail:

Hillary Rodham Clinton vowed Wednesday to continue her quest for the Democratic nomination, arguing she would be the stronger nominee because she appeals to a wider coalition of voters -- including whites who have not supported Barack Obama in recent contests.

"I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on," she said in an interview with USA TODAY. As evidence, Clinton cited an Associated Press article "that found how Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me."

This is the second time since Tuesday's primaries that the Clinton campaign has referred to the racial dimension of the voting electorate. Ben Smith reports from yesterday's conference call on the state of the race:

And Garin brags, specifically and explicitly, about her strength with the white vote, comparing North Carolina's white voters in North Carolina to those in Virginia. (The conversations have always been about these voters, but they're usually referred to as "blue collar" or by some less specifically racial euphemism.)

"We lost the white electorate in Virginia, started even in North Carolina among the white electorate just two weeks ago, and ended [with] a very significant win of 24 points among those voters," he said, acknowledging that among black voters, Clinton "did not do as well as we would want or need."

Comments

[MrKnuckles]

This threadbare claim could only sound more pathetic if Hillary had instead, boldly proclaimed to be the superior choice among, " the ancient, racist, dumb ass demographic.

[Weathermaker]

Billary is right: everyone knows getting a PhD is a walk in the park.

[Manx]

The Clintons continue to play the race card. "Hard working blue-collar workers" implies that blue-collar blacks aren't hard working.

Inasmuch as Obama is now the de facto nominee of the Democratic Party, Hillary is campaigning against the Democratic Party when she makes such preposterous comments.

Fact: Hillary is UNELECTABLE. She has the highest negative rating of any primary presidential candidate in history and she doesn't do well with educated people, independents and young people.
I know many Republicans who would vote for Obama.

I am embarrassed for Hillary. Get the hook!

[halyscomet]

There is no limit to the Clintons arrogance, including embarrassing themselves on a Global Stage.

The do not want to believe that they have been beaten by African-American Freshman Senator.

They are wondering, "How will this look when chronicled in history"?

I think VERY GOOD!

[Softnsweet]

Well she is not winning hard working black people.

[1dogs2]

Or hard-working white-collar workers or either race.

[robertguinto]

The election is about trust and Obama has the Trust of most people in the country. It is not just about small states or big states; but every state. We can choose to change what others say can not be done. As consumers we choose which companies to Trust. Now we choose which Presidential candidate to Trust and make our leader.

Generation Next asks whom do you trust in this cartoon.
http://mynonprofitwebsite.com/blog/2008/05/02/emo-who-can-you-trust/

[valleygent]

Hillary Clinton's statement sounds racist to me...if it sounds like a duck...well...

[pertello]

"I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on...(AP Poll) found how Senator Obama's support among working, hard working white Americans is weakening again, and how whites in both states (Indiana/North Carolina)who have not completed college were supporting me. A pattern is emerging here."--Hillary Clinton to USA Today.

STROM THURMOND WOULD BE SO PROUD OF HILLARY.

[soundfury]

Broader? Her base is average white working class Americans (male and female, sometimes more female). Oh, and Latinos, but they're starting to wise up. Now since she stated that Whites are hard-working, oh-oh, where does that leave the Latinos?

This is what Hillary does best: PANDER. She may have to temporarily alienate the Latino vote to cater to the White hill-bill-Y vote who hate Latinos. However, since, she knows she can count on the uneducated aspect of Latinos, she'll eventually manipulate the ones she alienated back into her corner in the GE.

His base: African American, educated whites, 18-35 whites, some Latinos, some working class men and women, some rural folks, Indians (hope I didn't leave anyone out). This isn't BROAD?

Hillary must be the real Strom Thurmond love child.

[ReelBusy]

Interpretations of the Clinton campaigns actions and comments about MI and FL should read like this:

“I was happy to be a team player for the DNC when I was the “inevitable” nominee and leading the polls. Now that I’m losing I want to change the rules and metrics for victory so that I still have a remote shot. I learned the tactic from President Bush and the war in Iraq so now I care more about the popular vote than delegates even though that’s not what it takes to win in the rules. Did I mention I care more about personal power than my political party? If I can’t win I’ll take you all down with me you fuckers”

The real irony is that Clinton’s campaign now revolves around what built Obama to success…..hope.

[inwonderland]

It is our job to write, blog, e-mail, fax CNN that this racisim hiding as demographics WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Watching Wolf Blitzer talking with vunderkind John King on Tuesday night, was a horror show. And, truly, I don't think John King realized what he was actually saying...or what it really meant.

Why can't CNN just report on VOTES. Not African American votes, Hispanic votes, White working class votes? They need to hear the voices of reason in their viewership. And, from advertisers who don't want the parade to pass them by.

If it starts in the media that it is NOT acceptable to sterotype and denegrade one sector against the other...then this overt, covert, or unconscious racism reporting of the electorate will halt.

From the outside..in. From the bottom, up.

Can we imagine this kind of reporting continuing with Barack Obama in the White House? Not a chance. Let it start with us, here and now.

And, no, I am not an African American, so this is not a targeted or biased comment. I am an American, and I want the media to reflect the purity of diversity that founded and maintains this nation I love.

[AbbieXHoffman]

Can someone please tell me why it's okay for CNN to say over and over again on primary night that Obama was expected to win in the cities that had high populations of African Americans?

[Vantunow]

Exactly. And if they are going to do that, then instead of referring to Hillary's counties as 'rural vote' or 'blue collar' or 'working class', they should call it 'high school dropouts' or 'less educated' vote.

Also, as has been posted in other places, between the ages of 18-65 Obama WON the vote handily.

I repeat, in the age group 18-65, Obama won.

The only group he can't seem to get is over-65. I wonder why.

[AbbieXHoffman]

If we are being honest I will talk about the elephant in the room.

1. some people won't vote for Obama because they are racists, yes.
2 some people won't vote for Hillary because she is a woman.
3. some African Americans will vote for Obama because he is black (and a good candidate)
4. someone women will vote for Hillary because she is a female (and a good candidate)
5. some white people vote for Obama BECAUSE he is black (and a good candidate)

BUT some people will vote/d of Hillary because of what she has done over her life, including me and I am biracial attorney.

And my main point is that some white blue collar people will vote for Hillary not because they are racists (although some are) but because they have more urgent needs to vote for soemone who they feel will fight for them and their economic problems and aren't that interested in race or gender.

[nomobull]

I HAVE A NEIGHBOR BORN IN 1928 ,SHE THINKS OF HILLARY AS A STAND IN FOR BILL. BECAUSE SHE VELIEVES THAT AA WAS BETTER OFF DURING BILL'S PRESIDENCY,.NOT REALIZING BLACKS LIKE WHITES WERE BENEFITINF FROM AN ECONOMY BOOSTED BY SILICON VALLEY NOT BILL'S POLICIES.FORGIVE CAPS STUPID KEY STICKS.WORKING ON GETTING UNSTUCK.

[soundfury]

I love your first statement. The media actually have referred to to them as "less educated".

I wonder why Hillary doesn't refer to the blue collar workers as the "less educated" block? It is a fact. In general, they wouldn't be blue collar if they were more educated?

She would rather pander with something like hard working Americans, CORRECTION, white Americans.

The rest, or the Obama voters, are LAZY, LATTE DRINKING AMERICANS, OR LAZY ETHNIC AMERICANS, OR LAZY AFRICAN AMERICANS, according to this statement.

So she is appealing to their basest nature, "Fear and alienate anyone who isn't white and/or uneducated." Intelligence, ethnicity scare these people, the former because knowledge is power and the latter because there's power in numbers.

As far as the over 65 is concerned, some of them fear change, some of them are vulnerable and easily manipulated, and the rest just have short memories.

[Centaur]

She also wins among the less educated. What does that tell you?

[nomobull]

IT WASN'T

[soundfury]

It's true, maybe it's not okay, but who started race baiting? Hillary, therefore she is responsible for the media perception, because in fact, she turned off 90% of blacks, actually 100%. The 10% are the one's who will never believe in themselves.

It's maybe not okay, but Hillary pointed the way, and they went running for the ratings. The media are the leeches, they loooove controversy.

[AbbieXHoffman]

And how did she start race baiting.

[nancy50]

I believe Michelle Obama started the race baiting when she said black people need to wake up and get it. Well I guess 91% of them are awake now. And he didn't want to be the "black candidate"!

[ebanks84]

Because the media has broken this campaign down into White and Blacks. And Hillary is following the leaders. She knows that if she can get all the Whites, she will win because they outnumber the Blacks. It's as simple as that.

[cnick]

She ran a badly prepared campaign, no foresight at all, and she is up to her elbows in debt , reminds me of a war and a deficit.

[Vantunow]

Mrs. Clinton, Tailor called - your Robe is ready.

[DonDavis]

Is Captain Ahab-illary Still Pursuing the Great White Male

http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=1797

[pertello]

Those people of West Virginia and Kentucky derserve better than to be pidgeonholed into Hillary Clinton's small minded description of them. She discounts the fact that people can make judgements and decisions for themselves. There are many many intelligent people who never went to college for whatever reason. She insults a vast group of people by alluding to the fact that those without a college education can be hoodwinked into voting for her because of her "superior racial heritage".

I sincerely hope people don't vote for her based on race. Because if she were to get the nomination (a snowball's chance in Hell at this point) then they would have to choose in November between her lilywhite skin and McCain's lilywhite skin. And then what?

Ultimately the American people need to choose their next president based on more lofty criteria. I understand the W.A.R. mentality and Segregationist Deep South Confererate stuff that sometimes goes on in states (even my home state of NY has some militia guys stomping around the woods in army issue)

But I truly believe the positive message and sheer energy of what Senator Obama says and stands for will transcend prejudice and ignorance.

C'mon America! You're better than that!

[donaldw6]

Thank you! Indeed, they deserve so much better than this.

[killlthekingg]

So then I take it your angry with Olbermann for calling her supporters "low information voters?" Your angry with her because she said her supporters do not have a college education yet Olbermann said the same thing. Your angry with both right? There is no hint of a double standard i hope?

[cmeans29]

K.O isn't running for president!

[donaldw6]

You're equating race and education? Really?

[pertello]

Yes. That was not a good thing to say about her supporters. Clinton Voters are poor, rich, white, women, men, even black. I don't believe in stereotyping anyone's voters.

[MrMac]

Please, Olbermann gave her the benefit of the doubt saying that maybe she misspoke... but we all know that isn't the case. These people don't vote their interests anyway... If Mcain tells them that evil terrorist are coming, they'll get scared, then go to church, get their guns and shun immigrants, free-trade and the Black guy running for President. Everybody knows that!

[missjabez]

Hillary Clinton:Meaner Than the Devil And Doesn't Care Who Knows It.

[Triciann]

And there are a lot of white women of all ages and different educations who support Obama. What makes his campaign so exciting is the diversity. You only have to go to a rally or join a local group campaigning to realize the diversity yet feel that sense of "family" because everyone shares a vision for an America where there is truth, honor, integrity, and a real future for everyone.

[igiveup]

I'm an 56-year-old white woman who did not attend college. And I voted for Barack Obama.

It makes me very sad that Hillary is desperate enough to play the race card against her own African-American opponent.

It was an inspiration to me when Obama won the Iowa caucus. I thought, wow, we're really getting past this race issue. I figured it would still be an issue if Obama became the Democratic candidate. I've lived in the Deep South and have seen how the white folks have not progressed as far as people living in western states.

But never, NEVER did I expect Hillary to be the one to use race as a wedge in her campaign. What a disappointment.

[killlthekingg]

She didn't use the race card. By your logic Obama used the race card as well considering he has openly talked about his campaign being held together by the AA voters.

DOUBLE SPEAK!

[iluvsummr]

When did he openly talk about this? Please provide links.

[TrueIndy08]

please cite this... I have yet to hear him come out and specifically say this... he always says you and us... I have never heard him say blacks, African Americans... any of that!!!"

you Hillary people need a swift kick in the a$$ to wake you up to reality! Your lying piece of $hit candidate is a nasty race baiter... end of discussion!

[iluvsummr]

Actually, I apologize for falling for your bait. This is all a strategy to keep Clinton in the news when she can't afford the ads and the press is beginning to move away from her. I get it now. This will be my last post on anything to do with Hillary Clinton's doomed nomination, her divisive campaign strategy and her penchant for appealing to the worst in us. I like Obama because he appeals to the very best in us, and gives all Americans the benefit of the doubt (even Hillary). Stick a fork in her. She's done.

[WRPrintz]

Please provide reference. Seems like your claim of Double Speak is a self identification technique....or at the very least, projection.

[Softnsweet]

killlthekingg, Oh come on. Obama never said that AA voters were holding his campaign together. Where do you people get your blatant lies from. Obama has said on more then one occasion that, African Americans, Whites, Asians, Indians, Latinos, etc. So please stop your lying.

[girard1991]

HRC and WJC will regret the tone they are taking. This also goes for Paul Begala and James Carville. This has gone beyond the 'kitchen sick'. Everyone gets emotional and a little carried away sometimes, but when people are hinting that "you may be going too far" then the point should be conceded. I beg HRC, WJC and the rest of camp Clinton to STOP. But they want. I am waiting for Chelsea to say something about BHO's kids not being able to win the Sidwell Friends' School vote.

Hard working white ethnic Americans without a college degree, making less than $50K (sounds so negative) should be outraged that Camp Clinton is categorizing all of them this way. They should revolt against her and her husband. Camp Clinton should stay until June 3rd primary and try to win as many votes as possible, but please stop this race baiting.

Fact of the matter is that HRC ran a very poor campaign. She should have admitted that her vote on the War was a mistake. She is very capable of saying stuff she does not believe just to get a vote. She should have had this thing wrapped up in March. She had everything going for her in Camp Clinton. I hope BHO outspends HRC 3 to 1 in West Virginia and Kentucky to show that he really wants their votes. The media market and county government will love him for it--well at least they will love his money.

[BitterInPA]

I guess since the gas tax pander did not work, they are trying a new play. I expect Hillary the millionaire, to appear on the beds of more pickup truck and perhaps smoke a corncob pipe in her bid to look the part of a down home gal. What's next? Her story of how she grew up a poor mountaineer barely kept her family fed.

The only way to get her out her delusion that she can win is to starve her of cash. Maybe it is time for her supporters to stop throwing good money after bad and instead invest in Obama.

[pertello]

If she WERE Jed Clampett she'd have struck oil and would'nt need to fool people with a Gas Tax Holiday.