Obama Enters Enemy Territory: West Virginia

Los Angeles Times:

In Hardy County, Democrats outnumber Republicans more than 2 to 1. But there is little enthusiasm for Barack Obama in this mountainside enclave, a portent of trouble for the Illinois senator in next week's West Virginia primary and the general election beyond.

Nearly 97% white, the county is as conflicted as any rural and working-class Democratic bastion as it struggles to adjust to the likely prospect of the party nominating its first African American presidential candidate.

Read the whole story: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[kay]

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama erased Hillary Rodham Clinton's once-imposing lead among superdelegates Saturday when he added more endorsements from the group of Democrats who will decide the party's nomination for president.

Obama added superdelegates from Utah and Ohio, as well as two from the Virgin Islands who had previously backed Clinton. The additions enabled Obama to surpass Clinton's total for the first time in the campaign. He had picked up nine endorsements Friday.

[EyeWantOneNation]

Cool....and more to come !!!

[08timefortruth]

"Obama added superdelegates from Utah and Ohio, as well as two from the Virgin Islands who had previously backed Clinton. The additions enabled Obama to surpass Clinton's total for the first time in the campaign. He had picked up nine endorsements Friday"AP

Way to go! Obama '08'

[kay]

My hope is they know what they have and can reliably put him over the top on May 20th.

Then we go to the Clintonian "popular vote" argument, adding Puerto Rico, I guess.

I don't see Clinton giving in, but I think she's probably on shaky ground the minute he reaches the magic number.

Then we're talking about denying the winner the nomination, and that's a whole different conversation :)

[GwenElle]

Quoted from the blog: "Nearly 97% white, the county is as conflicted as any rural and working-class Democratic bastion as it struggles to adjust to the likely prospect of the party nominating its first African American presidential candidate."

My take on this: I bet you they are no where near as conflicted when a predominantly black West Virginia Mountaineer football team takes to the gridiron on Saturdays in autumn and the basketball courts in winter. As long as the blacks are in their place -- entertaining and indulging sports-bloated "cultural identities" -- then these "hardworking Americans" don't seem to have any issue with race at all (sarcasm intended).

[MrT3]

here here...

[NoahVail]

Hey- I am sure these folks, like the former Air Force officer quoted in the article, are very tolerant....

...tolerant of racism in their friends and neighbors, that is.

[redraymonds]

its a sad thing, but i noticed through the exit polls that the older voters above 65, are unwilling to vote for a black candidate, im white in my early twenties and im a big obama supporter, why do the elderly do this ?

[EyeWantOneNation]

Most are probably afraid of change !!!

The age group you speak of, has seen drastic changes in this country when it comes to race...and I do mean drastic. It was rough, inhumane, and brutal. To vote a person of color in as a President is not something they are able to wrap their heads around.

Thanks to you, the next generation, that will hopefully bring acceptance and peace to your fellow human beings !!!

[Turtleluv6]

Older voters in West Virginia are racial that is why the won't vote for Obama. That is what is wrong. But think about it they don't worry about what the future holds for those of us who have to worry about our economical future

[EyeWantOneNation]

"red' was talking about exit polls...not people on West Virginia...

Why do people that have already voted, over 65, not vote for a black candidate ??

[kay]

It's not true of all of them. My father is in his late 80's and voted for Obama.

He's an absolute dyed in the wool cynic about nearly everything, but he's following Obama with interest.

He likes Obama's "temperament".

[EyeWantOneNation]

Go "POPS" !!!

[08timefortruth]

My mom is 82, my aunt 89 and are from a very, very small town in Iowa and they love Obama.

[debwarot]

Lots of them don't! There is a lot going on than mere demographics. My mother has been a life long Republican, but because of my enthusiasm for Senator Obama, she has learned a lot about him and I am proud to say I have made a convert out of her. She eagerly awaits seeing his two little girls playing on the lawn of the WH. The two of us more mature white women (I am 57 and she is 79) get a chuckle at hearing about how Obama supporters are part of a youth movement!

One of my mother's dear friends is in her 80s and grew up as a white person in the segregated South but proudly displays 'The Audacity of Hope' on her coffee table and tells everyone who will listen that he is 'a real honest man and y'all better vote for him!'

Many people - both young and old - are products of their environment and the experiences that have formed their lives. But many people - both young and old - have the ability to add to their experiences and change their viewpoints as the world around them changes.

I understand the importance of identifying potential supporters and analyzing voting trends, but I'm tired of hearing my countrymen described as young, old, white, black, uneducated or elitists. I think Senator Obama once said something to the effect that despite our differences, we all have much more in common - probably one of the reasons I

[HopeObama08]

Who does Hillary remind you of the most? Kathy Bates in MISERY or Glenn Close in FATAL ATTRACTION?

[EyeWantOneNation]

Kathy Bates, for sure !!!!

Glenn Close is hot !!!.....Hillary is, well, NOT !!!

[ebm]

The spawn of both or her two faces

[HopeObama08]

LOL.

[marymansour]

How sad to see the wonderful Bill Clinton's legacy go down in flames - not due to his affair with Lewinski - but in the racism of his wife's gut-wrenching campaign. Leave that woman, Bill, and go back to Africa, working for the prevention of AIDS and other worthwhile issues alongside the legendary Nelson Mandela. To paraphase an old Irish Ballad, 'Bill, we hardly recognize ya'.

[the964kid]

A very interesting article. I hate to say it, but honestly there's no convincing people who are so ignorant. They won't even believe Obama is a Christian, and would rather believe he's a terrorist. If I got such a stupid email I'd be insulted, but when they get those kind of emails they just believe them - and they don't even know who the sender is! Again, I wish it wasn't this way BUT I think Obama can't waste too much time in backwards minded places like WVA. Some in the article said 'I don't know if people are ready for a black president.' Most people who are themselves ready for a black president don't need to ask themselves that question. I've been to WVA many time (driving thru as quickly as possible) and I'd guess a large percentage of their citizens ARE NOT ready for a black president. But thats not how change works, the people who are ready have to force change sometimes. Thats how America got rid of slavery, thats how blacks and women got the right to vote, and thats how we beat so many other former cultural fears. The real question should be: ARE THERE ENOUGH OF US READY FOR REAL CHANGE IN 2008?

[EyeWantOneNation]

Another fine example of "mindless stereotyping".....

You speak of "they" as a whole state ??? If you hadn't driven through..as quick as possible...you just might have learned something !!

Instead, you will now rely on the perceptions of others to put a label on your fellow Americans...

Not all Americans have it as good as you or I. They probably need CHANGE more than we do !!!

[hippybaby1970]

i agree. remember hillary was supposed to win Pa. by huge numbers because of the perception some had about the state; her winning by 10% is telling. i think there are many decent people in WVa. who need our support in supporting OBAMA instead of hypocrisy.

[Gmoney1]

Well maybe congress should set up some diversity workshops (paid for by our tax dollars) to go there and help those people - Let's see West Virginia - I've never been there - sounds like a beautiful place - I wonder if they get a portional amount of federal tax dollars (which includes the tax dollars of blacks and other minorities) for their state as all of the other United States?? well, maybe they don't - I'm still thinking of ways to help them - any advice??

[piezoid]

"Enemy Territory"???

Do you have to continually re-prove your elitist attitude towards any Democrat that isn't in the barrel for Obama?

Just keep it up and those "rubes" will be sure to gleefully unite behind the Great One. Won't they?

Oh that's right, unannounced Obama supporter Donna Brazile says we don't need those Democrats anymore. This is a new day. Can't cha just feel it?

[PrObama29]

The fact that Hilldog has a 40% lead there doesn't mean that it's enemy territory? Get real. HRC has played the race card for so long it's sad. She's trying to reframe all white people who vote for her as the single most substantial margin for victory in this race. Nope! If you don't vote for someone based on the color of their skin, then you're an idiot, and you're not American. If you don't like the fact that young America wants a united America, then get the hell out of America!

[piezoid]

Oh yeah of course she "played the race card". All one has to do is oppose Obama and yep you got it out pops the race card.

What a pathetic load!

Just who is it that's voting based on race? Probably more than a few. Probably more than a few black folks too. Are they racists or do they just want their candidate to win?

Careful not to pull THAT rabbit out of your hat too often. It's gotten very old and you risk a MAJOR backlash if you keep crying racism where none exists.

Obama, if he is the uniter you think he is, should be clever enough at this point in the game to be able to figure out how to attract ALL people to his cause.
It's called closing the deal.

[ObserverinVancouver]

For God's sake! I've read only a few of these comments but the way the people of West Virginia are being criticized is unconscionable. Too many of you are indulging in mindless stereotyping. There may be a certain segment of the population of West Virginia that rejects Sen. Obama because he is African American. That does not mean that everyone who lives in West Virginia is doing it. But I am sure all West Virginians are rankled to be lumped together.

Too many of you seem to be in a competition to show which are the most ardent supporters of Sen. Obama by saying the rudest things you can think of about West Virginians. That's totally self-centered and reflects badly on Sen. Obama. You have to start to realizing that you do have a negative effect on people who are trying to decide how to vote. Stuff your egos somewhere. If you can't be civil, consider getting another hobby.

[donaldw6]

As a former West Virginian, you have my thanks. Of course, a whole lot of people are former West Virginians. The opportunities haven't been there for a long time. The best and the brightest frequently get an education and leave the state.

Don't concede West Virginia and Kentucky! Fight for them, hope for them, and feel bad if we lose! They need us to fight for them, as hard as we can fight!

[EyeWantOneNation]

Well said, donald...

I don't know why it took me so long...I'm now a "fan" !!!

[EyeWantOneNation]

Excuse me, Vancouver..I don't believe all of West Virginia is being portrayed as you say. There is alot of media crap going on here in the US of A about the rural white areas that would typically vote for Hillary.

I, for one, agree with your assessment of "mindless stereotyping"...let's use this site to inform our readers that Obama has excellent credentials to stand on, unlike the Clinton's, and the people in W.VA are my fellow Americans !!!

Thanks

[Turtleluv6]

Well said lets turn up the hearing aides.....

[Testtubebaby]

That's total BS. And why do Hillary supporters love to preach civility when they are by far the most hostile. Senator Byrd was a KKK member...your senator from West Virginia...does that bode well for West Virginia? Is that a reflection of West Virginia? Hmmm...

Senator Obama's supporters have one thing in common...their support for Senator Obama. Anything else reflects on the person that says whatever it is they say. Get off that mess it's an easy cop out, don't you think?

[donaldw6]

"Oh, I have been very fortunate," he said, nodding to himself. "Much to be thankful for. There's not much I wouldn't do over." Suddenly he paused and looked squarely into my eyes. "I only have one regret, you know. The foolishness of youth ..."

We sat there for a moment, considering the gap of years and experience between us.

"We all have regrets, Senator," I said finally. "We just ask that in the end, God's grace shines upon us."

He studied my face for a moment, then nodded with the slightest of smiles and flipped open the cover of one of the books. "God's grace. Yes indeed. Let me sign these for you then," he said, and taking one hand to steady the other, he slowly scratched his name on the gift.

-- Barack Obama on his first meeting with Senator Byrd, The Audacity Of Hope, Three Rivers Press, 2006.

[ObserverinVancouver]

Sheesh. I am an ardent supporter of Sen. Obama and have been following his career since he was running in the Democratic primary for the Illinois senate seat (Senate in Washington). I think maybe your comment kinda proves the point I was trying to make. You seem to be suggesting that because Sen. Clinton's supporters are uncivil, Sen. Obama's supporters are justified in being uncivilzed too.

[MPeter]

Virgin Island superdelegates Carole Burke and Kevin Rodriquez endorsed Barack Obama today. Rodriquez had previously backed Senator Clinton but decided to switch his endorsement, citing Obama’s ability to unite the Democratic Party and win the White House:

While I have great respect for Senator Clinton, today I am announcing my support for Barack Obama. Senator Obama has brought a new generation and energy into the democratic process and ....

Well, Clinton can attack all she wants. This is over and the sooner she gets off the stage, the better for her legacy and probably her mental state.

[NoahVail]

I ain't got nuthin' to do with that Irish boy, O'Bama. Its got everythin' to do with blood simple. For example:

A young lad from West Virginia went to Virginia to make his fortune. He got a job and after a while met a young woman and fell in love. Eventually, he took her home to West Virginia to meet his parents.

After a meeting the folks and having a nice home-cooked meal, the man had a chance to talk to his dad about her. “Well, what do you think, pa?”

Pa. “Well, she shore is purty.”

Son. “I think I want to marry her, Pa.”

Pa. “She shore is purty.”

Son. “Pa- I think she’s a virgin.”

Pa. “You take her right back where she come from, Son. If she ain’t good enough for her own kin, then she ain’t good enough for us.”

[donaldw6]

There's nothing wrong with incest, as long as you keep it in the family.

[08timefortruth]

That was totally uncalled for. I cannot believe you posted that trash. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

[Sloane7]

Here is a list of local West Virginia newspapers if you want to make pro-Obama comments:
http://ironmyvote.com/comment-local-papers.htm#westvirginia

[EyeWantOneNation]

Obama isn't entering "enemy territory"...these "journalists" are a trip !!!

Obama is entering a challenge...Yes; a predominately white area, who will need to accept the fact that a man from an integrated marriage could be the next President. If they don't want to see more of their sons and daughters giving their lives for an illegal invasion of a foreign country, they WILL vote Democrat...and the Democrat will be Obama !!!

[leftoflennon]

A challenge indeed.

But the contest ends in TWO WEEKS !

:D

Oregon will take us home Obama '08

[marymansour]

That's a wonderful way to put it, EyeWant. Well said. I couldn't agree more. .

[DMHendrix]

It bothers me to the core that there are states in our country known for these views and right now they are getting the spotlight. Shame on the Clintons for pandering to that demographic, & shame on the media for allowing it to take center stage. God, it's so embarrassing!

[HopeObama08]

BARACK IS A UNITER. HILLARY IS A DANGEROUS DIVIDER. WORSE THAN BUSH. BETWEEN HER AND MCCAIN THE CHOICE IS HARD.
BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FOR SOME PEOPLE THE CHOICE BETWEEN BARACK AND HILLARY IS SO HARD. SHE CHEATS, LIES AND WANTS TO STEAL THE VOTES BY EXPLOITING HER UNEDUCATED SUPPORTERS. WHAT IS SHE CAPABLE TO DO IN THE WHITE HOUSE?

VOTES ARE NOT FOR SALE. SHE CAN USE HER PERSONAL MONEY AS MUCH AS SHE WANTS. BARACK'S SUPPORTERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR HER MISMANAGMENT AND DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR. AT LEAST BARACK'S CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN FINANCED BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. HILARY'S ONE HAS BEEN FINANCED HAS BEEN PARTIALLY FINANCED BY LOBBYISTS AND HER OWN MONEY FOR HER PERSONAL REASONS.

WEST VIRGINIA WAKE UP!

[piezoid]

Real Hillary haters must SHOUT their hate.

Right "HOPE"Obama08?

If you're an example of the kind of "hope" we're in for, it's no wonder that W.Virginia Democrats are running away from it. Who wouldn't?

[hbw3]

HOPE OBAMA08 WAKE UP!

YOUR CAPS LOCK IS STUCK!!

[SpoxLogic]

Concerning the "hard-working whites" as per Sen. Clinton - is this her version of Sen Obama's "typical white person" statement? I mean, isn't she stating that these "hard working whites" are racist. Why isn't she being lambasted in the MSM. Some are talking, but it's more of a shrug off, it seems. Her statements were insulting on many levels: first, she implied that the folks mentioned would never vote for Obama, then she insulted "hard working" non-whites, and then insulted the educated whites.

How can she build a coilition with such an outlook?

Is this one of those cases where the white person can be around minorities and never come off as a racist, but when their livelihood (in CLinton's case, her dream) is threatened the subconscious racism comes out? (mind you, it happens between minority groups as well).

[Isaiah40j]

Either ignorant or racist? I think both! The sad thing is they don't know any better but Hillary knows exactly what she's doing! DIVIDE AND CONQUER IS HER GAME! WHITES AGAINST BLACKS--OLD AGAINST YOUNG---EDUCATED AGAINST THE UNEDUCATED--BROWN AGAINST BLACK--WOMEN AGAINST MEN while obama is trying to bring the country together HILLARY and her husband is trying to divide it. Hmnnn reminds me of the haves and the have notS. The game being played is disgraceful, distasteful and it discredits the Clintons.
The damage to their reputation is irreparable. So tragic.

[dbroad]

Sounds to me as if the people of WV are either ignorant or racist. It really is that simple. And please do not blame the GOP or Repubs. I am sick to death of democrats complaining ENDLESSLY about EVERYTHING being the republicans fault. Stop complaining and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

[piezoid]

Hear that West Virginians???? You're all ignorant racists.

Now that that has been explained to you, come and join us, unite with us, vote for us!

Barry is the HOPE, the LIGHT, the WAY.

[dbroad]

First let me say that I am not an Obama supporter. My reaction was to the article that I read and I was stereotyping. If you have a good person of WV that is a democrat but will not vote for Obama and would rather vote for McCain, than that good person in WV is being racially biased or is not really a democrat. ??? Explain it to me.

[PKSSK]

The Clinton's and their surrogates have done their best to drive the wedge of fear into the white working class in rural areas of America, which typically vote republican. It is so sad that her blindly loyal surrogates have worked so hard to destroy everything good in our country for the sake of their own personal pursuit of power. Maybe they will all wake up soon and realize that the Clinton's are only for the Clinton's and could care less about their corrupt loyalists. What will never be forgotten is how they all participated, with their loyalty, to destroy one of their own, a fellow democrat, which will follow them long after this campaign, as they will be viewed in the same negative darkness as the Clinton's.

As an Obama supporter and volunteer, I will financially support anyone who runs against these Clinton loyalist and surrogates who contributed to the deplorable and destructive behavior that has caused the division of the party and, more importantly, to our nation. I will never forget the ABC debate in PA that represented the most diplorable acts of the Clinton's and her surrogates and gave her the win in PA because she was able to instill questions and fear into white working class, uneducated of PA, which she played on to win. The Clinton legacy has been changed forever in the eyes of the nation and the world and unfortunately it will not be looked upon favorbaly.

[marc1antony]

I agree wholeheartedly with your statement. It is shameful that they call themselves democrats and then purposefully create division within the party, African Americans and Eggheads? Hardworking Americans, White Americans, Less Educated Americans? They have sliced and diced us and called certain demographics less significant than others. Certain states more important than others. That is not what our party is supposed to be about. It sounds more like the republicans....they (HRC and Co) have become GOP lite, all the way down to their divide and conquer tactics and ugly campaigning tactics, and the worst part is, they find nothing wrong in doing so.

[EyeWantOneNation]

If I had not heard the tape of Hillary Clinton saying what she did about the white, hard-working whites that haven't graduated college, as being her "base", I never would have believed it !! I would have shrugged it off as crap coming from one of her surrogates.

To hear this woman sink SO LOW, was amazing..insulting to the people that DO support her, and was absolutely dispicible !!!