Obama's Appalachia Problem Is Real, But Does It Matter

After months of pundits breaking the electorate into racial categories, the factor of geography is slowly being added to the mix. Obama's alleged problem with white voters is being modified; now the problem seems to be with working class voters in the Appalachian region.

Newsweek recently tried to quantify how race and geography could affect Obama in the fall. They note that while the Appalachian problem is more focused than simply a failure to connect with white working class voters, it is still a big problem:

Appalachia is a big place, encompassing 13 states: southwestern New York, western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, West Virginia, western Maryland, western Virginia, eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, western North and South Carolina, and northern Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. You cannot afford to lose all those states and still win in November. Other pollsters have suggested that the race factor is at least noticeable in a much wider swath of rural America, where 60 million voters reside. One recent Greenberg Quinlan Rosner poll of rural voters in battleground states showed that you are trailing McCain by 9 points (and that Clinton runs even with him). Dee Davis, president of a Kentucky-based advocacy group called the Center for Rural Strategies, points out in a recent article on Salon.com that in June 2004, John Kerry trailed George W. Bush by the same 9-point margin in the same rural battlegrounds.

Your mission is to not wind up like Kerry, who ended up losing the rural vote by 20 points. The "reality," writes Davis, "is that when Democratic candidates run competitively in rural America, they win national elections. And when they get creamed in rural America, they lose."

But Democrats to not need to achieve parity with John McCain among this voting bloc in order to win the election. And one analyst says Obama currently, "is clocking in where he needs to be":

Ruy Teixeira, a Democratic analyst of voting trends, wrote the book on the core issue in the endgame of the party's nomination fight. Its title is "America's Forgotten Majority: Why the White Working Class Still Matters."...

Al Gore lost working-class white voters by 17 percentage points in 2000, even while winning the national popular vote. Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts lost them by 23 points in 2004, while running within three points of President Bush over all. Mr. Teixeira suggests that Mr. Obama can win the presidency if he comes within 10 to 12 percentage points of Mr. McCain with these voters, as Democratic candidates for the House did in the 2006 midterm election.

Still, what can be done to shore up support? Greg Sargent has an idea:

All this renewed talk about Appalachia reminds me that Obama privately promised John Edwards that he'd undertake a poverty tour in the general election. Why not take that tour, with Edwards at his side, right through the heart of Appalachia?

And Will Thomas reported on Sen. Jim Webb's intense interest and knowledge about the troubles faced by the Scot-Irish community that makes up the Appalachian population at issue. Webb has been repeatedly mentioned as a vice president for Obama, and could help to balance out support.

Comments

[McPander]

Actually Chuck Hagal is the only candidate that will expand the base of the party.

With Hagal he can further expand his base in the West. The key to this race is not winning the Midwest but getting less prejudiced independent thinking westerners.

Hagal shows he will reach across the Isle and shows that he is more of a Libertarian than Liberal.

So don't be surprised.

[EinChicago]

The west is pretty much a lock for McCain. He is a wacko, but extremely popular in the western states with the two largest demographics; libertarian-conservatives and hispanics. Obama's support in the west is passionate but tiny. He cannot win Colorado based on Boulder and Denver alone, and UT, NV, AZ and NM are guaranteed losses for Obama unless he can do somethimng to win 80%+ of teh hispanic voters.

[WABJR]

Hillary Clinton - The Big Spin

Months ago. Eons ago, as it feels in this Democratic Primary, there once was a sense of inevitability. There once was a candidate that was untouchable and embodied all that one would consider an insurmountable lead, in a race that had not even had it’s first vote or ballot cast.

Everyone else who had tossed their hats in the ring seeking the Democratic nod, were spinning their wheels while one candidate was spinning what it would be like to return to the White House. For everyone else, it was the “Big Spin” in a state lottery. The state was Iowa and all but one Democratic candidate was window dressing. This race was so over that the candidates all agreed to write off swing states such as Michigan and Florida for being bad children in the Democratic family and not listening to “Daddy Dean” and the family elders.

Little did anyone know that this was the beginning of a dysfunctional family bond that would pit brother against sister and cause parents to take sides. Super Delegate Uncles and Aunts would shake their heads in wonderment and become shockingly silent and reluctant to umpire the softball game at the family picnic, when one of the siblings keeps changing the most fundamental rules that everyone agreed to play by. And why?

Third place happened. Not first. Third. Hillary Clinton is still spinning from her third place finish in Iowa.

More at:
The Digital Politic
http://www.electedtoserve.com

[EinChicago]

Agreed. Third palce happened for Obama. But 11,000 GOP plants took him to a false 1st, even though he got the least amount of dem votes. And that moment of sabotage by the GOP was pretty much their most succesful strategy in decades.

[Freedomscap]

After watching that movie: Recount. And reading someone post that the Clintons pushed Lieberman onto the ticket with Gore, I wouldn't be surprised if the Clintons were working in concert with Bush, either with his knowlege or not, to have him win. So that Hillary could run and win, after Bush's term.

Clearly, Lieberman was instrumental in screwing things up for Gore's win, with his appearance on Meet The Press.

And if this is so, it explains her determination to win at all cost -- no matter what.

Call me open to conspiracies and I wouldn't mind.

[McPander]

Yes in looking at the last 8 years it is obvious to me that the Clinton's and DLC have engineered the losses in 2000 and 2004 to allow for a Clinton to take the White House in 2008.

Who controled the party in 2000 -2004?
Who was head of DNC in 2004?
When did the Clinton's decide that HRC would run in 2008?

We should thank Howard Dean for getting the party back from the DLC.

[Bill3rdterm]

Please take off the tin foil hats and join us back in reality.

[iluvsam]

Do you think that the moon is made of cheese too?

The stupidity on this board is astounding.

[ChazAtlas]

Obama needs to choose either Gen. Wesley Clark or Sen. Webb as his VP. Period.

[Freedomscap]

I tend to agree with that, however, others have a different view. Edwards seems OK, too. However, I definitely don't think he should go with a woman, some have suggested Kathleen Sebelius, but I think not.

[Sabreen60]

You know what? I tend to agree and I'm a woman. I don't think that would be a winning combination because I am unsure as to whether white men would vote for such a ticket. Nor do I think Richardson as a VP would be a winning combination because that would be too ethnic. I hate to say this, but this is America.

[Oldtt]

Or he could put a woman on the ticket, which might placate some Hillary supporters but would also offer two non-traditional candidates which might be quite risky. Clark cannot win voters from McCain on the national security issue if those voters have a problem with Obama himself. Webb might deliver VA, but then again Edwards couldn't even deliver SC for Kerry. Obama is such a reach for many voters that his VP choice may not matter - either people will vote for Barack or not.

[EinChicago]

Putting a woman on teh ticket other than HRC would be, at best a petty, spiteful insulting hollow gesture that would make HRC supporters more incensed and determined to bring down Obama. It certainly wouldn't "placate" anything.

[Krikkit]

"Some of Hillary's supporters" aren't enough to make up for the deficits in these states. Those who are loyal to the party above the candidate, and those who are loyal to their own interests above the candidate have begun to back Obama because most people are smart enough to know that she's already lost.

Hillary would be a detriment to the ticket. Much better to choose someone who is likely to swing their state over to the blue category, like Webb.

[Freedomscap]

You guys see how hhkeller made that snide remark: what are Obama's accomplisments. And many of us provided a response. And he has disappeared.

See what I mean? All he had to offer was a snide remark.

[ssmit98]

This is very off subject, but is Oregon normally a blue state? If so, how did Mccain get more votes than Hillary did in Oregon and he has been the nominee for like ever?

Hillary 252,270
Mccain 280,030

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#OR

[Daisy1111]

Perhaps because no other Republicans were on the ticket?

Gee.

[ChiGuy]

He was the presumptive Republican nominee running virtually unopposed, while Hillary and Obama shared a segment of the electorate.
Add their numbers together, and then com[pare that to McCain's, and you'll have a better idea of how OR will vote in November.

[Star2000dancer]

I don't want to down OB, but these things will soon be brought up. Since you won't go check , I'll give you a small taste: from "DONTVOTEOBAMA.NET"
Audacity of Hope: Barack "I will stand with the muslims if the political winds start to shift."
In Africa: Brother Roy Obama & cousin Raila Odinga ARE militant, Islamic, activists in the Kenyan Luo tribe. Pictures of OB in muslim garb was his welcome to Kenya as a Muslim hero. They vow to "Kill all Gods who are not black". They burn christians in churches alive..
Obama refers to the 57 states he visited. We have 50 states, but there are 57 nations in the OLC (ORGANIZATION OF THE iSLAMIC CONFERENCE).

Barack was a muslim until he was 31, Michelle took him to Wright's church. If you deny it a Fatwa (decree to kill you) is issued.
Michelle received $3/4 million from Treehouse, part of Walmart. & her thesis is on black separation.
Michelle's thesis is on separationist of blacks & whites.
Thomas Wright, a state representative in jail.
The Legislation Barack got passed was to help Africa, a few things held back until the GE, & why Americans worry. Wright said at the press club, & if you become President, I'm coming after you. BO then disowned Wright.
There's a video with Barck introduding Wright as his "Pappy", Then Barack tossed him & his white Grandma under the bus, know what you're defending. You defended Wright here as I was watching

[inajetik]

I dont really know where to even begin with this ridiculous nonsense.... NONE OF THIS INFORMATION IS EVEN REMOTELY TRUE.

As to the 1st statement: It is a misquote! Obama never says Muslim! here is the actual quote from Audacity of Hope, page 261 (since so many people appear too lazy to actually read his book)

"In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly: they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during WWII, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

Key word in that paragraph is AMERICAN, he says he will stand by AMERICANS should the political winds shift in an ugly direction as they did for the japanese during WWII....

And.... HE NEVER THREW HIS GRANDMOTHER under any figurative bus...that is made up by people looking for something, anything to criticize from his wonder speech on race...

I wonder if progress and a capable government is whats scaring so many people into the lies about Obama

[butch350]

Didn't you think that a sight like the one referenced may be a little Bias
and exagerate a tad on the real facts?

[ggmome]

Take a good look! How many of these characteristics apply to your thinking?

Characteristics Of Fascism

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism - .

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights -

3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause - Racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

4. Supremacy of the Military - Domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

5. Rampant Sexism - Exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.

6. Controlled Mass Media - Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.

7. Obsession with National Security - Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined - Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion.

9. Corporate Power is Protected - The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power,

10. Labor Power is Suppressed - .

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment - . The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption - Governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government

[oldwiseone]

Why not make it a law that when Congress declares war, all government contracts are cost plus. If corporations want government business they will be required to accept that condition. As it is, a declared war means they can get no bid contracts at the price they choose. So it is profitable to have a war. So make it unprofitable to have a war. Very simple. Why wouldn't it work?

[Oldtt]

Congress hasn't declared war since 1941. They happen anyway.

[holleyc]

No. Those places vote Republican anyway.

[hhkeller]

I forget.
What were Obamas great accomplishments?

[Freedomscap]

Go to Thomas.loc. com to check out. For a freshman Senator his record is very impressive. I have a comparison between his Senate record and Hillary's if you are interested I can post that link also.

Also, being the first black editor of the Harvard Law Review is no small feat.

The frustrating thing about those who are not educated, is that they can't discern the difference between impressive accomplishments and those that aren't.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil]

First Black PRESIDENT of the Harvard Law Review. There are 80 editors, and the President is elected by the other editors.

[pupbayer]

And sometimes the uneducated are overly impressed with things they don't know or understand.

[doneflyin]

But, but, but the real question is-----Can ya have a beer with him?

[Oldtt]

How did it happen that Obama supporters have convinced themselves that rural white voters east of the Mississippi who did not support Obama in primary elections are by definition uneducated hillbillies, which is a pretty facile explanation for his lack of connection with this major chunk of the Democratic electorate. For the sake of the party, I hope Obama himself doesn't hold the same view and intends to at least try to win these voters over before November. Would it be too unprincipled of him to understand their concerns and give them a reason to vote Democratic?

[Freedomscap]

Correction the site is: Thomas.loc.gov.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil]

http://obama.senate.gov/press/061211-lugar-obama_bil_1/
http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=12761
http://www.mlive.com/elections/index.ssf/2008/02/obamas_senate_foreign_relation.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/21/164117/783/290/461422
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3628100.ece
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/18/america/obama.php
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/03/AR2008010303303.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1206591241-yqvO2W1CoM98genftOjYkQ&oref=slogin
http://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/law-students-gave-Obama121807/index.html
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/700499,CST-NWS-Obama-law17.article
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070416/moberg
http://www.college.columbia.edu/cct/jan05/cover.php
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2DC1631F935A35751C0A966958260

This should give you some good reading if you actually really want to know about Obama's achievements and talents.

[Daisy1111]

Some of the articles include bills that never became law.

I don't think any politician should get credit for bills he or she couldn't get passed.

[Freedomscap]

Thanks -- I copied these links.

[Freedomscap]

Also, of the 15 Senate bills, which SEnator Obama passed in the 110th Congress, which is extremeley impressive, many were co-sponsored by Senators across the aisle -- most notably, Republican Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana.

This is what frustrates many of us Obama supporters -- we do extensive homework and make our decision. We are open to others point of view, even from Appalachian residents, but detractors only resort to name calling, character assassinations, etc. We are kool aid drinkers, sexist, racist, elitist, etc.

This is silly.

Let's discuss the issues. I've asked repeatedly, Hillary supporters and/or detractors to elucidate their position and they never offer an analysis. It's frustrating. And to think that you will vote based on name calling, etc... That's too silly, too much is at stake.

Those folks in the Appalachian region are the first to be disproportinally impacted, in a negative way, by Bush and his policies and you are gonna tell me that they will turn around and vote for McCain -- who represents a continuation of Bush's policies.

[dswansoniceman]

They probably will, and those who do vote against their best interests. They vote on "culture". yeah whatever people

[Dewtrell]

They probably will... not the smartest group in the bunch which is why I don't feel sorry for them on bit.

[butch350]

Why don't you research Mr Obamas accomplishments for yourself. But I would say that
after graduating from college with his law degree, he went to the streets of Chicago to
help individuals in need instead of directly pursuing a lucrative and high paying law job.
That show chracter and selflessness. That's just a start, you can research the rest
yourself instead of insulting someone character before you do your homework. (HRC-RSB)

[Freedomscap]

So, now, I'm calling the folks of the Appalachian region: Scots/Irish and Hillary supporters: hopeless romantics.

[Daisy1111]

It amazes me how many Obama supporters ignore the damage done by Rev. Wright. You think Appalachia didn't watch the news? Just because ardent Obama fans are able tooverlook Rev. Wright, it doesn't mean everyone else has.

Recent Rassmusen Poll:

Monday, March 17, 2008

Pastor Jeremiah Wright, who has become part of the national political dialogue in recent days, is viewed favorably by 8% of voters nationwide. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 58% have an unfavorable view of the Pastor whose controversial comments have created new challenges for Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of voters say that Wright’s comments are racially divisive. That opinion is held by 77% of White voters and 58% of African-American voters.

56%, said Wright’s comments made them less likely to vote for Obama. That figure includes 44% of Democrats. Just 11% of voters say they are more likely to vote for Obama because of Wright’s comments.

However, among African-Americans, 29% said Wright’s comments made them more likely to support Obama. Just 18% said the opposite while 50% said Wright’s comments would have no impact.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/people2/just_8_have_favorable_opinion_of_pastor_jeremiah_wright

[TrueBlueMajority]

if they watch the news and know all about Wright then why do so many of them continue to think he is a Muslim?

[Daisy1111]

This May 21st poll says only 11% of Americans think he's Muslim.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002884116

[tiredofhillary]

I believe that the Appalachian's are using the Rev. Wright issue as an excuse not to vote for Sen. Obama. That sound better than "I will never vote for a black man".

I understand the era that Rev. Wright grew up in, so I understand his frustration. Whether I agree with him or not......... I understand.

I also understand what Webb said about the App voters. However, their perception of the AA community is same as it was in the 50-60's. My mother traveled by car to the App mountains. She told me how some of these people live; how poor many of them are. But, this is not the fault of the AA's. They don't understand that AA's are taking anything from them and that we are all in the same boat. Webb was right. The difference is AA's take the time to understand other people and cultures, I don't think that many of those folks up in those mountains have taken the time to do anything but blame other people for the condition.

[pupbayer]

I daresay many will use that as an excuse to not vote for Obama. It really doesn't matter WHY they don't vote for Obama. The result is the same. Obama gets fewer votes. Obama loses. Right or wrong, just or not, the result is the same and that is a problem, don't you think?

[AMJordan]

Poor Daisy1111, still trying to win the primary in Pennsylvania. Good luck.

[Daisy1111]

I found a May 21st poll that confirms the Rev. Wright effect.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002884116

[noneIn2008]

Many Obama folks really won't want to hear the lecture. Time for tough love.Time for the adults to step in and retake control of the Dem party. It's been an interesting game with all the kids. Gee we had fun. It's now too serious to leave in the hands of high school prep rallies, no matter how well they play on TV. Gee, mom all the other kids think he's neat.

For those who had real skin in the game for the losses of Gore and Kerry, think longer term. Think White House. Turn a deaf ear on the teen testosterone, man Obama can whip McCain.

Plain hard facts, Obama will lose to McCain. The adults can run the numbers, knowing about Obama over polling, swing voters, swing states. The adults know the blood letting that will occur in the general election. Obama has not been vetted, he cann't pull in enough swing votes, he's vulnerable in swing states, the list goes on. This should be a simple business analysis of which product you launch. Objectively, Hillary

Primaries don't mean anything. They're fun for the kids. The adults realize if this is fouled up, we get McCain. If you cut out the kids now, they will complain, tough. Adults make tough calls. The stakes are too high to allow the kids to continue to play this as a simulation. Time for the adults in the Dem party to show some leadership and run Hillary in the general battle.

[Freedomscap]

I suggest this link for you: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

And, by the way, who did you vote for last election cycle?

[noneIn2008]

Outstanding link. Thank you. I am not a Hillary supporter. I am objectively noting what would be best for Democrats and would best keep McCain out of the White House.

2004 I voted 3rd Party. Kerry was pitiful. Bush was awful. The Big 2 parties tried to convince us to vote against the other candidate, because there was no valid reason to vote for Kerry or Bush.

The defeatist are the ones who tell us, don't vote 3rd party and waste your vote. Instead the 3rd party vote is the only one that really counts. The rest are lemmings following the herd. For example if you are in CA, IL or NY they have already tallied your vote for Obama, so any vote for Obama or McCain, means nothing. If you are in TX, MS, AL etc, your tally goes to McCain. So why not be heard and vote 3rd party. Send a clear message on YOUR opinions

The ballot initiative for the future is give us "None of the Above". Place this on all ballots in all elections. Let the people reject the contrived

[GoodGuysandBadGuys]

Bwaaahaha, yeah good luck with those +50% negatives in the general. good luck with your straight-republican ticket lightening rod. and btw, isn't it the adults that you speak so fondly of who are responsible for the current situation? tell us some more how how he adults are so wise..

[Freedomscap]

That's right. I think I'd rather listen to Warren Buffet's insights, as opposed to the Scots/Irish of the Appalachia region.

[pupbayer]

You might be interested in the links below if you really want to know how things stand since Feb. 19 in this race.

http://www.glcq.com/election08/remorse/remorse1_charts.htm
http://www.glcq.com/election08/remorse/remorse1_data.htm

[pupbayer]

Well said.

I think it is great that the kids are getting interested in politics but it is more than making up silly names for opponents. I would like to see them actually read and do a little critical thinking. (It would also help if they learned to spell, increased their vocabulary, and try some correct grammar!) This name calling and just saying outlandish things under online anonymity serves no purpose. So, kids, please stay interested but do a little research and take a positive approach. This is YOUR future. Get involved but do it responsibly. I was campaigning in 1968 when I was a junior in hs and have been active in every election since. It's important work but it is serious work with serious consequences.

That being said, it is true that there is a reason kids can't vote. It is time for the adults to step up and get realistic about what needs to be done to win the general election. We all get it. Let's do it!

[NYed]

Let's guess who you were campaigning for in '68.
Wallace or Nixon?

[Freedomscap]

I disagree. The kids have it right. It's some of the adults that aren't free thinking or stuck. This election cycle is definitely generational. It is the past vs. the future. The adults that are open to the future are young at heart, adults.

[Sabreen60]

You obviously have been given incorrect information. Believe me, Obama's base does not only consist of wide eyed young people. Although, I am very glad that so many young people are participating. Most of his base are not college students and a great deal are middle age and other, such as myself. And I believe Americans are smart enough to not want another Bush term to further destroy this nation. I don't know how long it will take to undo the harm that Bush and the Republicans have done to this country.

[rzan]

We oldies have screwed things up pretty badly. It is time to step aside and let the young people take over. Believe me, wisdom does not come with age or even with experience, and there is the fact that we have left these kids with a huge debt from this big mistake, the war in Iraq. The future is theirs. "Adults" are destroying our country.

[pupbayer]

And just what does wisdom come from? I'm sorry if you're not smarter than you were 30 years ago but a lot of us are! Experience and age are the ONLY things wisdom come from.

[1rewd1]

Let me get this right.

Barack Obama is such a perfect person and candidate that to not vote for him is somehow an indicator of a character flaw on the part of the voter?

Arrogance, condescension and elitism are charges that dog Mr.Obama and seem to become a more and more apparent character flaw amongst his supporters, especially when they refer to people who don't happen to share their political view or lifestyle.

As an educated West Virginian, I find it very easy to not vote for the man based on his character, his demeanor, his lack of experience, his policy statements as well as the three pejoratives listed in the previous paragraph.

I don't support him because I don't believe in him, his agenda or his perception of and his vision for this country.

I'll take the slings and arrows aimed at me and my brethren her in Appalachia, and proudly stand with them. If the alternative is to somehow be "progressive" and ridicule and deride a whole societal class of people then I do believe I'll proudly be content as I am.

[ema]

I'm from NYC born and bred. I've never been to WV, but I hear it is very beautiful. I don't know where you stand on the issues, but you are certainly entitled to vote for the person you think is the best candidate.

If you have been turned off by some things you've read here, I can understand. But keep in mind that the people posting here are not Senator Obama nor his campaign. They are anonymous individuals spewing forth whatever they spew forth. Some are thoughtful, others aren't. Some might even just be here stirring up trouble and animosity.

I do, however, want to say that I (and you don't have to agree with me) think Obama is a genuinely nice person, not perfect, but sincere, who really wants to make America better, and easier for all people to live in regardless of race, educational, and income levels.

[Jazz42]

Well stated.
I completely agree.
(ema)

[PuffAndStuff]

Of course I can't speak for anyone else who's commented on this thread.

But, it is my opinion that this 'Appalachian problem" doesn't refer to you - as you've described yourself and your opinions, nor does the 'problem' refer to people 'like you'.

It refers to large clusters of people in your region who didn't, and likely under no circumstances would, vote for Obama based on 'what' he is -- or what they percieve that he is -- not 'who' he is. That it say, they don't think he's a 'real Ameriacan', and all the other bizarre things some voters in WV shared with the media.

While many people have assessed them to be inate racists (white vs black), I'm personally not convinced of that -- I suspect it may be more of the 'Wright problem' and the 'religion problem' (continued Muslim rumor) that these group of people cannot see past. more so than the color of his skin ...

Though, I would/could not know if my opinion is any correct, as I've never even been to WV, KY, or this part of the country and nor do I know a single person who is from the area.

[Phylmom]

I'm also a West Virginian and I voted for Obama and will do so in November. I have also been extremely offended by the way West Virginia and Appalachia have been depicted over the past few weeks and have said that often in posts. It does no good -- the idiots and bigots continue with their uneducated hateful statements. But that is NOT Obama. He has never said anything like that. It would be silly to blame him, when I am sure there are also Clinton and McCain supporters who are ignoramuses where Appalachia is concerned.

[kingsbridge77]

This article quotes Greg Sargent suggesting that Obama travels with Edwards to talk about poverty; but Edwards won zero states during these primaries. The myth of "working class hero" was debunked in this piece by Columbia Journalism Review, which explains that Edwards' base is not the "working class".

http://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/edwards_as_workingclass_hero_1.php

[Freedomscap]

No, you've got to stop comparing apples to oranges. Edwards was on the vice presidential ticket with Kerry. Also, the political climate then, is different than it is now.

[Trueheart]

I think the author of this piece made a mistake: the Appalachian Trail starts out in Georgia and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine. That's a long stretch of country and includes people whose ancestors fought on both sides of the Civil War. They have a lot in common, but they have a lot of differences. I don't see how you can use a broad brush to paint this as one solid demographic.

Mayve I'm wrong. Living in northern Maine, it seems to me that outside of pockets of academic communities which support Obama, the rural working class doesn't identify with Obama's personal style, nor do they feel he relates to their lifestyle. And I think class is a larger issue than race.

[Freedomscap]

Yes, class is the bigger issue, than race, for the critical thinking person, but otherwise, not.

What class is Bush in -- the lower class?