Murtha: Western PA "Racist" But Obama Should Win

WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. John Murtha said Wednesday his home base of western Pennsylvania is racist and that could reduce Barack Obama's victory margin in the state by 4 percentage points.

The 17-term Democratic congressman told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a story posted Wednesday on its Web site: "There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area."

Murtha said it has taken time for many Pennsylvania voters to come around to embracing a black presidential candidate, but that Obama should still win the state, though not in a runaway.

In a separate interview posted Wednesday on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Web site, Murtha said Obama has a problem with voters' racial attitudes in western Pennsylvania that could trim his winning margin on Nov. 4.

The working-class region is a key battleground in Pennsylvania. The area is struggling economically, and has a high percentage of veterans and elderly voters. Murtha's district outside Pittsburgh encompasses Johnstown and many small towns once dominated by steel and coal.

In a statement issued later Wednesday, Murtha spokesman Matt Mazonkey told The Associated Press: "It's naive to think that race or gender doesn't play a role in a voter's perception of a candidate. Mr. Murtha makes the point that while race may be an issue for some, it's evident that voters today are concerned about the issues that truly matter _ issues like the economy, health care, and energy independence."

Murtha, who backed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the state's April primary, told the Post-Gazette that the older population has been "more hesitant" to support Obama. But in the past three months, he said groups he deals with regularly, such as veterans and senior citizens, have decided to back Obama.

Murtha said Republican John McCain has been stymied by the economy and the attacks on Obama's character.

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"I think Obama is going to win, but I don't think it's going to be a runaway," Murtha said.

He told the Tribune-Review, however, that he sees no enthusiasm for either candidate in his district.

"The public is confused, they're despondent, they're unhappy. They want to see a change and I think the change is whatever the individual might believe it is," he said.

The most recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Obama with a double-digit lead after surveys a few weeks ago indicated the race was close. Quinnipiac pollster Clay Richards has said growing support among working-class voters in the state were behind the change.

In February, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell _ another Clinton backer _ told the Post-Gazette's editorial board that some whites in the state were likely to vote against Obama in the primary because of his race. Clinton easily won that contest.

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On the Net:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: http://post-gazette.com/

Pittsburg Tribune-Review: http://www.pghtrib.com

Comments

[SWPADEM]

John Murtha is 100 percent accurate. This area IS racist (and small minded I might add). Just spend any time in this area, and unless you are a racist and xenophobe yourself, you would agree. Having grown up in Latrobe as did my parents (mother 89 yrs old) and having recently returned after living in urban areas including NYC to care for an ill parent, it is more pronounced than ever that the people here are not the same as those I knew growing up. These are not the children of immigrants or of the greatest generation - WWII, nor the boomers, these are angry, poorly educated white people who chose not to leave the area when the jobs vanished. They have never experienced nor do they appreciate other cultures, ideas or races. . Those who are offended by the remarks I say "It takes one to know one", that is why they are offended by these comments.

[NTO08]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08294/921267-152.stm

For an interesting take on the issue Murtha discusses.

[Fenianheart]

This statement may be counterproductive but it is true. I grew up in Western PA and can absolutely confirm the region's racism.

[liesl]

Let me get this straight - If I live in Western Pennsylvania, and I'm not voting for Obama, I'm racist? I see, he is just so irresistable as a candidate that the only possible reason I could have for voting for McCain is because I don't like black people?!?!? I don't appreciate being lumped in with racists, simply because I choose to vote for John McCain for reasons that have NOTHING to do with the color of Barack Obama's skin. How about that Obama is a socialist? I don't want him taking my money and deciding to whom it should go charitably. That's my decision. I don't want the government running healthcare. Do you honestly think we can trust them not to screw it up after what they've done with the economy? (and I blame the greed and stupidity of Republicans and Democrats alike). Also, there is that little issue of the SECOND AMENDMENT. Obama is anti-gun. He is also anti-Christian, even though he calls himself one. Reverend Jeremiah Wright calls HIMSELF a Christian, too. If I call myself a zebra, doesn't make me one.

[Boadicea]

My between-the-lines reading here is that it's Murtha who is racist,not his constituents.

[WarrenPA]

Murtha is right. See this unabashed blog at a local newspaper:

http://timesobserver.com/page/blogs.detail/display/54.html

Ask yourself: How many of these people will vote for a black man?

Not many.

[WarrenPA]

Murtha is right. See this unabashed blog written in a local Western Pennsylvania newspaper:

http://timesobserver.com/page/blogs.detail/display/54.html

Here's the question: How many of these people will vote for a black man?

Not many.

[edwarvir]

Murtha's comments are not helping his racist consitituents .

[jamie461]

Can we all agree on one thing? GO STEELERS!! :)

[macdaddy24]

Pittsburgh is the 19th most educated city, above New York City.

His comments are reprehensible, irresponsible, unfounded, and insulting. If anything, he is turning more people off to politicians and away from the polls.

As a proud, non-racist Pittsburgher, I am offended.

[Teritt]

Take a trip to the 5th ward of Latrobe near the old Latrobe Steel plant that Timken sold. I went canvassing there before the Dem primaries and had a skinhead come after me on the street telling me to get 'that garbage' off his street. The good news is that it isn't a very big majority and they probably won't vote. I'm originally from Latrobe, and that area is part racist. I had one lady tell me "I know I'm a registered Dem, but 'President McCain' just sounds better...I couldn't imagine having a President B Hussein Obama'. Look at the primary results for Westmoreland, Somerset, Fayette counties. What Murtha said is partially true, don't blame the messenger. Just get out there and do what you can to get Obama elected, don't get complacent or mad. There's 3 weeks left and there's work to do.

[gakabani]

He calls it as he sees it. America needs a face lift in racial education.

[harriettubman]

One can't get a face lift when parents indoctrinate racial hatred into their children. Children believe what their parents say.

[Okieborn]

Mr. Murtha !!!
YOU SIR ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO !!!
I RESPECT YOUR IN-PUT !!!!

[Whinger]

John, go easy on the Viagara, it's starting to go to your head!

[ladydragon]

If what Rep Murtha says is true, then it is his responsibility to put their fears to rest and tell his constituants why they should vote for Obama. the racist in western PA is not what bothers me, it's the racist in the state of OH, I am shocked at their behavior; I had no idea how bad and violently racist they are. the shouts of KILL HIM ! and OFF WITH HIS HEAD is down right scary to know that there are white people that would kill someone because he's black and ran for president.

[Scarllatti]

Show you these folks still have the "cave mentality' of Medieval Europe.

[paris79]

We are no more racist in Ohio than where-ever-it-is that you live ladydragon. We are the state that was a primary link in the Underground Railroad. If you can't believe that a nutter or two will spew hatered in a 20,000 or more person rally then you are naive. Who's to say the nutter wasn't one of your ilk trying to wind up this trash. Who ever said it is wrong headed and unwanted.

[whcjr46]

I applaud Rep Murtha for being honest, but what purpose does his comments serve...I don't believe his comments are productive and they certaintly won't help Sen Obama. Rep Murtha, pls be quiet!!!

[harriettubman]

I applaud him for coming out and saying this. Too many know it but won't utter it.

[13thirteen]

I live here in the 12th District. Murtha is right, this area is filled with closeted racism left and right. The thing is, if you know there's a problem, what has been done to correct it. I think it begins in the schools. Kids can't help what their parents are telling them at home, but the schools could have programs focusing more on these issues, to really enlighten them to the outside world a bit more.

I can't believe some of the things my kids repeat that other kids at school have said. They learn this from their parents. So the second battleground against this ignorance is in responsible homes. Hopefully we can break this cycle of hate that's been passed down around here. I'd like to see Murtha address this issue more since he's brought it up.

[Scarllatti]

Sad to know I still share this God-given air with a bunch of bigots who go to "church" with hate tucked in the middle of their "bibles"

Whatever god they are worshiping, he must be very ashamed of these crude folks.

[TheyAllSuck]

Its the TV that's the most potent weapon against blatant racism in the home (while at the same time reinforcing more subtle soft cultural prejudices.) TV puts an idealized vision of what society looks like, and the kids removed from more culturally diverse areas get an impression of what they think "everybody" thinks. Society, or its simulacrum, end up modifying how people perceive and treat other people.

[uheardme]

I guess he would know his constituents.