A Bitter Pill To Swallow

Barack Obama's poor choice of words at a San Francisco fundraiser has sparked the hopes of the Clinton campaign and piqued the interest of pundit and voter alike. Describing small town frustrations with a lackluster economy as bitterness, Barack Obama also suggested that gun culture and anti-immigrant sentiment are an outgrowth of those feelings.

Hillary Clinton was quick to jump on Obama's words, calling the remarks elitist and condescending, and arguing that small town voters in Pennsylvania were optimistic, not bitter. John McCain also saw an opening, suggesting that Barack Obama was clearly out of touch. Despite the story breaking on a Friday evening, opinion makers in the blogosphere, on cable news, and on the Sunday shows had reactions ranging from dismissive to outrage, with some suggesting that the comments might be Obama's very own "Macaca" moment.

Much of this talk seems quite overblown. It is, first of all, not elitist for a candidate for president to talk about the frustrations and anger that small town Americans have increasingly felt over the past eight years. It is, of course, not elitist for candidates to talk about jobs and trade in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but talk about ethanol and tax breaks while in Iowa and New Hampshire. Presidential campaigns are almost entirely about presidential candidates talking to -- and about -- the vastly different populations and cultures that make up this country.

More importantly, voters in small towns all across the Midwest have watched their jobs shipped overseas and their health care premiums skyrocket, all because of poorly crafted trade agreements and a government unwilling to confront the health care crisis. Those who still have jobs are finding their wages driven down and their mortgage rates skyrocketing, all because of a government that refused to regulate predatory lenders. Small town Americans have been beaten down by this economy and this administration. They deserve to be angry and cynical, frustrated and embittered.

Nevertheless, Obama's choice of words was poor, as has been acknowledged by the Senator himself. To this point, however, Obama appears ready to weather the storm for a number of reasons, not the least of which includes the continued ineptitude of the Clinton campaign. Already, Hillary Clinton has gone too far with her criticism of Obama, and is beginning to frame the issue in a way she might actually lose. By suggesting that Obama is out-of-touch at the same time that she insists that people are optimistic, not bitter, she is putting herself at great risk. After all, countless Pennsylvanians are in fact quite embittered at being abandoned by their government and will likely be unreceptive to the notion that they don't deserve to be. Hillary might be in touch with some, but it seems likely that Obama is in touch with far more.

It is also wise to avoid being too ironic when attacking an opponent. Throughout the weekend, Hillary has taken to talking about guns and drinking the occasional shot of whiskey, making sure to reminisce about learning to shoot and her fondness of hunting. Could there be anything more incredulous and condescending?

What is also particularly disturbing about Hillary's line of attack is the extent to which it seems to help no one other than John McCain. The Clinton campaign has all but admitted that the race, at this point, depends on convincing superdelegates that Hillary is more electable. But making Obama less electable will not make Hillary more. For superdelegates to overturn the pledged delegate count, Hillary will need more than just a preponderance of the evidence; she'll need to prove her superior electability beyond all reasonable doubt.

It also would seem that, for a number of reasons, the "bitter" controversy will do little to help John McCain. The Republican machine has already geared up to run a campaign that suggests that Obama is another Northeast educated elitist who can't connect with voters. To that end, Obama hasn't provided them with any new ideas. There is also no video of the comments and the only audio is too poor of quality to be used in an ad. Like Hillary, McCain may also find himself in a disadvantageous position when debating about which candidate is more in touch with the voters. Let us not forget that it is John McCain who shares a different view than the majority of Americans on nearly every issue. It is John McCain who seems to have only a passing understanding of the economic crisis and its impact on working class Americans.

The next few news cycles will be dominated by Obama's remarks which, by any measure, is a loss for the campaign. But timing continues to be uncannily fortunate for Obama. When seated next to each other at Wednesday's debate, Obama and Clinton will surely have to confront the issue. It will be understandably difficult for Clinton to call Obama a condescending elitist while face to face, and will also provide Obama with a chance to attack Clinton from a defensive position, a skill at which he has proven masterfully adept. His campaign will likely use the debate as an opportunity to shut down this narrative, at least for now.

Ultimately, we all have reasons to be embittered, having seen our government hijacked by those who seem entirely divorced from our aspirations. Small towns are occupied by some of those who deserve to be most frustrated of all. Barack Obama recognizes that our bitterness is not cured by ignoring it or dismissing it. It is cured by talking about it -- and working to replace it with hope.

Comments

[ceciboloca]

The manner in which Hillary Clinton has seized on this issue only goes to show the extent of her own despair and BITTERNESS over her waning candidacy. At the Compassion Forum yesterday, not only did she accuse Sen. Obama of being an elitist, she blamed Sen. Kerry's and VP Gore's presidential losses on the voters perception they are elitist as well. She is so blinded with ambition she has no qualms in smearing her Democrat colleagues. Compassion Forum? Please. Neither Campbell Brown nor the other host called her on it. Moreover, CNN has been relentlessly deconstructing and analyzing Sen. Obama's words all weekend long showing the kind of bias that makes them irrelevant as a news operation. It has already come to light that both Clintons approached the same subject with a detached and cynical tone. Theda Skocpol, the renowned political scientist wrote to TPM to describe meetings with the Clintons and staff which she attended. She also believes Hillary's comments are not sitting well with the Democratic establishment.
Ultimately, and sooner rather than later, Hillary's dishonesty and pandering on this issue is going to come back and bite her. Finally, in yesterday's forum Sen. Obama's fluidity and eloquence was truly something to behold and admire. For almost an hour, it gave us the opportunity to learn much about his brilliant analytical mind. His performance was so much superior to hers.

[VOTER]

I agree.

Kudos for calling out CNN too!

Their Ballot Bowl is a bowl of bad journalism and laziness.

[yepstein]

On the CNN "Faith" forum, Hillary and Obama talked about this. There was criticism of Obama's talk about bitter people clinging to God. Today in the NY Time Bill Kristol talks about the "Marxist" roots of Obama's comments. But people saying things like this ought to read the bible - especially people talking at a "faith" forum. Look at Chapter 7 in the Book of Job. It says:
Book of Job Chapter 27

1: And Job again took up his discourse, and said:
2: "As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter;
3: as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4: my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
5: Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
6: I hold fast my righteousness, and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.

Job is talking about his soul being bitter because of the things he has lost. This is the idea Obama was discussing. Job concludes that he will "hold fast my righteousness" - in other words cling to his religious values. A little careful reading of the bible would reveal the biblical roots of the ideas Obama was talking about. They come from a Judeo/Christian tradition - not out of

[VOTER]

What will HIllary be wearing for this week's debate with Senator Obama?

Combat Fatigues? (Commando)

An Annie Oakley Skirt and Blouse?

A Rummage Shop outfit for her Middle Class Appeal?

Or will she dress for Success in a Designer Suit?

It doesn't matter.

SHE WILL BE HERSELF, A BITTER PANDERING ELITIST!

[lizzytysh]

This brings up another question about gun-totin' Hillary. [Who also feels it's "irrelevant" when she's asked when's the last time she went to church or shot a gun... talk about condescend­ing... you ARE the one who brought it up, Babe.] Back to the question..­. why would sniper fire be such a problem in Bosnia? Why didn't you just clear the decks and fire back? Sharpshooter that you are... don't you care about family? Wasn't Chelsea with you? Or were you in a rush to get to the airport bar and have a swig of whiskey... all that stress and all... another comfortable drinker in the White House. Terrific. Just the thought of it... what a representative of the United States her bar scene gave the rest of the world. Yuk.

I hope the SuperDelegates and the Democratic Party are watching. Talk about a Loose Cannon or would that be a Rifle Misfiring or a Pistol in Russian Roulette mode? This woman disgusts me.


~ Elizabeth Bacon-Smith

[glitzqueen]

Any American who ISN'T mad hasn't been paying attention -- or belongs to the economic elite that profited while the rest of us were robbed.

[SouthernVoice]

When Obama says he was "clumsy" in his word usage, I believe him because he made essentially the sames points in a much better worded discussion in 2004. on the Charlie Rose Show. If you really want to know what he meant, listen to this three minute segment. He's actually suggesting that Democratics not be condescending.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/04/obama-on-the-cu.html

[CTO]

Obama's finally fighting back. Normally he doesn't call out Clinton as hard as some (or many) of his supporters would like. He sometimes seems too nice which unfortunately, some people don't like in a president. But he finally seems like he's pulling the gloves off. Check out the video response he gives to a group in Steelton, PA on Sunday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxmi3e2Vmo

[deejsmom]

I'm personally glad he is fighting back - and I don't think it's negative campaigning to defend yourself no matter how her people try to spin his remarks.

[AnninCA]

Finally? *hooting*

He's been on the attack since he lost Texas. However, you're right. He just had his own: "The Skies Opened up!" moment.

The Annie Oakley comment was pretty good. :)

[cokomo2]

It is me again. I cling to my faith and I am proud of it. I hold onto the things that no one can take from me. Once they take everything else one tends to cling on to whatever they can for as long as they can. Obama sees that, he see how people are frustrated, angry and bitter and he is speaking out for us. What is there to get upset about. How can he be an elitist when he just finished paying off his and his wife's student loans, how can he be an elitist when he turn down jobs that would have him and his family set for life, instead in works in the poor communities of Chicago. He is not looking down on us, he wants to help us. He is not lying to us he is speaking out for us and his words are true. Be glad you have a man of his convictions to work for us. How can anyone trust anything that comes from Hillary? She lies, she distorts, she misleads, misrepresents and Bill is even worse. Why would you want them in the White House? Unless you want more of the same.

[cokomo2]

I give Obama a lot of respect and of course he has my vote. Finally I have someone in Washington that will speak and work for me. I lost my job, my insurance and my pension due to NAFTA and yes I am bitter and frustrated. Yes I cling to my faith and religion and proud of it. When things are going well in ones life your contact with God is not as great or often as when life is at its worse for you. When things are bad in your life you tend to pray a lot more. You cling to your faith in God and pray that better days will come, you pray for God to keep you strong to get you through the next day or to put food on your table. You pray that you don't get sick because you have no insurance. You pray for help to pay your bills or for God to give you a direction.

[FreedomLoverX]

Good one Danny!

[MaggieCat]

We cling to our faith because we have had no other choice. We have learned that Dems and GOP lie to us time and time again, so how in the world could we place our confidence in someone the likes of Clinton or McCain? If Obama is actually successful, the pig trough of greed would end and remember the media makes more money as long as we are divided. Candidates like Clinton and McCain are what the culture of corruption wants.

To compare a poor choice of words to outright lies and a long history of treachery to the working class is unfathomable to me. Is he guilty of being a city slicker with little understanding of rural life? Is that his biggest crime and now the media jumps on to it like flies on horseshit? He is not out of touch with the overlapping foundation of concerns and frustrations in small town America, because those things are shared by working Americans everywhere.

There are approximately 60 Million people living in rural America and 30% of that population produces a large percentage of the world's food supply and our importance to the strength of America is very important. The crumbling infrastructure of rural areas is not dissimilar to the struggles and challenges that were exposed in the Katrina tragedy. These are things that we must face as a nation that puts people and principles ahead of greed. Greed is the real enemy and Indifference and Ignorance are its helpmates.

MaggieCat

[Buj]

You're right. He "mis spoke". She outright LIE.

I do hope he'll bring that matter up during the debate and we'll see if she can spin it around then.

[AnninCA]

You cling to your faith due to politics?

That is so sad.

[NorVaGal]

Ann: You put down MaggieCat, saying "how sad" that she clings to her faith due to politics? Where did she say that?

What is SAD is how YOU put down EVERYONE down with your manufactured reasonings. Your antagonism and scorn poison your every posting. Why do you even condescend to communicate with the rest of us hoi poloi? Have you finally used up your quota on hillaryis44??? Or, are they tired of your bitter, hateful spewings, too?

[maggiemae656]

Hillary is ruining a perfect opportunity for the people of this country to be recognized and heard. Why would she want to have the nation of people whose welfare she has been responsible for for all these years to be bitter? Of course she wants to blow it off, to minimize it--she is a member of the Congress who has put us in the position of being bitter. She is directly responsible for these feelings and doesn't want to accept responsibility, she wants a promotion.

[dowl]

We are faced with crucial choices. The choices include ongoing socioeconomic class wars that pit the poor against each other. Class wars are not confined exclusively or necessarily to race. It is unfortunate that far too many non-black Americans vote against their own best interests in order to appear to be better to themselves and hopefully to others (specifically of another ethnic group and/or racial group). Wake up America! Stop being bamboozled by those whose only interest is in maintaining the status quo--the few politically powerful controlling the wealth of nations.

[NuttyProf]

I think Obama has to be more careful about how he says things. When Clinton misspeaks it lasts for just a few days, when he misspeaks, it becomes much bigger because people WANT to hate him, and it dominates the news. I can see how a Hillary supporter can feel exactly the same way, though. Can we agree that both have misspoken on different occasions??

So now can we get back to the real issues, please?

[patrice37]

I am bitter because while we are looking at economic collapse and endless war, American political reporters can't stop trembling with excitement over bullshit "controversies" created by Hillary Clinton and Howard Wolfson.

[shep1900]

The blame for this one lies entirely with Senator Obama. Was it the worst thing anyone has ever said? No, but it was dumb, and patronizing, and tone-deaf. If Senator Clinton _didn't_ go to town with it, she'd be a fool. They're running for President, for God's sakes. The stakes are high.

[FreedomLoverX]

You always have something utterly uneducated and blind to contribute. Congratulations.

[kettletop]

Are there really any fence-sitters who were not yet committed to a candidate and considering Obama who are going to be turned off by these comments? I don't think so.

The faux outrage is coming from Clinton and other Republicans.

[AnninCA]

I am outraged because I think the elites are trying to take the Dem party away from people. That's the rub in his comments for me. I've thought a LOT about this since Kennedy endorsed him. And Obama merely confirmed my observation.

He is the darling of the elite crowd.....­the latee sippers and the upper middle class Dems.

Meanwhile, pocketbook Dems are insulted by the very party they support.

That's actually what offends me.

I'm sick to death of the pretense of the progressives, as they trot right down the same stupid path again, thinking that it's not only OK to talk about people this way, but they actually think it's smart!

He called people in small towns racist. You did get that, didn't you?

I'm fed up with pseudo-intellects acting like he didn't say what he plainly said.

[NorVaGal]

Me, again, Ann: Once again yu play the "racist" card. Really fixated on that, aren't you?
And, it's never what Sen. Obama actually SAID. Racism is always YOUR INTERPRETATION of what he said. Your own racism shines bright and clear.

[NorVaGal]

Ann: You are "outraged". As in BITTER? (Things that make you go....... hmmmmm.)

[Fabienne]

Clinton "Democrats" are supporters of the people? Only if the people are CEOs. Have you paid any attention to the legacy of the Clinton administration?

[4wehttam]

Hillary Clinton is the hard pill to swallow.

You know that huge horse pill you have to take? They say it's good for you, but it stinks to high heaven?

That is her in a nutshell.