During a speech to donors in California, Senator Obama offered the following observation:
Our challenge is to get people persuaded that we can make progress when there’s not evidence of that in their daily lives. . . . You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are going to regenerate and they have not.
And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.
This observation has been pounced upon by Senators Clinton and McCain and their surrogates as demonstrating condescension and a lack of understanding of the needs of the deserving poor.
It is easy, politically expedient and therefore to be expected for candidates who are not themselves among the deserving poor to say such things.
Senator Obama left himself open to this criticism, as he has to similar criticism in the past. This is not a consequence of foot in mouth disease, as suffered by Senator and Former President Clinton. It is a consequence of something very different and, I submit, very encouraging.
If one reads the entire comment, what Senator Obama said actually seems to be both perceptive and valid. The rust belt has been rusting for years, and few effective remedies have been found or implemented, by Republicans or Democrats. The resultant demoralization is obvious, and sad but inevitable. In these circumstances, people do tend to assuage their misery by focusing on simplistic non-solutions. Some of the things they focus on can be good or at least help to distract them from their difficulties.
Senator Obama did not, I believe, intend to suggest that all of these things are perverse, although some of them obviously are. Abject poverty, in a context of hopelessness for the future, produces all manner of evil and always has. It can cause riots, self destructive activity and crime. This very normal human behavior has little if anything to do with race, geographic location or anything beyond a feeling of abject helplessness. Pandering to these results does not alleviate the problems; neither does ignoring them.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Clavos
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Senator Obama's campaign is that he says things like he just said in California and during his recent race speech. He is smart enough to understand that we do not expect them, and to anticipate the consequences, but he says them anyway. And that is probably a good thing.
Quoted for Truth.
Like you, I have differences with some of Obama's positions on the issues, but I'm VERY impressed by his candor and willingness to explore "touchy" themes.
He's the most innovative presidential candidate in several decades, IMO.
2 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
I picked up this in my e-mails. Actually, I had seen a couple of versions of this, but this is the original, published in Israel Insider.
From the article:
Nu.
These are the kinds of people who support Barak Hussein Obama, a man who, before he achieved national prominence, supported the Arabs against Israel here.
It is reasonable to assume that if this man Obama manages to assume office in the United States, he will be openly hostile to the State of Israel. There will be all sorts of sicko American Jews, like Eric Yoffie, who will do what they can to undercut the existence of a Jewish entity here, and indeed as it warns in Zechariah, Judah will come against Jerusalem. These men will kiss Obama's ass just like court Jews have done through the centuries.
But ironically, it is just this fellow Obama who may be what the doctor ordered. It will have to be obvious to Israelis here that the American regime is an enemy, and Obama is just the man for the task of demonstrating this truth. His supporters are virulent Jew-haters who can only restrain themselves after they let loose their hatred in public - like this Eric Lee fellow.
My point is that Olmert and crew are toadies, bought out agents of the United States government or of the Vatican. The only thing that will make Israelis see that light and put men like Olmert, Peres, Barak (both the security minister and former president of the "high court of justice" here), Livni and their likes on butcher hooks where they can suffer the fate the fate they deserve, the fate of Benito Mussolini, will be the open hostility of the American regime and of arrogant American Jews.
3 - Dr Dreadful
Ruvy, as has been pointed out here many times before, any presidential candidate will attract his or her fair share of crackpots. It doesn't mean the candidate in question shares those views.
4 - Zedd
Dan,
"to assume, as many politicians do, that the poor folks in the rust belt and elsewhere are so ignorant and befuddled as to be unable or unwilling at least to look at their problems and think about what he said is, to me, the ultimate condescension."
Precisely!!! That was my first thought when I heard Hillary's response on NPR today. People adhere to all institutions, beliefs or ideals because they serve a purpose. In most cases, it's to comfort them. Who doesn't know that? The privileged are not rabid NRA types or in some extremist religious fringe, wonder why?
Clinton's biggest flaw is thinking that she is smarter than everyone. It's glaringly apparent. Her stating that Obama was elitist almost had me choking on my yogurt while driving. It was really icky; too rehearsed and contrived.
5 - Dr Dreadful
Zedd,
Why were you eating yogurt while driving? :-<
Hold out your wrist...
6 - Dan Miller
Ruvy,
I appreciate your views and your concerns, as always. You may well be correct (I almost said right, which is different), for the reasons you have previously articulated.
My vote is not worth much, and I may well vote for the Republican candidate. The point I was trying to make is that despite all of his baggage, Senator Obama is offering something not seen in U.S. politics for a long time. I find it refreshing. He seems to speak his mind, without relying on focus groups and instant polls the way some other candidates do, or to avoid saying anything substantive for fear that some voter factions may be offended.
Dan
7 - Dan Miller
Zedd,
It was really icky. . .
I assume that you refer to the yogurt.
Doc is right. You should not eat yogurt, or use your cell phone, or do other distracting things while driving. Shame on you.
Anyway, it's pleasant to find something on which we seem to agree.
Dan
8 - Baronius
Over the last 25 years, per capita personal income in Pennsylvania has grown by 44%, adjusted for inflation. Senator Obama might want to stop talking down to people who are experiencing this kind of prosperity. He might also remember that Illinois rust-belters are his employers.
This statement of his was a horrible political mistake, and it's a sign that he's unprepared for a national campaign. His statement doesn't boldly penetrate some political barrier; his speeches never do. They represent the point of view of a sheltered upper-middle-class liberal. The only question is whether his house of cards will fall in time for Clinton to grab the nomination, or whether he can hang on long enough to become a national joke by November.
As for the Honorable Ms. Rodham-Clinton criticizing Obama as an elitist, I don't imagine that she could be more tone-deaf. She shouldn't try to present the primary or general election as a battle against elitism, because when a good chunk of America hears that word, they picture her. All three candidates this year have been clinging to their guns, repreatedly shooting themselves in the foot. It's amazing.
9 - Dan Miller
Baronius,
As a "a sheltered upper-middle-class" person myself (notice that I did not include your word "liberal," because I don't know what it means), who has never experienced poverty or other privation, I don't agree with your apparent thesis that all of our views are specious.
Of course, per capita personal income in Pennsylvania has increased in recent years. Is this true in the parts of Pennsylvania to which Senator Obama referred?
I don't really know. The point is, that he has seemed to say things, perhaps right on or perhaps not, recognizing that they may be politically inexpedient. That is something thus far unusual in U.S. politics, and I find it refreshing.
Dan
10 - Bennett
"These are the kinds of people who support Barak Hussein Obama"
"His supporters are virulent Jew-haters"
Wow, rather broad brush, eh Ruvy?
I'm not a Jew Hater. I'm really not much for hating.
So, where does that leave your thesis that all those who "support" Obama are like the wacknut you site in your comment.
We know you hate all three candidates, and we know that everything is always about Israel to you.
Why don't you write a post about the aforementioned wacknut, instead of dragging it into this article as a way of posting yet another attack comment against Senator Obama?
BTW, your comments are starting to read like JOM's with your use of "Hussein"...
11 - Baronius
The homeless guy outside my office building mumbles things that aren't politically expedient. And although he's not the freshest-smelling guy in the world, I think he'd add a refreshing element to a political debate. I wouldn't choose him for high office, though.
Obama's comments have my blood boiling, and I'm sure I'm overestimating the damage he's done to his candidacy. But those statements are damaging. They make me wonder if he frowns on the other eight amendments in the Bill of Rights. They also don't reflect too well on the battle between him and Clinton over which one of them opposes NAFTA more.
12 - Baronius
Oh, why didn't I think of that sooner? It's perfect!
"And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to the press, or due process of law, or freedom against search and seizure, as a way to explain their frustrations."
13 - Zedd
Doc,
You forget, I am female. We are natural multitaskers. I agree with Dan about the cell phone but eating while putting on make up and dealing with children and casting the occasional look at a moody teen, is all in a second's work.
But you are right, your sort should refrain.
14 - Zedd
Dan,
What was icky was Clinton's statement. She was the wrong person to say that. It was just wrong. I felt flushed for her.
We agree on a number of things. We may not agree on the "why's" or the ramifications, mostly because of our vantage points, but overall I get you. You should be felling quite honored right about now. ;o)
15 - Dan Miller
Baronius,
The homeless guy outside my office building mumbles things that aren't politically expedient. . . "
Lots of people do that, and many of them are smelly and otherwise objectionable, not to mention certifiably nuts.
The thing is, they (or at least most of them) aren't running for office, high or low; nor, quite likely, do they have multiple advisers helping them to spend zillions of dollars to achieve their objectives.
In the not too distant past, Senator Obama was called "articulate" by someone, and great offense was taken in some quarters at this perceived racial insult. Remember?
Well, I think he is both articulate and uniquely willing to say (articulately, of course) things likely to be perceived as insulting but simultaneously likely to provoke thought. I don't much care about the insulting bit, but hope that some are provoked into thought.
Dan
16 - Dan Miller
Zedd,
Indeed, I do.
Dan
17 - Baronius
Dan, I don't think too many people will be calling him "articulate" any more.
18 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Quoting me, Bennett writes, "'These are the kinds of people who support Barak Hussein Obama"
"His supporters are virulent Jew-haters'
Wow, rather broad brush, eh, Ruvy?"
Who called you a Jew hater, Bennett? Who called you anything? I didn't say "ALL people who support Barack Obama are Jew haters", did I?
There are all sorts of folks who like the guy. There are blacks and people of mixed race who finally feel that one of their own is out the on the hustings representing them, represented on this list by Zedd and Heloise. And that's okay.
Then there is a Jewish lady on this list who likes him too, feeling that he represents new hope for America. Please note that I did not list her in with the pack of arrogant "I know what's best for the Jews in Israel" bastards like Eric Yoffie.
There are lots of other folks who like the guy.
And I, for my own reasons, think he is just what the doctor ordered - not for you - he can't dig you out of the mess of manure the oil and banking establishment is leaving you all in - but for guys like me in Ma'alé Levoná who will have to struggle against unJews on Government Hill in Jerusalem, and who frankly need lots of help and support from fellow Israelis.
Jew haters like Eric Lee (you can revere him with the title "reverend" if you wish - I won't) whip up the back of Obama's church for him, and apologize with shit-eating grins later (read the entire article, Bennett). But they do the job for people like me when we point out President Obama (should it come to that) cuddling with CAIR bears in the Washington Mosque and cutting aid to this country to force its bought out "power-holders" to follow suicidal policies that kill Jews here and make others here homeless.
I know what homelessness is, Bennett. Been there, done that and bought the t-shirt.
As I said, Barack Obama supported rebel Arab terrorists as a member of the Illinois legislature, and has been keeping that fact awful quiet because he wants rich Jews to toss their millions his way. That's how politics works in America, Bennett. It's happened before and will happen again. So quitcherbitchin'. Nobody's calling you any names - yet....
19 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
By the way, Bennett, I'm calling the man by his name - HIS NAME THAT HE HAS NEVER DISOWNED OR CHANGED. The candidate opposing Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination is named Barack Hussein Obama.
What's your problem?
20 - Silver Surfer
Zedd, please don't eat yoghurt whilst driving.
It's dangerous.
You go over a speed hump and BAM!, it's everywhere.
In a hot climate like yours and mine, it will absolutely stink out the car as it goes putrid down the linings of seats, etc.
You will never get the smell out of the car, no matter how hard you try.
Chocolate milk is another danger, and smoothies can be a nightmare - banana is the worst - because they are a mix of yoghurt AND milk.
If you have young kids, it is also highly likely that you have rotting apple cores tucked away in secret spots around the back of the car, and a combination of the rotting fruit and putrefying dairy products will just about ensure a huge knockdown on your trade-in.
21 - Dave Nalle
I think Obama's observations are dead on. It continually astonishes me that he can see these things so clearly and yet still advocate the failed and inherently unworkable policies which he is running on.
For the record, McCain has addressed the same topic. And has proposed an initiative to retain workers from outdated rust-belt industries to enter more modern sectors of the workforce.
Dave
22 - Bennett
"...the failed and inherently unworkable policies..."
How did BushCo and the last eight years of US current events get into this thread?
Sorry Dave, but most Americas don't think that things can be worse than they've been under Bush.
I know you can, but I think your concerns are for America's wealthiest 5%. After eight years of watching your lobbyists sack the middle class, your pleas fall on deaf ears.
btw, Democratic socialism is a conspiracy theory.
23 - Bennett
Ruvy, don't be coy. You use Obama's full name for reasons other than accuracy.
Why would he disown or change his name? To make him less scary to the Jewish vote?
Yeah, 20 years ago "Hussein" had such a negative impact that any serious candidate would have changed it to "Fred".
24 - Dan Miller
Here we go, folks. Senator Clinton is in full swing, trying her best to convince voters that Senator Obama is elitist, condescending and less than respectful of people's religious convictions.
Her campaign handed out I'm not bitter stickers in North Carolina, and called Pennsylvania mayors to denounce Senator Obama. In Indiana, Senator Clinton told plant workers in Indianapolis that Obama's comments were elitist and out of touch. The story continues. In a remarkable show of candor, one of Senator Clinton's, strongest supporters, Senator Bayh, acknowledged there was some truth in Obama's remarks, but said Republicans would use them against him anyway.
Meanwhile, Senator Obama tried to defuse the situation by saying that his words may have been poorly chosen, but that he meant every word he said:
"I said something that everybody knows is true, which is that there are a whole bunch of folks in small towns in Pennsylvania, in towns right here in Indiana, in my hometown in Illinois, who are bitter . . . .They are angry. They feel like they have been left behind. They feel like nobody is paying attention to what they're going through.
"So I said, well you know, when you're bitter you turn to what you can count on. So people, they vote about guns, or they take comfort from their faith and their family and their community. And they get mad about illegal immigrants who are coming over to this country."
The reactions of Senators Clinton and Obama were predictable.
Dan
25 - Zedd
Ruvy,
Everyone is tired of the Jew/Arab thing. Except for a few crack pots in the Christian community, the entire childish tit for tat stopped being boring in the 70's. Neither of you have a point any more, accept the Palestinians maybe but even them go about things foolishly.
Who cares about Obama's middle name? His dad was African not Arab. Your making a fool out of yourself.
The conversation is about clarity and rational discourse, you sir are creeping in the irrelevant commentary that we are breathing a sigh of relief from with the latest comments from this candidate.
Its dangerous to spread disinformation. It reduces society to the chaos that your part of the world is (everyone paranoid and looking for the next conspiracy around the corner). The Republicans have waisted our time with that foolishness for 30yrs. The Dems have been trying to mimic the expert lying and doing it badly, however, we are tired of it.
Keep it in Jerusalem.
BTW,
I don't like Obama because he is part Black. Give me SOME credit. I think like ALL Americans, we are relieved that we get to have a good candidate who physically reflects our values of equality. I think Whites are just as relieved that he is not idiot or preacher or bojangles type. I think those who support him feel proud of themselves that they are not as racist as they were afraid they were. Same thing with Hillary. We are all breathing a sigh of relief that we are not as backwards as we thought we were.
Now keep your them against us stuff and fight another 100yrs (without our funding). The truth is that modern day Israel has no identity without strife. It brings in the $$.