I think Hillary Clinton's recent broadside of outrage over Barack Obama's remarkably incisive analysis of the forgotten American working class is painfully staged, and drags the standard of debate active in this primary campaign still lower. Once again, as soon as Obama actually began to discuss issues -- and to offer a remarkably cogent argument why Pennsylvania should vote for him -- the Clinton camp freaked out and went into witless pandering overload.
As an overdue preface, here's the gist: Obama pointed out that working class folks in the Rust Belt have been getting screwed over by the decline in manufacturing jobs over that last 25 years, and that little has been done to help remake their communities. Therefore, he noted, incomes fall and people get bitter and search for something to "cling to" like "guns and religion." Hey, he's right! The fall of the unions, the decline of industrial jobs; this has made the Rust Belt measurably worse off.
But how dare he say that! How dare that mean ol' Obama insinuate that you Rust Belt voters are anything other than Mama Hillary's special little guys and gals (of the month)! What a big meanie?
What a joke. Her response was more saccharine and pious than diet communion wine. I hope Pennsylvanians are smart enough to realize when somebody's blowing smoke up their smokestacks.
6 comments:
Yup.
First off, I don't think the Blood of Jesus Christ comes in a low-cal version.
Second, you people are insane. Is this a serious post, or are you PRObamas actually ranting about this exchange?
Last week, you guys rolled your eyes at me b/c I was pissed off at the man comparing his presidential campaign to the Civil Rights Movement. You said, "Get over it. It's politics. Every campaign does stuff like this."
Please tell me you're kidding with this Clinton criticism and I just didn't pick up on your deliberate irony and exaggeration. Because, if you are in fact upset about this mutual degradation between the two candidates, that would mean you're just delusional.
How in the Mother F--- is Barack Obama supposed to be the one guy who can bring the two parties and the country together when THIS PRIMARY IS DESTROYING HIS OWN FRIGGIN' PARTY?!?
I don't think "Clinton criticism" is valid, outside of this post.
The criticism that's being thrown at Obama for the "bitter" comment is coming from Clinton supporters and Clinton herself, sure. It's also being tossed by McCain, it's being prodded at by the media. Who is doing it is not as important as the act itself; the comment shouldn't be criticized. It was honest and valid. Criticism of it, from whomever, is stupid.
As far as Obama "destroying his own party," do you honestly believe that it's just Obama that's doing this? He's wholly, or even primarily, responsible for the "destruction?" It takes two to tango. It's just as much her as it is him. Do you think he advocates this kind of banter? Why do you think he held off from diving into the mud with her for so long? When it reaches a point, it's impossible not to get involved. Kerry tried to ignore the criticisms lobbed at him and look how it hurt him. He waited too long to play offense.
I think this issue over the "bitter" comment isn't bothering you. I think the surrounding storm accompanying it isn't bothering you. I just think this is a chance to paint a picture, and you're taking advantage of that chance. "Look at all the looneys and their candidate!"
Civil rights internship mailer aside, Clinton criticism aside, let's have it; what was your take on the "bitter" comment - which is what lies at the heart of this entire post? Is Obama truly an "elitist?" Is he "out of touch?"
And if you answer anything but no to THOSE two questions, then I have a follow up; who's honestly the delusional one?
Do I believe BO is single-handedly destroying his party? Of course not. You're right, it takes two to tango. That is why I'm calling bullshit on his claims that he will bring the parties together. Right now you blame Clinton - an easy target b/c she's a divisive figure. If he gets into office, you'll be criticizing Republicans the way you criticize HRC now. I'm not blaming anyone, I'm just saying it's completely disingenuous for Obama to say, "I'm going to unite this country just as soon as Hillary and I finish running the Democratic Party into the ground."
What bothers me is not the bitter comment, or anything to do w/it. What bothers me is the lack of objectivity you guys have, paired with how oblivious to your bias you appear to be. They're all playing politics and positioning themselves. Why is it "just politics" when Obama does it? You guys let him get away with everything b/c you think he's doing it for the "right reasons." Blow me. It's all politics.
And of course he's an elitist you dipshit, he's running for President of the United States. They're all out of touch.
Obama's an elitist? Really? Seriously? Graduates at top of his class from Harvard law and goes to work for a church-based neighborhood organizing non-profit, for 13,000 a year, but he's an elitist? Did he de-evolve into an elitist, or was all that just for show? Okay. We're "biased" for Obama. Fine. But you're very obviously just as biased (if not more) against him.
They're all out of touch? Even Ron Paul? Joe Biden? They ran for President, and so they are included in "they," so they must be out of touch too, by your logic.
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