Own It
SCRANTON, PA -- Hillary Clinton called on Barack Obama today to explain the comments he made about small town America at a fundraiser in San Francisco.
"I think what's important about this is that Sen. Obama has not owned up to what he said and taken accountability for it," she said.
Obama has addressed the remarks several times since the dust up began late Friday, but Clinton, whose campaign has experience a rebirth of sorts with the controversy surrounding Obama's comments, said she wants to hear more.
"First, he said he was right and attacked me for raising his remarks and referencing them," she said. "Then he admitted he may have said what he said inartfully, and now he's deeply apologized if he's offended anyone. What people are looking for is an explanation. You know, what does he really believe? How does he see the people in this neighborhood, throughout Pennsyvlania, Indiana, North Carolina, other places in our country? And I think that's what people are looking for, some explanation and he has simply not provided one."
Clinton bristled at a question about when she had last gone to church -- Easter, seemed to be the answer -- and when she had last fired a gun, calling them irrelevant to this debate.
Her campaign sees Obama's comments as the opening they've been waiting for to finally tar the image of a candidate with a certain Teflon quality. Today's presser -- held on a city street here that was packed with Clinton fans -- was designed to keep the pressure going.
The senator said Democrats had told her they were worried the remarks would hurt a party that has long-been portrayed as elitist and out of touch.
"Sen. Obama is a good man, and he is a very talented and gifted man," Clinton said. "But I think his comments were elitist and divisive and the Democratic party has been unfortunately, viewed by many people over the last decades as being elitist and out of touch. I mean we have waged elections over that.You don't have to think back too far to remember that good men running for president were viewed as being elitist and out of touch with the values and the lives of millions of Americans. So I think this is a very significant concern that people have expressed."
She pointed the headlines on the front page of the local paper, the Scranton Times Tribune, one of which read "Obama choking on 'bitter' pill" and another that read "Area mayors take offense" as proof the comments were raising concerns. She declined, however, to call them part of a pattern.
Clinton acknowledged voters were concerned about issues like immigration and trade but said "you don't have to psychoanalyze or patronize people to conclude that we have problems. And you know what, we're going to deal with those problems. And who is best suited to deal with those problems and solve them? That's really what this election should be about."
The senator said Obama had been denigrating the Clinton administration throughout his campaign. She said that people did better during her husband's tenure than they were doing now.
Clinton spoke briefly about her father, who is buried nearby. After the press conference, she was scheduled to visit his grave.
(NBC/NJ"s ATHENA JONES)
Funnily enough, she forgot to mention the Scranton Times-Tribune ENDORSED Obama today. Oops.
I think it's a great opportunity for the National Journal to actually analyze that pattern from the Clintons to win at all cost. HOW IN THE WORLD SHE HAS THE NERVES AND AUDACITY TO BLAME THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR LOSING THE ELECTIONS THE LAST DECADES BECAUSE THEY WERE ELETISTS INSTEAD OF CONDEMNING ALL THE SWIFTBOATINGS, THE DISHONESTY AND UNETHICAL PRACTICES FROM THE FOX NEWS and undignified manoeuvres from Karl Roves (who was supposed to be in jail). Even McCain was a victim. The Democrats didn't lose but dishonestly outmanoeuvred.
For someone as "eloquent" as Obama allegedly is, how come he needs to repeatedly explain himself?
And, given that politicians to repeat themselves, how many times has Obama has made similar comments?
I have lived in Pennsylvania for 35 years. I am an avid hunter and fisherman and work in a blue collar job. Obama's remarks were right on. Anyone who says different is either a non resident or a liar. CLinton is obviously desperate. She will do anything to win, ethical or not. I don't want to see her near the white house.
Of course Clinton wants Obama to further explain himself. They're desperate and hoping this story is all that they hoped the Wright story would be. Unfortunately, it isn't. The way it was delivered was politically tone deaf, but its impact will clearly be overblown by a desperate campaign and a crazed media (I can't wait to hear Sean Hannity's outrage).
Teflon Obama, seems like he can say Anything, and his supporters respond with 'that's o kay', or 'he's right'. But what is lost is what his orginal message was, the message that made Americans fall in love with him. The message was hope, unity, building bridges. Since then, Rev Wright, Farrakhan, his wife, this 'bitter' comment, the 'typical white person' comment, all are working to create cracks in the image he had started with. Maya Angelou wrote:" when someone tells you who they are, believe them". People learn to put on a pleasing demeanor to win your heart, money and vote. We shouldn't be so proud that we cannot see we've been fooled by a charmer who is not what we were led to believe. He has been telling us who he is, Rev Wright told us who he is. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
To MK
as an avid hunter you "cling on to guns to express your frustrations"???? As well as religion and anti-immigration???
Thank you, Ms. Jones, for a rare balanced report on this important story.
Benjamin, would Obama take a moment in the middle of a presser to tell the nation the local paper had endorsed his opponent? Tell the truth, now.
Greg, please come back and point out to us where Hillary blamed the Dems for losing previous elections? She said what happened. The Dems were portrayed by their opponents in a way that helped defeat them. She is pointing out that Obama has offered our opponents a huge plate of raw meat that will feed a similar attack.
Corinne, could not have said it better myself.
MK, that's your opinion. Fine as far as it goes. But let me ask you, do you "cling" to your guns and go to church in an attempt to calm your frustration and bitterness over how tough life is? Do you have "antipathy" toward people who are unlike you? Really? You mean, like Obama?
Andy, you're pretty sure of yourself. The MSM, NOT just Fox, is trying to play this event down, but it is too strong. And guess what? The voters have yet to speak. Listen hard. It's going to be very interesting.
And to the poster who is yet to ask how this rich b***h can call others elitist, let's calm down first and absorb an incontrovertible (look it up) truth: if you look up the words elite and elitist, you will learn that being among the "elite", however it is defined by the society in question, is not the same as being "elitist" - believing a society should think or behave in a manner probably much like the person being called elitist would endorse. Both Clinton and Obama are certainly among the "elite" in our society. But I would rather live in the inclusive, optimistic world Clinton, than depressed and bitter in Obama's world.
I find it amazing that Barack gets it every time he says something just a little mixed uo. Like we are all perfect. Like we don't ourselves try to say something one way and have it come out all backwards. He’s human he makes mistakes. Well in some eyes it is a mistake. Honestly I think he hit the nail right on the head.
Now what I do think is a topic is our Presidential candidate Hillary shooting shots and chasing it down with beer. That was a real sight for our young voters to see. There she is shooting shots for the whole world to see and this is okay with everyone. Go figure?
You know if Hillary drinks too much she won't be hearing that phone ring at 3 a.m. either
Anyone who says Barack was out of line, they are out of touch. You betcha a large portion of Pennsylvania and other states are bitter.
Casey sed: "elitist" - believing a society should think or behave in a manner probably much like the person being called elitist would endorse
Friggin fine. Call me an elitist. Call Obama an elitist. I want America to be the best. Period.
I hereby found an organization:
Elitists for America
Our articles of incorporation feature these ELITIST statements:
1. Restore America's position as the greatest country in the world;
2. Restore America as the bastion of freedom and Democracy for all in the world;
3. Restore America's foreign policy to reject pre-emptive war and embrace robust diplomacy, acting as the world's #1 ambassador for humanitarian issues;
4. Restore America's position as being the most diverse country in the world, welcoming to all who obey the law;
5. Restore America's reputation as the world's greatest innovator in science and technology;
6. Restore America's reputation as the most highly educated nation in the world;
7. Restore America's economy to being the strongest economy in the world;
8. Restore America's military and domestic services to be the strongest, best prepared, and best equipped in the world; with military intervention only as a last resort;
9. Restore America's position as the being the most tolerant of religious, political, and social views;
10. Restore America's position as the most dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment.
Since we are an ELITIST group, you can only join by voting for Barack Obama.
Are you serious, Casey? The media is downplaying this event? Have you been paying attention for the past 48 hours--it's been wall to wall bitter-gate.
I hardly think this makes Obama elitist. He simply offered an opinion that some agree with, some don't.
Those who didn't like Obama before will take these comments to the extreme. Anyone who honestly thinks that Obama believes all people who own guns, live in a small town, or believe in God are bitter is either a fool or hoping to use the event for political gain.
"Since we are an ELITIST group, you can only join by voting for Barack Obama." - Ethan
Gotcha, Ethan. I really wonder about the basic intelligence of many of the Obama supporters. Geesh.
Andy, if the MSM favored Hillary, this event would be everywhere, all the time. Go look for this story on the NYTimes. It's barely there. The blogs are doin' it because the youngsters hang out on them, and we all know the youth are SO SMART about this internet thing.
What IS being said is defensive of Obama. Slurp it up while you can. He damaged himself with this stuff, and the voters and super delegates will be cogitating it seriously.
>>>I really wonder about the basic intelligence of many of the Obama supporters
I really wonder about the basic intelligence of people who cannot identify sarcasm.
But I'm glad you didn't address the serious portion of my post -- that I want America to be the best -- because that would jive with your insane GOP talking point that Democrats are anti-American terrorist-appeasers or whatever is your insulting dittohead catch-phrase of the day.
Wouldn't want to actually make you THINK about a Democrat being patriotic. Your head may explode from the cognitive dissonance.
To avoid any overthinking, you should really just get back to watching Rush Coulterbot and leave the serious business of running the country to Democrats who actually want America to be the BEST country in the world (and not auctioned off piece-by-piece to the wealthiest corporate Republican crony).
Oh, btw, you can try to label me anything you want, but I am an AMERICAN first, a Democrat second, and a supporter of the Democratic nominee for President third. I will be proud to see EITHER Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the Oval Office and I pray daily that that is the case.
The Clintons will do anything to win that is the Clinton manner I fell sorry for the Clintons even Chelsea for having to growup with those lying Clinton's WE all see it is Politic as usual for the Clinton's all they are doing is playing politics and I am sick of It Shame on you Hilary! Shame on you!
The Clintons will do anything to win that is the Clinton manner I fell sorry for the Clintons even Chelsea for having to growup with those lying Clinton's WE all see it is Politic as usual for the Clinton's all they are doing is playing politics and I am sick of It Shame on you Hilary! Shame on you!
What Senator Obama said was the truth. And this bitterness (anger, fear, frustration) extends well beyond small towns in Pa.It is caused by the emphasis put on profit and greed by our government instead of the the welfare of all citizens.
I think what Senator Obama said was the truth. I'm a middle-class white lady from Texas and I am bitter - about what the Republicans have done to this country and my fear of the economic repercussions of it. I am currently employed, but I seriously worry about the future. I hope this young man survives the mud slinging and goes on to obliterate McCain in the election. Hillary Clinton is a lying sack of potatoes. (Well, maybe not *potatoes*!) Anyone who think she had *no idea* what Mark Penn was up to will believe anything. And if she's that dumb, what is she doing running for President??? She can be so easily bamboozled by her chief strategist? What in the world would she do in the global context?
Go Obama!
"
I have lived in Pennsylvania for 35 years. I am an avid hunter and fisherman and work in a blue collar job. Obama's remarks were right on. Anyone who says different is either a non resident or a liar. CLinton is obviously desperate. She will do anything to win, ethical or not. I don't want to see her near the white house.
MK | 04.13.08 05:51 PM"
I've lived in PA for 41 years and absolutely agree with MK here! Obama was right on the mark!
"
I have lived in Pennsylvania for 35 years. I am an avid hunter and fisherman and work in a blue collar job. Obama's remarks were right on. Anyone who says different is either a non resident or a liar. CLinton is obviously desperate. She will do anything to win, ethical or not. I don't want to see her near the white house.
MK | 04.13.08 05:51 PM"
I've lived in PA for 41 years and absolutely agree with MK here! Obama was right on the mark!
I am a "working-class American done good" who will vote for Obama.
He was right. We are bitter. We "cling to" what we hold most dear; we have little else. We may not like to hear it, but we can take it when it is the truth.
One thing many don't understand is how easy it is for us to recognize bulls**t. We use it ourselves every day, and Hillary, "You can't bulls**t a bulls**tter".
I can't believe no one is making a big deal of Hillary's remarks after being asked on Sunday when she last fired a gun or attended church services, appearently Clinton said the query was "not a relevant question in this debate". Question: How could it not be? I'd for one like to know if she attends church services regularly or even goes at all. If she's running around talking about how she values the Second Amendment, then I'd also like to know if she is an NRA member and for how long. She's the one that is out of touch with the average American, so many years in Washington and still never learned how to cover up being phony.