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Barack and Michelle's view of America
By Soren Dayton Posted in 2008 | Barack Obama — Comments (37) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
On April 6th, at a fundraiser in San Francisco, Barack Obama said, previously covered by Redstate here:
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.
The McCain campaign responded:
It shows an elitism and condescension towards hardworking Americans that is nothing short of breathtaking. It is hard to imagine someone running for president who is more out of touch with average Americans.
This hints at a fundamental lack of respect for Americans. Barack Obama will inevitably apologize or back away from this statement, made to rich San Francisco liberals. But I urge you to consider what he meant in the context of things said by his wife.
Read on.
Michelle Obama was profiled in The New Yorker. Compare this paragraph to the sentiment that Barack expressed above:
Obama begins with a broad assessment of life in America in 2008, and life is not good: we’re a divided country, we’re a country that is “just downright mean,” we are “guided by fear,” we’re a nation of cynics, sloths, and complacents. “We have become a nation of struggling folks who are barely making it every day,” she said, as heads bobbed in the pews. “Folks are just jammed up, and it’s gotten worse over my lifetime.
Earlier on Redstate, we posted a video of Michelle Obama speaking in South Carolina.
This is a partial transcript:
We don't like being pushed outside of our comfort zones. ... Sometimes it is easier to hold on to your own stereotypes and misconceptions. It makes you feel justified in your ignorance. That's America.
Consider this statement in the light of Obama's statement that started this off. "Sometimes it is easier to hold on to your own stereotypes and misconceptions. It makes you feel justified in your ignorance." Certainly when talking to rich San Francisco liberals about people who "cling to guns or religion".
Now, it could be that there is good politics to this. Obama did, after all, say this in a San Francisco fundraiser. Michael Barone noted the other day that:
In the latest survey, 64 percent say America is basically fair and decent, and 22 percent say it is unfair and discriminatory. ... As one might expect, blacks tend to think America is unfair and discriminatory rather than fair and decent, by a 47 percent to 37 percent margin. ... while Democrats are split (49 percent to 36 percent).
He notes that "this split among Democrats is a permanent problem for the party."
The question that this raises is where is Barack Obama on these questions. Until today, all that could be said was that Barack surrounds himself with people like his wife and his pastor who traffic in this negative view of America. But with this statement, we must now wonder if he also does, at least in front of some audiences. And whether that is reconcilable with a message of "hope" or "reconciliation."
If he does, the contrast with John McCain will be extraordinary.
No, NOT like Jimmy Carter
by Matthew Weaver
I'm hope you write in jest, but ask you to consider. Obama is NOT like Jimmy Carter. Carter had his flaws but I do not think anyone can or has ever accused him of hate and racism. On this they are both about as far apart as you can get.
Matthew Weaver
http://www.TheProblemWithObama.com
http://www.TheObamaCult.com
Jimmy Carter didn't have the Eastern/San Francisco liberals' disdain for small town America. After all, he came from a small town himself (Plains, GA).
Carter's flaw was different--an airy idealism from his Baptist religious faith.
I still remember what one of Carter's aides told reporters in 1980, when Ted Kennedy tried to run against Carter:
"F**k the fat rich kid."
The Obama line you're getting is more like what you would hear about heartland America, if you visited a Starbucks cafe in Hyannis or Berkeley:
really?
by Pentagon16
This is the same Jimmy Carter who is meeting with the leader of HAMAS in Syria next week? The one who wrote an entire book about how the Jews persecute the poor Palestinians? That Jimmy Carter who has nothing at all in common with Jeremiah Wright's "curse Israel" mentoree?!
Perhaps you might want to broaden your definitions..
Obama is Jimmy Carter- only without the sweater.
our entire campaign must be "Obama is not what he wants you to believe he is".
That's starting to become Obama's whole campaign. This is where the wheels come off.
I remember early on thinking that Obama couldn't possibly get the nomination because his inexperience would lead him to make some mistake or series of mistakes that would derail his campaign. That's happening now, although due to th elate timing of things he's still likely to get the nomination.
What this means for America, though, is that his mistakes come at a time when they're just enough to keep HRC in this race, prolonging the Democrats' bleeding, and making it more likely every day that we'll see a McCain victory in the fall. (The mind still boggles.)
----
I can unequivocally say I will not be running for national office in four years.
- Barack Obama, 11/04/04
Strategy for the General
by MikeO
There is a strategy for the general election in this that will work against either candidate on the Dem side. I don't think Senator McCain would use it, though.
It's past time to fight fire with fire on the class warfare arguments. Senator McCain's campaign's response should have been:
It shows an elitism and condescension towards hardworking Americans that is nothing short of breathtaking. It is hard to imagine someone running for president who is more out of touch with the same hardworking, responsible, average Americans that he wants paying to bail-out the reckless high-rollers living beyond their means on mortgages they cannot afford.
We have adults unfamiliar enough with the responsibilities of free citizens of a free country to think themselves entitled to my paychecks and my savings to buy their way out of their profligacy. These beings stand on the other side of a line between them and wherever I'm standing. Start calling them out for the freeloaders they are instead of coddling them with "compassionate" pandering, and if even only one is shamed into facing his responsibilities and obligations, then lifting just that one out of the redistributionist conspiracy to commit larceny would be worth it.
First it was typical White people, now its 'small town people'
by Matthew Weaver
Obama has defined his character, specifically his hate and racism far more directly and clearly than either Clinton or McCain could do. His arrogance appears to have no bounds as he has yet to apologize. Not for 20-years and continued association with a hate and racist church, not for his 'typical White person' comments and, later tonight, I doubt we will hear an apology for his latest comments. In any case, it is all too little, too late.
Matthew Weaver
http://www.TheProblemWithObama.com
http://www.TheObamaCult.com
I Guess Obama Can Hang
by JohninVA
up the typical white, gun tot'n, church goin', no job havin', white people from Small Town, US of KKKA vote.
I grew up
by JohninVA
in a small town in south central Iowa (Chariton). Most of us had guns - I got my first when I was about 10 - church was a big deal and there sure weren't a lot of jobs to be had in the late 1980's when I graduated from high school. Most of us did what any sensible person would do if there weren't any jobs to be had... we moved to the city, joined the military, or moved to anywhere they could find a job. I don't remember a lot of frustration and bitterness though. Frustration and bitterness were certainly not the reasons we clung to our guns and churches.
For a guy who claims to understand the world so much better than every other remaining candidate he sure doesn't understand the United States very well. At least not the parts outside Chicago and San Francisco.
Wake up America.
McCain 08
Well Said
by koertli
People who sit and wait for things to come to them, as promised by sleazey Politicians, are the ones who become bitter and buy into the B.S.
The People you described take responsibility for themselves and make things happen.
God Bless you all Americans who think Like You!
Both Obamamessiah and wifey hate America...
by Illinidiva
This has been known for @ least a few months. Perhaps when he loses, Obamamessiah can give up his Senate seat and move to Canada (or perhaps Kenya or Indonesia).
As for the Obamamessiah dissing poor people, when are we going to get the damn video!!!
I know your joking about Canada
by Alberta
But the liberal elite who actually run the country (Canada) are slobbering all over themselves in anticipation of an Obama presidency.
This is what I dont get it. Obama is the classic Toronto Liberal. Why he is even being considered for the nomination is a little beyond me.
Free Markets
by maniacprovost
It was interesting Obama said "they cling to... anti-trade sentiment." So he's actually pro-trade? I suspected that much. Or it could be pandering to the globalists on Billionaire's Row.
The arrogance is truly breathtaking
by sinz52
What Obama is basically saying is, "As President, I must take a protectionist position, because I'll be President of a bunch of typical white Americans who are frustrated and bitter. If only all Americans were as open-minded and intelligent as you folks in San Francisco."
This smal town gun owning religous guy ain't voteing Obama
by Pro America 1st
This guy just can't shut his mouth! I know alot of you out their think that donating money to Ralph Nader is a waste. But if Obama keeps this up. People who won't vote McCain will need a choice. Votenader.org
Nader ??? Chynthia McKinney with the Green Party will hurt Obama
by Stay Away Obama
But, i guess with both of them out there on the left that could hurt Obama. What has Rush said about Chaos? I have not heard if he thinks we should help Nader or McKinney. Let me know thanks!
Pawlenty
by blackrepublican
I'm not sure Pawlenty is the right VP choice for McCain but elitist comments like this one are perfect for a running mate like Pawlenty who has a strong bond with the working class.
I think fundamentally the campaign aginst Obama comes down to 3 elements:
1) They think you're stupid (ELITISM)
2) They don't even like us (PATRIOTISM - flag pin, Wright, etc)
3) They'd make poor decisions (JUDGMENT)
Those of us who are concerned about policy will want to make the argument about #3, but I think #1 and #2 are more visceral arguments and have more staying power.
There is nothing lonelier than being a black Republican in Boston, Massachusetts
Obama doesn't need a flag pin.
by Nobama
He loves America they way O.J. loved Nicole Brown Simpson.
To save the village, he had to destroy it.
Proudly supporting John S. McCain for President (McCain/Romney?)
Here is where Obama made the infamous comments....
by St. Louis Conservative
....none other than San Francisco's billionaire's row.
It doesn't get any richer than that!
(yes, a slight pun intended there)
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
Normally I wouldn't mind the Sloth crack
by Joliphant
Really who could get upset. I mean they are my favorite animal. They also have achieved a remarkably stress free lifestyle. Somehow though, I don't think she meant it in a good way.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
I'd Love It!
by Repair Man Jack
All the VA Dems have been talking up Tim Kaine. I detest Tim Kaine. I'd love it if Kaine got dissed and dismissed. He can go cling to his God and his guns.
"I believe we must adjourn this meeting to some other place." - The last recorded words of Adam Smith.
You're assuming Casey is
by RandomGuy
You're assuming Casey is popular in Pennsylvania. He's not really. He's just well known, Santorum was unpopular, and it was a bad year. I'm not sure he'd really help Obama that much.
"I ain't never votin' fo another Democrat so long as I can draw breath! I'll vote for a dog first!" - Leola Thomas
Now Wait Just a Minute
by JohninVA
Didn't Obamessiah tell us just recently that he doesn't take money from Oil companies? We know thats true because none of them can. We also know that he does take $ from oil company execs. Now we find out that he was attending a $2300 per seat fundraiser given by Gordon Getty heir to the Getty Oil fortune. So much for being green or for that matter a man of the people.
Of course we already knew that.
Just let them keep talking.
by dlussier
The more they talk, the more these comments can't be ignored.
America would be down-Wright mean
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
5 x 5 x 5
by David123
Do you think Hillary will beome a victim of the vast Wright-wing conspiracy?
Good Response from McCain
by Whitehorse
I pray that he hits Obama hard & incessantly on things like this!
liars[oops, lawyers], and was pandering to the Left Coast ultra-libs when he dropped his real feelings onto the table---never thinking, like George Allen with his macaca moment, that Barry [oops, Barack's] honest sentiments about Reagan democrats would get YouTube status.
He is an urban elitist who feels comfortable with Bill Ayers & a scam-artist like "Rev" Wright---both different elements of the hate America [read "fly-over country"] wing of the Democrat Party.
The two Left Coasts simply can't abide the talk radio listening hordes between NYC & LA. The absurdly-named "Fairness Doctrine" will be front-and-center on the Democrat agenda as they try to stifle free speech in the name of "Fairness."
Like they did for forty years before the FOX networks blew the nanny-state broadcast big-three to the rear of the pack.
Obama's entitlement wife Michelle reflects this arrogant attitude, with her fake job as a "community outreach coordinator" at $350K/annum. This Omarosa-lite hater didn't think a Princeton undergrad & Harvard Law freebie education were enuf---she's obviously one of those bottomless pits of needful self-righteous "I want more" types I met in Europe during my sojourn in France in the '70s.
They both reflect third-world beggar-thy-neighbor attitudes rather than real American traditions & values. Electing Obama would be a catastrophe---although he might feign just wanting to be liked, his Dem minders would push him into absurd leftist policies.
This reminds me of the Kerry
by dld1717
This reminds me of the Kerry incident where he said troops were not intelligent and had no other options and he of course back peddled but deep down you knew he and many liberals feel this way.
Liberals have long felt this way about Republicans being a bunch of rednecks, racists, church gun totting , homophobia people and u know deep down thats what Barack was playing too and in San Fran of all places. Truth is these people look down on people in Middle America I hear it all the time in NYC and its so funny cause these are same people who seem to pride themselves on being so open minded LOL
Volunteer
These comments, when taken verbatim immediately raise the hackels of the folks in the Mid West.Condescending, down right obnoxious to folks who are not raised to be nasty to thier neighbors. Our neighbors may just be that way, but good manners prohibit us from saying so....
To the up tight West Coasties, enamored with the demonstrations of Code Pink and thier ilk, this is absolutely correct. The folks in the fly over zone simply don't get it...
As for the East coast folks, this statement, while regretable is soo true. Yes, the fly over folks, while they are distantly related to us, do have this mentatlity....
Having said this, and I do apologize, cause this is not right to put down Obama for his true nature coming out. The Obamas both have an attitude that will show up, as the strain and stress of being something they are not, comes to the fore.
Frued had a way of saying " Slips of the tongue, reflect the inner ego and id " or something like that.
What we have to do, is listen carefully to the actual speech, where it was said, in front of whom, do our best journalistic reviews,publish widely the Pro and Cons and elect Hillary to the primary.
The last is so she will LOSE the General Election...
end
I don't know about this comparison, Soren. Michelle sounds more afraid and speaking for those who are afraid, while Barack sounds more patronizing.
I'll grant you that they both used the same phrase about misconceptions and stereotypes. That, though, strikes me as a speechwriter recycling material so that multiple crowds hear part of the same message.
Still, my question for you is this: what guidelines do you use when you decide whether or not to cross-impute comments between the two members of a married couple? How do you decide whether what his wife says should provide part of the context for understanding what he says? Is it about the speechwriters and the campaigns? Or is it about how you envision their relationship?
He Should Quit Bragging About His College Years</nt>
by Repair Man Jack
"I believe we must adjourn this meeting to some other place." - The last recorded words of Adam Smith.
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our entire campaign must be "Obama is not what he wants you to believe he is". He is a diehard avowed liberal and socialist. His friends and mentors are anti-American agitators and pro-Arab sympathizers. He is a tax and spend liberal. He is an elitist who knows not very much about the real world outside academia. He has no accomplishments or achievements. He is an empty suit that drips honey trying to win votes by covering up his true beliefs and actions.
It is up to us to prove the dark emperor has no clothes.. and by "dark" I mean like the evil leader from Star Wars, not because he is half black!!
Obama is Jimmy Carter- only without the sweater.