By now anyone that still pays attention to the 2008 democratic primaries has probably heard Senator Barack Obama called “elitist” and “ignorant” for his comments on rural America being bitter. These comments seem like a potentially damaging gaffe, a gaffe being inappropriate words or actions that can damage a candidate’s support quickly and possibly end victory hopes. A small reminder: at a recent fundraiser, Obama said it was difficult to win the support of working-class voters because they are frustrated by a declining economy. He is quoted as saying that “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.”
Despite his possible good intentions, his word choice was a bad one. These comments seem to be another hit to his campaign efforts, following the harsh criticism of Obama’s pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright for his racist and anti-American comments.
In a fundraising email McCain manager Rick Davis said to supporters that “these hard working men and women aren’t ‘bitter.’ They love their country, their faith, their family and their traditions.” Clinton’s campaign is also taking advantage with numerous attacks on his recent misstep. Although the comments may not effect his current Democratic nomination, it will cause him trouble in the November election. Obama’s recent comments will raise questions by independents and blue-collar voters, essential support for presidential hopefuls.
Obama rebounded from previous gaffes such as his relation with the controversial pastor due to his strong rhetoric and immediate responses to attacks. With negative comments that attack a major voting block, it is almost miraculous that Obama’s campaign is still running with such vigor and momentum as if nothing happened. Obama’s ability to handle such gaffes with little or no consequence is unlikely in such a close and scrutinized election; Howard Dean’s 2004 campaign was over with one small burst of excitement at a campaign rally.
Only three years in the Senate seems short in comparison to Obama’s current competition and past nominees. Many people are attributing his success to his African American heritage, claiming the media and voters would be less lenient if he was white. Former U.S. House Representative from New York and pronounced Clinton supporter Geraldine Ferraro seems to believe his African American heritage is helping his campaign. She told a California newspaper that “if Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position.” She claims that “he happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.” It is not just Senator Clinton supporters who share this opinion. Although there is no actual proof that his race is preventing recent campaign gaffes from hurting him, it is a compelling argument.
You are probably wondering how being an African American candidate can actually help his bid for the nomination. An attempt to explain this can start with his base of support which mainly consists of young voters, independents, and African Americans. His race is obviously a large factor in garnering support from African Americans who see Obama’s presidency as evidence that America has come a long way since the fight for Civil Rights and the days of racial discrimination. Young voters view his nomination as proof that America is becoming a more accepting and progressive society, qualities which many college students and recent graduates highly value. Obama’s strong rhetoric combined with a powerful message of change resonates with the youth and independent voters tired of power politics and Washington ‘insiders.’
Although the argument that race is the reason Obama’s recent comments and controversial pastor have had little effect on his campaign, he does get credit for being quick to refute any negative attacks and run a campaign that turns negative comments by opponents in his favor. His message of unity and change means that attacks by opponents can be turned on his competition to prove he is running a more positive campaign while others are trying to divide the country. It will be interesting to see if Senator Clinton benefits from Obama’s belittling comments; Pennsylvania’s primary is less than a week away and blue-collar Americans make up a large portion of the Keystone state. She certainly will not let him forget those comments. Neither will McCain.
Photo by roxannejomitchell via Flickr
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1 Biraq Osama // Apr 17, 2008 at 2:52 pm
How about a McCain/Clinton ticket? Seems like they go hand in hand. See you in France.
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