Centerfield

I was going to write about this over the weekend but didn't because I didn't want to sound like a band wagon talking head. However, I was offended by Obama's comments... truly offended. It showed a side of him that many have said was there... now they have ammo. Deep down I couldn't take away anything from his comments other than he truly believe what he was saying, which shows a real misunderstanding of how most Americans live. "Guns and God" are a part of the culture of many small towns, usually based on heritage and tradition, not bitterness and despair. Furthermore, I am not so sure that rural America feels they are as bad off as the Senator believes they do.... I don't go hunting with my buddies because I am frustrated about my place in life... I do it because my dad did it, and his dad did it, and his dad did it.

If I was leaning toward McCain, Obama pushed me even further away. Look for the media to kill him on this for weeks to come in order to save the Democrats by ensuring Hillary rises from the dead to win the nomination. If she wins in Pennsylvania and Indiana, the Democratic Party has a huge problem on their hands. Barack Obama did this to himself, and at least for today, I have a heard time giving a crap.

I'm not so sure. Certainly a some political junkies (i.e the sort of people who read and comment here) have been offended by Obama's remarks. And a lot more, while they actually agree with them in substance, think that they will be damaging -- that is, that it was impolitic of him to actually voice the truth here.

But as far as having an impact on the actual voters on whose behalf they are concerned? I'd like to see some actual post-gaffe polling results before jumping to any conclusions. Because I've also seen a number of comments from people who are part of the supposedly offended demographic saying, essentially, "Yup, that's pretty much right on."

It's obviously just anecdotal at this point. But it encourages me to want to see an actual broad scientific sample.

I'm not bitter and I didn't feel described--that would be ascribing accuracy to Obama's remarks. He certainly managed to piss me off, much as any glib, superficial, and profoundly mistaken and insulting description would piss off anyone.

Of course the odds that I would vote for him were already pretty small at this point, but it still a stupid and telling remark, and his attempt to explain it was even worse. Those who think his take was accurate were in no danger of voting for McCain anyway, but the Great Indie Middle where elections are decided heard him loud and clear, and he just lost a HUGE chunk of them.

Sadly for the D party I think he's probably unstoppable at this point, barring a complete implosion. As long as he goes into the convention leading however slightly in the popular vote and regular delegates, he will get the nomination.

At this point it still looks like the convention is going to be a riot--and I mean that literally. Stock up on popcorn, pizza, and beer.

Agreed Tully, and flipping the bird and calling vetting a distraction is setting up McCain for the WH. Quite a revolting show from the Democrats.