Obama Opens WV Headquarters; Overshadowed By Controversy
Obama Opens WV Headquarters; Overshadowed By Controversy Save Email Print
Posted: 11:17 PM Apr 12, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:55 PM Apr 12, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
93 comments
A | A | A

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's West Virginia campaign headquarters' grand opening was overshadowed Saturday by controversial comments made by the junior senator from Illinois a week earlier.

Barack Obama was heard telling a group of wealthy donors in California that he thought some of the blue collar voters he met were 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," Obama said.

Saturday, Mr. Obama tried to downplay the controversy, saying the comments could have been phrased better.

Clinton, campaigning in Indianapolis, called the remarks "elitist and out of touch."

The former first lady is eager to hold on to her working class support in upcoming primary states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Asked about the controversy at Senator Obama's campaign headquarters in Charleston, Senator Jay Rockefeller had no comment.

"No," Senator Rockefeller said. "Because I don't know about it. I didn't see any of it on television, and I didn't read the newspaper, because I've been busy."

Other elected officials in West Virginia are commenting. Two small-town mayors, both Hillary Clinton supporters, released statements through the Clinton campaign Saturday.

Mayor Jean Ford of Williamstown said, "I'm disappointed by Obama's offensive comments. If he came to Williamstown, he would find hardworking people doing everything they can to make a better life for their families, despite a slowing economy, a difficult war, and a broken health care system."

In Hinton, Mayor Cleo Matthews also released a statement. "The people in Hinton and small towns across America are working hard to get ahead," Matthews said. "We need a president who will help us revitalize our communities."
More Stories
Connecticut Firm to Design New Greenbrier Casino

Route 35 Accident Leads to More Concerns

Drug Arrests in Boyd County

Putnam County Man Drowns in New River, Name Released

 NTSB Confirms Two Dead in Wayne County Plane Crash

A Thousand Byrds

July 4th TEA Party

A Different Type of Strip Mining Protest
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Danny on May 13, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Please,at least get it straight! Sen. Obama said-"FOLKS IN PA.ARE BITTER OVER THE WAY WASHINGTON HAS FAILED THEM SO THEY CLING TO WHAT THEY KNOW AND TRUST,THEIR FAITH, RELIGION, GUNS, AND THEY DON'T TRUST WASHINGTON!" NOW I ASK YOU, DON'T WE ALL CLING TO WHAT WE TRUST? HILLARY CLINTON HAS MUDDIED UP WHAT HE SAID TO DISCREDIT HIM AND GAIN HERSELF VOTES AND SUPPORT--WHAT ABOUT HER LYING TO US ABOUT A GAS TAX HOLIDAY SHE KNEW WOULD BE OF NO BENEFIT AND SHE KNEW HAD BEEN TRIED AND FAILED DURING HER HUSBANDS ADMINISTRATION. SEN. OBAMA HAS RUN HIS ENTIRE CAMPAIGN ON TRUTH--WHO ELSE CAN WE SAY THAT FOR? NO ONE IN MY LIFETIME. YOU STRAIN AT A GNAT AND SWALLOW A CAMEL! NO ONE IN OUR NATION HAS ANY "DIRTIER HANDS" THAN THE CLINTON'S -- ARE WE FORGETTING VINCE FOSTER, MONICA LEWINSKY, JENNIFER FLOWERS, A VOTE FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ, IMPEACHMENT! DO WE WANT MORE OF THAT SORT OF GOVERNMENT? I CERTAINLY DON'T!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 7, 2008 at 01:32 PM
You anti-Obama people obviously don't know what you are talking about. Obama is the most genuine politician to come around in decades.
Posted by: carrie on May 2, 2008 at 07:35 AM
my family will not vote for Obama and if he is dem nom we will either vote for McCain or not vote at all. he is to shaddy for us. to much flip flopping on his Rev first he says he didnt bring him to his announcing he was running for President then we find out he had him hidden away. If he didnt know his Rev beliefs then why did he feel like he didn't want him at his side. things that make you go Hmmmmmmm.
Posted by: mikle on Apr 30, 2008 at 04:14 PM
i think the banner that say WEST VIRGINIA FOR OBAMA should be taken down. im a true blue west virginian and definatly do not support him.
Posted by: Thea on Apr 28, 2008 at 05:09 PM
There is a question I hope someone could answer for me. On CNN there was a special on God's muslim warriors and I saw a muslim young man standing there in Britain with a sign that said we will soon be in White House,,, Does anyone out there know who he was talking about????
Posted by: Carmen on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:39 PM
No, OBAMA will not win the older voter. Why? We are too smart with experience, being there, done that, and back! We, the older voters, are not taken by big speeches but actions. I forgot, what is that he has done for the people of this country?
Posted by: Myriam on Apr 23, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Ann Coulter endorsed Hillary. Do you understand why? Because she wants the Republicans to win. Obama can lead this country to not only a win, but correct policies on the economy, as he is more committed to the middle class than any other candidate. Most of his life has been dedicated to improving life for the middle class. Taking his acknowledgement of how difficult it has been for the middle class to make headway over the past years as elitist misses the entire point of what was said. He doesn't just "hear our pain" but has dedicated his life to reversing the trends that make extremely wealthy people wealthier and the rest of us worse off, regardless of how hard we work to move forward (as most of us are) and give our children more than we have been able to have. Barack Obama understands how to reverse the tide and bring prosperity to the middle class. The other candidates are not committed to this. Please study their track records before voting. www.themiddleclass.org
Posted by: Beverly on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I have been trying to locate Obama signs for my yard, and car. Could someone please tell me where I can get them.
Posted by: SoWhat on Apr 16, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Hey Frank (not the same frank), you truly are the captain of the grammar police. Does it make you feel like a big man to correct everyone? Oh look at me im Frank and I know what a double negitave is! you win, you are so smart! Well guess what Mr. perfect, you made a mistake or two yourself, you hippocrit! For example: your sentence "To point out some." is a sentence fragment.; your "doin'" should be do'ing; but I bet you knew that, right? If you are that bored go play with yourself or something instead of bothering people.
Posted by: Jennifer on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:35 AM
No, Old Bigin. I'm just stating the obvious that most people aren't willing to admit or fail to see in themselves. I'm not a religious person and I don't own a gun but I work and go to school and family members who are religious and own firearms and I have to say that what Obama said is pretty accurate. Humans are bitter in nature and we hold grudges especially when we feel misunderstood or left out or have been screwed over.
Posted by: Old Bigin on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Jennifer 3:57, Have you been smoking some of that stuff the Seer had?
Posted by: Seer on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
A Dream of the Spirit Against the Flesh...In my most umdisciplined fantasies I would never have hoped for a man like Obama that would alter the corses of my life--and not just my life but a number of others in my circle. Before I knew where I was going, my life was both uncomfortable and unsecure. When I embraced Obama, dreams, visions of hope, inner impressions of happiness and the like reeked in me. As it turned out, my life will never be the same after listening to him speak. It does feel good to be under the spell of this illusion. Had I not have listened to this speaker " I would have missed this dance". Past presidential candidates hasn't been so envolved in our lives, a subjectivity and an ambiguity that has nauseated me. SALVIA It's SCARY. Oh, well I'm awake now, let's get in the real world, quit dreaming and vote for someone that can handle the real world... GO Hillary ! ! !
Posted by: Changed my mind on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:30 PM
After hearing what he said i have decided to vote for him instead of hillary in all reality what he said is true and with all the falsehoods come from the clinton team these days and with bill backing the columbia deal i fear she maybe lying again just to get votes and we cant afford to lose any more jobs so my vote will go to obama because im am bitter and the usual needs to change lets make this an election that we have so say in then maybe we wont have to woory about being bitter
Posted by: jennifer on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Yes Obama's words were taken out of context. you just heard what the biased media wanted you to hear and then let your mind take over from there. And I'm not an ostrich. If I was I'd be a conservative republican with my closed mind buried deep into the Bible waiting for the return of a man who's been dead for a very long time!
Posted by: C on Apr 15, 2008 at 03:25 PM
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO IS GOING TO BE PRESIDENT,,,SOMEONE WILL SOONER OR LATER,,,ALL OF THIS TALK GOING ON DOES NO GOOD,,IT JUST BORES A PERSON TO DEATH,,IF YOU HAVE HEARD IT ONCE YOU'VE HEARD IT AT LEAST A THOUSAND TIMES,,ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Posted by: Jason on Apr 15, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Vote Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Sara on Apr 15, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I cannot believe the comments that are being left on here! Are we not all Americans?? I see so many people claiming to be so patriotic, yet they are the first ones to slam someone else because that person doesn't think like they do. Everyone has a right to their own thoughts and beliefs... that's what being an AMERICAN is about!!! That is what our ancestors fought for the right to have. So open your minds people and love one another.
Posted by: Joe on Apr 15, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Gary, Obamas comments in California were his way of saying, "I went to Pennsylvania and acted white, bowled etc. and the dumb rednecks would still not vote for me"...
Posted by: jim on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM
obama is right. people are bitter, I'm bitter and so are the hundreds of thousands of workers who have lost their jobs, homes, and medical coverage. I'm mad as hell, but if we elect Mcain things will only get worse for the working people in this country.
Posted by: Donna on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:54 AM
How can you take Obamas word out of context when he is the one who said them. that is hard to do. Freedom of speech is what he did now let us have ours and VOTE HILLARY!!!
Posted by: Gary on Apr 15, 2008 at 09:07 AM
To all you non-believers,Obama was just speaking the truth about his comments. Why not face up to it? The "truth" really offends you folks who are trying to slam him!!!
Posted by: Joe on Apr 15, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Obama's words were not taken out of context. They are what they are. People voting for Obama are ostriches. Heads in the sand.
Posted by: whatever on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:55 AM
To Real Republican... that's what's wrong with a lot of republicans. They think "everyone deep down is a republican". LOL! Trust me I'M NOT A REPUBLICAN! I'm not a sheep. I can think for myself and I know when I don't know the answer I can say I don't know the answer instead of saying "because that's what the Bible says". Most republicans are conservative and conservatives are living in a fish bowl. They are close-minded! And so what if we have higher taxes. The money has to come from somewhere and we will always have to pay taxes. Its where our tax money goes that's really important and I don't feel our money should go to the war or have to pay other countries for stuff that we can make over here in our country cheaper and the money go to our citizens! As far as guns go... we don't need every nutjob in America to have a gun. The abortion situation will always be controversial and in my opinion is not a HUGE concern at this point. Healthcare, the economy, and the war is important!
Posted by: Real republican sure on Apr 15, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Do you know what a republican is? Just curious as it was the republican base who brought about gun control first in government? Do you understand the difference. They were one in the same until the twentieth century strained the party and separated the two in a conservative and liberal base and gave you two distinct party lines. So real liberal do you understand? The democratic party was and still holds true to its peoples position while the republican cry has been nationalism. I myself believe both parties need thrown out as they spend way too much money on elections taking away the concept of the average American being able to lead this country. They are both corrupt and cross party lines to fill their pockets and do not enable themselves to their constituents. So please Real Republican understand what you say before opening your big mouth and inserting your uneducated foot - oops Uneducated = Republican - George has shown that as your party leader.
Posted by: Real Republican on Apr 14, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I love how you uninformed people call Obama a Republican. Do yourself a favor and go to wikipedia and look up the definition of Republican. If you think Republicans are for taxing us on everything they can and you dont like it; then guess what you are a Republican. We as Republicans do not believe in big goverment and high taxes. People in WV always get on the "democrats are for the working man". If by that you as the working people support high taxes, gun-control, and abortion than I guess you are Democrats. I think if you stop and ask yourself what you really believe in than I think you will realize that you are in fact a Republican.
Posted by: Mingo Voter on Apr 14, 2008 at 09:31 PM
If everyone working for a living would just get out to vote this election and bring their family with them we could rid of Rockefeller and Obama too! If you don't you haven't seen bad yet, it can get a lot worse.
Posted by: Tiger on Apr 14, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Wake up Americans!!! This is the way the presidential election is going to go!!! If Hillary does not get the democratic nomination, then John McCain will be your next president. Hands Down!!! The democrats will give the election away if they choose Obama for the nomination. I would love to be able to vote for a democrat president, but not Obama so I will vote for McCain against my wishes.
Posted by: So Much on Apr 14, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Come now let us reason together. He apologized foe his misspeake- Senator Clinton just down right lied over and over. We need a change from the Bush- Clinton tickets in our country and to think the Clintons think she automatically deserves the election. Please take note she won Ohio while he spent time in Texas to win the most delegates there. He was not in OAhio all the time and she was here screaming another bold faec tale. She knew those White House was going to show she supported NAFTA and she screamed, "Shame on you Barack." In another arena we would question her sanity but in politics we think it goes with the program. I thought it was funny last night CNN she was going to allow him to speak for himself. That was opposite of her stand last weekend she twisted, turned, screamed, hollored, filtered his words every way possible for anyone who would listen than got in front of the church folks and declared he could speak for himself. We can't tell.
Posted by: Donna on Apr 14, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Obama Not I think I like Annie Oakley alot better seems like there is a little bit of race problem that comes of his mouth. Just a big talker and i hope he doesnt snow blow every AMERICAN to just get beat by another BUSH!!! GO HILLARY!!!!!
Posted by: Sam do you know on Apr 14, 2008 at 05:15 PM
This speech will get you elected in WV Anonymous coward that you are... We appreciate the fact that Appalachian citizens are the ones who brought us into the atomic age, consistently score higher than any other state in the nation in technology and educational improvement rankings, are some of the biggest CEOs in the nation and worldwide, as well as stand up for their rights and freedoms when other cowards and conservatives run and hide. We persons in Appalachia are proud of the fact that we have produced more citizens per capita that keep this nation going and do not mind the term redneck as it typically refers to the callers state of mind and that is why we keep kicking their tail ends when it comes to what counts. So Anonymous call us names as we understand that your education and livelihood will most likely improve since you are interacting with citizens of a higher intelligence.
Posted by: snoutedpug on Apr 14, 2008 at 05:00 PM
I totally agree with Obama-Many working people are bitter round here, as they, no doubt, are in Pennsylvania and that is not too harsh a term to use nor is it elitist. I am ashamed to see Sen Clinton use the Karl Rove card on guns and God (at least, she left out the gays!)Time and time again, people (now including Clinton) seek to divide us according to class, color, religion , age, etc. Sen Obama wants us to face up to the realities of our prejudices and to unite to find solutions. I am tired of the divisive comments of Hillary Clinton whom I admired prior to this campaign
Posted by: paul on Apr 14, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Obama is a republican spy who is pretending to be a Democrat to get elected. Please wake up and vote for the only true blue democrat, that is hillary rodham clinton. hillary 08" our only hope of taking back the white house for the little man and little woman ie a real democrat always celebrates diversity
Posted by: David on Apr 14, 2008 at 04:39 PM
I'm sorry, even with these comments I will be voting for Obama. The Clinton's are the masters at "faking" for the crowd they are with. I don't think Hillary supports religion, God or gun rights any more than Obama...she is just taking advantage of his comments.
Posted by: paul on Apr 14, 2008 at 04:32 PM
i think osama obama is a rich boy republican plant. hillary was cruisin right along and would of cleaned mcclaines clock until this racist black panther shows up. he looks like a republican sounds like a rebublican and attacks like a republican.America wake up, The free masons and the new world order are running our elections they want obama to win to guarantee the republicans a solid victory so the usa will destroy itself because of our jobs being shipped overseas, gas prices soaring, and the end of the us dollar as we know it. they will use illeagle immigrants and a cashless society to bring in the antichrist and the new world order. wake up west virginia vote for hillary please. save us from phony new world order democrats like osama obama. the gop knows no one will vote for a muslim, anti american, anti gun, black supremicist, during the post 911 era. wake up my fellow democrats before we are bushwacked again. p.s obama is Karl Roves plant to destroy us democrats and the united sta.
Posted by: Small Town Life on Apr 14, 2008 at 04:13 PM
This is a post from CNN: People in PA and across America are having a hard time. We are angry and scared, and sometimes bitter that we work and work and try to raise our kids well. We are doing our part, but government is letting us down. We have a nation built on the idea that the government should help make our lives better. That is why we pay taxes. Government should be protecting us from the health care system that has so many of us worried if our kids are sick or we get sick. We can not trust our kids toys to be safe, or their schools to be safe. If we raise our kids well and they do get into college, we can't afford to pay the high tuition. Our kids have to take out student loans, yet they don't know if they will get a job out of college. They probably won't get a job near where we live because there are NO JOBS. They will move away and raise our grandchildren in a community far from us, and we won't be able to sell our home and move near them because nobody is moving to our towns since the factories and businesses closed. This is life in small town America, and while we might not say that we are bitter because we have our pride-- we do need our government to help us. Even though Obama went to Harvard, he knows that we are hurting. His mom was hurting. She knew what it was like when you have to pull out the food stamps with a line full of people behind you watching you. Obama will help us. He is our HOPE!
Posted by: Jennifer on Apr 14, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Obama's speech was taken out of context. What he is saying is that we turn to what we feel comfortable with in order to ease our minds since we aren't getting any comfort from our government (the Bush Administration). I do not take offense to what he said because I UNDERSTAND what he said. Humans take comfort in what they know and what they are familiar with and for some, comfort comes in the form of religion (praying to their God for protection) or using firearms as protection for them and their families. We feel antipathy (disgust or hatred) towards those who don't understand what we are going through. In this case the Bush Administration, the government, and the rich. People feel that if the government won't protect them and support their families then who will... they turn to their religion and cling to their guns and turn their hatred toward the government and those who they feel don't understand them.
Posted by: Frank(not the same Frank) on Apr 14, 2008 at 03:29 PM
You'd think that people commenting on politics would be a little better at spelling than you people are. It is apparent you people are who Obama is speaking of. There are more mistakes on this post than the one of the guy who swallowed the dope and died. To point out some. Can't come up with nothing and never be able to change nothing are double negatives. Mear-mere,truelly-truly, higest-highest, commets-comments, scamed-scammed, taxs-taxes, experince-experience, White House - two words, accoustom S/B accustomed, you was (were), Hilary-Hillary. Bruce A., you need the dictionary. The word is spelled verbatim (not verbatum) and do not capitalize "real". McCain not McKain. Pledge not pleadge. Are you people, who have the the English skills of a 6 year old, really going to vote? You're doing your part to perpetuate the small town, appalachian stereotype. I'm just doin' my part to eradicate illiteracy--- one post at a time.
Posted by: Dave on Apr 14, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Obama is clearly of touch with the heartland. I will be voting for Hillary in the WV primary.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 14, 2008 at 03:00 PM
"Not someone that reads the KORAN bible" Wow, just wow.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 14, 2008 at 02:58 PM
This speech will get you elected in WV: God, god, god, gun, gun, god, gun, gun, gun, god.
Posted by: Sam on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:24 PM
To frank - dont you mean there is only one "white man" in this race...may GOD bless the rednecks
Posted by: Clinton on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Reading some of these comments, I would like to see a law that requires a minimum IQ to vote, and at least one book read per month.
Posted by: PeggySue on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I live in Ky.,was born in Charleston Wv., and am a tri-state gal.I read all the comments from You Folks.Those that are still insisting that OBAMA's WORDS were taken " OUT OF CONTEXT ",are Fools. COME ON WV..WE CERTAINLY DON'T WANT OBAMA RUNNING OUR COUNTRY. nor do WE NEED another BUSH,Our Country is IN DRASTIC TROUBLE.Let's get HIllary and Bill in the Whitehouse.It's gonna be close,and unless THE REPUBLICANS CHEAT THE SYSTEM AGAIN,"THAT'S HOW BUSH GOT IN BOTH TIMES". All votes ........EVERY one of them) COUNT. Yes,He put His big foot in His Big Mouth this time,He's a Loose Cannon that is thinking He can get into office because Hillary is FEMALE,AND THIS IS HIS PERFECT CHANCE TO GET IN AS COMMANDER AND CHIEF.WELL, SHE CAN HANDLE THE JOB.She has forgotten MORE than He will ever know about how to hadle the job of COMMANDER & CHIEF.There's POWER IN UNITY,LET'S GET HILLARY CLINTON IN THE POSITION TO PUT McCLAIN WHERE HE BELONGS" OUT ".All We need in another BUSH in office.
Posted by: B DUB on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:09 PM
OBAMAS COMMETS WERE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT,BLOWN UP BY CLINTON,WHAT DID CLINTON DO WHEN SHE WAS ON THE BOARD AT WALMART,SHE SCAMED MILLIONS FROM A CLINTON SUPPOTER,AND SHE LIES,BILL IN THE WHITE HOUSE AGAIN TURNING IT INTO A BROTHEL,MCAIN IS A WAR MONGER,POWER GRAB THAT NEEDS ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES,JUST MORE BUSH.GET READY FOR 50 YEAR WAR.YOU WILL HAVE NO MONEY ALL GOES FOR TAXS.AS FOR EXPERINCE NONE HAVE ENOUGH.HOW IS MCAIN ON WOMANS RIGHTS AND CIVIL RIGHTS HIS OWN WIFE DOES NOT TRUST HIM HE SIGNED A PRENUP AGREEMENT.SAD TO SAY BUT HE WILL WIN. BECAUSE OF SMALL MINDED PEOPLES ATTIUDES OF FEMALES AND PEOPLE OF COLOR
Posted by: Sam on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Gee, bitter - sounds like West Virginians...Got give the man kudo's for knowing the pulse of the region, even though they are too stupid and bitter to realize it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I'd like very much to believe Obama's comments aren't true, but just read this message board. What he said was the absolute truth. Otherwise, why are people so angry? The truth hurts.
Posted by: Mike on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Obama, Clinton, MCcain, It makes no difference none are worth their salt. they are all talking out both sides of their mouths. Telling each state what they think we want to hear. I dont blame them for lying to us, thats politics. I just dont want them to think i am dumb enough to beleive it.
Posted by: Sean on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:06 AM
OBAMA DIDN'T KNOW THAT HE WAS BEING RECORDED AND HE WAS IN FRONT OF A BUNCH OF RICH PEOPLE. SO THIS SHOWS THAT HE SAYS WHAT HE THINKS THE CROWD AT THAT TIME WANTS TO HEAR, WHICH PROVES HE IS FULL OF WIND, AND HE IS A FAKE.
Posted by: LUCY on Apr 14, 2008 at 08:52 AM
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! Why would anyone vote this person in office? We need a GOD fearing person. Not someone that reads the KORAN bible. He is showing SOME of his true colors now, just wait until ( God Forbid) he gets elected. God should be mentioned and recognized, and he is worthy for all praises. No one could even wake up every morning if it weren't for God letting you wake up. God holds the future and everyone would be making a huge mistake if they vote for Obama. Stay clear of this so called man. He is evil and an evil doer. He wouldn't even wear an american flag lapel pin. Get real. Is he for America???? NO
Posted by: Joe on Apr 14, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Obama's comments about "gun toting religous people of Penn." was his way of saying, "I dont care how the red necks vote." Wake up people, Obama is a racist to the true extent. Democrats will never get a chance to Vote for Hillary. Young people are falling at Obama's feet. I will not vote before I cast a vote for Obama.
Posted by: john on Apr 14, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Obama can we say "Open Mouth & Insert your Foot," I knew you would screw up sooner or later. American needs to wake up, Obama thinks he is in a higher class than us. We need someone who is going to make America better for everyone! Go Hillary!
Posted by: Janie on Apr 14, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Obama tends to say what ever it takes to please the crowd he is with at the time. I do not trust him. We plan to vote Clinton.
Posted by: bill c on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Obama ia a silver tongue politician and has no desire to do anything for the common working stiff. Do your research before you support him. Check out his connection to Tony Resko (now on trial in Chicago)a major contributor to Obama. You dont hear much about that on CNN. Do you job as a good American and find out all that you can about the candidates. Please
Posted by: Frank Frank Frank on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Vote Republican as they have already fixed this country so let them continue to take money from your pockets to finance their private interests and coffers. Go Hillary at least she knows what she is talking about. My dad had the honor of returning to Vietnam with McCain - he said he would not vote the man in as dog catcher after that trip.
Posted by: Mingo Citizen on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Tim 12:28, Yes you can see clearly through all of the smoke Obama is blowing. I noticed something wasn't right at first when all these wealthy people started using a lot of their time and money both to try and sell him to the poor and working people. If they the big business owners and oil companys love us so much why is so hard to make a living now? All you have to do is try to pay your taxes and buy food, then it isn't to hard to see who has got it made. The medical, oil companys, coal companys and big construction working for the Gov. has the higest profit in the country. Our politicans are next using us to give our tax money to all of the above. They wouldn't be telling everybody now how much they are going to do for us if it wasn't election time..Open for business in WV, what good is it going to do the working man..Ha Ha! After 50 years of these promises with things getting worse every day? When is the average working American going to quit listening to this crap and vote em out! !
Posted by: Conservative taxpayer on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Hey Kathy S, it's called personal responsibility. Stop whining and waiting on someone else to solve your problems. The job of the ferderal government is not to babysit. It is to take care of federal and international policies, i.e. protect our borders, something most politicians and citizens have forgotten. By the way, there are currently five political parties: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Constitution, and Green. By your post, you seem like a socialist, you will most likely find a candidate to your liking in the democratic party. Obama shares many of your views.
Posted by: Brenda Doss on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Well well the true Obama is surfacing like i knew he would the mear thought of Obama as a President is a Horrible Joke in my book GOOOOOOOOOOOOO HILLIARY I truelly believe Hilliary will do a great job as our President so i urge all voters to vote for her God knows we can't stand another one like Bush or worse. God Help us all if Obama would somehow pull it off and fool people in to believing him. I sure don't..So on May 13th VOTE HILLIARY CLINTON FOR OUR PRESIDENT.
Posted by: Ajb on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Wake up WV Obama is really a republican acting as a democrat. Thats why he loves the rich. But I am sure you will all vote for him since you love to vote republican. All of you make sure none of you have jobs and then you complain.
Posted by: Nancy on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Wake up Ameriacns CHANGE WILL NEVER COME.. WHY VOTE FOR SOMEONE THAT WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO CHANGE NOTHING THAT HE IS PROMISING TO CHANGE IT IS ALL A BIG JOKE...
Posted by: SHARON on Apr 13, 2008 at 06:37 PM
WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO GET MAD AT OBAMA? HE WASN'T LYING ABOUT WHAT HE SAID. EVERYBODY IS FRUSTRATED WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING IN THE CAPITAL. THEY WAY THINGS ARE GOING PERIOD. THAT'S WHY A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T VOTE BECAUSE THEY THINK NOTHING THEY SAY OR DO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. OBAMA KNOWS MORE OF WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT BECAUSE HE'S BEEN THERE DONE THAT. HILLARY AND MCCAIN JUST PLAY OFF OF WHAT HE SAYS. THEY CAN'T COME UP WITH NOTHING FOR THEIR CAMPAIGN SO THEY WAIT FOR OBAMA TO SPEAK AND ROLL WITH IT. WHAT ARE THEY REALLY CAMPAIGNING OTHER THAN ON WHAT HE SAYS?
Posted by: Rod on Apr 13, 2008 at 06:28 PM
no body is bitter about anything and the moon is made of cheese.Sing along with the rest of dreamers,Bush,Clinton,Bush,Clinton and this time it will be better.Yeah the good old days of promises,promises for the last 24 years will repeat,repeat.Why try to change anything,it can't be done.But just maybe???
Posted by: David on Apr 13, 2008 at 05:42 PM
I am upset with Rahall and Rockefeller. I belive Rockeefeller did know when he said he did not what Obama said. I belive I WILL VOTE FOR SOMEONE that will listen to what I want
Posted by: Lynn Levine on Apr 13, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Obama is quoted way out of context in your article. He was actually answering a question about his lack of support among some Pennsylvanians, and responded that the government had turned its back on small towns when jobs were diminished there. Then he talked about disillusionment with government in this context. As state senator of Illinois, Obama was instrumental in raising the minimum wage. He will look out for us. Ms. Clinton, who I just found out has one of the worst voting records on protecting gun rights, jumped all over these remarks, setting herself apart from them. I am confident that voters are smarter than the media believes us to be, and that Ms. Clinton's lies will backfire on her. I personally was offended when she called Obama voters: "hypnotized, latte drinking, elitists." I just left an Obama rally here in Minneapolis, where Obama picked up one more superdelegate. Trust me, the Obama supporters at the "Bar Abilene" where the rally took place, were not elitists.
Posted by: lea a parker on Apr 13, 2008 at 04:23 PM
come om people you all know he thinks hes ABOVE the blue collar working man wake up
Posted by: Dori on Apr 13, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Who is this man? What has he done? Why are so many throwing themselves at him? All we know is he attended a hate church for 20 years, thinks religous people are bitter, and that not putting your hand on your heart for the pleadge is fine... I am very very leary of Obama...
Posted by: Bruce on Apr 13, 2008 at 04:22 PM
McCain does not want to change our direction in Iraq.McCain does not want to change our health care system.These are the two biggest issues facing our country.Vote on the issues people!The issues you actually have control over!Hillary can NOT beat McCain.Why? Because she is a Clinton.The conservatives hate Clintons.Remember when they impeached Bill? The only person conservatives hate more than Bill is Hillary.More important is the middle of the road person.The independent.These people will decide the election.Independents will vote for McCain.Independents will vote for Obama.Independents will NOT vote for Hillary.Everybody just calm down and remember the issues.Iraq,Healthcare,Economy.Which of the candidates is the most electable and can make a difference whith these big three issues.The answer is clear.Obama.
Posted by: NoHillorBill on Apr 13, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Funny that Hillary is coming out against Obama and tricking the American public into thinking she is a gun rights supporter. She actually supports having a national registration of all gun owners. That way the gov't will know those who legally own firearms so they can confiscate them. The criminals won't register their guns and can they prey on us all. Hillary is not a pro-gunner, she supports big oil and own(ed) oil stock until she decided to dump it to help her chances in the election. Hillary is capitalizing on this blunder to make one last attempt at the nomination. She will fall short in one way or another.
Posted by: Mark on Apr 13, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I think Obama is right. A great number of people are frustrated. Does just because he said this to some of the wealthy donors, make his "elitist"? I think there a a great number of white-collar workers who are just as frustrated at the economy, war issues and the list goes on. Blue-collar workers are frustrated! White-Collar workers are frustrated! Employeed and un-employeed are frustrated! Christian and non-christian are frustrated! Urban, suburban and rural are frustrated! Native and immigrant are frustrated! White, Black, Latino and Asian are frustrated! War-mongers and Peace-marchers are frustrated. And so are most everybody else. To vote in McCain will be a continuation of what we already have. Clinton has shown time and time again that she will say whatever she needs to say to get votes (sniper-fire and the hospital thing). Obama stands for change not more of what we have already had. And I plan to do what I can to see that he gets that chance!
Posted by: Donna on Apr 13, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Wake up people, the handwriting is on the wall. This is America embrace your freedom because it is about to be taken away. Think long and hard before casting your vote. I am not a fanatic but I do study the Holy Bible. Thank you WSAZ for letting me make my statement. God has blessed America and I pray he continues for all of us.
Posted by: Frank on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:59 PM
There is only one man in this race and it's not Obama I will never buy another Charleston Gazette paper as long as I live
Posted by: Bruce A. on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:24 PM
"small town supporter" needs a dictionary!!! Obama' comments HAVE NOT been taken out of context.That means only parts of his comments were repeated or printed in order to slant the statements in one direction or another.In truth Obama' words have been reported verbatum, meaning it's been reported EXACTLY as Obama said it. (listen to the tape)There is no misunderstanding of his meaning. Obama clearly thinks blue collar people are less intelligent, that's what he said!Thankfully, as this process continues the Real Obama is being exposed.I think he (Obama) would be the perfect running mate for McKain.
Posted by: Doug on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:04 PM
It should be clearly seen that Obama is a puppet for the wealthy. That's where all his money is comming from plus a few more shady characters. The big wealthy politicains thinks he could convence and just lie to the poor and working taxpayers. Obama would a change all right but it would be for the worse. Their's no answer for the Americans problems here with him and Rockefeller !
Posted by: Mary on Apr 13, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Darn Right I am bitter....Why would I not be after suffering with Baby Bush as my President...I think Obama hit the nail right on the head....Go Obama Go!!!
Posted by: Kathy S on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I am SO sick & tired of ALL 3 of these "candidates"! NONE of them are going to help US, only themselves & big business & illegal aliens, China and other countries take more jobs through their "free trade" What a choice between the 3 of them! But then NONE of EITHER party will EVER help us period! I think most of us are in the middle of the spectrum on most if not all issues. Most of us are not far right OR far left, but somewhere in the middle & have some liberal AND some conservative feelings depending on the issue. They make it all one way - either ALL liberal or ALL conservative & that's not how most of us are. At least not me. I feel BOTH ways depending on the issue. AND most of us just want jobs,homes, security/safety for our families and ourselves. Yes we want to help others but let's help AMERICANS first & none of the 3 care about AMERICANS! Just the rich ones. AND themselves. And oh, the illegals. I'm sick of all 3 of them. Wish we had a 3rd party.
Posted by: Obama on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Another rich mans puppet - if he were not pro oil why would the oil barrens Rockefeller family back this man? Like Tim said sure the republicans want him nominated they have not had a meal since ketchup king. Also his comments to the wealthy were NOT taken out of context. How can you take something out of context when they present the actual recording? Get real people vote for you candidate but do so seeing the real issues they have. Obama should just fess up and claim to be the republican puppet he is.
Posted by: Scooter on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Ok....let's all practice... President McCain....President McCain....President McCain......
Posted by: Joe on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Small town America does not hang on to its guns and religion out of bitterness. They represent freedom. People voting for Obama need to open their mind. I can see young kids voting for Obama after being brainwashed by liberal colleges and school systems but I can not believe any white educated person would vote for the hate monger. I am sure well educated black people would not vote for a white racist.
Posted by: Sean on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM
OBAMA SHOULD STAY OUT OF WVA AND TAKE JAY ROCKEFELLER WITH HIM. HE IS NOT WELCOME HERE. WE DON'T LIKE PEOPLE LIKE REZKO, REV. WRIGHT, MICHELLE OBAMA, FARRAKAHAN,AYERES,(A TERRORIST SUPPORTER), OR ANY OTHER CROOKS HE IS LINKED TO OBAMA! OBAMA GO HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(TO AFRICA)
Posted by: n lighten on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Here is another example of the Clinton campaign stretching for anything to make her look better. Truth is Obama is the only one even taking a chance to state what the working class are going through. Did Hillary or McCain have to tackle the issue of race? They could not. Could they tackle the issue of the working class? Of course not...they don't work.
Posted by: Sandy on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:58 AM
This is why I am for Clinton...........Go Hillary
Posted by: Marjorie on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:46 AM
And why wouldn't they be bitter!?! I would be, too, if I felt so let down by the system.
Posted by: Mel on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:35 AM
He said it and it is plain as day. Here we are wanting change.... we are all going to be in the poor house within three years if that long.
Posted by: Mom on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Question - is anybody else as sick of hearing these "children" (Hilary and Barack)bicker and fight as I am?
Posted by: Truth Hurts on Apr 13, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I'm sorry if what Obama said offends some people, but you all know it is the truth and what the media and that wench HRC are trying to make out of it is disgusting. I PRAY people are smarter than that and can see they're clearly being manipulated over an innocent comment that was taken out of context.
Posted by: we will never learn! on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:14 AM
How many times will it take for us to vote in a president that only has private agendas in mind and who cater to the super rich? Every voter in this country should know what they look like by now. We also should all know that the best years we have had in this country in a long time was provided and ran by Bill and Hillary Clinton. Let's stop playing with the future and stick to things we know will work in our best interest!! It is not brain surgery folks, all you have to do is stop listening to rumors and go do your own research mixed with the knowledge of experience on being alive the last time the clintons held office. The only doubt I have is in knowing this country loves drama and pain, it is the only way to describe why you peoploe elect bone heads like Georgie bushie!! What a stupid thing to do , especially after his daddy was already responsible for screwing the country up bad himself, only to have the American people turn around and put the very boy he raised in office!! DUH!
Posted by: sandra on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Dear Mr.Obama, Your remark about bitter, gun carrying and religion people was right on. You just named the wrong group of people. The people you described are basically the frustrated inner city people who cling to God, guns etc. with no jobs. I am a senior citizen soon to be 65 and as your wife said am proud to be a american for the first time in my life. I grew up north and south raised in a middle class home, but that made no difference when I wanted to go to a amusement park (white only). My parents were college graduates of Xavier Unv New Orleans. I live in the inner-city and I am the only none degree member of my family, but I became the support service for everyone in one way or another. I am very proud and thankful to God that I have lived to see the Barack Obama Miracle. Donot let those other people intimadate you. We who have experienced the life you speak of back you 100% I was a fifteen year old mother my child is now a teacher. My granddaughter is college graduate.
Posted by: Isaac on Apr 13, 2008 at 05:28 AM
Small town supporter you better wake up and smell the crap Obamas shoveling!! This man is exactly how Tim on Apr. 13 said a conman out to get what he wants! Truth be told he has already got what he came for . I don't think he ever expected to win, he is not stupid enough to think that with his experience he would actually get elected. But I do believe they make a lot of money running for president. Like I said he got what he came for, I can under stand why african american folks would want him to win but no one else has an excuse for voting for a man with so little knowledge on running a super power like the USA. So stop being a part of the problem and try doing research on a real canidate for president.Cast a vote that will actually make a difference. You was probably right on Bushes band wagon 7yrs ago huh small town, well stop letting these guys make fools out of you !!
Posted by: Charles on Apr 13, 2008 at 05:03 AM
Note: Clinton demeaned entire states by flying over them. It's wrong to judge anyone based on a sentence fragment. Read and hear what Obama said. Note especially the last paragraph. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-no-surprise-that-ha_b_96188.html Contrast that to what Gov. Ed Rendell said. Rendell: Some whites still vote by color - Hillary Clinton News ...Feb 12, 2008 ... Rendell: Whites 'not ready' for Obama Feb. 13: Gov. Ed Rendell on ... said some white Pennsylvanians are likely to vote against her rival ... www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23134717/ - 41k Remember this? It got Bush some votes from people he did nothing to help. He dropped the issue once he was re-elected. Bush calls for ban on gay marriage - U.S. news- msnbc.comJun 21, 2005 ... President Bush called for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage Tuesday, reviving a major plank of his re-election campaign. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8303545/ -
Posted by: Ordinary Johnny on Apr 13, 2008 at 03:20 AM
Cling to their guns? Anti Trade? Obama loving media is conveniently ignoring some of the things he said. First of all the media is trying to make his gun comment into having something to do with "HUNTING?" That is total BS. He was clearly saying that people are "BITTER" and they take their guns and commit crimes such as MURDER and ROBBERY. He is demeaning all these people by saying that since they are "BITTER" they have become a bunch of CRIMINALS! Hunting? Give me a break. Second he was saying that all these "BITTER" people are anti-TRADE because they are "BITTER." What is he implying here? He is IMPLYING that these trade deals such as NAFTA are GOOD and that the only reason people are against it is because they are "BITTER." Again contradictory statements. Go in front of blue collar PA folks and say he is against trade deals. Then go in front of MULTI-MILLIONAIRES and BILLIONAIRES and say he is for it. All this was said behind closed doors at an OIL BILLIONAIRES MANSION to other very rich people. From what the media is reporting Obama does not allow the media in these fundraisers with rich people. What plausible reason does he have for that? Unless of course he does not want what he is saying to come out! An Obama supporting Huffington Post reporter who was at the event wrote about it because she was shocked. My question now is WHAT OTHER GARBAGE HAS HE BEEN SAYING BEHIND CLOSE DOORS IN ALL THE FUNDRAISERS HE HAS HAD WITH THE SUPER RICH (WHERE THE MEDIA IS ALWAYS BANNED BY OBAMA)?
Posted by: Larry on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:48 AM
never like obama, don't get your hopes up people because CHANGE is not going to happen.
Posted by: Tim on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:28 AM
I think that I know now how Obama really feels about the working class Americans in this country. He just didn't think that talking with his true type of people (the wealthy) that he is going to focus on the wealthy and that anything would get out to the general public. He clearly has an agenda and thats to keep the wealthy in the lavish life style that they are accustom to. Why else would he say what he said? Barack is clearly nothing more than a con man out to fulfill his own needs. I am a hardcore Democrat but will not vote for this man ever. Especially now that I know his true feelings about the middle and lower classes of this country. And anybody that down plays his comments are being conned by him. The Democrats are in a hard spot if he gets the nomination because the Republicans will eat him for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Posted by: small town supporter of Obama on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:21 AM
i think everyone is taking Sen Obama's comment out of context. He is just saying that when people are frustrated with how things are going they look elsewhere to put the blame. I am born and raised in WV and i believe that Sen Obama will do the best he can (at least better than our current President) to take care of small communities. Clinton supporters are stretching for something to try and gain ground that will never be caught. Good Luck Sen Obama!!!!
Posted by: Annie on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:08 AM
John Mellencamp - Small Town http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eDkAG3R0h8 Go Obama! We know your heart is with us :-)
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
National Headlines - MSNBC.com
  • U.S., Russia try to repair frayed relationship

    Russian traditional wooden dolls, Matreshkas, depicting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barak Obama, are displayed by a street vendor in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 3, a few days ahead of Obama's visit Russia. Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev end a seven-year hiatus in U.S.-Russian summitry on Monday, with each declaring his determination to repair a badly damaged relationship.
  • Mexican leader’s party loses in mid-terms

    People pass an advertisement for the former longtime ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, PRI, in Mexico City on Saturday ahead of congressional elections. Mexican President Felipe Calderon's party was heading for defeat in mid-term congressional elections on Sunday, frustrating his plans to implement reforms to heal the ailing economy.
  • Zelaya nears Honduras, appeals to military

    A police officer receives the baggage of a passenger outside Toncontin International Aiport in Tegucigalpa on Sunday, after flights were cancelled.Soldiers block the runway at the main Honduras airport to prevent ousted President Manuel Zelaya from landing. The aircraft is diverted to Nicaragua.
  • Biden: Israel free to set own course on Iran

    Vice President Joe Biden also said in an interview on ABC's "This Week"  that the U.S. offer to negotiate with Tehran on its nuclear program still stands. Vice President Joe Biden signaled that the Obama administration would not stand in the way if Israel chose to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, even as the top U.S. military officer said any attack on Iran would be destabilizing.
  • Jackson vouchers already appearing on eBay

    Fans take photos of a Michael Jackson billboard covered in messages outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which will host the musician's memorial service on Tuesday.Listings for tickets to the Michael Jackson memorial service at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on Tuesday appeared on eBay and Craigslist as soon as winners were notified on Sunday.
  • Mom accused of withholding cancer meds
    A woman accused of withholding cancer treatment from her autistic son has been charged with attempted murder.
  • Rove: Palin playing with 'risky strategy'

    July 5: After Friday’s resignation announcement, residents of the governor’s hometown – along with communities nationwide – are pondering what it means for her career. NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reports. (Nightly News)One of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's potential presidential rivals say her abrupt resignation won't help her dodge scrutiny. But former White House adviser Karl Rove says her strategy is, at best, unclear.
  • Administration plans for end of ‘too big to fail’

    Even if they won't be completely gone, the Obama administration could be the beginning of the end for the era of the huge finanical institution.Financial regulations proposed by President Obama would result in leaner and simpler financial institutions that don't carry the weight of the system on their marble columns.
First Warning Hour-By-Hour Forecasts
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV
SearchKOW Business of the Day
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
Healthy Tri-State
Live a healthier lifestyle in 2009
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
Moms4Moms
By moms, for moms
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs