April 12, 2008
Posted: 05:07 PM ET

From
In an interview with a North Carolina paper Saturday, Sen. Obama tried to quell the controversy around his recent remarks.
In an interview with a North Carolina paper Saturday, Sen. Obama tried to quell the controversy around his recent remarks.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) — Barack Obama said Saturday that if he has offended people with comments he made almost a week ago where he labeled small town Pennsylvanians "bitter" and that they "cling to guns and religion" then he regrets it.

"Obviously, if I worded things in a way that made people offended, I deeply regret that," Obama said in an interview with the Winston-Salem Journal, according to a transcript provided by his campaign.

"The underlying truth of what I said remains, which is simply that people who have seen their way of life upended because of economic distress are frustrated and rightfully so," he told the North Carolina newspaper. "And I hear it all the time when I visit these communities."

Earlier in the day, Obama told an audience at a town hall meeting in Muncie, Indiana that he didn't word his comments "as well as he should have," but did not go as far as using the word "regret."

Obama first made the comments Sunday at a closed-press fundraiser in San Francisco.

Update with statement from McCain spokesperson Tucker Bounds:

“Voters will reject his so-called truths that he still stands by. His remarks were false. The importance of our Second Amendment and our country’s longstanding history with faith and spirituality are born in history, not bitterness and frustration. His view is absolutely restricted by elitism.”

– CNN Political Producer Chris Welch

Filed under: Barack Obama


Don   April 12th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Wait a second, I’m confused, how can the great charismatic orator not mean what he says?

Jim   April 12th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

He's a jerk!!! Enough said.

Former supporter of McCain...current supporter of OBAMA   April 12th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

As much coverage as Obama is getting over the other candidates…you would think the media has already crowned him the President of The United States of America. Who cares about what Clinton and McCain do….their irrelevant about now….

OBAMA '08

LP   April 12th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

I found it particularly troublesome that Obama lumped religion together with guns and antipathy for others. Does Obama truly believe that religion, along with guns and antipathy toward people, is simply an opiate mainly for those who are bitter with life?

If so, he is more out of touch with people and with sound judgment than I had first imagined.

Mandy, California   April 12th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Well, McCain is trying to turn things around. Seems to come across as bitter himself.

Monica, Texas   April 12th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

No matter what Obama just keep speaking the truth…Maybe someone besides you will hear our cries!!!!!!!!!

gloria "Hussein" and Proud   April 12th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

He's right. I am bitter that with the way the counrty is going to hell in a hand basket, that this is what is going for news these days. Stick yo your guns Obama, you're right. We're bitter as hell and we see right through the crap we being sold. Kinda like the Iraq was was a good thing: the press and Bush.

Karen   April 12th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

I'm a disabled, 60 year old woman who is Bitter. Yes, I go to my church for spiritual comfort. Got rid of my car, couldn't afford it. My cousin died in Iraq. My son-in-law will be going on his 3rd tour. I'm buying less food and have to walk (not easy) to the local store. My brother has lost his home. My home is worth less than I owe. My daughter, a single mom with three children, one who is special needs, works 2 jobs to keep a roof over their heads.

Obama's only error was to limit his bitterness remark to certain areas. His remark only tells me that he is the only candidate who is not out of touch with the struggles of everyday Americans.

Vote for Obama. He knows what we are going through. He's the only one who does and still offers hope.

Karen in Peoria, Illinois

Karl Marx   April 12th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Karl Marx – "Religion is used by oppressors to make people feel better about the distress they experience due to being poor and exploited"

Mk   April 12th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Obama could do and say ANYTHING and it would PALE in comparison to the disgust the american voters feel towards Bush and his clone McBush.

Nanc, MN   April 12th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Well if this isn't a Bush like moment I don't know what is. Yeah Obama, we get it, you never apologize either.

Anyone but Obama   April 12th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Obama is probably going to say a speech on race and then people are going to forget all about what he said. Obama supporters are so gullible.

Lance   April 12th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Hillary for Pres
We need Hillary in the house.
Go Hillary Go

mjaber   April 12th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

It takes some consideration to say sorry if you're a polition.
Obama '08

tom haris   April 12th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

I believe obama said anything wrong. its pathatic that the clinton supporters are making noise over nothing.. clinton , u should get out now. Plz stop this nonsense..

Ldn   April 12th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

The problem for Tucker and McCain is they still don't get it. All those years in the Beltway have done his head in

Tyler   April 12th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Clinton needs to make a new sign for all her un-educated voters on her podium stand for her next speech
"You are not bitter"

Obama or Bust 08   April 12th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

There is no need to apologize for teling the truth Senator Obama. America isn't accustomed to politicians who don't spin and distort as Hillary Clinton does. They have grown to accept the politics of destruction, so instead of contemplating what you said, they'd rather degrade you and your campaign.

I used to be a Democrat   April 12th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Obama its time to give up. You are not electable.

Judith F.   April 12th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

In the desperate battle to win votes, nearly anything can be turned into mud to throw. Many things can be suggested if words are quoted and discussed out of context. More petty tactics on the part of the opposition.

Nick F.   April 12th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

We are seeing one more example of the "politics of distraction." The big issues are war and peace, and the survival of humanity. Obama addresses those while so many others focus on "guns and religion" and are quick to exploit reactionary tendencies, insecurity and bitterness.

Peter   April 12th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

You say one thing in a closed fundraiser in San Francisco and something else on the stump in the Midwest. Go back to the Senate, Barack, and spend another 8 years growing up.

Nita   April 12th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

This whole story on "bitter" is so over the top. What a waste of time for the Clintons to TRY to make something of this. He spoke the truth. Isn't that what America wants, a President that tells the truth??

Obama 08!!!

Rob   April 12th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

I don't trust this guy at all. He has been very affected by Rev Wright and thinks it is ok to sterotype people. The more his campaign goes on the more unappealing he gets. He has no "change" he has lies, which are starting to leak out.

Hillary Clinton for President

Laurie Johnston   April 12th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

I'm confused. When Sen. Obama tells the truth it becomes the death nell for his campaign according to Clinton but when she tells lie after lie and continues to have entanglements that are completely unacceptable, og Ickes and Penn, she suddenly becomes the "go to" candidate! Unbelievable is all I can say to that!!

axt113   April 12th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Sorry Tucker his statements were dead on, people when they lose jobs and lose their livliehood tend to hold on to what is still solid in their lives, what they feel they still have some control over. Their faith and their family and issues like gun ownership for hunting and defense become more important to them in those times

Emma, Australia   April 12th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

The last eight ticker entries have been about this.

… seriously?

Slow news weekend?

Peg   April 12th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

This is ridiculous! It truly shows how the length of this campaign is dragging on far too long. Every little word is disected. It needs to be over and if stupid people are offended by Obama's comments, then they deserve to have 4 more years of Bush by voting for McCain.

Independent Now for Integrity and humility in Politics = Obama   April 12th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

It's sad that everyone knows what Obama meant and can agree with those sentiments, yet people like Hillary Clinton who is a fellow democrat is trying to knock down Obama any way she can. She makes me sick and should go to hell

C. Johnson   April 12th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

"if I worded?" What an apology.

Bitter Voter   April 12th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

At least he is man enough to apologize, although I don't see the need to do so.

Mark   April 12th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

I can't believe people are making such a big deal out of this.

Since when does one speak the truth and gets burned for it?

Hillary has been constantly lying, decieving, dodging or laughing off potentially damaging questions and enquiries…yet, a significant number of voters still want to vote for her. Why?

Really, I fail to see how ANYONE would want this corrupt puppet as a president.

Cowboy Jack   April 12th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Should this be called: BitterGate or SmallTownGate?

Frank   April 12th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

This is the 10th article on the bitter non-story. Truly fine journalism. Where was the ticker for the Bosnia sniper incident or John McCain's violation of campaign spending limits?

Elle   April 12th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Regret does not equal an appology !

perfect   April 12th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Hundreds of pro-Obama bloggers posting how he did not misspeak, and/or how refreshing there was a candidate that was not going to claim he misspoke or was tired…

And now Obama has tried to explain it as mis spesking 3 or 4 different ways.

That is just too funny.

Nathan   April 12th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Im very affended by Barack Obama's remarks. He a very radical liberal and a typical lying politivian. He will never get my vote or my families vote.

PK   April 12th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Please get rid of such people from this nation

James   April 12th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Clinton and McCain should be ashamed of the way they are taking everything out of context and fanning flames with nonsense. If anyone is out of touch, it is those two, who have spent their whole lives with Silver Spoons in their mouths.

Gubby   April 12th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

If this was anything with with Hillary, by this time we would have seen thousands of comments putting her down. No one can make any adverse comments on Obama. He is highly previlaged by all blogs.

Arthur-Texas   April 12th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

You are a big fat liar Obama…..

rick   April 12th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I think Clinton and McCain should be worrying as to what is going on with the war and the economy rather than following every thing Obama says and does, maybe they would be in the lead in most of the polls instead of him.

Tom   April 12th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

How sad that in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest system of government, our politics have been lowered to candidates trying to capitalize on wording like this event. Does the Clinton campaign have anything going on other than constantly attacking others and trying to put negative spin on everything they do?

joel   April 12th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Hmmmm…. heremustbe some truth somewhere… but a man that is married to a woman worth over $100 milion can hardly talk about eltism..

John Richard   April 12th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Once again the media and politicans have made a big deal out of nothing. Can we stick to the issue?

Gubby   April 12th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Obama is a media man. He has so much of money, he could buy any channel including CNN and MSNBC.

Jean   April 12th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

We had to expect the Clintons to raise some issue to take attention away from President Clinton's gaff on Bosnia. No need to apologize. You said it right!

gh   April 12th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Great job CNN at attacking Sen.Obama and giving Sen. Clinton enormous "Live" positive coverage. No favortism there! You gave a "live Broadcast" of Hillary Clinton's rally speech. While you only gave a snip-it of Sen.Obama's purposely making him look demeaning. Please show his entire speech also. I am very dissappointed in you CNN. You are usually pretty fair.

MG   April 12th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Geez, he's just being honest!

Go obama

Jonze   April 12th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Clinton News Network is in full effect. Eight "stories" about the singular topic when the Clinton Camp is pushing all of it's surrogates to push this story at all costs (hoping for a Dean Scream of their own) and CNN seemingly does what they are told.

That's Reality   April 12th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

It seems that Obama is the one who joined a church out of bitterness and frustration when one considers his choice of pastor and mentor. Perhaps he thinks that is the only reason someone would be interested in faith or joining a church, but I doubt that is the reason the people he was referring to have faith and guns.

andre   April 12th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

I think the media will do anything to turn this primary election around in hillary clintons favor.As soon as the Illinois senator starts to make up some ground,here comes another controversy.Clearly small town people are bitter.Maybe if President Clinton and his lovely wife did not orchestrate the NAFTA deal sending jobs to other countries we would not be having this debate.

gg.va   April 12th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

People don’t like to hear the Truth anymore. We all got used to be lied to. So when we actually hear the truth we get offended by it.

Obama Nation   April 12th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Will your silver tongue get you out of this?…if I ever said annything that offended anyone, I deeply regret it. There…now I don't have to worry about any of my past behavior.

Former NoDak   April 12th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Put a mirror on sterotypes…

E. Ader   April 12th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Liz to Hillary, "Knock it off".

Lou   April 12th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

I think you all are making mountains out of mole hills here. The media just doesn't want this race to end, with it's record setting viewership. He was gaining fast in Pennsylvania, so lets see if we can stretch this thing out a bit more…hey cnn?

Wow...   April 12th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

This whole thing makes me really angry. What Obama said was perfectly fine. He is winning, Clinton is not and so she felt the need to attack him and twist his words completely out of context.

Hillary Clinton is a disgusting human being.

Kevin   April 12th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

I honestly dont have anything against Obama while at the same time, i quite dont understand how he can get us out of the mess we are in. He is a orator there is no doubt about that but with Hilary i am sure power will change hands. Obama should agree to work hand in hand with Hilary if he truthfully love his country. He has made name and still making it.

bk   April 12th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

I bet Jack Cafferty can't wait to defend Obama tomorrow and say something ugly about Hillary. Jack may as well endorse Obama. To Jack Obama can do no wrong.

USAF Sr. Airman   April 12th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Apology not needed. All this has been brought up, by the Clinton Camp. as a (poor) attempt to distract everyone from Hillary's many recent blunders.

Jan, DC   April 12th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

With this addition, the last 8 ticker posts now have the word "bitter" in them. Surely there has been SOME talk today about the issues that really matter?

Terry   April 12th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

What he said is true. Only Republicans and their ilk would say otherwise. A far cry from blatant lies about sniper fire…

A CANUCK   April 12th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

No apology is necessary….Doesn't anyone recognize the truth any more?? I'm dizzy from the spin coming from the desperate Clinton camp and McCain is just as ridiculous. Thank God an honest man will be the next president. OBAMA 2008

Thierry Platt   April 12th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

This man is simply a breadth of fresh air. This man will be president. You can't fight destiny. He is destined and simply the chosen one. All this so called dirty politics will have no effect on this man.

Paul T   April 12th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

So Clinton and McCain jump on the attack and twist Obama's words to suit their political ambition because they don't have anything to offer on their own except for their flip-flops and lies. This is another perfect example why we need to elect someone like Obama.

OlvrWhit   April 12th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Trying really hard to now backtrack. Once again if Obama would not have been caught he would not be trying to get out of this. Same as with Wright. If Obama did not mean it, maybe he should not have said it..Its not about bitter, its about calling a large number of americans bigots

cathy   April 12th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

As someone who earns less than 50,000 a year, I completely agree with Obama saying people are bitter. They may not walk around with it on their sleeve, but you can bet they talk about it in the privacy of their homes. He certainly did not sound like an elitist either. Hillary's the one who always sounds like an elitist.

Obamaniacsnomore   April 12th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Obama has been arrogant and out of touch from day one. His days campaigning on this whole change-hope-believe charade are numbered. He is not different and is a dishonest politician, who doesn't believe in his country and doesn't have the backbone or judgment to lead his church community away from negative, out of touch thinking much less the ability to lead this diverse country forward. Obama is toast against any candidate from any Party. Baaa Bye.

Truth   April 12th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Senator Obama knows how i feel. Thanks God for Obama

chad   April 12th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

People are bitter,we aren't happy how things are going in the economy.I hear people all the time talking about gas prices and economy and they talk like they are mad about the way things are going.
Clinton and Mccain get real

josh bachert   April 12th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

there was nothing elitist about that.

and the mccain camp comments are out of touch.

Obama was right.

Christine Atlanta, Ga.   April 12th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Before the Obama bloggers go off on their "the Clinton's and McCain's are rich" tirade. 'Elitism' is not about money, it's about thinking you are better than others because of your position;educationally, socially or otherwise.

Bennet   April 12th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Is there absolutely NO other story in politics right now?

Justin   April 12th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

If this is the best that the Republicans and HRC can fault him for, then it is no surprise that they're clinging to it so vehemently. He said that people are bitter, how is that not true? I'm bitter, I know most people around me are too. We're tired of a pointless war, a lousy economy, and a lying government.

ia voter   April 12th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Doesn't bitter mean angry and resentful. I would definitely be those things if I lost my job, especially because of the mishandling of the economy. I really don't see anything wrong with what he said, especially since the media's reporting has taken the comment completely out of context.

Former Obama Supporter   April 12th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

I regret voting for Obama in the Louisiana Primary. I wish I could change my vote. If I only knew then, what I know now, I would have voted for Hillary. I only hope that somehow Hillary can pull it off and win the nomination.

Obamaniacsnomore   April 12th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Obama has been arrogant and out of touch from day one. His days campaigning on this whole change-hope-believe charade are numbered. His is a dishonest politician, who doesn't believe in his country and doesn't have the backbone or judgment to his church community away from negative-out of touch thinking, much less the ability to lead this diverse country. Obama is toast against any candidate from any Party.

Melvin Banks, Pontiac, Mi.   April 12th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Obama is correct I'm Bitter too, Gas 4.00 gal. , the dollar dropping, the list goes on. Obama is the one to change all that.

KL   April 12th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Hell Yes we're Bitter!
We have a Group in the White House,
Hell bent on destroying the Country We love!

Bitter Americans for Obama

Rich   April 12th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

This is so stupid!

Claudette   April 12th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

It seem to me that CNN are against OBAMA because when Clinton did not tell the truth about her voyage to bosnia you did not make a federal case about it , and her $109 Million who can she understand us ,Please.But when Obama do any small move 24/7 we hear Obama this Obama that, this is not rigth . The reality we are bitter and frustred with people like Clinton and other politician who are there only for their on interest. Give me a breck .

MM   April 12th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Mrs. Clinton — BTW, can we talk about Bosnia again?

chery   April 12th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Gee… and yet the most bitter responses to date come from the GOP and Hillary, not middle americans! Kind of leaves one to wonder how much these people comprehend religion and spirituality, when they so clearly cannot comprehend Grace and forgiveness. So much duplicity, so little time!

sic& tired of being sic& tired   April 12th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Hey Sen Obama you shouldn't have to apologize for telling the truth
.

VINCIE   April 12th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

now obama says frustrated, not bitter. he changes his words, and won't denounce what he said. he is incapable of taking responsibility for the things he says and the things he does. in my opinion, he is the worst kind of politician.

Antoinette   April 12th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Thank you Sen. Obama so now the people who dont want to hear the truth will shut up

Let them listen to Hillary's lies and deception.

She's is so sad and salty its ridiculous

harry   April 12th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Talk of politics of Gotcha!

Adair   April 12th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

oh my god people they have to jump on every little negative they think that Barack says and change it to what they people to believe the man
is clean and so what else can they do I know people in penn state are smarter then that Go Barack I love you.

more milage   April 12th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

I can not believe how often this orator can not say what he means or mean what he says.

His presidency will be one speech to clarify the previous speech that tried to clarify the previous one.

And if you still refuse to understand… then you are a racist.

Zoinks   April 12th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

I get giddy when I think about how much more money McCain could waste on this war. I get giddy when I think how much lower the US dollar can plunge. We should give Hillary a medal for wanting to bring back Greenspan, free money worked out great for inflation!

Joseph from AZ   April 12th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

No matter how many times Obama has to clarify what he said, some people are dumb and ignorant to face the treality….goooo ObAmA…

Bussta Brown   April 12th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Well McCain probably knows an elitist when he sees one since he an the Republican party have held that title for what seems like a lifetime.

JULIE MN   April 12th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

what he means is, I regret it ONLY if it costs me votes! Obama is ANTI-AMERICAN….

Adam   April 12th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Bitter didn't offend me. I am angry and bitter about so many things, these past 8 years especially. Obama hit it right on the head. Clinton's got it all wrong. And so does McCain.

Grif   April 12th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Nickel's & Dimes… Have you really got that much Change in You? I doub't it.

Ruben   April 12th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Yes, I am "bitter" and I am "frustrated". I'm glad someone has realized that many Americans feel this way.

andrew   April 12th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

OK…so Obama gets into some turmoil for speaking the truth and Billary just keeps on lying.

Texas   April 12th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

What do you expect him to feel – this is what he experience with Rev. Wright. People get bitter and cling on to their guns or religion.

Bitter Voter   April 12th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Boy! This is poliics at its worst! You can tell desparation when people twist and misinterpret every little thing you say!

Eddie   April 12th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

This has got to be a new low,when he said bitter he is trying to give understanding to how people are feeling . He is not making fun of or being disrespectful of Americans,But what he should have said was people are mad as hell!!!

disappointed   April 12th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

No duplication with my comment at all, so I bet CNN will not print it because its a Clinton Negitive………….she has been caught lieing but it seems the media has more with the word bitterness than showing all the Clinton Lies

April 2008   April 12th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

OMG, there was nothing offensive about his comments and what he said was true. Hillary is very good at twisting his comments for her advantage. McCain to the opportunity of that as well. Apologies is not what The Clintons and McCain can understand.

Cindy, PA   April 12th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

He is right! we are bitter….you still have my vote

Because at least you didn't lie about it. I rather have someone who tells it like it is. Then someone I can not trust with lies after lies when SHE is talking.

Truth Hurts   April 12th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Tucker, leave it to the voters, Kapish?

Hillary 08   April 12th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

OBAMA IS LYING!!! Yesterday he was blasting McCain and Hillary and had nothing to apolygize about for his demaning comments on small town America.

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS!!!

Suzie Applebee   April 12th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

McCain and Hillary… get over yourselves! Oh that's right.. you two have NEVER said anything that didn't come out quite right! HA!!

OBAMA '08 obama '08 OBAMA '08 obama '08 OBAMA '08!!!

Tom in MA   April 12th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Spin it Obama! Your only regret is getting caught. Both your words and your intent were perfectly clear. People caught in bad circumstances can be bitter but the rest of what you said was pure garbage and demeaning to small town people for so many reasons.

JN   April 12th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

The other thing I want to say is why does Barack always have to apologize for everthing he says…Billary lies to all of us and do we ever hear her say she's sorry…How about the Bosnia lie, travelgate, the war, the fake insurance story. Why is she excused from telling the world she is sorry…Because she isn't…

Ken   April 12th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

All what Obama said is true and the people funding him had a right to know his progress. He is on the campaign trail and I expect him to realize or get certain impression with different people. Anything less is utterly wrong!

Obama 08,12!

FrankSmith   April 12th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

For the uneducated Hillary supporters, here are other words that you can easily use in place of "bitter" if you have been harmed:

resentful
angry
cynical
hostile (as the Clinton supporters might want to feel when Obama gets the nomination)
cheated (as Hillary feels about Monica)
hot
strong feelings

Let us not waste time on words because Hillary says words are "empty; only solutions matter." I love you, just simple words!!

Ron   April 12th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Taking the heat isn't fun? what happens when Sen Obama is going to be president? anything said would deemed as racial. How can something like this become the president. Its not about speaches its about action. Atleast when you are giving a speach say the right thing please..

joe   April 12th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

If he is running for the presidency, then I expect him to make mistakes now and when he gets the job. Simple reason,
He is human and that is a fact!

OR for Obama   April 12th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

I don't understand what you said that was so horrible. To me it is just another low blow tactic by the desperate want to be. I feel sorry for her. What a joke she will be to america if everytime the going gets tough she slam blast some foriegn country for not letting her have her way. To me she is the perfect example of a wealthy spoiled brat.
I also feel if she is going to continue to comment on how things were so wonderful for america when her and bill ran the white house in the 90's, then I think we should take into consideration his policies as well as hers. Let me see…NAFTA, Columbia..etc.

Jane   April 12th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Barack Obama has lost my vote!!

carol   April 12th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

wow, and the media was waiting such a moment to come. let's see how low this country is about to sink because either Obama made an honest mistake or just like they wanted. Now they will promote Hillary till the end game……c'mon now!

Bob   April 12th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

It's insane that people are worked up over this. Ever read the user comments on the CNN.com political ticker? And you still don't think people in this country are bitter? If you don't like Obama, fine, but please quit playing this silly game of trying to spin everything into a controversy.

Dave   April 12th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

A good number of people are disheartened. I take that to mean the same.

Kristen Ingram   April 12th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Wolf, remind us of the time Hillary accused her opponents of "mud-slinging." It may have been the first, or at least an early all-comers debate. As I recall, she was upset over some very mild "mud," compared to what she'd sloshing around.

Former Obama Supporter   April 12th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I am really tired of Obama having to explain everything he says and does. I have come to realize that I can’t trust him. I am voting for Hillary. The Republican Party has so much dirt on Obama that he can’t win the general election. I want a democrat who can win, and that’s Hillary.
I am voting for Hillary now.

dan   April 12th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Finally Obama's misteps are catching up with him. Do we need another novice president?Wasn't GWBush education enough?

Shelly   April 12th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Boy — CNN is the all Hillary channel today. Also, who is the elitest at 109 milliion to Obama's 1 million.

kelly WI   April 12th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

early states want a do-over. Voted too soon. Learning too much about the empty suit. Already new enough about Hillary and Bill. Bring back the others and do it over.
I bet MI and FL regret their actions to be early.

L. Geffen, Cape Cod.   April 12th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

. . . .CNN should stop being a vehicle through which Hillary can
continue to spread her miss truths and deceptions if you want to remain at least a semi-reputable source of information, and not the likes of FOX NEWS, MSNBC, and HEADLINE news.

Bob, Lyons Oregon,   April 12th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

John McCain is an old fool and I would not vote for him no matter what, he is an old politician that won't change anything. Clinton is just a downright monster, and I will not vote for her, even if she turns out to be the nominee, because of her nasty tactics and negative campaigning. I have tried to think positive about her and was planning on voting for her if she became the nominee, even though she is so negative, but no more. I am sick of her and McCain spouting their bull. I have had enough of it.

Obama 08 or no one.

Michael A   April 12th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

At first Obama defended he remarks then his campaign relized that this could be a serious issue and that is the only reason why he sort of apologized . This is another example of his inexperience and the GOP will eat him up in Nov. with this and the Rev. Wright controversy. He should think before he speaks or we will see another dem swift boated.

Hilary '08

Terry   April 12th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

This is just plain sad that this story has been pushed and twisted by the Clinton and McCain campaigns. Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air and it is going to be a travesty if the American people get sucked in to old time political tactics that are at play here.

GoldCanyon AZ   April 12th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Obama keeps trying to defend the indefensible…unbelievable! Why doesn't someone tell him he's just making worse? He's ruffled the feathers of a lot of people…he doesn't seem to get that he just betrayed what he really thinks about what motivates some people to vote. His comments ignore the fact that every persons vote counts in this country…regardless of their motivation…and he reduces those motivations to ignorance and/or intolerance…way to go rookie!

Danice   April 12th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

I meant that our government does not listen nor do they care about us. Sorry about the error.

Sandi/ Georgia   April 12th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

You didn't offend me Obama. I really feel bitter about what is going on in America and our politicians are to blame. Thanks for standing in that gap. I will not vote for Clinton. She is way to evil.

Democratic no matter what   April 12th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

CNN, is this all the news you are reporting today? I see this on TV as well! How about "Hillary Laughs Off Colombia Trade Question"?

I've been watching Ballot Bowl and seen squat about this issue? Is that not equally as important?

I used to think you all were being fair; however I have seen nothing about the above issue except on this site! Not Pleased.

john   April 12th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Why is obama backing down? he knows he was wrong. GO CNN

Corey, Maryland   April 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Don't apologize there is no reason for you to. Clinton and McSame are just so out of touch with the American public that its not even funny. You will be a great President. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will be in the white house.

Obama Richardson 08!!!!

Susie   April 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

I can't wait to read all the comments from Obamaniacs about how Obama's offensive comments somehow prove that he is wonderful and Hillary caused the flak.

Josie   April 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

I believe that the small town Pennsylvanians and the superdelegates will not accept Obama's attempt to smooth-talk his way out of his offensive comments.

franco   April 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Hello American People!

Oh! Once again, the man of the speeches will need another distracting and academic lecture to try to fix this.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Chris   April 12th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

There's no need to apologize. At least, with news like this are going, and with Pennsylvania residents getting some attention, hopefully the sitting ducks in Washington will do something now.

Good on you Obama.

Gail QWade   April 12th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

CNN Ballot Bowl needs to get over itself. It's been on for four hours and only reported one story. If Barack's comments weren't going to cause him problems, CNN is seeing to it that they do

david   April 12th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

give me a break. this is nothing but to divert the public attention from Columbia deal. we know this very well.

David   April 12th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

I think it is elitist of McCain and Clinton to ignore the fact that so many Americans are fed up with Washington. The way they have tried to twist these remarks is disgusting and the way they are trying to drown out the voices of so many Americans is even more so.

Sam Ramos   April 12th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

We all know that Barack Obama wasn't trying to offend anyone with his comment, and we are not stupid enough to think that he looks down on middle America. This is so ridiculous. Unfortunately, the McCain and Clinton campaigns both know that most Americans will only see their attacks on the news, so the more they talk about it and the more disparaging they are, the better for them. Of course, it doesn't matter how shallow and empty the attacks are. As long as they win. American politics is a lie.

Steve   April 12th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

What did he actually say, and what is the context of it ?

Sergey   April 12th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Hopefully it will not hurt Obama. I believe he had nothing bad on his mind.
It would be so sad to have Hillary -and her lies and lies. Actually 2 lies from Hillary & Bill.
It would be absolutely terrible to have as a President – John McBush.
Go for Obama.

Obama08

David   April 12th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I think it is elitist of McCain and Clinton to ignore the fact that so many Americans are fed up with Washington. The way they have tried to twist these remarks are disgusting and the way they are trying to drown out the voices of so many Americans is even more so.

Deirdre   April 12th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Come on people! Let's stop focusing on one word, and instead look at the real villains here — the corporations that put bottom line profit above all else, and trashed these communities by shipping the jobs overseas!

Sebastian   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Once every 40 years or so, America has the chance to select a leader that will fundamentally move the nation in the right direction.

Obama is that leader.

His willingness to point out the 'pink elephant" in the room that is in the minds of "Reagan Democrats" and other hardworking people is what distinguishes him.

Brian   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Unreal…

With almost 30 years in the bank with the Republicans and the Bush Family and the Democratic Clintons. I have mounting debt and nothing to show for it in 30 years.

I am BITTER, ANGRY, TICKED OFF.

Now I have to sit and listen to the Clinton and MCCain campaigns tell me I should be positive and resilient. "Give us another 4 to 8 years to continue trying."

Well I'm done give you time. Stop will the sugar coating and the politcally correct respons. Barack Obama stood before people and stated what is fact. It's unfortunate, many of us feel this way. But it is fact. Are ther PA residents that don't feel this way, Sure. But there are many that do. He stated a fact. Case Close.

Much like Jack Nicholson said, "Some can't handle the truth."

Perhaps Johnny Mac and Hillary should rent the movie. OR better yet The American President. with Michael Douglas. Barack Obama. He is to be the next American President

Key West Sun   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Obama is the most arrogant elitist fool I have ever seen. He has clarified his comment 2 times and makes himself look worse each time. The fool didn’t even try to clarify the right thing the first time. Then the second time his staff had to clarify his clarification.
I don’t think him or his staff had a clue as to what he had said wrong. It is bad when the other candidates and the news have to point out the stupid remark you made and then have to lead you by the hand and explain it to you.
You really think this man need to be the leader of the free world, he has had to many mistakes in to short of a time to let him go any further. Hillary is no saint by far, but her record is “good and bad” is known by everyone. Obama has too much wrong in to short a time to be trusted with the white house.
We need a leader not an idol in the oval office. Obama has shown time and time again that he is not a leader, his last shot was with the Olympics and he skated the question till Hillary came forth. LOL when the phone rings at 3 AM, guess he will have to put them on hold and call Hillary on the other line for the answer.

henry   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Mccain is a warmonger who doesn't remember things and should be excused of his age. Come monday he won't remember the flare..

Rob A.   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Hilarious response from the McCain compound. Elitist? Obama? McCain married a woman worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Sad when your candidate cannot stand on his own issues.

dave   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Mccain campaigns needs to relax and get off their high horse. Mccain-Kennedy bill would have had far reading ramifications on our economy for the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Mccain Obviously does not know who is tyraining who in Iraq and the Mccain_feingold bill would have restricted what is said onm Talk radio, a direct violation of our FIRST ADMENDMENT RIGHTS OF FREE SPEECH.
That's the best that the Repugs have? This year should be easy once Hillary stops dividing the democrats.

mike g   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Boy, does this stuff have a lot to do with how Obama or anyone will run this country. Message to the media: wake us up when you cover the nominees plans on fixing the economy and these gas issues for more than a day. Almost 4 bucks a gallon and now we have to hear about this garbage for how long this time……a week or 2. Or better yet, will there be another expert media forum to super analyze this crap? I'd bet my dinner on it. Miss ya Peter Jennings.

USA FIRST   April 12th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Bye, bye, Nobama!!! We DO NOT need you in America!!!

SUE, Michigan   April 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Isn't this a bit nit-picky? Kind of like what the media does to Hillary at every speech. If the media would just report what the candidates SAY and not analyze it for us, we'd be better off. I'm not sure the Pennsylvanians were upset until the press told them they were.

John   April 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

It's a shame that anyone who speaks the truth is labeled as an elitist. People are bitter. We don't trust the government that Clinton and McCain helped define over the past two or three decades.

I think Obama should stick to his guns. People ARE voting on religion, gun control, imigration, and yes, race, for one reason, that the government has positively failed to address the economy and has given away our standard of living to China, et. al.

Bill Clinton was at the table long enough to create NAFTA. NAFTA hurt the U.S. , period. Hillary was right there with him.

I'm grateful there is at least one candidate who understands how frustrating it is to lose your good job in construction to a poor economy, retrain for a new IT industry, and then watch all those jobs go to India. Bitter? Darned right I'm bitter! I'm getting to old to retrain again and I don't even know what to retrain for.

We need our jobs back.

Bibs   April 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

If we forgive Obama for this then we should also forgive Hillary also.

MD   April 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

I don't think this statement really offended some Americans the way Hillary and the press said it did. She (Hillary) simply needs a way to get her numbers up in the polls and attention off Penn, NAFTA, Bosnia, and Bill bringing the Bosnia incident back into the news.

As for McCain, I think he should just stick with learning about how our economy works. The only thing he knows best is how to strategically begin a war with Iran.

Dan   April 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

I am not sure that you have offended people who desperately need change for their live. People who are attacking you just do not like you, and they have unfairly found something to attack you.
Do not worry, keeping with the true, which makes you exceptional.

dave   April 12th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Asked if there was some truth to Obama’s remarks, made at a San Francisco fundraiser last Sunday, Bayh acknowledged there is “frustration and some justifiable anger” in America because of economic hard times – so does he agree there is truth in this statement.

He wants superdelegates to consider Obama's statements, which is OK. Then, Superdelegates should also consider that clinton lied about the bosna sniper fire. That is a serious issue considering that people want to know that they electing a leader who is honest to herself and the people. Clinton lied about the bosna's sniper and raises a lot of credibility issues regarding her approach to leadership. I was a supporter of clinton but changed becuase of this issue.

Bill - Charlotte   April 12th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

But Evan… he just misspoke. He was "exhausted."

PS: Gas $4.00 a gallon; my home value decreased 10%; my IRA lost 25%; the war in Iraq is tragic… yes I am bitter.

All we get from Clinto/McCain is war stories and her case she made hers up.

dEMABRAT   April 12th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Let's clarify something here. It is not the fact that he described the people as bitter, that in itself maybe fairly accurate for some Americans. It was the rest of the statement about the guns and religion that actually make it noteworthy.

Would I describe the comments as "out of touch?" Perhaps, but what I really hear is someone who cannot relate to the people of Penn. or Indiana or Kentucky for that matter and described them to rich people in California ina condescending way. It even has a hint of racism.

You can take Obama out of Trinity church but you cannot take the teachings of the Trinity out of Obama.

Charles   April 12th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Black, Black, Black….what is the deal? Blacks are about 13% of the US Population. That is less than Hispanics. I'm sick of hearing about them. Please, talk about something else!!

GiveMeABreak   April 12th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

I don't think Obama needed to apologize! This "controversy" is simply political spin coming from a failing campaign that wants to draw attention away from Bosnia comments and Penn. The truth is that many Americans are bitter! I know I am bitter. I am bitter that nobody in this administration is listening. I am bitter that some politicians think Americans are happy and are not hurting. We ARE hurting, we ARE fed up, we ARE bitter, and we ARE annoyed that when a meaningful discussion should be taking place about failed republican policies and John McCains desire to continue them, we are stuck debating the semantics of the word "bitter". Give me a break.

JH   April 12th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

IF you offended anyone? Oh, honey, you insulted millions.

Jackson   April 12th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

why are there so many "white" people in this picture looking at him? Did they send the latinos, asians and blacks to the back again??

Venus   April 12th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Thanks for manning-up to that Obama! Un-like Hillary who blames every one for her mistakes! Now – can we get to the part about small towns losing their jobs! How many jobs have the Clintons paid to trade?

cmb   April 12th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

cnn please let this go, Obama will win the nomination and hillary will lose she is pathetic, and she makes me sick to my stomach, every time I hear her voice. They are trying to destroy Obama, but she is making herself look so stupid, she need to worry about her own comments, and stop lying about things she says she did but really didn't do, how funny is that.

Dominique   April 12th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

No apology needed for speaking the truth. Yes we are bitter. We are tired. We are worried and frustrated. It is about time that someone in Washington recognized that truth.

Obama '08

Jackson   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

His words tell us who he really is … just like his sitting in a hate-mongering church for 20 years. Wake up people … this guy is not good for this country.

Mary   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

NEWS STATIONS ARE SURPOSE TO REPORT THE NEWS, AND THATS ALL. EVERYONE KNOW THE REPUBLICANS OWN fOX NEW
AND NOW I KNOW YOU MUST BE PAID BY THE CLINTONS. YOU
KEEP SAYING PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID. YOU ARE THE PEOPLE THAT KEEP SAYING IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott Lindquist   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I am so sick and tired of the anti Obama rhetoric that Clinton, McCain and CNN is dishing out. His latest comments were the God's honest TRUTH. Anyone who doesn't think that Americans are bitter with their government is living in dreamland. The people are sick to death of this garbage from politicians who pander to phony outrage. Obama speaks the truth. What's the matter with CNN? Why can't you folks be objective for a change. It's getting to the point that CNN has become as bad as Fox in looking for the dirt in every situation. Why not actually do your job and find out if America is bitter. Do a survey for God's sake, instead of repeating the fake outrage and lies of the Clinton and McCain camp.

J. Brown, Lansdowne, PA   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

What's to regret? How often are people that lose a job happy about it? I wish Obama would stand by his word, instead of letting Hillary determine his reactions.

Brenda   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Obama is mature enough to regret making a statement offensive to the American people. This is truly a breath of freshness. Clinton misspoke for weeks, and would not have admitted her error until a film clip surfaced of her Bosnia trip. Has she apologized or regretting lieing to the American people? It takes a very mature and strong individual to admit to something they regret saying or doing. Hillary is too selfish to be mature. In her case, it's about cover-up. John McClain's opinion on the issue doesn't matter. He is too old to think about regret because he is so out of touch with the younger generations.

Needless to say, Obama spoke the truth. People in society are fed up with the lose of jobs, home foreclosures, free-trade deals with foreign companies, and the rising cost from gasoline to the very barest necessities with has the United States in a recession. I admire Obama because he is a man of integrity and dignity. These are characteristics needed for the Presidency. God Bless You, Obama.

GiveMeABreak   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I don't think Obama needed to apologize! This "controversy" is simply political spin coming from a failing campaign that wants to draw attention away from Bosnia comments and Penn. The truth is that many Americans are bitter! I know I am bitter. I am bitter that nobody in this administration is listening. I am bitter that some politicians think Americans are happy and are not hurting. We ARE hurting, we ARE fed up, we ARE bitter, and we ARE annoyed that when a meaningful discussion should be taking place about failed republican policies and John McCains desire to continue them, we are stuck debating the semantics of the word "bitter". Give me a break.

Ben   April 12th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

The truth is hardest to swallow when it is the TRUTH! People are suffering there and have done so for over 26 years.. So Obama is not wrong though wording it with sensitivity may be helpful!!! Hillary should try to use this to cover up her liar liar pants on fire Bosnia story.

John From Cape.Cod.Ma   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Sen. Obama
We both know that all these stories occurring now..a week later…are simply another Ploy by the "Opposition" to use your own words..out of context..even though they have a Video of that speech. You have nothing to apologize for, Sir. They do!

tellTheTruth   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Truth often hurts, and many people cannot handle the truth, and they choose politicians who lie to them. It is sad that Obama has to apologize for telling the truth.

Candy Feilds   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

I really relate with what you said and agree 100%. I'm am tired of Hillary's lies, I lost my job from trade to China, and Iam bitter. Maybe other will agree with you when it happens to them.

Rayray   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

WOW!!!……People, I don’t know about everyone else but losing jobs to overseas companies or to local U.S. companies who want to make 10 billion dollar of profit instead of 7 billion and run the countries unemployment rates sky high, does frustrate and does make people bitter. If anything, McCain and Hillary, if they are in touch like they say they are with the people, they should recognize this. Bitterness is not part of our fundamental values like they are saying Obama stated, but a byproduct of how this government has been run and how their dumb decisions affect us all.
People let’s take back our government, NOW IS THE TIME…..cast your vote for true change. Even Lou Dobbs can agree that out of the 3 left in the race, Obama is the best chance at getting government to work for the people again and not the rich.

Mary   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

I don't think anyone is looking for a perfect human being/President. After running 15months, anyone can make a major mistake and should not be crusified for such at for it. I am not looking for a perfect President but I think Obama is the right candidate of this time for our next generation!

Hans   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

If anyone ever misspoke in this campaign than it was Obama in his remarks, who were based on the truth that many Americans are bitter about what has happened to their country in the last eight years!. This is a far cry from the "misspoke" that Senator Clinton claims about her remarks about her trip to Bosnia, which were clearly lie as proven by the facts of the video!

Who would you rather have as your President? A lier and twister of facts as we had for the last eight years, or someone who tells the truth?

Sam Rose   April 12th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

OBAMA IS THE ONLY ONE WHO IS IN TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE
and the only one willing to tell it like it is and tell the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!

PEOPLE ARE BITTER—–WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

THE ECONOMY SUCKS—-EVEN IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE HEALTH CARE, THE SYSTEM SUCKS—-AND LETS END THIS WAR……

OBAMA is willing to tell it like it is—-the TRUTH!!!!!!!!

Hillary and McCain–wake up and get in touch with what is really going on—it is obvious they are both out of touch with the American people–and they are running scared and grasping at straws here–lets get real—

Signed,
Bitter in Arkansas

GO HILLARY   April 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

he ALWAYS has to go back after he makes a misspeak and go "well, what i meant to say was…." seriously! watch! ALWAYS DOES IT! he did it with the people talking to nafta – to whether or not he heard his pastor say racist things – to whether or not he'll do public financing! ALL THE TIME! ON BIG ISSUES!

stop trying to act like that's now what you meant. admit it – you aren't small town. just say it.

hillary understand small town people better. say ittttttt

Jot   April 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Senator Obama denounce and reject your pastor Wright so that the American people can forgive you. All the things you are saying now come from your church. Your pastor is bitter of this country and so is your wife and yourself.

Becky   April 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I'm bitter. Obama is right, once again.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   April 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I'm shocked by all the hoopla created by Senators McCain and Clinton about Senator Obama's remarks. The senator from Illinois is the "least" elitist candidate in the race. He speaks from the heart and from experience working with Americans. It is sickening that by doing so, Clinton and McCain are getting lots of press coverage.

I'm SO tired of the type of Clinton is running. . .and I will be heartsick if she gains the nomination because she is so nikpicking about every word Senator Obama utters.

Give us a break!

Jeremy   April 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

What he said may have been true but he should have realized how is comments would be interpreted. The last thing a bitter person wants to be called is bitter. Nonetheless, he will have no problem weathering this storm and Hillary's attacks against Obama wreak of insincerity and desperation.

amanda   April 12th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

AM GLAD TO LEAVE MY REMARKS. GET OVER IT ALRIGHTY. BILL SUGGESTED HILLARY MAY BE FORGETFUL WHEN SHE'S TIRED AT NIGHT SO TELL ME ,WILL SHE BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE PHONE AT THREE O'CLOCK?

s.positive   April 12th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

I guess to please those folks, you have to appolize but if AMERICA wants a Liar for a leader, then they do not derserve his Man. It is pure and simple.

voice that matters   April 12th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

CNN stop this lenghty nonsense subject, you being paidn again by Hillary.

Obama answered a legitimate question about race again and he is being criticized. the question was why some people in small town are not listening to Obama, is it because he is black?

He answered and analyse it. Hillary want to divert her lies and fraud by jumping on Obama answers. I bet to laugh away legitimate question is better than answering it. eh..?

Hillary and her folks want him to make mistakes.
Why don't you like your fellow democrats? what has he done to deserve your comdemination all the time Hillary folks?
Every little words will be spined out of context, this will not help democrats win the white house.
Hillary is favouring Mccain then Obama over and over again. Mccain attacked Obama and Hillary follow suite criticizing her democratic rival.
Last time she said she have lifetime experience and Mccain does ,but Obama has speeches he gave 2002.
No wonder her fans will want to vote Mccain if she didn't get the nomination, because Hillary has endorsed Mccain.
Can't candidate say the truth about really hardship?
Even some Hillary supporter and Mccain want Obama to apologize for saying the truth.
You guys are stupid and your ears are under water.
Looking for fault from Obama will not get your candidate elected.
No matter what good Obama do or talk about, you folks will still blindly criticize him, not because what he did was wrong but you just want to criticize everything about him. TOO BAD !!!

Colorado voter   April 12th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Let's see– McCain, thorugh his spokesperson calls the comments demeaning and alleges that Obama is out of touch, yet Mr. McCain continues to whole heartedly support a war that the vast majority of Americans oppose, the implication being that the vast majority of American just don't understand what hje does. At the same time, both Ms. Clinton (who is worth over $100 million) and Mr. McCain, who is married to an heriess with countless millions have the unmitigated gall to call Mr. Obama "out of touch" and "elitist."
Get real.

Ankita   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

this is getting ridiculous, even though i'm a Mccain supporter. Leave Obama alone now. He's said sorry. Almost all the stories in the blog are about this "bitter" comment.

McCain-Condi 08

Holland   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

You Americans finally have someone who is not scared of saying things as they are and then you waste a chance like that and afterwards you start complaining again that nothing has changed in Washington. These elections are one big soap opera with plastic fases. That's bitter…

Sue Callahan   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

forgive me, but if i lived in Penssylvania and someone came to me and told me my jobs are going to Columbia or Mexico I would be bitter too. And how is this an issue for the politicans? they use their faith, or gun or whatevers to hold on…wouldn't you..you risk losing your property, cars, your kids can no longer attend private schools (ie paid for schools)..you have to worry about feeding your children.
How did Obamma offend anyone saying that..IT'S TRUE! i live in Upstate New York where Hillary hasn't done crap for us..we have lost jobs..the Republicans haven't done crap for us..our children move out of state just to earn a decent dollar and to buy their own home. Please think about the media spin on this before you buy into this.

Sue, NY   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

He has explained all of his comments perfectly….time to move on.
There are many people who are frustrated with the government and how things have been run in the past 7-8 years….and they are not reserved to just people in PA….I live in NY and Sen. Clinton is my senator…and I can tell you ….she hasn't done such a hot job….and all jobs promised to Buffalo have not materalized…

RUAL VA VOTER   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

I AM BITTER!

I'M BITTER BECAUSE OF $4 A GALLON FOR GAS THIS SUMMER!

I'M BITTER BECAUSE OF THE HOUSEING CRISIS!

I'M BITTER BECAUSE WE LOST 80K JOB IN THE MONTH OF MARCH ALONE!

I'M BITTER BECAUSE MY BROTHER IS ON HIS SECOND TOUR IN IRAQ, AND BUSH DOESN'T WANT TO BRING HIM HOME!

I HAVE ALOT TO BE BITTER ABOUT BECAUSE THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION HASN'T DONE ANYTHING FOR ME!

AND I WILL NOT BE PERSUADED BY THE SWIFT BOAT EXPRESS OF THE MCCAIN AND CLINTON CAMPS.

CLINTON AND MCCAIN SAY BARACK IS OUT OF TOUCH…. WELL I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT PLANET THEY ARE LIVING IN WHICH THEY THINK EVERYTHING IS OK!?!?

George   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

I am experiencing harsh economic times and can certainly relate to Obama's comment. Those who are seeking political mileage from this are petty and basically dishonest. While politicians are arguing about semantically nonsense like use of the term "bitter" and whether or not we are in a recession – I am experiencing the worst depression ever. I AM BITTER AND WILL OFFER NO APOLOGIES FOR THAT. Whatever optimism I have comes from an enduring confidence in my abilities and not in McCain's or Hillary's pie-in-the-sky notion of what I am experiencing.

Barbara Roberts   April 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

The more Obama talks of small town America the madder I get he doesn't know what he is talking about. We aren't stupid we don't feel left behind we do vote on issues. Tell him to take his wife and go back to Chicago and shut the heck up. I live in a town of 600 and that is small. I came from a town of 200 and that is small and none of the things he says apply or his so called reason for saying what he did. He is not quilfied to be a senator much less a President wake up people he is all mouth and no knowledge.

Claire, Austin, TX   April 12th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

You know, I think the problem is that truth is such a foreign notion to politics. Washington is so used to lies, corruption, and manipulation that when someone comes in who is honest and unafraid of speaking the truth, people get nervous; they don't know what to do.

Thanks, Obama, for speaking truth, even if people don't like it.

Chris   April 12th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Politicians need to stop slamming other politicians for speaking the hard truth. If these truths were more spoken leading into the Iraq war (e.g. Saddam had NOTHING to do with 9/11) then we never would have gone. Americans ARE bitter about our government. So let's address that instead of denying that is the case. McCain is just another Bush.

ellianna   April 12th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Stir the Pot, Media!! Stir the Pot! When the American people are interested in the REAL ISSUES in Washington, the Media just HAS to find some reason to keep the "stew" boiling!! I will be SOOOOOOOOO HAPPY when this primary election process is OVER!! It is time to move on to the General Election!! It is far past time to get rid of the Clintons and their supporters — and I must say CNN must be using the CLINTON SAUDI DOLLARS (from Bill's millions) to give HRC ALL OF THEIR MEDIA ATTENTION!! It is sooooooooooooo obvious — EVEN A CAVE MAN COULD SEE IT!!!

J WIlliams   April 12th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

My job was sent overseas a while ago, and you know what? I'm bitter. Obama has hit the nail on the head. We're fed up with our economy and we want change!

Bitter Floridian   April 12th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Apparently Obama makes wide sweeping generalizations about people to make himself look good. The only thing is this politician is able to use "words, just words" to get himself into and out of these problems.

Reality = Obama is a politician, and he will tell you what you want to hear to get him elected.

Fantasy = He cares about the American People

Reality = Obama doesn't know America

Reality = Obama's "change" remains unknown; an amorphic unquantifyable concept that gets tossed around to rally people to him.

Fantasy = Obama's preacher is a crazy old man

Reality = Rev Wright uses hate speech to get his point across and while Obama flipflops on whether he heard those hateful speeches, he made him an advisor to his campaign and then supports his hatespeech by throwing race under the bus, his white grandmother under the bus, and becomes black when he wants and white when he wants… The reality is his grandmother is his blood and you can't disown her, your spiritual advisor you can change, you can see a pastor who meets your needs (not use as a political polevault to the Illinois legislature, and ultimately US Senate).

Fantasy = Obama thinks every vote should count

Reality = Obama has done everything to disenfranchize Florida and Michigan voters and that is just down right unpatriotic, un American, and that makes me bitter!

Mandi Locke   April 12th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

John McCain should be able to recognize a true elitist considering the America he wishes to represent is lead by fat cats and corporate lobbyists. John McCain is as All-American as Moo-Goo Gai Pan.

joe   April 12th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

And you are a millionare mccain that hide behing your wife wealth. You don't speak for me. You are a warmonger and your longstanding with bush administration is what we can not afford. Not this time, Not right now. Please, we would rather have someone who does not have washington stronghold and lobbyists and who is telling the truth and being crussified for it.

Obama 08,12!

Jazz   April 12th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Evan Bayh, a CLinton surrogate who realizes that Hillary's chances are slipping away and wants to fan the flames against Obama. Why doesn't Hillary quit the Democratic Party and join the Republicans? She and her Camp have been campaigning using Karl Rove's playbook.

Jesse   April 12th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Actually McCain, This country gained its independence through bitterness and anger over British Tyranny. At least Obama can apologize to those he offended.. Lets see if Billary can do the same about her sniper lie.

Barb Canada   April 12th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

The story leaves out the part where Obama called them Racist! "They feel ANTIPATHY towards people who aren't like them"! Antipathy=noun
1. a feeling of intense dislike !

Joe   April 12th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Wow, that's rare. A candidate who will actually step up to the plate and set things right.

I think the saddest thing about this race is the fact that I've lost so much respect for both President Clinton and Senator Clinton. And now, sadly I'm starting to feel that same way about Senator Bayh. I've been a huge fan of both him and his wife Susan for so long, but now he's proving that he'll play gutter politics and say ANYTHING in the hopes of propping up Senator Clinton's candidacy.

I'm sorry, but the Democratic nomination is not something that is owed to Senator Clinton and America is ready of a new generation of leadership. Sadly, I guess Senator Bayh probably identifies with the Clintons because he also inherited his political legacy. Birds of a feather, I guess.

North Carolina   April 12th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

"These communities"? Which communities might these be: the ones with all those "typical white" people? First you try and deny my right to vote given me by the 19th Amendment. Now you make remarks against religion and guns: my rights via the1st and 2nd Amendments. Stay out of North Carolina. And shut up. I don't want nay more speeches.

don   April 12th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

i don`t think obama need to be sorry for anything,,,,,,,,,,,,,that the truth. people just can`t face the truth or because it was obama that said it,,,,,,,,,, am canadian and i really don`t see what is wrong with that,i also think when u americans that believing in the truth the better for you americans.

Fred   April 12th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Re: Comments about bitter citizens.
I find it hard to believe that national and state politicans do NOT understand the voters. Obama is CORRECT. Most people are sick and no longer have faith in Congress and the Presidency (their government). Who is really out of touch? McCain and Clinton who think things are ok? Politicans who refuse to HEAR the disappointment of the voters?

Damian   April 12th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

You did not offend us, by stating the truth. There is a housing crisis, there is and unending war, there is an impending recession because of the housing crisis and the war, there is a lack of jobs, too much of a need on foreign oil, too much influence by lobbyists and special interest groups, if this doesn't make you bitter, then you haven't been paying attention. We need CHANGE, and we need OBAMA '08!!!!!

Vig   April 12th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

My question, why didn't he say these things to their faces? He waits until he arrives in San Francisco to attend a fund raiser, populated by people like himself. Why, because he was able to identify with the uppity ups of the Bay Area, not the downtrodden of Pennyslvania. People need to wake up and smell the elitism.

pam   April 12th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

By Pam from Philadelphia, PA 18 minutes ago
Why I am bitter:
1)I am bitter because of the state of our economy
2)I am bitter because our jobs are being shipped overseas
3)I am bitter because we are fighting a war we shouldn't have waged.
4)I am bitter because we are spending $10b every month in iraq, money that we need seriously here.
5)I am bitter that Iraq has about $50b of its money lodged in foreign account, while we are using tax payer's money to rebuild the country.
6)I am bitter that we are losing the effort to catch Osama Bin Lladen.
7)I am bitter that our great country has lost its respect in the international forum.
8)I am bitter that our dollars has become a laughing stock of the world. That right here in the states, some businesses no longer accepts the dollar as a legal tender.
9)I am bitter because hardworking folks are being laid off their jobs and have lost all their savings.
10)I am bitter that honest and hard working folks are facing foreclosures.
11)I am bitter because the solution to the foreclosure problem from our law makers is to reward the mortgage banks and people who created the problem in the first place, while providing nothing for the people at the risk of losing their homes.
12) I am bitter because we keep borrowing from china and other countries, thereby leaving debts upon debts for the future generation.
13) I am bitter because there are so many other reasons why I should be bitter and our government is doing nothing to fix it.
14) Finally, I am bitter because the only person amongst our presidential candidates who recognizes that I'm bitter and that I have a genuine reason to be, is being crucified for saying the truth.

I live in Philadelphia, where people have resorted to all these thing, and crime is out of control. WHY, BECAUSE THEY ARE BITTER!

It’s just another shift tactic, from what is going on in her/and his own back yard.

REMEMBER WHAT YOU PROMISE US!

"I don't intend to be a President who tells you what you want to hear…but rather, a President who tells you what you need to hear in order to try and move this country forward. I'm going to try and tell you the truth."

Joe Green   April 12th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Hillary takes $50 million through her husband in speech fees. CNN says bubkis.

And yet this so-called "bitter" controversy creates 8 new stories on the ticker.

Yes, peopel ARE BITTER about losing their jobs, their homes, their life savings, all while Friends fo the Clintons make Billions of dollars (and the Clintons make a 110 million).

That's called the TRUTH, my friend!

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