http://www.latimes.com/news/politics...,1382033.story

This statement about guns, religion, and immigrants probably lost Obama some votes in PA come 4-22.

Not sure what he means by this. Does he mean that rednecks tend to vote for whomever will keep them armed, handing over their money to the Baptists, and chasing recent immigrants back to the borders of PA???

Well, you might be a redneck, if....

I agree with him that people are bitter, but I don't think that's why they turn to guns or religion, but I do think it may be why some are so against immigrants. In any event, the media and his opponents will hammer him incessantly about it until the next gaff that some candidate commits takes center stage.

Originally Posted by Lil Dancer

I agree with him that people are bitter, but I don't think that's why they turn to guns or religion, but I do think it may be why some are so against immigrants. In any event, the media and his opponents will hammer him incessantly about it until the next gaff that some candidate commits takes center stage.

For the media, in the end it seems to be about ratings. American politics (US) sure has a huge entertainment aspect. Or, using another metaphor, the packaging seems far more important than the actual product.

I think this is much ado about nothing. Again, sooooo not in the category of not being able to tell the factions in the Middle East as McCain had blundered with this again and again. People are bitter. It's a fact. We are very lucky here and I think sometimes forget that there are people not near retirement age, that have to put food on the table every night -- without a job. I have many friends out of work after 20 years or more finding it very hard to get employment, insurance, and all the things we here take for granted sometimes. A dear friend of mine, age 53, back in Chicago, can't go to a doctor -- no insurance. I'm not bitter, I just know I've been blessed. But let's not forget the others.

Tal said it best.

There are so many times in a campaign that candidates will get caught up in the moment, not have a chance to get their thoughts clear, and need time to reflect - that goes for all three, and the press can't wait to exploit when a gaff occurs.

There will be interviews regarding Sen. Obama's comments, and in reflection he will explain what the intent behind the words was, and provide a much clearer explanation of the content. He's too good an orator not to "fix" this.

Now, if we can allow this candidate the luxury of reflection, will we give it open-minded to others as well???

Steve, we can but hope. I think the reality is that those who are for Obama will stay with him no matter what he says. Ditto Clinton and McCain. Those on the fence will probably take the gaffes into consideration and decide how egregious those gaffes are. Then there are those who will vote party line regardless. The rest won't vote no matter how important their vote could be.

Originally Posted by SteveZ

There are so many times in a campaign that candidates will get caught up in the moment, not have a chance to get their thoughts clear, and need time to reflect - that goes for all three, and the press can't wait to exploit when a gaff occurs.

There will be interviews regarding Sen. Obama's comments, and in reflection he will explain what the intent behind the words was, and provide a much clearer explanation of the content. He's too good an orator not to "fix" this.

Now, if we can allow this candidate the luxury of reflection, will we give it open-minded to others as well???

I guess it depends on the severity of the gaff, and how often it was commited. One gaff, I can be understanding about. McCain, however, committed the "gaff" at least 5 times. I feel I would be remiss as a conscientious voters if I ignored this.

Originally Posted by Lil Dancer

I guess it depends on the severity of the gaff, and how often it was commited. One gaff, I can be understanding about. McCain, however, committed the "gaff" at least 5 times. I feel I would be remiss as a conscientious voters if I ignored this.

According to this report, Senator Obama might also have made a mistake when talking about Iraq and Iran?? http://www.timeswatch.org/articles/2...409144911.aspx

And how would y'all respond to life if you knew the instant replay was there to judge each and every sentence, grammatical error, wrong gesture, not just the right look/expression.......as stated above more politely than I would....it is the constantly ongoing media that feels obligated to do ones thinking! Interpreting! And the only screen or filter they use is if it fits their agenda or not.
Remember their goal is to be first....correctness....accuracy....true or not....has nothing to do with the objective!!
In my opinion they do more harm to the basic fabric of this country than any event they report upon.

BTK

Originally Posted by Taltarzac

According to this report, Senator Obama might also have made a mistake when talking about Iraq and Iran?? http://www.timeswatch.org/articles/2...409144911.aspx

If the quote is correct, it does sound like a slip. I'm sure we will find all the candidates mis-speaking from time to time. Clinton and Obama have been at it so long, they're definitely campaign weary. Its going to happen. Its just my opinion, but when a candidate makes the same slip five times, it becomes more than a slip. It makes me wonder anyways, does this person have the necessary facts and is this person intelligent enough and competent enough to deal with the situations that will arise. I would think the President would encounter situations where major gaffs such as McCain committed could be extremely detrimental to diplomacy and communications with other nations. Everyone has qualities they would like to see in a President; personally I would like to see someone who is verbally quick on their feet. I guess I have concerns about McCain in that regard in part because of his age.

Originally Posted by Lil Dancer

If the quote is correct, it does sound like a slip. I'm sure we will find all the candidates mis-speaking from time to time. Clinton and Obama have been at it so long, they're definitely campaign weary. Its going to happen. Its just my opinion, but when a candidate makes the same slip five times, it becomes more than a slip. It makes me wonder anyways, does this person have the necessary facts and is this person intelligent enough and competent enough to deal with the situations that will arise. I would think the President would encounter situations where major gaffs such as McCain committed could be extremely detrimental to diplomacy and communications with other nations. Everyone has qualities they would like to see in a President; personally I would like to see someone who is verbally quick on their feet. I guess I have concerns about McCain in that regard in part because of his age.

McCain's running mate and the US Constitution's 25th Amendmen become important then. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-...s_Constitution

Senators Obama and Clinton are quick on their feet. You kind of have to be to get through top law school programs like Harvard and Yale. I went to the U of MN Law School and graduated in 1989 but am not that quick on my feet. I probably would not have gotten through without the help of two of the student body presidents at the U of MN Law School-- Julie Rose and James Harries. :bigthumbsup: