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Evan Bayh Doesn’t Think Obama is an Elitist
April 12, 2008 5:27 PM
ABC News' Eloise Harper reports: Sen. Evan Bayh said today he doesn't believe that Sen. Barack Obama is an elitist, despite his much criticized comments about small town working class voters, but he said the remarks would come back to haunt Obama should he win the Democratic nomination.
Bayh, speaking after Sen. Hillary Clinton’s town hall meeting in Indianapolis today, said he didn't agree with Clinton’s assertion that Obama’s comments were elitist, but said that doesn't mean the remarks won't hurt Obama.
"I don’t believe he is an elitist," Bayh said "His comments were open to interpretation, that’s the problem and the Republicans will use that ruthlessly against him, that’s the problem.
"I'm concerned that statements like this, even if they are taken out of context, can be used very effectively by the other side to keep us from getting the change that we need," Bayh said.
He cited former Vice President Al Gore as an example.
"Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize now an Oscar and that kind of thing -- they made him look like he was a serial fibber," Bayh said.
When asked why Republicans wouldn’t do the same to Clinton because of her Bosnia story and others, Bayh responded that because she has a stronger record than Obama, she is less vulnerable.
"For starters, she has a strong record of delivering on the things that people care about, and actions are more important than all of the statements that have been taken out of context," he said. "Secondly, I mean this is not the time or place to have a debate on whether Bosnia was a dangerous place. I know that other people on the trip were concerned about safety and all those kind of things, but she will take it on and show that she has a long record to bring the costs of healthcare down, create jobs, deal with the underlying problems."
"Any time you are new and more undefined, you are more susceptible to those kinds of attacks," Bayh added.
April 12, 2008 in Bush, George W. | Permalink | User Comments (196)
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I am a 76 year old woman that has lived in penna all my life,I agree that we have some bitterness,he was right in seeing that in our people. we have lost all our good paying jobs & what has this Goverment done to help us. Senior citzens are worried about losing our homes to school taxes etc. Bush has earned almost a million this year & so what does he care about average people,keep telling the truth Obama
Posted by: Sally | Apr 12, 2008 5:42:25 PM
I disagree
The Republicans would hammer Hillary on Bosnia
then hammer Bill on Bosnia
This "bitter" comment is only weekend news
It won't last
Just as everyone thought Rev. Wright was the controversy to damage Obama
His poll numbers increased
Posted by: Vanessa | Apr 12, 2008 5:43:01 PM
Bayh comments confuse me... he backs a candiate that lies, husband and strategist are tied to columbia trade deal which could cost american jobs and has run a horrible campaign thats just for starters. The republican attack machine has so much on her its crazy and still gathering. He thinks the super delegates don't look at her judgement???? Obama has and will continue to secure the necessary Super Delegates to win the nomination and win in nov because it is about true leadership and change.
Posted by: leslie | Apr 12, 2008 5:44:03 PM
It's just not accurate to say that Hillabeans is any less likely to spur on the Republican attack machine than Senator Obama.
We just have to be ready for them, and Senator Obama has proven he is the most capable of meeting them head-on.
Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!
Posted by: Jackt51 -- Vietnam Vet and Proud Liberal | Apr 12, 2008 5:45:14 PM
Deceptively blame Republicans in advance so as to cover their negative 'kitchen sink' politics of Dems self-destruction.
That is the way of the duplicitous Clintons.
With Democratic friends like these, Obama can handle IMAGINED Republican enemies. lol
The Clintons campaign is duplicitous and deceptive. They go negatively against a fellow Democrat with their childish, UNPRODUCTIVE and polarizing 'politics as usual', and they have the nerve to blame the Republicans in advance.
Americans are much wiser; that is why the Clintons are defeated; but they don't know it and don't want to know it; because it is too painful. lol
Posted by: New Yorker | Apr 12, 2008 5:46:55 PM
Vanessa – No offence, you are biased in favor of Obama. Currently Obama is tied with McCain. Obama used to lead him by double digit.
This democratic fight has lasted a bit longer than thought.
I used to think of a dream ticket with both Obama and Clinton, but now with so much fight between them this ticket would rather backfire.
I am concerned we will have to live with McCain for the next 4 years.
Good luck to the democrats.
Posted by: GS | Apr 12, 2008 5:47:55 PM
I honestly don't get it. Lying about sniper fire is easier to defend? Taking 800,00 from Columbia for a trade deal that you oppose is easier to defend? I can go on and on...the Republicans are going to do what they do--Democrats just need to get a backbone and fight back. Obama is not perfect;they have less on him, but so far he has held his own very well.
Posted by: BajanLuv, Newport News | Apr 12, 2008 5:48:24 PM
I am a rich American who made my money myself. I did not inherit it from my father. What Obama said is the real truth! I am appalled that he has to recant the wording.
"You demand politicians to be honest and when they speak the truth you despise them"
Now a question!
Are you all blue collar workers in small towns in PA happy that you have lost your good paying jobs, houses, sons and daughters in Iraq? Are you not bitter?
Posted by: Jeff | Apr 12, 2008 6:06:43 PM
Obama said small town folk embrace guns, religion, and antipathy towards others out of their bitterness. That is what he said. So you agree with that? LOL
Posted by: al | Apr 12, 2008 6:11:39 PM
So, small town folk go to church and hunt because they are bitter. Not because they love god or like to hunt. They also take their "bitterness" out on immigrants, who they dont like either, because they are so busy hating and going to church and hunting to express their hate. Is that it? LOL
Posted by: al | Apr 12, 2008 6:13:44 PM
Obama is totally unelectable. His lead will evaporate as more and more people get to know about him. A man who have only been in the senate for 3 years can't run a country effectively. This will be the biggest joke ever in history if Obama is elected. I can foresee that people will regret that they have voted for him.
Posted by: smartcookie2008 | Apr 12, 2008 6:18:59 PM
There is SOOOOOOO much ammunition that the Republicans have for Hillary.
Evan Bayh should think TWICE on what he said that Hillary isn't as vulnerable.
The reality is that she REALLY is.
The Republicans have been preparing for over a year in case Hillary gets the nomination. The Republicans have just been preparing for a few months for Obama.
Hillary, be careful for what you wish for.
Posted by: maritza | Apr 12, 2008 6:21:18 PM
Bayh, speaking after Sen. Hillary Clinton’s town hall meeting in Indianapolis today, said he didn't agree with Clinton’s assertion that Obama’s comments were elitist, but said that doesn't mean the remarks won't hurt Obama.
I DONT BELIEVE THE HURT THING WILL LAST TO LONG . PEOPLE ARE BITTER WHEN THE SMALL COMMUNITIES DRY UP AND THE POLITICIANS PROMISES DRY UP TO.
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 12, 2008 6:26:25 PM
In a discussion today with my neighbors this topic came up. the word elitist came up and out of the 5 of us. think that if you make $100,000.00 a year your are elite.
so John, Hillary you are also calling yourselves that name also to the working poor.
I would like to know what dollar value others believ that you makes you elite?
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 12, 2008 6:31:30 PM
Go away,she has a STRONG record right but it isn't for the good.Obama said the truth that the other two don't give a damn about/He cares and maybe the words wern't just right for some snobs but we the little people understood very nicely TYVM....
Posted by: honest | Apr 12, 2008 6:44:16 PM
I fix shoes for a living, and I think Obama should not be attacked for what he said, he should be elected. He shows that he understands why working people are ###### off, and why guns and religion are important issues to a lot of working people.
Posted by: Paul Church | Apr 12, 2008 6:48:29 PM
First he defended himself, now he regrets what he said.
Obama`s supporters, please follow your master, regret that.
Posted by: Bob | Apr 12, 2008 6:49:35 PM
Honest
Working class get it . Its the weathy who do not.
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 12, 2008 6:51:36 PM
The Clintons took $50 million in "speaking fee" bribes and they want to call Obama out of touch?
Posted by: mitchgander | Apr 12, 2008 6:54:10 PM
Michelle Obama took 50K a year from a company named treehouse, huge supplier to walmart. Clintons had nothing until after they left the white house.
Obama and Michelle already rich off of corporations and trade. Rich AND bitter!
Posted by: al | Apr 12, 2008 6:56:14 PM
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