Don't worry, the explanation is coming. Just like it did after Rev. Wright.

It's clear if you look at what he said that he was talking about voting issues, not personal issues. When going in the voting booth, they cling to "issues" like guns and religion. And he's said before that economic hardship divides people by race and other issues. That's not new.

And while it's generally accepted to twist his remarks into something they were not for political gain, it's part of the "politics as usual" that he fights against. And that we want him to keep fighting against.

I think that he can win. But his chances are diminished every time one of us gives up on politics because of the nastiness that's there now. It'll take a lot of work to clear up the political mess. And he's the only one that can lead from the top, while we push from the bottom.

I am a committed Obama supporter and I'm not afraid to say it was a poor choice of words. He is usually so eloquent that it comes as a surprise to hear it. I understand what he meant, most posters here understand it and many 'bitter' individuals elsewhere understand it.

What makes it a gaffe is that it gives Clinton something to pounce on and hold up to the sound bite listeners all over PA and IN and say "see, he is condescending". It was an unwise choice of words and he needs to remember that everything he says to any crowd whatsoever may as well be a speech in front of news cameras. I'm certain he will be very careful in the future. I also am sure that the opportunities to clarify and media attention from that will turn this into a positive for many voters in the same way the race speech after the Rev. Wright flare up helped you decide to vote for him.

The real condescending candidate is the one who lies to the voters and assumes they are too stupid to figure it out.

stravu9,

You have been arguing for civility on these boards for quite some time. I admire your termerity in doing so, I just have to say, good luck with that.

Coming from an old Dem family, I'm sure you've heard the usual maxims:

"Politics ain't beanbag"

or

"If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen."

You might feel more comfortable on the main page of the cafe, as those posts stay up longer, people are generally better behaved.

My experience as one of the many non-conformists here is that it isn't enough to agree to vote for Obama or Hillary, you must commit emotionally to one or the other to the exclusion of one or the other. Of course, the bulk of either's supporters aren't that extreme, but they do little to quell the er, enthusiasm of those that do. It's a pity, but that's politics.

I'm hoping things will settle after the primary, but I don't know. It may not. In the meantime, if you will insist on reading the reader threads, I'd stay away from the more forceful or extreme ones, as they are merely echo chambers and do not attract much quality discussion.

Yer pal,

workerbee

I agree whole-heartedly with your plea to scale back some of the animosity on this site. If someone makes a ridiculous argument in support Hillary Clinton, or an unfair attack on Obama, there's no need to go over the top laying into the person. What's the point? It's not going to change the person's mind, and it only alienates less-committed people who might come and look at this site for the first time.

The need for civility is even greater when somebody is making a legitimate point in support of Clinton or challenging Obama. I know that nerves have gotten very frayed over the last couple of months, so people lash out sometimes out of frustration. It's understandable, yet I also believe that the vast majority of people in the TPM community actually agree about the need to tone down some of the vitriol. They're just not necessarily the people who speak out the most.

I hope when the dust settles and we put all this behind us that you might be able to reconsider working on the campaign this Fall. Like you said, we need everyone we can get!

I was thrilled by Obama when he first came on the national scene. The fact that he was mentored by Tom Dasche was a real plus for me. I joined the parade of happy people for change and was glad to give my money and my support for a leader I could believe in.

But now days I am starting to feel like I do about Christianity. I think the Jesus dude is alright, but I can't take his followers, much. It's like everyone and their teacup Yorkie is hitching their own prejudice to his star and it is just dragging Obama down.

We shall all see what actually does happen, anything we can predict is just speculation at this point.

"The Democratic party is going to need everyone it has to win this fall because the primary season has been so divisive. Maybe you should all consider this before being so mean ."

If you allow "mean" comments you read here, from largely anonymous commenters, to determine your level of participation in a political campaign then you really need to get a grip.