WaPo: Small Town PA Not Bitter Over "Bitter"

[babylonsister]

Maybe Not 'Bitter,' But Aware of the Loss
In Western Pa., Witnessing a Steady Decline

By Alec MacGillis
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 19, 2008; Page A06

snip//

Yet while questioning elements of Obama's remarks, residents showed little personal offense. Some, including potential Clinton supporters, questioned her claim to be a grittier alternative to Obama, noting her personal wealth and her husband's signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, blamed for job losses.

"She'd be okay, but he's more for the people," said Teena Papa, 39, a restaurant worker who appreciates Obama because he was raised by a single mother, which she is.

Most of all, residents noted the irony that -- after years of neglect -- they are having their innermost feelings argued over by presidential candidates and pundits, all because of a two-sentence gaffe.

"I didn't pay too much attention to it," said Donna Horan, 68, the wife of a retired steelworker, who supports Clinton. "He's going to put his foot in his mouth and so does she. They're both going to say things that just come out."

"It's petty squabbling," said George Watkins, 57, a postal worker.

"The whole thing is ridiculous. It's quite comical, actually," said Bruce Arnoldt, 45, co-owner of one of the few large employers in town, a company that makes components for heating and cooling equipment. Arnoldt, a Republican, said he would consider voting for Obama in November, but not Clinton.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/18/AR2008041803024.html?hpid=topnews

[OhioChick]

1. K&R

:kick:

[PA Democrat]

2. I think the author of the article pretty accurately captures what I've seen in dozens of other

towns in western PA. People have given up on the idea that the federal government will do anything to improve their economic situation, and so they vote on "values". The young people are moving out in droves because there are no jobs here, and so you are left with a voter base that tends to be older and more conservative on social issues.

[Red Zelda]

3. How is a company "co-owner" typical of western Pa.???

[BlooInBloo]

4. Our elite media: It wasn't a gaffe you stupid fucks.

[azmouse]

5. K&R

[angie_love]

6. This just proves the media including "blue collared" pundits like Matthews and Scarborough are in

fact dipshits