Obama just lost the "carny" vote. Offends carnival workers

[Liberal_in_LA]

When President Obama released his birth certificate on Wednesday morning, he may have thought he was closing the door on controversy. Instead, he ended up starting controversy anew -- with America's carnival barkers.

When discussing the lingering "birther" controversy, Obama remarked: "We're not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers."

Many in the carnival community were not amused by the mention of their industry.

"I am extremely upset by the reference," said Frank Zaitshik, who runs Wade Shows, a carnival business with over 100 amusement rides and attractions that entertains over 15 million people each year.

Zaitshik, a second generation carnival worker -- a term he prefers to the word "carny," which is some used as a pejorative. He says he has spent much of his life battling negative stereotypes about his industry.

"I think what Obama said is the same type of stereotype that has been placed on African Americans." Zaitshik says. "You wouldn't expect those comments from someone who is a minority and has faced prejudice."

http://weirdnews.aol.com/2011/04/28/carnival-barkers-slam-obama_n_854702.html

[stevebreeze]

1. small hands...smell like cabbage

[NYC Liberal]

2. Oy. Obama didn't "insult" carnivals...he just said they don't

belong in politics as a distraction from serious issues.

[ZombieHorde]

3. The election is all but lost now. I don't think President Obama can recover from this blunder. nt

[FSogol]

5. ROFL

[csziggy]

10. He still hasn't insulted cave men - that would cinch a loss n/t

[ZombieHorde]

11. I am pretty sure he has already lost the Republican vote. nt

[Drale]

4. Lipstick on a pig

remember when he was sexist for saying that? Yeah I almost didn't either. This is trying to be a shiny object for the American people.

[hfojvt]

6. those of us who run the rides, or, like myself, sell the tickets

don't do any barking.

But if you are trying to solve some serious problems, like the Budget Deficit (that Republicans say is gonna kill us all unless we deal with it by cutting taxes for the rich and eliminating medicare and LIHEAP and SNAP), and unemployment, and oil prices and pollution and overpopulation, then you probably don't want people to be distracted by the guy in front of the tent promising to show you the amazing and astounding "man with no birth certificate".

[Drale]

7. Snake oil salesmen

Thats what every single republican is.

[Amonester]

8. I guess that will not beat the $7 or $8 gaz price 'obstacle'

in Oct-Nov. 2012 (or earlier....)

[notadmblnd]

9. has anyone ever been to a Wade Carnival?

[Incitatus]

12. Yeah

15 million people a year

:P

[provis99]

13. I had no idea carnival barkers has such respectable, upstanding jobs.

Maybe if they keep trying, they'll eventually become as respectable as bounty hunters or bail bondsmen.