Barack Obama in trouble over 'bitter' voter remarks
Saturday, 12 Apr 2008 19:01
Barack Obama is in U-turn mode
US In Focus
A presumptive presidential nominee, dressed up as a terrorist? It's no surprise Barack Obama was offended. Full Story
United States presidential aspirant Barack Obama was forced into reverse gear over his claim working class US voters were "bitter".
Mr Obama, who holds a narrow lead over rival Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democrat party's nomination, was speaking at a fundraising event in San Francisco when he made the controversial remarks.
He suggested many working class US voters felt "bitter" about being left behind by the government and turned to religion and other issues as a direct result.
"It's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations," he said.
A wave of criticism from Republicans, including their presumptive nominee John McCain, and Ms Clinton followed. The New York senator said she had been "taken aback" by his "demeaning remarks".
Today Mr Obama conceded "I didn't say it as well as I should have".
But he insisted the "important" traditions were "passed on from generation to generation" and that "people want to feel like they're being listened to".
Voters in Pennsylvania will pronounce their judgment on the issue on April 22nd, when the crucial primary there takes place. Ms Clinton is currently leading pre-vote polling.