I think some people are misinterpreting what he was talking about exactly. This isn't the first time he's spoken on this subject, and in fact, he discussed the very same issue on Charlie Rose 4 years ago. I think Obama has this belief, one that I happen to agree with, that many people, both in rural small town America (especially those that vote Republican) and urban cities (especially those that vote Democratic), often vote against their own personal best interests because of social issues that are trumped up as being more important than they are, as well as a lack of confidence that real economic issues will ever be resolved.

Let's face it, gay marriage is not some epidemic waiting in the wings, Democrats aren't coming to take anyone's guns away, and the decline of manufacturing jobs is not because of Mexicans crossing the border, yet these are all defining issues that make or break elections in many parts of the country. I think this is because Republicans have successfully convinced people that in spite of everything else going on, whether it be war or a struggling economy, these traditions can be protected by voting Republican. It is in essence, the biggest con game of all time. Democrats aren't necessarily innocent of this either. Welfare was a racket that kept blacks and hispanics voting for them for a very long time, despite the fact that it was those same policies that kept them in poverty.

I think Obama was simply trying to explain how difficult it is in convincing people to be less skeptical and to consider other issues that will in fact have a more direct consequence on their daily lives. I also think that if you listen to the whole speech/meeting in San Fran that point becomes more obvious. Many people have said the same thing he has, albeit worded differently, and it's never been a problem. Frankly, I think it is a bit of a double standard. I really don't think that if those words came out of Bill Clinton's mouth, people would be so up in arms.

This brings me to another point, which is slightly off topic, but it has always aggravated me. I admit that I have lived my entire life in the suburbs of major metropolitan areas, but for all the talk of liberal elitism, I feel there is a reverse elitism, especially when it comes to patriotism. Why is it that I have to be from Ohio or PA in order to be a real American, or "understand" real Americans. If that were really the case, then what does Hillary know about living in Scranton anyway... This kind of elitism talk only further solidifies the divide in this country. I noticed that people's first reaction to this gaffe was a "him versus us" one. We need to get it through our heads that we're all on the same team, whether you live in San Francisco or Allentown.