Politics

War Of Words Rages As Pa. Primary Nears

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― As the Pennsylvania Primary gets closer and closer later this month, the war of words rages between the two Democrats vying for President.

The latest skirmish is over Senator Barack Obama's comments, made last Sunday at a fundraiser, about small town America and how they are being interpreted, especially in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Obama has now said the remarks about bitter working class voters who "cling to guns or religion" could have been better stated.

"I didn't say it as well as I should have," said Obama. "The truth is that these traditions that are passed on from generation to generation, that's important. That's what sustains us."
 
But Senator Hillary Clinton, Obama's opponent denounced the remarks.

"I was taken aback by the demeaning remarks Sen. Obama made about people in small town America," she said. "Sen. Obama's remarks are elitist and they're out of touch."

KDKA's Ross Guidotti today talked with supporters on both sides.

"He made a statement about working class voters and I found it offensive," said Glen Stolberg, of Crafton.

But Obama supporter, Sonjala Allen, had a different view.

"Word can get twisted," said Allen. "I think people are taking the bitter thing a little too seriously, actually."

Meanwhile, Governor Ed Rendell spoke to supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton in Pittsburgh today.

"I can't at all understand what he means that this anger and bitterness drives us to guns and faith," said Rendell. "Those are things we enjoy because that's part of the lifestyle here."

But Obama supporter and Mayor of the local town of Braddock, John Fetterman, says, "A choice of bitterness versus just concern or fear, whatever word you chose people are looking for direction and this is really an issue that's a nonissue.

Stay with KDKA for the latest news on Campaign '08.

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