This is so sad to me. Yes, it's an embarrassment to Obama and the Democratic party, but I think it reflects more of the voters themselves.
You can call them hicks, racists, bigots, idiots, or what have you. And while I have to admit that prejudice probably plays a big role in their protest votes as opposed to any sort of difference in opinions on policy, I think the vote also reflects their desperation.
A lot of these people are still democrats because it's in the family. They come from a long line of Democratic party supporters and just haven't changed their registration. But these days, they not only feel neglected by the Democratic party but from America as well. The restructuring of America's economy (one based on manufacturing to one now based on tech/service/information) has left them behind and in a sorry state. And from a demographic standpoint, the "browning" of America hasn't affected their communities, especially in Appalachia, and they look on a more diverse nation as completely foreign and strange.
They're scared of the "new America," they feel neglected, and they see Obama as representative of a country that they just don't understand. And in response they've become more insular, backward and downright angry. And of course anger prompts us to do things that aren't so smart, like voting for a prison inmate over the president out of spite. I think Obama was right when he made the guns and religion comment.
if Obama is a good leader though, he will try to make things better for them, even if they refuse to give him any credit.
Very nice post. We already know Obama isn't a great president though.
