Predict AR & KY

[old timey villain]

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.

[old timey villain]

Here's another factor we haven't even considered yet: A small number of these "uncommitted" voters (especially in urban areas) are folks who think Obama isn't liberal enough.

A negligible amount if any at all. At least in Kentucky.

[old timey villain]

Maybe my attitude is a bit patronizing. But if they want to act like children and vote for Keith Judd out of spite, then my natural attitude toward them will be patronizing.

And I think "Obama's war on coal" meme is spectacularly overblown. And why are Republicans trying to hammer this into the ground? Because it provides an excellent red herring for voters in West Virginia and Kentucky who already hate Obama.

The administration has tried to adjust coal regulations, but it's not based on a desire to wipe out the coal industry. It's one that promotes alternative energy sources and cleaner extraction of fossil fuels. And let's face it, the coal industry has not been to a friend to the environment.

Also, natural gas prices have become cheaper than coal which has hurt the industry. So market forces beyond Obama's control have probably done more to hurt the coal industry.

[old timey villain]

And yeah, you're right about Manchin and the like. Democrats in Georgia also pandered to a decidedly different coalition of voters than Democrats did nationwide. The only difference is that most of these Democrats had the good sense to become Republicans. I wish WV would do the same.

[old timey villain]

Those racists! Waaah.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/whats-the-matter-with-kentucky/2012/05/23/gJQAMF5hkU_blog.html

Thats right.

This is what Obama was dealing with in Kentucky last cycle.

Well, Obama walked away from Christianity when he completed his, err, recent evolution. At least according to his own words.

Sounds like those fears were founded.

care to explain?

[old timey villain]

Just look at the Justice Department.

If you're going to attack your fellow democrats as racists for not voting for 0bama because he's black don't forget to attack your fellow democrats who voted for 0bama just because he is black.  If 0bama were all white, Hillary would be President now.

Is that really why you think all Democrats voted for Obama? Because he's black?? Oh my god you're being ridiculous dude! I guess you think it works both ways: a lot of Republicans voted for McCain because he was white so therefore there much have been a ton of democrats who voted for him because he's black. LOL that's cute. I promise you, McCain got many more votes from racists that did Obama.

I know this is hard for you to believe, but most Obama voters just really liked him or his policies. And sure, black people voted for him almost unanimously, but they've been loyal democrats for decades.

Nice try.