Is it elitist when flannel-wearing, duck-hunting, rural democrats snicker and mock the values of the "san francisco democrat"? There is an obvious divide between the rural crowd and the latte drinking crowd (to use simple stereotypes) but the broader point is that we are trying to form a coalition within the democratic party. If we could all vote together without deciding that we "get" or agree with everything that the "other" stands for, then we might be able to change this country. How often have urban elitists gone along with a southern democrat nominee in order to build a coalition? Is the assumption being made here that the blue collar crowd isn't smart enough to make the same concessions and vote with people who are different from them? I will admit that I don’t “get” blue collar voters. I don’t get why someone would vote for policies and politicians that cause them to lose their farms and their jobs, only to ensure them that Larry and Bob can’t get married. Successful politics are achieved with compromise; it is about achieving the greatest good for the greatest majority of people, which involves a willingness to accept a broad alliance of values and principles. If we can accept our differences and vote together, I will accept the title of elitist any day and take that latte with soy milk, thank you very much.

Are we losing our perspective here or what? Barack Obama is a 46-yr-old African American junior senator who came from nowhere several months ago, beating most odds that favored Hillary Clinton, to become the favored candidate for the democratic nomination. Six weeks ago many Pennsylvanians still had a vague familiarity with Obama, a new face on the national stage. Yet if you listen to Joe Scarborough or William Shapiro, his inability to win a democratic primary in Pennsylvania somehow forebodes an inability to win the general election. David is slaying Goliath, and the "story" is that Goliath just isn't falling fast enough.

I read the police report. If the account is accurate and true, then the arrest seemed warranted and reasonable. I also think it was reasonable for Mr. Gates to be approached as the neighbor, especially since he came outside and invited the inquiry from the police officer. I don't think the officer acted stupidly at all. It appears Mr. Gates brought race into the matter, created a scene, and was deserving of police action. Yes, I believe in outrage and public protest toward police officers that operate from racial bias and misuse their power. Character assessments of the officer are relevant for those who are interested in forming an opinion, and those offered by Reuters/AP seem to reflect on him favorably.