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Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:00 AM

Why don't those hillbillies like Obama?

Obama's "Appalachian problem" is a symptom of his party's larger "rural problem." But a new poll offers hope for the fall -- provided the Democrats show rural voters some respect.

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  • Monday, May 19, 2008 10:40 PM

    @ByrdMarshall

    If this is the way you feel, then prepare to lose.

    It's not just a matter of numbers; the Republicans are already exploring the messages they will use in Appalachia, and how they will leverage the program elsewhere. Sure, you can write off the voters of Appalachia, in the comfort of your home office as racists; the Repugs will take your responses into their 72-, 36- and 24-hour task forces, and guarantee your loss among people who were leaning toward Obama. But as you said, no big deal. He only has to be the president of the coastal elites.

    Then watch as they replicate the strategy with every other group the Dems don't know how to talk to ... veterans, immigrants who are not homogenous in their opinions about immigration reform, pro-life Democrats, evangelicals who are leaning Democrat for the first time ... and you can watch your margins walk out the door and say hello to President McCain.

    To think otherwise is hubris. You think Obama has the other votes in the bag? Don't be too sure about it. Or, don;t be so sure that you can;t climb down off your high horse and engage with other people who are ready and willing to vote Dem and support this candidate after he gets in office, if only his supporters can stop condescending long enough to ask for their vote.

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