I am not inclined to pin Ed Rendell's statement on Hillary

I've spent a good amount of time in my life visiting Pennsylvania. Rendell's statement strikes me as about right. It would be nice to think it's changed so much, and it probably has to an extent, but "conservative whites" are probably still "conservative whites."

I did discern a pattern of racial politics in the Clinton campaign earlier. I said so and I documented what I saw happening. I stand by my interpretation of the campaign's strategy to weaken Obama's white vote by highlighting his blackness. You can agree or disagree, but it's in the past at this point and I don't think it relates to what Rendell said.

In this particular situation, common sense tells me that after all that has resulted, what Rendell said is probably the last thing Hillary wants to have to deal with at this stage of the game.

I also would point out that Rendell is a known loose lipper. He mouths off. It's his personality. He didn't say the most politic thing, but he often doesn't. However, he did say a true thing, which is there are conservative whites who won't want to vote for a black candidate. They may not want to vote for a female candidate, either.

But I don't think this falls into the category of racism, the race card, or even race politics, especially. The guy just mouthed off, in my opinion.

either, did they? But Big Ed got elected anyway. PA's political demographics are such that there are two large blue lakes of voters at either end of the state, i.e., Phillie and Pittsburgh. Then you have the conservative, religious GOPers in the middle. Those same conservatives were not ready to vote for a Jew from Phillie either, but Rendell got elected, didn't he? Pennsylvania is considered a sure thing to go blue in the general election, whoever the candidate.

Knew that he had little experience.....damn good football player though....love that black and gold!

I was working in Harrisburg at the time and saw the GOP try very hard to convince others to run against Rendell, but none of those approached thought they had a chance to beat Eddie. Swann's ego resulted in Swann believing he actually could get elected, but the GOP never provided funds for him to campaign very hard. Lobbyists only gave Swann a fraction of what they had given Ridge when Ridge ran. The state GOP directed their fundraising to their candidates for other offices. Swann had not a shred of political background or experience and couldn't handle any substantive questions from reporters or in debates.

North Alabama, better known as the "T" zone. Eddie knows Pa. all too well and speaks the truth, however these people are not going to vote for a Democrat,even if God himself was on the ticket. They still think the W was sent by god so they could keep their guns. Anyway, Mr Rendell is on the short list for VP, and this may well be a calculated move.

the "T" zone a bit.

the most retirees of anywhere in the nation (what he is likely referring to), but that doesn't make them racists just because no one thought Lynn Swann was ready for the Governor's seat.

to me retirees tend to be out of the 50's and 60's labor movement and be Democrat, plus the liberal atmosphere of the college. I was born and raised in State College and all my relatives are gun totin', bible carrin', intellectual hatin' rednecks, that is to whom I think he was referring.

is that while the rest of the country has moved past race, the rubes Saint Ed presides over haven't.

Forgive me, but I am not releasing this. I am PISSED and embarassed beyond belief.

unless in anger.

I am simply mortified that he would say that about our state.

Thanks for understanding and regardless of your/your families preferences -- lets GOTV and set some PA records this year. :thumbsup:

He has refused to have even one meeting with the union representing retired state employees to discuss Rendell's plans to strip the retirees of their Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Medicare health care insurance and switch them into some jiveass private "Medicare Advantage" program where their cost of prescription drugs will go up 50%; they will be hard put to find any doctors willing to accept LESS than the Medicare minimum; and the private insurer profits are directly proportionate to how many claims the insurers turn down; AND, the only appeals allowed are within the offices of the private insurer - can't go to Medicare to appeal. It's a nightmare right out of the Michael Moore film. I would have expected it from a GOP governor - but not a Democrat, for god's sake.

You think he's doing it to impress Clinton with how pro Big Insurance he can be?

wrong.

I am incensed.

Wrote him some "feedback" earlier today, but I am still fuming.

Yael! It would be so beautiful..instant karma~

Big Ed just brought me to a whole new level.

I am mortified that this is our Governor's characterization of my fellow residents.

Clinton a pass to ignore this time. Same as with Bill in NC. This is the lightbulb going off moment.

about why he thought hilary was the better candidate..just the projected pronouncement.

That's what I think, too.

This has happened too freaking often for it to be coincidental.

Her campaign is going down in flames, as well it should!

are the last bastion of racism in the entire US.

it onto Hillary like so many have in their posts is utter stupidity or deliberate smears.