When I first heard the snippet, I was surprised by the phrases. But then
I listened to the whole recording from San Francisco. His choice of wording was way off.  I could see people
being offended. They could easily have been misinterpreted. When I saw the response from Obama it took another
context.

In my humble opinion he was trying to say that people do not trust Washington to change their economic situation. So, instead of voting on economic promises and issues, they vote (cling) to the issues they think they can trust Washington to do something about: gun control, trade, immigration, and issues based on their religious beliefs.

Now everyone can see it differently. That's what great about America. I'll probably be referred to as a "blind" Obama supporter. But if Hillary Clinton can "mis-speak" and her supporters can overlook it, then why can't Obama have put something wrong and her supporters can't do the same? Senator Obama could have pounced on any number of gaffes by the Clinton campaign. He chose not to exploit a fellow Democrats shortfalls for his gain.

Furthermore, why is it wrong to say people are bitter about being made promises during a campaign that get forgotten as soon as that politician is voted into office? If you can't trust Washington to address economics, why is it wrong to say you turn to other issues to base your vote on?

He wasn't saying people pick up a gun, or suddenly get religion, or are against the American dream for immigrants because they're bitter. He's saying people turn to the issues they feel Washington can be trusted with. He is saying that because we already are religious, believe in the second amendment, believe in the American dream and the right of all it's citizens to prosper; that we turn to those issues because we are comfortable with them, because they speak to the values so many of us hold dear.

Senator Obama should run an ad with the video of his first response. If you look at the crowd behind him they are middle class americans. In the beginning of the speech their faces show a bit of skepticism, but a willingness to listen and "size this guy up", so to speak. By the end, they were on their feet. They related to his honest assessment of where American stands today and how it is affecting real citizens. He was mad too. Mad enough to fight for his positions without pandering to the lowest common denominator. He showed us  how he respects people, understands them and how he'll represent us. We work hard and yes, we're bitter about the status quo in Washington. We're angry that both parties make promises that they don't follow up on.

We're ready for a new kind of politics.