Guys in Overalls Surprise Obama
EmailABC News’ Teddy Davis and Nancy Flores Report: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama expressed a mixture of surprise and delight Tuesday that the guys "in overalls" whom he is meeting while campaigning in rural Iowa are asking him about Burma — not corn.
"One of the great pleasures of running for president has been, you know, to go to some tiny town in Iowa and you’ve got some guy in overalls and a seed hat say, ‘what do you think about the situation in Burma?’
You know, and you think he is going to ask you about corn — and he asks you about Burma," said Obama, provoking laughter from the New Hampshire audience. "But that happens all the time."
Watch Obama’s comments here:
Obama made his comments during a foreign-policy forum in Portsmouth, N.H., on how to "restore America’s leadership in the world."
The Illinois senator was joined at the panel discussion by several foreign-policy experts including former Clinton National Security Advisor Anthony Lake who is now advising Obama.
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Really Dennis? What a shameful thing to say.
The fact that Obama was talking to a farmer in Iowa, and he was surpirsed by the gentlemens question, has nothing to do with being racist…
I’m white as a ghost and I would be surprised by being asked a question about Burma from ANYONE, WHITE or BLACK in overalls and a seed hat.
Where’s the outrage? People like you who naturally twist stories like this to try and stir up some sort of racially grounded outrage ARE the outrage.
Posted by: Jebfrey | November 27, 2007, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
I’m with Barack… folks in tiny, small towns asking a presidential candidate about their opinion about a country in turmoil 8,000 miles away…
Cool… overalls and seed cap aside… Americans do care!
Cool!
Posted by: Cate | November 27, 2007, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
I was using the black “thing” as how obviously stupid that assumption would be. I would not do that just like a presidential candidate (not you or I) should not assume because of appearence that someone is not informed about the world.
Posted by: Dennis | November 27, 2007, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
It was always about prejudice.. it was the best example I could think of at the time. And prejudice is not the same rasist
Posted by: Dennis | November 27, 2007, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
**And prejudice is not the same as being racist
Posted by: Dennis | November 27, 2007, 7:33 pm 7:33 pm
Dennis makes a point there. You are offended by the presumption of Dennis’ racism but not offended by Obama’s assumption that the only intelligent thought a guy in overall’s can have is about corn? If I’m the guy in overall’s I’m pretty offended. The conversation has to go both ways.
Posted by: John | November 27, 2007, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
Thank you John for understanding and expressing my point better than I
Posted by: Dennis | November 27, 2007, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm
Obama made a remark about a man in overalls from an IOWA farming town where CORN is “THE” crop and one of the major points of contention in our country’s quest for renewable energy sources and is therefore a major discussion point in Iowa. So, yeah, I think it is ok for him to be PLEASANTLY surprised by a question about Burma from someone in corn country. Or from anyone in this nation for that matter. He is basically complimenting Iowan’s for their political acumen and informing his audience that if these corn farmers in Iowa who are busy trying to figure out how to fuel and feed our nation can find the time to think about other places in the world, perhaps it is not so difficult a task for the rest of us.
And, the statement that associating crack and black people is not racist is suspect at the very least.
Posted by: Anthony | November 27, 2007, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
I think Dennis has a point. But since it was said in a lighter vein we could let it go…so Chill ppl:)
Posted by: Aziz | November 27, 2007, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
this is news???????????
Posted by: Jackson | November 27, 2007, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
Responding to: Sounds a bit prejudiced to me, I mean I know when a black guy walks up to me he must want to sell crack, just like a guy in overalls must want to talk about corn. Where’s the outrage?
Please he was in Iowa talking to FARMERS. Get a grip!
fOR intelligent,educated Foreign Policy Forum go to:
OBAMA ’08
Posted by: Robin | November 27, 2007, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
He was in Iowa,CORN country talking to CORN farmers. That’s why he might think a man in farming attire in CORN country might ask about CORN. If the man was in Berkeley, with a free Tibet T-shirt on, or worked at the U.N., he might not have been so surprised. It was an odd juxtoposition(I believe).
Posted by: Anthony | November 27, 2007, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
i think Obama needs to not judge people. I didn’t think the man in the overalls was necessarily white, but i am offended that Obama would think that a farmer would be less educated or less concerned about political issues than himself. you shouldn’t judge people by how they look and that is exactly what he did. i’ll bet he wouldn’t expect a question about economic policy from an 18 year old college student with blue hair. he needs to wake up and stop labeling people.
Posted by: abi | November 27, 2007, 8:35 pm 8:35 pm
I am very impressed with Obama, he sounds so sincere and genuine. If I weren’t voting for Ron Paul, I would seriously think about Obama
Posted by: Tess, California | November 27, 2007, 8:52 pm 8:52 pm
He was in NEW HAMPSHIRE, at a FOREIGN POLICY FORUM, discussing the restoration of America’s leadership in the world. How do those two things correlate? Turn the conversation around. Just because a guy is in overalls doesn’t mean he’s a farmer with no political intelligence outside of corn just as the black guy walking through the projects isn’t necessarily going to sell you crack. Just because it seems obvious doesn’t make it true.
Posted by: John | November 27, 2007, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm
I agree with Dennis. I think there are some general assumptions made about places like Iowa. One being that the state is a rural population, which has other implications as well. So being in a rural state, Iowans are predisposed to want to discuss “rural” things. I’m sure that most Iowans, and most Iowans are not farmers, are more concerned with various issues, not corn. Another situation that could invoke similar feelings would be if a candidate was speaking to a poor single mother, the intuition would be to expect questions about government welfare programs. But when the women instead asks about how the candidate will improve relations with France, some may be surprised. This is a matter of stereotypes and assumptions we as a country make about people based on their appearences.
Posted by: ashley | November 27, 2007, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
Gosh, guys! Maybe the “farmers” in overalls are really Swift Boat Republicans transplanted to Iowa to ask impertinent questions about Burma just to muddy the water that floats their boats.
Posted by: Michael E. Maus | November 27, 2007, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Obama demonstrates perfectly in this video why he is not qualified to be president. He pretends to be the every day average citizens best friend, but in reality has’nt a clue what you or I think or feel. His remarks were not only in poor taste ans border line inflamatory, but they were condescending. I hope Iowans see this video and Obama is exposed for the hypocrite he really is. Hillary Clinton may not be perfect, but she is sincere when she says she wants to help all Americans. her health care proposal and education agenda is not just a campaign ploy, but a true desire to reach the average American citizen. Wake up Democrats. Hillary is the real candidate for change, baggage and all she is more real and honest than anyone ou there.
Posted by: Robert John Kellogg | November 27, 2007, 10:06 pm 10:06 pm
It sounded to me like a positive report that hardworking folks are up on the issues affecting the world at large.
I’m sure the commentators above would find it wholly unremarkable to be chatted up about Burma by corn farmers in Iowa, and would have taken it in stride. Maybe you all should run next time around. Meanwhile I’m with Barack, I think it’s very cool and encouraging.
Posted by: Brendan | November 27, 2007, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
It is an insult not only to the farmers in Iowa but to the entire Iowa population to be stereotyped and underestimated by Obama the nincompoop as only thinking about “corn”. This is discrimination and I hope Iowa wouldn’t be dumb to support this man who happens to be an ignorant buffoon.
Posted by: Troy | November 27, 2007, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
I think this shows EXACTLY why Obama is not qualified to be president. That he makes such generalizations about people (and thinks it’s funny) shows a complete lack of understanding about the people in this country. What a jerk. Just because someone is in overalls doesn’t mean they don’t watch CNN and just because someone is in a 3 piece suit doesn’t mean they know anything more than what’s on CNBC.
Posted by: Wendy | November 27, 2007, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
Is he saying country folk only care about corn? What an insult!
Posted by: Ryan | November 27, 2007, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
So, Mr Obama tries to break the ice with some self-effacing humor: He confesses his own prejudice about people in overalls. And then he moves the conversation on to real topics.
And, what do you people do? Crucify him on a shish-kabob, as usual.
Posted by: Gary Goldbladt | November 27, 2007, 11:06 pm 11:06 pm
I don’t know how anyone could be offended by this. I grew up in rural Missouri near Iowa, the same kind of country, and I can tell you it would be pretty uncommon for someone in overalls to even have HEARD of Burma. Then once in a while you run across a farmer who’s a former college professor and speaks five languages or something, or just one who has a family tradition of valuing education and staying well-informed. It’s neat that Obama’s finding more people like that than most of us would guess… including those who have lived in the area and met a heck of a lot of guys in overalls.
Posted by: Jason | November 27, 2007, 11:39 pm 11:39 pm
People these days people don’t think anymore. Brainwashing is how people function these days. Example – I have heard people say ” The people that are running the country now are idiots” Yet five minutes later they say this is the greatest country in the world. Well if the people in office were idiots we wouldn’t be the greatest country in the World. Just something to think about…
Posted by: Mike Davis | November 27, 2007, 11:44 pm 11:44 pm
Let’s face it. Any candidate would be surprised to receive a question about Myanmar(Burma) from anyone except someone from foreign services or from a news organization. ‘Burma’ has been in the news a few weeks ago but has not been on the top 20 things concerning Americans.
Posted by: J Albert | November 27, 2007, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
Do you guys know what amazes me? It’s how the question of Democrat or Republican is ripping our nation to shreds. It is driving a wedge between everyone. I think that it’s sad how immature ALL of us have become. This nation has forgotten how to agree to disagree. If I may quote President Lincoln saying that “A house divided against itself can not stand”. I do not mean to imply that this nation is on the road to armed civil war. I would like to think that this is improbable and impossible. However, I do mean to imply that it almost feels that this nation is no longer one nation, but two at war with each other and it is all based on competition between two political parties that were never intended by our forefathers to exist. This nation needs something that can not be made into a political football that we can all rally around and learn to become one nation again…
Posted by: Chuck | November 27, 2007, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm
This is a silly discussion! Of course there are a lot of qualified candidates — Obama is one of them. I’m exhausted by the manipulators of language and the individuals fighting for angles to put candidates in a bad light. Just exhausting and please stop it — I think most of us are tired of it. Obama is simply trying to mention snapshots of people he encounters to get through the primarys.
Posted by: Brian | November 28, 2007, 12:18 am 12:18 am
get a message to Obama whose one of the most intelligent and likable men I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing talking about issues, don’t go there. People are soooo quick to believe the worst of an African american man. So they will twist your words Obama. WE all know they were innocent, but people are jaded and suspicious and rightly so. So don’t group anyone together in anyway or xpress surprise that ANYONE acts a particular way different than you expected. The PC people are panting waiting to tear you down about it.
Anyone who can tell Obama this tell him NOW.
Posted by: lynn | November 28, 2007, 12:23 am 12:23 am
Reality check people,,,anything that can be said to twist a political canidates words can and will be done!
Frankly I grew up in Kansas and now live in Tenn so I have seen plenty of the guys in overalls. The fact is that corn IS a major issue in todays political climates as its production and development of newer ways to use it can greatly affect this countries economic and mechanical future. So I have to say hearing an Iowa farmer ask about Burma in a political climate that is hurting him here at home actually shocks this average white woman as well. Not because I believe farmers to be ignorant in any way but because so many Americans are so self oriented that I am impressed by anyone nowadays getting a chance to ask the hard question of a major political canidate and not focusing on their own agenda!
Posted by: Suzan | November 28, 2007, 1:00 am 1:00 am
How can we trust a man who thinks appearances display a persons knowledge and awareness of current issues. People have different looks all over the world and if he says this in Iowa what is to stop him from saying it outside of America and what outcome would we get? Women in Arab countries wear Abaya’s and men wear the white Muslim outfit (what ever its called) would he expect certain questions just because they are not ordinarily dressed?
Posted by: henry | November 28, 2007, 1:32 am 1:32 am
I find it odd that Obama claims to have such worldwide experiences,and resides in the state of illinois, which is not far from Iowa, is suprised to find out that farmers have other questions besides corn. He is sooo.. diconnected from his own neighbors. Barack Obama is certainly no Abe Lincoln!
Posted by: redsolomon | November 28, 2007, 2:39 am 2:39 am
It seems to me many americans would love
to drown in this pool of political correctness. A simple statement by a
politician is turned into a spin.No
wonder why most of them choose not to answer tough questions.Obama is a humble
guy and i believe it was a pleasant surprise on his part to be asked a question
on an issue that is far from home.We all
make assumptions at some point and it does not mean we have a low opinion on other people.
Posted by: alex | November 28, 2007, 5:12 am 5:12 am
what the heck is a seed hat?
Posted by: lesh | November 28, 2007, 5:54 am 5:54 am
Unfortunately, going to be endless attempts to frame and parse the comments from all and miss the forest altogether while at it !! Think he was pointing out that folks are NOT as UNAWARE of issues outside of the confines of their immediate enviroment, ot as self centered or unaware how what happens elsewhere effects and affects us all in various ways one way or another.
Can only presume perhaps a segment will take it that NONE are to speak but in CRAFTED sound bytes that will be innocuolous and innoculate them from others being able to descern WHAT they meant or truly thought or anything other than ability to parse in such ways that allows them to sit on a fence and be considered leaning in the current wind to whatever position the audience desires and WANTS to perceive….This keeps being seemed the case, all way too cautious to actually STATE something or other for fear of being taken out of context and used as ammo AGAINST….Perhaps should review how Bush got perceived support due to perceivement that right or wrong at least he stayed his course /stayed his decision and did NOT question nor change direction no matter how warranted(and refused to learn something or other that would validate why to change “decision/mind/stance” for GOOD to excellent reasonings which = inability to admit a wrong and hence unable to correct course for ego won’t let such happen as MUST remain steadfast/’decisive”. committed, etc, etc,etc…uh, throw in a “gagarinoing GAG here !!) !!!!
Posted by: Bozly | November 28, 2007, 7:59 am 7:59 am
Guess BO didn’t think too much of farmers to begin with if that question surprises him. Funny, if you asked people on the streets in Chicago about Burma, I bet the number of people who know about the genocide there would be about the same. Maybe BO just expected to see a bunch of hicks from “Petticoat Junction” or maybe “Hooterville”. Who knows why he’s so prejudiced?
Posted by: TexBork | November 28, 2007, 9:45 am 9:45 am
he expected what was reasonable to expect of anyone of any community, that their first question wopuld be about an issue that directly affected them and their community.
Posted by: Louis | November 28, 2007, 10:36 am 10:36 am
Well Well,Well……..Here we go again we have a hard time dealing with an honest reaction. I am suprise that as a group your attempt to make hay out of a straight forward honest comment and imply “Racism” on the part of the Senator for his comments. I guess I would truly be suprised if the comments reflected more intelligence on the part of the writers.
Posted by: murl41 | November 28, 2007, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
When commenting on any candidate’s response to a question I think it might be helpful to actually give the question that was asked. An audience member asked what Obama would do to make Americans more attentive and in tune with the world outside of our borders. Obama’s said in reply that he thinks that Americans are more in tune with the rest of the world than given credit.
Posted by: rmb | November 28, 2007, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
I haven’t bothered to read most of the argument going on here — but I too would be surprised that someone in the middle of a field with their own problems of farm, town, state etc would be concerned about Burma as well — I think it is probably one of the best learning experiences of being “on the road”
Posted by: Paulet | November 28, 2007, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
Where is the humor in people, trying to complainting people or famers that they are not only concern about their being a famer but that they know what is happened in the world. I like the question and the response Obama gave to the audience.He is saying has politician they should not think for people. Everyone is concern about something that concerns them. So lay of the racist talk. All we talk about this days is racist. Has race being an issue in any hopefull president primary campaign or presidential campaign?. What a shame
Posted by: foday | November 28, 2007, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
WOW!! The HRC supporters are starting to get a little testy. I like that!!
Posted by: waleeg | November 28, 2007, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
It seems like Obama is acting like our current President….. Naive, ignorant, and elitist… hmmm Are his true colors starting to reveal themselves?
Is his facade crumbling..? alas not, however the media makes hype of nothing..
But if he wants to be President almost EVERYTHING MATTERS. So stop whining we must subject the future president to the utmost scrutiny……!
Posted by: Poser | November 29, 2007, 8:02 am 8:02 am
ARROGANCE!!! Any presidentilal candidate should be ready for any question about anything. Obama’s comment reveals that he expects very little from who he sees as little people–and is blown away when he learns that they actually read the daily paper. In Indiana, in the middle of corn country, we read the paper from start to finish–EVERY DAY.
Posted by: Tricia | April 15, 2008, 11:52 am 11:52 am
Man, I just don’t who I’d rather have a beer with yet…..
Posted by: Jake | May 7, 2008, 10:44 am 10:44 am