We all "turn" to those things that comfort us and are familiar when we feel disenfranchised

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

That is what Obama was attempting to say. His worst mistake was using the word "cling" instead of "turn" or "take solace".

Some people take solace in religion, some take solace in gardening, some take solace in guns, some take solace in their community, etc.

I think he meant that people turn inward and make their world smaller when the government isolates and ignores them and their bread and butter issues.

Next question?

[DemVet]

1. But faith....

...is not something people "cling to" just when the going gets rough. It's something they live all of the time. That's where the offense of Senator Obama's statement comes into play.

[GodlessBiker]

3. All the time? It's common to turn to religion in tough times.

It's common for people to ask things of God in tough times, to pledge a portion of their life to God should he rescue them from their current circumstances, only to back away from that pledge if things do get better. People are funny that way.

[DemVet]

5. Some people are...

...funny that way. Back away from God when everything is fine but turn to him when the going is bad? Yes, for some people.

For others however, religion is a way of life. It is those I'm talking about.

[Blue Diadem]

6. I can't agree

That is exactly what people do when times get bad. I'm not sure why people are offended by the remark when it comes to faith because that's what people are supposed to do.

Cling isn't a bad word.

[dansolo]

2. He should have been more vague

Instead of naming specific issues, which people have been able to spin as him criticizing the issues themselves, he should have stated it vaguely. The problem isn't with the word "cling". If he had said it like you did (e.g. "cling to things that comfort us and are familiar") than there would have been no controversy.

[keep_it_real]

4. When Obama said "cling" he was actually referring to "Wedge Issues"

That prevent people from voting on the real economic issues like health care. So people lose faith in politicians who talk about economic issues and focus and "cling" to the "wedge issues" like abortion right, prayer in school which are religious issues, or gun control, or immigration, etc.

The real issue he was trying to say but did a bad job was about wedge issues, which all the TV pundits understand but refuse to tell the people this is what he was getting at.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

7. You're right. He was referring to wedge issues

But why are wedge issues, wedge issues?

Because they are the unchanging views that people do cling to when all else is in turmoil. In that sense,you're right - the word cling is appropriate.

I find Obama refreshing because he is willing to have discussions as opposed to talking points. That is what Hillary doesn't get. She is old school, he is new school.

Obama seemed to be saying, we need to break through to those people whose sole issues are the ones you noted. I think he is having more success than we even know.

The old way clearly has not worked.