Getting Better, Not Bitter, in Pennsylvania


 

Publication Date: April 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Terry Miller

Research Area: Economics

Keywords: Economy; economy; Trade; employment

Type: Brief

Coverage: Pennsylvania

Abstract:

The recent firestorm over Senator Barack Obama's comments about Pennsylvania's "bitter" voters has focused on charges of condescension and on the perceived denigration of gun ownership and religion. The Senator's attitudes and tone are certainly fair game in an election year, but the more interesting issue is his facts: Are Pennsylvanians in fact "bitter?" Are there communities that have stagnated for "25 years?"Are there no jobs? Is there no hope?