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Cameras line up for Rednecks for Obama

Posted: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 7:04 PM
Filed Under:

By David Friedman, msnbc.com photojournalist

Tony Viessman and Les Spencer, both from Rolla, Mo., may need to hire their own press agent before they leave Denver. I passed their position several times today and each time they were being filmed, photographed and interviewed by different people. I couldn’t resist asking Viessman myself – why does he think they’re attracting so much attention?

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Rednecks for Obama?????  NO WAY.  This man is merely a publicity stunt.   No redneck would even considering voting for that man, they are exactly the opposite of what this character Obama is.  What a joke.  Ridiculous

Beverly (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 11:36 PM)

If Obama is smart, he would go out and meet these folks.  Great photo ops for the campaign.  Sure, its pandering but picture worth a thousand votes!

Fred from San Jose, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:30 AM)

Well, I am a redneck and I'm voting for Obama too!!!
My personal opinion is that the Republicans have been letting too many rich and greedy folks at the trough to feed.  Those cats are fat enough - it's time for the rest of us to get a turn. Go Obama Go !!!!

Redneck Gal (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 8:04 AM)

Rednecks and Obama go together just like oil and water. They'll never mix. Those men may say they're rednecks, but I'll guarantee that they do not have a drop of redneck blood in their veins.

Benny Valentine, Cross City, FL (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 8:04 AM)

English translation of Beverly's comment:
"Rednecks for Obama????? NO WAY. This man is merely a publicity stunt. No redneck would even consider voting for a "black" man, they are exactly the opposite for what "race" Obama is. What a joke. Ridiculous."  Thanks for clearing that up Bev :) , but most of America already assumed they all think like you, thats why this is getting so much press because it shows they don't.

The Obvious, VA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 8:09 AM)

These guys see the reality of the future this country cant survive much longer as long as racism is primary force of peoples attitudes in this coutry, If football teams and basketball teams are all black why cant we have a black president.

Marvin Higgins (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 8:13 AM)

At least two guys from the South who embrace decency and intelligence - they could teach their fellow Southerners a few things.  You go Rednecks for Obama!!!

Linda, Salty Lake City, utah (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:50 AM)

It's funny! I hope that one day we can put color & culture behind us and look at real issues. We are ALL one people and need to move ahead. One day our predecessors are going to ponder about our mindset that has lasted for too long.

AStudent (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:55 AM)

Wow, folks, stereotype much?  Makes me ashamed to call myself a liberal if other liberals are saying this, since I THOUGHT liberals were supposed to be against stereotyping!

Why can't "rednecks" vote for Obama?  Maybe they're just tired of Republicans infringing on their rights?

Karen H, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:01 PM)

It's not his race, it's the economy.

Jerome Simpson, Milwaukee,WI (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:01 PM)

montana rednecks are not your average down south I hate black people red necks.

Rob (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:03 PM)

For too long the Republican party has relied on racism to win their elections. Well here's a bit of "Redneck Wisdom";Even your dog will turn on you when he figures out you're stealing his food.

Lady Redneck, Nashville TN (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:04 PM)

Why not say REDNECKS for higher taxes and more government control...or REDNECKS for socialism....that is the real message....

a real redneck TN (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:05 PM)

I'm a country boy from Alabama now living in North Carolina and I'm voting for Obama. The republican party is totally committed to lining the pockets of the wealthy elite and that automatically excludes me and anyone like me. It's time for a change alright!!!!

Don W. Tryon, North Carolina (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:09 PM)

I'm a Redneck too.  I'm voting for Obama.  

Misty Tallahassee, Florida (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:12 PM)

IT'S REDNECKS FOR OBAMA NOT RACISTS FOR OBAMA!

Not a Redneck or a Racist, Kansas City, KS (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:26 PM)

Is is amazing that it is 2008 and that there still is racism. Sad that people won't vote based on the fact that he is black. I was eating out with my daughter the other night and the Olymics were on the t.v. and the father of the family at the table near us got annoyed at this son for watching and made a comment about China that just shocked me. Serously,... why?

Stephanie White (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:30 PM)

Redneck equals blue collar, hardworking folk (hence, red neck from working in the sun), not racist, ignorant, or inbred.  The definition has become twisted by elitists like Obama.  I am sure there are a lot of rednecks (which would include hard working blacks) that are going to vote for Obama.  I will not be one of them...

Ed Roche (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:33 PM)

Football teams being all black (not quite) makes the great argumment for a black president  -  NO WONDER Obama is going to lose all 50 states with thinking like that.  Hey if all race car drivers are red-necks why not a red-neck president.

Paul, Boston (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:34 PM)

The term redneck is not synonymous with racist or stupid.  The man merely chooses to embrace the term endearingly and frankly, it kicks ass that he made the trip to Denver to support his man.    

person (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:34 PM)

I will never understand why rednecks or anyone else thinks the Republican party cares about middle class people.  The Republicans give all the tax breaks to the people making over 250,000 a year and nothing to you and me.  I'm for Obama and Democrats who actually have given medical insurance to young kids this year as just one example.  Couldn't get much else done since they did not have a veto proof majority and Bush vetoed all sorts of plans to help the middle class.  McCain voted against giving increased benefits to military people including college benefits for Iraqi soldiers.  Why anyone would support McCain who has no plans beyond Bush, is beyond me.

arizona gal (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:37 PM)

Benny, did you listen to the video?  The one who spoke is a good ol' boy if I ever heard one.  I've heard lots of rednecks say they are voting Obama.  We have lots of rednecks here in Texas.

Jerry, Austin TX (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:39 PM)

ok so you people are just a lil bit over the top on a lot of things. First off it's always going to be a race issue because the world doesn't want to see it in any other way. People think this is about who the best man for the job is and i know that is what it is suppose to be but it isn't.  you know rednecks might be from the south but if you don't know what the rebel flag stands for than you need history lessons. The flag has nothing to do with racism. who cares if all sports teams or white or black talent lies within a person not their color. When the time comes i will vote for the better man wether it be McCain or Obama.  Set better examples for our children if racism is such a big issue now than help stop before we let it take over our children.  this is suppose to be a country of FREEDOM & PEACE. thank you i hope we can vote for the right man and not because of race.  

An American , USA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:41 PM)

"English translation of Beverly's comment:
"Rednecks for Obama????? NO WAY. This man is merely a publicity stunt. No redneck would even consider voting for a "black" man, they are exactly the opposite for what "race" Obama is. What a joke. Ridiculous."  Thanks for clearing that up Bev :) , but most of America already assumed they all think like you, thats why this is getting so much press because it shows they don't. "

It has nothing to do with race, The Oblivious in VA, and it's shamefull to see that is what the Obama supporters have clung to so tightly this year. I would vote for Condy Rice or Colin Powell without hesitation, but I will never vote for anyone as far left as he is. I don't think I could afford it.

jp ca (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:41 PM)

I thought in America people vote based on the issues at stake.  I did not know that it is the same as in Africa where issues notwithstanding, your tribe or sect will determine whose vote you get.  If Rednecks vote for Obama it will reflect the fact that America is more enlightened.  If not then we should stop declaring africa as primitive.   May be, we are the same.

emmanuel, (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:43 PM)

I don't consider myself a Redneck, but I was born and have lived in the South all my life.  So I know a few Rednecks.  The glow in the dark Rednecks would vote for Satan before they'd vote for a Black man.  Heck, most would vote for a woman before a Black man (barely)(Satan might edge a woman out).  The South has been "Republican" for this very reason.  Apparently people simply don't understand that.  For a Redneck, McCain is "change" because he isn't Bush--that simple.  I'd be amazed if Obama wins any southern state.

Dawn Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:44 PM)

I am A Redneck DAV. and a regstered Dem. Will I vote for Obama? NO. The way he jumps back and forth on all Issues, he does not know himself what he stands for. Mccain is a DAV. and he understands what we go through when we try and get the Benefits that we are entitled to as a Veteran.

Huggybear. Missouri (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:48 PM)

Next we will have Fetuses for Obama and Gun Owners for Obama.  I know everyone will believe that too.

Lonnie King Hillsville, VA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:49 PM)

Race has nothing to do with it as far as I'm concerned. It's the fact that he is in support of taking from you and me, the middle class, and giving it to the low lifes that won't work and provide for themselves. I believe in helping people, but they have to do something to contribute, stay in school and stop having babies they can't take care of.

carol, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:49 PM)

The only reason any redneck would vote for macain is they have closed thier minds to what is in thier best interest.  McSame's policies help the rich not normal folks,  he is so out of touch with what it means to be a regular person in america (7 houses) he actually thinks the econemy is in good shape.  I do not see what any of his 'redneck' supporters have in common with him besides color.   If you want to make his buddies richer, if you want higher gas prices, if you are happy with no medical coverage, go ahead stick with the old man.  There is a group of us who have opened our eyes, we are voting for our families and the future of our country and that means Obama.  
Go ahead and vote for the old man, but do not tell me who I should be voting for cause redneck does not mean republican, we can't aford it anymore.

Brent (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:50 PM)

Redneck is a derogatory term and shows that people adopt terms of endearment to cope with socially acceptable bigotry that's leveled at them. It should not be used.

Joe Young, South Carolina (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:54 PM)

Everyone is welcome to join Barack Obama at the table! It doesn't matter what group, what party, what religion, everyone is welcome at the table!

mark (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:56 PM)

Its not about rednecks voting for Obama, or about race. Take a look at the important inssues. Obama clams to be a Christian and doesnt even know where he is going when he dies. We have forgotten in God we trust is what this nation was founded on. Go McCain!

Karrie Henderson, Tx (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:00 PM)

phleeasee..people are quick to say they are ready for a change but the reality is, some people will vote for obama just to get the republicans out of the presidential catagory,but...half of those people will only vote for obama because of "the change" and still be blinded about what this man actually represents and stands for.  

southerngirl houma,la (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:01 PM)

I am glad that you are able to speak for all rednecks Beverly. For a minute I thought one of the great things about America is that we have the right to think for ourselves. I mistakenly thought if you had a group of rednecks together they might not agree on everything.  Bev, I guess you believe that rednecks are simple, one-dimentional, walking stereotypes who lack the cognizant ability to think for themselves. The only joke is people like you who think they have the omnipotence to know who everyone else thinks.

J-Dog (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:02 PM)

Sure REDNECK can mix with Black..just like red strawberry flavor with black chocolate/coffee..nothing wrong. It's just color on your skin...what matter is how you use your brain.  

Asiana (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:04 PM)

This black/white thing is just what the right wing wants you to think about. Not the families who are homeless, while they bail out the banks. Not the broken social security mess. Not the young men and woman coming home broken or in body bags from a war that is a lie. Not the terribly high profits the oil companies have made out of your wallets. Not the continuing job losses that are going overseas. Not the high cost of living because of the high oil prices. Not that the rich are getting richer every day and you're not. Not the failing education system, in desperate need of money. Not that they want to keep a war going that your kids will have to die in. Not the lies that continue to come from the media. It's much better to bicker about color. Why would anyone want to change all this?

Rick, Denver (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:06 PM)

The term "Redneck" does not neccessarily mean "racist". Sure, there are rednecks who are racist, just like there are executive racists.  Heck, there are even executive rednecks and African-American rednecks.  Let's keep it simple, people and stop making such broad value judgments on a group of people based on the color of their skin, their socio-economic group or what region of the country they are from.  I think we're all pretty sick of war mongering, bad foreign policy and weak economics,and as a nation we are hungry for a change.

Jennifer, South Carolina (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:06 PM)

Redneck or not, black or not, I am positive that the majority of people see Obama's sincerity and THAT'S what they are supporting. Is it not a wonder that a group of people who have been known (in some groups) to be, shall we say, unsupportive of fellow Americans that are black, can see past their prejudice, their opinions, their stigmas, and are seeing Obama for what he is and moreover what he stands for? It moves me to my core...this entire process has been eye opening and  has certainly renewed my faith in my neighbors, friends, family, and strangers. Whether Obama is to be president or not I am certain that he has inspired a number of changes and in fact has awoken a dormant feeling in all of us Americans...Yes, it is time for a change. And if there is any country that could make such a change...WE are part of it.

Ashley S., Roseville, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:13 PM)

TO those Dems calling REPS fat cats:
HOW MANY leadership DEMS are SKINNY?

Jamie Marshall Texas (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:15 PM)

NOOOOoooo! Noway! I am a true redneck and live in a cowtown and NOWAY would anyone vote for him..he is out to raise taxes on all of the unsuspecting people that does not know how he votes..if any of you knew how he really thinks and what he really votes for then you would not vote for him either..he speaks out of both sides of his mouth and says to the voter "I am for you!" then he goes in and votes against you...people do your homework and open your eyes he speaks well but just wait...taxes are going to be out of the world high.

Okeefilly (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:21 PM)

Content, character, not the color of ones skin!  It's time to expel ignorance and get on with ensuring the survival, betterment, and prosperity of this OUR country!

Jimmy L., Jacksonville, FL (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:23 PM)

Obama's a post turtle. you ask what that is, well in Texas it is a turtle on a fence post just paddling away. You know he didn't climp up there, you know he don't belong there and you wonder who the fool was that put him there to begin with. Thats a post turtle

Curtis Caffey (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:24 PM)

I AM A REDNECK WOMAN. I AM NOT VOTING FOR OBAMA BECAUSE HE DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH EXPERIENCE, NOT BECAUSE HE IS BLACK. I DON'T LIKE MCCAIN EITHER, BUT AT LEAST HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND HAS HAD YEARS OF TRAINING THAT WILL HELP HIM LEAD THE USA!!

KRIS, PITTSVILLE, MD (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:25 PM)

What a prejudice bunch you all are.  Redneck means racist and stupid as much as Jewish means rich and penny-pinching.  Obama is for the common man and that is how rednecks see themselves.  For those people who work hard and are too tired to follow politics, other that what is being fed to them on the radio as they work during the day, they often don’t get the full picture of who Obama really is.  I live in the land of Rednecks and Obama is finding growing support here, especially with those who have relatives in the military. As we say in the south, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Carrie McCormick, Shreveport, LA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:27 PM)

I am not a redneck, but I am smart enough
NOT to vote for Obama!!!! Wouldn't dare vote
for a Dem!! However, Obama may have just put
a proverbial nail in his coffin for NOT
picking Hil!

Michael Prince, Stockbridge, GA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:28 PM)

Have to agree with Bennie and Bev - I don't believe these characters are authentic.  Rednecks, and I am not one BTW, are proud, hardworking people.  They just don't have anything in common with Obama.

Kudos to the PR firm that thought of this, though.  It's all about creating 'buzz'.  The triumph of marketing over common sense.  Obviously it worked, as MSNBC ran this video.

The Donald (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:29 PM)

HA! Benny, did you listen to the video? did you hear that man talk? He is all redneck. To prove my point even more, do you know where Rolla, Mo. is? Its a town of about 16,000, which compared to the next biggest town is humongous (I should know I grew up 7 minutes away in St. James) Additionally, St. Louis is about 2 hours away, Kansas City is 4 hours away, Springfield, Mo is 2 hours away and Jefferson City is about an hour and a half away. Basically, Rolla is ALL country. Everyone from around there has at least a little redneck in em, whoever they choose to vote for!

MJ (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:30 PM)

I think its beautiful , very encouraging to see a man not place his net value in life on his race but to view  his own personal life style as a issue that can be affected by the politics of the day. There is hope for this country still from slavery to jim crow laws Americans take a while but they always seem to get there eventually, its another brick in the fortress that will preserve the american way of life.

b conley (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:30 PM)

This is hysterical!  I grew up near Rolla, MO and things are a changin' in that part of the world.  Good for them. Whether it is a stunt or not, it is pretty clever.

KCMO, Warrensburg, MO (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:33 PM)



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