Once again, the perilously low levels of public debate in America, and our inability to accept any sort of ambiguity or put politicians’ remarks into a broader context, have become abundantly clear. And Barack Obama is in the crosshairs.

There are four distinct issues with “cling-gate,” Obama’s ill-chosen phrasing of an answer to the question (asked of him at a San Francisco fundraiser) of why he’s been struggling to win over voters in rural, Midwestern areas.

1. It lumps together things Barack Obama wants us to think he thinks are good (religion) with things he thinks are bad (antipathy). Such ambiguity and complex parallelism are difficult to extricate one’s self from.
2. Even if Obama wasn’t doing so, the unfortunate wording he chose sounds to some like he’s accusing Pennsylvanians of racism.
3. He seems to contradict himself numerous times.
4. He seems more condescending and indignant at the criticism his comments set off, than interested in putting them into the proper context.

The problem with Obama’s statements - made to a group of supporters, about why he is having trouble making inroads in Pennsylvania and similar states - is that the line about clinging to guns and religion will come across as insulting to many, calling attention away from a sweeping social commentary Obama is making.

Growing up outside an Upstate New York city that peaked a quarter-century ago, and just minutes from the border of a rural Pennsylvania county, Barack Obama’s comments about the Keystone State resonated with this blogger.

After decades marred by job losses and mistreatment / abandonment by the coal companies and other manufacturers that once made up the backbone of the local economy, it’s foolish to think that many residents are not bitter.

The harsh reality is that huge swaths of Pennsylvania have been hit hard for the past 30 years, bypassed by prosperity that swept much of the nation. When one feels betrayed, or left behind by government, one is naturally skeptical, cynical.

I was fortunate enough to enjoy a comfortable, middle-class upbringing in my hometown, but many friends - and friends of friends - were not.

When the times get tough, especially for reasons beyond our control, the natural inclination is to point fingers, blame others. Act as if the system is holding you back, and become particular distrustful of outsiders, of government in general.

Growing up around it, I’ve witnessed these inherent attitudes many times. I don’t mention it as an attack on any Americans, but to shine the light on the long-term, tangible social ramifications of economic decline and rural poverty.

These are the underlying truths, and why Barack Obama must work harder to win support in Rust Belt cities and rural parts of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and my native Upstate New York than he does in other parts of the United States.

He’s an atypical politician, an “elitist” (a popular and condescending way of saying he’s honest and intelligent), an unfamiliar name and face with a radically different approach to politics. It’s the central theme of the Democratic race.

As President, he would likely do more in the best interests of these depressed areas than either of his remaining competitors. But will he get the chance?

John McCain, who will continue the failed George W. Bush economic policies that have devastated the middle class, was quick to call Obama “out of touch.”

Hillary Clinton, who ought to understand these social dynamics better than most, given her father’s roots in the Scranton area, instead saw a political opening and piled it on, echoing McCain’s talking points and lowering the bar.

Obama’s challenge: Countering the collateral damage of these poorly-chosen remarks by showing Pennsylvanians what he’s trying to make happen for them, rather than self-righteously dwelling on the media and his rivals’ outrage.

Amid a firestorm of scrutiny over his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama elevated the debate with “A More Perfect Union.” With eight days to go until the Pennsylvania primary, he must do so again. The clock is ticking.