Ouch - it's getting heated in here.
I live in PA and there are mixed emotions to Obama's comments. However, I doubt that the comments will negatively impact his voter base in the state.
But on top of the 'bitter' remarks what has caused additional stir in the Philly and Pittsburgh press is Obama's decision to not campaign in Black neighborhoods. I'm not sure I would have recommended this strategy if I was working on his campaign.
PA is an ify swing state that is very Republicrat. Voters are conservative in thought, liberal in many policies, and loyal to no party. It is one of the few states documented to have many people vote split ticket.
From what I have observed (and what insiders in his PA campaign have stated), Obama's reception in PA has been far less than what they expected. Both the Governor of PA and the Mayor of Philly are endorsing Clinton.
I think his comments may have been made out of frustration that his PA reception has been kinda lukewarm.
I have been guilty of trying to work something out in my head and then speak on it at an inappropriate time. I believe the intellectual in him was trying to understand (and rationalize to himself) why he hasn't won over PA yet. The comments were probably better for a 'closed door' discussion and he has stated that he regrets making them now.
The percentage gap is closing between him and Clinton but it's still very possible that she may win PA. I can see this fight between them going to the DNC Convention.