It's not surprising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.

In this quote, Barack Obama addresses the frustration and disillusionment that many individuals in society feel, particularly those who may be struggling economically or socially. By saying, "It's not surprising, then, they get bitter," Obama acknowledges that these feelings of bitterness are a natural response to perceived injustice or loss. His statement suggests that when people feel powerless or marginalized, they often seek out scapegoats or cling to certain ideologies (such as guns, religion, or anti-immigrant sentiment) as a way to make sense of their anger or confusion. These beliefs, although not necessarily the root cause of their frustrations, can serve as outlets for emotions that are otherwise difficult to process.

The quote also points to the tendency of individuals to attach themselves to identity markers like religion, guns, or an us-versus-them mentality. Obama implies that these symbolic issues—such as anti-trade sentiment or hostility toward people "not like them"—often serve as distractions or explanations for deeper economic and social frustrations. In essence, when people's lives feel out of control or stagnant, they may turn to divisive ideologies to fill that void, even though those ideologies don’t address the underlying issues they face.

The context of the quote comes from a speech Obama gave in 2008 during his presidential campaign, where he spoke about the struggles of working-class Americans in small towns. His words were meant to highlight the complex ways in which resentment can manifest when people feel left behind by economic shifts and political decisions. Critics interpreted this statement as condescending, but Obama later clarified that he was simply trying to point out that frustrations could lead people to adopt extreme views or scapegoat others for their problems.

Ultimately, Obama's quote touches on the intersection of economic hardship, identity, and political polarization. He points out how frustration can often breed simplistic explanations or misguided blame, leading people to cling to ideologies that promise a sense of control or understanding, even if those ideologies aren't rooted in solving the real problems they face.