PITTSBURGH -- Sen. Barack Obama's comments about small-town voters being bitter have created a political storm one week before the Pennsylvania primary.

The comments have his opponent, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, on the attack and Obama racing to clarify.

"They don't reflect my experience. They seem kind of elitist and out of touch," Clinton said of Obama's statement.

With signs of "I'm not bitter" posted near Obama's headquarters, many protesters said they were offended by his comment.

"(We're) just drawing attention to the fact that we are extremely offended by his remarks -- his characterization of Pennsylvania," Joyce Posel said.

As the group of Clinton supporters protested in the rain, an Obama backer said she felt compelled to do the same.

Sonjala Allen said Obama's words were taken out of context.

"I am a little bitter about what's happening with our country," she said. "I am angry, that's why I am getting involved to make a change. Who has motivated me to that? Barack Obama."

Two prominent Pennsylvania politicians had their own thoughts about Obama's gaffe.

"I don't know if they're elitist remarks, but they're confusing," Gov. Ed Rendell said.

"He was trying to express what people have feelings about the economy," Sen. Bob Casey said on CNN.

In the small town of Braddock, Mayor John Fetterman said he supports Obama and blames the Clinton campaign for attempting to turn Pennsylvanians against each other.

Some small-town residents said Obama's comments have not changed how they will vote.

"He sees what a lot of other politicians don't see and a lot of (them) don't come around here. They'll go to Pittsburgh. They don't go to the small neighborhoods where there is nothing," Rankin resident Gloria Sinko said.