Searching for a word

I'm trying to remember a word I have heard before, and can't seem to recall it.  It's a word that seems to pop up every so often and then falls out of the lexicon, then reappears again four years later.

I remember hearing this word a lot when the media was speaking about how fun it would be to have a barley soda with George Bush and in describing Al Gore's wardrobe choices.  It seemed to come up again when John Kerry failed to order the 'proper' cheese on his steak sandwich, and was readily used to describe his choice of leisure activities.

I would like to remember this word because I think it is appropriate right now as applied to the attitude of a Democratic nominee for President.  We have heard a lot within various narratives coming from one of the candidates that seems to be summed up by this word.

It seems that one candidate thinks that a large swath of states do not matter.  Either because they are geographically challenged, did not choose an electoral system to the candidate's liking, or because of the ratio of acres to persons found in these states.  In fact, it seems the only states that matters whatsoever to this candidate is New York and California.

This same candidate seems to have a problem with the republican (note the small 'r') ideals embodied in our constitution and the party's selection process.  In fact, this same candidate is all in favor of throwing out the opinion of these democratically elected representatives, and the popular vote.  What the candidate claims is best is that these elected representatives and voters should be overruled, and a group of party elders and powerful elected officials substituting their judgment for the judgment of the elected representatives and the voting populace.

It seems to me that this candidate has been arguing that certain persons or groups deserve favored treatment based on perceived superiority.  The candidate seems to have a sense of entitlement and argues that one class has the right to over rule another.  I think that is something voters should take issue with.

I just can't seem to find a word that embodies this type of attitude.  I remember it being kicked around a few years back.  I think it begins with an "E."