Watching the Obama press conference is surreal. I can't recall hearing Bush make a single comment as insightful as any of Obama's answers.
Madelyn points out that you can see him thinking. You can literally (Joe Biden!) see him thinking.
Update: Pssst, Mr. President. They're over there.
Showing posts with label Obamarama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obamarama. Show all posts
Monday, February 09, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Why Does Claire McCaskill Suck So Much?
When I was working for the Obama Campaign, I was shocked to find that many of Missouri's Democrats (and these are hardcore activist types) actually like their Junior Senator.
People were not happy when I pointed out that she, in fact, sucks as a Senator. Her latest round of populist "let's cap executive pay" media blitz annoyed the shit out of me, since she has one of the most pro-corporate records of the Democrats in the Senate. I had hoped that the age of Obama would mean a change for McCaskill as well, considering how much she seems to like Obama personally.
Apparently not. I see plenty of Senators on that list from states that are a lot redder than Missouri, who have managed to get with the fucking program.
People were not happy when I pointed out that she, in fact, sucks as a Senator. Her latest round of populist "let's cap executive pay" media blitz annoyed the shit out of me, since she has one of the most pro-corporate records of the Democrats in the Senate. I had hoped that the age of Obama would mean a change for McCaskill as well, considering how much she seems to like Obama personally.
Apparently not. I see plenty of Senators on that list from states that are a lot redder than Missouri, who have managed to get with the fucking program.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Daschle
It seemed to me that their was a very good case for appointing Tom Daschle to HHS, despite his somewhat scummy history. That argument was a simple one: Daschle, better than anybody else, knows how to move things through the Senate. And since the Senate is the biggest stumbling block to achieving Universal Health Care right now, Daschle was perfect for the job.
But if the guy couldn't even move his own confirmation through the Senate, then all of the positive arguments for him absolutely collapse.
Good to see him go.
But if the guy couldn't even move his own confirmation through the Senate, then all of the positive arguments for him absolutely collapse.
Good to see him go.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Something nice about Bush
I rarely feel anything but venom for our 43st President, so when I feel otherwise, I should probably point it out.
The speech he gave the day after Obama won the election was heartfelt, generous, and reflective of his true feelings about race in our society.
Many people have commented that Obama wouldn't be possible without Bush's epic fail. And that's true. But he also wouldn't have been possible without Bush's consistent anti-racism. It's not merely the fact that Bush appointed two African-Americans to head his State department. It's also the fact that Bush was the first Republican since Nixon to win without appealing to racism.
(The ghost of my Father says: what about dis-enfranchising black voters? I say, of course they do that, Dad, but they did that by targeting people they knew wouldn't vote for them, not by legitimizing racism in the public sphere.)
American politics is fundamentally tribal. People don't vote based on issues. They vote based on party*. How many people over the age of 30 ever change parties? Bush used his platform as the leader of the Republican party to legitimize black leadership in the eyes of the half of the country that looked to him for cues.
When the history books are written, 50 to 100 years from now, Colin and Condi are going to be viewed like we view the protoceratops in light of the triceratops**. Bush's heart, in this one little thing, was in the right place.
P.S. Of course, the Republican party is now the "Barack the Magic Negro" party. But that wasn't Bush's party.
*What about independents? Easy: They're liars. 90% of American voters vote for the same party that they voted for in the last election. Partisan ID is decided in the first three general elections that a person votes in. But that's another story.
**I, of course, prefer Styracosaurus.
The speech he gave the day after Obama won the election was heartfelt, generous, and reflective of his true feelings about race in our society.
Many people have commented that Obama wouldn't be possible without Bush's epic fail. And that's true. But he also wouldn't have been possible without Bush's consistent anti-racism. It's not merely the fact that Bush appointed two African-Americans to head his State department. It's also the fact that Bush was the first Republican since Nixon to win without appealing to racism.
(The ghost of my Father says: what about dis-enfranchising black voters? I say, of course they do that, Dad, but they did that by targeting people they knew wouldn't vote for them, not by legitimizing racism in the public sphere.)
American politics is fundamentally tribal. People don't vote based on issues. They vote based on party*. How many people over the age of 30 ever change parties? Bush used his platform as the leader of the Republican party to legitimize black leadership in the eyes of the half of the country that looked to him for cues.
When the history books are written, 50 to 100 years from now, Colin and Condi are going to be viewed like we view the protoceratops in light of the triceratops**. Bush's heart, in this one little thing, was in the right place.
P.S. Of course, the Republican party is now the "Barack the Magic Negro" party. But that wasn't Bush's party.
*What about independents? Easy: They're liars. 90% of American voters vote for the same party that they voted for in the last election. Partisan ID is decided in the first three general elections that a person votes in. But that's another story.
**I, of course, prefer Styracosaurus.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Coates on Michelle Obama
Everything I know about black people I learn from Ta-Nehisi Coates. His new story in the Atlantic:
When Michelle Obama told a Milwaukee campaign rally last February, "For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country," critics derided her as another Angry Black Woman. But the only truly radical proposition put forth by Obama, born and raised in Chicago's storied South Side, is the idea of a black community fully vested in the country at large, and proud of the American dream.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Secretary of State
There's chatter out there about who President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama might choose as his Secretary of State. While this blog officially supports Bill "America's Bestest Diplomat Evar" Richardson (and we strenuously object to Dick "I like to bomb things" Holbrooke), the two names I find interesting are Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.
Some commentaries during the primary season compared the Clinton/Obama race to the Seward/Lincoln competition in 1860. William H. Seward was thought to be a lock on the Republican nomination in 1860, but Lincoln out maneuvered him for the nomination. After the convention, Seward agreed to campaign for Lincoln, and after the election, Lincoln chose him to be Secretary of State.
What's been missed is that there's a precedent for Kerry too. In 1912, Woodrow Wilson chose the former nominee of the party, William Jennings Bryan, to be his Secretary of State.
All I'm saying is, if Black Lincoln picks Lady Seward, the Republicans are running a General in 2012.
Some commentaries during the primary season compared the Clinton/Obama race to the Seward/Lincoln competition in 1860. William H. Seward was thought to be a lock on the Republican nomination in 1860, but Lincoln out maneuvered him for the nomination. After the convention, Seward agreed to campaign for Lincoln, and after the election, Lincoln chose him to be Secretary of State.
What's been missed is that there's a precedent for Kerry too. In 1912, Woodrow Wilson chose the former nominee of the party, William Jennings Bryan, to be his Secretary of State.
All I'm saying is, if Black Lincoln picks Lady Seward, the Republicans are running a General in 2012.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
2012
Last night there was some irresponsible speculation on 2012. I know, I know. I think I brought up the topic of the GOP Civil War, the best new show since Heroes, and that eventually led us down the sundry path to 2012.
All the usual names were tossed out: Palin, Jindal, Huckabee, Charlie "Three Dollar Bill" Crist, RomneyBot™, and The Newt, along with a few lesser known Governors. Interestingly, no Senators were mentioned, probably because the GOP's Senators are either too old, certifiably insane, or Pro-Choice. Other Matt brought up the possibility of a General, and despite this, I think President Obama is going to keep Petraeus employed until 2012, at least.
But now I'm thinking Obama has to run against a General. Black Lincoln needs his McClellan! But who will it be?
All the usual names were tossed out: Palin, Jindal, Huckabee, Charlie "Three Dollar Bill" Crist, RomneyBot™, and The Newt, along with a few lesser known Governors. Interestingly, no Senators were mentioned, probably because the GOP's Senators are either too old, certifiably insane, or Pro-Choice. Other Matt brought up the possibility of a General, and despite this, I think President Obama is going to keep Petraeus employed until 2012, at least.
But now I'm thinking Obama has to run against a General. Black Lincoln needs his McClellan! But who will it be?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Barack Hussein Obama
If Presidents renamed themselves after taking office like Popes do, I'm pretty sure Obama would be Abraham Lincoln II.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Open Letter #2
Dear Bryan,
You owe me $20. Cash or beer, delivered in front of as many mutual friends as possible.
<3
You owe me $20. Cash or beer, delivered in front of as many mutual friends as possible.
<3
Open Letter #1
Dear Uncle Jim,
You owe me $20. Cash or beer, delivered in front of as many family members as possible.
kthzbai
You owe me $20. Cash or beer, delivered in front of as many family members as possible.
kthzbai
Monday, November 03, 2008
New Toy!
I am now the proud owner of a 4"x3" stamp of Obama's face.
If you come to Cherokee now I can put a stamp of Obama's face on YOUR FACE! Tell your friends...
If you come to Cherokee now I can put a stamp of Obama's face on YOUR FACE! Tell your friends...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Early Voting
Since my broadcast area is generally restricted to the St. Louis Metro area, you all should know that you can vote early every day up until the election.
People in St. Clair County go to the Belleville Courthouse downtown. People in St. Louis should go to 300 N. Tucker street and vote at the board of elections.
After you've voted, you can come volunteer at the Obama office on Election Day. It'll be super fun.
People in St. Clair County go to the Belleville Courthouse downtown. People in St. Louis should go to 300 N. Tucker street and vote at the board of elections.
After you've voted, you can come volunteer at the Obama office on Election Day. It'll be super fun.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Odd Polling
I'm kind of confused by why Obama's lead in the polls continues to grow. The race ought to be constricting as we close, rather than widening. Hell, in some polls I've even seen McCain losing ground.
Rather than any silly explanations that people might have (laying the credit at Colin Powell's feet, for example), let me suggest it's just the likely voter model changing. I've sort of suspected that pollsters have been dramatically understating how many of Obama's voters are actually going to vote. Now that early voting is happening the flaws in most polling models are beginning to show, as people they have as "not likely" have, in fact, already voted. As pollsters are forced to include the already voted in their polls, the demographics of the electorate change, and McCain loses a few points.
Rather than any silly explanations that people might have (laying the credit at Colin Powell's feet, for example), let me suggest it's just the likely voter model changing. I've sort of suspected that pollsters have been dramatically understating how many of Obama's voters are actually going to vote. Now that early voting is happening the flaws in most polling models are beginning to show, as people they have as "not likely" have, in fact, already voted. As pollsters are forced to include the already voted in their polls, the demographics of the electorate change, and McCain loses a few points.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Casting Call
Seeing this made me realize that Bill Murray would play a perfect John McCain in the inevitable 2008 election movie.
Obama and Will Smith already have an understanding between themselves. I don't think anybody can argue with Kevin Spacey as Mike Huckabee or Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. And Samuel L. Jackson could lend the necessary GOD DAMN AMERICA gravitas to Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
I have a hard time thinking of who to cast for Bill and Hillary, since John Travolta and Emma Thompson are stuck in my head from Primary Colors, maybe someone else has a better idea.
So, in the spirit of W., who do you guys think should play...
Bill and Hillary Clinton?
Mitt Romney?
John Edwards?
David Axelrod?
David Plouffe?
Howard "Sweater" Wolfson?
Tucker Barnes?
...feel free to add your own.
Obama and Will Smith already have an understanding between themselves. I don't think anybody can argue with Kevin Spacey as Mike Huckabee or Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. And Samuel L. Jackson could lend the necessary GOD DAMN AMERICA gravitas to Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
I have a hard time thinking of who to cast for Bill and Hillary, since John Travolta and Emma Thompson are stuck in my head from Primary Colors, maybe someone else has a better idea.
So, in the spirit of W., who do you guys think should play...
Bill and Hillary Clinton?
Mitt Romney?
John Edwards?
David Axelrod?
David Plouffe?
Howard "Sweater" Wolfson?
Tucker Barnes?
...feel free to add your own.
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