Showing posts with label Hillary Clinton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hillary Clinton. Show all posts
Saturday Night Live Plugs Sarah Palin Credentials
If you consider being a GILF, the ability to see Russia from home, and a fervent desire to become president credentials.
Hillary Clinton PUMAs Sense McCain Facade
If the kingdom's pundits are to be believed, on the eve of the Republican National Convention the sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits lies in tatters as wild-eyed untamed PUMAs* frantically pace nearby.
Starved out of their minds and thirsting once and for all to shatter the bane of their embattled existence, they diligently point flared nostrils to the wind, yearning for the faint whiff of politically charged estrogen. For the smell of this elixir would instantly transform the mange-ridden pack into a proud, free, brave coalition of yesteryear, a dream team so close to propelling their once fearless leader through a barrier to hallowed ground, they could taste the side of hash browns, eggs, and steaming coffee served a la Lincoln's bedroom on a tray.
But alas, it was not meant to be. And so, the PUMAs pace, all the while biding their time unable to bond with the anointed one.
Now lo and behold, the Republicans offer a bone. A comely female pure and true, politically charged with no less than an entire state at her command! Wafting estrogen permeates the air, its charge so electrical the packs' downy hairs stand straight on end.
"This is who you've been waiting for," cry the Republicans, "What a grand example of femalehood and she is yours, all yours for the taking."
If the kingdom's pundits are to be believed, the PUMAs pounce, jumping ship from the callous party who ripped the fibers from their very souls. Instinctively, they greet the comely mistress, abandoning the sisterhood of traveling pantsuits lying crumbled in a heap of ruined dreams. They shall embrace her as one of their own, heaving high above their shoulders her glorious promise of future prosperity. She alone shall ride the crest of their fallen hearts. For she, this maiden savior, is their one true hope, their battering ram to height of promise. She alone will lead them to coveted hallowed grounds with open arms and glad tidings of joy.
Only their proud new mistress is not alone. She has hitched a ride on the coattails of a haughty prancing steed.
And in that brief instant, as they eye the prancing steed, the PUMAs see the comely mistress as she truly is. A lowly handmaiden to the bellowing behemoth disguising its maverick airs in a cloak of conservatism. She is female, yes, and politically charged, 'tis true, but in the time it takes to bat an eye, the PUMAs see beyond the estrogen, the comeliness, and her bewitching wiles. Their glassy eyes fill with terror as the yokes of bondage with which the pageant beauty queen wishes to enslave come clearly into view.
No right to choose.
No equal parity with pay.
No sons or daughters exiting Iraq.
No stopping the erosion of Fourteenth Amendment rights.
The PUMAs flee in horror, tails squarely between their legs. They have seen the cloak of conservatism like a bolt of lightening across the dead of night. The comely female is nothing more than a shapely facade harboring shackles of their putrid past. The noble PUMAs have fought too hard, too long to throw each hard-earned victory to the wind.
The pageant beauty queen may break through the glass ceiling, but at what price, the PUMAs muse. They are too smart, too wise to speak the answer aloud.
Hungry and starved as they may be to break through the glass ceiling of oppression, they lick their wounds and return to whence they came. Among the faithful, they reluctantly embrace the anointed. Safe in the bosom of political principles supporting the foundation on which they stand. After all, their once fearless leader did give her scared blessing to the cause.
The sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits may now lie in tatters, but one day it too shall rise. Perhaps not in the form they once envisioned, but with politically charged estrogen, that much is clear. On that day, the PUMAs shall resurrect the pantsuits on their terms, on principles they hold near and dear, by one who is truly of their own kind.
Not a crock of conservatism cloaking an unwieldy steed.
*party unity my ass
Starved out of their minds and thirsting once and for all to shatter the bane of their embattled existence, they diligently point flared nostrils to the wind, yearning for the faint whiff of politically charged estrogen. For the smell of this elixir would instantly transform the mange-ridden pack into a proud, free, brave coalition of yesteryear, a dream team so close to propelling their once fearless leader through a barrier to hallowed ground, they could taste the side of hash browns, eggs, and steaming coffee served a la Lincoln's bedroom on a tray.
But alas, it was not meant to be. And so, the PUMAs pace, all the while biding their time unable to bond with the anointed one.
Now lo and behold, the Republicans offer a bone. A comely female pure and true, politically charged with no less than an entire state at her command! Wafting estrogen permeates the air, its charge so electrical the packs' downy hairs stand straight on end.
"This is who you've been waiting for," cry the Republicans, "What a grand example of femalehood and she is yours, all yours for the taking."
If the kingdom's pundits are to be believed, the PUMAs pounce, jumping ship from the callous party who ripped the fibers from their very souls. Instinctively, they greet the comely mistress, abandoning the sisterhood of traveling pantsuits lying crumbled in a heap of ruined dreams. They shall embrace her as one of their own, heaving high above their shoulders her glorious promise of future prosperity. She alone shall ride the crest of their fallen hearts. For she, this maiden savior, is their one true hope, their battering ram to height of promise. She alone will lead them to coveted hallowed grounds with open arms and glad tidings of joy.
Only their proud new mistress is not alone. She has hitched a ride on the coattails of a haughty prancing steed.
And in that brief instant, as they eye the prancing steed, the PUMAs see the comely mistress as she truly is. A lowly handmaiden to the bellowing behemoth disguising its maverick airs in a cloak of conservatism. She is female, yes, and politically charged, 'tis true, but in the time it takes to bat an eye, the PUMAs see beyond the estrogen, the comeliness, and her bewitching wiles. Their glassy eyes fill with terror as the yokes of bondage with which the pageant beauty queen wishes to enslave come clearly into view.
No right to choose.
No equal parity with pay.
No sons or daughters exiting Iraq.
No stopping the erosion of Fourteenth Amendment rights.
The PUMAs flee in horror, tails squarely between their legs. They have seen the cloak of conservatism like a bolt of lightening across the dead of night. The comely female is nothing more than a shapely facade harboring shackles of their putrid past. The noble PUMAs have fought too hard, too long to throw each hard-earned victory to the wind.
The pageant beauty queen may break through the glass ceiling, but at what price, the PUMAs muse. They are too smart, too wise to speak the answer aloud.
Hungry and starved as they may be to break through the glass ceiling of oppression, they lick their wounds and return to whence they came. Among the faithful, they reluctantly embrace the anointed. Safe in the bosom of political principles supporting the foundation on which they stand. After all, their once fearless leader did give her scared blessing to the cause.
The sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits may now lie in tatters, but one day it too shall rise. Perhaps not in the form they once envisioned, but with politically charged estrogen, that much is clear. On that day, the PUMAs shall resurrect the pantsuits on their terms, on principles they hold near and dear, by one who is truly of their own kind.
Not a crock of conservatism cloaking an unwieldy steed.
*party unity my ass
Low Down Rotten Sexist Pigs Like Rush Limbaugh Don't Change
Rush Limbaugh combines news, commentary, satire, music, and an eclectic sampling of listener opinion for a highly successful three hour daily radio broadcast. His program is syndicated throughout Northern America and via the Internet abroad, currently reaching Baltimoreans on Radio 680, WCBM.
Limbaugh hitched a bumpy ride to success. He often recounts early career struggles, various firings, and syndication drops, taking care to remind listeners if they want something badly enough they will have to work for it, as he did, with slings and arrows along the way. His show wasn't always popular. At one point he ventured into television, suffering a low ratings cancellation. Likewise, an incredibly short stint as an NFL commentator nearly ended his career. Limbaugh stood his ground. Loyalty from fans and people in high places saw him through. The man bounces back from rough patches like a rubber band.
Limbaugh is not afraid to speak his mind, a rare quality in today's political and entertainment circles. Love him or leave him, he is who is. He's also not afraid to take chances. Disagree if you will, but there's something admirable about the combination of these symbiotic traits. Periodically, they land him in hot water. Today's program may qualify as such a time.
We caught him playing a political parody with another unauthorized musical accompaniment. I say another because his theme song was once unauthorized. Musical artists opposing his politics, refusing to grant licensing rights despite his money being green like everyone else's and Chrissie Hynde was no exception. They eventually reached an amicable settlement, Limbaugh now supporting PETA's crusade to prevent cruelty to animals in exchange for a notable guitar riff.
There I was, LMFAO as Limbaugh slyly explained the licensing problems with this particular parody, airing it anyway because to paraphrase him, "No one bothers to listen for that kind of stuff any more." At that moment, the phone lines of a certain Hollywood agency lit up like a fireworks display with calls from frenemies monitoring his program, I'm sure. Still, the moment was total Rush-worthy and well worth the price of any fallout.
And that, in a nutshell, is the reason I remain a loyal fan.
As I've explained before, Limbaugh and I disagree on so many different political issues I wouldn't know where to begin. If I wanted to listen to someone with whom I generally agree, I'd tune into The Daily Show (I actually am a fan of The Daily Show but find nothing controversial to write about, hence these frequent diatribes against talk radio).
Limbaugh is not only informative, he's also thoroughly entertaining in large part because he is who he is. Deriving from his unique persona, his success cannot be duplicated, though many will admit they have tried. Change him and you lose the formula. This fundamental fact was completely lost on feisty Jennifer from Denver, Colorado, the "Caller of the Day."
Mind you, "Caller of the Day" is my own moniker as the show has no such designation.
At first I couldn't believe Jennifer had made it past Snerdly or whoever screened calls this afternoon. Maybe she lied about her topic or summarized it in a less offensive manner. Limbaugh rarely connects with people trying to chastise him on his own program, often ending such calls in an aggressive cursory manner before any real dialogue ensues.
Jennifer's call immediately caught me off guard. Clearly, she wanted to label Limbaugh a sexist pig and accuse his backwards politics of giving her high blood pressure. According to Jennifer, listening to the program had caused her to become ill and her doctor had suggested she stop. Nonetheless, as evidenced by the call, she could not stop herself from tuning in. Limbaugh asked if she secretly wanted to commit suicide. I am not making this up.
Oh brother, I can see it now. Death by Limbaugh becomes a new cause of action. Could Jennifer be contemplating a lawsuit?
No, Jennifer pitched her call with this intro thinking Limbaugh would try to plug his program. To his credit, he suggested the perfect antidote.
Tune out.
Duh.
Laughably, his response threw Jennifer for a loop. She completely lost her bearings, then clawed her way up off the mat for another round.
I wish I had a pipeline to Jennifer from Denver, Colorado. Who knows, maybe one day she will surf into this site and somehow read this very article. It could happen, right?
Don't start laying odds in Vegas.
Okay, it's ludicrous fantasy. But then so is Jennifer's misguided effort to change a man who can't help relating to women in a manner that went out of style in the 1950's. Limbaugh is indeed a sexist misanthrope who believes it's a man's world where women shouldn't tread. So what? Believe it or not, it's part of his charm.
Limbaugh is sexist but in a jovial way. Last week I heard him commending some Hardball "babe," a GOP Congresswoman standing toe to toe with Chris Mathews and some other "blowhard" on their assessment of George Dubya. It was amusing really, hearing him fawn over this woman's ability to silence detractors. If Congresswoman Whoever ran for president in Hillary's place, I think Limbaugh might help vote her in. At least it seemed that way on the surface. Hard to tell when listening in the car.
Back to Jennifer. Until a preponderance of women have control over men's traditional stomping grounds -- corporate board rooms, financial markets, media outlets, the Supreme Court, Congress, the White House, and the like -- until women successfully run these places, don't expect sexist attitudes like Limbaugh's to change any time soon.
Women like Jennifer probably don't understand that for such an unlikely event to happen, men must be willing to assume more responsibility as caretakers. I mean, who's going to raise our children? Subservient nannies? How will that ever level the playing field?
I'm sorry, but if there's anything I've learned from the feminist revolution it's that women cannot have it all. Often, the choice comes down to building a successful career or producing successful children. Sadly, too many women are adept at neither.
Take it from someone who knows, trying to change ingrained sexist beliefs is a waste of time. No matter what women say, no matter what they do, no matter how much they lighten up, in the eyes of sexists they will never be equal.
Rather than fight the misogynist Rush Limbaughs of the world, women should use their existing power to effect change. Women can wipe out sexism by channeling their power as caretakers. We can change the status quo by instilling proper feminist attitudes in our sons. And if we don't have sons, by influencing those who do.
Require boys to help with chores around the house. They can set the table, wash and dry the dishes, and do laundry just as well as girls, if not better. Teach them the importance of respect. Show them how to care for our infants. Bring them along when we care for our parents. Model appropriate give and take with our spouses and significant others. Stand strong and proud for our own rights in the face of discrimination. Whenever possible, emphasize evidence of women as different but equal.
One boy at a time, the world will change. It's starting to already.
Just not fast enough for dear Jennifer.
Update: The Limbaugh website posted a transcript of Jennifer's call, noting "links to outside content usually become inactive over time." For that reason, I am reprinting the transcript here, hopefully with the implicit approval of Mr. Limbaugh.
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT
RUSH: Colorado Springs, Jennifer. You're next on the EIB Network. Great to have you here.
CALLER: Well, Rush, you might change your mind about that. I'm kind of angry. All these accolades that you're receiving are literally making me sick. And, in fact, my doctor, believe it or not, actually may be tongue-in-cheek, but wrote me a prescription for lowering my blood pressure. And that is, is that I listen at your program as infrequently as possible because in reality you are the one who believes that you are The Messiah, not Obama, and what's more, you're very sexist, you're very sexist. You think that the Democrats are sexist and racist. You are absolutely the epitome of sexism. You want to know why I think that?
RUSH: Not really, because you're wrong. I don't like to hear people tell me why they believe something when they're dead wrong. If you're really suffering high blood pressure, why are you even listening?
CALLER: Well, maybe I'm a masochist and I can't help myself, I don't know.
RUSH: I don't think that's what it is. I think you're constantly enraged and angry, and you need reasons to stay that way, and --
CALLER: I'll tell you why --
RUSH: -- I fill the bill.
CALLER: -- I'm constantly enraged, because every day it seems that you find a way by innuendo or any other means to put women down.
RUSH: It's not by innuendo, I do it directly. I put down liberals. If they happen to be women, I put 'em down. There's no innuendo about it.
CALLER: Can I give you an example of your direct comments?
RUSH: I'd love to hear.
CALLER: Do you recall your comment, I think it was about three months ago, you were talking about Hillary when she was running against Obama. You said that women are trying to move into a man's world. If you had said that about Obama or a black person, you'd be off the air now, you'd absolutely be off the air --
RUSH: Wait a second, why would I be off the air if I'd accused Obama of moving into a man's world?
CALLER: No, listen, if it were the same thing, if you accused Obama of moving into a white man's world, you would be off the air.
RUSH: Oh, oh. That would never even occur to me. There are black politicians all over the country, as there are female politicians, but the presidency up 'til now has been a man's world.
CALLER: Okay, you're not doing anything to change that.
RUSH: What's the big deal? Hillary puts her pants on one leg at a time like all the other guys do.
CALLER: Uh-huh.
RUSH: Why are you bothered by this?
CALLER: See, "like all the other guys do"?
RUSH: Yeah.
CALLER: This is something I've been wanting to ask you for a long time.
RUSH: Ask away.
CALLER: Why is it that you always call Hillary Clinton Mrs. Clinton, and you never give her the respect of calling her Senator Clinton? Are you trying to demean her?
RUSH: I do call her Senator Clinton sometimes.
CALLER: I listen to you practically every day, which is why I have high blood pressure, and I have never heard you --
RUSH: You know, you need to go take a test. There's something not right here about you, Jennifer.
CALLER: Well, what's not right about you is I think you're insecure --
RUSH: No, no, no -- Jennifer, I'm trying -- Jennifer, please, I'm trying to help you --
CALLER: How many women have rejected you, Rush?
RUSH: Women love me, Jennifer, you had better get used to this.
CALLER: -- and this is your way of leveling the playing field.
RUSH: I don't believe a playing field can be leveled, Jennifer, see, I am based in reality. But Jennifer, my concern for you is that you may die listening to this program from high blood pressure, and you can turn it off. You may be committing a slow form of suicide here on purpose. That's not right.
CALLER: Hm-hm. I know it. I know it. I don't always listen to my doctor, either, so, you know, I don't listen to you --
RUSH: You're a woman. You don't listen to men, period.
CALLER: Uh-huh. Well, men don't listen to women, so there's equality right there.
RUSH: I've listened to everything that you've said.
CALLER: Uh-huh. And you've had sexist reaction to it, too. I enjoy it. This is my first opportunity to talk to you. I'm really happy I got through. I really am.
RUSH: Well, I'm glad you did, too. But I'm worried.
CALLER: Could I say one more thing? I'm in the Colorado Springs area, but I listen to KOA radio in Denver, and you are a topic of conversation almost daily and women are calling in and talking about your sexism and the phenomenon of your Dittohead women calling in and treating you as if they love you, following your sexist remarks. It doesn't make sense.
RUSH: I'll tell you, the real sexism in this country was on display in the Democrat primaries, and it was aimed at Mrs. Clinton by Democrats. The real racism in this country was on display in the Democrat primaries aimed from the Clintons to Obama. I helped Hillary Clinton. Operation Chaos. I kept her in the race. If you listen to this program as often as you say, you would know that I did everything I could to help her, and did. Operation Chaos was so important it's now the subject of academic study. Jennifer, I appreciate the phone call. I'm glad you waited and you got through, too. But I am worried. You're the first caller ever who has admitted you're a masochist. This is unhealthy. I think you need to lighten up a little bit. What you think is sexism is simply me poking fun at liberals, which of course that has been taboo for a long time. But I must go because it's time for a windfall profit time-out. Be back right after this. Stay with us.
BREAK TRANSCRIPT
RUSH: Jennifer, if you are still out there in Colorado Springs listening on KOA, you might be interested in this story today. It looks like it's from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Hillary Clinton's newest tactic to pay off her remaining campaign debt involves 'dinner under the stars.' Clinton's campaign launched a contest -- contributors are automatically entered -- and the grand prize is a dinner for you and a guest with Clinton herself. 'This is my first chance to sit down and spend some real one-on-one time with you. If you enter today, we could be having dinner together soon!'" she said in an e-mail. There is a second prize, and that is you get to have two dates with Hillary. Just kidding.
BREAK TRANSCRIPT
Update II: The virtual Limbaugh Museum is up and running. Entry hall plays Limbaugh's guitar riff theme song. Worth the price of admission.
Limbaugh hitched a bumpy ride to success. He often recounts early career struggles, various firings, and syndication drops, taking care to remind listeners if they want something badly enough they will have to work for it, as he did, with slings and arrows along the way. His show wasn't always popular. At one point he ventured into television, suffering a low ratings cancellation. Likewise, an incredibly short stint as an NFL commentator nearly ended his career. Limbaugh stood his ground. Loyalty from fans and people in high places saw him through. The man bounces back from rough patches like a rubber band.
Limbaugh is not afraid to speak his mind, a rare quality in today's political and entertainment circles. Love him or leave him, he is who is. He's also not afraid to take chances. Disagree if you will, but there's something admirable about the combination of these symbiotic traits. Periodically, they land him in hot water. Today's program may qualify as such a time.
We caught him playing a political parody with another unauthorized musical accompaniment. I say another because his theme song was once unauthorized. Musical artists opposing his politics, refusing to grant licensing rights despite his money being green like everyone else's and Chrissie Hynde was no exception. They eventually reached an amicable settlement, Limbaugh now supporting PETA's crusade to prevent cruelty to animals in exchange for a notable guitar riff.
There I was, LMFAO as Limbaugh slyly explained the licensing problems with this particular parody, airing it anyway because to paraphrase him, "No one bothers to listen for that kind of stuff any more." At that moment, the phone lines of a certain Hollywood agency lit up like a fireworks display with calls from frenemies monitoring his program, I'm sure. Still, the moment was total Rush-worthy and well worth the price of any fallout.
And that, in a nutshell, is the reason I remain a loyal fan.
As I've explained before, Limbaugh and I disagree on so many different political issues I wouldn't know where to begin. If I wanted to listen to someone with whom I generally agree, I'd tune into The Daily Show (I actually am a fan of The Daily Show but find nothing controversial to write about, hence these frequent diatribes against talk radio).
Limbaugh is not only informative, he's also thoroughly entertaining in large part because he is who he is. Deriving from his unique persona, his success cannot be duplicated, though many will admit they have tried. Change him and you lose the formula. This fundamental fact was completely lost on feisty Jennifer from Denver, Colorado, the "Caller of the Day."
Mind you, "Caller of the Day" is my own moniker as the show has no such designation.
At first I couldn't believe Jennifer had made it past Snerdly or whoever screened calls this afternoon. Maybe she lied about her topic or summarized it in a less offensive manner. Limbaugh rarely connects with people trying to chastise him on his own program, often ending such calls in an aggressive cursory manner before any real dialogue ensues.
Jennifer's call immediately caught me off guard. Clearly, she wanted to label Limbaugh a sexist pig and accuse his backwards politics of giving her high blood pressure. According to Jennifer, listening to the program had caused her to become ill and her doctor had suggested she stop. Nonetheless, as evidenced by the call, she could not stop herself from tuning in. Limbaugh asked if she secretly wanted to commit suicide. I am not making this up.
Oh brother, I can see it now. Death by Limbaugh becomes a new cause of action. Could Jennifer be contemplating a lawsuit?
No, Jennifer pitched her call with this intro thinking Limbaugh would try to plug his program. To his credit, he suggested the perfect antidote.
Tune out.
Duh.
Laughably, his response threw Jennifer for a loop. She completely lost her bearings, then clawed her way up off the mat for another round.
I wish I had a pipeline to Jennifer from Denver, Colorado. Who knows, maybe one day she will surf into this site and somehow read this very article. It could happen, right?
Don't start laying odds in Vegas.
Okay, it's ludicrous fantasy. But then so is Jennifer's misguided effort to change a man who can't help relating to women in a manner that went out of style in the 1950's. Limbaugh is indeed a sexist misanthrope who believes it's a man's world where women shouldn't tread. So what? Believe it or not, it's part of his charm.
Limbaugh is sexist but in a jovial way. Last week I heard him commending some Hardball "babe," a GOP Congresswoman standing toe to toe with Chris Mathews and some other "blowhard" on their assessment of George Dubya. It was amusing really, hearing him fawn over this woman's ability to silence detractors. If Congresswoman Whoever ran for president in Hillary's place, I think Limbaugh might help vote her in. At least it seemed that way on the surface. Hard to tell when listening in the car.
Back to Jennifer. Until a preponderance of women have control over men's traditional stomping grounds -- corporate board rooms, financial markets, media outlets, the Supreme Court, Congress, the White House, and the like -- until women successfully run these places, don't expect sexist attitudes like Limbaugh's to change any time soon.
Women like Jennifer probably don't understand that for such an unlikely event to happen, men must be willing to assume more responsibility as caretakers. I mean, who's going to raise our children? Subservient nannies? How will that ever level the playing field?
I'm sorry, but if there's anything I've learned from the feminist revolution it's that women cannot have it all. Often, the choice comes down to building a successful career or producing successful children. Sadly, too many women are adept at neither.
Take it from someone who knows, trying to change ingrained sexist beliefs is a waste of time. No matter what women say, no matter what they do, no matter how much they lighten up, in the eyes of sexists they will never be equal.
Rather than fight the misogynist Rush Limbaughs of the world, women should use their existing power to effect change. Women can wipe out sexism by channeling their power as caretakers. We can change the status quo by instilling proper feminist attitudes in our sons. And if we don't have sons, by influencing those who do.
Require boys to help with chores around the house. They can set the table, wash and dry the dishes, and do laundry just as well as girls, if not better. Teach them the importance of respect. Show them how to care for our infants. Bring them along when we care for our parents. Model appropriate give and take with our spouses and significant others. Stand strong and proud for our own rights in the face of discrimination. Whenever possible, emphasize evidence of women as different but equal.
One boy at a time, the world will change. It's starting to already.
Just not fast enough for dear Jennifer.
Update: The Limbaugh website posted a transcript of Jennifer's call, noting "links to outside content usually become inactive over time." For that reason, I am reprinting the transcript here, hopefully with the implicit approval of Mr. Limbaugh.
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT
RUSH: Colorado Springs, Jennifer. You're next on the EIB Network. Great to have you here.
CALLER: Well, Rush, you might change your mind about that. I'm kind of angry. All these accolades that you're receiving are literally making me sick. And, in fact, my doctor, believe it or not, actually may be tongue-in-cheek, but wrote me a prescription for lowering my blood pressure. And that is, is that I listen at your program as infrequently as possible because in reality you are the one who believes that you are The Messiah, not Obama, and what's more, you're very sexist, you're very sexist. You think that the Democrats are sexist and racist. You are absolutely the epitome of sexism. You want to know why I think that?
RUSH: Not really, because you're wrong. I don't like to hear people tell me why they believe something when they're dead wrong. If you're really suffering high blood pressure, why are you even listening?
CALLER: Well, maybe I'm a masochist and I can't help myself, I don't know.
RUSH: I don't think that's what it is. I think you're constantly enraged and angry, and you need reasons to stay that way, and --
CALLER: I'll tell you why --
RUSH: -- I fill the bill.
CALLER: -- I'm constantly enraged, because every day it seems that you find a way by innuendo or any other means to put women down.
RUSH: It's not by innuendo, I do it directly. I put down liberals. If they happen to be women, I put 'em down. There's no innuendo about it.
CALLER: Can I give you an example of your direct comments?
RUSH: I'd love to hear.
CALLER: Do you recall your comment, I think it was about three months ago, you were talking about Hillary when she was running against Obama. You said that women are trying to move into a man's world. If you had said that about Obama or a black person, you'd be off the air now, you'd absolutely be off the air --
RUSH: Wait a second, why would I be off the air if I'd accused Obama of moving into a man's world?
CALLER: No, listen, if it were the same thing, if you accused Obama of moving into a white man's world, you would be off the air.
RUSH: Oh, oh. That would never even occur to me. There are black politicians all over the country, as there are female politicians, but the presidency up 'til now has been a man's world.
CALLER: Okay, you're not doing anything to change that.
RUSH: What's the big deal? Hillary puts her pants on one leg at a time like all the other guys do.
CALLER: Uh-huh.
RUSH: Why are you bothered by this?
CALLER: See, "like all the other guys do"?
RUSH: Yeah.
CALLER: This is something I've been wanting to ask you for a long time.
RUSH: Ask away.
CALLER: Why is it that you always call Hillary Clinton Mrs. Clinton, and you never give her the respect of calling her Senator Clinton? Are you trying to demean her?
RUSH: I do call her Senator Clinton sometimes.
CALLER: I listen to you practically every day, which is why I have high blood pressure, and I have never heard you --
RUSH: You know, you need to go take a test. There's something not right here about you, Jennifer.
CALLER: Well, what's not right about you is I think you're insecure --
RUSH: No, no, no -- Jennifer, I'm trying -- Jennifer, please, I'm trying to help you --
CALLER: How many women have rejected you, Rush?
RUSH: Women love me, Jennifer, you had better get used to this.
CALLER: -- and this is your way of leveling the playing field.
RUSH: I don't believe a playing field can be leveled, Jennifer, see, I am based in reality. But Jennifer, my concern for you is that you may die listening to this program from high blood pressure, and you can turn it off. You may be committing a slow form of suicide here on purpose. That's not right.
CALLER: Hm-hm. I know it. I know it. I don't always listen to my doctor, either, so, you know, I don't listen to you --
RUSH: You're a woman. You don't listen to men, period.
CALLER: Uh-huh. Well, men don't listen to women, so there's equality right there.
RUSH: I've listened to everything that you've said.
CALLER: Uh-huh. And you've had sexist reaction to it, too. I enjoy it. This is my first opportunity to talk to you. I'm really happy I got through. I really am.
RUSH: Well, I'm glad you did, too. But I'm worried.
CALLER: Could I say one more thing? I'm in the Colorado Springs area, but I listen to KOA radio in Denver, and you are a topic of conversation almost daily and women are calling in and talking about your sexism and the phenomenon of your Dittohead women calling in and treating you as if they love you, following your sexist remarks. It doesn't make sense.
RUSH: I'll tell you, the real sexism in this country was on display in the Democrat primaries, and it was aimed at Mrs. Clinton by Democrats. The real racism in this country was on display in the Democrat primaries aimed from the Clintons to Obama. I helped Hillary Clinton. Operation Chaos. I kept her in the race. If you listen to this program as often as you say, you would know that I did everything I could to help her, and did. Operation Chaos was so important it's now the subject of academic study. Jennifer, I appreciate the phone call. I'm glad you waited and you got through, too. But I am worried. You're the first caller ever who has admitted you're a masochist. This is unhealthy. I think you need to lighten up a little bit. What you think is sexism is simply me poking fun at liberals, which of course that has been taboo for a long time. But I must go because it's time for a windfall profit time-out. Be back right after this. Stay with us.
BREAK TRANSCRIPT
RUSH: Jennifer, if you are still out there in Colorado Springs listening on KOA, you might be interested in this story today. It looks like it's from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Hillary Clinton's newest tactic to pay off her remaining campaign debt involves 'dinner under the stars.' Clinton's campaign launched a contest -- contributors are automatically entered -- and the grand prize is a dinner for you and a guest with Clinton herself. 'This is my first chance to sit down and spend some real one-on-one time with you. If you enter today, we could be having dinner together soon!'" she said in an e-mail. There is a second prize, and that is you get to have two dates with Hillary. Just kidding.
BREAK TRANSCRIPT
Update II: The virtual Limbaugh Museum is up and running. Entry hall plays Limbaugh's guitar riff theme song. Worth the price of admission.
End of Tony Soprano Parallels Hillary Clinton Finale
Stop the presses. Talk about the unexpected death of Tim Russert throwing a nation into shock, this update from virtual Jersey has me reeling.
Tony Soprano got whacked in The Sopranos finale. So says a ridiculously long in depth scholarly analysis of the HBO mega hit. Why am I always the last to know? The author published this dissertation on May 11, 2008. May freak'n 11th!! Curses on all of you who've been nattering behind my back ever since.
With all the Sex and the City: The Move hype, I recently published my own secret longing for a Sopranos reunion movie. Boy, do I feel moronic now.
If you've got the time and the patience, slog through this stuff. It's logical, analytical, and well researched. Of course, those of us with short attention spans prefer the Cliff Notes:
Positioning of actors in Holsten's restaurant: Location, location, location. Even in a fictional TV show, location matters. If you don't believe me (or the tomb), re-watch the final scene of the final episode. Make a map of every character sitting in the restaurant. If you do it correctly, the analysis shows how third person camera shots and point of view (POV) camera shots conclusively establish Tony's murder. POV shots are seen through Tony's eyes. Tony sits in a restaurant booth facing the entrance, blocking his view of certain patrons. When the camera cuts to these patrons, Tony isn't seeing them, we are, making them third person shots. This blows the "Tony lives with paranoia" ending clear out of the water. Tony is not paranoid. The audience simply doesn't understand the underlying meaning of the camera angles.
POV sequence/blackout: Building on the POV camera shots theory, the author notes a telltale pattern. A cowbell attached to the restaurant entrance rings whenever a patron enters or exits. When Tony hears the cowbell ring, he looks up at the door. When he looks up, we see what he sees. To prove the point, the author notes a third person shot of two new customers, two black men, in the restaurant. We do not hear the cowbell or see them enter because Tony is distracted when they arrive. This shows the importance of the pattern established with static POV shots. In the scene's final minutes, we hear the cowbell. Going with the pattern, we should then see someone entering or exiting the restaurant. Instead, we see and hear nothing. The scene goes pitch black. There is no sound. This tells us that Tony's POV is pitch black with no sound, dead as a door nail. Never saw it coming. I say give Tony more cowbell! Where is more cowbell when you need it?
Man in the "Members Only" jacket: The only track shots in the final scene are when Tony enters the restaurant and when the Man in the Members Only jacket (don't ask me why, but the author abbreviates the reference to "MOG") goes to the bathroom. We get a view of MOG that Tony does not get which is him looking back at Tony. That's how we know it's a track shot. All other camera angles are either third person or POV. MOG is hazily framed in many of Tony's POV shots. He's in Tony's view, but Tony isn't seeing him. Also, MOG is the only patron shown behind the door before he enters. He doesn't register with Tony because AJ is directly behind him. Tony waves to AJ and ignores MOG. Clearly, MOG is the hit man. Tony should be paying more attention, but he is relaxed and happy to be with his family. We never see MOG leaving the bathroom because Tony never sees MOG leaving the bathroom. Carmela and AJ never see MOG leaving the bathroom because they are too interested in studying their menus. The hit happens suddenly behind Tony's back with a gunshot to the head. Makes perfect sense.
Never heard it coming/flashback: The author details several episodes where Tony discusses the life of a mob boss: death or jail. "You probably never hear it coming" and the like is often repeated in the last nine episodes. Significantly, Tony flashes back to a scene where the phrase is said. This foreshadows that when the end comes, Tony will never hear it coming. Don't Stop Believing will be playing on the jukebox and then everything will go completely dark. Sad, when you think about it. On a more positive note, I heard they recently found a new lead singer for Journey.
Dispelling the "nothing happened" theory: Antithetical to all of David Chase's work throughout the series, the author details many plot lines with satisfying build ups and endings. Having such a big build up to a nothing ending makes no sense, violates the show's basic structure, and therefore is not credible.
So, there you have it. The author further analyzes the meaning of Tony's death, Holsten's as symbolism, the parallels between the show and The Godfather, terrorism and the Iraqi War as keys to the finale, miscellaneous fun David Chase stuff, and the influences of The Public Enemy and Goodfellas on the show.
Exhausting. They'll have to study this work of art in classes about mythic television.
For my money, there is one interesting parallel the author either missed or chose to ignore: Hillary Clinton using the final scene as a parody ad for her presidential campaign. "Everybody wants to know how it's going to end," says Bill as they bond over carrot sticks. Hillary sits at the restaurant booth just a bit too relaxed, her perceived feelings of entitlement clouding her ability to run a top notch campaign, the lure of a stronger candidate fuzzily out of focus. In the end, she too took a symbolic bullet to the head. The parallels are glaringly obvious, but why polarize everyone before the convention?
Just want to sit and bask in David Chase's extraordinary brilliance.
Tony Soprano got whacked in The Sopranos finale. So says a ridiculously long in depth scholarly analysis of the HBO mega hit. Why am I always the last to know? The author published this dissertation on May 11, 2008. May freak'n 11th!! Curses on all of you who've been nattering behind my back ever since.
With all the Sex and the City: The Move hype, I recently published my own secret longing for a Sopranos reunion movie. Boy, do I feel moronic now.
If you've got the time and the patience, slog through this stuff. It's logical, analytical, and well researched. Of course, those of us with short attention spans prefer the Cliff Notes:
Positioning of actors in Holsten's restaurant: Location, location, location. Even in a fictional TV show, location matters. If you don't believe me (or the tomb), re-watch the final scene of the final episode. Make a map of every character sitting in the restaurant. If you do it correctly, the analysis shows how third person camera shots and point of view (POV) camera shots conclusively establish Tony's murder. POV shots are seen through Tony's eyes. Tony sits in a restaurant booth facing the entrance, blocking his view of certain patrons. When the camera cuts to these patrons, Tony isn't seeing them, we are, making them third person shots. This blows the "Tony lives with paranoia" ending clear out of the water. Tony is not paranoid. The audience simply doesn't understand the underlying meaning of the camera angles.
POV sequence/blackout: Building on the POV camera shots theory, the author notes a telltale pattern. A cowbell attached to the restaurant entrance rings whenever a patron enters or exits. When Tony hears the cowbell ring, he looks up at the door. When he looks up, we see what he sees. To prove the point, the author notes a third person shot of two new customers, two black men, in the restaurant. We do not hear the cowbell or see them enter because Tony is distracted when they arrive. This shows the importance of the pattern established with static POV shots. In the scene's final minutes, we hear the cowbell. Going with the pattern, we should then see someone entering or exiting the restaurant. Instead, we see and hear nothing. The scene goes pitch black. There is no sound. This tells us that Tony's POV is pitch black with no sound, dead as a door nail. Never saw it coming. I say give Tony more cowbell! Where is more cowbell when you need it?
Man in the "Members Only" jacket: The only track shots in the final scene are when Tony enters the restaurant and when the Man in the Members Only jacket (don't ask me why, but the author abbreviates the reference to "MOG") goes to the bathroom. We get a view of MOG that Tony does not get which is him looking back at Tony. That's how we know it's a track shot. All other camera angles are either third person or POV. MOG is hazily framed in many of Tony's POV shots. He's in Tony's view, but Tony isn't seeing him. Also, MOG is the only patron shown behind the door before he enters. He doesn't register with Tony because AJ is directly behind him. Tony waves to AJ and ignores MOG. Clearly, MOG is the hit man. Tony should be paying more attention, but he is relaxed and happy to be with his family. We never see MOG leaving the bathroom because Tony never sees MOG leaving the bathroom. Carmela and AJ never see MOG leaving the bathroom because they are too interested in studying their menus. The hit happens suddenly behind Tony's back with a gunshot to the head. Makes perfect sense.
Never heard it coming/flashback: The author details several episodes where Tony discusses the life of a mob boss: death or jail. "You probably never hear it coming" and the like is often repeated in the last nine episodes. Significantly, Tony flashes back to a scene where the phrase is said. This foreshadows that when the end comes, Tony will never hear it coming. Don't Stop Believing will be playing on the jukebox and then everything will go completely dark. Sad, when you think about it. On a more positive note, I heard they recently found a new lead singer for Journey.
Dispelling the "nothing happened" theory: Antithetical to all of David Chase's work throughout the series, the author details many plot lines with satisfying build ups and endings. Having such a big build up to a nothing ending makes no sense, violates the show's basic structure, and therefore is not credible.
So, there you have it. The author further analyzes the meaning of Tony's death, Holsten's as symbolism, the parallels between the show and The Godfather, terrorism and the Iraqi War as keys to the finale, miscellaneous fun David Chase stuff, and the influences of The Public Enemy and Goodfellas on the show.
Exhausting. They'll have to study this work of art in classes about mythic television.
For my money, there is one interesting parallel the author either missed or chose to ignore: Hillary Clinton using the final scene as a parody ad for her presidential campaign. "Everybody wants to know how it's going to end," says Bill as they bond over carrot sticks. Hillary sits at the restaurant booth just a bit too relaxed, her perceived feelings of entitlement clouding her ability to run a top notch campaign, the lure of a stronger candidate fuzzily out of focus. In the end, she too took a symbolic bullet to the head. The parallels are glaringly obvious, but why polarize everyone before the convention?
Just want to sit and bask in David Chase's extraordinary brilliance.
Clinton Campaign Jumps the Shark and Should Leave the Building
Does anyone still want Hillary Clinton for V.P. after this bombshell?
Call me old-fashioned, but I'm still a big believer in Freudian slips. And with the Clinton track record and her Sopranos knock-off commercial, I can't regard her remarks as mere silliness. Call me a crazy conspiracy theorist if you like, but there's no room in civil political discourse for a response like this. The reporter asked, "Why [have people tried to push you out of the race since Iowa]?" Rather than consider something plausible, Clinton faulted the media, saying historically it made no sense to push a candidate out before June and then cited the RFK assassination as justification.
Even in the best light, the explanation is irresponsible and, forgive me Clinton supporters, incredibly idiotic. I don't know about everyone else, but I can't stomach the thought of a presidency with Dana Quail, Jr. second in command...
...or the Ralph Nader of 2008.
I have already highlighted numerous other missteps of Senator Clinton's campaign, but none so egregious, so over the top, so incredibly divisive as her most recent gaffe. Please, everyone, for the sake of the Party, join together. Put an end to the candidacy of a politician whose actions serve only to tear us apart. Urge party leaders to dance Hillary off the stage, quickly, quietly, but forcibly, while she still retains a portion of her dignity.
It's over, folks, it's over. She fought the good fight, but she's done.
Call me old-fashioned, but I'm still a big believer in Freudian slips. And with the Clinton track record and her Sopranos knock-off commercial, I can't regard her remarks as mere silliness. Call me a crazy conspiracy theorist if you like, but there's no room in civil political discourse for a response like this. The reporter asked, "Why [have people tried to push you out of the race since Iowa]?" Rather than consider something plausible, Clinton faulted the media, saying historically it made no sense to push a candidate out before June and then cited the RFK assassination as justification.
Even in the best light, the explanation is irresponsible and, forgive me Clinton supporters, incredibly idiotic. I don't know about everyone else, but I can't stomach the thought of a presidency with Dana Quail, Jr. second in command...
...or the Ralph Nader of 2008.
I have already highlighted numerous other missteps of Senator Clinton's campaign, but none so egregious, so over the top, so incredibly divisive as her most recent gaffe. Please, everyone, for the sake of the Party, join together. Put an end to the candidacy of a politician whose actions serve only to tear us apart. Urge party leaders to dance Hillary off the stage, quickly, quietly, but forcibly, while she still retains a portion of her dignity.
It's over, folks, it's over. She fought the good fight, but she's done.
West Virginia Primary Signals Look at Demographics
Does today's West Virginia Democratic primary matter? Isn't that the state with something like five electoral college votes? Oh sure, it's a swing state, we have to pay attention to those swing states. Swing state, shming state. I feel like I'm hanging out on a playground.
I can't remember the last time West Virginia influenced the outcome of a primary election. Oh wait. Yes I do. It was the 15th of NEVER.
As far as this blogger is concerned, the only reason today's primary matters is the question of demographics. Obama doesn't connect with white blue collar workers. I think that's fairly clear. Clinton seems to think this demographic will carry her to victory in Denver. I couldn't disagree more.
The number of white blue collar workers defecting to McCain or sticking with the Democratic Party candidate remains to be seen, but I'm going out on a limb to predict the majority of Democratic white blue collar workers will stick with the Party no matter who ends up being the candidate. West Virginia's tiny amount of electoral college votes won't sway the general election.
Universal health care. Is McCain offering that? More money for education. Does McCain have a similar proposal? McCain can't propose the expansion of social programs without losing half of the Republican vote. Call it pandering or whatever you like, but the majority of white blue collar workers are going to vote for the Democratic Party candidate in the general election. So today's outcome in West Virginia is a non-issue, one that should be put to rest as soon as possible.
Oh, and did I mention that Obama now leads in the popular vote, pledged delegates, and pledged superdelegates? I just don't understand what Hillary has to gain by making a spectacle of herself.
Looks like my prior concerns about the demographic of Jewish Americans may have been for naught. Glenn Greenwald, likely a fellow member of the tribe, has an excellent piece analyzing a recent Obama interview in The Atlantic. He comes to the conclusion that Obama is as much of a supporter of Jewish concerns as any of the other candidates.
And just as much a patriot.
I can't remember the last time West Virginia influenced the outcome of a primary election. Oh wait. Yes I do. It was the 15th of NEVER.
As far as this blogger is concerned, the only reason today's primary matters is the question of demographics. Obama doesn't connect with white blue collar workers. I think that's fairly clear. Clinton seems to think this demographic will carry her to victory in Denver. I couldn't disagree more.
The number of white blue collar workers defecting to McCain or sticking with the Democratic Party candidate remains to be seen, but I'm going out on a limb to predict the majority of Democratic white blue collar workers will stick with the Party no matter who ends up being the candidate. West Virginia's tiny amount of electoral college votes won't sway the general election.
Universal health care. Is McCain offering that? More money for education. Does McCain have a similar proposal? McCain can't propose the expansion of social programs without losing half of the Republican vote. Call it pandering or whatever you like, but the majority of white blue collar workers are going to vote for the Democratic Party candidate in the general election. So today's outcome in West Virginia is a non-issue, one that should be put to rest as soon as possible.
Oh, and did I mention that Obama now leads in the popular vote, pledged delegates, and pledged superdelegates? I just don't understand what Hillary has to gain by making a spectacle of herself.
Looks like my prior concerns about the demographic of Jewish Americans may have been for naught. Glenn Greenwald, likely a fellow member of the tribe, has an excellent piece analyzing a recent Obama interview in The Atlantic. He comes to the conclusion that Obama is as much of a supporter of Jewish concerns as any of the other candidates.
And just as much a patriot.
Operation Chaos Fuels Loathing for Limbaugh
Many moons ago, half-rated TV sitcom Hearts Afire ran an episode with a somewhat ignominious guest star. I say half-rated because although it starred the late John Ritter and had its bright spots, it never really found an audience. Another casualty of network wars most likely.
Make no mistake, even back then, this guest star was probably the most hated gentleman "inside the beltway." Nemesis to the then all powerful and almighty Clintons. MSM journalists routinely panned the guy, probably convinced they could bring him to his knees.
In the Hearts Afire episode, he more or less played himself. It was then that I caught his more human side and began thinking he wasn't a monster at all, just a big blowhard steadfastly right wing with very conservative political principals. To some extent a misogynist, yes, but likely due more to a chivalrous upbringing that hadn't played well with feminists. This was late 20th century America, after all, where everyone had a right to say as they think and do as they please within reason. Perhaps he had just bumped against the wrong women.
I couldn't understand all the animosity for the fat guy. Maybe because I didn't understand in the decade following my college graduation, major universities and media outlets had basically become shills for liberalism. Okay, I was a hippie in my day too, but like most liberals with a mortgage and a car payment, I'd grown out of it. Real life concerns sparked a change in my politics, leaving me somewhat right of center. Today, I think of myself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. I remain a card carrying Democrat as I have since I first registered to vote, although these days I barely recognize my own Party.
After that television episode, I began tuning into the fat guy's radio program, soon learning that most of what he said made a lot of sense. I didn't always like the way he said it, and often disagreed with his politics. But something about the way he presented himself, his logic, and yes, homespun humor really resonated with me. This was someone I could have befriended in high school, someone likely nerdy and unpopular. Just the kind of person an "uncliquey" gal like me would have gravitated toward for his wit and intellect. I kinda liked this guy. If anything, his program was highly entertaining.
If you haven't already guessed, the Hearts Afire guest star was none other than that "lovable little fuzzball," Rush Limbaugh. Okay, stop the moans and groans, I'm serious about this. I like Rush. And I am not a ditto head. These days, I disagree with practically everything he has to say, but I tune in whenever I can. I don't have to agree with him to know that the man makes sense. Maybe if media glitterati made a similar acknowledgement, they could finally go head to head with him in a civilized debate.
For some reason, luminaries in the media and universities don't just dislike Rush, they loathe him. I'm talking serious hatred.
I liken Limbaugh loathing to the feelings elicited by a family of squirrels nesting in the roof of a house. The owner tries to firebomb them with pesticides or calls an exterminator to round them up and they still manage to come back the following spring. No matter what the owner does, she can't get rid of them. The tiny pitter-patter of their grubby paws on the ceiling drives the owner positively berserk. She tries to live with them, but realizes she can't. In desperation, she shoots up the attic with an uzi sub-machine gun. The following spring, they're back, only this time they've moved into the kitchen. Meanwhile, despite repeated repairs, the roof continues to leak.
Lookit people (Rush likes to say that to his audience, so I'm using it here), all you driveby media types and movie bigwigs, people who think they control the outcome of elections by calling Nancy Pelosi on speed dial, and other D.C. muckety-mucks, if you think Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos" hasn't thrown a monkey wrench in this election, you people must be on crack.
Of course it's allowed Clinton to bloody up Obama.
On today's program, Rush finally admitted what I've known all along. Back in March, 2007, the Clintons pounded MSM insiders to leak stories about Obama's ties to the Reverend Wright and Bill Ayres. No one of any substance would comply. Sean Hannity took up the call regarding Ayres, but nothing really became of it. To this day, I don't think anyone in the Democratic Party cares. People did what they thought they had to do to stop a bloody war drafting young men into a conflict they didn't understand or support. That stuff is now the backdrop of movies like Forrest Gump, Born on the Fourth of July, The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, and Bobby. A different time, a different place. End of story.
According to Limbaugh, ABC's Brian Ross tossed the first Reverend Wright firebomb. I disagree. Even as Obamamania began sweeping the nation, there were already rumblings on the radio, cable news, and the Internet about Obama's former pastor and Obama's schooling at an Indonesian madrassa. If Clinton had dropped out of the race after the Potomac Primaries like she should have, those rumblings would have been left to the Republicans. Instead, by remaining in the race, Clinton allowed right-wing bloggers to take up the cause.
As Limbaugh rightfully noted on today's program, John McCain would have snuffed out the campfire if Clinton had dropped out before Texas and Ohio. McCain has vowed not to run on a negative campaign. I have to believe the Reverend Wright firestorm would be too controversial, too racist, too distasteful for John McCain. Most Americans do not keep their ear to the political ground. That would have been the end of it.
But not for Hillary Clinton. By keeping her in the race, by motivating Republican operatives to crossover and cast votes for her in the primaries, Limbaugh single-handedly, albeit with the help of thousands of loyal listeners, kept her campaign alive, thereby keeping the Reverend Jeremiah Wright torch aglow until it did eventually ignite into a MSM firestorm. This has indeed put a huge damper on the Obama campaign. He's bloodied, but he's not down for the count.
Much to the Clintons' chagrin, the media firestorm did not bring Barack down in flames. If anything, it rallied a huge majority of African-Americans behind him, about 90% according to Limbaugh. Unfortunately, it also caused other minorities, specifically Jewish Americans to become extremely distrustful and fearful of an Obama presidency. Rush sometimes speaks in code, but I get it. On today's program, he translated "Operation Chaos" into German. Drawing out the hard consonants, digging in with a language most Jewish people despise (for obvious reasons), I knew all too well what Limbaugh was talking about.
The German translation made my stomach turn, but I had to agree. I can attest to the fallout of "Operation Chaos" first-hand. My Jewish friends who voted for Obama in Maryland's primary now say they will not vote for him in the general election. There is no convincing them otherwise. My African-American friends say they will stay home in November if Clinton becomes the nominee. They and the Caucasian intelligentsia know there will be no justice in America if superdelegates swing the nomination Clinton's way.
White blue collar workers aren't the only Democratic card carriers. Neither are white women 65 years of age and older. A Clinton nomination means a victory for McCain in the fall. Even a Baltimoron like me knows that.
Yet again, I disagree with Limbaugh's assessment about the election. Obama can still pull off victory in the fall. The only problem is the race will now be very tight. Democrats will have to come out in droves if they want to make an Obama presidency happen. This wasn't true prior to the launch of "Operation Chaos."
When pontificating talking heads claim "Operation Chaos" is now dead, or that it's an exercise in futility, or that the Reverend Wright firestorm barely nicked Obama, I throw my hands up in disgust and scream, "You people are loony tunes!" Most of the time, no one is around to hear me and if they are, I tell them I'm just talking to myself.
What irks me is the way media glitterati try to belittle Limbaugh, not give him his due for something diabolically brilliant. "Operation Chaos" is a screaming success. To claim anything less would be like shooting up a roof with an uzi.
Clinton Win in Indiana Should Mean Bupkus to Superdelegates
So Hillary ekes out a 20K win in Indiana and the talking heads still want to predict the outcome using traditional political analysis. If there's anything this race has taught me over the past ten months, traditional analysis has no place in the race for the Democratic nomination.
A crash course....
Two words. "Operation Chaos." The most ingenious diabolic confusion scheme ever concocted by a radio talk show host trying to sway an election.
This is not a drill, people. Ever since Rush Limbaugh dreamed up this scheme -- I believe it followed Obama's tremendous surge after the Potomac Primaries -- Clinton has been winning virtually all remaining primary elections in very small margins. In every State but Pennsylvania where Obama likely suffered a true loss among actual Democrats, and now in North Carolina where he clobbered her, Clinton has squeaked out razor hair victories. Due to the way the Party awards delegates, these "victories" haven't helped her much, but they have unfortunately kept her in this race. A thorn in the side of the Party, believe you me.
Despite the disingenuous musings of another die hard Republican radio talk show host, the majority of Democrats do not want Hillary to fight on. They want her to go away and let our rightful candidate take on McCain. I wish blowhards with an agenda would stick to lamenting their own candidate(you know who you are). On the other hand, Americans unable to see the wool being pulled over their eyes hopefully will read this article and see the process for what it is.
A big bamboozle.
Hillary's win in Indiana is no different than every other victory she's managed to snag since her crash and burn here, her former stomping grounds (before she carpetbagged to New York). Her 20K margin (and likely more) in Indiana clearly represents people who will cast votes for McCain in November, make no mistake about that. How do I know? Don't you people listen to the radio? Limbaugh brags about "Operation Chaos" almost daily.
Truth be told, if I were him, I would too. Amazing what someone with his political clout can do, mobilizing huge blocks of voters to throw away their primary votes by casting them for Clinton. And why not? McCain is their designated nominee, they can't change that. Let me tell you, a lot of them are very unhappy with the early selection. To cheer themselves up, they've decided to have a some fun with us Democrats. That's all that's going on here, nothing more.
And yes, Democrats are powerless to stop it. Nothing illegal or unconstitutional here. We'll just have to grin, bear it, and take it at face value. Suck it up and admit we've been played. No big deal really, since a Clinton nomination is such a long shot it would have to be decided by superdelegates.
Let's hope the remaining undeclared superdelegates have enough sense to recognize how talking head babble means absolutely nothing in the face of "Operation Chaos." Clinton should have lost these last few states fair and square and been forced out. Limbaugh changed the game on us, that's all. Superdelegates will best serve their patriotic duty by ignoring factors having no bearing on the general election.
FYI, what happened in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, etc. could never happen in Maryland. To vote for a Democratic candidate in the primary election, one must be a registered Democrat. One cannot switch Party affiliations between the primary and general elections. The same holds true for Republicans. Yes, it's sort of half-baked system because it forces Republican sympathizers to remain registered Democrats. Otherwise, they would never have any sway in deciding candidates, Maryland is so blue. It also bars Independents from voting in primary elections, but they still get to vote in the general. Stupid as all that seems, Maryland's voting system is the ultimate defense against a scheme like "Operation Chaos."
For states suffering a Limbaugh hijacking, veritable food for thought.
The Democratic Debacle in 7:26
Can a video keep your attention for seven minutes, six seconds? That's all the time you'll need to understand why the Democratic Party is sputtering as we head to the primary finish line.
No?
Well then, how about staying tuned for another two and a half months to witness storm clouds crash and burn over Denver? After all, it isn't every day an incredibly stubborn, "every man for me," short-sighted, pants-wearing political candidate takes a Party down in flames. Oh, the humanity.
What? That doesn't appeal to you either?
Me neither.
Watch the video and you'll understand why.
Politics Online Shines Spotlight on The Spewker
A wise tech editor once lectured not to publicize one's dark blog. Most people won't notice and when you tell them, they'll think you're a wanker, he explained. Something along those lines.
Duly noted. I have not been laid up with the flu as life in the blogosphere moves on.
As proof, we're in the spotlight today over at PoliticsOnline.
And just in case you're busy with more pressing matters, here's the current link and full article after the jump.
Rehashing Hillary Clinton Judgment Blunders
This morning on Baltimore news station WBAL, noted political commentator Ned Barnett went on the record, identifying the "real loser" of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s "sex-tryst-melt-down" as "Hillary Clinton and her presidential aspirations." To be technically accurate, Mr. Barnett went on the record yesterday in an article posted to his two blogs, but the fanfare remains the same.
After glossing over the obvious loss of Spitzer as a sorely needed super-delegate (he’ll either resign or face impeachment charges) and anticipated tit-for-tat request for repudiation (not rejection) from the Obama campaign, Barnett claims "you heard it here first" as he describes why Senator Clinton trumps Spitzer’s family and political career as the scandal’s biggest loser.
You see, Ned Barnett may indeed be the first one to tie the bad judgment of Senator Clinton to a hot topic hooker scandal. But he isn’t the first to posit her zeal to vilify philandering victims as hardcore evidence of her unsuitability for the presidency. No, that person would be me.
When my November 26, 2007 article first appeared on BlogCritics, and later my own blog, the reaction of the blogosphere was scathing, unrelentingly nasty actually, although, somewhat to my relief, the fire-storm faded almost as quickly as it began. I probably should have issued some sort of press release before it did, but then I’m new at this political commentary game. Just learning the ropes of self-promotion.
I have since learned how quickly original thought morphs and takes on other attributes once it launches into cyberspace. Still, should a gutsy forward-thinking blogger such as myself be left behind in the dust?
Just last week, I read about Democrats threatening to vote for John McCain if the party nominates Barack Obama. Democrats threatening to vote for the Republican? Suddenly, the Democratic Party should be concerned about crossover voters? When I was the first to make the same promise with respect to Hillary Clinton, I was taunted with comments such as,
I’ve written a few other articles noting Hillary Clinton’s inability to lead and judgment blunders, but none so poignant as the first. People rarely comment at my blog, but then I later hear similar thought being bandied about in the news and political media. I have to believe my message is finding an audience, and while that’s a positive development, it would be nice to see accompanying acknowledgment of its origin.
Of course, great minds do think alike and no one is accusing anyone else of plagiarism. But when a blogger is willing to go on the record with a highly criticized, well-publicized, against-the-conventional-wisdom article so early in the campaign, what’s wrong with giving a little credit where credit is due?
Remember, you may not have heard it here first!
But if you did, all I ask for is a link or trackback.
Duly noted. I have not been laid up with the flu as life in the blogosphere moves on.
As proof, we're in the spotlight today over at PoliticsOnline.
And just in case you're busy with more pressing matters, here's the current link and full article after the jump.
This morning on Baltimore news station WBAL, noted political commentator Ned Barnett went on the record, identifying the "real loser" of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s "sex-tryst-melt-down" as "Hillary Clinton and her presidential aspirations." To be technically accurate, Mr. Barnett went on the record yesterday in an article posted to his two blogs, but the fanfare remains the same.
After glossing over the obvious loss of Spitzer as a sorely needed super-delegate (he’ll either resign or face impeachment charges) and anticipated tit-for-tat request for repudiation (not rejection) from the Obama campaign, Barnett claims "you heard it here first" as he describes why Senator Clinton trumps Spitzer’s family and political career as the scandal’s biggest loser.
…the real memory-jog will be more along the lines of then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton’s misguided belief in a ‘Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy’ as the architect of her downfall, rather than a philandering husband who couldn’t keep it zipped. That one blame-comment, made on the Today Show on January 27, 1998 showed her political blindness in the face of a fact she’d known for decades – that Bill Clinton was a serial philanderer. She knew about Gennifer Flowers. She knew about Paula Jones. No matter how much she would have liked to believe otherwise, her attempt to blame the Lewinsky story on political opponents instead of her husband of more than 20 years shows a serious gap in judgment – the kind of judgment she is offering as her justification for being named the Democratic Party’s candidate.I, for one, admire a blogger who knows how to self-promote. Lord knows, I could take a lesson or two from Mr. Barnett who, according to his article, will be discussing his position tonight on Fox Business. But at the same time, I’m lamenting my own lack of self-promotion savvy.
You see, Ned Barnett may indeed be the first one to tie the bad judgment of Senator Clinton to a hot topic hooker scandal. But he isn’t the first to posit her zeal to vilify philandering victims as hardcore evidence of her unsuitability for the presidency. No, that person would be me.
When my November 26, 2007 article first appeared on BlogCritics, and later my own blog, the reaction of the blogosphere was scathing, unrelentingly nasty actually, although, somewhat to my relief, the fire-storm faded almost as quickly as it began. I probably should have issued some sort of press release before it did, but then I’m new at this political commentary game. Just learning the ropes of self-promotion.
I have since learned how quickly original thought morphs and takes on other attributes once it launches into cyberspace. Still, should a gutsy forward-thinking blogger such as myself be left behind in the dust?
Just last week, I read about Democrats threatening to vote for John McCain if the party nominates Barack Obama. Democrats threatening to vote for the Republican? Suddenly, the Democratic Party should be concerned about crossover voters? When I was the first to make the same promise with respect to Hillary Clinton, I was taunted with comments such as,
Writing provocative articles is a great idea...if you can write, and if your argument makes sense. But if you just want to stir the pot, you deserve to have your motives questioned. And I don't think anyone who really cares about Democrats winning the White House would have written this article. So I repeat my charge: Romneyite spy.And that was one of the nicer rebukes!
I’ve written a few other articles noting Hillary Clinton’s inability to lead and judgment blunders, but none so poignant as the first. People rarely comment at my blog, but then I later hear similar thought being bandied about in the news and political media. I have to believe my message is finding an audience, and while that’s a positive development, it would be nice to see accompanying acknowledgment of its origin.
Of course, great minds do think alike and no one is accusing anyone else of plagiarism. But when a blogger is willing to go on the record with a highly criticized, well-publicized, against-the-conventional-wisdom article so early in the campaign, what’s wrong with giving a little credit where credit is due?
Remember, you may not have heard it here first!
But if you did, all I ask for is a link or trackback.
Live Blogging 2008 Ohio Democratic Debate
Too ill to blog tonight's Democratic debate, but I'll be watching. The two candidates left standing are facing off again, this time at Cleveland State University. Many are hoping for a knock down drag-out winner take all outcome. Break out the NyQuil.
Follow these live blogs for a blow by blow analysis:
ABC's Rick Klein
Guardian America's Alexander Belenky
The Swamp's Lisa Anderson
More to be added as the evening drags on.
What do you know, my candidate endorsed Barack Obama. It's official then. There's no turning back.
Follow these live blogs for a blow by blow analysis:
ABC's Rick Klein
Guardian America's Alexander Belenky
The Swamp's Lisa Anderson
More to be added as the evening drags on.
What do you know, my candidate endorsed Barack Obama. It's official then. There's no turning back.
Rush Limbaugh Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
Do I have your attention?No, I mean, DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?!
Because if I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I wouldn't believe it myself. There I was, propped up on the couch in a semi-groggy almost comatose state, barely able to breathe through one nostril, when the parody played over the airwaves.
Much as I like and admire Rush Limbaugh -- say what you will about him, the man is a media mogul -- I refuse to join the ranks of "Rush Babies," people who subscribe to his 24/7 website providing full access to live "Ditto Cam" reports, the fabled "Stack of Stuff" newsletter, political parodies from Paul Shanklin, and latest gimmick grabber, the "O.O.C." sheriff badge proudly affixed to the lapel of African-American "Official Program Observer," James Golden/Bo Snerdly, their "Official Obama Criticizer."
As a result, I have no links to today's parody. Nonetheless, it has etched its wretched mark in my mind, looping over and over in a fuzzy haze like that time when I was five years old and got locked into a backyard shed during a family get together. Yes, it did happen, but the details get muddled over time. I'm so coked up on cold medication, the finer points of today's EIB program are no longer accessible. But this much I know. Rush Limbaugh and his ilk are terrified by the prospect of running John McCain against Barack Obama in November.
There's a parody floating around out there somewhere and when I get my grubby paws on it, you'd better believe I'm linking to it. But for now, trust me. Just trust me.
Limbaugh, Coulter, my own local Bruce Elliott, they're all praying, hoping, desperately desiring a Hillary nomination. And the smart money knows why. Because she isn't electable. Not even against decrepit politics as usual John McCain.
Today on his program -- if I could swear I would swear -- I heard Limbaugh endorse Hillary Clinton for president. Maybe he just wants her to claim the Democratic nomination so Republicans can beat the crap out of her in the fall, I can't be certain. I immediately turned off the radio to concentrate on other matters such as this blog. Hey, I know this article sounds sophmoric, addled, disjointed, but what do you expect from a sick person?
The point is -- and there is a point in all of this so I'm going to make it -- the point is, Republicans are so worried about winning in November, they're now hatching a nefarious plan to keep Hillary's candidacy alive. I wish Republicans would take a good hard look at themselves and decide whether early support of John McCain is to blame. Numbers and statistical impossibilities aside, of all the presidential hopefuls, he seemed the least likely to become their come back man from behind. Giuliani, Huckabee, yeesh, a disaffected Democrat like me might have even given Romney a second glance, but McCain? Why has he emerged as their front runner? His hardball stance against abortion? When is the "moral majority" going to get the loud and clear message that the majority of Americans believe a woman has and should always have a right to choose?
Most of McCain's other policies don't mesh with the right wing, we all know that. What the Republicans seem to be missing, and what Limbaugh very clearly emphasized today is that McCain's policies don't mesh with disaffected Democrats like me either. Unlike Ann Coulter who honestly rubs me the wrong way, the only way I and probably legions of other "third party Democrats" will ever consider casting a vote for McCain is if our party nominates Billary. I whole heartedly agree with Limbaugh, something I don't do very often, when he posits McCain is a lock if the Democrats back the Clintons.
As an aside, this dribble about Florida's liberal Jewish voters is just that. Liberal Jewish voters comprise a tiny almost infinitesimal fraction of the electorate, hardly a force to behold inside the Democratic elite. And this laughable conjecture about African-Americans, give me a break. If the party backs the Clinton, my guess is a good portion of that vote will stay on the job November 4th.
Now I'm no expert on state primaries, but I'm worried about crossover votes and the impact Texas and Ohio voters will have on this election. Is it really fair to pressure super delegates into a Hillary nomination when the Republicans are hatching a strategy to keep her candidacy alive? For their own nefarious reasons?
The majority of Americans are tired of the divide, sick of the bitter infighting, tired of the haves getting fat while the have-nots struggle to stay alive. These labels I hear bandied about, liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat, drive-bys, neocons, and Limbaugh's divisive tactics, they're not working. They're not bringing us to a better tomorrow. If anything, they're leading us over the cliff like lemmings too stupid to realize they're about to die.
Barack Obama will have plenty of media scrutiny in the months ahead, this much is certain. The media is not about to give him a free pass to the presidency. For now, the American public is mesmerized with the man from Illinois because he speaks a message long since forgotten. Hope, connection, togetherness, vision, prosperity, peace. Obama says he can make it it so. Many are willing to roll the dice and let him try.
Come up with something better, Republicans, and you too shall have a shot at the White House. But John McCain? Puh-leeze! Republicans will have to do better than that.
Celebrity Politics Morsel From Heaven
With no intention of slowing down, we troll cyberspace collecting morsels of celebrity politics wherever they may hide. Only when we have amassed enough hard copy evidence of this troubling trend, only then will we consider our mission accomplished. How much is enough? I don't know. It's an instinctive "I'll know it when I see it" intuitive knowledge kind of thing.
Luckily, every now and then, one of these morsels falls into our laps. I say luckily because we just wrapped Moan Quivers' live blog of the Oscars and still have work to do. Put another pot of coffee on the stove! It's going to be a long and lonesome night.
The mixture of reality and fantasy in this Billary article was too good to pass by. Last Saturday's SNL, first live episode since the writers went back to work, hit a high note. Funny skits. No noticeable mistakes. Tina Fey should be proud. Now, one of the all-time best episodes of SNL -- one of my all-time favorite TV shows -- holds a place of high honor in the raison d'etre of this blog.
America is fast becoming a culture of superficiality and fluff while the majority of us are too distracted to care. Another drop in the bucket. Our mission continues.
Luckily, every now and then, one of these morsels falls into our laps. I say luckily because we just wrapped Moan Quivers' live blog of the Oscars and still have work to do. Put another pot of coffee on the stove! It's going to be a long and lonesome night.
The mixture of reality and fantasy in this Billary article was too good to pass by. Last Saturday's SNL, first live episode since the writers went back to work, hit a high note. Funny skits. No noticeable mistakes. Tina Fey should be proud. Now, one of the all-time best episodes of SNL -- one of my all-time favorite TV shows -- holds a place of high honor in the raison d'etre of this blog.
America is fast becoming a culture of superficiality and fluff while the majority of us are too distracted to care. Another drop in the bucket. Our mission continues.
Free State Outreach to Texas and Ohio Voters Before Democratic Debate
I am an undefined bit of fluff, a zygote in a swelling tide of democratic debate. Thoughts and opinions, what much do they matter coming from tiny insignificant me? Well, I do read, think, and have many years of serious legal training under my belt. For what it's worth, here are the thoughts swirling around in my muddled mind as America heads into tonight's face-off between Clinton and Obama at the University of Texas.According to Bill, Texas and Ohio are his wife's last stand. You matter, wonderful people of the north and south, can't you see how much you matter? Bill hopes you will self-inflate, thereby carrying the little missus to certain victory. Can't help but focus on another famous Lone Star do-or-die battle cry, "Remember the Alamo," and think tonight's debate could go down in history as "Remember Obama's Show."
I never watch daytime TV. Too many too full of themselves talking heads. Too much distraction. Scouring the Internet for any sign of life outside the University of Texas, I am sorely disappointed. Desperate, I flip on the television, wasteland of last resort. The airwaves are crowded with a McCain lobbyist scandal. Impropriety denied. Huckabee angling for opportunity, yet mum about the rumors and what they may mean. What about the anticipated lines outside the Recreational Sports Center? Where is the streaming video when you need it?
Obama-mania hits Texas. Par-TAY! Can you dig it? Can't get a seat at the rec center? No problem. Party on.
It's not over until it's over. Texas and Ohio hold the fate of this election in their poll-driven hands. Wondering how it feels to have that kind of electoral power. The historic turning tide of the Potomac Primaries long since forgotten, pundits now hammer away at the nature of the election process and clout of big states. My sense of fundamental fairness wants the majority of states, even little states, to decide. My knowledge of America's election process says otherwise. Big states decide because they contain the majority of the population. That's understandable and acceptable. But, the issue becomes more problematic when examined from the preconceived notion of "one vote one voice." Nevertheless, a Texas vote counts more than a vote from the nation's capital because America is a democratic republic, not a utopian democracy. Try explaining that to my 16-year old and his eyes begin to glaze over. I hate my diminished capacity to elect the next president, but you'll never catch me moving to Texas. Just too darn hot.
There will be riots. So muse those in the know with 1968 Chicago visions dancing in their heads. Will CSN&Y reunite to compose another song?
Michelle Obama is not unpatriotic, contrary to popular sentiment. America needs to understand where Michelle Obama is coming from. Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes. And before you can abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes. The real story is the Clinton camp's outrageous attempt to sling mud at Michelle Obama. A wife's attempt to characterize the message of her husband's candidacy misses the mark. So what? Let's examine the other junior Senator's remarks about America, shall we? Better yet, let's examine voter reaction to Clinton-Politics-As-Usual.
Hillary's plagiarism attack against Obama had me in stitches after reading this manifesto. Movie lines direct from a Nicholson movie, the actor claiming Billary is the best man for the job, recently regurgitated as campaign rhetoric? Be still my heart. That's gold, Jerry, gold for a tiny celebrity politics blog bobbing about, trying to stay afloat against the relentless swell from atop the food chain.
Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama will participate in a Democratic presidential primary debate at The University of Texas at Austin tonight, February 21, 2008, from 7-8:30 p.m. CST.
Crowds Flock to Cult of Obama in Battle for Texas and Ohio
I am just a poor boy though my story's seldom told. I have squandered my resistance for a pocketful of mumbles such are promises. All lies and jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest...
If you believe in magic come along with me. We'll dance until morning, just you and me and maybe, if the music is right, I'll meet ya tomorrow so late at night...
I see the world, feel the chill. Which way to go, windowsill? I see the words on a rocking horse of time. I see the birds in the rain...
Yeah, but even if, honey, I told you daddy now. You wouldn't believe me anyway, no, no, no. Maybe you will now. I've changed a lot somehow. Let me do what I say...With nods to Simon and Garfunkel, John Sebastian, Pearl Jam, and Janis Queen of R&B, in that order, themes of belief, hope, magic, and change have long held a special place in the hearts of Americans.
Now Barack Obama rides a wave of popular immortalization. Last night on Nightline, el Lay columnist Joel Stein spoke of the "Cult of Obama" as the program compared this political phenom to craze propelled Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and yes teeny boppers, Hannah Montana. Can he live up to the hype? Can anyone?
I can't wait to see the line outside the Thompson Conference Center tomorrow. Maybe the masses will start lining up tonight.
Obama has racked up impressive victories throughout the land, a perfect 11-0 since the Super Tuesday Tossup. Billary continues to battle from against the ropes, badly bloodied and limping toward the Texas and Ohio primaries. FYI, Vermont and Rhode Island also head for the polls on March 4th, but no one seems much to care. To the larger amount of delegates goes the glory.
Meanwhile, official murmurs of "down for the count" begin to emanate from the press. Dare we dream this little shoestring budget of a blog is more widely read than imagined? I understand the whole "great minds think alike" thing, but lately, the amount of idea grabbing on the Internet is veritable cause for pause. More about this, ahem, another time.
As the press makes hay from Obama's roll in Wisconsin and Hawaii, I remain as confused as everyone else about the Washington State primary. This much is clear, however, yesterday's outcome is largely symbolic. Nary a word from the national news media on the subject which is why the general public thinks only two states voted. Pity. The outcome in Washington State comprises Obama's 11-0 tally, meaning the true number of successive wins deserves a serious do-over. One would think more journalists would care.
Getting back to themes of dreams, belief, once in a lifetime, directions, change, and political fluff, here's some flotsam from BETH Productions that kind of hits the spot. Election 2008 just cast Obama in the part of Troy. Casting for the part of Sharpay are still in negotiations.
...but if you get lost and lose yourself, what does it really mean...
Barack and Hillary Compete on New Reality TV Program
Interrupting reality to present the all new reality TV game show, Presidential Rock Star.
Playing for the Democrats, we're down to just two contestants, each battling for the semi-final nominee round, and eventually, the coveted title of America's presidential rock star. Today's show will determine the face off nominee who will then go head to head with our Republican challenger.
America, are you ready? Over here, is our underdog contestant, the one with the least amount of votes heading into this week's next round of primaries. Give a warm round of applause for the junior senator from New York, Hill-a-ree Clin-ton!
Ooo. Eeek. Yech. One of our judges is headed for the door. Come back, sit down. You're not getting off that easy. Yes, I know the words are "...Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner..." not "...our Star Spangled Banner..." I don't know where she learned the words to the national anthem, but that's no excuse to be rude, now sit down. Guess that explains her Iowa results, though. Moving on...
Yee-owch. Even a Hillary fan thinks this tone deaf rendition of James Cleveland's Great Freedom Hymn is as corny Kansas in August. Not getting many brownie points for that one, I'm afraid. The judges don't look happy. You need to do some fancier footwork here, Hillary, if you want to pull ahead. What's that? You can dance, you say? I've gotta see that. Go ahead, show us your chops.
Oh my. This is not good. Not good at all. Fancy footwork is not supposed to be coming out of your mouth. Doublespeak is not a dance. What? You do impressions? Our contestant says she does impressions. She wants to do an impression, is that what you said, Hillary? She's shaking her head yes. Okay, audience, it's unconventional, but we're letting her go for it. Put your hands together for Hillary's world famous impression of iron lady, Imelda Marcos...
Is that some kind of sick joke, I mean, are we looking at some blooper reel here? What was that? The judges are shaking they're heads and my producer is urging me to move on. We're running out of time, audience, so let's give it up for our second contestant...the junior senator from Illinois, Ba-rack O-ba-ma!
Wow. Nice cameo. Powerful speaking voice. Engaging eye contact. Knows his lines without cue cards. I had no idea he could act, did you know Barack could act, judges? That's a big plus in this contest. The judges are all smiles, but our producer is moving this segment along because we're running out of time. On to Barack's next segment.
Oh yeah. Smack dat. Look at him. He's got groove. He's got feeling. Are you feeling this, man? I think I am. Studio audience, this is beginning to look like a no brainer. But wait a minute. Hold that thought. Looks like the contestants are taking matters into their own hands. They're having their own private discussion. Let's listen in.
Shut my mouth. Just look at how well they work together. My goodness. These two are virtually indistinguishable. When you put them right next to each other, Hillary's dissonant warblings are down right tolerable. The judges are nodding. It looks like these two may be on to something. The judges are getting ready to vote. They're turning their cards around. They're looking rather smug.
Holy moly! It's unanimous, folks. A dead heat. A tie! Meaning we go to our tie breaker round. Barack and Hillary will both star in our off, off, off-Broadway musical to break this lock. If we have to, we'll go all the way down to the wire, letting super delegate reviews decide. The way things look right now, we might not have a choice. Hey! No booing. No. I mean it. We here at Presidential Rock Star had a feeling it might come to this, so we are totally prepared. Take a peek at this outtake from the tie breaker off, off, off-Broadway musical, coming soon to a theatre near you.
What's that? Why of course, Barack has top billing. His agent said he wouldn't sign unless his name came before hers. But look, to be fair, the supporting cast is non-partisan. So, there you have it. Join us in August when super delegates reviews will be in, helping our judges decide which of these two talented contestant should move to the final round as our Democratic nominee.
Until then, this is your happy host from Presidential Rock Star with a friendly reminder for everyone in our television audience, "You reap what you sow, so better not sew a sow's ear." Toodle-loo!
Playing for the Democrats, we're down to just two contestants, each battling for the semi-final nominee round, and eventually, the coveted title of America's presidential rock star. Today's show will determine the face off nominee who will then go head to head with our Republican challenger.
America, are you ready? Over here, is our underdog contestant, the one with the least amount of votes heading into this week's next round of primaries. Give a warm round of applause for the junior senator from New York, Hill-a-ree Clin-ton!
Ooo. Eeek. Yech. One of our judges is headed for the door. Come back, sit down. You're not getting off that easy. Yes, I know the words are "...Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner..." not "...our Star Spangled Banner..." I don't know where she learned the words to the national anthem, but that's no excuse to be rude, now sit down. Guess that explains her Iowa results, though. Moving on...
Yee-owch. Even a Hillary fan thinks this tone deaf rendition of James Cleveland's Great Freedom Hymn is as corny Kansas in August. Not getting many brownie points for that one, I'm afraid. The judges don't look happy. You need to do some fancier footwork here, Hillary, if you want to pull ahead. What's that? You can dance, you say? I've gotta see that. Go ahead, show us your chops.
Oh my. This is not good. Not good at all. Fancy footwork is not supposed to be coming out of your mouth. Doublespeak is not a dance. What? You do impressions? Our contestant says she does impressions. She wants to do an impression, is that what you said, Hillary? She's shaking her head yes. Okay, audience, it's unconventional, but we're letting her go for it. Put your hands together for Hillary's world famous impression of iron lady, Imelda Marcos...
Is that some kind of sick joke, I mean, are we looking at some blooper reel here? What was that? The judges are shaking they're heads and my producer is urging me to move on. We're running out of time, audience, so let's give it up for our second contestant...the junior senator from Illinois, Ba-rack O-ba-ma!
Wow. Nice cameo. Powerful speaking voice. Engaging eye contact. Knows his lines without cue cards. I had no idea he could act, did you know Barack could act, judges? That's a big plus in this contest. The judges are all smiles, but our producer is moving this segment along because we're running out of time. On to Barack's next segment.
Oh yeah. Smack dat. Look at him. He's got groove. He's got feeling. Are you feeling this, man? I think I am. Studio audience, this is beginning to look like a no brainer. But wait a minute. Hold that thought. Looks like the contestants are taking matters into their own hands. They're having their own private discussion. Let's listen in.
Shut my mouth. Just look at how well they work together. My goodness. These two are virtually indistinguishable. When you put them right next to each other, Hillary's dissonant warblings are down right tolerable. The judges are nodding. It looks like these two may be on to something. The judges are getting ready to vote. They're turning their cards around. They're looking rather smug.
Holy moly! It's unanimous, folks. A dead heat. A tie! Meaning we go to our tie breaker round. Barack and Hillary will both star in our off, off, off-Broadway musical to break this lock. If we have to, we'll go all the way down to the wire, letting super delegate reviews decide. The way things look right now, we might not have a choice. Hey! No booing. No. I mean it. We here at Presidential Rock Star had a feeling it might come to this, so we are totally prepared. Take a peek at this outtake from the tie breaker off, off, off-Broadway musical, coming soon to a theatre near you.
What's that? Why of course, Barack has top billing. His agent said he wouldn't sign unless his name came before hers. But look, to be fair, the supporting cast is non-partisan. So, there you have it. Join us in August when super delegates reviews will be in, helping our judges decide which of these two talented contestant should move to the final round as our Democratic nominee.
Until then, this is your happy host from Presidential Rock Star with a friendly reminder for everyone in our television audience, "You reap what you sow, so better not sew a sow's ear." Toodle-loo!
Hillary Clinton Ignores Voice of the People
The whole country is buzzing about the Potomac primaries, but I've been too busy to tune in. Working on some other matters as well as a new blog development. In the meantime, take a look at this missive from Howard Kurtz of The Washington Post. Nice links, good analysis, fair and balanced reporting. A lot of work went into this piece. When unable to create, the next best thing is linking, I always say.
BTW, despite the spin, I bet Bubba is kicking himself right now. Obama and his "once in a lifetime" political movement is just the kind of wave Bill would love to ride, wishes he could ride, if not for the ball and chain.
It's all over, Bill, she just doesn't know how to gracefully dance off the stage.
Barack Obama Hillary Clinton
Time for Hillary Clinton to B(r)ow Out
Hillary Clinton is looking up, but not for good reason.
Am I the last one to notice Clinton's plasticized visage? Those sparse frozen arches hovering in an unnatural position above her eye sockets give me the heebie-jeebies, much like the farfetched spin in this Politico video.
Clinton Spins Political Upset:
Clinton during Bubba Administration:
I'm not advocating relentless criticism of aging women and hate to jump on this bandwagon. Potshots at her eyebrows are my passive aggressive way of releasing anger over her ingrained inability to speak candidly or with integrity.
Am I the last one to notice Clinton's plasticized visage? Those sparse frozen arches hovering in an unnatural position above her eye sockets give me the heebie-jeebies, much like the farfetched spin in this Politico video.
Clinton Spins Political Upset:
Clinton during Bubba Administration:
I'm not advocating relentless criticism of aging women and hate to jump on this bandwagon. Potshots at her eyebrows are my passive aggressive way of releasing anger over her ingrained inability to speak candidly or with integrity.
Fifth Season of The Wire Skewers Baltimore Media
Terrific. She Who Must Not Be Named is vowing to fight to the end. The Clintonoms are dancing in the streets. For goodness sakes, it was only a three-point lead.Here’s the real story. When Mrs. Clinton wins a primary, it’s tooted from the highest media mountaintops. When Mr. Obama ran away with Iowa, it was just another day. The Obama primary victory was historic. Black man wins where traditionally no blacks reside. Last Friday, the local rag ran a small front page column begrudgingly mentioning, “Obama, Huckabee win Iowa Caucuses.’ Today the headlines jump out and scream, “Clinton Rallies, McCain Cruises.”
One would be hard pressed to find a more blatant example of bias in the national news media.
This past Sunday, the heavily anticipated television program, The Wire returned for its fifth and final season on HBO. This time around, the show targets Baltimore media. Not surprisingly, the show’s creator and head writer, David Simon, finds himself the talk of the town.
Finally, a hometown story where celebrities and politics overlap and here I am stuck without a clue. I should be kicking myself while moving on. Instead, I am determined to add my voice to the din.
As a native Baltimorean and long time resident, I consciously resisted The Wire’s siren call. Time is a precious commodity I dole out to television judiciously. Not many shows make the cut. This has nothing to do with product or quality. It’s more about getting sucked in. No need, I rationalized, to start watching a television program with stories lifted from the local rag. Besides, if I have a hankering for murder and mayhem, east Baltimore is a hop, skip, and a jump away. Kinda scary, actually. The last thing I need is a TV program to remind me of the crime lurking next door.
I remember when Simon reported for The Baltimore Sun, that’s how long Charm City has been a one-paper town. Word has it he is using the show to wage his own personal vendetta. Among other gripes, Simon bemoans the paper’s lack of journalistic integrity. One can envision him practically spitting into the receiver during a telephone interview with another reporter. Simon's low regard for Baltimore media translated into new fictional characters for the show. Some say the characters are not all that fictional. If I actually watched the show, I might be inclined to agree.
To its credit, The Baltimore Sun is slowly undergoing a transformation. Since Simon’s departure in 1995, the local rag is on its third editor. In the wake of a takeover of its parent company and the rise of a rival paper, The Examiner, the local rag is running a tighter ship. Its columns, stories, and designs are much better. I no longer peruse the headlines for five minutes, then throw it in the trash in disgust. From my perspective, that’s progress. It’s probably much different than the story lines in Simon’s show.
Media bias is no longer a daily blatant occurrence, although just last week, I became incensed by a photograph depicting an Israeli soldier and unarmed Palestinian youth. The Israeli Army executed a mission to stop missile fire from neighboring Palestinian border towns into Israel. The soldier could have been directing the boy out of the area. Instead, the photo depicts the soldier as an oppressor of a defenseless young boy. Someone made the decision to run that photo without an accompanying story. One or two lines of description did not fairly put the photograph into context.
Such blatant bias has no place in a newspaper aspiring to journalistic integrity. Apparently, some things at the local rag haven’t changed enough. Perhaps by The Wire series finale, it will have the guts to get it right.
The Twelve Days of Celebrity Christmas
Are they over? Not the Iowa caucuses, silly, the holidays.
Yes, we heard Obama clinched Iowa and we're thrilled. Thrilled beyond expression. Edwards second place finish wasn't so squeaky when considering how outspent and under reported in comparison to Clinton. No sympathy whatsoever for Billary. We can only pray she gets the message to exit sooner rather than later. She should allow the presumptive nominee, Obama, to use some of that treasure trove in the general election. Wonder how much she'll try to squirrel away for another senate campaign.
Huckabee creamed the competition as expected. No surprises there. Giuliani's failure to register in the top tier, however, knocked a lot of wind out of our sails. I would have thought Thompson had no chance whatsoever. Instead, his third place finish leaves Hunter dead in the water, and Rudy extremely vulnerable in New Hampshire.
Biden and Dodd are goners. Bye fellows, it was nice thinking I'd be able to vote for one of you. Thanks a lot, Iowa, you always know how to spoil a good party. I didn't get to drink a beer and the cops are already sending people home.
As the holidays come to a close, and the race moves ahead to New Hampshire, I'm bracing myself for the long haul...February 6th. If there's no assumed winners by then, all hell may break loose at the conventions.
This party may not have to end so abruptly after all.
Well, celebrity fans, there's a new kid on the block. By chance, I came across the kid's "Twelve Days of Celebrity Christmas" and thought it was a classy way end to the holidays. Classy in a very cheesy sort of way. Soon, people will be taking down their Christmas lights (everyone but your next door neighbor), the hum drum will return, and we'll all be looking forward to spring.
By the time convetion season rolls around, I might need a good soak in the Velvet Hot Tub, if not to lick my political wounds, then for the sheer enjoyment of rejuvenation.
Don't tell our virtual Hollywood correspondent, Moan Quivers, about the "-alicious" suffix in the title panel. She definitively said the next person who describes something with the dreaded "-alicious," they were going to get a spiked heel up their butt. Ouch.
Yes, we heard Obama clinched Iowa and we're thrilled. Thrilled beyond expression. Edwards second place finish wasn't so squeaky when considering how outspent and under reported in comparison to Clinton. No sympathy whatsoever for Billary. We can only pray she gets the message to exit sooner rather than later. She should allow the presumptive nominee, Obama, to use some of that treasure trove in the general election. Wonder how much she'll try to squirrel away for another senate campaign.
Huckabee creamed the competition as expected. No surprises there. Giuliani's failure to register in the top tier, however, knocked a lot of wind out of our sails. I would have thought Thompson had no chance whatsoever. Instead, his third place finish leaves Hunter dead in the water, and Rudy extremely vulnerable in New Hampshire.
Biden and Dodd are goners. Bye fellows, it was nice thinking I'd be able to vote for one of you. Thanks a lot, Iowa, you always know how to spoil a good party. I didn't get to drink a beer and the cops are already sending people home.
As the holidays come to a close, and the race moves ahead to New Hampshire, I'm bracing myself for the long haul...February 6th. If there's no assumed winners by then, all hell may break loose at the conventions.
This party may not have to end so abruptly after all.
Well, celebrity fans, there's a new kid on the block. By chance, I came across the kid's "Twelve Days of Celebrity Christmas" and thought it was a classy way end to the holidays. Classy in a very cheesy sort of way. Soon, people will be taking down their Christmas lights (everyone but your next door neighbor), the hum drum will return, and we'll all be looking forward to spring.
By the time convetion season rolls around, I might need a good soak in the Velvet Hot Tub, if not to lick my political wounds, then for the sheer enjoyment of rejuvenation.
Don't tell our virtual Hollywood correspondent, Moan Quivers, about the "-alicious" suffix in the title panel. She definitively said the next person who describes something with the dreaded "-alicious," they were going to get a spiked heel up their butt. Ouch.
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