Alice Akunyili's Blog

It's a new year

2012-01-01T14:12:00.002-05:00

It's a new dawn, a new day, a new year. I don't know what this year will bring; surely sad times and happy times will be represented, more of the latter if I am lucky. I do know that every year brings with it unexpected events, pleasant surprises and some unpleasant ones. The year that just ended is such a blur-- went by so fast--but, I am most grateful for the amazing people I've met.

I know what I want from the New Year, but I can't imagine how the reality will play out; the only certain thing is that I have a wonderful village of friends and family by my side whose support will make 2012 a better year than it would be without their presence.

All hail the new year 2012!

The Myth of Freedom

2011-12-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

Land of the free and home of the brave. That's the way we like to hear America described, but how free are you?

It's not incidental that the latest protest movements, whether the Tea Party on the right, or the Occupy Wall Street on the left, drew its ranks primarily from the retired and the student populations. Everyone else just keeps their head down and goes to work everyday, because they are hardly free to do otherwise. Do you think your job is safe if you become associated with any form of protest? The government itself must uphold the rights enshrined into the constitution, but no Corporation is similarly bound. Don't believe me? Read any Company's policy on what can get you fired. Now that most public spaces are actually private property, something many people only realized as the scenes in Zuccotti park played out, our Government has effectively outsourced the job of citizen suppression.

It was election day this November. I didn't vote. I meant to, but I was at work from 9AM to 9PM. Technically, it was within my legal rights to take an extended lunch break of 2 hours and head for the polls. I say technically, because even my regular lunch breaks are usually spent at my desk; working lunches we call them in the corporate world. The consistently low turn out elections that effectively disenfranchises the working class exists by design. There are a number of easy fixes: elections could be held on the weekend, polls could be kept open late, or that one Tuesday in November could be a public holiday. None of this will ever happen of course, because low turnout is not a flaw of the system, it's a structural design.

The market places of yester years have been transformed into privately owned mega shopping malls where a store owner can't gain competitive advantage by keeping his storefront open longer than the competition if he were so inclined. In many states, even your own home is subject to local home owners association regulations; and heaven help you if your home is a condo. Your home--the very place that should be your sanctuary--might be your property, but even that does not give you free reign, as a Michigan woman found out when she faced criminal charges for planting a garden in her front yard.

Freedom of the Press is the most laughable of all the persistent myths. Who really thinks that reporters are not deferential to the source of their paycheck?

I'm not pointing out any of these things because I have a better solution. I don't. I've reconciled myself to the system. My good life is thanks to the complex system of competing interests that have forged this society. However, I can't buy into the national delusion that equates my good fortune with freedom. I have a great life, but I am hardly free. It is not even possible to protect my person from the humiliating ordeal of having to submit to a full body scan at the airport. I suppose I am free to not fly, but that would be akin to an inmate claiming to be a free man because he is free to die.

There is now a possibility that American citizens can be targeted for execution by the state without due process. This is limited to those the state believes are terrorists, not upstanding citizens like me--for now. Yet history tells us that the definition of terrorist can and will change. During WWII, it was Japanese Americans that were hurled off to camps. A few decades later, we hunted communist spies. Today the face of evil might be a Muslim Imam, but tomorrow it might be someone who looks very similar to me. At which point, all the freedom I have traded for the good life won't seem worth it. So my wish this Christmas is for that tomorrow to never come. I have already traded my freedom and so have you.

Merry Christmas.

How we choose to die...

2011-12-06T10:57:00.001-05:00

I just read an article about "How Doctors die". I never worry about my own death. I hope it will be painless and peaceful, but that's about it. I don't worry that the world will go on without me; much of it already does.

When they have to choose for themselves, most doctors choose a peaceful exit rather than last ditch heroics. I am not surprised.

It's always a good strategy to ask your doctor what they would do for themselves. They will try to be evasive, but when you can get them to be honest, it is worthwhile to weigh that option more heavily in your mind.

Obviously this article is entirely moot in non-western countries, where the paucity of medical care can rob the populace of a dignified life, but not of a dignified death.

Gay rights for Africans

2011-12-01T16:11:00.004-05:00

If David Cameron had bothered to talk to anyone that really cares about gay rights in Africa, they would have warned him that his attempt to nudge African nations into gay friendly stances will only push them into defensive postures as the optics of their former colonial masters issuing ultimatums will not go over well.

It comes as no surprise to me that the Nigerian Government yesterday passed a bill to make homosexuality more illegal than it already is.

The bill also contains this:

"Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly make public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison."

I suppose they realize it is not just gay people that have to be silenced, their friends, family and anyone that might decide to advocate on their behalf must also be silenced.

I raise my voice in place of those who cannot speak, for my gay Nigerian friends, and for every gay person living under the tyranny of their society. I need them to know they have friends. I need to bear witness to the injustice they suffer on a daily basis. I need them to know I recognize their pain. I need them to know I share it.

It would be wrong to assume that this law makes any difference in their lives. It does not. The gay men and women in Africa live under such oppressive regimes that this will make no difference. This is perhaps the stupidity of David Cameron. A law granting homosexuals any rights would not change the society they live in. So too this law, condemning something that was always condemned, will change nothing but the letter of the law.

Let me be the first to predict that no one will see the inside of a jail house because of this law. And if they do, it will be because they have vexed the powers that be not because they are homosexual. Gay Nigerians are more resilient than this law. In Northern Nigeria they live in fear of being stoned to death; Yet there are few reports of stoning. In Southern Nigeria they face the wrath of the mob, beatings and discrimination; Yet they thrive, they love, and they live.

This law is toothless. All laws in Nigeria are toothless. This is a country that can't manage to provide for the security of its citizens, where people fear to travel because armed robbers and kidnappers lurk in the shadows. This is a country where only those too poor to matter end up in jail (and those with very powerful enemies). So this law is toothless, but it is also a wake-up call. Those of us that care for the dignity of human beings; those of us that believe people have the right to be free from coercion and fear; those of us that dissent from the spirit of this hateful law have to decide to be the change we would like to see in the world.

David Cameron cannot improve the lives of gay Nigerians. We can. Me and you. With very little we can make a change. Whether it is to speak out for those who have to remain hidden to keep safe, or to offer a temporary home to those who have been abandoned by their family. And to gay Nigerians, I beseech you not to accept this fate without fighting back. You don't have to take your cues from the Americans or the Europeans, but you owe it to yourselves to educate yourselves, to build up your wealth until you finally find your own voice. I believe the solution for gay Nigerians is to herald change from the inside. I also believe it will require education and a single minded pursuit of a larger share of the nation's economy.

Let's band together and actually make a difference. Being angry is not enough. Let this law become the battle cry for all those who would like to see that arc of history bend toward justice a little bit quicker.

To those that endure all the hate in stoic silence, I salute you. To those brave enough to be out, I am in awe of your courage.

About that US Constitution...

2011-07-25T09:47:00.001-04:00

I walked past a man mouthing off to another across the street, "where is the President's plan?" I assume this was in reference to the current debt crisis debacle and I find that remarkably amusing.

When did it become the President's job to write legislation? Usher his ideas, priorities and goals for government through congress? Perhaps. But, this guy was calling for Obama to usurp power delegated to congress by the constitution. So much for saving the country from the Imperial Presidency.

Don't blame the Tea Party

2011-07-21T17:04:00.006-04:00

I read an article today that really set me off. A "sane conservative" tries to talk some sense into his party about their voodoo-economics theory that nothing will happen if we do not raise the debt ceiling. Of course my reaction was, NOW you speak up? Were you in coma when the nutcases were let out of the asylum? How can a party about to nominate Michelle Bachmann for POTUS even claim there is any sanity left within its ranks. There isn't. It actually gets worse though, because even said "sane conservative" tries much too hard not to "get shrill".

Contrary to current liberal/sane conservative opinion, I don't agree that the Tea Party is to blame for the current mess. The Tea Party is only doing what it promised to do. The blame lies with the sane people on the right who choose to ride this monster and with the public who voted them into power (especially those who passed on casting a vote). If this ends in Depression 2.0, Americans have no one but themselves to blame.

That said, it amazes me that anyone thinks a depression will swing the country to the right--even the Tea party rallied against the health care bill by screaming about keeping government out of Medicare. If Republicans crash the current system completely and anger really consumes the mob, there is little chance it will herald a conservative dawn. Why? The public is in agreement about most things: tax rich people more, keep entitlements, enact stricter rules for wall street, end corporate welfare and quit shipping jobs overseas. I don’t see how the aftermath of the chaos won’t intensify these positions. Fearing restrictive legislative moves from Democrats, the financial industry might have backed the Trojan horse that will bring down their entire stack of cards. I could gloat, because, unlike most Americans, I have other options, but I’m too liberal to relish the human carnage that will result.

As for the sane conservative trying not to get shrill…it’s too little, too late.

Living in NYC

2011-07-16T21:22:00.002-04:00

New Yorkers never attempt to offer up a different narrative when outsiders beat up on the city. There is the polite smile, and probably a mental eye-roll, but no attempt to enlighten those convinced evil lurks around the big apple.

The city is a horrible place to raise children, the cost of living is exorbitant, it is a cesspool of the decadent and the immoral, people are not kind or friendly; I've heard it all. Yet, today I spent the day kayaking on the Hudson--for free--and, afterwards, went for a long walk along the riverfront.

There were families out to soak up some sun, with their children in strollers if the kids were really young and on mini-me-too bikes if they were older. There were older folk and younger folk, some were alone and others were coupled, some had a dog in tow. They were white, black, Asian and many mixes thereof. If I'd walked by someone famous, I would never know it. I realized why no one ever bothers correcting the prevailing narrative. It's just one of those secrets New Yorkers would rather keep to themselves: that their great city is also very mundane.

The disinterested New Yorker? ha! The Downtown Boathouse that offers free kayaking (and lessons) to any one that shows up--is staffed 100% by volunteers. In fact, I would argue that there is a level of civic engagement in the city that's galvanized by living in close proximity to everyone else.

I'm not saying there aren't a fair number of jerks; I'm just saying, that's not the real New York.

What entitlement?

2011-07-15T15:02:00.003-04:00

I had a conversation with a co-worker on social security and he was of the opinion that neither Social Security nor Medicare would be there when we retired (we are roughly the same age). Not, taxes will have to be raised; not, all that money we are spending on defense will have to be re-appropriated; just, it won't be there. It's not the first time I have heard this meme, either. This is a widely held opinion within my age cohort and it spells doom for the future of social safety nets.

If Gen X has been convinced we are paying into a ponzi scheme and we will never reap the benefits, then it's only a matter of time.

The contrast with Europe, where the safety net is almost a sacred mandate, is striking. Americans, at least those of my generation, are not a bunch of entitled fools. We expect to be alone in our time of need: very alone.

The right side of public opinion

2011-07-13T20:35:00.001-04:00

Nate Silver [baseball statistics wonk turned politics statistics wonk] looks at the numbers and concludes that Democrats are on the right side of Public Opinion on the mix of spending cuts to tax increases that should be included in the deal to set our financial house in order.

My 0.02 cents:
1) Someone please tell the Democrats. The public option for health care was also exceedingly popular and they managed to nix it anyway.
2) Is the middle of a stalling economic recovery the best time to be putting our fiscal house in order? Scary times ahead.

Debt Ceiling Drama

2011-07-13T19:37:00.003-04:00

The deadline to raise the Debt limit seems too close for a deal to be agreed upon, written and voted into law. Yet, the closer we get to August 2nd, the more intense pressure from the Republican moneyed elite will become to cut a deal, any deal. Enter Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's emergency eject plan.

Perhaps to prove Obama's point about mindless intransigence, the Tea Party crowd is literally calling for McConnell to be burned in effigy. The Republican leadership is being eaten by the monster they created and I wonder whether they can rally their caucus around any plan at all.

What happens next is anyone's guess. I'll be following the proceedings with the usual mix of confusion, amusement and horror. On the one hand, I worry about playing the long game with a petulant opposition that clearly has no actual method to their madness. On the other hand, I'm glad Obama is much smarter than I.

Aaron Sorkin should consider a new season of West Wing. Our current reality is a drama that writes itself.

End of hiatus

2011-07-10T04:37:00.002-04:00

I've not been active on my blog for a while: probably because most of my posts are usually politics and after the 2008 election marathon I was blogged out.

It's time to slowly wade back into the blogoshere and it's rather fitting that I'm trying out a new publishing platform too. We'll see how it goes.

David Vs Goliath, Internet vs TV, Kutcher Vs Industry Exec. Round One

2010-01-04T17:03:00.000-05:00

Apparently CBS picked up a show, produced by Ashton Kutcher, called "The Beautiful Life." They made six episodes but dumped the show before it could garner a cable audience, airing only two episodes.

Ashton Kutcher, arguably one of the most influencial figures in genX pop-culture, believed in his show enough to take it elsewhere. He got HP to sponsor a youtube channel. All five episodes, including those never aired, have now found a home online - and an audience clamouring for more.

I watched a few episodes myself, and I was quite impressed - if not with the cheesy plot-lines, with the dept and complexity of the characters. This was a show with the potential of evolving into another "sex in the city" type series, which some people love and others like to hate.

The parallels with the trajectory of the newpaper industry is stunning. First you start putting out mostly trash - replacing scripted shows with reality television - then you start losing talent to alternative new age media outlets. If Kutcher pulls this off, if HP finances the production of the entire series, this will be the begining of the end for the networks too.

Distributed via YouTube, marketed via tweeter. Check it out - http://www.youtube.com/user/TBL

Reason Enough to Buy a HP? Maybe!

There's Something About This Man

2009-07-16T19:08:00.001-04:00

Obama really believes in what he is doing. That's great to see. I think I have missed his unequivocal determination to get things done the right way since he has been in office; as President he has been far too mellow and willing to compromise. I needed this reminder that the fire was still there

Let Us Bear Witness

2009-06-25T16:36:00.001-04:00

In the most poignant merger of W.B. Yeats, voice and image - Mike Scott captures the essence of our role in the Iranian Green Revolution. All over the world, people online have been called to bear witness...and we have.

Hat Tip: Andrew Sullivan

Kramer VS Stewart

2009-03-13T17:23:00.000-04:00

I have been on a quasi blogging hiatus, mostly because despite the plethora of controversial issues I needed to do a lot of reading to wrap my mind around the moving parts of the narrative and the reality of this downturn. While I am sure Obama might get a thing or two wrong - my only comeback for the naysayers is that I sleep better at night knowing it's Obama in charge. Can you imagine McCain getting a handle on this economy, or to really make it a nightmare - Putin head spotting Palin?

That said, some people did some heavy cheer leading for the guys that got us into this situation. A point left to comedian Jon Stewart to point out after Rick Santeli got upset about Obama bailing out homeowners:

This lead to an all out counter from CNBC's Cramer and a strong comeback from Jon. He might be simply a comedian, but he's no wuss - and being right about this he wasn't about to back down.

So now it's all out war CNBC and all NBC affiliates versus Stewart including Joe Scarborough:

To end this week long war was a Cramer-Stewart sit down. Enjoy.

Topping it off, oh yes - white house responds!

Our First Family

2009-01-21T02:02:00.000-05:00

Young kids in the white house again; beautiful, adorable young ladies. It will be a pleasure to watch this family reshape the cultural landscape and our conscious image of an African American family.

Inauguration!

2009-01-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

My first thought is that the writer of the inauguration poem needs a lesson in poetry from Lowery.

This was the Non-Obama moment highlight of the event.

My favorite bit of Obama's speech:

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

Obama captures essence of the United States and fountain of my great love for this nation, my adopted home. Idealism is derided as the naive tug of youth yet this is a nation founded on that principle. Ideals that it has not always lived up to, but astonishes the world with its honest, unassuming yet always ambitious journey forward in the quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. Americans seem to take particular glee in proving naysayers wrong in a reflexive defiance of those that would doubt that: Yes We Can!

Republican (Re)Start : 08=80

2009-01-07T00:09:00.000-05:00

The Republicans held a debate amongst the candidates for RNC Chairman. In order words, they are in search of a standard bearer for a much needed political revival.

I grabbed the short video recap from TPM.com to make my point. The montage captures the complete nothingness that was talked about.

If Republicans really wanted someone palatable to the general public, the obvious pick would be Michael Steele. My guess is they will go with one of the southern white guys.*boring* (seriously, watch the video!)

That said, even Steele's great idea to reach out to Blacks and Minorities is way too late. With a President Obama on January 20th, the Democratic party will have an extended lock on the minority vote, especially the immigrant vote. One can always count on loud mouthed racists spouting anti-Obama nonsense under a Republican banner to boost minority allegiance to the Democrats.

Lastly, enough with Reagan already! I was seven years old when he left office - and I don't count as the youth vote anymore. How does invoking Reagan help us deal with a plethora of 21st century circumstances he never had to grapple with? Ultimately one has to apply history's lessons to the present and generate new ideas, not constantly attempt to re-live the past. Republicans can twitter, 'youtube' and 'facebook' all they want - if all they have to say is "check out Reagan" - they will have no luck connecting with my generation.

NB: Memo to Republicans, youtube and facebook aren't verbs. Not yet ;-)

War of Choice

2008-12-29T12:06:00.000-05:00

There is absolutely no justification for the targeted expenditure of innocent men, women and children.

It is wrong when it is perpetuated by Palestinians and other Arabs against Israel. It is equally wrong when it is done by Israel.

Just as I support Israel, and their right to live free from terror, so also does my heart cry out at the injustice currently being perpetuated against my fellow human beings. Israel is losing the PR battle because they are showing the world that they too have blood on their hands, with acts of belligerence not even staunch allies can acquiesce.

Israel has always gotten from me and many others, the benefit of the doubt - No more! And I am not alone.

Happy Holidays from Michelle Obama

2008-12-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

If you are on Obama's ten million e-mail list then you probably just received an e-mail from Michelle wishing you Happy Holidays.

The notable thing is her request not for political donations but that:

...you join me in supporting your favorite charity or contributing to causes that are especially meaningful....

And which are those meaningful causes

Donating to your local food bank
Giving to Operation USO Care Package

A classy lady, but also further evidence that a politician with a different purpose has arrived. Obama does not merely employ empty platitudes as talking points, he is lending his weight to the promotion of community service. Building the American dream for everyone from ground up.

Lincoln - Obama

2008-12-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

Obama is apparently going to use the Lincoln Bible for his inauguration.

Andrew Sullivan says, "It will be the first time it has been used since its original use in 1861. From Lincoln's hand to the first black president's. The arc of history is long ..."

Indeed!

A Rebuke.

2008-12-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Obama's most recent appointment to his team: General Shinseki for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The General was sidelined for telling congress in the run-up to the Iraq war that to effectively secure Iraq the force required would be in the order of five hundred thousand troops.

The timing was pure Obamapoliticking: on Pearl Harbor day, a Japanese-American honored for lifelong military.

Of course the pick is a stake to the heart of the neocons because the General got it so right while they all got it very wrong. Rumsfeld et al made Gen. Shinseki into a lesson for dissenters by destroying his career, forcing him into early retirement. Obama's pick is both a rebuke of Bushism and a sign of changing times.

The distilled message to the Military brass; it's better to be right than wrong - regardless of the short term downside.

Amazingly the GOP is somehow hoping for Obama screw ups to be their ticket back to power. Good Luck!

Regulation by BANK

2008-12-05T19:44:00.000-05:00

Apparently Bank of America has announced a revision to it's policy on mountain top coal mining. The Banking giant that managed to get through the financial crisis intact will now cease lending to companies who engage in environment destroying practices while mining in certain fragile geographic locations.

Gimmick, or Not?

The obvious answer is that it doesn't really matter. If Bank of America does more than merely project the image of environmental consciousness, motive aside the important point remains outcome. In that sense it is definitely not a gimmick; losing access to loans from one of the few banks left to finance anything will have an impact.

Kudos to the BofA Team - what a PR bonanza they put together.

47 Days to Inauguration

2008-12-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

Today is December 4th, exactly one month from Obama's huge win on November 4th. I took a break from blogging to absorb the moment and all the postmortems. I will be posting excerpts of my favorite takes, both the 'spot on', the hilarious and the absurd.

The Obama Transition is already underway with a high citizen input format; a review of all Federal agencies, and the appointment of White House staff and Cabinet appointments.

Unlike the prior Bush-Clinton transition that was according to the history logs quite disorderly, this Bush-Obama transition is going almost without a hitch.

It will be fun to follow over the next couple of weeks and into the new year.

Michael Crichton: 1942-2008

2008-11-06T00:34:00.000-05:00

The prolific Author of Jurassic Park, Andromeda Strain and many other best selling fictional books has passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.

A Doctor himself, and creator of the ER series on television; news of his death is both a surprise and a shock.

I have personally enjoyed many if not all of his books. And his stories will live on.

Obama WINS!

2008-11-04T23:39:00.000-05:00

GO VOTE!

2008-11-04T15:40:00.000-05:00

It's a civic duty. It's a right others have fought and bleed to ensure you currently have. It's a privilege of citizenship.

Exercise your right to vote today!

I have faith in the American promise, a faith that will endure regardless of who wins tonight; because I know that eventually change is coming, the young will outlive the bigots. It's almost impossible to imagine that little over 40years ago, Martin Luther King marched for equality.
And because regardless of your particular orientation, it should pain you to see discrimination by the government - Please vote NO on Prop8. If you oppose gay marriage, think about whether you'd like your daughter married to a closeted gay man. Many things transform the institution of marriage into a sham - gay marriage is not one of them. I do not ask that anyone abandon their prejudice, I ask that you vote NO in spite of it - in the words of MLK, 'the arc of history is long, but it always bends towards justice.'

Obama's Grandma Passes

2008-11-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

Madelyn Dunham died between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern Time this morning.
Statement from Obama and his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng:

It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.

I have never been good at dealing with death. Perhaps because I have to deal with so much of it, there's always a certain distance, a calm acceptance of stated fact (of inevitable fact). Today my sadness overflows. I held on to hope that this one life be spared long enough to bear witness to the outcome of November 4th. What a powerful reminder of our immortality, the irrelevance of even the most important events in the face of death. How cruel of fate to have snatched the last leg off the tripod of Obama's childhood, at the dawn of his big moment. What bitter sweetness tomorrow will bring!
In tribute, to a humble, yet great woman, from a grateful Obama supporter. And in empathy with a grandson who must postpone mourning to redeem a nation.

May it be - that you keep Obama company from afar, through the hard times ahead.
May it be - that you rest in Eternal Peace.

Confederates for Obama?

2008-10-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

There has been no shortage of irony in this election season. Forty years ago, when Robby Kennedy declared it was possible we'd see a 'negro' rise to the presidency, who would have thought it would be with the active support of confederate flag flying compatriots? And who could have imagined they would dress up his name in said flag?!

Race to the Finish

2008-10-29T22:04:00.000-04:00

On your Mark.
Set.
Go!

Last Call

2008-10-27T22:42:00.000-04:00

What a powerful closing argument, and call to action. The positive energy of the crowd is remarkable. What a way to fire up your people as we head into the last week of this hard fought, long and grueling election. Once again instead of trying to tear down his opponent, Obama is focused on actual Americans, their dreams, their aspirations, their hope. It's about a future for everyone, as one nation. What a high note to send out your foot soldiers on.

Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does.

In one week, we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom-up.

In one week, we can choose to invest in health care for our families, and education for our kids, and renewable energy for our future.

In one week, we can choose hope over fear, unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo.

In one week, we can come together as one nation, and one people, and once more choose our better history.

That’s what’s at stake. That’s what we’re fighting for. And if in this last week, you will knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors, and convince your friends; if you will stand with me, and fight with me, and give me your vote, then I promise you this – we will not just win Ohio, we will not just win this election, but together, we will change this country and we will change the world. Barack Obama, Canton Ohio 10/27/08

Wazzzuuuup'08

2008-10-24T21:04:00.000-04:00

I really like this campaign ad, depicting five guys struggling with the havoc the Republicans have wrought. Brilliant.

A refresher Course ---

Another Birthday!

2008-10-24T17:36:00.000-04:00

In my family, child making efforts seem to be concentrated at particular times of the year - so today I get to wish my brother a Happy Birthday.

He's the wiz kid, and everyone's favorite. The perfectly mannered adorable little boy, is not so young anymore, having grown into a talented young man. A man, I am extraordinarily proud to call my brother.

Happy Birthday, Bro. *Insert terrorist fist jab here*

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-23T21:57:00.000-04:00

I'm celebrating a birthday in the family today. My little Sis is getting older, and not that she can ever catch up to me, but it's been great sharing all these years with her.

She's a great Obama fan, and got me into the Nomination Acceptance Speech at the Invesco field at mile high. If Obama wins colorado, it because of people like her. Love ya, Sis! Happy Birthday!

Joe The Plumber

2008-10-23T21:54:00.000-04:00

Apparently, Joe the plumber did actually ask Obama a question.

Watch the tape, and see for yourself how Obama handled the situation. This is why he'll win in November.

A tribute!

2008-10-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

I have been reluctant to blog about it, but Obama's grandma is ill and this blog's writer wishes her well.

Whatever the Outcome of this election, she can be proud of the grandson she raised.

In that spirit, I pay tribute to 'America's Grandma'. Thank you, and be well.

Talking Moose!

2008-10-23T21:47:00.000-04:00

This election season keeps getting ever more weird.

You and I, Together

2008-10-23T01:21:00.000-04:00

Obama's rhetorical skill, while impressive, does not by itself explain his ability to inspire. Once again, this time in Richmond Virginia, Obama delivers a stirring speech firing up his base. Nevertheless, understanding how his words tug at the right cords remains elusive. I have opined that the power of his words are amplified because he personifies the modern American dream. Yet, even such symbolism does not convert cynics, nor does it convince anyone to recognize a leader in him. So, what is it about Obama that inspires? What exactly elicits trust?

He has not asked that we believe in him, but rather in ourselves, and in the possibilities for the future. Yet, in some fundamental way his supporters do have to believe in him, his ability to hold firm, and rally the nation. Personally, I find it's difficult to articulate why we do. There are moments when one has a clear glimpse of the source of Obama's leadership; but the vision is ephemeral, fading before the thought can be captured in the conscious mind. As such, I can only do what I have done thus far; highlight those moments on my blog in an effort to show you what I cannot tell you.

Chris Mattews Discovers the Journalist in him!

2008-10-23T01:09:00.000-04:00

It would be obvious to anyone reading this blog, what my impressions of the Alaska Governor are. It is my pleasure to post empirical data supporting my position. And rejoice that journalists, such as Chris Matthews, have awoken from the slumber of the last eight years.

McCain in Missouri

2008-10-20T23:32:00.000-04:00

And he can't hide from Obama

The Powell Endorsement

2008-10-19T14:04:00.000-04:00

An endorsement by an American Hero of the likes of Colin Powell is always a plus. While many in the anti-war coalition cannot forgive his role in leading us into Iraq, I find his endorsement of Obama both eloquent and reasoned along rational arguments that validate my residual high regard of the man.

Extra!

SNL SKit

2008-10-18T23:52:00.000-04:00

These guys have been having a field day with this election season. SNL seems to be back in business.

Al E Smith Dinner

2008-10-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

There are moments when McCain dumps the persona non-Grata his campaign has created and reverts to being human again. In those few instances, I find him quite agreeable. The AL Smith Dinner was one of them.

Obama as usual was top notch.

Side Note - What a contrast there is to Obama's laugh, even when the jokes were at his expense, compared to McCain's uncomfortable laughs.

The Democratic Convention Do Over

2008-10-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I put up this video for its extensive behind the scenes takes. As impressive as the Public Obama is, he comes across even better in his authentic non filtered persona. This man was destined for this moment, and we are lucky to have him.

Maverick? Or Not?

2008-10-08T16:54:00.000-04:00

Joe Biden, on fire in Tampa Florida, calls out Sarah Palin and John McCain for attempting to take the low road to the highest Office in the Land.

Donna Brazil Gets it Off her Chest

2008-10-08T15:27:00.000-04:00

Donna Brazil Gets it Off her Chest

Bill Maher Style Politics

2008-10-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

Intro/New Rules

The Pitbull Without the Lipstick

2008-10-05T05:44:00.000-04:00

Oh boy, McCain really pissed off Letterman by blowing off an appearance, during his non-suspended campaign suspension. That single move might be one the McCain camp will live to regret. Obviously, Letterman can't really move votes, but he can drive the knife in to Obama's benefit.

Letterman has been arguably the most effective surrogate for Obama this past week, and in the spirit of the rising Obama movement, an unpaid volunteer. The man isn't pulling any punches. Watch...

Sarah Bush?

2008-10-05T02:42:00.000-04:00

Did the VP Debate sound like Deja Vu?

Here's why.

The Winks

2008-10-05T02:32:00.000-04:00

Watch out man folk, eh Joe Six-Pack, you won't know what hit ya!

The VP Debate SNL Reax

2008-10-05T01:27:00.000-04:00

Funny, but so sad...

The Verdict

2008-10-04T17:32:00.000-04:00

Apparently Sarah Palin didn't crash at the Debate. She exceeded expectations by uttering a coherent sentence. The winks went right to the heart (or equally relevant body part) of Joe-six-pack. Of course she started by letting every one know she'd be answering the questions she wanted, not the questions asked.

Anyway, the verdict is in - via Letterman - in Sarah Palin's own words:

And equally hilarious; Letterman's top 10 messages on Palin's answering machine:

The Choice

2008-10-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

The choice for the American Public couldn't be more clear.

I rest my case.

Vote No On Prop8

2008-10-01T16:46:00.000-04:00

If you live in California, you have the chance to affirm the fairness of equality, and reject the oppression of bigotry.

The greatest blessing is finding love, both because it is precious and also, because it has become increasingly rare. Our gay compatriots should have a shot at finding love, and sharing with each other, as a married couple, the good and bad moments in life.

In the middle of this century, there was another marriage that was considered; anormal, against the laws of nature, and a slight against God - Interracial marriage. Apparently some relationships were okay to sow wild oats but not pure enough for marriage. Today, the same people that upheld miscegenation laws as traditional want you to buy into their current definition of love deserving of blessing. Don't.

Proposition 8 is an attempt to write discrimination into the constitution of the state, in order to invalidate gay marriages that became legal earlier this year. Vote No on Prop8.

The Missing Narrative

2008-09-27T17:27:00.000-04:00

The Missing narrative about last night's debate is summed up in Obama's sentence.

First of all, Ahmadinejad is not the most powerful person in Iran. So he may not be the right person to talk to.

With that single sentence, he has both acknowledged to the silent extraordinarily pro-American populace that he does not assume Ahmadinejad speaks for them all. And also sows the seeds of division within Iran, which hampers an Ahmadinejad already plagued by internal power struggles.

Obama came across, in my view, as a man who has a strategic end game in mind. He is jump starting his Iranian diplomacy at the presidential debates. The message was loud and clearly to those caught in power struggles with Ahmadinejad in Iran, "make yourselves the right people to talk to."

Obama is not at all naive. He understands the world in a way very few people vying for the office of the president ever have. An understanding that isn't learned, isn't mastered by years of experience, but rather one that is inherent, that comes as naturally as breathing to him. Obama's a natural diplomat, a man that straddled social divides his entire life. He showed that last night, not just to America, but to the world.

lol

2008-09-26T18:25:00.000-04:00

I should be busy with more important real life issues - I know, I know.

But, I couldn't resist.

McCain Neurosis

2008-09-26T12:25:00.000-04:00

Palin Tanking

2008-09-26T11:14:00.000-04:00

There are some gems of thought floating about the internet today as the blogoshpere digests the Palin-Couric interview. I will gather some here, mostly for my own reference at a later date.

This could be fun. She will probably be the first politician ever to give an interview that is done entirely by speaking in tongues. She's almost there already. Commenter at the American Prospect

Maybe that press embargo of Sarah Palin is a good Idea. Dan Drezner

I couldn't help but wonder the questions Couric asked her and the ones we were shown were totally different, her response was that bizarre

"Coming up -- the interview everyone is talking about. You have to see it to believe it."Anderson Cooper

....it flies off into skit comedy material. She really thinks she can pull it off. That is what makes it so cringe-inducing. She doesn't even seem to realize what a fool she is making of herself....

Words Fail. Andrew Sullivan

Palin's just babbling. She makes George W. Bush sound like Cicero. Ron Dreher

I've now seen much of the Katie Couric / Sarah Palin interview
... and I genuinely feel sorry for Palin. This really is pathetic. Again it's not a mass/elite matter. Anyone who has been to high school immediately recognizes the terror of facing a pop quiz or an oral exam when you just have no idea what you're talking about. James Fallows

Ouch. Only one of the two women showed poise, focus and a good grasp of the facts, and it wasn't the one who's running for vice president....The Oregonian

She makes Dan Quayle look like Albert Einstein with a better haircut. Jay Bookman

I hereby challenge readers to translate the following Palinomics quotes into something approximating standard English.Dan Drezner

Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch. You have to watch her. It's mesmerizingly horrendous. She makes Bush look good. Kos

My Favorite are from the Comments on Matthew Yglesias's blog at thinkprogress.org

Sarah Palin, Humanoid Non-sequitur Mad Lib Random Word Generator Model 2000.

Hey, at least Sarah Palin knows how to hunt and kill her own food.That’s a very underrated skill — which may be making a comeback in a few months.

Reducing taxes…has got to accompany tax reductions, and tax relief for Americans.
I’ll tell you, that really put me at ease. I was very concerned that reducing taxes was not going to be part of any tax reduction.

What makes me really sad is that I can give a responsive, coherent answer to the question.....Why does SHE get to run for VP?

how did they find the one person in america who can give katie couric gravitas?

It's like a talking points machine gone out of control. Or magnetic poetry that you have on your fridge—in fact, you can try it at home. String together key words and phrases like "shore up the economy," "reduce tax rates," "healthcare reform," and "trade" and see what kind of Palinisms you can create.Robert Schlesinger

The McCain Delusion Chronicles

2008-09-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

If the daily show didn't exist, we'd have to invent it. Watch the excellent account of McCain's antics this last week.

N.B. CBS just announced that all those clips we have been gushing over, you know the Palin Interview with Katie Couric; they have more footage that sounds worse. How is that even possible?

Vice F***ing Presdient?!?

2008-09-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

I have no Idea how Katie Couric succeeded in keeping a straight face.

Presidential Suspensions

2008-09-25T18:16:00.000-04:00

As usual, the Colbert Report and the Daily Show hit the nail on the head.

In all seriousness, this is a presidential debate that has been scheduled for a while. The University of Mississippi has spent millions on, and people have organized debate watching parties in their home. McCain not showing up would be like standing up the American Public for a date.

I am glad Obama called his bluff and will be on air Friday. I dare McCain to let him take questions, town hall style, for two hours of free unfiltered TV time with an audience of over one hundred million. I dare McCain to let him do this without being present as a counterweight.

McCain will be in Mississippi Friday.

VP!!!???!!!

2008-09-25T15:02:00.000-04:00

I feel cheated. If I had known it was possible to be seriously considered for Vice President of the most powerful nation on earth, second in command to an elderly 72 year old that might croak and propel me to the presidency, all while spouting incoherent rubbish, I would have signed up.

Ordinary American my ass! Look, even Bush doesn't sound this bad. Didn't we already try the stupid executive route of running the country for the last eight years.

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe. -Albert Einstein

This woman is a national embarrassment, and McCain's selection of her has made a laughing stock of all Americans.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Just in case that didn't sound bad to your ears. Here is the transcript. I challenge anyone to find one complete coherent sentence.

Katie Couric: You've cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?

Sarah Palin: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and, on our other side, the land-boundry that we have with Canada. It's funny that a comment like that was kinda made to … I don't know, you know … reporters.

Couric: Mocked?

Palin: Mocked, yeah I guess that's the word, mocked.

Couric: Well, explain to me why that enhances your foreign-policy credentials.

Palin: Well, it certainly does, because our, our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of. And there…

Couric: Have you ever been involved in any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?

Palin: We have trade missions back and forth, we do. It's very important when you consider even national-security issues with Russia. As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right next to, they are right next to our state.

VP?

2008-09-24T20:59:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the potential next Vice President of the United States of America. And heaven forbid, the potential next President of the United States.

It's unbelievable. I feel like I am stuck in an episode of South Park.

Shara Palin displays an inability to speak in complete and coherent sentences. No phrase contained an iota of substance. Not only did she have no answer to anything, she clearly does not grasp the underlying issues at all.

Conservative Blogger Dan Drezner suggested after her interview with Hannity, that maybe the press embargo on Sarah Palin was a good Idea. I concur.

And in case you aren't yet worried. Watch this Church blessing of Sarah Palin.

Chris Rock VS Bill Clinton

2008-09-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

So Apparently, both Bill Clinton and Chris Rock were guests on the lettermen show. And after Bill Clinton's interview, Chris comes out and speaks some truth to power...

This is shortly on the heels of Clinton's appearance on the View, in which once again, Clinton's support for Obama was lukewarm.

Watch Chris Rock...

Ron Paul

2008-09-22T14:44:00.000-04:00

At the time, I listened to a passionate Republican outline a conservative vision completely different from his counterparts.

Anti-War
Austere Government
Mind-your-own-business foreign policy
Pro Civil Liberties
Complete Freedom Advocate

I liked what I was hearing, and Ron Paul ignited a grassroots flame, but I wrote him off as advocating a plan that was impossible. We couldn't eliminate entire government agencies for several reasons, not the least of them being the fact that they employed a large proportion of the population.

Ron Paul warned that we'd bankrupt the country on the current trajectory if we didn't fundamentally change course, at which point all arguments will be moot.

The recent debacles in the financial meltdown, the rush to throw tax payer money at the problem (suggested by the very same people who create the mess and/or allowed it to perpetuate) makes one wonder if this Administration only ever intended to loot the treasury.

That bankruptcy Ron Paul was talking about during the primary seems to loom ever closer. What sounded loony in February sounds like common sense in Hindsight.

Old Boy's Network???

2008-09-17T16:48:00.000-04:00

McCain needs to drop this Palin talking point he seems to have picked up. I know it's a great applause line for her but it makes him look ridiculous. She can claim to take on the 'Good Old Boy's Club', even if that sounds like the lamb chasing down the wolves. By definition, she's not an 'Old Boy' and certainly being from Alaska, not in any Washington club.

On the other hand, McCain by definition is both 'Old', check. A 'Boy', Check (unless there is some misplaced genitalia we don't know about). And after 26years as a senator, he certainly is one of the 'network'. In fact he's like the person people network so they can get to.

Lesson for John McCain? I know McCain can't wave a magic wand and make the problems of the last eight Republican years disappear. But at least don't put your self out there by dissing a group you are clearly firmly entrenched in as what you want to reform, because your opponent will call you on it.

And here is Barack Obama doing just that.

Obama on Letterman

2008-09-11T17:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes an interview is just an interview - and sometimes it can tell you a lot about a candidate.

Part I

Part II

Part III

Joe Biden On Fire

2008-09-05T22:59:00.000-04:00

Wow! Just Wow! He really let it rip - without being mean either. Just called it like it was. You just can't help liking the guy. GO Biden!

Obama's Push Back

2008-09-04T15:59:00.000-04:00

Obama, always the class act, responds to two nights of the GOP hammering at him by redirecting the attention to where his focus lies.

GObama!

UPDATE: Another gem I had to slide in here.
For context,

I guess a small town mayor is kind of like a community organizer, expect they have actual responsibilities. Sarah Palin

Bitterly Divided

2008-09-04T12:42:00.000-04:00

Jon Stewart, displays his comedic brilliance. Unfortunately this video is less about his comedic genius, but speaks more to the political BS that lends itself to such ridicule.

Isn't it sad that our political conversation is summed up with more accuracy and poignancy by a comedian, than those whose jobs it is to exact public collateral damage for such double talk?

Biden On Palin

2008-09-04T12:08:00.000-04:00

I have come over the last few months to have great respect for Obama's political team and their ability to stay focused and keep their eye on the ball.

Republicans are trying to turn this into an election about personalities, hoping to hoodwink the American public into forgetting who has been in-charge for the last eight years.

The Obama camp via Biden returns the conversation to substance and to the issues - all of which have been completely absent from the Republican Convention this week.

No panic, no distress. Biden and Obama have a lot more faith in the intelligence of the American Public than I do. But really, Biden puts it beautifully the future is in the hands of the electorate, and they are ones that will ultimately live with the consequences of their choice. Maybe people are hurting to bad to be fooled very easily. We'll see.

InVesco Field @ Mile High

2008-09-02T13:36:00.000-04:00

I was fortunate enough to be one of the eighty four thousand people present at the Inseco field at Mile high in Denver to watch Obama deliver his speech. With all the hype and expectations, I was concerned that the bar had been set too high for anyone to reach. Yet, as usual, Obama hit the ball out of the park impressing even the most cynical commentators.

Watch Obama's speech.

My dad sent me a text just after the speech was done: "I watched the speech, hoping to catch a glimpse of you girls (my sister and
I), Obama did good."

We learned this weekend, 38million Americans watched the speech. More than the opening ceremony of the Olympics, and even more than the American Idol finale. That says a lot about interest in the Obama phenomenon.

Before heading out to Invesco Field.

Patriots

Fired-up and ready to go

Fireworks

A take on the speech from MSNBC Chris Mathews and Keith Olberman.

3 AM Text. It's BIDEN.

2008-08-23T18:01:00.000-04:00

Joe Biden is what so many others pretend to be - a statesman
Barack Obama

Well, it's great to be here! On the steps of the old State House in the land of Lincoln. President Lincoln once instructed us to be sure to put your feet in the right place. Then stand firm. Today, Springfield, I know my feet are in the right place. And I am proud to stand firm for the next president of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
Joe Biden

I have always liked Joe Biden, but listening to Obama make his compelling case for Joe on the Ticket takes it to a new level of excitement. The guy has a compelling story, is of great character and has the most common sense approach to things as ever seen in a politician.

Listening to Biden, I realized not just that he was a great fit for Obama, both in substance and in style, but that he is an attack dog that won't be easily neutralized. It's difficult for anyone to pull off speaking after Obama and sound good, Biden did just that.

Watch the Speeches below.

Meanwhile here is a viral online AD created by a college student back in February...

Help Is On The Way

2008-08-22T01:18:00.000-04:00

Apparently, John McCain isn't really quite certain just how many houses he and his wife own. In an interview today, he said, he'd have his staff get back with the information.

This was the whipped cream topping off gaffes like, claiming the recession is psychological, and 5 million is rich. Forget about Obama announcing the vice presidential pick anytime soon; they want the news cycle to remind voters just who is out of touch, for as long as possible.

As always, Obama's creative legion of supporters have jumped on this with a spot on video.

Obama Fun

2008-08-21T21:37:00.000-04:00

I decided to track down all those funny viral home-made Obama videos and have a blast.

Here's hoping you enjoy them as much as I do.

BARACK ROLL

"We got the Mo" performed by a lively trio of young Obama fans...

One of the best Hispanic outreach videos I saw during the primaries.

Religious Themed Reggae - MLK, Kennedy, Mandela, Mother Theresa parallels - way too much for anyone to possibly live up to - but hey - I believe :-)

The Classic Reggae beat

Ziggy Marley asks New Yorkers to hop on the Obama train, during primary.

A Bollywood Obama adaptation

There's even a Panjabi Poem about Obama

There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama. Really! :-)

And once again - know hope!

Obama the Vision Candidate

2008-08-10T14:16:00.000-04:00

Obama has chosen to refuse engagement in the pettiness of negative campaigning...
Here is Obama's AD airing during the Olympics.

McCain can't seem to convince anyone to listen to him - so he's throwing a tantrum - featuring Paris Hilton and Britney Spear, no less.

Obama's laughing it away. But, Paris Hilton didn't let it slide without a comeback...

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Funny or Not?

2008-08-05T23:35:00.000-04:00

It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant.

They think it's funny that they're making fun of something that is actually true. Barack Obama

Forty Seven

2008-08-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

Barack Obama turns forty seven today.

What a remarkably short time to have achieved what he has. Many more years!

I did it!

2008-07-31T03:15:00.000-04:00

A few hours ago, I purchased a round trip to Denver. The only question is, will I number among the 75,000 Thursday night? It will require all my non-existent hustling skills. The million strong grass root movement will translate into heavy competition for front row seats to history.

For some people, this election is about policy. For others it's a repudiation of Bush and the incompetence currently associated with the Republican brand. It's about principles, such as civil rights, due process, not engaging in torture, etc. And yes, I share the fervor for change and the reintroduction of competence into government. Yet for me this election is all about Barack Obama. The man who out-classed the Clinton trifecta and continues to elude easy definition. It's not that I expect him to resolve anything; the course correction for the US cannot be steered by any single man.

While successfully rallying individual citizens to work together to effect the changes they desire, "Yes We Can", is impressive and Obama's ability to draw a crowd has been a source of fascination for the punditry (recently even fodder for ridicule by adversaries). The chattering class continues to miss the fact that Obama's ability to inspire isn't rooted in his oratory, good as it may be, but rather in his simple existence.

"It has become increasingly clear in my travel, the campaign -- that the crowds, the enthusiasm, 200,000 people in Berlin, is not about me at all. It's about America. I have just become a symbol."Barack Obama

Obama gets it, but even his notes are off. You have not become a symbol, you always were the embodiment of the Utopian American dream revised for the twenty first century.

Obama is a powerful symbol, because he is the product of everything that's great about America. At a time when recent events have eroded our sense of direction, and cynicism lurks at every turn. At a time when Bush, Cheney et al have, stroked our fears and fed our worst impulses. Obama's candidacy renews faith in the promise of America. Got Hope? Yes! That these dark times will be followed by a triumph of all that is noble, unique and great about this nation. Yes, I believe. Not merely in the change that Obama promises, not even in Obama, I believe in America.

Only in America! Only in America can the son of an Immigrant, raised by a single mother with the help of grandparents, have access to such opportunity. Only in America can one rise so high solely on the merits of his character and hard work. Only in America! The land of endless possibility.

McCain, an all American Hero in his own right, is more of a setting sun at this point. 1970s American greatness personified, complete with computer illiteracy, is irrelevant precisely because it's 2008. It's all about Obama. Not the man, but the symbol of the very best that we can be. Like Obama, I am, you are, and we are, what is great about America. Yes, I believe. In America!

So, what if I won't get into the stadium? Some day I'll tell my grand children about what a great place this country is, what opportunity they have if they work hard, and how their crazy grandma once went to Denver on a whim to maybe hear Obama's historic speech. And that day, stadium or not, the trip would be worth every dollar.

Commander -In-Chief

2008-07-22T20:45:00.000-04:00

Netroots Nation

2008-07-20T02:05:00.000-04:00

Obama addresses the netroots nation convention being held in Austin Texas. GObama! The 'internet' is rooting for you.

Super Star?

2008-07-19T18:56:00.001-04:00

More good news for Obama, as his trip to Europe and the Middle East, spurs excitement in the regions.

Obama is surely looking to burnish his foreign policy credentials overseas — but on the back end of it, his superstar persona might get the biggest boost.
“What you’re about to see is enormous publicity,” Democratic strategist Susan Estrich said. “He’s got three anchors coming with him. He’s got the glitterati of the press corps.” With his visit, the presumptive Democratic nominee is recreating the kind of public whirlwind that he enjoyed at the height of the Democratic primary — only on a global scale.

The trip could not possibly push Obama's rock star persona to new heights - because he is already maxed out in European and global support. More accurate is that the trip will solidify the perception of a rock star persona, which of course it will.

Obama can rally world opinion behind his policy positions, making it easier to implement his foreign agenda come January, or, create enough pressure that Bush and McCain move towards adopting his policy. Both outcomes are the mark of a great leader, and Bush's recent agreement to time horizons points to Obama's success in shaping the argument for withdrawal.

The surge argument has been nullified.
Surge is not working - Bring the troops home.
Surge is working - Great! Bring the troops home.

Define Leadership

2008-07-19T17:53:00.000-04:00

As I’ve said many times, we must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. We can safely redeploy our combat brigades at a pace that would remove them in 16 months.Barack Obama - The New York Times - July 14th 2008

Barack leads the way...and others follow

WASHINGTON -- President Bush has agreed to a "general time horizon" for withdrawals of U.S. combat troops from Iraq, the White House announced Friday in a marked softening of his long-standing opposition to deadlines for reducing the American presence.LA Times, July 19 2008

"U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes."Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki

Somehow all conventional wisdom seems to be merging at Obama's position. Even without yet stepping foot in the white house, Barack is setting the terms of the debate and by simple inertia propelling his policy into reality. That's leadership on a scale we have not seen for a really long time.

As we await McCain's response, it has to irk some that his only options are either to admit Obama's right, or, oppose the democratically elected prime minister of a sovereign nation. Either option cuts into McCain's support. Take a hit on this issue and he will bleed either conservative or independent support. If Obama can damage McCain's national security credentials, November won't be a lock for the democrat, it'll be a landslide.

GObama!

UPDATE
The McCain camp has issued a response

"Let’s be clear, the only reason that the conversation about reducing troop levels in Iraq is happening is because John McCain challenged the failed Rumsfield-strategy in Iraq and argued for the surge strategy that is responsible for the successes we’ve achieved and which Barack Obama opposed. Unlike Barack Obama, John McCain has never ignored the facts on the ground in Iraq, he’s never avoided the warzone before proposing new strategy, and he’s never voted against funding our troops in the field. If John McCain was following Barack Obama’s lead on foreign policy, the United States would have already withdrawn from Iraq in a humiliating defeat at the hands of al Qaeda.” ---Tucker Bounds, spokesman John McCain 2008.

Let me translate the jargon: The surge is working, the surge is working - even louder - THE Surge is working!
To which the sane response is of course = Great! Get out NOW!

Political Prodigy?

2008-06-26T01:40:00.000-04:00

It comes as a surprise to me that even after his primary battle with Hillary Clinton, a master of the game herself, otherwise intelligent people on both sides of the political spectrum keep underestimating Barack Obama; not accounting for his foresight and his tenacity.

Opting out of Public Financing was a smart move. Republicans can cry foul all they like. Even a small contribution makes a donor feel invested in the process, and more importantly, a part of the solution. Obama's going to ride his no lobbyist + small donations wave from coastline to coastline across all 50 states. And he should!
His campaign, passing up the old dodge ball Democrat play book, has crafted a bold strategy that's focused on victory. He doesn't fear the Republican spin machine.
Damage Check: Hit - Minor. Advantage - Obama

Taking a hit from the left, many supporters are unhappy with Obama's take on the FISA bill that's headed for the senate.

"My view on FISA has always been that the issue of the phone companies per se is not one that overrides the security interests of the American people." Barack Obama, June 2007

Obama is more of a pragmatist than a purist. Come January and an Obama presidency, Republicans will suddenly remember the constitution, morphing into advocates for the civil liberties they eviscerated. To the distant observer it makes sense that Obama favors consolidating the executive branch. Make no mistake about it, the issue of 'telecom immunity' itself is not over. Obama will pick up the fight again as President, from a position of strength, with the narrative of accomplishing the restoration of civil rights as a bonus. In politics, timing is everything - and Obama is currently orchestrating a masterpiece - in which the final notes are not timed for the November showdown, instead Obama's strategic vision extends well past the inauguration.
Political Genius? You bet!

Gore's Endorsement

2008-06-17T19:54:00.000-04:00

Al Gore endorsed Obama yesterday at a mega-sized event in Michigan.

Al Gore was great, drove his points home in his southern drawl drawing loud cheers from the audience. Ironically, my favorite moment of the speech was preceded with moments that made me cringe.

Take it from me, elections matter.

Eight years later that wound is still open. Btw, I am with Gore on that one.

If you think the next appointments to our Supreme Court are important, you know that elections matter.
If you live in the city of New Orleans, you know that elections matter.
If you or a member of your family are serving in the active military, the National Guard or reserve, you know that elections matter.
If you're a wounded veteran, you know that elections matter.
True!

If you lost your job, if you're struggling with your mortgage, you know that elections matter.
?????????????????????

If you care about a clean environment, if you want a government that protects you instead of special interests, you know that elections matter.
Not convincing, but, we'll let this one side.

If you care about food safety, if you like a “T” on your B.L.T., you know that elections matter
...Okay?

If you bought poisoned, lead-filled toys from China or adulterated medicine made in China, if you bought tainted pet food made in China, you know that elections matter.
I wish our politics would cut the Chinese some slack.

After the last eight years, even our dogs and cats have learned that elections matter
Now that's a touchdown. All the circumlocution was almost worth it to get to that punch line. I said, almost. :-)

Why Obama keeps making gains...

2008-06-16T00:03:00.000-04:00

It's fathers' day, and I couldn't post about Obama without a tribute to my father, who with his calm presence has always been my number one cheer leader (a ranking he shares with my Mother, ofcourse). If Mum is the fuel and source of energy for the family, my Dad is the engine that never takes a break, or needs an oil change. He is very unpretentious in demeanor, with the most astute of minds; the greatest feminist I've ever known. He is yet to jump on the Obama band wagon, but it doesn't matter, because McCain can't get his vote either. :-)

Today, I got to wish him happy fathers' day and remind myself that much of who I am is thanks to him. But, as it's not my style to be maudlin in person, I left the "Thank you" for my blog. Dad - Thank you.

Watching Obama's speech, I could almost hear my father's voice in his stead. Today, one reason for my unfaltering support of Obama came out of hiding from the recesses of my subconscious mind. In Obama, I see the tell tale signs of a great man - of my father.

Listening to Obama; one begins to grasp that he's not the democratic nominee by accident - and that, he will be the next president! It has got to shake McCain and his supporters, to hear the ease with which this liberal man co-opts and re-delivers the ideas of self determination; the sacred grail of conservative thought.

"I DO"

2008-06-11T01:56:00.000-04:00

By next week gay and lesbian Californians will be lining up to join their heterosexual counterparts in the institution of marriage. Would marriage change the gay community, or will the gay community change marriage?

I am aware, that there is a hyperventilating segment of social conservatives warning about the redefinition of marriage. Their point is mute because marriage has already been redefined beyond recognition in the last century. Everything from the purpose of the institution, its role in society, and the ease of opting out has changed. There are far more influential things like divorce already threatening marriage. Social conservatives, cannot then be concerned soley with the change same-sex marriages represent. They are more terrified of legitimizing relationships that they abhor - and the removal of a significant barrier to happiness.

What they should fear is that our gay brethren will excel at marriage, much the same way they excel in everything else, making their current hyperventilation seem even more ridiculous(if that's possible). In fact, when I support gay marriage, I do so hoping for the institution of marriage itself to receive a face lift; hoping that gays and lesbians will educate the larger population on how to navigate a marriage without the gender roles that defined the institution for our forefathers. Over the last century, gender roles have been shifting and we heterosexuals have failed to translate that new dynamic into marriages in a successful way, hence the near parity divorce rate. Yes, gay marriage will redefine marriage - for the better.

Will marriage change the gay community? I think it will transform not only those who choose to participate, but everybody. When you envision a life of adversity only to awaken to one of endless possibility, the sun will seem brighter.

History

2008-06-10T21:28:00.000-04:00

Obama has clinched the number of delegates required to capture the nomination. His speech, delivered in his signature style was revved up a few notches.
All I can say about Obama's moment in history, is that irrespective of the outcome in November - I am glad to have lived here and now - as a witness to moments that will be pondered and examined through the ages.

It's unfortunate that Obama's triumph comes at the expense of another great lion; Hillary Clinton. And yet, this primary's greatest achievement is not merely the novelty of the contenders' gender and race - it's ironically their effective irrelevance. Hillary shattered the glass ceiling effectively despite her loss. In the end she was evaluated on her merits, and her shortcomings as a Clintonian politician cost her the nomination. While I can't quite say with impunity that her gender had no bearing on the race, the effect was on the margins, positive amongst her core supporters and negative with a few die-hard chauvinists. The electorate mostly focused on Hillary the candidate - not Hillary the woman. A sign of coming of age, perhaps? Nevertheless, it's all this wannabe feminist could ever ask of any society - that people be judged on their merits, on a level playing field, regardless of gender...or race.

That said: GObama!!!

Hope running on fumes today

2008-04-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

Obama sure needs to keep inspiring hope - the hope he could pull off an upset in Pennsylvania - has just been dashed.

Sounds silly, but: Am I the only person getting a sense that Obama actually wants Clinton in the race longer? Yes, it's driven up his negatives but the drawn out primary has also reminded voters there was a dark side to the Clinton era. The more nastiness Clinton's supporters see out of her, the more likely it is they will jump aboard the Obama wagon in November without a fuss.

Well with 70% of the precincts reporting, it's almost a done deal.

70% precincts reporting.

Vote% Delegates

Clinton 54 37 Obama 46 31

Look forward to; more primary coverage on a television set near you. And if we are all unlucky, more ABC moderated debates.

Polling PA

2008-04-21T21:05:00.000-04:00

It's count down to the PA primary, and the polls are all over the place. Barack up by three, down by five, nine or even ten.

In fact, one can rationally conclude that the sole purpose of these polls is to bolster everyone regardless of which candidate you support. One can simply shop around for the poll they find most convenient - I'd wager if there were enough takers, we'd even find polls showing Ron Paul ahead a point or two (in the democratic primary, no less).

The experts tell us to watch trend patterns, instead of focusing on actual numbers. In which case Hillary dropping from a twenty point lead means she's lost, even if Barack doesn't win. Unless you are a Clinton supporter for whom, a win, is a win.

Bringing us full circle to the point of polls in the first place: To give people with a lot of time on their hands something to obsess about until the actual citizenry votes tomorrow.