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Wednesday Afternoon Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:23:58 PM EST
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    Wednesday Afternoon Open Thread | 66 comments (66 topical)

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    I hear on the radio.... (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:32:47 PM EST
    that there is still friction on the ground at Denver.  That's because it was never Clinton's job to unite the party.

    that's not a rationalization, it's what exists by simple definition of the roles each candidate now has.  

    this is the simple fact of the situation:   by defeating her, the authority was taken away from her to do what needs to be done and now the only person who can do what needs to be done is Obama.

    you can't have one without the other.  You can't defeat someone and then turnaround and say they have all the authority to make sure there's no fallout.  If Obama didn't want this authority he should not have run for president.

    Obama might invoke the aura of MLK who had a dream.  I think that's admirable and a fair association for him.  But what I've been thinking about for the last 18 months is William Butler Yeats who first wrote: "In dreams begin responsibilities."

    I have (5.00 / 0) (#9)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:43:55 PM EST
    a feeling that all the good things Hillary did last night and Bill will probably do tonight Obama will manage to undo in one fell swoop tomorrow night.

    I'm so disappointed. (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Fabian on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:24:49 PM EST
    Someone at DK posted a diary looking for PUM*s and I posted a few comments.  Most of the comments were talking about PUM*s, not with the few who dared to out themselves.

    I think they were looking for the stereotyped raving fanatic who glorifies Hillary and can't stand Obama.  I did point out that according to Kos himself, PUM*s are an insignificant and tiny group who will have no impact whatsoever on the election - so they can stop obsessing over them, eh?

    OTOH, I did learn that the PUM*s are either republicans or mentally ill or out of touch with reality or racists, although nobody called me that to my face.  Because Obama is like, the most Democratiest of Democrats, y'know! Well, no.  Nobody actually claimed that.  The best they came up with is "Obama is a Democrat".  Not "the best Democrat", just "a" Democrat.

    For an Obama cheerleading site, I was really hoping for a more forceful support of Obama.  I got "better than McCain" but that's hardly a surplus of enthusiasm.  I find a more substantial support of Democrats and the Democratic Party here.

    Has everyone else gone postpartisan?  (I did get one postpartisan proponent who believed in incremental change.  I pointed out Bill Clinton did that not so long ago.)

    I'm beginning to wonder how brittle the Obama support is. >:~/

    Obama does have experience (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by MKS on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:33:07 PM EST
    Obama has more foreign policy experience than any other President taking office over the last 32 years, except for one.  

    Obama will have four years in the Senate and on the Foreign Relations Committee during a time of intense foreign policy activity.  He has dealt with issues regarding Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and loose nukes in Russia.

    Let's look at the other Presidents since 1976.

       1976.  Carter.  No foreign policy experience.  Former Governor of Georgia.  True, he did attend the Naval Academy and serve for awhile on a nuClear submarine under Rickover.  But that is military experience not foreign policy experience.  And most Democrats I assume would say Carter's foreign policy was a good one.

        1980.  Reagan.  No foreign policy experience.  Two term Governor who had given anti-communist speeches...The Soviets fell of their own weight.  Reagan merely continued the containment doctrine instituted by Truman, Marshall, and Dean Acheson.  Reagan's policies were responsible for genocide in Central America.

       1988.  George H.W. Bush.  He was the only President who had more foreign policy experience in the last 32 years than Obama.  Two term Vice President and former head of the CIA.

       1992.  Bill Clinton.  No foreign policy experience.  Had been the governor of Arkansas for 12 years, the same amount of time that Obama has been in public office.  Bill's foreign policy was outstanding--he prevented genocide in Kosovo without any U.S. casualties.  

       2000.  George Bush.  No foreign policy experience. Disaster.

    What the above shows is that a successful foreign policy is not due to experience but rather intelligence, outlook and judgment.

    Hillary supporters will say she has more experience than Obama.  But for Democrats the issue should be does Obama pass the threshold of having enough experience?  He does.  He has more than all but one past President over the last three decades.  

    And he has been the chair of the subcommittee (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by BernieO on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:47:19 PM EST
    that oversees European affairs, including NATO and Afghanistan for over a year and a half. Unfortunately he has never convened a policy meeting of that committee because he was too busy running for president. I guess he figured no one else was qualified to do the job or he would have stepped aside.
    Obama said that he has more foreign policy experience than either Hillary or McCain but he did not point to anything he has done as a Senator. He pointed instead to the fact that he lived in Indonesia as a kid, visited relatives in Africa, and backpacked through Pakistan as a student. (What was up with that BTW?)

    Parent
    He has convened (none / 0) (#41)
    by MKS on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:55:59 PM EST
    a meeting of the subcommittee.  Biden was chair of the parent committee and has said that he dealt with all the relevant issues at the full-committee level.

    Obama has more foreign policy experience than Carter, Reagan and Bill.

    The issue is no longer Obama v. Hillary in the experience department.  It is whether Obama has enough....For Democrats, the answer historically is yes.

    Parent

    When did Obama hold a sub-committee meeting? (none / 0) (#51)
    by jawbone on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:22:07 PM EST
    T/U for a cite, link.

    He did have an important area to address and campaigns on how important the Afghanistan war is. But I understood he never held any subcommittee meetings. Glad to be corrected.

    And, really, Biden said he'd covered everything?? Maybe that's why he's the VP pick!

    Parent

    He has held at least two to my knowledge (none / 0) (#63)
    by MKS on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:53:50 PM EST
    One more substantive in late Spring/early Summer of this year, I believe.  The other a year ago dealing with ambassadors....

    Don't have the cites though, and not enough time to find it....

    Parent

    What is your (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by eric on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:45:00 PM EST
    obsession with this wingnut silliness?  It looks to be a background that features a classical column facade.  Big deal.  Ever been to Washington D.C.?

    Oh no!  The US Supreme Court is holding session in a Greek temple!

    The President lives in a Greek temple!

    Thomas Jefferson is being memorialized by a Greek temple!

    This is a ridiculous story.

    Um (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by Steve M on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:15:15 PM EST
    the difference between an actual building and a backdrop constructed for purposes of a single speech seems rather obvious to me.

    There is a difference between MLK giving a speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and MLK constructing a replica of the Lincoln Memorial in Cleveland so he can give a speech in front of it.  Just saying.

    Parent

    And the difference is? (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Realleft on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:21:36 PM EST
    It's a stage. So is the star wars stage used for the rest of the convention.  Republicans will attack for it, pretending that it represents something about Obama thinking he's the Messiah, and the Obama opponents on here will echo and reinforce the attack.  It's getting very predictable.  

    Parent
    Is Obama running for the White House or to be a (none / 0) (#70)
    by Ellie on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 04:39:12 PM EST
    ... performer playing a fictitious president on a replica of the Oval Office?

    The clue to the source of your bafflement or disingenuous confusion in an attempt to throw up smoke lies within your answer to the above (or just LIES.)

    In addition, he doesn't HAVE to use that hootingly ridiculous over-aggrandizement, which only highlights his insignificance on the inter/national "stage" as a human rights activist, anti-war voice and leader in the causes of equality and social justice.

    He has managed to find the time to hang out in the gym three times a day, though. Had he given the equivalent to social justice, he might, at age 47, have made more of a mark than an obscure anti-war speech no one can find on record.

    Parent

    It's just a stage. (none / 0) (#71)
    by Realleft on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 04:56:22 PM EST
    That's all.  You apparently don't like him, so you see it as something more, a lot more apparently.

    And I made an attempt to throw up smoke?  That sounds unpleasant, though I guess I've been there once or twice...

    Parent

    Don't take it personally; lying, cheating pols (none / 0) (#74)
    by Ellie on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 07:18:19 PM EST
    ... are high on my list of people not to respect or trust. After that, "like" pretty much has little to do with anything, as I'm not voting for someone to be my workout partner or join me for a drink.

    Obama's shown himself to be one of the most underhanded and disingenuous candidates for office in my memory.

    As for you, I don't really care about your personal habits or opinions as I haven't followed your posts here and you haven't contributed much.

    Parent

    I understand your (none / 0) (#49)
    by eric on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:20:47 PM EST
    objection to the phoniness of fake columns and all, but this is a convention and that's what he has to work with.  It's a stage and the background is a prop.

    I just think this "OMG its a Greek Temple - He thinks he's a god" stuff is silly.

    Parent

    I don't really care (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by Steve M on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:29:42 PM EST
    but I have an itch to respond to silly arguments when I see them, and the blogosphere has this way of generating silly arguments that become the meme of the day because no one is willing to say "hey, wait, that's silly."

    It is not, in fact, common for people to construct elaborate mock-ups of the memorials in Washington, DC, merely to serve as the backdrop for a speech.  That's why this GOP talking point, arguably, might have resonance with people.  Responding "oh, but that's a common style of architecture in this country" really misses the point by a country mile.  It's not a common style of speech backdrops!

    Parent

    I do understand your point (none / 0) (#64)
    by eric on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 03:01:25 PM EST
    but the attacks on this backdrop seem to be based upon some kind of allegation that there is something nefarious about speaking in front of a "Greek Temple".  Something about how Obama must see himself as a god, or something.

    If the wingnut articles were attacking the backdrop as tacky, phony, or something like that, I would probably even agree.  But they are not doing that.

    Parent

    I Care More About The Substance of His Speech (none / 0) (#72)
    by daring grace on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 05:05:52 PM EST
    Then the look of the window dressing behind him.

    THAT'S why the RW and Repubs will endlessly spin 'meaning' from this nonsense: to distract from the very real alternative to their candidate that Obama will be offering Americans.

    Myself, I don't like pillars. I don't like flags. They could have dancing pandas can-canning behind him as a display of racial unity for all I care.

    Might be a Repub talking point or have traction with the voters? Only if we (who don't want McCain elected) let them hijack the discourse away from the train wreck that another Republican administration will be for  America and the rest of the world.

    For people indifferent to a McCain presidency?

    Well, there are your links: Omigod! Hubris, arrogance, ego...who woulda thunk it in a...politician?

    Parent

    You don't like flags? (none / 0) (#73)
    by Steve M on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 05:22:05 PM EST
    Shame on you!

    I wish, by the way, I could agree that the Republicans only get to hijack the discourse if we let them.

    Parent

    and I thought he had learned something (none / 0) (#61)
    by prittfumes on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:52:29 PM EST
    from the fallout over his new seal.

    Parent
    Obama hasn't earned his right to be in any of'em (5.00 / 0) (#47)
    by Ellie on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:18:29 PM EST
    And prancing around using them as a stage setting only speaks volumes about his mindset and priorities.

    He doesn't even minimally respect the office -- for which he isn't minimally qualified -- that he's running for.

    Let him eat Possums.

    Parent

    You do realize (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:27:57 PM EST
    he is not on the supreme court, he is not president, he holds no position other than junior senator. He will not be standing infront of a real building and this is not 'what he has to work with'.

    His campaign came up with this idiotic idea, they built the stage. Hubris doesn't begin to describe it.

    Parent

    yeah, but... (none / 0) (#67)
    by Realleft on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 03:53:28 PM EST
    if he was going to appear on the regular convention star trek stage, would he be trying to portray himself as Cap'n Kirk?  I just don't understand what possible connection could be made between a stage that resembles Washington monuments and any negative comment about Sen. Obama.  He IS a senator who IS running for the presidency, see, so they are using patriotic imagery.  It's the same thing as putting a bunch of flags up on the stage.  What is the hubris here?  This just seems silly to me - Republican talking points that only gain traction by Dems repeating them and dwelling on them.  Andyet Sen. Obama gets criticized on the other hand for cowtowing to Repub attacks.  It's a no win situation.

    Parent
    hmmm (3.00 / 1) (#1)
    by fly on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:28:38 PM EST
    Interesting color choice for Hillary..Ukraine Orange..flashbacks now of protests I remember vividly..

    Maybe it was a shout out to Kos? (none / 0) (#5)
    by nycstray on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:32:45 PM EST


    Parent
    You've nailed it! Spot on. (none / 0) (#44)
    by jawbone on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:04:00 PM EST
    I haven't been to this site for ages, almost forgot about it, but it was listed under an image I was googling for:

    ObamaMessiah

    Specializes in the over-the-top images.

    Parent

    I hope Bill wears an orange tie tonight (none / 0) (#57)
    by ding7777 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:32:11 PM EST
    Really will make the PUMAs proud!

    Parent
    Delegates begin casting ballots for president (none / 0) (#3)
    by nycstray on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:31:57 PM EST
    sort of

    August 27, 2007 (none / 0) (#10)
    by Desired User Name on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:44:10 PM EST
    The day I stopped being a Democrat.
    Thanks for the link. I was actually wavering on the EXACT DAY of when it'd become official to me, that this is truly no longer my party.

    Parent
    Chris Matthews poster boy for... (none / 0) (#7)
    by Desired User Name on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:33:01 PM EST
    http://s4.tinypic.com/1z4lg03.jpg

    WTF is up with Chrissy?
    He never stops does he?

    the link is a screengrab taken last night from a NYT article, sadly I do NOT have the link to the article

    What a loon! (none / 0) (#24)
    by BernieO on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:32:53 PM EST
    I did read that Michelle has said several times that she was told that her test scores (unlike her brothers) were not good enough to get her into Princeton so I assume affirmative action did play a role in her success. Not that I begrudge her that, at least not if she would stop talking like she is a victim.

    Parent
    But he's not a racist!!!! (none / 0) (#26)
    by Maria Garcia on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:35:08 PM EST
    ..>Bill Clinton is. Don't you forget it.

    </snark>

    Parent

    Sean Wilentz (none / 0) (#39)
    by Desired User Name on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:52:59 PM EST
    will have to explain to Chris Matthews what "racism" and "prejudice" is and then maybe Chris can look in the mirror and recognize a resemblance...

    Poor Chrissy. I actually don't think he's a racist.

    I don't even think that Bill O'Reilly is one either (Hannity is a different matter, of course).
    I think these Old Boys, stuffed into their musty old Suits & Ties are simply ignorant of the real world and their true selves. Ignorance is NOT Bliss,

    IGNORANCE IS PRIMETIME
    for them, "Bliss" is "More Ads and Commercial Dollars" and so there is no need for them to have a moment of enlightenment because thus far they are doing just fine, AS IS.

    Parent

    Just a heads up--- (none / 0) (#8)
    by Desired User Name on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:34:34 PM EST
    Hey what is the deal with random passages winding up in BOLD FACE? I didn't select bold, it just pops up that way. Grrrrr...

    [DELETE THIS COMMENT, k}

    AHA!!! (none / 0) (#18)
    by Desired User Name on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:09:57 PM EST
    Thank you ma'dear. I had no idea.
    I blame HILLARY!

    Parent
    Some not so good news (none / 0) (#11)
    by CST on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:47:19 PM EST
    Mugabe is at it again.  According to him, the opposition doesn't WANT to be a part of the new government.

    Line edited out of Kucinich's speech (none / 0) (#14)
    by JoeA on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:01:49 PM EST
    They're asking for another four years -- in a just world, they'd get 10 to 20.

    Great line.

    In a just world (none / 0) (#15)
    by themomcat on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:04:35 PM EST
    They would be in maximum security for the rest of their lives.


    Parent
    Yeah....great line (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by kdog on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:47:49 PM EST
    In a just world, they never would have been given the power to wreak such havoc and bloody mayhem....cuz in a utopian world of absolute justice there is no need for a massive federal government with more weapons than you can imagine.

    Too bad Kooch ain't the nominee...that's a "D" I could stomach.  Though I'm dissapointed there was not one mention of our tyrannical drug war in there...I expect Dems like Obama, Clinton, Reid, and Pelosi to ignore such an important issue...but not my boy Kooch.  He was probably our only shot to get the issue out of the cupboard and at least on the back burner, if not the front.  Too bad.

    Parent

    Wish I could tell (none / 0) (#16)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:09:03 PM EST
    what was really going on with the vote.

    Politico and Halperin have conflicting stories. Halperin says it will be cut short, Politico says there are no plans for that at this moment.

    Yikes...

    It isn't sounding good (none / 0) (#19)
    by nycstray on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:14:19 PM EST
    I think we are about to see the disinfranchisment of 18 million voters.

    Parent
    Naomi Klein to the rescue (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Desired User Name on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:43:21 PM EST
    I hope to read
    The Shock Doctrine PART TWO
    all about Obama and his merry band of bandits who
    hijacked the Democratic Party. Then again maybe Hillary's 18million voters won't be shocked to hear about how Obama, Dean and Pelosi surfed the Bush Tsunami and used Shock Treatment on us all.
    ---
    I'd like to hear the sound of 18million voters
    clap with one hand! Perhaps we'll hear that come November. [slap]

    Parent
    Doesn't really matter. (none / 0) (#29)
    by Fabian on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:39:08 PM EST
    If it goes badly, Obama won't be able to paper over it.

    I'm beginning to wonder if some delegates won't walk out.  I can't see a floor fight or a major protest happening because the authorities will be on guard against that.  I can see delegates witholding their votes, refusing to vote or simply leaving.  Maybe only a handful, but if they feel the process is invalid, they may refuse to participate.

    Parent

    Dem Party members might "walk out" if (none / 0) (#48)
    by jawbone on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:18:56 PM EST
    the Obama campaign and the DNC play out this scenario. Meaning register as independents or unaffiliated.

    Are they trying to erase all the goodwill Hillary built up for Obama last night?

    And is that Air Force One mockup for real??

    Holy cow, Batman!

    Parent

    Some delegates (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:25:17 PM EST
    are already threatening to walk out if the role call is a sham.

    As far as the replica it is not for Obama, that I know of, it is part of a presidential exhibit that will appear at both conventions.

    Parent

    Denver Post Schedual for Wed. eve. (none / 0) (#17)
    by mogal on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:09:51 PM EST
    Hour # 5 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL) Remarks The Honorable Bill Clinton Former President of the United States Beth Robinson Stay-at-home mom from Hampton Roads, Virginia The Honorable John Kerry US Senator, Massachusetts Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, US Army (Ret.) First woman to achieve the rank of three star general in the US Army The Honorable Bill Richardson Governor of New Mexico Video - Changing The Course of Our Nation John Melvin Iraq war veteran from DeWitt, Iowa Veterans Video and Remarks The Honorable Chet Edwards Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas Hour # 6 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (LOCAL) Remarks Tammy Duckworth Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Helicopter pilot and wounded Iraq war veteran Vice Presidential Nomination Remarks and nominating speech Seconding speech Vice Presidential Nominee The Honorable Senator Joe Biden US Senator, Delaware Benediction Sister Catherine Pinkerton Congregation of St. Joseph's in Cleveland, Ohio Recess The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte State Senator from Texas Co-Chair, Democratic National Convention

    BC speaking before Kerry and Richardson?

    Not for nothing.... (none / 0) (#43)
    by kdog on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:02:09 PM EST
    how did all these politicians get the prefix "honorable"?  I'd love to hear the definition of "honor" being applied.

    Parent
    From Politoco, but addresses Obama's attitude (none / 0) (#46)
    by jawbone on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:16:06 PM EST
    toward Bill Clinton. Via DonnaDarko.

    But Obama, too, is part of the Denver psychodrama. Some Democrats with high-level ties to both the Clinton and Obama camps said they were surprised that Obama has not done more to make the Clintons more enthusiastic about his candidacy.
    SNIP
    He did not make a high-profile statement repudiating any suggestion that Bill Clinton played "the race card" in the nomination contest -- an allegation that the former president considers grossly unfair and that continues to infuriate him.

    Just as significant, Obama has maintained a certain cool diffidence toward the former president. They spoke by phone last week. But for weeks before that, associates said, Clinton had heard nothing and did not even know when he would be speaking at the convention. The Obama campaign's only communication was a form letter sent to all delegates.

    Clinton loves to offer advice to fellow Democrats. But even in their conversations, Clinton friends say, Obama shows little deference or signs that he thinks Clinton, the only Democrat since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win two terms, has any special wisdom to offer.

    "There is a lot Obama could have done to unify the party, and basically he hasn't lifted a finger," said one Democratic operative who is close to the Clinton team. (My emphasis)

    Note the source, the writer (John Harris), the anonymous sourcing, etc.; however, sounded possibly quite right.

    Parent

    Michael Dukakis (none / 0) (#23)
    by Steve M on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:24:50 PM EST
    "I owe the American people an apology...

    Good video.

    I think it is the smell of (none / 0) (#28)
    by BernieO on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:38:56 PM EST
    abject terror. The poll numbers look terrible and if all those people like Bob Herbert who think the Bradley effect is real are right, it means the true numbers are even lower.

    There is no way the Democratic candidate should be struggling given the complete failure of Republican rule over the last 8 years and the dissatisfaction of the public with the economy. Our delusional party leaders really have no clue how most Americans think. They are completely out of touch. As is the media.

    Whaaaa? (none / 0) (#30)
    by Landulph on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:39:29 PM EST
    This is a joke, right? That image has to be photoshopped? Please tell me this isn't real!

    Maybe this is the "think" approach, (none / 0) (#35)
    by zfran on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:47:16 PM EST
    like in the Music Man on Broadway Harold Hill made all the children think they could play the instrument he gave them by the children simply thinking they could play it.

    Parent
    False alarm (none / 0) (#38)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:49:32 PM EST
    The replica plane is part of an exhibit that is to be part of the convention activities outside the stadium.

    Whew...not that the columns are not problem enough.

    Parent

    Why are the columns (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by eric on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:59:01 PM EST
    a problem?  As JMM just posted, "we do all know that virtually every American civic building is based on Greek Revival architecture, right?"

    Or, are we going to have to rethink MLK because he gave his "I have a dream" speech in front of a - gasp - Greek temple!

    Parent

    Obama is not MLK (none / 0) (#54)
    by Ellie on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:27:38 PM EST
    The comparison insults Dr King's vision of people being judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

    Judging Obama's ridiculous self-aggrandizement here ludicrously above and beyond his skimpy accomplishments falls under the content of HIS character.

    I'd call his continuing effort to remain in the background except when he can do his tired schtick in a setting like this the kind of slick political marketing that real activists like MLK and Gandhi opposed.

    Learn your history beyond superficial design elements.

    Parent

    Wasn't it the Lincoln Memorial? (none / 0) (#58)
    by ruffian on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:43:34 PM EST
    If Obnama wants to give a speech at the real Lincoln Memorial, fine.  Just seems over the top to have a stage set.

    Parent
    Let's hope they didn't (none / 0) (#31)
    by BernieO on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:41:37 PM EST
    paint over the flag on the plane with Obama's symbol again.

    These guys are really over the top.

    This can't be true (none / 0) (#33)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:43:45 PM EST
    Could he really be shootting his own campaign in the foot?!? Can anything be done to stop this? it will be the end. Simply the end.

    Help! (none / 0) (#40)
    by mmc9431 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:53:52 PM EST
    I just read this and panicked. I hope it doesn't mean that the Dem's are going to push harder to the right because of this. I also found the loss of Republican's interesting. All that pandering for nothing!  (From Gallup)

    "The 63% of conservative Democrats supporting Obama over McCain in Aug. 18-24 polling is the lowest Obama has earned since he clinched the Democratic nomination in June.

    In addition, Obama "has mainly seen his support eroding among moderate and liberal Republicans, from 19% to 13% during August."

    Hillary Tribute/Introduction Video (none / 0) (#52)
    by JimWash08 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:23:52 PM EST
    If you enjoyed that amazing tribute video -- narrated by Chelsea Clinton -- you can watch it over and over again here (like I've done.)

    For me, it's a myriad of emotions watching the video. Pride. Joy. Inspiration. Enthusiasm. Sadness. Confusion. and lots more.

    If you enjoyed the video as much as I have, you might want to send a few words of gratitude to it's makers: Hollywood-based producers and long-time Clinton family friends, Harry Thomason and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. They also produced the awesome 1992 Democratic Convention film, "The Man From Hope."

    I, for one, am trying to figure out the instrumental music bed at the end of the video.

    And if you're curious, this is other music you heard in the video and pre- and post-speech.

    • The Kinks -- "You Really Got Me"
    • Lenny Kravitz -- "Are You Gonna Go My Way"
    • Tom Petty -- "American Girl"
    • Big Head Todd and the Monsters -- "Blue Sky"


    No Bruce at Invesco (none / 0) (#59)
    by ruffian on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:44:49 PM EST
    That settles it - I'm not going.

    Does anyone know anything about (none / 0) (#60)
    by zfran on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:47:05 PM EST
    Linden LaRouche's organization. They have been calling me. I would appreciate anything anyone knows about that organ. besides what's already in print. Did anyone really know anyone who has or had worked for them? Thanks.

    Don't trust LaRouche or (none / 0) (#75)
    by standingup on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 09:57:30 PM EST
    his organization.  I won't take the time to go into great detail, instead you can read this from a trusted researcher.

    Parent
    Thank you so much for (none / 0) (#76)
    by zfran on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 10:18:35 PM EST
    the article. I will save it and read it tomorrow. Thanks again.

    Parent
    Is it true that (none / 0) (#65)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 03:06:19 PM EST
    the voting by secret ballot today was so close that they are now in the process of rounding people up by state to caucus for either Hillary or Barack? I am hearing they are now using a caucus system to decide within each state's delegation....

    Good lord...do they want these delegates to walk out??!!!

    Inspirational (none / 0) (#66)
    by salmonrising on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 03:09:21 PM EST
    I don't expect much from politicians. Never have. But somehow that woman manages to get me grinning like a loon with her unsinkable Molly Brown type of optimism about the American dream. So I headed over to the link to reduce her debt at Heidi Li's potpourri website and coughed up $100...it was worth it just to witness this incredible event.

    Wednesday Afternoon Open Thread | 66 comments (66 topical)

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