The UnCommon Sense Party

The CBC can kiss my black ass

2008-07-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

And Stephanie Tubbs could drown in my crack.

Yes, she is still numero uno on my hit list.

From the Huff Post:

Barack Obama's endorsement of a white incumbent facing a black primary challenger has disappointed some members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who are wondering whether he will support them in their primaries.
Last month, the Illinois senator surprised many political observers by endorsing centrist Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.) in Tuesday's primary against state Sen. Regina Thomas.
Read the whole story here.

My Response:

Are these the same Lilly-livered colored cowards of the CBC who by and large refused to step out and strongly support the primary candidacy of Barack Obama?

Are these the same triangulating, self-serving Negroes who bet on the white woman from Arkansas when there was an actual viable candidate of color who differed negligibly in policy?!!!

IS THIS THE SAME CBC WHO DID NOT WANT TO MAKE RACE AN ISSUE IN THE PRIMARIES?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really? Is it now? you know what? I'm tired of us pretending there has ever been some kind of broad swath of racial solidarity in the black community. black preachers undermined King, black folks shot Malcolm, and black slaves turned in runaways regularly. This man owes these weak willed politicians NOTHING!!!! I am so glad he won without them because now he is not beholden to any of them. He gets to choose who he will support, just like most of them chose.

They don't get to play the "brother where art thou" card now. Oh no, my "brothers and sisters". Call Bill and Hillary and ask them for an endorsement. I'm sure they owe you one.

Say No to Hillary for VP - Sign the Petition!

2008-06-04T11:26:00.001-07:00

Say No to Hillary for VP - Sign the Petition!

Posted using ShareThis

The dap heard 'round the world

2008-06-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

I lived to see it

2008-06-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

This night is not about Hillary losing her quest for the nomination. This night is not about the corpse that is John McCain practicing his Toastmaster speaking project on C-Span.

This is about a man who made possible the improbable. This is about the best this country, indeed, this world has to offer. This is about reclaiming the American spirit of ingenuity, intellect and vision.

This is about Barack Obama and those of us whose hopes and dreams he embodies.

This is about a man who bested lifelong politicians and entrenched machines and every "ism" known to man.

This is about tomorrow, today.

This election is about us, and this moment is about the man who delivered to those of us who believe an opportunity to hope and matter again.

Thank you, Barack and Michelle.

To Sir, With Love

2008-05-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

If you'd like to share your thoughts with DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean, fill out this form at Democrats.org:http://www.democrats.org/page/petition/chairman/fcnsny

Thanks!

My take:

Mr. Dean:I like to think myself more eloquent, but in this matter I find that direct works best. Should the Democratic party allow Sen. Clinton to destroy this party, I will actively campaign to divest this party of its most faithful constintuency - African-American voters. This from a woman who has voted in EVERY election, big and small since she voted for Bill Clinton in her first contest.

Sen. Clinton has undermined, marginalized, disrespected and outright diminished black voters in this campaign. She is allowed to run, but this is my party too, sir. I'm one of those locals who talks policy with my neighbors, volunteers at polling sites and encourages participation. Do not take lightly my commitment to this endeavor.

After today's news cycle with a begrudgingly apologetic Hillary Clinton explaining away her reference to "assasination", I should hope you would do everything possible to retain the integrity of this party. If you do not, this party will never get another dime or ounce of energy from me. And I will not stop there. I will actively campaign against this party.

Black voters - all voters - deserve greater leadership from this party. The Clintons may well be a dynasty, but Hillary is not bigger than the party. In fact, without the party - and its black voters - there are no Clintons. Mayhaps that is what you should be telling Sen. Clinton right about now.

Don't talk about it, be about it

2008-05-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

That's what I did.

I phonebanked, raised money, canvassed, blogged and all-around did all I could to get out the NC vote for Barack Obama.

Leading up to the contest I was under a self-imposed media ban. I could not take it. If one more white guy told me about the intricate workings of the African American's voter's mind I was going to put a hit out on somebody. So, it was best that I turn it off.

But, now the real race is on and I've got some stuff to get off my chest.

Let's start with the Mammy Bitch Award. Yes, I said it, but don't be mad at me for calling it, be mad at Stephanie Tubbs Jones for making it true.

I understand that for some of the black "leaders", the safe bet seemed to be with the white woman. I did not call anyone out for being a traitor or any such foolishness *cough* Maxine Waters *cough*, because I have respect for colored people as individuals. But, Stubby and all those gums went too damn far. Every time I turned around there she was, allowing herself to be trotted out as the "black supporter" with all those black gums and loud guffaws and inane chatter and ridiculous soundbites. She made me want to pick cotton and shuck corn. She did it all - from repeating, verbatim, the Clinton spin regardless of how ridiculous it sounded to muttering, in all seriousness, jewels like, "I'm gonna ride with Hillary to the end! That's what politics is about, having your friends' back!"

No, you dumb bitch, politics is actually about the will of the people. You know, those minions who made you relevant. I don't know what HIllary promised you in exchange for your dignity and your soul, but I hope it's worth it for you. I would caution, however, that they say one can never come home again because it's true.

Whew. I'm feeling better already.

Now, let's talk about "bitter" and Hillary's base.

Apparently you can't tell the truth in American politics. Obama did not create the idea that poor, uneducated, disenfranchised citizens tend to be more religiously devout and distrustful of "high-faluting" concepts and those who espouse them. In fact, that little nugget of truth has made the Republican party the Republican party. These are the voters who rely more on "gut" feelings than reasoned logic, thus, they have been more susceptible to the political leaders who convince them to vote against their own personal best interests.

Their existence is pretty well-documented. Obama did not create them. Quiet as it's kept he comes from them - why do people keep forgetting his white grandparents? So, there was no malice in the statement, only an example of his understanding of that part of the electorate.

HRC, on the other hand, has called her supporters everything but the Klan, but she is considered more viable by "blue collar workers." To date, she has noted her supporters are "less educated", "low wage earners" and my favorite "low class, hardworking whites". Cause, you know, us coloreds ain't never done a lick of hard work. Thus, the building of the white house and the industrial revolution, but I digress. The fact that these folks don't mind a woman who went to blue blood schools, married up and has amassed a fortune in excess of $100 million condescending to them can ONLY be attributed to the fact that she is white.

Which is cool. People can vote on whatever basis they want.

But, I find it important to point out that the white vote is an endangered species. We have maybe two more elections before the white vote becomes the minority vote. At that time does the Democratic party really want to be known as the party of poor, uneducated whites? We now stand at a juncture in history that allows us, for once, to get out front ahead of change. In an increasingly diverse, multi-cultural country with diverse interests but one common interest - the security and viability of America - doesn't it seem odd to anyone else that HRC would hang her hopes on a dying constituency?

And while I'm at I feel it necessary to say I never hated Hillary.

I wasn't going to vote for her, but I did not hate her.

But then she went and did what is, for me, the unforgivable.

No, it's not that she wrote-off the black vote or allowed Bill to condescend to us, even as he tried to bully us into voting for her.

It's not that she made the old school mistake of underestimating the black guy.

It's not even that she lied about her experience and overstated her record.

Nope, Hillary shot the shit with me when she voted against the hope that America has changed for the better.

See, Hillary's campaign makes perfect sense if we were still the emotionally-driven, divided electorate of the past.

Hillary took a hard, jaundiced look at America and figured we would need a woman President to ease us into a black President. She figured she could play the numbers, blues against reds, educated against uneducated, black against white, and build the kind of numbers that have always been amassed - enough to win.

She never accounted for the American people growing wise to political pandering, the destructiveness of racial politics and our distaste for disingenuiness.

She did not count on an electorate that has, finally, gotten hip to the divide and conquer strategies of the past.

That is, to me, unforgivable. And that's why I will not vote - as much as it pains me - before I will vote for HRC, for anything, ever.

Check the visual

2008-04-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Who in their right mind thinks 70 year old, pin armed, cancer riddled John McCain stands a chance against Barack Obama?The Republicans don't. Only 22% of REPUBLICANS believe John McCain can beat Barack Obama.I mean, seriously, McCain literally - no jokes - doesn't stand the greatest chance of PHYSICALLY running a presidential race, much less a full term. Have you SEEN John McCain?

Look at your granddaddy and subtract five years of usefulness and add a track record of bad health and that's John McCain.Then see Barack skip up on stage all long limbs and casually slim stance, wrinkle free skin and robust basketball playing. Then put his naturally tanned, healthy, tall, slim, attractive self beside John McCain and his notoriously bad temper in a national debate and call the political coroner.

A sign of brilliance is counting brilliant people among your friends

2008-03-02T13:00:00.001-08:00

This is a brilliant eye witness account of one internet friend's voting experience in OH.

I have permission to share!

credit scottish_like.

1.
I have to leave town this week for poetry gigs out of state, so today seemed like a good time to try out the Board of Elections early voting option. I’ve never voted outside of designated voting days before, so I’m looking forward to putting on my “I voted!” sticker three days before everyone else. I drive downtown, put 45 minutes on the meter, and head over to the BOE to vote. It’s history any way this election goes – even on the Republican side, as far as I’m concerned – so it’s an exciting time. The sun is out and the cold is biting, but playfully so.

Then I see the voting line.

The voting line-that-is-a-mosh-pit is, literally, the longest line I’ve ever stood in for anything: coveted concert tickets, new roller coaster rides, the DMV…all pale in comparison to this line. When I see this line at 9:30 on a cold Saturday morning I immediately begin to hope, not for change in Washington, but that the meter maids will be lenient. This is the kind of line that kills cellphones and makes lifetime friends out of complete strangers. I am reasonably sure I saw a man propose to a woman in line at one spot, and after about fifty yards of shuffling feet and cracking knees, they’d had a wedding ceremony. By the time they reach the registration table they’ll be able to turn in divorce paperwork with their ballots.

In my search for the end of the line I run into a family that I help at my day job at the public library. They stand at a coveted midpoint in the line, well into the building and warm. We shake hands, exchange greetings. As I step away to continue looking for the end of the line, the mother of the clan waves her hand at me to join them in line where they are. I beg off politely and keep moving. You don’t ditch history.

The line snakes through every crevice of the building, then back outside, then back in. I got into line twenty feet from the registration table, but ended up being shuffled back out the doors and around the back of the building, into an alley. Election workers walk the line, imploring people not to leave, to stick with the cause, assuring everyone they would get to vote. Thirty minutes in line and the cold is setting in firm. The line is moving at a good clip, but it isn’t shrinking. People keep getting in line despite the fact that it puts them in an alley behind the building standing on ice patches in some spots. The line has become a magical thing, what the Cheetos-adled denizens who play Dungeons & Dragons would call a +10 Pitcher of Unending Democracy.

The building across the street has three aerial antennas on its roof, like Calgary crosses at noon. I’ve driven by that building my whole life and never before noticed them. I try not to read too much into the vision.

2.
There are the typical characters you’d expect to find in a line like this: the joker with the most obvious punch line ever (“Can we stand in line? Yes we can!”); the hyperactive five year old who is cute for twenty minutes but becomes grating at twenty minutes and one second.

Two bodies behind me is the catch of the day: The Entitled. He is the one that, when faced with a line of committed voters stretching around a municipal building on a Saturday morning in a historic election cries “This is bullshit!” The Entitled is used to walking in and out of his own polls on his own steam, conveniently, without issue. The Entitled is arguing with a woman in front of him about his right to loudly give political commentary framed mostly with curses about standing in line. The Entitled has no class. You don’t curse history.

An unmarked car with a horn on its roof blasts the soundtrack of the Obama-infused video that overtook the internet, “Yes We Can”. It plays it over and over. And over. And over. After a while it switches to the theme from “Rocky”, then “Eye of the Tiger”. Apparently YouTube and Rocky Balboa are to be the coffee and donuts that election workers have been suggesting we’d receive, like lollipops handed out after a doctor’s visit. The snacks would never materialize. Sly must be a Republican.

I can’t believe I came anywhere near this building without my PSP.

3.
All of the buttons, signs and banners in sight are either local politicos or Obama’s. Not a Clinton sign in sight. Did she write off Columbus? Not have the money to spread until Tuesday? Was there a democratic gang fight before I showed up and the loser’s side had to take their signs home? I look for bruises and cuts, but none are to be found.

4.
If Obama’s black support in Columbus mirrors what it has in most of the country, Clinton’s lost this town hands-down. The line is predominantly black, like we’re Detroit or something, and it’s something to see. A plaque on the wall notes that the building has seen over 6.3 million visitors on its steps in the one hundred years it’s been there. I think we broke the record today just in black folks.

Barack Obama has done something that no politician at his level has done for a great many years: they have made the black vote feel important again. Please understand that I am not saying voting is unimportant to black people or that a candidate has never benefited from our vote. I am saying that, at the presidential level, the black vote is typically courted briefly, then bypassed, and quickly so. In most cases it is written off completely, with little or no attempt to address our existence, let alone our issues.

Contrast that tradition with the educational results of this election. Ask a hundred black people on the street what percentage of black voters Obama and Clinton have received in this election and you’ll find well over half of them know a rough idea (a ratio of approximately 80/10 respectively). Ask this same group of people what percentage of black voters John McCain has, or any Republican for that matter, and you’d be hard-pressed to get your number of respondents in double digits. It certainly isn’t because black people don’t vote Republican. It is because they do so in numbers so small they’re hardly worth talking about. Republicans and talking news heads know this, and the lessons to be derived from the pie charts that are afforded the Obama/Clinton contest are never drawn for McCain and his ilk.

By contrast, Obama has not only garnered the black vote; he has created a substantially larger black voting block than has ever existed. And while there are a number of reasons why that has occurred, the more important thing to note is the behavior of politicians and leaders now that this group exists. The black vote has become increasingly powerful this election in size and direction, more powerful than ever before most say…and Obama is, almost without fail, netting it in numbers never before seen even by strong black runners of the past.

In no other quarter than black leadership are the implications of this phenomenon more interesting. To look back on the interviews, quotes and platforms of many black so-called leaders a year ago is, in some cases, jarring. My personal favorite is a Minister Louis Farrakhan CNN clip done in early 2007, in which he’s asked about Obama (then not the powerful symbol that he is now).

Farrakhan: I like him very much. I’m not saying that I’m going to vote for him, but I like him. Because he’s fresh.

CNN: Do you think that Barack Obama is the answer to George Bush?

Farrakhan: No. I think he’s capable of being an answer, but who will provide him with the money so he can contend with Mrs. Clinton and her big bank? Or Giuliani and McCain and their growing bank? So the people that bankroll you, they’re the ones that ultimately call the tune.

CNN: So what are you saying?

Farrakhan: I’m saying no matter who sits in the White House, if you don’t uproot the structure that corrupts them you still don’t have a president. You have a figurehead.

CNN: Do you think Barack Obama can do that?

Farrakhan: No. Absolutely not. He knows some of the ugliness of politics ‘cause he’s been in it long enough. But the real wickedness of the face of politics…you’re looking right into the very face of Satan himself. And Satan doesn’t intend to be uprooted by an upstart from Chicago. Or Mrs. Clinton from New York.

This isn’t the worst rail to be found. Far worse things were said by other black leaders, even just a few months ago, when Hillary still had a shot. But I find Farrakhan’s statement one of the most compelling as a snapshot of black leadership at the time because it is shot straight, devoid of typical political mongering and reasonable. It contains hope, yet remains pragmatic. It is critical, yet fair for its time. It is a great barometer to measure the sentiment of its time.

And yet it almost seems unfair to pick on all of the fence-riding black leaders of a year ago (or less, if you ask Representative Lewis). No one could have predicted the groundswell of support that Obama would receive from all corners of our society. No one could foresee that Obama would become the political “Teflon Don”, or that he would generate record levels of funding from everyday people, or pick up 80 percent and more of the black vote with or without direct black leadership’s support. If anything, black leadership’s overall distance from him early in the campaign while the support from voters was building is telling, and should be looked at as a Socratic moment for the black community. We should now ask the question, “What makes you our leader?” We should take away from that dynamic – and its cousin, the mutating platform of political convention fast-approaching from the future – that maybe black leadership status should require more than a suit and tie, more than titles and television appearances. Maybe it should require check-ups of their knowledge of the issues of the day or written tests about what they did for black people last summer or a report card of their voting records. We should take away from this “fairy tale”, to use Bill Clinton’s words, that leadership that does not know what its supporters know or believe or desire is a poor leader. That, and that every great fairy tale has some seed of truth.

I had to add the words “Barack Obama” to the spell check dictionary in my software to get rid of the swarm of red snakes throughout this recollection. Change is on the horizon indeed.

5.
You’d think a polling place with a line like this only has a couple of booths, but that’s not the case. There are about twenty machines in the voting room proper, and staff at all corners logging people in to vote. No one is being turned away from voting, and even ID is not required. People have simply been moved to participate in the political process at never-before-seen levels, and no matter the outcome of the race, that’s something we should all be proud of.

6.
I get to my car at 11:30, almost two hours to the minute after parking it on Sixth Street. I can see the orange slip of a parking ticket flapping in the breeze, tucked firmly under my driver’s side windshield wiper. I pull it out and check the time on the ticket. 11:03. If I’d gotten to my car twenty minutes sooner I’d have gotten away scot-free, with my democracy and my wallet intact. I sigh and get in the car, then chuckle. I think about all of the people who died without ever having experienced the right to vote for centuries, and people who still live today in places with laws that disallow voting for some communities. I think about the people who were beaten or kicked or spat upon in marches, some that were threatened by police if they didn’t turn around and march away, all to build a case for voting rights. A parking ticket is a small price to pay for the right to vote. I take the voting sticker off of my shirt and I place it on the parking ticket. I figure it’ll be something for the people at the DMV to talk about for ten seconds when I mail it in.

Besides: if I ever meet Barack Obama, whether he becomes president or not, he can afford to give me my twenty bucks back.

The zen of defeat

2008-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

If I were a better person I would feel sorry for HRC.

"If" being the operative word.

I am just petty enough to enjoy watching her implosion.

Not that it's all a function of my failure as a person, Hillary has made it difficult to feel sorry for her.

First, she painted herself as the indomitable snowwoman, perhaps rightfully so. But once one comes to view you as comprised of iron and will and not much else it becomes difficult to connect to them emotionally. We assume you do not have any emotions. This could well be a trap of being a woman on the big stage but I think it is just as much the fault of Hillary as a person. Other powerful women have somehow managed to appear both human and strong.

And then Hillary did the unforgiveable, according to my admittedly arbitrary standards: she underestimated her opponent.

Now, i'm sure pundits and historians will suggest that had nothing to do with Barack's race but all about his inexperience.

Bullshit.

I smell it, I call it.

HRC and camp know the working class, blue collar America that is all about racial equality in theory...not so much in practice. To say that knowledge in no way colored their perception of Barack's electability is foolish.

Hillary's campaign hung a significent part of her inevitability on a racist America not changing her stripes.

So you will have to forgive me if her miscalculation, and what that miscalculation says about my country, does not inspire in me pity for her position.

As she is fond of saying, she'll be alright after this election win or lose.

America's well-being isn't so guarenteed.

We deserve Barack Obama as much as we need him.

2008-02-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

For about twenty seconds TN was too close to call. In the end it looks like it goes to Clinton. but it's close enough - they're talking less than 1 percent here folks - that Obama still picks up a significent amount of delegates. And the fact that it use to be comfortably in her column and he split it in half is still quite impressive.

He gets IL and I believe she took MA.

*pours some more wine*

And so the games begin.

2008-02-05T16:10:00.001-08:00

First call of the night is an easy victory for Barack in GA.

All of the wonks want you to know that 43% of the Klan put away their robes long enough to vote for Chicken Obama George. /eyeroll

He carried almost 90% of the black vote in GA. Thank God. I was beginning to want negroes back into slavery -- all this self-defeating, ignorant hate for Obama was nauseating.

Now, apparently, we see if the Latinos are desperate enough to be white that they'll continue to eschew the candidate of color. Some anchor from telemundo was on MSNBC earlier and he's the only one I've heard say, flat out, that Latinos will not much "vote for an Afro-American" because he, presumably, may grow an afro that obscures their view from the border?

Whatever.

Good times!

The speech had already been written

2008-01-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

Damn my full-time job and full-time school career! Because of all this real life stuff I was unable to hop-on immediately to share my realization about Ted Kennedy's emotional support for Barack Obama yesterday.

I spoke on the historic nature of the moment - Camelot, with all it's magic and prestige and unassailable political clout being willingly handed over to a black man. It was more than emotional and powerful, it was, I believe history will bear, the flag that announced the last lap of generational change in our political life.

Caroline and Patrick rounded out the picture of family solidarity but it was Ted Kennedy who drew on the emotional connection so many of us feel for the Kennedys that struck a chord with me. There is the obvious symbolism - a silver-haired, aging white man from the Northeast beside a young, spry, black Man with a trans-global heritage - but I saw something else as Teddy shook with passion about Barack.

This is the speech, perhaps, he'd hoped to one day give for JFK, Jr.

The emotional undercurrent of his support for Barack is the type normally resolved for the beloved children or tolerated in-laws in a family very cognizant of their legacy. It was like seeing an uncle groom his nephew to take over the family business.

Only this family business is American politics and Barack, white momma not withstanding, ain't exactly part of the family.

Really, could you not have seen the same intensity of emotion had Obama been replaced by JFK, JR?

Though he denied often any desire to run for political office it is no secret that almost everyone with fond memories of Camelot expected JFK, JR. to grow into an elected official.

And while we will never know what could have been it seems safe to assume that JFK, Jr. would have been the beneficiary of all the magic the Kennedy family can offer: an elder statesman hitting the campaign trail to work decades old relationships in his favor, a spotlight shy Caroline willing to emerge from the shadows to compare him to her father, Patrick serving as emcee for a crowd of rabid young voters thirsty for the kind of vision and inspiration that defined JFK and Bobby's legacy.

Only the candidate is black and his being black was never mentioned.

A pretty good day to be American.

My folk, my folk

2008-01-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

It has taken a much more disciplined writer than myself to expound upon the real "fairy tale" in this Democratic race: Bill Clinton's supposed savior status within the black community.

Now, y'all, I know how some of us feel about a "good" job and we remember fondly the 90s as a time when you could tell your boss to kiss your black ass because you knew another "good" job right down the road. But time may have made your memory fuzzy, much in the way crack makes a whore disillusioned about her sex appeal. So consider this Clinton Re-hab:

The Clinton Fallacy: Did blacks really make big economic gains during the '90s?
By Melissa Harris-Lacewell
Posted Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at 12:46 PM ET

Hillary Clinton's campaign deployed President Bill Clinton in South Carolina for the specific purpose of delivering the black vote, aiming to remind African-Americans of the good times when Clinton was president. Which raises the question: Why do so many people think the Clinton years were good times for black America?

A hopeful African-American electorate was at the core of Bill Clinton's successful bids for the presidency. In many ways, the scandal-marred, deeply partisan years of the Clinton administration proved disappointing in the face of such early optimism.

Welfare reform, the growth of black imprisonment, and the public abandonment of progressive African-Americans like Lani Guinier are some of the most memorable racial disappointments of those years. Even through these disappointments, African-Americans were among Clinton's strongest supporters because many believed Clinton's era was an economic boon.

But there is evidence that Clinton's unmatched popularity among blacks confused many about the true economic impact of his presidency. In a 2005 article I co-authored in the Journal of Black Studies, I analyzed five national surveys from 1984 through 2000. The data show that nearly a third of black Americans held false understandings of black economic conditions during the Clinton years.

By the time Clinton left office, many African-Americans incorrectly believed that blacks were doing better economically than whites. In the '80s, barely 5 percent of blacks believed blacks were economically better off than whites. By 2000, nearly 30 percent of African-American respondents believed that blacks were doing better economically than whites.

This belief is simply wrong.

Rest here:http://www.slate.com/id/2182745/

Camelot Comes To Harlem

2008-01-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

I grew up listening to my Mother wax poetic about how altruistic the Kennedy's are.

My grandmother had three commerative plates on the wall, hung in a place of honor: White Jesus, Martin and Kennedy.

They are not southern or southern baptist or black but the genuiness of their spirit has, for numberous reasons, spoken to our community for generations now.

So as I sit here today and hear the Kennedy family effectively hand over the torch of their legacy to Barack Obama I am afraid that I may be dreaming.

Win or lose, this man not only looks presidential today - he looks like great American history in the making.

And who would know what that looks like better than a Kennedy?

Live stream: http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html?stream=stream1

This is my Party and I'll Kick Your Ass if I want to!

2008-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

In this election cycle minorities, women and working class Americans with democratic leanings should be ecstatic. Instead, far too many of us have been marginalized, insulted, condescended to and dismissed...by our own Democratic Party. I cannot speak for anyone beyond myself, a young African-American female who has voted in every election big and small since she was 18 years old, but I imagine I am not the only one tired of being caricatured as an idiot, regardless of who I support.

I am an Obama supporter but that is not what this petition is about. This is about our party not recognizing itself as such. For 40 years the black voter has helped keep the Democrats viable and in exchange we have gotten the leading party statesman wagging his finger at us for daring to think for ourselves.

We have watched elders like Mr. Rangel sell his political clout, ostensibly on our behalf, in exchange for a seat at the table of another Clinton White House.

CNN reduced black female voters in S.C. to nothing more than cliches of race and sex, overlooking our ability to think as mothers, daughters, sisters, entrepreneurs, students, activists or Americans.

Gloria Steinman suggested that black female voters should ignore the history of racism within the feminist community and forgive her for a poorly written and ill-advised op-ed in the New York Times.

Through this all the Democratic Party has allowed its strongest, most faithful constituency to be treated like an after thought. I cannot be certain what smarts more: their silence in this storm of hatred and race-baiting or the clear assumption that we can be brought back into the fold in time for the general election.

I am tired of this. And I am betting that I am not the only one.

By signing this petition you can send a message to the Democratic Party: the black vote is not to be taken for granted. Neither is it to be bargain-rated.

Should this party and its candidates continue to treat us this way, your signature says you will revolt.

It is a new day in American politics. The Democrats are not the only show in town. And I do not hate a vote for McCain or an Independent candidate nearly as much as I hate being treated like the help at my own Party.

If you feel similarly please sign here and spread the word.

I know you are but what am I?

2008-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

If I had said it once I have said it two trillion times – there is no such thing as the “black community”.

That is not to say that black Americans do not share a great many social and cultural markers. We do. However, in the world of politics it would be a mistake to think we all share the same left-leaning principalities. We run the gamut from small business owners deathly afraid of mandatory minimum wage increases to green citizens who wants our government to tackle the issues of global warming.

We are not a monolith.

Neither are we children.

In light of the Clinton’s latest guerilla political attacks I find it necessary to assert both of these simple truths.

The 90s were great for America in general and for black Americans in particular. President Bill Clinton became for many of the face of that relative prosperity. Then there is his obvious love of a round ass and soul food. Add all of that up and you get a community happy to, for once, have a president with whom they can identify. We even crowned him, with a wink and smile, our first “black” President.

It would seem Bill didn’t get the wink. Neither did he or Hillary get the notice about black Americans not being foolish children in need of chastising. That is the latest ploy of the Clinton camp as they run against a dynamic, talented, qualified challenger in Barack Obama, you know, the guy who could actually be America’s first black president.

First, Hillary made it clear that civil rights would be nothing without a benevolent white president. She says MLK was great and all but it was Lyndon B. Johnson who made the real difference. From there a shrieking Bill wagged his finger at us and told us not to fall for the slick talking Obama campaign. It would seem we should just trust him on this matter – Barack means us no good for Mr. Clinton certainly provided no logical reasons for why we should not elect him. It would seem his word should be enough?

Then they rolled out one of the wealthiest black Americans, Bob Johnson, to speak that “colored talk” to South Carolina voters. He was also, presumably, charged with painting the Illinois Senator with the crack dealing brush that made his company, BET, one of the financially successful coon shows ever created. Again, black Americans were expected not to ask questions, not to demand substantive proof of any of these claims. We are only to look to the great white hopes and their shiny lawn jockey for direction. “Rest your simple little minds” they seem to be saying to us.

“Screw you buddy” is my eloquent response.

Bob Johnson no more speaks for me than Michael Jordan speaks for the child laborers who make the shoes bearing his name. Even if our community was a monolith Bob Johnson would not be one of us. He left our community long ago, deciding to exploit our images for his own personal gain. Now, that is his right and privilege as an American. As an economics student I can appreciate his hustle. But as a black American I reserve the right to revoke his “black spokesperson” card. When BET Uncut hit the airwaves Bob Johnson ceased to be relevant, if he ever was.

Then there is Bill. While our community is not a block of nameless, faceless sameness we do have some similarities. One of which is the drunk uncle. You know him – Rufus, Leroy, Little Man. He used to be a star running back in high school. Maybe he joined the military and has some benefits thanks to the shrapnel still lodged in his skull. He use to be good looking, had a lot of potential. The ladies loved him, money followed him. He was stylish, the life of the party.

But time has not been kind to your drunk uncle. His mojo don’t pull like it use to. The liquor has left hanging jowls and bitter tirades in its wake. He’s still welcome at the cook-out but people pull the kids closer and hide their purses. He is almost always the last one to leave, reluctant to relinquish this, his last shot at an audience.

Mr. Clinton you are the drunk uncle and while we entertain you no one is much listening to what you have to say. We see you for what you are – an aging statesman who has, perhaps, found Viagra not to be the wonder drug it claims? You are overstaying your welcome and destroying the legacy you had a shot at building. You sound shrill and desperate and condescending. Black America needs your tirade on fairytales about as much as you need to believe in another one. Your chance at Camelot ended with a thick-thighed girl and a stained dress. The only decent thing to do would be to leave before we pack up the potato salad.

And then there is Hillary Clinton. You may be qualified for president. Indeed, I think you are. In another time you may have cake-walked your way into history. But your plans met up with destiny. While you may still win, you are going to have to earn it. You will also have to earn the “black vote”, if there is indeed such a thing. The way to do that does not include telling us how to think. Neither should it include refusing to respect Barack Obama as the worthy candidate he is.

You meet equals with bigger guns. You outwork them. You outhustle them. You out politic them. You disparage those you find beneath you.

It would seem you don’t think the senator worthy of your best fought campaign. That is unfortunate. Because one of those other things that seems to run through black communities is our capacity for forgiveness, our ability to see beyond the very race thinking we are so often accused of to see a person as an individual. You had that chance until you refused to extend to us the same courtesy.

We are not a monolith.

We are not children.

We are not bargaining tools.

We are not sheep to be shepharded at the whims of a benevolent leader.

We are Americans.

We are voters.

And I dare to speak for this “black community” of which so many are fond of imagining when I say we look forward to divesting you of all these misconceptions in the voting booth.

That ain't what yo' momma calls you!

2007-10-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

I've been busy preparing to make the LSAT my bitch. Logic games are a misnomer. There is no logic and none of the fun associated with tic-tac-toe or connect four.

Anywho, we've all had a bit of debate fatigue. Not to mention I thought it best to wait as we get closer to someone actually voting. Yes, those someones are a curiously monolithic group of white, liberal noreasteners but still, it's a vote.

However, last night's debate called to me. I was home, it was cold outside and the VSOP was warm. How better to pass my drunkeness than with a Democratic debate?!

I'll attach my raw copy for now. Sober analysis should follow. Enjoy.

10/30/07 Debate

This was as entertaining a political debate possible without the great Mike Gravel.

*moment of silence*

*pours out some Tazo Tea for my homie*

On the issue of the recent vote to allow military movement towards Iran.

Dodd says we haven't learned our lesson from Iraq as it pertains to sanctioning Bush's move towards military action against Iran. This is a mistake.

Hillary voted for said resolution, BTW. She defends her vote as a vote for diplomacy glossing over the part of the resolution that names Iran a terrorist organization and allows for military forces in Iraq to be mobilized in reaction to Iran.

Um, yeah. 'Member that resolution on Iraq?

Edwards says Hillary double talks. He's going at her. Damn shame I still need proof that his voice changed. I just don't buy him as a man. There was this pretty drag queen at the bar the other night and he reminds of her a bit minus the curly ponytail and fantabulous gams in a velvet miniskirt. But he came to play.

Obama says Hillary makes no distinction between herself and the Republicans. He charges they may be one and the same. Do We Set a Redline Moment for Attacking Iran?Obama showed he knows the players. He's been studying.

Clinton comes across well on this issue. She knows it intimately. Some nonsense about carrot and sticks. Is that white people shit? Like peas and carrots? Who ever knows.

Edwards brings the pain AGAIN! HIllary stands up to the Republicans on the issue of Iran by VOTING WITH THEM?! What kind of bullshit is that Hillary? Where I'm from in Carolina we call that spitting inta tha wind.

Richardson bang starts to shake loose at this point. He's so uncomfortable up there. Looks like he's sweating Sazon. Anyway, some rambling about how he's the only one on the stage to actually negotiate with some of the people of which they all speak.

Dodd and Biden go nuts! Get low shawty! Get low! We been done negotiated some peace!!!

Oh Lawd!

On the nonsensical question of do you pledge that there will be no Iran with a bomb on your watch only Biden offered the only answer worth hearing: "Hell naw I ain't gonna pledge that! Them mofos ain't got but a smidgen of enriched uranium. Pakistan got 40s FULL of of enriched uranium!!! How you gonna try to make me jump bad with Iran when Pakistan is carrying a big stick? I'ma make wise decisions based on facts not up in here in a vacuum!" (Now's a good time to mention that my quotation marks are used only for entertainment purposes. And because its one of the few grammar rules to stick with me.)

Obama says the best way to cme to the international community is not be the country led by somebody who voted for war with Iraq. Oooooooohhhh (I bet you won't slap his hand! I bet you won't slap his hand!).

Edwards says Hillary was quoted in some article as suggesting she's no longer in primary mode but inthe general election mode. Ed says, hold up! HOw about TRUTH MODE! You campaigning and I'm trying to talk real talk!

Y'all know they say Hillary cusses like a drunken sailor with syphillis. She look she want to cuss that redneck for all he's worth right now and can't. Bitch damn near choked on a "gotdamn".

Guilani quote pulled out about HIllary not having any real experience beyond making tea for diplomat's wives.

Clinton says she was an advocate. Y'all ever seen "advocate" on monster? I'm looking to be one of them bitches. I was a ursher for three years. Can't be much difference.

Anyway the conversation turns to Bill's request that all of her communications with him while in the white house be kept sealed...until 2012!!! Russert's got the letter!!!!! Why so secretive Hill?! WHY?!

Obama says bitch if this here be your resume you can't run on it and hide it at the same time. Why no transparency Hillary? This is the basis of your experience. Let me see it. Yeah, that's why they want you to be the forerunner. The Republicans know how to fight you. They been doing it since the 90s. (insinuates she's the old guard!)

And then Edwards dropped it on her! The Repubs are obsessed with you Hillary cause they want to run against you! They don't want none wit me! Looka here. After the election I'll be fine. Barack and HIllary will be fine. Will YOUR broke ass be fine?

Shole won't Ed. Shole won't.

kucinich wants a single payer not for profit healthcare system. My teeth want one too. thanks.

BIDEN!! With the KO! Are we listening to Guilani up in here? This mofo ain't got sperience worth shit! He ain't passed a bill worth shit, ain't balanced no budget. He can't even run fries or drive-thru. How we gonna let him roll up in this debate? He don't know how to say but three things - a noun, a verb and 9/11. I can't WAIT to run 'gainst Guilani.

Blah, Blah, Blah

The clincher:Shirley Mclain is Kucinich's Russian mail-order bride's babies godmother? In her new book she describes his moving experience with a UFO at her house.

Do you believe in UFO's Kucinich?

Yes.

*collective blink*

Yes?

Yes.

The lawn gnome done went beserk!!! Oh lawdy! somebody bring up the constitution and non-proliferation!!!

HE BELIEVES IN UFOS!!!!! AND HE SAID SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They closed with nailing Hillary on the NY Governor's plans to offer illegals/undocumented/messicans/new nigras a driver's license. She won't say she's against it or for it. She wasn't prepared for this question. You can tell. She's stumbling. She supports the governor but not the law. It's a good idea but not.

Edwards says hold up!!! This bitch done said two things in two minutes to one motherfucking question. REWIND TAPE!!!

Obama says they got to have some ID. They hit yo car on the south side you need to know who to run up on.Interesting way to end. A clencher with HIllary looking like the double talker she was accused of being.

Did I mention that KUCINICH KNOWS SHIRLEY MCLEAN AND BELIEVES IN UFOS?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today's Best Person in the Woooooorld!

2007-07-03T18:20:00.001-07:00

You have to be a Kieth Olbermann/MSNBC junkie to get that title, but you need only be a logical, patriotic American to understand the honesty and passion in Keith's special comment on his show today.

I've long recognized him to be phenomenal writer. The following is one of his best:

Olbermann: Bush, Cheney should resign

SPECIAL COMMENT
By Keith Olbermann
Anchor, 'Countdown'
MSNBC

“I didn’t vote for him,” an American once said, “But he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
That—on this eve of the 4th of July—is the essence of this democracy, in 17 words. And that is what President Bush threw away yesterday in commuting the sentence of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.

The man who said those 17 words—improbably enough—was the actor John Wayne. And Wayne, an ultra-conservative, said them, when he learned of the hair’s-breadth election of John F. Kennedy instead of his personal favorite, Richard Nixon in 1960.

“I didn’t vote for him but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
The sentiment was doubtlessly expressed earlier, but there is something especially appropriate about hearing it, now, in Wayne’s voice: The crisp matter-of-fact acknowledgement that we have survived, even though for nearly two centuries now, our Commander-in-Chief has also served, simultaneously, as the head of one political party and often the scourge of all others.
We as citizens must, at some point, ignore a president’s partisanship. Not that we may prosper as a nation, not that we may achieve, not that we may lead the world—but merely that we may function.

But just as essential to the seventeen words of John Wayne, is an implicit trust—a sacred trust: That the president for whom so many did not vote, can in turn suspend his political self long enough, and for matters imperative enough, to conduct himself solely for the benefit of the entire Republic.

Our generation’s willingness to state “we didn’t vote for him, but he’s our president, and we hope he does a good job,” was tested in the crucible of history, and earlier than most.
And in circumstances more tragic and threatening. And we did that with which history tasked us.

We enveloped our President in 2001.And those who did not believe he should have been elected—indeed those who did not believe he had been elected—willingly lowered their voices and assented to the sacred oath of non-partisanship.

And George W. Bush took our assent, and re-configured it, and honed it, and shaped it to a razor-sharp point and stabbed this nation in the back with it.

Were there any remaining lingering doubt otherwise, or any remaining lingering hope, it ended yesterday when Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of one of his own staffers.
Did so even before the appeals process was complete; did so without as much as a courtesy consultation with the Department of Justice; did so despite what James Madison—at the Constitutional Convention—said about impeaching any president who pardoned or sheltered those who had committed crimes “advised by” that president; did so without the slightest concern that even the most detached of citizens must look at the chain of events and wonder: To what degree was Mr. Libby told: break the law however you wish—the President will keep you out of prison?

In that moment, Mr. Bush, you broke that fundamental com-pact between yourself and the majority of this nation’s citizens—the ones who did not cast votes for you. In that moment, Mr. Bush, you ceased to be the President of the United States. In that moment, Mr. Bush, you became merely the President of a rabid and irresponsible corner of the Republican Party. And this is too important a time, Sir, to have a commander-in-chief who puts party over nation.

This has been, of course, the gathering legacy of this Administration. Few of its decisions have escaped the stain of politics. The extraordinary Karl Rove has spoken of “a permanent Republican majority,” as if such a thing—or a permanent Democratic majority—is not antithetical to that upon which rests: our country, our history, our revolution, our freedoms.

Yet our Democracy has survived shrewder men than Karl Rove. And it has survived the frequent stain of politics upon the fabric of government. But this administration, with ever-increasing insistence and almost theocratic zealotry, has turned that stain into a massive oil spill.
The protection of the environment is turned over to those of one political party, who will financially benefit from the rape of the environment. The protections of the Constitution are turned over to those of one political party, who believe those protections unnecessary and extravagant and quaint.

The enforcement of the laws is turned over to those of one political party, who will swear beforehand that they will not enforce those laws. The choice between war and peace is turned over to those of one political party, who stand to gain vast wealth by ensuring that there is never peace, but only war.

And now, when just one cooked book gets corrected by an honest auditor, when just one trampling of the inherent and inviolable fairness of government is rejected by an impartial judge, when just one wild-eyed partisan is stopped by the figure of blind justice, this President decides that he, and not the law, must prevail.
I accuse you, Mr. Bush, of lying this country into war.

I accuse you of fabricating in the minds of your own people, a false implied link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11.

I accuse you of firing the generals who told you that the plans for Iraq were disastrously insufficient.

I accuse you of causing in Iraq the needless deaths of 3,586 of our brothers and sons, and sisters
and daughters, and friends and neighbors.

I accuse you of subverting the Constitution, not in some misguided but sincerely-motivated struggle to combat terrorists, but to stifle dissent.

I accuse you of fomenting fear among your own people, of creating the very terror you claim to have fought.

I accuse you of exploiting that unreasoning fear, the natural fear of your own people who just want to live their lives in peace, as a political tool to slander your critics and libel your opponents.

I accuse you of handing part of this Republic over to a Vice President who is without conscience, and letting him run roughshod over it.

And I accuse you now, Mr. Bush, of giving, through that Vice President, carte blanche to Mr. Libby, to help defame Ambassador Joseph Wilson by any means necessary, to lie to Grand Juries and Special Counsel and before a court, in order to protect the mechanisms and particulars of that defamation, with your guarantee that Libby would never see prison, and, in so doing, as Ambassador Wilson himself phrased it here last night, of becoming an accessory to the obstruction of justice.

When President Nixon ordered the firing of the Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” on October 20th, 1973, Cox initially responded tersely, and ominously.

“Whether ours shall be a government of laws and not of men, is now for Congress, and ultimately, the American people.”
President Nixon did not understand how he had crystallized the issue of Watergate for the American people.

It had been about the obscure meaning behind an attempt to break in to a rival party’s headquarters; and the labyrinthine effort to cover-up that break-in and the related crimes.

And in one night, Nixon transformed it.

Watergate—instantaneously—became a simpler issue: a President overruling the inexorable march of the law of insisting—in a way that resonated viscerally with millions who had not previously understood - that he was the law.

Not the Constitution. Not the Congress. Not the Courts. Just him.

Just - Mr. Bush - as you did, yesterday.

The twists and turns of Plame-Gate, of your precise and intricate lies that sent us into this bottomless pit of Iraq; your lies upon the lies to discredit Joe Wilson; your lies upon the lies upon the lies to throw the sand at the “referee” of Prosecutor Fitzgerald’s analogy. These are complex and often painful to follow, and too much, perhaps, for the average citizen.

But when other citizens render a verdict against your man, Mr. Bush—and then you spit in the faces of those jurors and that judge and the judges who were yet to hear the appeal—the average citizen understands that, Sir.

It’s the fixed ballgame and the rigged casino and the pre-arranged lottery all rolled into one—and it stinks. And they know it.

Nixon’s mistake, the last and most fatal of them, the firing of Archibald Cox, was enough to cost him the presidency. And in the end, even Richard Nixon could say he could not put this nation through an impeachment.

It was far too late for it to matter then, but as the decades unfold, that single final gesture of non-partisanship, of acknowledged responsibility not to self, not to party, not to “base,” but to country, echoes loudly into history. Even Richard Nixon knew it was time to resign
Would that you could say that, Mr. Bush. And that you could say it for Mr. Cheney. You both crossed the Rubicon yesterday. Which one of you chose the route, no longer matters. Which is the ventriloquist, and which the dummy, is irrelevant.

But that you have twisted the machinery of government into nothing more than a tawdry machine of politics, is the only fact that remains relevant.

It is nearly July 4th, Mr. Bush, the commemoration of the moment we Americans decided that rather than live under a King who made up the laws, or erased them, or ignored them—or commuted the sentences of those rightly convicted under them—we would force our independence, and regain our sacred freedoms.

We of this time—and our leaders in Congress, of both parties—must now live up to those standards which echo through our history: Pressure, negotiate, impeach—get you, Mr. Bush, and Mr. Cheney, two men who are now perilous to our Democracy, away from its helm.

For you, Mr. Bush, and for Mr. Cheney, there is a lesser task. You need merely achieve a very low threshold indeed. Display just that iota of patriotism which Richard Nixon showed, on August 9th, 1974.
Resign.

And give us someone—anyone—about whom all of us might yet be able to quote John Wayne, and say, “I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”

Full coverage here.

This 4th of July celebrate by remembering that there is no such thing as a democratic or republican president but only the President of the United States.

It took Libby to bring me out of hiding

2007-07-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

It's not that I haven't had plenty to rant about. It's that I've decided to take my warpath to the next level. I'm going to law school.

With that comes studying and planning and trying to keep the Feds out of my internet activity.

But I'll be damned if the past week wasn't enough to resuscitate my dying political heartbeat.

We'll get to the stellar job PBS and Tavis Smiley did with last weeks All American Presidential Debates. I have much to say on why Hillary should beware the seemingly happy Negroes, why it's important that Obama's (bank account) is bigger than yours, and why the failure of the immigration bill and core GOP support for the surge mean a very fun 12 months for people like myself.

But right now I have to talk pardons and commuting sentences and how no matter what they tell you white men know they are under siege in this country (and by siege I mean at danger of being treated like everyone else) and how this is just the beginning of what they are willing to do to maintain their privilege.

There's a reason I don't discuss Mike Nifong and the Duke rape case. People lost the ability to apply any logic to that "case" the minute they felt an emotional connection with either the accused or the accuser. However, today seems a good time to point out what Nifong has really been disbarred for. In taking the word of a black, lower class, female who removes clothes for money over the word of several white men attending a legacy institution like Duke he broke the rule of whitedom.

The law of this land is primarily designed to maintain order as it is defined by white men. It goes without saying that their definition would include a preference for their own. If the law happens to also benefit other folks some of the time, fine. But it had better be infallible when applied to white men of means and missing white women. We cannot forget about the missing white women. NO, really, we cannot. *casts side eye at Nancy Grace*

So they didn't just want justice with Mr. Nifong, they - the parents, the outraged bystanders, white folks - they wanted REVENGE. That's why he was disbarred. Perhaps you'd have to know, as I do, stories of drunk attorneys passing out at defense tables while their clients were convicted who still have their license to see the irony there, but trust me, it's ironic.

Fast forward to today where the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, a wartime president with major issues on his desk found the time to disagree with no fewer than three judges who thought that Libby's sentence fit the crime and, well, you'll have to forgive me for wanting to say a really appropriate Chris Rock joke.

It's not that powerful white men are above the law is news. It's that in 2007, in the era of 24 hour news coverage that this administration cares so little for covering up. I miss the good ol' days when, sure, the powers that be raped you of your civil rights but had the decency to lie to you about it. You know? It's like the guy who feels you up BEFORE dinner - just rude.

And while I concede that the president is within his rights to commute Libby's sentence I deny him the right to try and justify it by condemning it as "excessive".

Two years ago a man named Junior Allen was released from a N.C. prison after serving 35 years - for stealing a TV. Right now 21 year old Genarlow Wilson continues to serve his ten year sentence for having consensual sex when he was a teenager. There are men and women in the judicial system without Mr. Libby's money, adequate legal representation or access who are serving all manner of disproportionate sentences.

I'd like to tell the President all about them. I mean, seeing as how he's now in the dispensation of justice game. Is there an email? A 1-800 number?

I'm sure there are a few thousand folks who'd sure like to get a hold of it.

The View From Up Here…Or, Down Here…Or, Something…

2007-04-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure if my esteemed colleagues in aimless political punditry would consider me a leader or a follower, but I do think everyone can agree that I am psychic.

No, really. See all tongue-in-cheek references to a darkhorse candidate providing entertainment value in last night’s presidential debate and then see the phenomenon that is Mike Gravel. The former representative from Alaska…yes, Alaska gave as good as he got last night. He foamed at the mouth, he chomped at the bit, he called Biden “arrogant”, challenged Obama to a duel and I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to think that he may have patted Hillary on the ass.

This man was the gold standard.

The rest of the field played their respective roles, as expected. Hillary got in a good texas-hold-‘em style promise of “swift retribution” should she find that two American cities had been attacked by terrorists as they stood there. By the way, what the fvck was up with that question? If they’d all promised to put away their copy of the see and say speller when told about an Al-Quaida attack, I would have been happy.

John Edwards looked lackluster last night. Now, I’m never a huge fan of his but on the stump he usually weaves his homespun charm like Charlotte does her web. Last night, however, he looked tired and out of sorts. I did appreciate his handling of the haircut question. Basically, Johnny-boy says yes he’s rich, bitch but don’t get it twisted; you don’t know where he came from! He’s from the hard scrapple streets of working class textile America and he has the inferiority complex to prove it.

Chris Dodd. Was he there? I can barely remember. I looked over my notes and I only see one reference. Can we consider him done?

Dennis Kucinich. Poor, poor Dennis Kucinich. He has some great ideas. He is passionate about service and politics. The man carries a copy of the constitution in his pocket for God’s sake! He’s a patriot! But he also tossed out some mumbo jumbo on never making war and he looks like Rainman’s uncool step-brother. He doesn’t stand a chance but he came out strong last night and give the man his due: he does not fear being the odd guy out. That speaks to a serious delusion or some pretty hefty reserves of courage.

The Senator from Illinois was looking fine. However, he stumbled in places and never gave any great soundbite answers for that all important post-debate spin. On the upside he didn’t allow himself to be cornered or attacked much and he looked the part. It is obvious he has studied the particulars of foreign policy though as multi-syllabled names rolled from his tongue like sweet wine when he was inevitably given a question about our allies and enemies abroad.

Joe Biden looked every bit the elder statesman as he tossed out Arabic names like fastballs and rattled of minute details of some bill or initiative. The man has chops and they should not be taken lightly. It’s a damn shame America has shown a collective disdain for smart guys though. You’ll see his brilliant one word answer of “yes” replayed everywhere so I won’t ruin it for you. It was one of the most memorable moments of the night. If that’s how you’re keeping score then many of today’s talking heads are right: he “won”.

Hillary did exactly what she came to do. She didn’t get sidetracked, no one attacked her and she’s almost mastered the art of mimicking the cadence of a human being. Seriously, I do not dislike Hillary…at all. She’s just not my choice in the primary and I don’t think she can win the general. But she does have that peculiar white woman oratorical disorder where they get higher-pitched and shrill at the end of a sentence. It’s the damndest thing I’ve ever seen. She modulated that well most of the night, got off the fact that she is experienced at least a half dozen times and looked solid. I don’t know how well her explanation of her vote for war went over though. But she didn’t sway anyone. If you loved her before you still do. If you hated her before you can go back to attaching human hair to your voodoo doll. She is still Hillary Clinton.

Bill Richardson, I thought, was extremely natural and engaging on the stage. He made more than few salient points about foreign affairs – you know the man’s been nominated for the Nobel, right? – and showed a depth and breadth of understanding about complex issues. He did not shy away from pointed, tough questions. When asked about his initial reluctance to hang Alberto Gonzalez out to dry because he is Hispanic he manned up and said he said it and he meant it. It was the most honest moment of the night. Damn shame that honesty doesn’t sell, but I, for one, appreciated it.

I also appreciated that he was the ONLY candidate to mention the Darfur and Sudan during his spiel on foreign policy. The other candidates conveniently forgot the largest damn continent in the planet when discussing global affairs.

And now that you’ve got the highlights, here’s my spin/predications/strategy discussion:

Clinton, Edwards and Obama did not have to razzle dazzle last night. They are already ahead. They just did not have to fuck up and I do not think any of them did.

Would it be good for the populace if they had been more engaging, perhaps? But the populace is a fickly heffa on Motrin; you can’t always give her what she wants if you aim to give her what she needs.

So they did what they had to do.

And all of these Republicans knighting Hillary the winner? They bring to mind the creepy guy who offers free candy if you’ll come over to watch cartoons. It’s a set up people. Nothing would make these people happier than to run against Hillary in the election. If they say she won, you better question why that would make them so damn happy.

I did not like Hillary calling the Senator by his first name. Up to that point everyone had been formally addressed but she calls out, “Barack.” And now this may be a peculiarity of my racial identity but something in the way she said his name made clear to me that she wasn’t use to calling it. She calls that man something else at home and it ain’t as nice as “Rock”, I guarantee. It sounded oddly intimate and condescending to me.

Not to be outdone, though, Barack called her “Hillary”, leveling that little playing field. I can’t imagine there wasn’t some underlying dynamic at play in that exchange.

Biden seemed much more sincere when he addressed Mr. Obama and talked about them working together on an emissions bill. In fact, it sounded so right that I am once again fantasizing of an Obama/Biden ticket.

Obama and Hillary will never happen. Obama and Edwards would be stupid. If you have an issue with Obama’s relative youth and inexperience then you should really have an issue with Edwards’. And if I’m voting on intangibles I’ll take the real McCoy. Edwards is just a color-inverted facsimile.

Chris Matthews fawned incessantly over how beautiful and classy Michelle Obama looked. I think my man had taken too big a bite out of that S.C. State atmosphere!

Speaking of wives, where did Kucinich find that one of his? She’s like 12! Beautiful redhead with an accent – anyone else thinking we should be able to find a credit card purchase for Russian Hotties R Us?

So, not much changed the dynamic last night but it was entertaining to see the dynamics, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I’m still confident with all of my predictions:

- Biden or Richardson will either go bust or break free in the next six months
-Hillary and Obama will continue to tread water until around September which is when the gloves will come off. They’ll both be bloodied but Hillary will eventually be faced with the realities of a party that wants to win and she’ll end up doing what’s right for the party just to keep a seat at the table.
- The real contest may well come down to Obama and Edwards. You can’t underestimate Edwards’ success in early primary states like Iowa. But he’s vulnerable on a great many issues and I don’t know if he can go the distance. In fact, I already see him angling for a vice-president nom.
- Gravel will father my babies and will keep us all up at night with impromptu nuclear attack drills
- It’s early yet but I see an Obama/Biden or Obama/Richardson ticket. If Hillary wins the nomination I’ll be outside my house making Molotov cocktails and planning for the revolution

Debate -- Part Two -- Raw Copy

2007-04-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Note: Raw copy denotes that this is published as I wrote it while simultaneously watching the debate, mixing dirty martinis and fielding hilarious phone calls from my mother. I'll be editing and summarizing later. But I thought you might enjoy seeing how my mind works.

The Non-Iraq Foreign Policy segment

First to Obama is a question about who are our biggest allies, surely meant to test his knowledge of the landscape. I held my breath and he did well. He acknowledges NATO, EU, Japan and possibly China in economic issues. He manages thee follow up about that "no one has suffered more than the Palestinian people" quote issue.

But of course, as expected, Biden speaks on it with the ease of someone who has met all of the people he's talking about.

Gravel says we don't have enemies. I ain't never scared!!! We need to treat the world like equals. I'm sure this man is making excellent points but I swear to god I'd stun gun his ass if i saw him on an airplane with me.

OK, I like Edwards well articulated concept of influencing the culture of our "enemies" by supporting education, clean water and health issues to redefine ourselves as a culture that people want to emulate. I'm on board with that. And he mentioned micro-financing, one of the best little ideas ever had.

Being stubborn is not a foreign policy, Bill Richardson. Icon please. He's also the first and only one to mention Darfur!!!! "Why doesn't America care about Africa", he says!! GOD BLESS BILL RICHARDSON.

Dennis once again shows a good handle on the details and how unafraid he is of being the odd man out when he is the only one not to raise his hand in response to "who here believes there is such a thing as a global war on terror."

Senator Obama gets some complex mumbo jumbo hypothetical question about two cities are attacked simultaneously while we're here and it's terrorism. how do you change our foreign military position to address it?!!! get the fuck out of here? who gets that with one minute to answer? that's not fair. He responds well but not extremely detailed.

Oh, OK, Edwards gets it too. They both reference the importance of good intelligence and a lack of real homeland security.

Did you know Hillary was a senator during 9/11? Well she was. If we were attacked she would retaliate, swiftly. See Jane with cajones!

Dennis says he keeps a copy of the constitution in his pocket. To prove it he whipped it out. Gravel slipped a hand in his waistband on the low-low till he saw it was just a harmless, gutted document. Kucinich says he'll impeach Cheney if he has violated it because he took an oath to defend the Constitution. Yeah, he said it. Go for it Dennis. There is at least one person running for President who knows the Constitution, he says.

Dodd on gay marriage vs. civil unions. He says think about your children and how would you like them to be treated: good, logical way to filter his feelings on this issue. Matches my views. Protect rights without discrimination. he supports civil unions, not marriage. I like his commitment and clarity on the issue.

Biden has a green plan. He said it quickly in detail so I know he does. I did catch that he and Obama coauthored an emissions bill. Move from dependence on foreign oil, that's his basic plan -- or the only thing i caught, whatever.

Oh, c'mon! Give me Gravel back!!! It's been like twenty minutes.

Bill wants to plan for a post Castro Cuba which i think means reconsidering trade with them which I'm all for. Punishing brown people indiscriminately just cause he doesn't have oil or diamonds is so last century.

There's Gravel! We're mischaracterizating terrorism. It's always existed, always will. Fighting it is like the war on drugs, a fool's mission. He's got a point that. this invasion has created more terrorists he says. Ol' Gravel is my kind of drunk - he gets more lucid the drunker he gets.

Wait, wait!! there's a Dennis v Obama smack down! Obama says he Iraq is forming weapons and we have to deal with that! he's coming out. Dennis is coming back at it. Back too crazy Gravel? Who the hell are we going to NUKE, Barack, he screams.

Barack says hold up, I ain't bout to Nuke nobody man!!! Don't get froggy cause I will jump! Uh oh! He came out strategically by the way. After that what would you do if two cities were attacked question he had to say something "tough" and this was his offensive swing. the thing is, that'll be played on the news for the next three or four days. nice move.

Edwards prays everyday to his Lord and his wife or something.

Hillary on the real issue! WAL MART, good or evil!!! I like these questions. Mixed bag she says. That ho ain't never needed two dollar cereal or healthcare so Idon't much trust her on this issue. She's right that the middle class is invisible to the white house and corporate elite -- but,um, ain't she the corporate elite? i know she's got them on speed dial for sho'.

GREAT question about the survival of the Democratic Party to Biden! Are the Dems making themselves irrelevant and is there a true presidential winner on the stage? he says he sees a whole stage of winners and the Republicans don't won't none with Hillary. And a parting shot to Gravel and Kucinich: Stop the no war "happy talk" he says!

And it's over.

I'ma about to give you the best summation you will hear anywhere:

This was not about a candidate; this was about the Democratic party.

this is a party willing to compromise to win. this whole debate was about selling the fact that we are better than the republican party. they are going to choose the winners. Ifeel better about that.

Debate - Part One - Raw copy

2007-04-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

with fifteen minutes to show time the candidates are shown on-stage. I should get out of the way how hella fine I think Obama looks up there...or anywhere for that matter.

*whew*

With that bit of business out of the way, let's get to it shall we?

I'll be talking impressions, intangibles, and high points should there be any. I figure folks can get blow-by-blow details elsewhere. But who but me is going to get personal?

Breaking News: Jack Valenti, former LBJ aide, has died. I have no idea who he is but Tom Brokaw and Chris give the impression of a short man with a mastery of politics both formal and social. Godspeed.

Now, back to the debate.

We've got an image of all the candidates on the set again. Looks like Obama's podium is in the center of the stage.

Relax, everyone. I'm sure it was ordered alphabetically.

And now pan the beautiful brown people and....

IT'S ON!!!

Seeing all of those brown kids makes my stomach flop. I'm a bit emotional. Somebody pass me my martini.

Earliest campaign season ever.

Bill Richardson is caught with his mouth hanging open like Biz Markie during his introduction.

Again, who IS Mike Gravel (Gruh-VEL, btw)?

Does anyone trust that Biden will pay those caution lights a bit of attention?

The rules demand 30 second responses?!!! Have these people ever MET a politician?

Mike is all up under his podium? Did someone pat him down? What better way to become infamous than to pull a gat on stage?

First question to Hillary about Sen. Reid's statements regarding Iraq being lost. Does she agree? She's a Senator, we will fund the troops and protect them and start to bring them home. So, basically she's not going to answer the question.

For the record, Hillary is wearing heathered gray with a black crew cut shirt.

Biden says, same question, this is not a game show! He's swinging! Bush is misguided, he says!
Oh God, Obama is fine.

Sorry.

But there was an unexpected wide shot and, well...

Obama wants you to know that he opposed this war from the start, but he votes for appropriations to support our young people on the ground.

He's the first with an "I met a man/woman/child somewhere" story. I dunno man.

Edwards - tell us again why you apologized for your vote in support for the war. Edwards did not shy away from it though. good response. He says, hey, if you voted for it you're going to have to search your own soul, Hillary included! wow! he's gonna get slapped for that one.

But he still doesn't resonate with me.

Hillary: takes responsibility for her vote for the war. if i knew then what i know now, blah, blah, back on talking points.

Kucinich says hey, stop funding the war! strong point of view. He has a bill -- HR1234? um, OK. i'ma get on that. bless his heart. he looks like one of the M&M people. but he's going after Hillary and Edwards! WOW! if you voted for the war, own up to it! don't be no punk, he says.

Bill says let's be clear: this war is a disaster...pull them all by the end of the calendar year. intensive diplomacy in three areas. he lost me on them but I'm sure they're on his website. sounds comprehensive though.. ii can't, however, vet the viability of them. I've heard him speak on it before though.

Chris Dodd makes a nice, clear soundbite on the policy being flawed, not the troops. this should become a Democratic mantra. it sells well.

OK, so, Mike Gravel is an angry man with nothing to lose from Alaska with a history of ending the funding for the Vietnam War. He's kind of scary, actually. I think he's about to start throwing spittle around. He's foaming a bit. Not a crazy point, but he sounded crazy saying it.

Perhaps it is an attempt at not making a mistake, but Obama is stuttering and halting. I was afraid of that. I've seen him that way before. However, he rebounds well but he's not sparkling. Maybe that's the strategy? And I'm positive he didn't answer the question. However, Hillary cosigned with a "Barack is right". Maybe I want her to address him formally? Looks liker the lead players are towing the party line.

that questionable donor bullshit with that Obama donor shit. Obama says he has too many donors to track everyone. he denounced this guy. he proposed campaign ethics reform. i don't take money from lobbyists and PACs. you better recognize.

uh oh. is this gonna be a haircut issue for Edwards? uh oh!

why did you pay for your haircut with campaign funds?! wow!

Edwards: am i rich, bitch? yes. but it's not where i come from. don't sleep. and out comes the homespun wisdom. he tells a story about his father taking the family out to eat and having to leave after his father saw the prices. they was po'. the accent is now as thick as my oatmeal. my daddy was born a poor black child from...wait. OK.

but it's a damn fine response.

that's real.

Bill Richardson mans up nicely when asked about his reticence to disavow a Alberto Gonzalez, a fellow Mexican American. he wanted to give him a chance to explain himself, when he did and finding himself still unsatisfied he called for Gonzalez's resignation

But, yeah, i said it and i meant it! What? I'm no "blow dried" perfect candidate. Well, OK, then. I sense a jab at Edwards.

Dennis, why ain't nobody paying you no never mind? Poor Dennis. He says this isn't American Idol, here. in 2003 my friends up here made the wrong decision on the e war and an apology is not enough. you make an excellent point Dennis. Damn shame, that comb over.

Nice response from Biden!! In response to an attack on his verbosity and does he have thee discipline for the national stage he says, "yes." period. nice laugh from the audience.

NICE!

who is this Mike Gravel? he says some of these people up here frighten him? He's screaming about Nukes? Oh shit!!! who's got Nukes on stage?!!!!!!!

A follow-up question from Brian, "who scares you?" Gravel's response: Joe[Biden], you're arrogant. the top tier scares me.

he's pointing and foaming. what the hot fuck?

This is AWESOME TV1!!

Joe Biden is strongly in favor of Roe v Wade.

Obama handled the abortion question nimbly by putting the focus on prevention, something no one can argue with. that's obama's strong point -- reframing issues in a way that makes them unassailable. that's something the Right has patented so i likes.

Chris's Dodd supported Roberts for the Supreme Court bench. I no likey. He says Roberts just lied about what he would do when nominated.

There will be a wonderful snapshot tomorrow of the candidate's who have owned a gun in their adult lives with their hand raised on stage. What you might not see is the time delay where some of them waited to make sure they weren't the only one.

Hillary makes it clear that she had a universal health plan first and she has the experience. She makes a good point about this being about more than the uninsured but controlling costs for all those insured.

Why are you in SC when the NAACP has a tourism boycott going on? James Clyburn invited us, says Biden.

Obama addresses the confederate flag issue -- put it in a museum -- but the issues we're voting on are too important not to engage the voters in South Carolina.

Gravel says you're not paying me enough attention! I'm not a potted plant. And a Reagan quote. This dude is on bourbon.

Obama references his wife and then he goes on to regret a bill that intruded on Terry Schiavo's rights. Nice response.

Overestimating the ability of this administration and underestimating its arrogance -- Biden gets a gold star for properly finessing the old school "what is your greatest weakness" interview question by making it about Bush, not him. NICE.

The issue of our yawning brain drain is one of my pet issues. Biden makes a good response, a quick response, suggesting he's thought about it: pay for better teachers, fundamentally change how we educate, put our money where our mouth is. Biden wins on that one.

The Green and gas question: Edwards has a good sound bite. We should ask people to be patriotic about something other than war. We need to conserve.

Another one the Party should co-opt.

2007-04-26T15:19:00.002-07:00

Why is Keith Olberman speaking in rugby clichés? Who the fuck is watching rugby? I guess the same people saving crown royal bags, huh, bitch. Oh. I'm sorry. I was talking to the voices, well...forget it.

All of the speculation is how bloody will Barack and Hillary get? Will it be polished in a thin veneer of civility and sportsmanship or will one or the other of them take the gloves off?

These boys are feenin’. Trust me -- getting ugly this far out would be suicide and Hill and Rock both like living too much for that. Please.

And they can only get ugly with Barack if he engages them. The possibility is greater with Hill given her history, but these boys don't want to look like they're ganging up on her. She's perfected that "I’m just a girl" vibe when attacked.

Tricky dicky.

Mark Penn, Clinton advisor, Chris calls him one of the smartest people around. He also says that of Reverend Al so I believe him.

How will Hill support her vote for the war? Penn thinks she'll make it plain -- yeah, like she has so many times before. /sarcasm

Chris accuses Mark of trying to lowball expectations for Hillary.

"Where's Bill Clinton?" Chris asks.

Bill has been sent to Russia.

Oh god!!! Don't let him come home with a mail order bride.

How scared were they that Bill might upstage Hill? Russia?

Damn homie.

Chris just asked, "What's Hillary wearing tonight?" C'mon Chris? When the fuck did you become Joan Rivers?

These white men are foaming at the mouth over "there's a woman! A Hispanic! A black guy!"

Dear god. Someone tell them they still control the majority of the wealth. They can relax.

Looks like Clinton and Obama will be standing next to each other on the stage. Why do they keep acting like Obama might throw a punch? Even if he did lose his damn mind I’d put fifty on Hillary to win. That heffa ain't no punk.

Chris makes it clear that Obama is within spitting distance of winning. He's poking Penn who names four other polls that put Hillary ahead and Obama going down. Basically he says, "Chris your poll ain't shit!"

2007-04-26T15:19:00.001-07:00

Chris is joined by house democratic whip, James Clyburn, a State alumnus.

You’ve done us a favor bringing us here.

Why was it important to debate here?

The state is in transition in so many ways. He talks about the Orangeburg massacre and how Kent State overshadowed that. This debate turns the page and helps us move forward.

Q: why were they killed by the police?

um. They were black and Jim Crow was scratching his balls? They were protesting at a swimming pool and the cops murdered 3 students.

Ii felt it was time for us to break out of a 39-year funk out of that murder.

A surprise?

Two old classmates of James. Good-looking pimping.

His nickname back in school was senator - he was a diplomat. Nice story.

Chris has the impassionate view about that peculiar southern institution that comes with being both from the north and pragmatic. I like that about him. He approaches these issues with no flowery language, no picture of his best black friend.

Why is he letting old black men tell stories about the good ol' days? That can never go well.

He has pics of the whip from a toga party?!!! Oh lawd1!!

A big whoop from the crowd.

Keith Olberman is up next.

That drum corps looks good!

2007-04-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you why I love blackfolk. See: the opening sequence of Hardball's College Tour at SC State. The band kicked off with, I think, “Get up on that good foot."

They ain't never seen nothing like it in politics. Chris knows it turned him out. I wanted a camera shot when the Marching 101 put the stank on that funk.

Notice Elizabeth is there because she understands the good funk. I think I even noted her tapping a foot.

Thick dancers? A fold above the bootie shorts? A drum major that does tricks? I love my people man. And Chris Matthews gets a pass when the revolution kicks off.

A big cheer from the crowd in response to Chris’s suggestion that we care about "getting us out of Iraq". A "do you think hurricane Katrina was handled well" gets a loud, resolute “no” from the crowd! Chris is playing to them like a man who knows what call and response is all about. Cab Calloway is somewhere crying tears of blue magic and joy.

Praise Chris for pointing out how quickly Bush got his ass to Virginia Tech but took days to get to New Orleans. I want to have this man’s mini-pundits.

A go ‘head to Elizabeth for pointing out how Elizabeth Smart got attention cause she was blonde but brown children that went missing during the same time got no media or federal love. She speaks on such issues without stuttering, proving to me again that she's the one who should be running. I like her much more than I do her husband.

The question: What would your husband have done differently in New Orleans?

Elizabeth: He'da been there immediately, that's his style. She says "black" without shaking. She does her husband well. Would have gone to straight to the problem, not all around Mississippi but not New Orleans. You can’t fix major issues without getting into the midst of them.

The question: How does John compete in the excitement competition?

(Big cheers from the crowd for Hillary, slightly larger - but not markedly so -- for Barack...well, I take that back. It's more extended.)

Question: How do you compete with that Liz? That historic excitement?

Elizabeth points out that you didn’t ask who’s supporting Edwards!

Question: How many people for Edwards?

(a cursory cheer, somewhat long but can kids on weed be trusted? They'd shout out for DJ UNK for god's sake. )

Elizabeth: Excitement doesn't matter. Remember dean? People looked past the excitement to decide on policy.

Back to the crowd: How many people here are going to vote?

Big cheer.

No noise for "who's not going to vote?"

Who cheers to their ignorance? C'mon now.

Who gave these kids these signs? Ii hope they got some credit on their cafe accounts for this. Don't be pimping these kids!!!

Back to the Cab Calloway response.

Question: How many have health insurance? These kids know. They know when they can’t get a scrip for Norplant.

Question: Who supports a universal health plan? A big cheer and a quasi-"Edwards" chant

Chris loves Elizabeth… a lot. He comments on her “cherubic face”? Best spokesperson you can have for a candidate, he says. I might have to concur. She's warmer than I’ve seen Michelle Obama play.

I'm seeing lots of chicks in this crowd. Is this indicative of the belief that women are more progressive and involved in our communities or is the cameraman a perv?

________

Ok, a camera span of thee back of those cheerleaders decides: the cameraman is a brother or a perv.

Man in the audience commentary? Quite brave for live tv

Yes, we know it's important that students vote. But what, pray tell, is going to motivate them to do so en masse?

Chris says he's happy!! And he wants you to know that he feels somethting in thte air.. I think chris has been sipping from the crown royal bag.

Would you consider office Elizabeth? Absolutely not. I’m too old!!! Maybe someone should tell the young sister that Elizabeth may not live that long. :(

Pay gaps? Good question darling. "Equal pay day" was yesterday? Does that come with a check? I didn't get mine. Ain't I a woman, damnit?!

83 cents to a dollar? That gap is greater if you're black btw. I want someone on an HBCU to turn the issues to race-centric inequalities.

John has a working wife and daughter about to go out into the real world. Equal pay is important cause he'll hear about it at home.

The band is playing Oscar-time with Chris. They start playing on cue whether homebody has finished talking or not. Chris is so caught up in the rythym he doesn't even care that they just out-Chrised him.

Do these kids know this isn't Spring Bling?

****

Tom Brokaw. One of the last real journalists.

I'd like to point out that he agrees with my earlier assertion that this debate is about image and likeability. It's far too early for seven point plans on policy.

Take that Yobachi.

You don't know...what? Oh....this is a family post.

I also agree with Mr. Brokaw that everyone will be gunning for Barack, not Hillary. They want to "haze" him, see if he's easy to crack.

They know Hill is too practiced and experienced to bow under pressure. Barack is the untested one.

Question: Will this be a big moment for Barack?

Mr. Brokaw: We're a lot like sportswriters before the Superbowl. We don't know. We're just speculating. He is, however, at ease with himself and has a command of the language. It's a mistake to think he's an untried rookie. He's been out there, handling difficult questions. He'll be very well prepared.

Give Them Something To Talk About

2007-04-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight marks the very first Presidential debate. In what looks to be a marathon two-year race, this is the candidates’ first opportunity to screw themselves.

Looking at the field I think a major faux pas is way more likely than a timeless quip a la Ronald Reagan.

But I’m looking forward to it nonetheless. For laymen historians and social scientists this debate promises a treasure trove of dynamics. You have a viable woman with a sordid past and a legacy to protect. You have a Black American man in a country where race is still the most divisive issue. Throw in a Southerner with a dying wife, a biracial man of Mexican descent, and a foreign policy wonk who loves to hear himself talk and this could be the political version of Laugh-in! It’s brilliant people!

Things I’ll be looking for:

- As one of the youngest and arguably the most charismatic personality on the dais, Obama could make everyone else look like rotting fish-belly corpses. I should hope all the white men got their Mystic Tan on.
- Biden could very well talk himself into an anaphylactic shock. No one, of course, will save him and we’ll have our first “talked himself to death” moment in live TV history
- Look for Hillary to stand wide so as to camouflage the fact that she has the biggest balls on the stage. She’ll be playing demure and womanly. The men on the stage run the risk of looking like trailer park wife beaters if they come after her too strongly, thus hamstringing their efforts to legitimately engage the forerunner.
- I expect John Edwards to turn his accent up a notch and to have a side-eye bang that will make me weepy for Aaliyah all over again.
- Obama will ignore the people to his left and to his right (cause one of those mofos won’t be there come graduation) and will speak directly to the audience…and the camera. This will piss everyone off so badly that I fully expect a “who does this Negro think he is” Don Imus moment. Wouldn’t that be FAB?!!!!
- There’ll be little policy detail and here’s why that’s ok with me:

All of these folks who bemoan the lack of policy details from presidential candidates are woefully naive or perfectly predatory, depending on their intent. We are TWO years away from the general election. What kind of fool lays out a 28 point plan on ANYTHING and then allows his enemy two years to dissect it, form a 501C to undermine it, and Karl Rove to make it a federal crime?

Look, I’m as big on policy as the next educated voter but I want to win. If that means taking your word a few things, I’m willing to do that. So long as you don’t make me want to throw holy water at the screen like W, I’ma give you the benefit of the doubt.

And logistically speaking, who can promise me anything with a two-year curve? Anything can happen in the next 24 months and I appreciate a candidate that says, “Look, I’ll weigh important issues as they unfold.”

Just show me you’re smart enough to grasp big concepts and that you have the willingness to read a book about those issues you don’t get and I’m pretty much gonna ride with you.

This debate is less about policy and more about appearing presidential. That’s all the presidential race is ever really about? Want to change that? Want it to be more substantive? Fine. I support that. But can we do it AFTER we’ve elected a President who doesn’t get drunk and wait for God to tell him what to do?

So if the debate has to be light on policy and substance – which, if the Democratic party has any sense of self-preservation, it will be – can I get just one of the candidates to commit to providing entertainment value?

One of the cast-offs, perhaps? A Sanjayaya comedic darkhorse as it were? Maybe Dodd could flip Hillary off and grab his nut sack? Or perhaps Kucinich (really? President Kucinich?) could wax poetic about Obama’s ability to speak both English AND Ebonics? Mike Gravel (really? Mike Gravel? Who the hot fvck is this guy?) could pat Hill on the ass and tell her he always thought Bill was a fool for not tapping that right?

I’m just saying…give the people what they want. And I want some memorable moments, damnit!

All in all, it should be fun kiddies.

Follow the Money and Wait for the Call

2007-04-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

I believe it was All The Kings Men where I first heard “follow the money”. Ol’ Deep Throat had a point then and today he would sound brilliant as pundits went nuts over the release of first quarter fundraising numbers from wanna-be presidential candidates.

Hillary Clinton lived up to the prowess suggested in her surname with a record-breaking $26 million dollars. To put that in perspective, seven years ago during the ’00 election $6 million was considered earth shattering. Do keep in mind though that she came in with about $4 million from her Senate campaign and – let’s keep it real – homegirl has been running for President for six years.

Mitt Romney showed and proved with a surprising $23 million. Again, for perspective, stand outside on the corner and see how many people you have to ask before you find one who knows who Mitt Romney is and where he is from.

Yeah.

The Obama camp, in a crafty PR move, decided to keep mum and give the day to Clinton and Co. However, some are suggesting he is in the $20 million range. Perspective check: he has refused donations from lobbyists and PACs. No one else in the race can say they turned away money.

But what does all of this mean?

Well, it means that size definitely matters. Here, the apparatus on the line are war chests – the amount of cash each campaign has to buy the all important airtime to worry the hell out of us between now and next year.

It is also a mental game. Everyone wants a piece of a potential winner so coming out early with returns that say “these many” think you can win, encourages others to jump on board.

It also generates press and that elusive “buzz”.

I expect that Obama’s campaign will announce tomorrow and the figure will be enough to have Hillary spanking Bill’s bare bottom. Things were not supposed to happen this way for the junior Senator from New York.

Barring one dazzling DNC speech and an amazing grassroots effort she was supposed to be coasting to the nomination.

Competition, though, is good – if only for the American people.

I don’t mind the money so much. Hey, I got five on Obama! My first monetary political donation EVER.

I do mind being taken for granted. If nothing else, each candidate now has to work a little bit harder to reach, not just across the party line, but also to the assumed “party faithful”.

I am expecting my first call any day now.

It's Official. I'm all in!

2007-03-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

I know what you’re thinking.

“What” you say, “kind of loser is updating an admittedly unimpressive political blog on a Saturday night?”

An amped loser, that’s who!

I mean I'm not exactly a…aw, who am I kidding? I’m definitely a loser.

But after spending the better part of the day with a group of diverse strangers, all gathered together under a common political banner, here’s hoping I have attached myself to a winner.

I participated in one of several thousand “community kick-off” events hosted by Barack Obama’s online machine.

It was a last minute decision, and another late night Internet romp, that led me to register at Obama’s website. I found no fewer than 100 active groups within a 50-mile radius. On a whim, I picked the kick-off event that had the most RSVPs and off I went, my mother in tow for protection.

We were early. Real early judging by our hostess’ purple Velcro rollers. But true to great hostess form she did not let that stop her from offering a gracious welcome into a beautiful home in one of Charlotte’s most historic, read: expensive, neighborhoods.

Before long about 27 other guests joined us, all squeezed into a quaint and tastefully decorated sitting room.

The group included college students and people who spoke of "ol' Bobby Kennedy" with the wistfulness of those who were actually alive to witness the dying of Camelot. There was a straw vote that revealed the crowd to be 25% registered Republicans and 30% first time political activists. Men and women; black and white – we all shared our reasons for supporting Obama.

I listened as people I suspect are quite different from myself espoused some fairly intimate and passionate beliefs about why Barack represents them and their politics. From globe-trotters who have witnessed first-hand how deep anti-American sentiment runs to registered Republicans who prize common sense over party affiliation; they were all there.

The sentiment that surprised me the most was the oft expressed hope that electing Obama would send a signal to the rest of the world that America is no longer as myopic as our history suggests or as gleefully ignorant as the past 7 years prove.

Mature white woman waxed rhapsodic over the connection they feel with this young black man. An old acquaintance from his Harvard Law Review days offered personal antidotes that reinforced the popular opinion in the room that he is as real as he seems.

By the end of the day money had been raised, a few barriers maybe transgressed and promises to organize rallies and discussion salons made.

And, so, it is with great pleasure that I make the announcement dozens, or maybe two, of you have been waiting for: UnCommon Sense Politics is endorsing Barack Obama for President.

Your Militant Diva has harbored Obama love for quite some time now, but I finally decided that he is not only viable, but timely. It would seem that I am not the only one to come to that conclusion.

To that end, I encourage you all who do not know him to get to know him at http://www.barackobama.com/. Read his two books. As a writer and voracious reader I promise them to be engaging and authentic.

Check him out for yourself and if you feel the same warmth and inspired rightness of this man at this moment, get involved.

Maybe he cannot win as some claim. Maybe he won’t win, as is very much a real possibility. Maybe Hillary has Bill and Rudy has the right. Maybe Fred Thompson is, indeed, the Great White Hope.

But if he does not pull it off, I for one do not want it to be because those of us who truly believe in his message, his politics, and his potential did not do our personal best to support his cause.

After all, what could be more American than a group of passionate individuals crossing gulfs of party, gender, race, and age to gather for civil political discourse on a sunny day in Carolina?

What, indeed.

I smell Mexican barbecue. You?

2007-03-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Former Department of Justice Aide, Kyle Sampson, took the stand before Congress today and he made one thing perfectly clear for you mo-fos – he’s nobody’s fall guy!

I honestly did not expect it. Granted, he looked about as shaky as Kanye West calling Bush out on Katrina but he made it perfectly clear that Gonzales did, indeed, “deliberate” and “discuss” the selection, and subsequent firing of, eight US Attorneys.

In related news, a White House Spokesperson backed away from Bush’s unconditional support of the embattled Attorney General with a snarky, “Mr. Gonzales will have to speak for himself.”

Damn homie. That’s cold. The man did what y’all told him to do, how you told him to do it and now y’all gonna cut him loose. In the streets, that’s called…well, I don’t exactly know what it’s called in the streets as I grew up in a cul-de-sac but I’m sure I could find a suitable Tupac lyric.

Now, one of y’all owes me a ten spot. I called it the minute this story lasted beyond a week: won’t no way in hot Hades the little Mexican man wasn’t going to take the heat for this. No way. I actually feel badly for him.

You’ll notice that Sampson is less emphatic about Karl Rove’s involvement. That man said, “I’m a Mormon but I ain’t no fool.”

Rove is now, officially, more gangsta than Scarface. Fiddy and other assorted wanna-be gangstas need to study THIS man’s hustle. He’s as elusive as a ghost and as pervasive as ether.

He’s everywhere and nowhere, if the burden is proof.

Sure, he negatively impacts the lives of millions but if you can remove yourself from the outcome you have to admit he is pretty fly for a white guy.

Even with Rove’s name all up in emails and memos Sampson refused to “recollect” a single instance of Rove’s office exerting any pressure.

Suuuuuuuure.

His name is like Kleenex now – generic for any powers that be.

I tell you, one day the history books are going to whitewash this administration and release only ¼ of the real behind-the-scenes story and it will still give believers of democracy nightmares.

In other news, I keep meaning to discuss all of the great stuff happening in the presidential race. I shall try to break down the top contenders on both sides in the coming week. To hold you 'till then:

-An actor?! You got lucky with the first one Republicans, don’t be greedy.
-Hillary’s BUYING endorsements now?!
-Edwards got a nice sympathy bump. Can he sustain it? I definitely felt a shifting of the polls on the day he made the announcement about his wife’s cancer. We shall see…
-Guiliani? Really? This guy is more abrasive than a Jewish mother of a 40-year-old unwed woman. Get outta here.

Double agents and double crossings

2007-03-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

It was something in the air. The putrid smell of justice and retribution could be scented among the foliage of spring and the proliferation of pigeon shit.

The man was on to them.

The Double Agent backed up the files with a snap of her wrist and unconscious toss of her silky blond locks. Anyone of her equally privileged and overworked coworkers would assume she was doing what she always does – handling business.

They would be right. It is the nature of that business, its very insidiousness, that would surprise them. The Double Agent had become an Insider’s Insider, in no small part because she knew how to properly handle, and dispose of, business.

Not to mention she knows the smell of retribution when she inhales it.

In days she would have a high-powered attorney, a justice committee head calling for blood and F-I-F tattooed on the small of her back.

The Double Agent hated the smell of justice almost as much as she hated being on the receiving end of it.

/Scene

That is how I imagine Monica Goodling's final days before she made good on the promise held in the phrase “going underground.”

Fine, I may have taken a few creative liberties, but you have to admit it beats CNN’s “legitimate” reporting (read: snooze fest) wherein all they could dig up was a resume, some law school reunion pics and neighbors who claim they don’t know her.

I do not know what it is Ms. Goodling knows or when she knew it…or when she told it, but I do know that if Ms. Lewinsky had been half as smart as this chick she might be employable and we might have enjoyed the final days of the go-go 90s in peace.

Whatever happens here I find this chick intriguing. In the day and age of reality TV, Internet infamy and Paris Hilton, I am amazed that someone can resist the call of the cameras. This woman must have something to live for.

Or, she’s seen what they do to pretty girls in sing-sing. Either way, I’m just saying, it has the potential to be good news TV.

Something that some folks are saying wasn’t good news TV was Katie Couric’s interview of Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth who recently disclosed – in a very discreet and private manner in front of two hundred cameras – that her cancer battle has resumed.

Look, I’m no Couric fan. Neither am I a John Edwards fan – pretty boys make me nervous. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be titillated or intimidated. However, I have always liked Elizabeth.

As is often the case with political wives, people tend to forget that she’s a lawyer with a damn impressive resume herself. In interviews she has always struck me to be the heft behind the Barbie, or the Ken, as it were.

She comes across as human, engaged, self-depreciating and smart.

Her husband often comes across as a Breck girl.

Yet, I do not think Couric’s interview crossed the line. It certainly crossed it no more times than does the media’s relentless pursuit of mistresses, errant lines in a ten-year-old memoir or a candidate’s wife penchant for writing romance novels.

Some people DO wonder if the announcement was properly positioned to maximize its time on the front page. Some people DO wonder if having an ailing wife hurts or helps Edwards’ campaign. And after so many years of being pandered to and simultaneously raped by our elected officials, many of us *gasp* question the motives of anyone who would want to join their ranks.

It is not the questions that crossed the line, but our need to ask the questions that has pushed us all over the line. And no one is more to blame for that than politicians who kiss cute babies, visit black churches on kente cloth day and screen attendees at “town hall” meetings.

So leave Couric alone. The Hill, the House and the Press created this mess.
Most of us would have been satisfied with an address to send good well cards

And Hello Again

2007-03-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

I beg all of your pardons, as I have been more dedicated to finishing up the semester and relaunching www.tressiemc.com than spewing forth my political diatribe. In the words of Rakim: I shouldn’t have left you without an opinion to cling to. Well, it could have been Rakim. Shut up, you know I suck at pop culture references.

But I cannot suck at them anymore than this administration seems to suck at comprehending the inherent “politicking” that must be done when your party loses control of Congress. They can say what they want about Bill but at least he knew how to pander to the camera while throwing punches behind the scenes.

This president, however, is living up to his self-professed title of Decider while simultaneously channeling every old Western “shoot off at high noon” posture every struck.

Since my last post we have witnessed his staunch defense of the indefensible Donald Rumsfield…and his subsequent replacement of Donald Rumsfield.

We have watched him needle the left about pork in the national budget while failing to mention its bipartisan appeal.

We have watched him refuse to engage Iran and Syria in bilateral talks to help create an environment in the Middle East where Iraq has the slightest chance of survival should we ever leave.

He has looked up the word veto and upon discovering it’s meaning and has threatened to exceed his previous grand total of ONE.

And as of my last check as midnight my time today he was still showing support for his beleaguered Attorney General, Alberto Gonzalez.

Now, say what you will about this issue reeking of retaliation, the truth of the matter is the President’s office does indeed have the right to fire U.S. Attorneys at will. The problem is this issue left behind the discussion of legality the minute Mr. Gonzalez proved himself incapable of towing the line with any conviction or believability.

Now it just all seems to support the idea – right or wrong – that this administration actively participates in subversive and illegal dealings to advance its agenda.

Saying, “Hell yeah! I fired ‘em. They wasn’t my kind of people. I like good people. Good people work for me” may have left a bad taste in folks’ mouths but the issue would have been dead.

Instead this issue has lived for over two weeks now – an eon in political time – and taken on an almost Nixon-ish air. Average folks can’t tell you the details of this issue but every day it takes up another corner above the fold or crawls across the bottom of the screen they get the feeling that something ain’t quite right.

And it is that feeling, more so than email communications that point out blatant inconsistencies in Gonzalez’s previous assertion that he had no part in choosing who got fired, that will linger long after the fall guy takes his hit for the team.

Now…who wants to put money on if and how the whole issue of Monica Goodling choosing to, in the words of Dave Chappelle, “plead da FIF!” will play out?

C’mon! I got that reference right!

State of the DisUnion

2007-01-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

I watched the State of the Union address. I did not mean to but I thought it was the D.C. episode of American Idol.

Nancy looked equal parts vicious and couture and I loved it.

Cheney looked like he was gnawing a hole in his tongue to refrain from shouting, "I'll shoot all you commie healthcare loving bastards!"

And Dubya? Well, I have become quite apt at removing myself from the heinousness of his politics to see him as the gifted politician he is. He has jokes, he works the crowd, he is self-effacing in that alpha dog way that makes it clear he thinks he's more man than you. He kisses the ladies, daps up the pseudo-cool frat boys and signs autographs.

Should he have a legacy it will be that of a master cook-out host - even when the food sucks the folks have a great time.

But on policy he loses me.

If I am clear his goals for the final two years of a lame duck presidency with a Democratic congress he plans to:

* increase spending and troop levels for this war
* create a national guard like civilian support group that is the military but not?
* fund the No Child Left Behind Act
* balance the budget
* save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and

he plans to do all of this without raising taxes!!!!

Holy crap Batman. I had to stop to make sure I hadn't been hitting the bong. Alas, no such luck. I was sober, but I must question if he was.

The deal is he knows he has lost this battle. His own party is increasingly eyeing re-election and jumping ship.

Nancy and Co. smell blood in the water and Hillary has put roots on him.

I cannot help but think that this last stand is all about some super-secret post-presidential career plan. Like, we'll look up one day and he will be the Chief Consultant to Iraqi overseeing oil disbursement at 5 million an hour.

But whatever. He won't be the first.

The real issue is: are the American people tired yet of being sick and tired and gang raped by their elected officials?

Only time -- and a national election -- will tell.

Nerd Boy Love

2007-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Have I ever discussed my preference for nerd boys?

Well, one of my favorites is a solid Biden supporter and he has finally put his reasons in writing and I am happy to share them...even if I relish the opportunity to debate him ad nauseum.

Courtesy of Yobachi:

Why Biden in’ 08

First thing, Joseph Biden's resume is impeccable. He has three decades of national government experience. And as a longtime member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, and now chairman, has the necessary requisite foreign affairs credentials, not to mention other post including NATO. Now moving on from the tangible credential points that easily qualify him for the job, the reasons I like him and think he would be a damn good choice are as follows:

• He’s sensible and practical. Any time I’ve known him to speak on an issue he has a reasonable solution. For the last 3 years he’s attempted to address the Iraq war problem and advise the president on a way out. Of course unless you watch the Sunday morning talk show circuit like I do you probably never heard any of it He long pushed an idea that I thought was great: pulling Iraqi police and military trainees out of Iraq and taking them to U.S. bases in Germany where they could be properly trained to elevate the problem of trainees being targeted and the ranks being infiltrated; thereby allowing many more soldiers to be trained much faster, and giving us a reasonable chance of controlling the insurgent situation.

The time that that would have worked has largely now passed, but yet he still has a sound, practical plan: http://biden.senate.gov/newsroom/details.cfm?id=264509&&>

• He’s a very thoughtful guy. If you listen to him speak, you’d see he’s well reasoned. Yet, unlike John Kerry, he tends not to bloviate and speak like he’s giving a lecture to Harvard Poli-Sci graduate students.

• He’s a moderate and sensible voice. We have a lot of both left wing and right wing ideologues who are more concerned with forcing their narrow world view on the rest us rather than solving problems for everybody. His positions on the issues that I’ve heard tend to be more broad based in their effect.

Now all the above to is not to say that I think he would be the Messiah President. He is human and he is a politician and I’m sure as the campaign goes he’s going to take a couple of positions I don’t like. Actually, I already know of one I don’t agree with, but even on that one his position is pretty fair.

I will close this post with some words from fellow armature blogger Greg Richey:

I finally figured out why the press is practically ignoring Joe Biden, who declared his candidacy to be President [recently]… the commentators said that Biden talks too much. In other words, he doesn't speak in ready made sound bites for easy consumption. A preference for style over substance.

It's not that he's not smart. To the contrary, he may be too smart. It's not that he's not experienced. He's been in the Senate longer than Senators Clinton, Edwards, and Obama combined. It's not that he doesn't have good ideas or isn't a good leader. He's pointing the way out of Iraq, and will be leading Senate hearings in the next several weeks. He understands that we need a political solution to Iraq, not a military one. He's run for president before. He knows how to campaign, and he knows how to get things done. This is the kind of president we need in the White House.

When I look for who to support for president over the next two years, I'll be looking for two things. First, I'll be looking for a candidate with substance, who I can agree with on most of the issues. Second, I'll be looking for a candidate who can get things done. That means that experience is good, but so is the ability to win.

The War and The Race

2007-01-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Alright kiddies. Forgive me my delay in posting, but there have not been many presidential run bombshells and, well, to be honest, I was pretty sick and tired.

But your girl is bouncing back and what is in the news? What is always in the news – war is the topic of the day.

The Democrats have rolled out their ambitious 100 hour plan/manifesto and they are tackling some mighty big issues head on. Chief among them is a national minimum wage hike and capping the cost of prescription drug costs. I am also hearing the faint rumblings of a “national health care” plan. I anticipate being called a socialist commie in about 10, 9, 8…damn. There went Fox News. Yep. It’s official. I’m a socialist commie. Wait until they find out my views on subsidized part-time daycare and extended job protections for maternity/paternity leaves of absence. They’ll think I’m a Nazi.

Again, the real issue is the one that the majority of Americans voted on in this past election – the Iraq war. Or more to the point, how in the hell are we going to get OUT of Iraq without looking like bumbling, incompetent idiots. As usual I hate to be Debby Downer – no, I really do! – but we are a bit too late on both of those objectives. We no longer even have an articulated goal or definition of “success” in Iraq, we are seemingly way more vested in the democracy of the Iraq people than they are themselves, and the rest of the world has already seen the little man behind the curtain. This ain’t purdy folks.

I feel like we are in some clichéd sitcom where the comedy of errors has gone on so long that no one even bothers to ask if the joke is funny anymore.

Well, this joke is no longer funny. The President’s “surge” idea is just another word for “escalation” or “throw more water on that oil fire” or “we have deemed the lives of American soldiers expendable”. Sending MORE troops to achieve an objective that isn’t even an objective with an enemy that cannot be defined or defended against goes beyond foolish at the speed of light and head-first into criminal.

Some pundits speculate that this is all political posturing – America’s last stand before we pull-out. Even that is a fool’s agenda. This is beyond pageantry at this point. If you feel the same way I strongly urge you to contact your senator. Sure, the wartime power we gave Bush after 9/11 makes them about as impotent as Bob Dole after he misses a dose of the little blue pill, but if you are like me, you will at least sleep better at night.

With all of this warring and lawmakering it would be easy to forget that for all practical political purposes the 2008 presidential election is underway. Easy to forget if you do not read People or watch TV that is.

It is official folks: Obama is sexier than John McCain and Edwards doesn’t not hate black people.

In other news, Joe Biden should be announcing any day and the Good Reverend Al Sharpton is considering tossing his Blue Magic into the ring.

When Al Sharpton runs for President he’s not running for President. It means someone has not told him what he wants to hear and he wants a seat at the debate.

Could it be some Dems are already slacking on courting that black vote? It seems Brother Al thinks so.

And I have heard plenty of rumblings about an Edwards-Obama ticket. That rumbling always leaves me vaguely confused. Why in the hot hell would Obama play second to Edwards? The other way around, maybe.

But the ticket dream that keeps me up nights is an Obama-Biden ticket. Yep. I said it. And the order is no mistake. Obama has the “it” factor and should capitalize it to no end, if that is his heart’s desire. However, I do think that Biden’s experience and breadth of foreign policy knowledge could add some gravitas to the unseasoned Senator from Illinois.

Here’s hoping the boys – and Hillary – can stop measuring themselves long enough to do what is best for us all.

Universal Healthcare...again

2007-01-02T06:03:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential contender John Edwards says it is more important to invest in universal health care and lifting people out of poverty than to reduce the budget deficit.

The 2004 vice presidential nominee said in an interview broadcast Sunday said "there is a tension" between the two directions, but he has made his choice.
"If I were choosing now between which is more important, I think the investments are more important," he said on ABC's "This Week."

Entire story here.

OK, I'll admit that I can respect Johnny taking a pretty controversial and unequivocal stand -- especially so early in the race. That takes some guts because the Republican election machine may be down, but it is NEVER out. And maybe some folks do not remember the liberal, socialist commie ass whooping they gave Hillary and Bill on this issue 12 years ago.

I am interested to see how Hillary would address this. She has worked too hard to go very centrist and I guarantee she has not forgotten that aforementioned ass whooping. So I imagine she won't be excited to embrace this issue again, but it is a good issue that plays well to her party. It could be one of many important compromises she will have to navigate as she tries to distance herself from her past to reach out to moderates and quasi-Republicans while not losing her base.

So the pretty boy is taking this run seriously. I can applaud that. If nothing else every entry into the race brings a set of issues to the fore that may otherwise be ignored. I believe it is high time we stop allowing the Republican party to reframe the debate on issues as important as health care. A healthy body politic is a healthy country, and wanting to provide for the least of us is no more socialist than the New Deal that gave so many Americans that almighty Social Security benefit they will fight to the death to keep.

But, John still cannot win. LOL

The roster as of today

2006-12-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

A handy little list of who's in and who's out, courtesy of yahoo.

Democrats
Officially announced (date of announcement)
• Former North Carolina Sen.
John Edwards' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> John Edwards (Dec. 28, 2006)
• Retiring Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (Nov. 30, 2006)
• Ohio Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (news, bio, voting record) (Dec. 12, 2006)
• Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel (April 17, 2006)
Established exploratory committee (date of filing with the
Federal Election Commission' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Federal Election Commission)
• None to date
Widely mentioned
• Delaware Sen. Joseph R. Biden (news, bio, voting record) Jr.
• Retired Gen.
Wesley Clark' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Wesley Clark of Arkansas
• New York Sen.
Hillary Rodham Clinton' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Hillary Rodham Clinton
• Connecticut Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (news, bio, voting record)
• Former Vice President
Al Gore' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Al Gore of Tennessee
• Massachusetts Sen.
John Kerry' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> John Kerry
• Illinois Sen. Barack Obama
• New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
Officially not running (date of announcement)
• Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (Oct. 12, 2006)
• Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold (news, bio, voting record) (Nov. 11, 2006
• Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh (news, bio, voting record) (Dec. 15, 2006)
Republicans
Officially announced
• None to date
Established exploratory committee (date of filing with the Federal Election Commission)
• Attorney John H. Cox of Illinois (Feb. 13, 2006)
• Arizona Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) (Nov. 16, 2006)
• Former New York City
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (Nov. 20, 2006)
• Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback (news, bio, voting record) (Dec. 1, 2006)
• Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson (Dec. 13, 2006)
• Former Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III (announced intention to form exploratory committee on Dec. 20, 2006)
Widely mentioned
• Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia
• Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel (news, bio, voting record)
• Retiring Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
• California Rep. Duncan Hunter (news, bio, voting record)
• Retiring New York Gov. George E. Pataki
• Retiring Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
• Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo
Officially not running (date of announcement)
• Retiring Tennessee Sen. Bill Frist (news, bio, voting record) (Nov. 29, 2006)

Umm, I thought Joe Biden had, unequivocally, entered the race?

Now, I like Biden because I'm a sucker for nerd boys. I love them and Biden is a foreign policy geek. No expensive suit can counteract that level of intelligence and breadth of knowledge.

However, I do not think he can win. He has limited name recognition, and this after decades in the Senate. And in case you haven't been paying attention: smart doesn't exactly sell in this country.

Biden is the guy a smart President hires, but he is not a President.

Vilsack? Kucinich? Get the heck outta here!

Dems? You better be listening. I will personally knock on the door of every colored person between here and Oakland if you nominate someone, nice though they may be, who doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of winning.

Pretty Boy Failure

2006-12-28T07:31:00.001-08:00

John Edwards declares his candidacy.

For those who don't know, I am a North Carolinian so my feelings about John Edwards are extremely well-researched and nuanced.

Who is this guy and why does he keep popping up on my TV?

I mean, yes, he's rich, but contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, there are a lot of rich people in the country. And he may indeed be smart. Carolina, after all, isn't known for turning out complete idiots – that's Duke's gig. And he's cute if you like those androgynous, freakishly upbeat Stuart Smalley types, but I am not impressed.

Let me explain something about the psyche of the American people. Collectively, we're a nation of beer drinking, sideline spectators. We like to WIN! We like to think of ourselves as winners, the facts of our diminishing role in global politics and economics be damned. We are the fuckin' U S of A and we'll do whatever it takes to win: steroids, a little dirt in your eye, a hollowed out bat, preemptive war strikes. Why? Cause white Jesus deemed us the chosen ones and we will whup yo' ass in the name of Christianity, apple pie and country music.

That's why poor little John doesn't stand much chance. He's a loser. Period.

His name will forever be attached to a losing ticket and he's not kick ass enough to separate himself from the stench of failure.

Having said that, there are also the issues of him having a very light political record, almost no stated policy positions and his youthful inexperience. Or do those things only matter when you're black? I get confused.

On one thing, however, I'm pretty clear: Edwards has a better shot of joining a black fraternity and leading a train in a step show than he does of winning the primary.

And a Merry Christmas-Kwanzaa-Festivus To You!

2006-12-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

With the smell of Rove's chestnuts roasting on an open fire, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

I also suggest that you rest up. Unless you are one of the 90% of the population that watches more Flavor of Love than nightly news, you probably know that January 1st marks the dawning of the mighty political season.

Somewhere in the distance I can just about make out Hillary's attempt to banish Bill's wayward balls into a time released chastity belt. Not to be outdone, McCain is having his wooden arm sprayed for termites while anticipating the very necessary, patently non-gay ass reaming from Falwell needed to earn the Righteous Right.

And way beyond that, if you listen closely while properly inebriated, you can hear Michelle spritzing her aerodynamic 'do with Dark and Lovely Holding Spray as she fights Hawaii's humidity and the paparazzi stalking her husband. Oblivious to it all, Obama is playing multi-cultural dozens with the fam and writing his acceptance speech.

In honor of the season I have upped my cable package so as not to miss one moment of Chris Matthews, Jon Stewart, or Bill Mahr.

Until then I promise not to stab any wayward family members over dinner. You should do the same.

I don't think you get the internets in the joint.

Black, but Not Like Me?

2006-12-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

Black, but Not Like Me?

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US political darling Barack Obama has received enthusiastic support for a possible 2008 presidential bid -- except from fellow African-Americans, a group many believed would be among his staunchest backers.

Oh, really now?

I am always amazed at the five or ten black people that get to speak for ALL blackfolks. Stanley may well be a nice enough fellow but I don't know him or his people so his opinion? As representative of mine as Condi's hair helmet is of my own luscious 'do.

To be fair, I have seen this cautious optimism and borderline disdain for Obama first hand, but this story in no way captures why so many of us feel the way we do. There are several factions at work in our communities.

There are the old-schoolers who think "black politics" have to be combative and monolithic to be effective. Most of those folks owe their own jobs and livelihoods to that kind of sheepherding loud talking so that is to be expected. They are a dying breed and they don't have my vote to sell for a cushy job anymore so I find them irrelevant.

Then you have those self-hating blackfolks, very much like the Uncle Rukus character from the Boondocks comic strip, who don't understand why us darkies always got to cause so much trouble seein' how nice massa been to us'n. They are sad and funny kind like a fatal car crash is funny and should be prevented from voting by lethal injection if necessary, but they are no threat.

I've seen the faction of us who want Obama to "prove" something to them. They are distrustful of anyone that adored, that respected by the majority culture. These tend to be the same people who do not ask for the same level of proof from white elected officials. This is the "ghetto pass" mentality -- they want Obama to engage in some political dis track reminiscent of Nas and Jay Z so they can find him "genuinely black." Think: folks who actually know what the Chicken Noodle Soup dance is...and do it. Not my kind of folk, not because they don't love Obama but because they have a different threshold established for him than for his white counterparts.

Finally, I think there is a large group of black people who have lived long enough or studied enough history to know that getting your hopes up as a person of color in this country is a recipe for major disappointment. So they refrain from discussing this matter in mixed company, lest the whitefolks catch on to how we really feel and use it as a weapon to destroy the brother.

These are the same folks who know enough conspiracy theories have proven to be true, and so they worry Obama's safety and will believe it -- the possiblity of a black man in the White House -- when they see it. They are not disdainful of Obama but of a white dominant culture who makes sport of elevating people in general, black folks in particular, to exalted positions only to knock them down like a lifeless pinata.

In the end, the media and pollsters have yet to discover that we are not a monolithic group of people. Stanley Crouch no more speaks for me than Ann Coulter or Bill O'Reilly. Shared skin color do not a shared political ideology make.

But, as always, when presented with the choice of the devil we know and the devil we don't know, I'm betting we'll choose the devil that looks more like family.

Whose America?

2006-12-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

This was too good to let pass.

I really only have one itsy-bitsy, teensie-weensie question: is Rep. Keith Ellison an American citizen?

I just need to be sure.

Cause, um, if he is -- and I think the law is on the side of him being one -- I am pretty sure he gets to worship the devil and request whatever holy book ol Beezlebub is using these days.

I'm almost certain.

One day, soon, there will be a morning when I'll awaken to the sounds of irreverant jaybirds chirping. A soft spring breeze will caress my face as I brew a cup of free trade java. I'll turn on the news and the lead story will be: White Americans, The New Minority.

That will be a good day.

I love free trade coffee.

The Obama Factor

2006-12-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

There are no less than five thousand current sources extolling the virtues of Senator Barack Obama. They are, by and large, written by better writers than myself who have done way more research than I am ever willing to do. So I will not wade into that fray.

However, I WILL talk about some of Obama's heretofore unmentioned qualifications for President of the United States.

The man is no dummy. In this day and age I know that does not mean alot but have we not tired of politicians that do not even READ the bills they vote on? Pointy head intellects aren't the devil people. The people who point and laugh at the pointy head intellectuals...well, they sell defense contracts to the devil.

Go smart. I promise you won't regret it.

Obama is fine, yes. But more importantly in our image-concious society he is not "too" fine. He's not that kind of black fine that sets off alarms of white male sexual inadequecies and fear. He is just fine enough to want to identify with but not so fine that the call to lock up the blondes is sounded.

He has a black wife. And not some Jack and Jill milquetoast black wife, but a sister's sister. In other words, you are never going to confuse this woman for a latina. As much as this is significent for black women voters it is equally important to white voters. If he loves black woman, he can't possibly be defiling innocent white ones on the weekends a la Harold Ford. This makes him immune to that type of race baiting campaigning.

For all of the articles and press I have not heard one person acknowledge one of Obama's most basic strengths in the mental endurance contest that is a run for the White House. Black Americans, by virtue of being both black and American, are innately skilled at withstanding the kind of bullying, backstabbing and power trips that is the political system.

The brother working at McDonald's learns how to sidestep conversations on sexy white women with his boss. The sister working in the office downtown knows, instinctively, just how much she can trust her white co-workers with her ambitions and personal business. Almost all of us have learned that there is only so much of our true selves that we can bring to the white folks' party and we do it without even thinking.

That kind of ingrained cloak and dagger survival skill set can be found in the most unsophisticated of black folk. Imagine how highly tuned and refined it must be in a brother who was elected President of the Harvard Law Review?

They can keep thinking the optimistic tone, upbeat approach and easy smile is soft if they want to.

We know the deal and that helps to explain some of that cautious excitement you feel in the air.

Dear Democrats

2006-12-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Democratic Party,

I know you have a history of being "progressive" on issues of race, class and sex. Or at least that's what your PR says -- I know some folks who beg to differ. But, for me, the incongruity of your politics with your intent has never mattered much because in the end I am black and have ovaries. As such, it would go against everything I am to vote Republican.

Even when I pay more taxes than Donald Trump's second wife on 1/459th the pay, I figure it's got to better than putting a third generation "no spooks on my watch" Republican in some position of power. So I continue to vote against my own best interests.

And that is the choice I, like millions of other black folk make when we vote Democratic. We opt-out of the potential tax breaks our college education and middle class jobs have qualified us for. We vote against death tax policies that could benefit our children, many of them the first to ever stand to get any inheritance not resulting from an overpriced insurance policy. We vote against smaller government and less invasion into our personal lives, ideals that contrary to popular belief many of us favor, because we do not have a choice.

Our history has proven that crazy white folks can't be trusted to do what is best when faced with emotionally-driven, race-baiting politics -- they will close the school before they will let a black child read in its library after all - so we have to vote for the party least likely to put us back in the fields.

That's where you come in. We've voted for you in an almost lock-step block for four generations now. And we haven't asked for much -- a holiday here and there, a national guard to keep us from getting lynched, small stuff really.

But the time has come to cash in some of our political chips.

If this party does not grow a pair of balls and step beyond the idealism of kumbaya politics and give me a nominee who can win in 2008 I will be forced to renounce my party affiliation.

Yeah, I said it: balls, cajones, hairy ones.

Hillary cannot win. She is indeed smart enough, ruthless enough, practiced enough but she. can. not. win.

And I am tired of losing. Especially to illiterates who bring no vision but a sack full of balls.

You let a bowlegged cowboy whup up on a freaking war hero. You can no longer be trusted to do what is best for the party, so this year I am making my desires known.

Thanks to a little thing called the internets I am sending my manifesto: grow a pair or lose the negroes.

If you don't have an insider with the guts to tell Hillary that she cannot win, feel free to call me. I got nothing to lose.

Either way I'll still be overtaxed, underpaid, taken for granted, pandered to and, at the end of the election, summarily ignored. After all, I am a black Democrat.

But a chick with nothing to lose? Dangerous indeed.

Now. Let's play ball shall we?

Signed,
Demoralized Dem