Clinton’s Twin Killing
I wrote earlier that Hillary Clinton needs to eviscerate John McCain. She obviously did not take up all of my suggestions, but she certainly made it abundantly clear that nobody who remotely supported her in the primary could, in good faith, support John McCain. She tied her entire agenda to Obama’s and declared that the fate of the nation rested on Obama’s election to the Presidency.
Some people have chided her for talking so little about Obama and so much about herself. But I think the real story was the very public repudiation of the notion that Clinton voters would go to McCain. Of course she talked mostly about herself and her agenda. To do otherwise would have been fake.
More importantly, she tied her own agenda to the Democratic Party as a whole. By explicitly rejecting the notion that her campaign was about herself, she reminded her most devout supporters of the larger stakes in this election.
And her line about McCain and Bush being twins too hard to tell about was pithy and perfect.
No doubt many Clinton supporters will still need to be convinced to vote for Obama. But the first step – removing McCain as a viable alternative – was accomplished tonight. The next two nights will help Barack Obama convince those committed Clinton supporters that he really does have the values and capabilities to carry out the agenda Clinton spelled out tonight. These hardcore supporters may never truly embrace Obama. But they will at least be set up to vote for him. And that was the point of tonight’s speech. You can still love and admire Hillary Clinton and vote for Barack Obama in November.
15 Responses to “Clinton’s Twin Killing”
Elrod- I agree with your analysis- Clinton did what she needed to do to reunite the party. It would hurt her own chances if she chooses to run again, if she and her supporters helped to elect another Republican. We can all remember that there was a lot of anger against her husband in 2000, after Al Gore was defeated by a weaker candidate in a year of peace and prosperity.
Also, she still has to have a moderately collegial relationship with John McCain the senator, so I doubt she wants to eviscerate John McCain the candidate. I think her tone and substance answered all doubts about whose side she is on. It was a gracious moment considering everything she has gone through this campaign season.
Her speech was pitch-perfect, and she did get several good zingers in against McBush, while pointing out what the Dems really need to do to succeed in November.100% home run tonight!
Yes, I agree- great speech by Hillary! I watched the re-run on MSNBC and at the beginning the camera focused on Bill Clinton and he kept saying (really mouthing), “I love you, I love you, I love you.” I thought that was a great personal moment. He could not have been prouder of her at the beginning nor at the end of the speech.
I fell asleep during the Clinton speech and had to rewatch it later. Thats saying something since I'm a political junkie.
She did what she had to do and it tended to drone. It was big on rhetoric and almost devoid on substance. Most convention speeches are Those who are supportive of Obama will see it as good, those who aren't really wont see much here.
As for the Hilliary supporters? They will read into it what they had already decided in general, those who had decided to support Obama will see the literal words and point to them as affirmation of their decision, those who decided that they will not support Obama will decide that what is not included in the speech is a sign to them to stick by their guns and not throw in their support and she was only doing what she was forced to do. Those who were undecided before? Likely still undecided.
Comedy Central’s Lauren Corrao Wins Second Annual “Most Sexist” Award in Media
Feminist group Women’s Flash Network cites Comedy Central 2008 development slate as “appropriate for Syria.”
MIAMI, FL (August 24, 2008) A month in advance of the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, to be broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, Feminist group Women’s Flash Network (WFN) revealed its Second Annual “Most Sexist Media Figure of the Year” – and with a surprise twist.
This year, the most sexist media figure is actually a woman: Lauren Corrao of Comedy Central, a Viacom subsidiary. Last year’s award was given to Fox anchor Bill O’Reilly.
According to Myra Foster, chair of WFN, Corrao, who is president of development for Comedy Central, won the award based on a Comedy Central development slate for 2009 announced last spring that contained the name of not a single woman either as an entertainer or as a producer.
“We did a content analysis of the March 12th press release sent out by Corrao, and what we found were the names of 45 men and the name of one woman – herself,” said Foster, an entertainment lawyer active in women’s issues. “This is a development slate more appropriate to Syrian National Television than to an American cable network owned by Sumner Redstone’s Viacom.”
WFN Vice-Chair Jodie Spring noted that past Comedy Central press releases boasted of the fact the network’s President, Michele Ganeless, is also a woman. “Are these two executives ‘women who hate women?’” asked Spring. “We don’t know. Some studies have shown that when women reach positions of power, they often pull up the ladder behind them.”
“Neverthless, to have 45 men involved in developing your new comedy season, and not a single woman, should set off alarm bells to both Corrao and Ganeless and MTV’s Doug Herzog that something is majorly wrong at their network.”
Entertainment insiders say it was Corrao who was rumored to have opposed giving a new show to Comedy Central’s sole female success story, Sarah Silverman, whose show has turned into a huge hit for Comedy Central. She was overruled by MTV Networks Entertainment Group prexy Doug Herzog.
As her prize, Corrao will be sent a giant bronzed rat, according to Spring.
Women’s Flash Network is a membership organization of women in media from 42 states and Puerto Rico. The press release that the award is based on is reproduced below.
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March 12, 2008
COMEDY CENTRAL (R) Presents the Future of Comedy With its 2008-2009 Talent and Development Slate
Fantasy-Comedy 'Krod Mandoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire' Receives Series Order and Will Premiere in 1Q 2009
NEW YORK, March 12 NEW YORK, March 12 /PRNewswire/ — With a week of new series and new seasons on COMEDY CENTRAL featuring the premiere of “Lewis Black's Root of All Evil,” new seasons of “South Park,” “Lil' Bush” and “Kenny vs. Spenny,” and ongoing, award-winning “Indecision 2008″ political coverage from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report,” the all-comedy network could be excused if it sat back and laughed along with its viewers for a spell. But, not resting on its laurels, the channel, coming off its second consecutive record-breaking year, is hard at work securing the future of comedy with a star-studded 2008-09 development slate, announced today by Lauren Corrao, president, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL .
Projects in development run the gamut from short-form and sketch/variety to scripted narrative and animation, as well as COMEDY CENTRAL's first foray into medieval comedy, and feature a cross-section of top comedic talent including Snoop Dogg, Andy Richter, David Alan Grier, Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, Nick Swardson, Daniel Tosh, Bobby Lee and Opie & Anthony .
“This year's development slate features an incredibly diverse and versatile array of talent and concepts,” said Corrao. “Our core viewers expect nothing short of the best comedy options and continue to connect with the brand we've built. We're confident that these ideas will resonate with them and will continue to grow the network's success into the coming year.”
The first of the 2008-2009 development slate to receive a series order marks COMEDY CENTRAL's first fantasy-comedy and will premiere during 1Q 2009. “Krod Mandoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire” is an outrageous, live-action, character-driven comedy that takes place in the “long ago past” and features the reluctant hero Krod Mandoon, a sensitive, clueless freedom fighter, as the last great hope in a medieval struggle. The series is written by Peter Knight and executive produced by Knight, Keith Samples, Brad Johnson, Courtney Conte and Flody Juarez.
Other projects that have been greenlit for pilot/presentation production include: Untitled Snoop Dogg Animated Project, a half-hour animated comedy featuring Snoop Dogg as a 15 year-old growing up in 1980s Long Beach, CA; Untitled Andy Richter Sketch Show, a sketch show starring Andy Richter, executive produced by Kent Alterman (“Semi-Pro,” “Elf”); “David Alan Grier's Chocolate News,” a fake magazine show hosted by the “In Living Color” alum that covers inherently urban pop culture topics; and “Gay Robot,” an animated, scripted series about the day-in-the-life, post-college adventures of Gay Robot, voiced by Nick Swardson (“RENO 911!,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”), and his roommates partying their way through life while trying to find their way in the world.
COMEDY CENTRAL will also continue to feature the best in original stand-up comedy and will premiere three one-hour, original stand-up specials in 2008 starring Carlos Mencia (“Mind of Mencia”), John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) and Brian Regan.
Descriptions of all 2008-2009 development projects follow: SERIES GREENLIGHTS
“Krod Mandoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire”
Krod Mandoon is a reluctant hero in a medieval world. After the death of his mentor, Arcadius, Krod becomes the last great hope in the fight against the evil Dongalor. If only he wasn't so worried about his hairline. Written by Peter Knight and executive produced by Knight, Keith Samples, Brad Johnson, Courtney Conte and Flody Juarez.
PILOTS/PRESENTATIONS (all titles listed are working titles)
Untitled Snoop Dogg Animated Project
A half-hour animated comedy featuring Snoop Dogg as a 15 year-old growing up in 1980s Long Beach, CA and dealing with family, school and the streets, giving viewers a hilarious look at growing up in the hood. Executive produced by Snoop Dogg and Tom Lynch.
Untitled Andy Richter Sketch Show
A sketch show starring Andy Richter executive produced by Kent Alterman (“Semi-Pro,” “Elf”) and Tim Sarkes.
“America's Biggest Idiot”
Each week, three guys compete against one another in a series of off-the- wall physical challenges to see who is willing to take the most punishment. Hosted by Daniel Tosh. Created and executive produced by Jim Biederman (“Tom Green Show,” “Jamie Kennedy Experiment”), Vito Viscomi (“Tom Green Show,” “Punk'd,” “Jackass”) and Paul Greenberg (“Jackass,” “Punk'd”).
“David Alan Grier's Chocolate News”
A fake magazine show hosted by “In Living Color” alum and Tony(R) Award- nominee David Alan Grier that covers inherently urban pop culture topics. The pilot is executive produced by Grier (“Little Man”), Robert Morton (“Mind of Mencia”), Fax Bahr and Adam Small, and Generate's Peter Aronson and Jordon Levin. (previously listed in COMEDY CENTRAL's 2007-2008 development slate announcement as a presentation deal)
“Gay Robot”
An animated, scripted series composed of two eleven-minute stories per episode about a gay robot, voiced by Nick Swardson (“RENO 911!,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”), and his friends Nick, Pat and Matt living together after college. The show follows the day-in-the-life adventures of Gay Robot and the guys partying their way through life while trying to find their way in the world. Produced by Happy Madison and Sony TV and co-written by Nick Swardson and Aaron Lee.
“The Scariest Show on Television”
Put a group of twisted comedy writers at the helm of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and you get “The Scariest Show on Television,” an anthology series where host Julius Darkshaft, played by Paul F. Tompkins (“Lewis Black's Root of All Evil,” “Anchorman”), takes us through his vault of hilarious morality tales and gorefests. Tales include such gems as “The Misfortune Cookie,” where three Wall Street racists emerge from a Chinese restaurant to find that their gruesome fortunes are coming to life. Executive Produced by Jim Biederman, Brett Gelman and Jon Daly, Waverly Films and 3Arts Entertainment.
“Search and Destroy”
Executive producer Troy Miller (“Viva La Bam,” “Flight of Conchords”) brings viewers along on a scavenger hunt where nothing is off limits. Hosted by radio personalities Opie & Anthony, two teams of comedians run amok in New York City with a list of assignments and head-to-head competitions.
“Speed Freaks”
A scripted show starring Zach Galifianakis and A.D. Miles about two small town losers who are on the run from a redneck mafia hit-man after blowing up a local meth lab. As they fumble around the south trying to find odd jobs and shelter, the faceless hit-man is always hot on their trail.
SCRIPT/PAPER DEVELOPMENT (all titles listed are working titles)
Untitled Bobby Lee Project
This narrative comedy starring Bobby Lee (“MADtv”) will focus on his unique point of view of living in his multi-cultural world. The show is co- written by Bobby Lee and Michael Hitchcock & Dick Blasucci (“MADtv”).
“Gypsy Cab”
An animated series consisting of two eleven-minute stories per episode revolving around the life of a driver of a dilapidated Gypsy Cab and his passengers, who will be portrayed in each episode by a different stand-up comedian. The Cab will be “home base” but viewers will also visit the cab depot, his apartment and spend time with his mom. Created by Jordan Rubin and written by Rubin and Aaron Lee. Rubin, Lee and Generate's Dave Rath are the executive producers.
“Michael and Michael Have Issues”
A sketch comedy from comedians Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter (“The State,” “Stella”), this show features segments addressing issues each of the stars has with themselves, each other and the world at large.
“Reality Bites”
COMEDY CENTRAL's “uber-spoof” on the reality genre, this series sets out to completely take the piss out of American television's popular, yet most hated, genre. Ten comedians compete to keep it “real-er” than the others and challenge each other to be the ultimate reality television star. Executive produced by 3 Ball Productions (“The Biggest Loser,” “Beauty and the Geek”).
SPECIALS
“Carlos Mencia: *Performance Enhanced”
A one-hour stand-up special starring Carlos Mencia (“Mind of Mencia”) executive produced by Robert Morton. Premieres May 18 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
“John Oliver: Terrifying Times”
A stand-up special starring John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) produced by Dakota Entertainment. Premieres April 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Untitled Brian Regan Stand-up Special
A stand-up special starring Brian Regan produced by Dakota Entertainment. Premieres 3Q 2008.
COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Press Central, COMEDY CENTRAL's press Web site at http://www.comedycentral.com/press.
looks like a Comedy Central shill walked in…lols.
If these Hillary supporters vote for McCain, then they were really NOT HIllary supporters in the first place. She has redeemed herself- going on the attack vs. McCain is what the Dems needed to hear.
I know that you have all been anxiously awaiting my take on her speech so here we go.
1. The speech was all about Hillary and what SHE has accomplished.
2. The speech was about policies which again policy is what is dividing the party right now.
3. Teddy Kennedy in 1980 did not endorse Jimmy Carter. Hillary Clinton endorsed the democratic candidate.
4. I think it was her best speech ever.
5. She did nothing to hurt Obama outwardly. She did however not do anything to help him.
6. Appealing to angry voters over boring policy issues is not going to get the voters back in the fold.
7. People on the right who were once anti McCain are now staunchly defending him.
People on the left are still screaming insults at Barak Obama.
Overall I think it was a great speech but was missing one key ingredient. Respect. Concession. IVE WORKED TOO HARD all these years to see it all be handed to the GOP. ME< ME< ME. YOU and ME. YOU and ME. Oh by the Way Barak Obama will make a good president.
Clinton's speech was lousy and by the end I was clamoring for “the hook” to get her off the stage and end the pathetic self-serving. Defenders can try and fail all they want to distort the truth into a marvelous achievement by her, but it was nothing of the kind. At times she was nearly as wooden (a drone, as someone else already has written) as Al Gore. The “highlight” last night capped last's night's being a dud.
DLS- What're ya smokin'???
kritt,
It's called crack.
It's called reality. Oh, and unlike Clinton fans, here or on lefty radio, not concluding before observing. Quit being Kool-Aid drinkers.
[scowl]
Those of us who correctly viewed Clinton's speech also liked Schweitzer's, the only good speech of the night and what should have represented the ordinary or basic level of rallying last night in all the speeches:
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswi…
You stand further corrected and educated.
Clinton is a centrist democrat — not a lefty. Kucinich is a lefty. But alas right wing radio makes no distinction.
Kucinich is farther to the left than Obama or Clinton, obviously. Kucinich is far left or radical, not merely “a lefty.” Clinton is more establishment and somewhat less now to the left than Obama (in practice now, at least, as opposed to in the 1990s).
Let's see what kind of effort Bill Clinton (less to the left than his wife, if anything) gives for Obama and “the team” as opposed to dwelling on, say, himself and his wife tonight. (I doubt he'd stoop so low as to criticise or attack Obama tonight.)
DLS- Who in the Democratic party would you consider a centrist? Clinton is a centrist now and was a centrist then— (Bill I mean) Hillary is also in the moderate centrist wing of the party. Obama is considered liberal but not far left. My point is that el Rushbo tells his listeners they are all socialists.
Clinton is a Centrist, I agree. But Obama not too far left? Come on now. He has the 11th most partisan voting record in the senate, voting with his party 96% of the time. His running mate did so 96.6% of the time making him the 8th most partisan. The Obama-Biden ticket is about as far left in the Democratic party as you can get without rubbing elbows with Kucinich.