I'll give Team McCain credit for one thing this morning - they are successfully keeping the entire media focused on a series of red herrings. When the press would normally be talking about Obama's historic acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium last night, they are busy releasing "breaking news" every ten minutes about the anticipated announcement of Big Mac's running mate, … [Read more...] about Bait and Switch on McCain’s VP Pick?
Godspeed To You, Barack Obama
Given the historic vitriol of this presidential campaign, it has been pretty easy to overlook something else historic that makes my heart nearly burst with pride: It was 53 years ago, six years before Barack Obama was born, that Rosa Parks was ordered to get out of her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, because of the color of her skin, and today a man of color -- the … [Read more...] about Godspeed To You, Barack Obama
‘A Global Wave of Politicians Named Obama’: From Le Monde of France
How much impact has Barack Obama had - even before being elected? According to this tongue-in-cheek account from Robert Solé of Le Monde, Political leaders from Brazil to France have started adopting the name Obama. Solé writes in part: The popularity of Barack Obama goes beyond borders. In Brazil, several candidates standing for municipal elections have adopted his … [Read more...] about ‘A Global Wave of Politicians Named Obama’: From Le Monde of France
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: LIVE FROM DENVER
It turns out that Sabato's Crystal Ball's Dan Keyserling has been posting nightly from Denver (although we have not been getting emails) August 25, 2008 August 26, 2008 August 27, 2008 August 28, 2008 … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball: LIVE FROM DENVER
Obama Defines Change Specifics And Answers And Defines McCain In Historic Speech
The real fireworks at last night's Democratic convention weren't set off by pyrotechnic experts but by a historic speech by Democratic Party nominee Sen. Barack Obama that provided an answer to his critics, is likely to fire-up partisan Democrats except for the most die-hard Hillary Clinton backers, and served notice to the Republicans that the way the game will be played has … [Read more...] about Obama Defines Change Specifics And Answers And Defines McCain In Historic Speech
Jack Weil: ‘Patriarch Of Western Clothing’
The Economist pays a tribute to Denver's Jack A. Weil who died on August 13th, aged 107. "Until he created his shirts, there was no distinctively western look in American couture." "His shirts, sold after 1946 through his company, Rockmount Ranch Wear, became extremely famous. The Premium Blue Flannel Plaid was worn by Ronald Reagan, and the Pink Gabardine by Bob Dylan. … [Read more...] about Jack Weil: ‘Patriarch Of Western Clothing’
Time for Bare-Knuckled Eloquence
In his acceptance speech, Barack Obama put aside the poetry, took off the gloves and threw down the gauntlet for John McCain--reminding even those who have been observing him closely that, behind the charisma, is a steely politician determined to win an election. "If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next … [Read more...] about Time for Bare-Knuckled Eloquence
Obama takes politics back to the future
For anyone who doubts the genius of Obama's spectacular close to the Democratic National Convention, a few reminders: College Football season begins this weekend. The SuperBowl is the most watched event on television. SuperBowl halftime shows are an anticipated highlight. Obama, bringing the convention out into the Mile High stadium, had the audacity to turn a political … [Read more...] about Obama takes politics back to the future
Obama Acceptance Speech: Great Job But Will It Matter?
When it comes to Senator Obama and his speaking ability, there is little doubt that he is one of the best. His address tonight to the 75,000 people at Invesco Field was among the best delivered speeches in recent memory. Nobody can deny that his soaring rhetoric was delivered with near perfection. The visuals of the large crowds and the cheering delegates on the field were … [Read more...] about Obama Acceptance Speech: Great Job But Will It Matter?
Proudly Democratic
I'm biased. Ideologically, I'm a moderate liberal. But I'm a partisan Democrat to the core. And tonight, Barack Obama made me feel prouder to be a Democrat than I've felt in a long time. His speech was so much different than others he's given. It wasn't post-partisan or rhetorically effusive, though it certainly had its moments. It was a fighter's speech. It was … [Read more...] about Proudly Democratic
MSNBC Loses It
As I have been watching the campaign coverage, I have tried to get a variety of viewpoints by switching between CNN, Fox, MSNBC and the other major networks. I've come to expect Fox to be conservative, CNN to be somewhat mixed and MSNBC to be liberal. Because I like Chris Matthews and think that the speed and quality of MSNBC coverage is a tad better than the others, I have … [Read more...] about MSNBC Loses It
The Obama Speech
Well, if you didn't know where Barack Obama stood, you can't say that after tonight. Obama did a very good job of defining who he was as opposed to John McCain. My initial thoughts: While I may disagree with Obama, it was nice to hear when he accepted the nomination. The Dream really was realized a little bit tonight. Obama talked about tax cuts for 95 percent of … [Read more...] about The Obama Speech
My Kind of Stars in Denver
As I am writing this, Barack Obama has not yet made his acceptance speech. I know that his speech will be the highlight of the Convention. I know he will hit it out of the (Invesco) park. However, I just saw dozens of retired generals and admirals appear on stage at Invesco Field in Denver in support of Senator Barack Obama. Now, to be fair, I could not hear what these … [Read more...] about My Kind of Stars in Denver
A Little Diversion
In the midst of the two weeks of Conventions I thought we could all use a smile. … [Read more...] about A Little Diversion
Is it Quaylenty?
No, I don't know yet who John McCain will pick for his Vice President. But buzz has picked up considerably today that he will select Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. If you want the basic skinny on Pawlenty, see here. He is a very right-wing governor elected in 2002 with 44% of the vote and re-elected with 46.7% of the vote in 2006. A third party candidate allowed Pawlenty … [Read more...] about Is it Quaylenty?
‘The Long Shadow of the Clintons:’ Germany’s Frankfurter Rundschau
Hillary Clinton did what she had to do ... Have the Clintons now gotten out of Obama's way once and for all? Not by a long-shot, according to Dietmar Ostermann of Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau. Ostermann writes somewhat ominously about Hillary's speech at the convention: "No one was deceived: Hillary Clinton did what she had to do for her party of U.S. Democrats: she has … [Read more...] about ‘The Long Shadow of the Clintons:’ Germany’s Frankfurter Rundschau
Some live chat during the Obama speech
By way of Ustream TV, you can take part in live chats during internet television shows. One of these is the daily show by my friend Ed Morrissey of Hot Air. (Yes, yes... I know. But believe it or not, some liberal, moderate, independent and libertarian types hang out there as well, though not as many Obama fans, I'll admit.) During Obama's speech tonight, there will be a live … [Read more...] about Some live chat during the Obama speech
Blogging As A Career…What?
For the past two or three years that I have been blogging, I had been under the impression that one contributes to the blogs only out of conviction or for personal satisfaction, thrills, kicks, barking or whatever...because there isn't any money in blogging. There maybe some exceptions...but I would presume that more than 90 per cent bloggers don't find it monetarily … [Read more...] about Blogging As A Career…What?
How the Parties Will Short-Sheet the System in Texas
Take a look at this page from the state of Texas and you will note something odd. (In case you don't care to click through the jump, I'll put in a small screen capture for you.) This is the list of valid candidates on the ballot in Texas for this fall. (Click for full size image.) The odd thing you may note is that there is only one name present in the race for president. … [Read more...] about How the Parties Will Short-Sheet the System in Texas
Say Hello to Obama-Texting!
How do you feel about spam on your cell phone? Once I got a text message from "Brianna" who "wanted to meet me" and I did not appreciate the porn spam. I've heard this story twice on NPR this afternoon and think it's a terrible idea. If I heard this correctly, the Obama campaign will text-message its supporters and ask them to text-message everyone on their cell phone's … [Read more...] about Say Hello to Obama-Texting!