Having watched Senator Biden deliver his acceptance speech, I have to say I was quite impressed and felt that he struck just the right chord to bring the delegates to their feet. The introduction by his son Beau Biden, attorney general of Delaware, was quite moving. Beau was clearly proud of his father (as he should be) and his summary of the triumphs and tragedies of the … [Read more...] about Joe Biden Does Himself Proud
The Mountaintop
RJ Matson, Roll Call … [Read more...] about The Mountaintop
America’s Rare Spirit of ‘Courageous Intrusion’: From Al Seyassah of Kuwait
Despite at times being disappointed that our nation isn't living up to its promise, most Americans - left, right and center - regard this country as the greatest in the world. But how often do we hear such sentiments from the foreign press, let alone the Middle East or even Israel? For Kuwait's Al Seyassah, Ahmed al-Baghdadi writes in part: "Many believe that today, as … [Read more...] about America’s Rare Spirit of ‘Courageous Intrusion’: From Al Seyassah of Kuwait
Democratic Convention’s Soft Strategy Is Wise
Through the last few days of the Democratic convention, we have heard a lot of things about the relative wisdom of how they are dealing with Senator McCain and the Republicans. Many on the left, as well as some of the media analysts, have questioned why they have not been harder on the opposition. In reviewing reaction to the Clinton and Biden speeches, I have seen some … [Read more...] about Democratic Convention’s Soft Strategy Is Wise
Obama at Invesco Stadium: The Greek Column Thing, Part One
Well, the Greek column stage-set for Senator Obama's 20 minute film, speech, followed by fireworks and music after, is seen by some as a bizarre backdrop. But, perhaps the only odd thing is that many Denverites associate such columns with three notable places in Denver, each one 'columnized' out the kazoo, and also very well known for one odd thing or another a) The … [Read more...] about Obama at Invesco Stadium: The Greek Column Thing, Part One
Obama at Invesco Stadium: The Greek Column Thing, Part Two
This is the old Denver Post Office, pillarized completely... pillars were meant in ancient times to create a certain geometric grace via formulae: a certain height of pillar and radius of pillar carries a mathematical aesthetic as compared to width or depth of the pediment and other structures surrounding. In that sense, the pillar is more than a set of bones or ornaments for … [Read more...] about Obama at Invesco Stadium: The Greek Column Thing, Part Two
Bill Clinton and Biden Wow Democratic Convention, But Will It Be Enough?
They wowed them and, in many cases, exceeded expectations. Or did they? Two speeches. One, by former President Bill Clinton who seemingly took a deep breath and put reportedly-simmering resentments aside to deliver a partisan speech contrasting how Americans lived under his administration versus under President George W. Bush's, linking Republican John McCain to Bush and … [Read more...] about Bill Clinton and Biden Wow Democratic Convention, But Will It Be Enough?
Biden and Clinton
I saw President Clinton and Senator Biden's speeches tonight (but not Senator Kerry's). Admittedly I saw them at a wine night, so I might have been somewhat distracted. And that might explain why I'm not as high on either speech as many others are. Certainly, I think Hillary Clinton blew both out of the water. President Clinton's speech, I thought, was particularly flat. It … [Read more...] about Biden and Clinton
Democratic Convention 2008: Film, Beefy Police Manhandle Skinny ABC Journo?
This story is a little too reminiscent of the moat Dick Cheney dug around his secret meetings with lobbyists and elected officials re oil legislation/favors et al when he first came into office a million years ago under George Bush. Cheney claimed he didn't need to let any journo in, that his private meetings with influential people were not under 'the people's right to know.' … [Read more...] about Democratic Convention 2008: Film, Beefy Police Manhandle Skinny ABC Journo?
Guess Who’s Trying To Kill The Lieberman For Vice President Boomlet?
Can you guess? A hint: He's a Fox News commentator and doesn't exactly represent change for either the country or the Republican Party's leadership. And he has reportedly been pressing hard for GOP certain nominee Sen. John McCain to pick former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Can you guess who? Yes, it's him.... FOOTNOTE: This story seems to contradict a key detail in … [Read more...] about Guess Who’s Trying To Kill The Lieberman For Vice President Boomlet?
Joey Biden
This is somewhat of an addendum to my last post on the DNC so far. I was a bit surprised at Biden's speech, but I suppose I shouldn't have been. I've never watched Biden give a long speech before. I've seen his long-winded responses to questions. But I've never seen him deliver a full set-piece speech. It was very personal. It was filled not with rhetorical flourish like … [Read more...] about Joey Biden
Bill Bumps Bill
Bill Richardson had been scheduled to speak to the convention tonight but, because President Clinton ran over (big surprise there), he will now speak tomorrow (maybe). … [Read more...] about Bill Bumps Bill
Alaskan GOP Voters Give Present To Democrats
In an age of partisan politics, people are always calling for people to be kinder to the other side. In Alaska that may have happened as Republican primary voters have handed at least one gift, possibly two to the Democratic Party. In the race for US Senate, the voters have renominated probably the most-corrupt and out-of-touch member of the Senate in the form of Ted 'I … [Read more...] about Alaskan GOP Voters Give Present To Democrats
McCain Running Mate: He Wants Ridge But Ridge Says No?
As we are focused on the Democratic convention, I thought it might be worth remembering that Senator McCain is expected to unveil his VP choice sometime this week. Despite rumors of a Thursday announcement, I think he will wait till Friday. However, in terms of the VP search, I have been hearing some rumors that are pretty interesting. At the risk of sounding like a much … [Read more...] about McCain Running Mate: He Wants Ridge But Ridge Says No?
Convention Crescendo
I'm a strong Democrat and supporter of Barack Obama. And I've been waiting a long time for this convention. Finally, I am starting to feel that my anticipation was worth it. Finally. The first day was a wandering mess of themeless droning from Democratic politicians and party also-rans. Some of the speeches were actually quite compelling, including Lilly Ledbetter's tale of … [Read more...] about Convention Crescendo
Some Thoughts On Bill Clinton Speech
Former President Clinton spoke this evening and as usual it was a superb delivery. With the passing of former President Reagan, there is probably nobody out there who can deliver a speech like Clinton does. He can bring a crowd to their feet and hold them in the palm of his hand. I also thought he did a much better job of supporting Senator Obama. While some suggested that … [Read more...] about Some Thoughts On Bill Clinton Speech
Every Convention Seems To Produce A Partisan Star
And it looks like a new star has been born at the Democratic convention.. … [Read more...] about Every Convention Seems To Produce A Partisan Star
Clinton supporter at acclamation: “That was done, now we move on”
The BBC interviewed me last night and, not surprisingly, their concerns focused on Clinton holdouts and the tight race for Obama. But I got cheeky with these concerns because I've been spending hours interacting with the individual bloggers in Denver - via Twitter, direct messages and the bloggers' own posts of video, audio and writing. For example, read any of the … [Read more...] about Clinton supporter at acclamation: “That was done, now we move on”
Obama Nominated Against Backdrop Of Troubling New Poll
Illinois Senator Barack Obama is now officially the Democratic nominee for President and historically the first African-American to head a major political party's Presidential ticket. But the nomination came against a poll that will rain on the Democratic convention parade indicating Obama is losing the support of conservative Democrats. The nomination took place with chief … [Read more...] about Obama Nominated Against Backdrop Of Troubling New Poll
‘Our Future, Too, Is Partly In the Balance in Denver’: From L’Express of France
This is an interview with France's Secretary of State for Employment, Laurent Wauquiez, who is attending the Democratic Convention in Denver. He explains why he's there and why Obama appeals to him more than John McCain. About Obama, Wauquiez says in part: "When I see a candidate who is on the cutting edge of environmental issues, the defense of the middle class, the … [Read more...] about ‘Our Future, Too, Is Partly In the Balance in Denver’: From L’Express of France