Come on Oxymoron, don't let Mark Wahlberg tell ya what to do. You know you gotta give it up for "Rocket."
:-)
Friday, August 29, 2008
To Barack Obama--Thank You
A lot of people are writing a lot of things about Obama's speech last night, and understandably so. But for Harrogate, a lot of it is still sinking in. It did something no modern political speech has ever done for him--it put him on defense, it made him think seriously about what his politics really are, and where they are going from here.
It is hard to explain, but knowing Harrogate personally, perhaps some Board Members will sense what he's getting at. For example, there was a time when for Harrogate, the social conservative element in America was the most loathed of its parts. That has been eroded over the last eight years, and in ways that Harrogate cannot quite articulate, Obama reminded him of why that is. Obama also reminded Harrogate of the truism that total agreement is not necessarily the endgame for political affiliation. This is not to say policy doesn't have crucial importance. But sense of life is just as important, and while ideological differences abound between them, Barack Obama's sense of life is very appealing to Harrogate indeed.
At this point it is hard to imagine Nader peeling away Harrogate's vote from Obama, even if he gets on the ballot here.
It is hard to explain, but knowing Harrogate personally, perhaps some Board Members will sense what he's getting at. For example, there was a time when for Harrogate, the social conservative element in America was the most loathed of its parts. That has been eroded over the last eight years, and in ways that Harrogate cannot quite articulate, Obama reminded him of why that is. Obama also reminded Harrogate of the truism that total agreement is not necessarily the endgame for political affiliation. This is not to say policy doesn't have crucial importance. But sense of life is just as important, and while ideological differences abound between them, Barack Obama's sense of life is very appealing to Harrogate indeed.
At this point it is hard to imagine Nader peeling away Harrogate's vote from Obama, even if he gets on the ballot here.
A Moment in Women's History II
Sarah Palin, the first term of Alaska, is John McCain's choice for V.P.
A Moment in Women's History
My dad's significant other forwarded this link to me--an interesting reflection on Hillary's role in this election cycle.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The American Promise
The American Promise is the title and theme of Senator Obama's speech. It asks the country to renew that promise. Here are a few excerpts:
The speech will discuss economic policies and national defense. It is the culmination of the convention.
“Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story – of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren’t well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.
“It is that promise that has always set this country apart – that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well.
“It is why I stand here tonight. Because for two hundred and thirty two years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women – students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors -- found the courage to keep it alive.
“We meet at one of those defining moments – a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more.
“Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can’t afford to drive, credit card bills you can’t afford to pay and tuition that is beyond your reach
“These challenges are not all of government’s making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed presidency of George W. Bush.
“America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.”
The speech will discuss economic policies and national defense. It is the culmination of the convention.
Whie Mile High?
Tonight will be the biggest attempt of community campaigning on the face of the planet. For the people in the crowd, they will register voters, text their friends, make phone cards, and receive cards showing them what to do next.
The Obama campaign has 200 offices in Montana. McCain, only a few. The Ground game matters on election day.
The Obama campaign has 200 offices in Montana. McCain, only a few. The Ground game matters on election day.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Oh the Irony...and the tragedy...
According to Politico:
And to save his candidacy, McCain may nominate Leiberman for VP. Well, it worked well for Gore, so it may work well for McCain. Oh.
Fate has a driver...
Update: "Conversations" are occurring. The president may not speak on Monday because it won't look good. Anyone see his poll numbers lately?
If I were religious, I would make some argument that G-D is punishing the Republican party for its sins. And just think, Focus on the Family asked for voters to pray for rain when Obama speak. Hmph.
Planners of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul held emergency conversations Wednesday about what to do if a tropical storm continues on its track as a potential Category 3 hurricane threatening New Orleans.
Gustav’s projected path suggests possible landfall on the convention’s opening day — Labor Day.
The storm could threaten everything from President Bush’s Monday night address to the broader Republican message of effective government management.
And to save his candidacy, McCain may nominate Leiberman for VP. Well, it worked well for Gore, so it may work well for McCain. Oh.
Fate has a driver...
Update: "Conversations" are occurring. The president may not speak on Monday because it won't look good. Anyone see his poll numbers lately?
If I were religious, I would make some argument that G-D is punishing the Republican party for its sins. And just think, Focus on the Family asked for voters to pray for rain when Obama speak. Hmph.
Do you any have plans next year?
Welcome to the Senate Beau Biden. If things go well, there will be a seat waiting for you. While I may not be too happy with legacy seats, I would move to Delaware to support him.
The text of the speech is here.
The text of the speech is here.
Random Thoughts on Days 1, 2, & 3
There may or may not be any connection to these topics but...
Yesterday was thee 8th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment; tomorrow, the 45th Anniversary of MLK's "I Have A Dream." Today? LBJ's 100th birthday.
LBJ's presidency was terrible on many fronts. Yet, without the Voting Right Acts, blacks Americans would not possess political equality in the north and the south. I have been reading Nixonland in spare time (hah!). In many, usually forgotten, aspects, the North was not too much better than the South; Chicago was a nightmare.
Without the VRA in 1965 there would be a different nominee in 2008.
Pillars? Pillars will be the backdrop, connecting to vision of the Athenian democracy and the Lincoln Memorial. There is some criticism from the chattering class or the Cheetos Brigade. It must be terrible to hate symbols of democracy over aesthetics...
Overall, the convention is calm. No too mush Partisan ad hominems in the Zell Miller category. (See Part I, II, III; The "duel)."
We know that the Republicans will rely on ad hominems as they can rely on nothing else. With a strategy of inoculation, which is what former President Clinton is doing, and a more positive campaign, highlighting responsibility and actual difference, the Obama campaign will be making a well reasoned argument to the American public. Now, what is your view of the American public?
President Bill Clinton's speech was much better than Senator Hillary Clinton's. Sharp images of difference, sharp images of praise; discussed torture, subtlety; delivered with authority, though I doubt his conviction because of past comments.
Man MSNBC sucks. And I just saw the Hillary "Jilted" Ad, which really makes no sense because Bidden attacked Obama in the same way. Oh...I Forgot.
Just waiting for Bidden....
And Senator Kerry... if you are going to use the figure of correctio, you need to go, "The Bush...No, I'm sorry, I always make that mistake. The McCain..." Read Cicero, jackass. Oh, and you beating up on torture now? Four years ago it may have helped. But, when it is safe...
Okay, I take my criticisms back. Kerry does well with the McCain is "For it before he is against it" line and then hits McCain on the Rove tactics. That's cathartic. And, by the way, if you want to know, I did not write this speech even as I suggested the theme.
I do think this is one of the best speeches of the convention so far. Kerry may not have the best delivery, as years in the Senate will do that, but he delivers a forceful blow against McCain's "good moral character." Everything that McCain stood for, Kerry argues it is long gone. This is well done and it could only come from Kerry.
It is a good day for redemption...
And to have Claudia Kennedy speak, the first and only Three Star General. This is a coup d'état, especially because of the politicization of the military.
Torture is in almost every speech tonight. This is a big turn on the moral values debate.
Finally, Debbie Wasserman Schultz delivered an excellent nomination address for Senator Obama. I do not know if she had another opportunity to speak, but If not, that was a shame.
Finally, Finally. Whoop!!! Chet Edwards.
Biden accepted the nomination. What a surprise....
Yesterday was thee 8th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment; tomorrow, the 45th Anniversary of MLK's "I Have A Dream." Today? LBJ's 100th birthday.
LBJ's presidency was terrible on many fronts. Yet, without the Voting Right Acts, blacks Americans would not possess political equality in the north and the south. I have been reading Nixonland in spare time (hah!). In many, usually forgotten, aspects, the North was not too much better than the South; Chicago was a nightmare.
Without the VRA in 1965 there would be a different nominee in 2008.
Pillars? Pillars will be the backdrop, connecting to vision of the Athenian democracy and the Lincoln Memorial. There is some criticism from the chattering class or the Cheetos Brigade. It must be terrible to hate symbols of democracy over aesthetics...
Overall, the convention is calm. No too mush Partisan ad hominems in the Zell Miller category. (See Part I, II, III; The "duel)."
We know that the Republicans will rely on ad hominems as they can rely on nothing else. With a strategy of inoculation, which is what former President Clinton is doing, and a more positive campaign, highlighting responsibility and actual difference, the Obama campaign will be making a well reasoned argument to the American public. Now, what is your view of the American public?
President Bill Clinton's speech was much better than Senator Hillary Clinton's. Sharp images of difference, sharp images of praise; discussed torture, subtlety; delivered with authority, though I doubt his conviction because of past comments.
Man MSNBC sucks. And I just saw the Hillary "Jilted" Ad, which really makes no sense because Bidden attacked Obama in the same way. Oh...I Forgot.
Just waiting for Bidden....
And Senator Kerry... if you are going to use the figure of correctio, you need to go, "The Bush...No, I'm sorry, I always make that mistake. The McCain..." Read Cicero, jackass. Oh, and you beating up on torture now? Four years ago it may have helped. But, when it is safe...
Okay, I take my criticisms back. Kerry does well with the McCain is "For it before he is against it" line and then hits McCain on the Rove tactics. That's cathartic. And, by the way, if you want to know, I did not write this speech even as I suggested the theme.
I do think this is one of the best speeches of the convention so far. Kerry may not have the best delivery, as years in the Senate will do that, but he delivers a forceful blow against McCain's "good moral character." Everything that McCain stood for, Kerry argues it is long gone. This is well done and it could only come from Kerry.
It is a good day for redemption...
And to have Claudia Kennedy speak, the first and only Three Star General. This is a coup d'état, especially because of the politicization of the military.
Torture is in almost every speech tonight. This is a big turn on the moral values debate.
Finally, Debbie Wasserman Schultz delivered an excellent nomination address for Senator Obama. I do not know if she had another opportunity to speak, but If not, that was a shame.
Finally, Finally. Whoop!!! Chet Edwards.
Biden accepted the nomination. What a surprise....
The Santorum
For today's Assy McGee Award®, Harrogate nominates Richard Olivastro, for having the temerity to suggest Rick Santorum as a good Vice-Presidential pick for McCain. A representative anecdote: Santorum responded to Lawrence Versus Texas, which finally banned the criminalization of homosexuality nationwide, by observing that the next thing would be to legalize bestiality.
Rick Santorum. If you google his name in quotes here is the first hit that you are given.
It is of course well within reach for John McCain to become the next President of the United States. Because of that, Olivastro's suggestion scares the hell out of Harrogate, even though in his heart, Harrogate retains hope that even McCain wouldn't go that low.
Rick Santorum. If you google his name in quotes here is the first hit that you are given.
It is of course well within reach for John McCain to become the next President of the United States. Because of that, Olivastro's suggestion scares the hell out of Harrogate, even though in his heart, Harrogate retains hope that even McCain wouldn't go that low.
Anticipating Biden
We are told that Biden is Obama's lieutenant in charge of rallying blue-collar working class Americans to the Democratic nominee's cause.
Relatedly, Biden himself told us the day Obama introduced him as the Veep nominee, with his entrance music (a lot of times the line between politics and professional wrestling is pretty damned thin, no?), that he is a Springsteen fan.
So in anticipation of the task Biden faces tonight, Harrogate offers a great performance of one of Springsteen's most underrated working-class anthems. And, it's done the way Oxymoron likes it: just a man and his guitar.
No, the name of the song isn't "Scranton." It is "Youngstown,"* as in Youngstown, Ohio. But the political resonances are the same, as ye shall see.
Maybe this very morning Biden is relaxing with a cup of "Joe," contemplating the work ahead of him, and looking for a bit of intellectual stimulation at The Rhetorical Situation. Joe, this one's for you.
*From one of his quietest, most haunting albums, The Ghost of Tom Joad
Relatedly, Biden himself told us the day Obama introduced him as the Veep nominee, with his entrance music (a lot of times the line between politics and professional wrestling is pretty damned thin, no?), that he is a Springsteen fan.
So in anticipation of the task Biden faces tonight, Harrogate offers a great performance of one of Springsteen's most underrated working-class anthems. And, it's done the way Oxymoron likes it: just a man and his guitar.
No, the name of the song isn't "Scranton." It is "Youngstown,"* as in Youngstown, Ohio. But the political resonances are the same, as ye shall see.
Maybe this very morning Biden is relaxing with a cup of "Joe," contemplating the work ahead of him, and looking for a bit of intellectual stimulation at The Rhetorical Situation. Joe, this one's for you.
*From one of his quietest, most haunting albums, The Ghost of Tom Joad
Clinton's Speech
I watched Senator Clinton's speech last night but didn't know what to think about it. It was a good speech. Yet, it wasn't the right speech for the situation. It was an "endorsement with no embrace," as MSNBC's favorite right-wing nut-job stated.
Above all, it was a Democratic speech. The most important line:
The problem with the speech is that is was more of a stump speech than a case for Senator Obama as president. Maybe Clinton is not the best surrogate to praise Obama because her attacks during the primary limited her ethos is this regard, but to not address Obama in a personal way, after spending 18 months near him, seems a little odd to say the least. The purpose of the important speeches it to make the case for Senator Obama, especially when there is a lot of division Slate's Dahlia Lithwick :
Again, it was a good speech, probably a very good speech. However, it was not the speech for the occasion; it was not a convention speech. It reinforces why Clinton is not the VP as there is a lack of trust.
Above all, it was a Democratic speech. The most important line:
I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?
The problem with the speech is that is was more of a stump speech than a case for Senator Obama as president. Maybe Clinton is not the best surrogate to praise Obama because her attacks during the primary limited her ethos is this regard, but to not address Obama in a personal way, after spending 18 months near him, seems a little odd to say the least. The purpose of the important speeches it to make the case for Senator Obama, especially when there is a lot of division Slate's Dahlia Lithwick :
Let’s give her credit for doing what she had to do: She lit up the crowd (and not a moment too soon) she reminded her supporters of the real stakes here; and she stuck a shrimp fork in John McCain’s eye enough times to really hurt a guy. So she didn’t sell the country on Obama. If he can’t manage to do that for himself, he’s got bigger problems than a bunch of put-out PUMAs.
Again, it was a good speech, probably a very good speech. However, it was not the speech for the occasion; it was not a convention speech. It reinforces why Clinton is not the VP as there is a lack of trust.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
And it just gets better....
And the Second Assy McGee Award® goes to....May I have the envelope please...
Debra Bartoshevich.
Yesterday, as Harrogate pointed out rather judiciously, Bartoshevich, a former Clinton delegate, is now shilling for Mr. McCain.
Well, according to Politico, Bartoshevich is not only shilling for McCain but lying about his record when doing it, suggesting that McCain supporters a woman's right to choose. Time has more if you would care to read.
Debra Bartoshevich.
Yesterday, as Harrogate pointed out rather judiciously, Bartoshevich, a former Clinton delegate, is now shilling for Mr. McCain.
Well, according to Politico, Bartoshevich is not only shilling for McCain but lying about his record when doing it, suggesting that McCain supporters a woman's right to choose. Time has more if you would care to read.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Michelle Obama's Speech
Well, the Democrats couldn't have asked for anything more from their headline speaker on this night. Midway through, Harrogate commented to Supadiscomama that Michelle Obama is as compelling a speaker as her husband.
For Harrogate's part, he still has serious ideological difficulties with the Democratic Party at this Moment, and this very much extends to the people at the top of the ticket. But this night went some ways towards reminding Harrogate that some progressivism is better than none at all. Sigh.
(By the way. Harrogate would be remiss this evening if he didn't throw a hearty shout-out, and a recognition that will only barely be granted by the television outlets covering this spectacle, to the protestors who have been sequestered over a mile away from the convention site, and some of whom have reportedly been pepper-sprayed by the police, this evening.)
But anyway. Harrogate is very curious what other Board Members, and our litany of Readers, thought about the two main speeches tonight.
For Harrogate's part, he still has serious ideological difficulties with the Democratic Party at this Moment, and this very much extends to the people at the top of the ticket. But this night went some ways towards reminding Harrogate that some progressivism is better than none at all. Sigh.
(By the way. Harrogate would be remiss this evening if he didn't throw a hearty shout-out, and a recognition that will only barely be granted by the television outlets covering this spectacle, to the protestors who have been sequestered over a mile away from the convention site, and some of whom have reportedly been pepper-sprayed by the police, this evening.)
But anyway. Harrogate is very curious what other Board Members, and our litany of Readers, thought about the two main speeches tonight.
For Ted Kennedy
One had no choice but to leave the cynicism at the door when he took the stage and gave the speech that he gave. His promise to return to the Senate in January, his words on Health Care. He electrified the crowd, making a worthy opening-night setup for Michelle indeed.
Nothing but respect for that man.
Nothing but respect for that man.
Blog Post of the Day: "The Details"
From Matthew Yglesias:
A voter goes into a bar, I mean focus group. I mean, Joe Klein at Time goes to a focus group and hears a voter say something about the need to clarify change. Joe Klein writes about said voter:
Yglesias' response:
I can only think of the movie Clerks, whch is a total non-sequitur.
Man (Who's looking for a set of keys asks one of the Clerks): "Have you seen a set of keys around here?"
Randall (Who is as annoying as bat-shit): No time for love Dr. Jones.
Man (Who is annoyed after receiving that response even though he asked a question to someone completely incompetent): "Fucking Kids."
This is what I have to say today: Fucking Kids.
A voter goes into a bar, I mean focus group. I mean, Joe Klein at Time goes to a focus group and hears a voter say something about the need to clarify change. Joe Klein writes about said voter:
“Change” as a theme is over. Too vague. And Obama’s rhetoric has begun to seriously cut against him. “No more oratory,” one woman said. “Give us details.”
Yglesias' response:
I always wonder about this stuff. I mean, it’s inconceivable to me that this woman is genuinely yearning to learn more about the details of Obama’s policy agenda. If she actually wanted to know, she could, you know, look into it. She could learn all about the differences between auctioning emissions permits and giving them away, about the implications of having the federal government provide reinsurance for catastrophic medical expenses, about the case for a permanent R&D tax credit, etc., etc. But all indications are that most people find politics boring, and policy details duller still. And swing voters, which is what this was a focus group of, are least interested of all.
I can only think of the movie Clerks, whch is a total non-sequitur.
Man (Who's looking for a set of keys asks one of the Clerks): "Have you seen a set of keys around here?"
Randall (Who is as annoying as bat-shit): No time for love Dr. Jones.
Man (Who is annoyed after receiving that response even though he asked a question to someone completely incompetent): "Fucking Kids."
This is what I have to say today: Fucking Kids.
DNC Protestors Versus Fox News
Already the DNC Protestors are out in force. Here's a confrontation they have already had with a FOX camerman/anchor/whatever. Apparently they didn't get Harrogate's Memo that the diff between FOX and the other cable media is no more profound than the diff between green M&Ms and other M&Ms....
For the first thirty seconds or so it is a bit hard to watch, as the suggestion of crowd violence is palpable. Nice job by whoever uploaded this video by the way. The Carlin-esque chant is in mid form, from the beginning.
And the guy at the end is priceless. Yea, Harrogate wants to go to Denver and buy this guy a drink. Check out his deadpan delivery of: "Some people say FOX is a corporate whore."
Somebody asks him, "some people say what?"
"FOX," he repeats, "is a corporate whore."
Well, there's no arguing with that, regardless of your individual position. Some people do, indeed, say that FOX is a corporate whore.
For the first thirty seconds or so it is a bit hard to watch, as the suggestion of crowd violence is palpable. Nice job by whoever uploaded this video by the way. The Carlin-esque chant is in mid form, from the beginning.
And the guy at the end is priceless. Yea, Harrogate wants to go to Denver and buy this guy a drink. Check out his deadpan delivery of: "Some people say FOX is a corporate whore."
Somebody asks him, "some people say what?"
"FOX," he repeats, "is a corporate whore."
Well, there's no arguing with that, regardless of your individual position. Some people do, indeed, say that FOX is a corporate whore.
Monday Musical Tribute
It is hard to believe that the Roseland performances are over a decade gone, now. For months Harrogate has been enjoying their most recent effort, Third, which kicks ever-loving ass. But still, it is the Roseland Concert that Harrogate thinks of first, when he thinks of this group.
Here is one of the reasons why.
If Harrogate ever made a list of the smokinist Female Rockers of His Generation, Beth Gibbons would finish first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.
And the Musical Force surrounding her would quite possibly finish second, behind only Radiohead, in a list of the smokinist Bands.
Here is one of the reasons why.
If Harrogate ever made a list of the smokinist Female Rockers of His Generation, Beth Gibbons would finish first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.
And the Musical Force surrounding her would quite possibly finish second, behind only Radiohead, in a list of the smokinist Bands.
A Few Convention-Day Ruminations, Opinions, Etc.
1)Word is, Biden is occasionally given to speaking in the Third Person, and also likes to say that his goal is to "Be the Best Biden I can Be." From an artistic standpoint, Harrogate heartily applauds both of these tendencies, although he would recommend Biden keep a wrap on such tendencies when in public.
2)Speaking of the Artistic Standpoint, Obama's selection of Biden underwhelmed everybody except Biden, which was probably the point. But at the same time, just about every pundit in the world is telling us that Obama needed a good attacker in the old-school, populist, union-hall, "lunch bucket," muscular Democrat mold, and most of these pundits are telling us that Obama got a good representative of this Norman Rockwell Demographic, in Biden. Who is Harrogate to disagree with all these oracles?
3)Biden came out of the gate breathing sentimental fire, and showed his determination to daisy-chain McCain to Bush. Whether or not this is fair, over the top, or both, people will now be forced to decide, because every time they see Biden speak, he'll be putting the daisy-chain front and center in their brains.
4)Some things Harrogate can't remember. In what town and state did Joe Biden grow up? As a Senator (can't remember how old he was when first elected to the Senate, either), where has Biden always gone after work, when the Senate is in session? How does he get there?
And where is Jerome Bettis from, again? To be continued........
2)Speaking of the Artistic Standpoint, Obama's selection of Biden underwhelmed everybody except Biden, which was probably the point. But at the same time, just about every pundit in the world is telling us that Obama needed a good attacker in the old-school, populist, union-hall, "lunch bucket," muscular Democrat mold, and most of these pundits are telling us that Obama got a good representative of this Norman Rockwell Demographic, in Biden. Who is Harrogate to disagree with all these oracles?
3)Biden came out of the gate breathing sentimental fire, and showed his determination to daisy-chain McCain to Bush. Whether or not this is fair, over the top, or both, people will now be forced to decide, because every time they see Biden speak, he'll be putting the daisy-chain front and center in their brains.
4)Some things Harrogate can't remember. In what town and state did Joe Biden grow up? As a Senator (can't remember how old he was when first elected to the Senate, either), where has Biden always gone after work, when the Senate is in session? How does he get there?
And where is Jerome Bettis from, again? To be continued........
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