Democratic National Convention, Day #3

Now that we're on day 6 (or 10, counting the days between) of the conventions, I'm glad to say this stage is over. I anticipated President Obama's speech, but my brain is full, I want a couple of "no politics" days somewhere in here before the election! And, truth be told, days 1 and 2 of the DNC were hard acts to follow. Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton raised the bar so high, day 3 was bound to feel a little slow.

Of course, nobody better say one negative word about former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords saying the Pledge of Allegiance. If you do--and I say this as an atheist--you're going to hell. [Story continues below]



I missed a rather large chunk of the convention due to work and exercise on Thursday. So, I missed speeches by Caroline Kennedy, Scarlett Johanssen and Eva Longoria, though I plan to catch them in the next day or so (so much for politics-free days, I guess). I came in on Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, who was very feisty, and on message. Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist--now apparently a converted Democrat, or close--gave a nice speech that endorsed Obama while jabbing a finger in the eye of the party that he says left him.

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John Kerry's speech was great, showing much more fire and spirit than I remember from his run in 2004. It was like he was getting his revenge or something, really zinging Romney, Ryan and the Republicans. . .oooh, RRR? Does that work out to 666 in some numerology thing? Never mind, moving on. . . Dr. Jill Biden was lovely and eloquent, which is great because she opened for her husband.

Joe Biden. . .sigh. . .oh, Joe. So earnest, so eager, so long. Joe said "literally" too much when he meant "figuratively" Joe wandered off script a few times. The material of his speech was fine, there was nothing wrong with his message. But I've really never been a fan of his style, and I think it slowed down the whole proceedings. Or, maybe that was the idea? [Story continues below]

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The showcase for the night was of course President Barack Obama, his acceptance of the nomination, and his pitch to the country for reelection. By anybody else, this speech cooked. But from Obama, it was just very good. It wasn't lofty like Michelle's speech, and it wasn't a barn burner like Bill Clinton's. I think by design it was necessary to scale it back from the soaring rhetoric from 2008.

As Obama said--and I know it's going to infuriate conservatives--he's not a candidate anymore, he is the President of the United States. He's not a blank slate as he was (and as Romney is), and can't base the entire speech on hope and change. He had to ground this speech, and build it upon the notion of continuing hope and change begun, but not yet finished. So, necessarily, this couldn't be the spiritual high we all got from Invesco Field in Denver the last time. And though his speech didn't top his wife's, and didn't top President Clinton's. . .he still blew Mitt Romney's speech out of the water. No contest.

DNC, Day #2 Cont'd: Bill Clinton Goes Long, Deep

Image from NBCNews.

Wow. Bill Clinton's speech--as I mentioned at length in the post below--was really something to behold. You know those ridiculous "Miss Me Yet?" George Bush signs? Yeah, well I miss this guy! And this guy whole-heartedly and enthusiastically endorsed, nominated and supports Barack Obama. What more do you need, really? Incidentally, the headline refers to the length of the speech, and the denseness of its content. What were you thinking?

So, without further ado, or prattle from me, here is the best video I could find of the speech. Should this get yanked, I'll replace it with official video later. Enjoy.

DNC, Day #2, Take Two

I wrote earlier that I felt disengaged from the speeches on day two of the Democratic National Convention. I blame that on a spectacular first night, and on a bit of a funk on my end. Despite that, things took a turn for the better, at least in my viewing. I was watching MSNBC, and was delighted to see Lawrence O'Donnell interviewing Senator Al Franken. I've been a Franken fan for as long as I've known who he is, but he's kept a low media profile as Senator. Turns out, he's still quick witted and sharp on policy. Too bad he didn't get a speech. [Story continues below]

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Shortly after that mini interview, Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke appeared, giving the best speech I've heard to that point. It helps that there's an emotional response to her, since she was viciously attacked by Rush Limbaugh, an attack that continues in Right Wing World to this day. Fluke has parlayed the uncalled for abuse into something positive, and good for her. May she annoy Rush and his sycophants (almost typed psycho-phants!) for a long time to come. [Story continues below]

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As expected, Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts candidate for Senate, was great. This is a woman I'd be banging on doors for if I lived in her state. She's just amazing, and what have they got on her? Maybe she got a story about her ancestry wrong? Boo hoo, my Grandma always told me I was related to Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone and General Patton. I'm sure I've told others that, but who knows if Grandma was right.  So, if that's all they've got, they've got nothing. If there is any complaint from me, it is only that Warren may be a little too soft-spoken for an arena speech. [Story continues below]

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Of course, the really big part of the show--including the official nomination of Barack Obama for President--was the appearance of Bill Clinton on the stage. Still popular after all these years--and despite all of the Clinton Derangement Syndrome over the last 20 years--Clinton just knows how to give a speech, and to hold an audience. As with Fluke before, I'm delighted that he likely still irritates the shit out of them! Hey, I'm ornery that way.

Clinton put to rest any lingering doubts that he supports President Obama and his reelection. I still have to wonder if Hillary might run in four years, but there was certainly no sabotage going on here. This was not a tepid endorsement. And if my Twitter feed was any indication, Bill's speech was blowing the barn doors off, the screen doors off, the bomb shelter doors off. He was smokin', and not strictly off prompter either, there was a heap of ad-libbing going on there. Too long, by half, I'll admit. But stellar, just stellar.

No speaker at the RNC last week matched a quarter of the wattage Clinton displayed. No speaker offered a hundredth of the personal endorsement, nor positive arguments for their candidate. Whatever doldrums I was feeling in the early part of today's coverage has been eclipsed, dwarfed, obliterated by Clinton's speech.  It was the best single political speech I've ever heard in my life. I actually kind of feel sorry for the President that he has to try and top it!

Clinton's speech isn't yet ready for embedding, but it deserves its own post anyway. I'll post it as soon as I can get it!

Obama Forces Issue: "God," "Jerusalem" Back in DNC Platform

Image found at Indexed.

Previously, I kind of gave a combined shrug and soft applause to the DNC for not putting "God"--by generic name--into their 2012 platform. I don't see why it would be a requirement, or why it would be controversial not to have it there. We are not a theocracy, there "is no religious test" for public office. . .so WTF, please tell me? And what in the world does calling Jerusalem the capital of Israel have to do with a damned thing?

Sigh. So, it is with a combined shrug and a soft eye roll that I respond to the subsequent insertion of both God and Jerusalem back into the platform. Why the DNC would blink when Right Wing World squawks, I have no idea. But on the other hand. . .

Do you remember when RNC chairman ReiNCe PRieBuS was being asked about the inconsistencies between Paul Ryan's, Mitt Romney's and the RNC's positions on abortion (including no exceptions for rape or incest)? Reince pleaded that the platform was for the party, but Romney was the candidate, and had his own views? That muddled message was never really sorted out. I mean, what is the platform if your party's leader doesn't follow it? In the case of the DNC, Obama spoke, and the party followed. Obama led, in other words.

As an atheist, I find the issue ridiculous. But this is not an election-deciding issue for me. I'm resigned to the very public flogging of religion by both parties, regardless of its Constitutional appropriateness. We're not getting God off of the money, and we're not getting "him" out of documents like this one. . .apparently.

[Excerpt]

In turnaround, Democrats reinstate language on Jerusalem

Democrats resurrected language in their party platform on Wednesday declaring Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel after Republicans accused them of showing weak support for the longtime U.S. ally. . .  

Read more at: NBC News

Democratic National Convention, Day #2

Bill Clinton speaks on day 2 of the DNC.
Image from NBCNews.

Oh dear. Do I have political burnout? I suffered through last week's trip through the RNC Bizarro World--and with a persistent headache yet--to be rewarded with a positive, uplifting, very well-done DNC on Tuesday. But, today, I got home a little earlier than usual. The sky was bursting with grey clouds, and my 4-mile walk didn't seem wise. So, I started watching this day of convention coverage much earlier than I caught any in the last two weeks.

I think the mixture of gloom outside and too much politics has pervaded my brain. I've been finding it difficult to get engaged on the DNC Day 2. As I type this, it's still early though, only 6:15 pm PDT. For those of you on the East Coast though, I have to wonder if you're awake! Okay, maybe that's not entirely fair. The audience in North Carolina seems entertained. The commentators aren't yammering about it being boring or an "off night." I think it just might be me. I will stay tuned to catch Elizabeth Warren and President Clinton. Something tells me I'll perk up by then. Updates to come. . .

Much Ado About "God" in the DNC Platform

Oh, good GOD. Image from MediaMatters.

As an atheist, I'm delighted to hear that one of the nation's two major parties has no reference to "God" in its platform. We're not voting for bishop or priest or vicar, are we? We do have separation of church and state--something that's good for both church and state--right? The platform does address religion and the Democratic Party's positions on same, right? So, what's the friggin' problem?

Honestly, I've actually seen it written that "the name of God" has been stricken from the DNC platform. It was never there! "God" isn't a name, it's a noun. "God's" name is Jehovah or Yahweh or Jesus Sr. or some such, yes? And if this really bothers you. . .attention evangelicals: you have a Mormon and a Catholic on your ticket. Both are uneasy allies with your more "fundamentalist" faith. Sort that out, and forget the party platform of a party you weren't going to vote for anyway.

Sorry, but stirring religion in my politics really ticks me off.

[Excerpt]

Dishonest Fox Graphic: God Edition

Fox News has fixated on the fact that the Democratic platform for 2012 does not mention the word "God," and used a misleading graphic that points out that the Republican platform for 2012 references "God" more often than the Democratic platform has in any of the last four election years. The graphic ignores that in 2000 and 2004, the Democratic platform contained the word "God" more times than the Republican platform in those years; moreover, the 2012 Democratic platform has a section on faith. . .

Read more at: Media Matters

Democratic National Convention, Day #1

Yeah, as a graphic artist, I'm not digging the logo.

Wow, what a difference a party makes. Well, the party and the fact that I don't have a brain-splitting sinus headache as I did all through the RNC last week. And I know that I'm biased as a liberal. But, so far, the mood of the DNC is quite different, much more uplifting and positive. And the crowd seems to be connecting, rather than just hooting an hollering (and booing).

This being the first day, you wouldn't expect the speakers to be the top-shelf speakers. You'd be wrong, or rather, I was. There were a couple of clunkers in there, some only suffering for placement after a spectacular speaker. But from what I saw, the DNC's first night was a spectacular sucess, and there was at least one star born.

I'm in the Pacific time zone, so after work (and after my nightly exercise), I could only watch from about 5:30 pm (8:30 EDT). The first speaker I caught was Tammy Duckworth, who was quite good, very engaging and inspiring. I was watching MSNBC while also preparing dinner, so the next speaker I caught was Kathleen Sebelius, and she was fine. Boilerplate speech, nothing bad, a few good points. Rahm Emanuel spoke next, and I'll be honest: I'm not a fan. I had the mixer on, and didn't pay a lot of attention to him. He may have been great, I don't know. [Story continues below]

Following Rahm though was one of the best speeches of the night, by actor Kal Penn (of Harold & Kumar), who has worked with Obama on youth outreach. His tone was strong, his interaction with the audience intuitive, and he had a perfect balance between seriousness and humor (even getting a zinger off on Emanuel). The energy in the room for Penn's speech was warmer and more engaged than anything I saw at the RNC last week. And it was just getting warmed up.

I saw Lilly Ledbetter next, of the Ledbetter Act, the first legislation signed by President Obama. Her speech was great--though with her thick Southern accent, she reminded me of Flo from TV's Alice on occasion. She was emphatically for Obama, and got in some digs at Romney. Very good for a non-professional. But it was Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts (since Romney vacated) who had the first real barn-burner of a speech. Like a revival preacher--but without the annoying evangelical theatrical speech inflections--Patrick steered the audience everywhere he wanted them to go. If you could see a crescendo, it would have occurred a couple of times during his speech. [Story continues below]



The Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley came out next and. . .well, he was okay. He had a hard act to follow. And he had a line he kept getting the crowd to repeat that quickly became tedious. It had a great payoff, but the buildup was far too prolonged. But he ended strong, and set the stage for quite possibly a future star. Or two.

I'll be honest, before Tuesday night I'd never heard of  Julian Castro, Mayor of San Antonio. He had the crowd in his hand, much like Patrick, but with a much different style. Castro is very youthful, energetic, personable, charming. And he also comes off quite intelligent and well spoken. It's quite the package, and surprise, surprise, he has a twin brother who is also active in politics. Keep your eyes on these guys. [Story continues below]



A gauzy (but well done) Michelle Obama video followed, and then the First Lady was introduced by military mom Elaine Brye. Mrs. Obama then came out, and proved every single right-wing hatemonger wrong about her. I'm sure they don't see it that way (but I don't know what inspires their hatred in the first place). Mrs. Obama was warm, well spoken, charming, and had the audience in the palm of her hand like some of the others, but much more so. The major difference between Mrs. Obama and, say, Ann Romney is easy: realness. She seems like a real, approachable woman. The appeal of Mrs. Obama's speech is difficult to encapsulate, because it's an emotional reaction. Which is likely proof to critics that it's style over substance. [Story continues below]


And you may have noticed that this writeup is about the style of the speakers. That has to do more with my writing ability and the late hour that I write this, rather than a lack of substance. Almost all of the speakers I heard spoke out about helping the poor, gay rights, the right to choose, the military, veterans, health care. And all of them were clearly there to support the re-election of Barack Obama. While Patrick and Castro may get some mileage out of their speeches, none of the speakers seemed to be auditioning for 2016 as they did at the RNC.  The speakers were clear on the President's accomplishments, and on the point that they think we need to let him continue to complete the job.

Oddly enough, the digs at Romney (and to George W. Bush, for that matter) were fairly mild. . .except for former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who I caught in a replayed clip. He was clearly the attack dog of the night! But I'll give the night a solid A grade, particularly in comparison to the RNC.

William Shatner for DNC "Mystery Guest"

Sure, he's Canadian. I still say we need him!

David Frum, the stalwart (and virtually exiled) conservative columnist has suggested that the Democratic National Convention hire William Shatner as their "mystery guest" to counter the confounding appearance of (also octogenarian) Clint Eastwood at the RNC. As an example, Frum posted a clip of Shatner's weird, 70s-era lounge singing. I have a better idea. Keep it Shatner--I'm all about the Shat--but have him in character as Denny Crane, from Boston Legal! Crane was a bombastic, rock-ribbed Republican who happened to be suffering from "the mad cow." BL has been off the air now for a couple of years, but I think that Denny Crane bears a strong enough resemblance to a tea bagger, that a Shatner bit could bring the house down! Uh, just don't do it in prime time the last night of the convention.

Take this message taped for ABC affiliates, change the script a bit, maybe substitute Joe Biden or Barack Obama instead of James Spader. . . It. Could. WORK!!!

DNC Flags Thrown in Trash? No, But FOX Said So.

Image from NewImpressionsArtShow

I caught a bit of what sounded like a scandal brewing when checking in on arch-right-wing site Free Republic the other day. They were having a field day, claiming that the Democratic National Convention threw tens of thousands of American flags in the garbage, and the Republicans had "rescued them."

Now, forget the reality that miniature party flags are hardly the same thing as official flying flags. They are akin to noisemakers, pom-poms, streamers, bunting. . .they're symbolic of course, but exactly what are you supposed to do with them after the party is over? I'd bet a weeks' pay that most of those little flags--wherever they are, and whatever they're used for--someday end up in the trash. Even RNC ones.

FOX "News" apparently reported endlessly on this "story" though, and got their base--Republicans--all pissy about those awful Democrats. Then, the story turned out to be false. The flags weren't in the trash, and they weren't rescued, they were stolen. How nice. Is stealing a flag better than throwing it away? And how likely is it that Freepers will repeat the original version of this story until 2050?

[Excerpt]

For hours, Fox News reported GOP claims about American flags -- which Cameron called "the Stars and Bars" -- before providing Dem response

On September 6, Fox News' America's Election HQ aired numerous reports documenting claims by Republicans and the McCain campaign that they "rescued" American flags that were going to be "disposed of" by the Democrats after their convention at Invesco Field. But during the reports, Fox News gave no indication that it had sought to contact a Democratic Party official or Obama campaign spokesperson for comment, and only reported a Democratic response hours after it began reporting the Republican claims. . .

Read more at: Media Matters for America

The Great PUMA Fraud

Image from RiverDaughter

I had a hunch that the threat of "PUMA"s was overblown, and if the Democratic National Convention did anything, it took away any power they might have had. I'd be very surprised to see the mainstream media latch on to the PUMA train much, if at all after this.

And, if the wide proliferation of the piece below is any indication, this may be the PUMA's last call.

[Excerpt]

The Great Pundit Cable Republican PUMA Fraud (Brent Budowsky)

Yes, indeed, one of the pundits with the latest "Hillary supporters will vote Republican" words admitted she was repeating the GOP talking points, which indeed she was, along with the jib-jab of the cable talkies and the flim-flam of the so-called experts who treat smears as truth and talking points as news. . .

Read more at: The Hill

Barack Obama Delivers at DNC Acceptance Speech

Photo from source, MSNBC

There isn't much I can add, or take away from the speech given by Barack Obama tonight at the Democratic National Convention. I'm sure some people could come away from the speech still not agreeing with Obama. But I don't think they'll discount him as a lightweight anymore.

Strategists for John McCain must be shaking their heads, wondering how in the hell are we going to compete with that? Simply amazing. And how wonderful to have a potential President who can speak in full sentences that make sense. And you know what? I can even imagine having a beer with him.

[Excerpt]

Obama rips Bush’s ‘failed policies’

Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois accepted the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday night, declaring that Sen. John McCain of Arizona, his Republican opponent, was not up to the task of resolving America’s economic and foreign policy problems. . .

Read more at: MSNBC

Republicans Criticize Obama's Stage Dressing

Image from (why not) FOX "News"

We are by now used to inane criticisms from the John McCain campaign and Republicans about Barack Obama. The big one today is the stage dressing of Invesco Field/Mile High Stadium. They've dressed it up patriotically, with a facade that brings to mind the columned buildings and monuments around Washington, D.C.

Predictably, Republicans are whining that it looks like Mount Olympus, which of course plays into Rush Limbaugh's "Lord Obama, the Great and Merciful" slur. It doesn't come off that way on television though. I see a set evocative of the White House, with seventy-some-thousand-odd Democrats waving American flags.

So, I have one thing to say to conservatives: Jealous much?

[Excerpt]

Obama's Columns At Invesco Stir GOP

The McCain campaign is ecstatic over this report from Reuters: "Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's big speech on Thursday night will be delivered from an elaborate columned stage resembling a miniature Greek temple . . ."

Read more at: Huffington Post

Joe Biden Accepts VP Nomination

Photo from source, MSNBC

Joe Biden threw out the first "red meat," at least in prime time, at the Democratic National Convention tonight. In accepting the nomination as Barack Obama's running mate, Biden went after Bush, Cheney and of course, John McCain, more strenuously than any of the big names so far. Biden's speech was--if not polished--still pretty powerful.

After a lull in enthusiasm over the last couple of weeks, I'm excited again. And if that is the measure of success of a convention, they have gotten something right.

[Excerpt]



Biden goes after McCain as he joins the ticket

Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president Wednesday night and immediately went to work on what party officials said would be his main job on the stump: tying Sen. John McCain to the Bush White House and telling voters they “have the power to change it. . .”

Read more at: MSNBC

Dennis Kucinich's Rousing Speech at the DNC

Dennis Kucinich may never have a realistic chance at becoming President. But his spirit and his ideas probably express the anger, the desires and the hopes of your average liberal blogger, I tell you what! So what if he's kind of elfin? Wasn't that Lord of the Rings thingy like really popular? And Frodo didn't have a hottie wife. . .

Bill Clinton's Speech at the DNC

Photo from source, MSNBC

It would appear that any lingering doubts or fears that the Clintons might pull some sort of stunt--however unrealistic that may seem now--most certainly did not come to pass. Last night, Hillary Clinton gave a terrific, unifying speech. Tonight, her husband, former President Bill Clinton did the same.

Any so-called PUMAs out there who are still defiantly pledging support for John McCain over Barack Obama, clearly care nothing for the wishes of the Clintons. I'm beginning to believe that the PUMAs were largely a media creation, helped along by McCain and right-wing talk radio.

[Excerpt]



Bill Clinton sets aside differences with Obama

Former President Bill Clinton laid to rest any speculation Wednesday night that he would not enthusiastically back Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for president by making a forceful call for voters to elect Obama because “Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. . .”

Read more at: MSNBC

Hillary Clinton Delivers Unifying Speech at DNC

Photo from source, MSNBC

It will be very interesting to see what is left of the "PUMA" movement, after the bravura speech given at the Democratic National Convention this evening. Hillary Clinton spelled out, with no ambiguity, why a vote for John McCain by her defenders as a protest would be a mistake.

Before the speech, much of the punditry talked about whether or not Clinton's speech would be sincere. The point is irrelevant. Anyone who supporting Hillary Clinton must vote for Barack Obama if they care anything about her goals or her wishes. That is the point, and she made it well.

Oh, and she got in some good digs at George W. Bush and his clone, John McCain too. Great job, Hillary!

[Excerpt]

Clinton makes strong case for Obama

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton answered skeptics Tuesday night by issuing a ringing call for her supporters to rally behind Sen. Barack Obama, saying Democrats cannot afford to stay home in November and let another Republican administration ruin the economy. . .

Read more at: MSNBC

22 Million Watch Democratic National Convention

Maybe there's hope for America after all? While most people I know are very interested in this year's Presidential election (and most seem to be rooting for Barack Obama), there are a few who just don't care. About much of anything, it would seem. Some people are just not aware of what's going on in the world around them, and do not care to be.

I wondered, briefly, if I was like that when I was younger. But even though I wasn't nearly as plugged in as I am now, I clearly remember paying attention in 1992 (as related here). I tuned out much of the Iran/Contra affair, and very quickly lost interest in the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky flap. But I knew what was going on.

I've assumed though, that I was something of an anomaly. I was encouraged by the dramatically high turnout for the primaries and caucuses this year though, and am hopeful that the turnout is as enthusiastic in November. When I read on The Drudge Report today that the Democratic National Convention's ratings were down last night, I was a little bummed out. Then I remembered that Drudge is often wrong. And he was again.

[Excerpt]

Conventions: On Opening Night, Democrats Draw at Least 22 Million

At least 22 million television viewers watched the Democratic convention Monday night, when Michelle Obama spoke about her husband and her family, according to Nielsen Media Research. . .

Read more at: New York Times

Rachel Maddow on Michelle Obama and Pat Buchanan

I've mentioned before on the blog that at one time, I was a Republican. Not exactly a strong one, mind you, but I voted primarily for people with (R) after their names. At the 1992 Republican National Convention, Pat Buchanan gave an ugly, nasty speech about "the culture wars," by which he meant gay people. The speech went unrefuted, and for me a pall hung over the remainder of the Convention, and the election season.

That year, after hearing that speech, and also seeing George H.W. Bush cozy up to Pat Robertson on the 700 Club, I voted for Bill Clinton. And I never went back to the GOP. In this clip, which followed Michelle Obama's amazing speech last night, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow brought up the '92 Convention. And she did it with Pat Buchanan sitting right next to her!

Brava, Rachel! NOTE: Be patient, the moment is about half-way in.

DNC: The Hillary Clinton Factor

The mainstream press--working seemingly in tandem with right-wing punditry and the John McCain campaign--has been beating the "divided Democratic Party" drum for months and months. And this week, with the Democratic National Convention underway, the beat has gotten louder.

Left-wing pundits have been downplaying this, which they would probably try to do even if it were true. But many voices, from Thom Hartmann on Air America Radio, Randi Rhodes from Nova M Radio, and John Aravosis from AmericaBlog have been reporting that it is not only overblown, but that this divide isn't even evident at the convention itself. My thought is that it makes a good story, but that it's typical mountain out of a molehill stuff.

As the story below shows, the events taking place at the convention with Hillary Clinton are not at all unusual, in the context of previous Democratic Conventions. In fact, it would be odd if she didn't have a prominent spot.

[Excerpt]

Hillary Clinton speaks at convention. The press concocts a story

Within the fast-forward world of campaign journalism, it's not considered cool to examine the recent past in order to provide context for today's events. (We know it's not cool because nobody does it.) Nonetheless, here's a very brief history lesson that the political press prefers to ignore. . .

Read on (it's really good) at: Media Matters for America

Karl Rove's Insights on the Warmth of Michelle Obama

Gaagghhh! Fair warning folks, this is a video of Karl Rove, deconstructing Michelle Obama's powerful speech last night. He ain't pretty, and just watching the guy requires a couple of drinks, a strong stomach or both. But even a strong stomach will have trouble tolerating Rove, talking about emotions and warmth.

Not surprisingly, Rove didn't think Obama's speech was very good. But his comments are so far from the speech I watched, I can be comforted in knowing that I'm nothing like Karl Rove. And what could be better than that?

[Excerpt]

Karl Rove Says Michelle Obama's Speech "a missed opportunity"



Was Karl Rove watching a different Michelle Obama speech tonight? Rove called the speech a missed opportunity for three reasons. . .

Source: Newshounds