Barbara Bush Says No to Jeb in White House

Image from Talking Points Memo

As unbelievable as it might seem, Barbara Bush was First Lady of the United States beginning 24 years ago. At the time, there were some funny Saturday Night Live skits with Phil Hartman as Bar (a notable one with him trying to drag Jan Hooks' Nancy Reagan out of the place). But mostly, she seemed to be an affable, elder figure, if a little above it all. But I don't remember having even the slightest dislike for her.

That changed during the years following the George H.W. Bush presidency. In several different stories, she came off badly--aristocratic, cold, odd, uncaring--leaving a bad taste in my mouth. The fact that her son George still makes my skin crawl has also probably colored my view. It would be fair to say, my feelings toward Barbara Bush have dimmed considerably over the years. But now, I find myself in agreement with her, and I may have to reassess!

[Excerpt]

Barbara Bush Thinks There’ve Been Enough Bushes In The White House, No Room For Jeb

Amid the celebration surrounding the opening of son George W. Bush’s presidential library, former first lady Barbara Bush is brushing aside talk of a Jeb Bush run for the White House. . .

Read more at: Talking Points Memo

Michelle Obama's Surprise Oscar Appearance Sure to Inflame the Right

Ha! Instantly I was sure--and my Twitter feed was sure too--that the surprise appearance of First Lady Michelle Obama during the Best Picture award presentation of the Academy Awards would send the right wing into orbit. Good, let them stew. She was lovely. She had a gorgeous gown on. She was introduced by Jack Nicholson. And she was introducing the award for Argo as Best Picture, a film about behind-the-scenes daring-do during the Carter administration. Again, ha!

Aside from all of that, the Oscars was--as it usually is--a blend of comedy, variety, hokum, cheese, pageantry, out-of-place production numbers, excruciating acceptance speeches, live faux pas, and the seemingly inevitable bad audio (WTF is that about?). Host Seth MacFarlane is polarizing from the start, and was bound to create controversy of his own. But he's also a mulch-talented performer, and I was mostly cool with his patter. The opening was slow and flat--as it was clearly supposed to be--to be interrupted by William Shatner as James T. Kirk, coming back from the future to warn MacFarlane of his pitfalls as host. The show got better from there, though it suffered--again, as it always does--from just too much stuff.

I think the "In Memorium" segment gave too many deceased celebrities were overlooked (Andy Griffith?), and the tributes to Chicago were curious. But I thought it was okay, if overlong. They steam-rollered it at the end, to wrap things up, which was appreciated. And MacFarlane--who will be vilified and trashed over this, no doubt--was actually better than he will be remembered for.

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Michelle Obama makes surprise Oscars appearance

 . . .Appearing via streaming video from the White House, Mrs. Obama said all of the nominees demonstrated that "we can overcome any obstacle." She said that message is "especially important for our young people" and thanked Hollywood for encouraging children "to open their imaginations. . ."

Read more at:  CBS News

(Moving) Picture of the Day: Michelle Obama Gives John Boner Boehner the Stink Eye

"Whatever, dude." Image from Wonkette

President Obama Begins 2nd Term

Image from source, CNN

POTUS has a bit more grey in his hair, and FLOTUS has bangs. Those are just two of the things that have changed since the last time Barack Obama took the presidential oath. This time there was no flub between Obama and Chief Justice Roberts, which is nice. It remains to be seen if the Republicans are having a secret meeting to plan to obstruct everything, like they did last time. Although at this point, it kinda goes without saying I guess. Here's to four more years. Good luck, Mr. President. You'll need some. It's not going to be easy.

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Obama sworn in to second term, faces new challenges

With the official business of the 57th inauguration out of the way, Washington began preparing Sunday for a day of revelry -- and for the challenges facing President Barack Obama over the next four years. . .

Read more at: CNN