Veep Meets Veep: Selina Meyer & Joe Biden Skip the WHCD

Veep--HBO's scathingly funny send-up of Washington politics-- isn't for everyone. If you get squeamish watching embarrassing things happen to main characters, it's probably not for you. But I think it's one of the best shows on television, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus deserves every Emmy she earns for it. And now, JLD's fictional Veep, Selina Meyer meets real-life Veep, Joe Biden (with special appearance by Nancy Pelosi).

Obama's 5th State of the Union Address

Image from source, MSNBC

If you're counting on your fingers (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)*, you can be forgiven for thinking this was the sixth SOTU for President Obama, but the first one is the inaugural address. But whatever, as these things go, it was a good speech. There were memorable moments, nothing particularly controversial, some strong, firm words but little to throw Right Wing World into a tizzy (beyond. . .you know. . .usual). It was okay.

The things I like--Obama's acknowledgement that he's going to have to do as much as he's legally able to do himself, and without Congress--is one of the things the right wouldn't like. They're calling him an "imperial" president, apparently forgetting the Bush/Cheney years completely. But what else is the man to do with an intractable, do nothing Congress? Good for him.

*And, sidenote: Wow. Hard to believe that we're that deep into the Obama era, isn't it? This blog was started in nearly the same part of the Bush Era. Time flies.

[Excerpt]

Obama: Time for Congress to get out of the way

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 
It took more than 6,840 words. But President Obama’s State of the Union address to Congress really boiled down to one anodyne message: I have led—and so can you! The central theme of the address was familiar: Economic opportunity has eluded too many ordinary Americans despite the progress the country has made so far. And Obama made special mention of the long-term unemployed, making the case once again for extending federal benefits. . .

Read more at: MSNBC

SNL: The Biden/Ryan Debate

I knew that the Vice Presidential debate would be irresistible to Saturday Night Live as a cold open, and I was right (yeah, hard call, right?). I've not always been a fan of Jason Sudeikis' Joe Biden, but he did a great job, as did Teran Killam as Paul Ryan.

SNL: "Arianna Huffington" on Weekend Update

Nasim Pedrad may just be the new Kristen Wiig!

Right-wing World: Instant Consensus, Biden Smiles Too Much

At the beginning of the Joe Biden-Paul Ryan debate, I noticed that Joe Biden was flashing a toothy smile. At first, I worried, because I know there are these odd, random moments in debates that stick. We know that Al Gore sighed. George H. W. Bush looked at his watch. Obama looked down. As the debate progressed however, the worry over the smile left me, because I thought Joe Biden was thoroughly kicking Paul Ryan's ass. In my Twitter feed--admittedly weighted more to the left--the consensus was clear: Biden's winning. Energy! Among Democrats!

So, what were the righties saying? Well, a few trickled in. Almost exclusively (unless they were dissing Martha Raddatz), they focused on Biden's smirk/smile/sneer/laugh name your synonym. I looked to FOX "News" and guess what? Smile. Drudge Report? Smile. It's unusual for the group-think to hit the conservative hive-mind so fast! Usually, they are a bit adrift until they get the word from on high at Mt. Limbaugh. But there you have it folks. The home run by Biden is forfeited on account of his smile. And we won't discuss the fact that Mitt Romney smirked his way through his debate, and was declared a winner. . .

[Excerpt]

Twitter frowns on Joe Biden's laugh

Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan were the two candidates on stage at Thursday’s vice presidential debate, but a third character emerged: Joe Biden’s laugh, which didn’t escape the notice of tweeting politicos. (And led, of course, to at least three satirical Twitter accounts: Laughing Joe Biden, Biden Smirk, and yet another Laughing Joe Biden.) . . .

Read more at: Politico

October Non-surprise #1: Joe Biden Gaffes Again (Sorta)

Joltin' Joe, from Huffington Post

I'm back from vacation, so I expected a lot to work with. But I didn't expect the "October Surprise" moments to be fast and furious on October second. Here, as I type, we have three of them. Two of them are of the "opposition research" mold, and this one is of the "self inflicted" variety. All of them--unless I miss my guess--are fairly weak tea.

When it comes to the Joe Biden gaffe, you're grading on a curve. He is prone to speaking off-the-cuff, and when he does so, he sometimes leaves out words, or gropes for the wrong one. In this case, he didn't attribute the middle class being "buried" to the policies of the previous administration, nor to the Republican Congress, both of which are valid points. So it gives the Romney campaign--always searching for a change-of-storyline--with the opportunity to pounce. But it is kind of like a mouse being caught by a toothless, clawless cat. It's just not going to change the news cycle, especially not in the midst of the first debate tomorrow. Nice try though.

[Excerpt]

Joe Biden 'Buried' Comment About Middle Class Seized On By Republicans Ahead Of Debate

Republicans pounced on comments by Vice President Joe Biden about the middle class being "buried" for the past four years as proof that President Barack Obama’s economic policies have failed. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

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.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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]

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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.

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!!!

Obama Sticking With Biden, Despite McCain/Palin's Wishes

I never really understood the choice of Joe Biden for Vice President in 2008. I like him, and I've heard him speak--along with all of the other candidates that year--but he does have that little problem with gaffes. I don't think he's stupid, far from it, I just think his brain gets ahead of his mouth. It's not like George W. Bush, whose problem was kind of the opposite, not having enough brain to power the mouth. No, Joe knows what he's talking about, but it sometimes comes out wrong. And President knew all of that before he picked the guy.

As Vice Presidents go, he's been fine. I mean, he hasn't shot anyone in the face, or walked around without a heartbeat. But he's certainly not the main attraction on the ticket. I'd vote for just Joe, if he was up against any of the GOP options we've seen this year. But people have been speculating for a while, about wouldn't it be cool if Obama tapped Hillary Clinton for the veep spot? But how could that be accomplished gracefully? Could they switch jobs? Could it work? Think of the power of an Obama/Clinton ticket! The subject has been burbling for months, maybe years, in the blogosphere.

Well, this week, the losing team of McCain/Palin each floated the idea as if it was their own. The right-wing blogosphere response to their idea vacillated between "oh shit, game over man!" to "Sarah's so smart, she headed them off at the pass! They couldn't say they took her idea!" I'd go with the former, rather than the latter. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, I think Obama/Clinton would trounce Romney/Ryan. And the "it was Sarah's idea" meme would be short-lived if it even managed to break through in the media whirlwind that would ensue.

It's a nice fantasy. I was torn between Obama and Clinton in their run, and only soured on Clinton during the latter days of their primaries. As Secretary of State, she's really piled up the gravitas. I think they'd be a dream team. But--unless Hillary is dead set against it--it is a card they could play later if necessary. Doubtful, but a fun thought.

[Excerpt]

White House To John McCain: Thanks But No Thanks On VP Advice 


White House Press Secretary Jay Carney has a response to the vice presidential advice Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) offered President Barack Obama: Thanks, but no thanks. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

SNL: Joe Biden Scolded for Gay Marriage Announcement

President Obama (Fred Armisen) scolds "son," Joe Biden (Jason Sudeikis) for his premature announcement approving of same-sex marriage. But he gets some sympathy from his imaginary friend, "George."

 

President Obama "Evolves" to Suppport Gay Marriage

Thanks, guys. Image from CBS News.

What a difference a day makes. It was Tuesday night when gay rights supporters and activists were angry and saddened by yet another loss at the ballot box in North Carolina. Aside from the insanity of putting civil rights up for a vote, there was the belief that we were coming out of the woods on this one. Though we expected to lose, we were still upset about it.

Then on Wednesday, the President of the United States came out in support of same-sex marriage. It is a view most of us suspected he privately held. But we were frustrated with the muddy message he and the White House were putting out. I'm among those who tried not to make much of a fuss, believing that Obama would "evolve" after securing a second term. So, this is surprising, historic, welcome. . .and I don't see much of a down side.

People who are rabidly anti-gay marriage were for the most part not going to vote for Obama anyway. Those in minority communities who are both anti-gay marriage and pro-Obama are unlikely to vote against him over that one issue, particularly when there is no legislation or policy attached to his opinion. So, I'd like to say thank you to President Barack Obama. You already had my vote, but this ups my enthusiasm!

[Excerpt]


The audacity of evolution on same-sex marriage

Joe Biden has such power over evolution he might make an amoeba get up and walk. Three days ago the vice president announced on Meet the Press that he supported same-sex couples getting married. Wednesday, President Obama announced that after a many-year evolution on the issue, he believed the same thing. The first African-American president became the first ever to announce his support for same-sex marriage. . .
Read more at: CBS News

Vice President Biden Would End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Now, If He Could

While claiming to be a fierce advocate for gay rights, President Obama and his administration have been pretty waffley on the issue.  For the first time, a member of the administration has come right out and stated that he would end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" now if it were up to him.  Rachel Maddow interviewed Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday's show, and he doesn't waffle a bit.  Refreshing.

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Rachel Maddow Grills White House Rep. on Spending Freeze

Rachel Maddow made a bit of news tonight, grilling Vice President Joe Biden's financial advisor, Jared Bernstein, on the breaking news of a White House "spending freeze." I still don't know what it all means, but you'd never get this substantive an interview out of Sean Hannity.

Auto-Tune the News #8

This is great.

(Soon to Be) Senator Al Franken Meets VP Joe Biden

Photo from source, AmericaBlog

Posted strictly for the picture, and the fact that it drives conservatives nuts.

[Excerpt]

The President of the Senate met with the Democrat's 60th Senator

. . .Yes, the Minnesota Supreme Court, not the U.S Supreme Court, should be the final arbiter (although the Republicans know Coleman has lost. If the guy had an ounce of class, he'd concede.). . .

Read more at: AmericaBlog

FOX "News" Takes Joe Biden Out of Context

Yes, the "taken out of context" claim is often a way to deny you said something. But in this case, it couldn't be clearer. FOX "News" took Vice President Biden completely out of context to make it look like he said that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong." The fact is, he was plainly quoting John McCain, and deriding him for it.

What's worse, the clip was presented as though it was from a recent speech, when it very clearly was not. No wonder they got busted for it, the clip was memorable from the campaign. But that never stopped FOX "News."





Source: Wonkette

WhiteHouse.gov Gets a Makeover

An extreme makeover, to say the least! Proof that it isn't all a dream. . .

Source: WhiteHouse.gov

Picture of the Day: Out With the Old, In With the New

This photo kind of says it all.




Source: Kenneth in the (212)

Joe Biden "Gaffe Scale" Opens Saturday Night Live

Uh oh. Saturday Night Live has had quite a run, through the Presidential primaries, and up to the election. Some of their best stuff in years included spoofs of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. And while many have pondered where political comedy is going to go with the election of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, we're starting to get a taste. And try as they might, they may have a very hard time making Obama, and--especially--Biden funny.

With Obama, they have a good impressionist (Fred Armisen), and he does a good job, as long as the premise is right, and he has another character to play off of. But Jason Sudekis (who's versitile and very funny) hasn't got alot to work with in Biden. Sure Biden makes gaffes--he's legendary for it--but they are more a Weekend Update commentary kind of funny, not an impression kind of funny. Don't believe me? Watch the opening skit. . .



On the other hand, this episode as a whole was funnier than most, with Paul Rudd as the host. There was an unusual amount of gay humor, but Rudd never seems to have a problem with that, and good for him. Here are a couple of those sketches, which were pretty darned funny, if a little odd. . .

Still Boogeying in the Jeep!

From time to time, I like to revisit some old posts. Hey, if TV can do re-runs, why can't I? And this picture still gives me a kick. I'd like to think that Barack and Michelle Obama and Joe Biden felt a little of this vibe on Tuesday night. Though I'm not sure that Hillary Clinton would be as jubilant as the rest of the people in the jeep!

Original Post:

Barack, Hillary, Joe and Michelle in a Jeep


There really is no reason for this post, other than the graphic is hypnotizing. It's cute, doesn't unfairly malign anybody, and is just kind of fun. I don't know if somebody made this as an homage or a slam. . .but it really doesn't matter. It doesn't work as a slam, and I think it's fun!


Now, let's see if Blogger is capable of displaying the thing. . .



Source: Qweerty