CNN pundits are dissecting the two speeches tonight, and the consensus is that McCain is in trouble. McCain (breaking news from CNN) is threatening to announce his VP pick tomorrow instead of Friday (as previously announced), and thus take the spotlight off Obama. What a small minded little prick.
[ 27 August 2008: Message edited by: Boom Boom ]
Oh, oh, oh. But McCain was going to be different and take the high road. [img]rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img]
That would be unprecedented and a sign that they are shitting bricks.
While Obama's convention is at the Pepsi Centre, McCain's will be at the Polygrip Centre (according to Jay Leno...).
McCain's determination to upstage Obama is one reason why Obama was smart to come out tonight. It also nicely bookended the "closed" part of the process before the dog and pony show tomorrow.
Have to say, Obama looked pretty good - totally comfortable and relaxed.
quote:
Originally posted by Ghislaine:
[b]I just wanted to point out the tendancy of people to refer to male politicians as "Biden, Obama" etc., but to Clinton as "Hillary". Why the double standard?[/b]
In part, because HRC branded herself that way.
In part, because "Clinton" could refer to some obscure former Governor of Arkansas who once ran for President.
quote:
Originally posted by Boom Boom:
[b]
When will a progressive candidate do the same?[/b]
William Jennings Bryan won the Democratic nomination. Three times. lost to the Republicans. Three times.
His [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_gold_speech]Cross of Gold[/url] speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention - said to have won him the nomination - is a classic of progressive political rhetoric of that time.
The [url=http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5354/]text[/url] can be read here. It includes the following para which should appeal to babblers:
quote:
Mr. Carlisle said in 1878 that this was a struggle between the idle holders of idle capital and the struggling masses who produce the wealth and pay the taxes of the country; and my friends, it is simply a question that we shall decide upon which side shall the Democratic Party fight. Upon the side of the idle holders of idle capital, or upon the side of the struggling masses? That is the question that the party must answer first; and then it must be answered by each individual hereafter. The sympathies of the Democratic Party, as described by the platform, are on the side of the struggling masses, who have ever been the foundation of the Democratic Party.. . .
Having behind us the commercial interests and the laboring interests and all the toiling masses, we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.
His subsequent role in the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scopes_Trial]Scopes Monkey Trial[/url] will seem bizarre to modern progressives, but seen in the context of Bryan's opposition to [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Darwinism]Social Darwinism[/url], it makes more sense.
[ 27 August 2008: Message edited by: Malcolm French, APR ]
I wonder if CNN was repeating an 'off the cuff' remark, because I haven't seen it repeated. I'll watch their newscast in a few minutes and see if it comes up in the news. But, last night, Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper were talking about McCain's possible move to upstage Obama just before Joe Biden gave his speech. But I haven't heard it since.
Holy cow. Cnn just showed Obama's stage tonight - ancient Roman columns, the Republicans are already dubbing it [b]Barackopolis[/b]. [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Others are talking about it, too: [url=http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/08/26/mccain_veep/index.html... to announce veep choice Thursday night?[/url]
excerpt:
Sometimes John McCain's campaign gets jealous of the attention given to Barack Obama. And the McCain camp hasn't hesitated to try to grab the spotlight and rain on Obama's parade, even at the risk of looking petty. So even though it would be a major break with the unwritten rules of politics, it's not too surprising to hear that some McCain advisors are at least considering the idea of announcing the Arizona senator's running mate on Thursday night, the same night that Obama will be giving his big speech officially accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.
(I've been watching CNN for fifteen minutes, no mention of this so far)
[url=http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/what-wear-barackopolis]What to Wear to the Barackopolis[/url]
Suggested Toga Styles:
[img]http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/sites/default/files/images/toga.jpg[/img]
The Nobleman -- This toga is recommended for men. For celebrities and lobbyists, please add the red over toga. One should expect to see such stars as Ben Affleck dress in red robes, along with the lobbyists who fill Invesco Field's skyboxes.
excerpt:
excerpt:
Today, workers at Invesco Field are putting the final touches on the newest wonder of the modern political world -- The Temple of Obama (“The Barackopolis”). It is upon this pulpit that Barack Obama will tomorrow night address thousands of screaming, adoring fans.
There may be some confusion among the press about the venue and appropriate dress code for Barack Obama's big speech. To help out, we wanted to provide the following tips on appropriate attire. The toga may have gone out of style centuries ago, but after Obama's temple speech tomorrow night, they’re sure to be flying off the racks.
[url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1050017/Pictured-The-m... miniature 'Greek temple' from which Barack Obama will launch his final push for the U.S. presidency
[/url]
[img]http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/08/27/article-0-026F36E300000578-982...
excerpt:
Barack Obama's big speech tonight will be delivered from an elaborate columned platform resembling a miniature Greek temple, it has been revealed. [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Oh for Christ's sake. Today is the aniversery of MLK's speech from the steps of the Lincoln memorial.
[img]http://www.mentalfloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/mlk.jpg[/img]
I have no doubt that the Republicans are aware of that, BA, but they are obviously trying to derail Obama's big moment.
ETA: (from that Daily Mail link) Once Obama speaks, confetti will rain down on him and fireworks will be fired from around the stadium wall. [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
ETA: isn't it odd that no one in the DNC planning committee realized this structure would be attacked in the way it has ("Barackopolis")? Or did they just forge ahead?
[ 28 August 2008: Message edited by: Boom Boom ]
quote:
Originally posted by Boom Boom:
[b]
Barack Obama's big speech tonight will be delivered from an elaborate columned platform resembling a miniature Greek temple, it has been revealed. [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [/b]
He's not a secret Muslim, he's a secret Greek! [img]eek.gif" border="0[/img]
I guarentee there will be confetti at the RNC. No fire works though, because it might scare all the old fogey's in the crowd. If this is the best the Repugs can do, then I think they are in serious trouble and they know it.
quote:
Originally posted by Bookish Agrarian:
[b]Oh for Christ's sake. Today is the aniversery of MLK's speech from the steps of the Lincoln memorial.[/b]
If they are trying to say Obama is the Second Coming of MLK, they've got a lot of chutzpah!
quote:
Originally posted by M. Spector:
[b]If they are trying to say Obama is the Second Coming of MLK, they've got a lot of chutzpah![/b]
Actually, they are not saying that. They are saying Obama is the Second Coming of Christ himself.
ETA: Either that or the odds-on-favorite for the upcoming season of American Idol.
[ 28 August 2008: Message edited by: Sven ]
It's not just the Democratic Convention spin, it seems to be that Obama is making a lot of [url=http://tiny.cc/9uhmp]promises[/url] to Americans, particularly 'never letting them down'.
[ 28 August 2008: Message edited by: Papal Bull ]
quote:
Originally posted by M. Spector:
[b]If they are trying to say Obama is the Second Coming of MLK, they've got a lot of chutzpah![/b]
I have no idea what they are trying to say. Maybe they just got the stage props cheap from Pillars R Us.
However, whether you like Obama or not this is a historic moment in the history of the United States. On a day when a historic moment took place over 40 years ago, on the aniversary of a day that was part of trying to entrench voting rights for African Americans an African American will be making a speech as he becomes the nominee for President. Anyway that is historic any illusion to this aniversary is entirely appropriate whatever your feelings about Obama and whether he is pure enough to be the nominee.
[ 28 August 2008: Message edited by: Bookish Agrarian ]
quote:
Originally posted by Bookish Agrarian:
However, whether you like Obama or not this is a historic moment in the history of the United States.
Yes, that's absolutely true. And the Republicans know this, and they're doing everything possible (it seems) to derail the event. If McCain does the absolutely unthinkable tonight and unveil his VP choice on Obama's big day, I can't see how McCain could show his face in public again, or anyone ever taking him seriously again - doing such a thing would show incredibly bad judgement. So, will he, or won't he? [img]confused.gif" border="0[/img]
ETA: [url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080828/pl_afp/usvotemccainvp_080828063211]..., McCain's announcement is still set for Friday.[/url]
[ 28 August 2008: Message edited by: Boom Boom ]
quote:
Originally posted by Bookish Agrarian:
[b]Anyway that is historic any illusion to this aniversary is entirely appropriate whatever your feelings about Obama and whether he is pure enough to be the nominee.[/b]
I think you meant "allusion", though "illusion" might be more appropriate.
I'm 100% sure Obama will make a big deal about the anniversary in his speech. Is that not enough of an allusion to MLK? Do they have to bring in a Hollywood recreation of the Lincoln Memorial just to drive the point home?
Isn't it obvious that Obama is shamelessly trying to cash in on respect for MLK and his struggles, while suggesting that MLK would approve of Obama's crass political opportunism?
quote:
Isn't it obvious that Obama is shamelessly trying to cash in on respect for MLK and his struggles, while suggesting that MLK would approve of Obama's crass political opportunism?
Shhh Spector, the hope is that, being as they are both African American, most folks can't tell Obama and MLK apart; you're ruining the "illusion" by mentioning the obvious differences between the two men and their agendas. [img]tongue.gif" border="0[/img]
spelling flames are childish
Whether you want to admit it or not this is a historic moment for America. One that should be celebrated and respected. Tomorrow will be soon enough to return to sniping.
Having done scholarly work in relation to MLK he was not above a little crass political opportunism, yet he still remains one of my personal heroes if that is the right word.
Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
quote:
Originally posted by Bookish Agrarian:
[b]spelling flames are childish[/b]
I wasn't "flaming". I was pointing out a Freudian slip. What's childish is being unable to recognize the difference.
quote:
[b]Whether you want to admit it or not this is a historic moment for America. One that should be celebrated and respected. Tomorrow will be soon enough to return to sniping.[/b]
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Colour me impressed! Where are you guys getting the MLK quotes?
From MLK, natch! [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Arrrrgggghhh!
At the risk of causing topic drift... Will Obama manage to say the "gay" word? Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton managed to work it in, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden didn't. Any wagers?
MLK III was just interviewed by CNN on the floor - he says his father's dream is close to coming realised, but "we all have to work together".
Sheryl Crow is about to start, and Al Gore will speak soon. Stevie Wonder is in attendance, but I don't know if he is performing. Jennifer Hudson sang the anthem earlier - a great performance.
quote:
Layton will be attending the convention for three days."Democrats here are talking about the same kind of change we’re talking about in Canada," said Layton. "Whether it’s real action on climate change, forging trade policies that work for working families or standing up for jobs and better health care, there’s a real desire here to put the concerns of the kitchen table ahead of the boardroom table."
Layton will also be attending the National Democratic Institute’s International Leaders Forum while in Denver and will be speaking to the Labour Caucus of the Democratic Party.
[url=http://www.ndp.ca/page/6712]http://www.ndp.ca/page/6712[/url]
Good for Jack! Maybe he can nudge Obama back to left-of-centre? [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
"Democrats here are talking about the same kind of change we’re talking about in Canada," said Layton
Maybe they have the same policy for Afghanistan.
quote:
Originally posted by Webgear:
[b] Maybe they have the same policy for Afghanistan.[/b]
[img]http://www.identicards.com/productcart/pc/catalog/images/videos/VF/Hi-Te...
That was where I had political culture shock, all those retired generals and admirals up there. Not cool, I think - but it'll probably help there.
Something is happening. The DNC estimated they would get a crowd of 76,000 tonight; CNN just said the number is between 80,000 - 85,000, and is growing by the minute. CNN just called this the largest gathering in American political history. Holy cow!
quote:
Originally posted by bagkitty:
[b]At the risk of causing topic drift... Will Obama manage to say the "gay" word? Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton managed to work it in, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden didn't. Any wagers?[/b]
I predict he will call for the military to open its arms wide and welcome transsexuals and atheists.
quote:
Originally posted by Boom Boom:
[b]Something is happening. The DNC estimated they would get a crowd of 76,000 tonight; CNN just said the number is between 80,000 - 85,000, and is growing by the minute. CNN just called this the largest gathering in American political history. Holy cow![/b]
There's apparently a large crowd watching in Times Square too.
What is this, Republicans Anonymous? [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
quote:
Originally posted by Doug:
There's apparently a large crowd watching in Times Square too.
Yes, CNN showed a shot of Times Square with people watching on outdoor Jumbotrons. Amazing!
I haven't been following this very closely. Any predictions as to who will win the nomination?
History is being made. The RNC must be "shitting bricks", to use the expression coined by another babbler earlier in this thread. [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Wasn't there a million-man march?
quote:
Originally posted by RevolutionPlease:
[b]Wasn't there a million-man march?[/b]
So there was, but it didn't elect anyone.
quote:
Originally posted by RevolutionPlease:
[b]Wasn't there a million-man march?[/b]
Yeah, but [i]they[/i] all believed racism was endemic to America, so as Doug says, they could never succeed in politics. Obama's march will make it to the finishing post.
quote:
Originally posted by remind:
[b][img]http://www.identicards.com/productcart/pc/catalog/images/videos/VF/Hi-Te...
Well, I guess someone of your intellectual level would find that image is funny and a suitable reply.
quote:
Originally posted by Webgear:
[b]Well, I guess someone of your intellectual level would find that image is funny and a suitable reply.[/b]
Naw, but links and stuff help.
Yay....about time! I was wondering if I'd have to find out what he said in the morning.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, poor, poor, webgear, your chagrined patriarchy, or should I say, chagrined propagandizing is showing.
Here is a [img]http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/4/w4qo/mariquilt/Img20005.jpg[/img]
so you can pin it back up, as it is never pleasant to have your secret undergarments showing, without having something to pin them up with. [img]wink.gif" border="0[/img]
![http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/sites/default/files/images/toga.jpg[/img]](http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/sites/default/files/images/toga.jpg[/img]){kind=link}
![http://www.mentalfloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/mlk.jpg[/img]](http://www.mentalfloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/mlk.jpg[/img]){kind=link}
![http://i6.tinypic.com/2z3q7f4.gif[/img]](http://i6.tinypic.com/2z3q7f4.gif[/img]){kind=link}
![http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/4/w4qo/mariquilt/Img20005.jpg[/img]](http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/4/w4qo/mariquilt/Img20005.jpg[/img]){kind=link}