Sunday, March 30, 2008

why it's good to keep the battle in the democratic party going

or, alternatively titled: "There's no such thing as bad press."

Throughout the next few months as Hillary and Barak duke it out for the Democratic nomination, there are many who say the scuffle is "bad for the party" and "one of them needs to give in". I couldn't disagree more.

I think what's bad for the party is monolithic politics with no opportunity for one citizen to make any sort of a difference. The idea that any one vote can make all the difference in the world has reinvigorated the democratic party in ways no candidate ever could. And despite polls that say voters on either side of the current battle "will hold their nose" and vote for McCain if their candidate looses is complete rubbish. Hillary voters are never going to vote to elect Bush II and Obama voters are not going to vote for a pro war candidate.

Allowing this battle to continue to it's conclusion at the convention is going to lead to one thing and one thing alone. More camera time for both candidates. The question is framed as not whether to vote Democrat or Republican but which democrat to vote for. And That's a question thats a popularity no democrat has enjoyed in my lifetime.

Barak and Hillary... Keep arguing. Keep having good weeks and bad weeks. Maintain your position on the issues and by all means FIGHT. It will not leave you bloodied for the general election, on the contrary, it will make you (Cue the Kanye.....) stronger.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

we remember the good and forget the bad

Watching the tv mini-series John Adams i'm astounded by our barbarism. Our infant America was a violent place of insolent British ex-pats centered in Boston. And were treated with equal violence and arrogance by the British Empire. Its a wonder either country survived.

"Most men are evil and weak and viscous and are in great need of restraint." -John Adams

I love this series. I hope it wins more Emmys than Paul Giamatti can carry.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

best line from SNL in 10 years

"What qualifies Hillary Clinton to be president? Is it that she was married to the president? if that's the case Robin Givins would be heavyweight champion of the world."
-Tracy Morgan

Monday, March 10, 2008