Bill Clinton, Getting the Gang Ready to Rock and RollBy Tom Shales
Tuesday, July 27, 2004Searching for a way to describe Hillary Clinton's popularity with Democrats, ABC News anchor Peter Jennings said last night, as the crowd at the FleetCenter in Boston cheered her, "Senator Clinton is a rock star."
Maybe so, but guess who was about to come out there and set the Democratic National Convention on its ear: a veritable combination of Elvis, the Beatles, James Brown and Bruce Springsteen put together. There he was, huger than life: Bill Clinton, who after his introduction by his wife raced breathlessly through what seemed a 40-minute speech crammed into about 25 and got the 2004 presidential race roaringly underway. He was just plain magnificent.
Lots of us complained about the length of his speeches during his eight years as president, but confined by the arrogant networks to a small space last night -- the mandate reportedly was to finish by 11 p.m. Eastern time or be pulled off the air -- Clinton was Speed Racer and Capt. Commando and maybe even Spider-Man. He was, even Brit Hume had to admit on the Republican-loving Fox News Channel, "as full of his skills as ever."
Mara Liasson, part of the panel Fox had put together to comment, said the former president had made the case for presumed presidential candidate John Kerry better than Kerry had ever made it for himself. Bill Clinton was back in town, bygones were bygones (the bad ones, that is, of which there are many) and the nation could thrill to the still-real excitement of a speech delivered with passion and skill and brilliance.
In terms of content, the speech given earlier by former president Jimmy Carter was more volatile but, of course, Carter could yell "fire" in a crowded theater and make it sound like a folksy howdy-do. The networks decided not to carry Carter's speech, Nobel Prize winner or not, and to limit opening-night convention coverage to one hour. One hour. The cable networks supposedly take up the slack but it's a system that still bespeaks irresponsibility and shirking of civic duty by the broadcast networks.
They're busy, of course, with their trifling, noisy, violent, demeaning, crass, corny and meaningless summer reruns. The networks complain that the conventions have become repetitious and predictable; and their own programming isn't? The summer fight every four years has really become one not between two political parties -- they aren't really fighting in earnest until Labor Day -- but between the parties and the networks, with the networks -- owned by bigger and bigger corporations each time the parties meet in convention -- arrogantly flaunting their power.
Dan Rather, the most distinguished of the big three anchors, looked peeved about the whole situation and was surprisingly terse during CBS's coverage. But then he had his doubts about the built-in drama of the story: "About the last thing you will find here . . . is suspense," he told viewers. On NBC, Tom Brokaw abdicated as he often does to political expert and "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert.Posted by Maria at July 27, 2004 02:55 PM | TrackBackThe cable networks' coverage tended to be feistier and most entertaining, if not more enlightening, than the grudging stuff on the broadcast networks. Chris Matthews convened a special edition of his "Hardball" show from the convention with Andrea Mitchell, Joe Scarborough, Willie Brown ("Bill Clinton genuinely loves people," he said) and others who would drop by and be shouted at. But MSNBC producers had the good sense to cut away from cacophony for a moving speech from the vast convention stage by Haleema Salie, who lost a pregnant daughter and son-in-law in the hijacked plane that crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
Fox missed some of that, though, because it was belatedly rerunning Jimmy Carter, perhaps having decided he was newsworthy after all. Anchor Hume was joined by the scratchily crotchety Susan Estrich, who in her advancing years is beginning to sound exactly like Carol Channing. Back down on the stage, another moving moment of peaceful contemplation: 16-year-old violinist Gabe Lefkowitz playing "Amazing Grace" in memoriam.
People in the crowded hall held up lights or candles or matches. This all made a mockery of Fox anchor Neal Cavuto's imbecilic statement earlier in the day, as he sat in the foreground of the hall, that "there's a lot of hatred in this room behind me." He said the convention would be "predictably partisan." Gosh! Does that mean the Democrats wouldn't give equal time to Republicans? Heaven help us if the November elections are partisan, too.
"Some of the prime-time lineup appears to be very partisan," CNN pretty-boy Bill Hemmer told commentator Jeff Greenfield on the network's morning show. Insights like these are so dazzling you really have to step back from the set to avoid having your eyebrows singed.
During the day, the cable networks reported predictably how predictable the convention was sure to be. Everybody likened it to an "infomercial," a comparison that people have been making for years now and is meaningless. Yes, the role of the political convention has changed, and television changed it years and years ago, and no, it's not likely major decisions will be made on live TV in front of the American people. But we've got enough "reality TV" now. How about letting the parties put on their shows and sitting back to see which one does the better job? Like there's some insidious harm or danger in that or something.
In addition to all the stories about how conventions aren't like they were in 1860, everybody had to do a story on the popularity of doughnuts in Boston, proving how investigative and enterprising those crafty networks can be. Wait, wait, this just in: TV conventions aren't really conventions any more. They're more like -- hang onto your sweat bands now -- infomercials! You heard it here for the 400th time.
I have to admit I liked his speech. He definitely knows how to work a crowd. He and Reagan were my two favorite "communicators".
I couldn't stand Hillary's, however. Her voice just makes me want to scream.
Posted by: Vickie at July 27, 2004 04:25 PMHill could definitely stand to work on her delivery and vocal range. As it is she sounds a bit like an android.
Posted by: Maria at July 27, 2004 04:30 PMBut you have to admitt, even the "wprst" speaker's speech is still better than Bush's best. Really, in comparison, it is physically uncomfortable to watch Bush try to adlib and even deliver scripted speeches. There were even certain press conferences that were actually painful to watch because you felt for the guy.
That is one of the biggest traits to look for in a good leader is how well he can deliver a speech and handle a press conference. It makes me writh in pain to wonder what he says and how he sounds when he is talking to foreign leaders and their people.
Posted by: nunya at July 27, 2004 06:12 PMRemember when I said you ask for it?
Why does everything have to be reduced to a comparison between Bush and whomever or whatever is the present topic? I made a comment about Bill's speech and about Hillary's. Maria and I seem to be pretty much in agreement about both speeches. What's the need to compare "Bush's best with the Dems' worst"?
Posted by: Vickie at July 27, 2004 06:24 PMNeoCUNT,
what are "wprst" speakers?
Uh, vicki, last time I ehcked this was an election year and I don;t know about you but the way I decide on whom to vote for is by comparing them on a variety of issues amongst other traits. Unlike many others who vote "cuz he was soooo much more coolio and just like sooo better looking thaan that other guy n stuff" or those who vote based on whether or not a guy can throw a pitch and other irrelevant things, I look at what is relevant.
And "gordon" since you are not a real person and therefore don't really exist, I am done addressing you. If the real you, being geoffrey, if that is your real name, wish to be addressed than do so like a real man.
Posted by: nunya at July 27, 2004 08:00 PMWhat do you mean Nunya when you say that you "ehcked" something?
I'm a bit confused here.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at July 27, 2004 08:03 PM"Unlike many others who vote "cuz he was soooo much more coolio and just like sooo better looking thaan that other guy n stuff" or those who vote based on whether or not a guy can throw a pitch and other irrelevant things, I look at what is relevant."
Bush's ability or inability to speak was not relevant to my comment.
Maria, I have watched many conventions by both sides. Never before have I seen such feeling in the delegates faces. Many in tears - tears of hope. This should really tell the GOP how much people despise what the GOP has allowed the current administration to do in 4 years. For thr good of the future not just of America, but mankind, Bush needs to go. I only wish we could ship the likes of Geoffrey Allen out of the country as we will get Bush out of office.
He is not just a failure as a leader, but is a despicable faliure as a human being. And I use "human being" loosely when describing him.
NeoCunt is obsessed. It's rare he makes a post without mentioning me.
This should really tell the GOP how much people despise what the GOP has allowed the current administration to do in 4 years.
Actually, what you should have said was "This should really tell the GOP how much the Democrats despise what the GOP has allowed the current administration to do in 4 years.
According to the polls, half the voters still support him.
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 27, 2004 08:51 PMCan the petty fights please stop? Enough already.
Posted by: donna at July 27, 2004 09:02 PM"I only wish we could ship the likes of Geoffrey Allen out of the country."
Ahhh. The liberal voice of tolerance speaks loud and clear.
You'd look good in a brown shirt wouldn't you NeoCUNT?
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at July 27, 2004 09:49 PMI need some man-love in my anus right now.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at July 27, 2004 10:05 PMI SAID NO FUCKING FORGERIES.
Posted by: Maria at July 27, 2004 11:25 PMand to answer your question from geoff's toilet blog, no, I did write that post to darcie.
Posted by: nunya at July 28, 2004 08:16 AMthat is, i did NOT write that post to darcie.
Posted by: nunya at July 28, 2004 08:55 AMYou forge as me all the time Nunya.
Are you caught in another lie?
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at July 28, 2004 02:09 PMI'll take your word for it Nunya.
Posted by: Maria at July 28, 2004 06:48 PMEvery time I read posts at Dog Snot or Maria's page every topic becomes a homophobic school yard argument, with the original point becoming totally lost. Geoffrey, Gordon and Nunya need to grow up, or create a special blog just for harrassing each other.
Posted by: Darcie at July 28, 2004 07:09 PMYou have a problem with homos Darcie?
Oh, and we do have a special blog just for harrassing each other. You morons keep reading it, though.
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 07:18 PMI don't have a problem with homos, but I generally don't get along with homophobes.
Posted by: Darcie at July 28, 2004 07:32 PMMe either. See! We have things in common!
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 07:52 PMYou seem surprised. Do you not normally have things in common with people?
Posted by: Darcie at July 28, 2004 07:54 PMWhere did you get surprise from that? Do people normally act surprised when you speak?
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 07:57 PMObviously.
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 08:00 PMI don't have a problem with homos, but I generally don't get along with homophobes.Posted by Darcie at July 28, 2004 07:32 PM
Me either. See! We have things in common!
Posted by Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 07:52 PM
You are SO a homophobe Geoffrey! And you obviously get along with them, because you seem to get along with all Gordon and other various fag haters who visit your blog. If you are not a homophobe, then you should work a little harder on not sounding like one.
Posted by: Maria at July 28, 2004 08:05 PMou are SO a homophobe Geoffrey! And you obviously get along with them, because you seem to get along with all Gordon and other various fag haters who visit your blog. If you are not a homophobe, then you should work a little harder on not sounding like one.
What have I said that is homophobic?
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 08:34 PMHundreds of things. I lost count a long time ago. From your "playing peek-a-boo with so and so's asshole" comments to your standard insults. There is a constant homophobic theme on your blog. If you don't see it and can't recognize all the blatantly homophobic comments you've made over the years, you should do a little review of your archives.
Like I said, you may not think you're homophobic, but it would be reasonable to assume that you are based on the insults that you throw out.
Posted by: Maria at July 28, 2004 08:41 PMSo mentioning homo sex makes one homophobic? Does mentioning race make one racist?
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 08:48 PMYou don't MENTION homosex, Jerky. You make blatantly homophobic insults towards people, regardless of what you know about their sexual preferences. Keep denying it, but you obviously get off on acting like a egotistical, homophobic jerk and we all know it. Might as well just come clean.
Posted by: Maria at July 28, 2004 08:58 PMI simply asked you what makes those comments homophobic. You must not understand what homophobic means. You're flying off the handle lots of rants, little facts. It's what you do when you can't defend your position.
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 09:02 PMThat's enough out of you.
Posted by: Maria at July 28, 2004 10:01 PMHA!
Posted by: Geoffrey at July 28, 2004 10:02 PMjust keep banning the proxy addresses he uses.
Posted by: nunya at July 28, 2004 10:59 PMI think it's funny Maria will admonish Geoff for saying the word homo while she ignores Nunyas forgeries of me with homophobic undertones.
And I could have done without that imagery of Nunya and his nephew playing a game of peek-a-boo with their you know what..
Posted by: Gorodn the Magnificent at July 28, 2004 11:34 PM"And I could have done without that imagery of Nunya and his nephew playing a game of peek-a-boo with their you know what.."
Then you shouldn't have imagined it. He never implied any such thing. It was your filthy mind that conceived it. And I have seen people forging posts under Nunya's name FAR more than the reverse. But I always admonish those who make forgeries here.
"I think it's funny Maria will admonish Geoff for saying the word homo while she ignores Nunyas forgeries of me with homophobic undertones."
If you didn't notice, the last forged post received a pissed response from me, so don't even try to claim that I don't dole out my wrath equally. You are the worst when it comes to making sexually centered insults. The absolute WORST.
Posted by: Maria at July 28, 2004 11:44 PMWill you please stop repeating it. I just lost my breakfast.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at July 29, 2004 09:24 AMIt is disgusting for Geoff to use his alter egos to convey is sickening sexual fantasies.
Posted by: nunya at July 29, 2004 12:00 PMThat's right. You spoke to someone who met me. What was the name again?
Oh yeah. You lied.
Posted by: Geo at July 29, 2004 12:01 PM"That's right. You spoke to someone who met me. What was the name again?"
What is this all about?
Posted by: Darcie at July 29, 2004 12:27 PMIt is about the fact that Geoffrey is not the person he says he is. I talked to someone who met him. That is all I will say about it. If he wants to claim that I am lying, that is fine. I need not prove jack shit to him.
Posted by: nunya at July 29, 2004 12:31 PMObviously, as right wing as I am, my positions are based upon personal experience, verifiable facts, or are just opinions and I state them as such. When I say something as a sad attempt at ridiculous humor or as an insult, it's usually obvious. For instance, when I say NeoCunt lost his virginity to the neighbor's dog, it's pretty apparent that I made that up.
NeoCunt, on the other hand, just outright lies. Choose almost any thread on this, or my, blog that he comments on and you can see where he makes crazy statements then refuses to provide the information to show he is correct. His latest one was that Gordon (my college buddy), Jonathan (my brother), and I are the same person. Ha ha, that's funny, and anyone that knows all three of us realizes it's not true. Realizing he can't prove it, he makes up a story about speaking with someone that has met me and confirms it. So of course I ask who. He won't say. Why? Because it's just blatantly not true.
NeoCunt is a habitual liar. That's why he has changed his online name so often. He's too stupid to change his IP, though, so we always catch him.
Posted by: Geo at July 29, 2004 12:34 PMSo what? Who really cares? Get over it. Both of you. You need eachother to rag on like a crackhead needs another hit. I have been an enabler for long enough. What do you really have to prove to eachother? It's just a pissing contest, but it reminds me more of two dogs with their asses stuck together.
Posted by: Maria at July 29, 2004 12:42 PMI've never seen two dogs with their asses stuck together. Is that common in Oregon?
Posted by: Geo at July 29, 2004 12:46 PMActually, yes. It is. It used to happen occasionally at a BBQ or other outing where people would bring their dogs. When dogs are in heat sometimes their asses get stuck together. It's hard to decide when you see it happen if it's sad or hilarious, but mostly you just can't wait for it to stop.
Posted by: Maria at July 29, 2004 12:50 PMIt must be common in Oregon because I have seen it too!
Posted by: Darcie at July 29, 2004 12:51 PMI never saw it during any of my extended Oregon stays. You folks must live near some funky dogs.
Posted by: Geo at July 29, 2004 12:56 PMWhere did you visit?
Posted by: Darcie at July 29, 2004 01:00 PMMostly up in Wallowa and Hell's Canyon. I worked for BLM fighting forest fires there in the summer when I was in college. I've also been to Pendleton, Bend, La Grande, Redmond, Eugene, and I think that's it. At least that I can remember.
Posted by: Geo at July 29, 2004 01:04 PMYeah. There were some funky dogs. That's fo sho. We lived in Ashland, which, if you know it, is quite the melting pot of hippies, yuppies and skater/snowboarder trash. There were a lot of dogs. Both human and canine.
Posted by: Maria at July 29, 2004 01:05 PMHA!
Posted by: Geo at July 29, 2004 01:07 PMHAHAHAHAHAHAA! I love you Darcie.
Posted by: Maria at July 29, 2004 01:07 PM