New West Notes

March 24th, 2008 6:00 am

Monday Morning Quarterback: Obama’s Wright Stuff … X Marks The Spot, And More With Forum Throughout Day

“I charge the white man.” This incendiary speech, opening the film Malcolm X and culminating with a burning American flag resolving into the letter, encapsulates the anger and fear surrounding Barack Obama’s association with Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

** MCCAIN ON IRAQ TODAY IN CHULA VISTA. Campaigning today at a town hall for veterans and military families in the San Diego area, John McCain had some comments about the situation: “As you know, I was in Iraq, Jordan, Israel, France and England on my last visit. And a couple of days ago, as you probably know, an audiotape — actually it was last week — an audiotape was released where bin Laden said, and I have to quote bin Laden, … ‘the nearest field to support our people in Palestine is the Iraqi field.’ He urged Palestinians and people of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to quote ‘help in support of their mujahedeen brothers in Iraq, which is the greatest opportunity and the biggest task.’ Now my friends, for the first time I have seen Osama bin Laden and General Petraeus in agreement, and that is, the central battleground in the battle against al Qaeda is in Iraq today. And that’s what bin Laden is saying and that’s what General Petraeus is saying and that’s what I’m saying, my friends, and my Democrat opponents who want to pull out of Iraq refuse to understand what’s being said and what’s happening, and that is, the central battleground is Iraq in this struggle against radical Islamic extremism.”

** PUERTO RICO MOVES UP. As expected, Puerto Rico switched its contest from a caucus to a primary and moved from June 7th to June 1st, moves backed by both the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns. This means that the nomination contests will end on June 3rd, with contests in Montana and South Dakota.

** FRED THOMPSON RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD. Former Senator and Law & Order star Fred Thompson, whose ballyhooed Republican presidential campaign never really got going, is returning to Hollywood. The William Morris Agency has just signed the veteran character actor, who gave up a great gig on the perennial NBC police procedural.

Thompson looked to many like the great right hope. But after watching him declare last fall on The Tonight Show, and writing about 2000 words on the event, it occurred to me that he was not off to a flying start. His best showings were a tie with John McCain for a distant third in Iowa, and a distant third in South Carolina, after which he withdrew from the race.

** OBAMA ON TAP. Barack Obama is vacationing with his family in the Caribbean through Wednesday. Obama, who won the Democratic caucuses in the U.S. Virgin Islands with 84% of the vote, is on St. Thomas. When he returns, the Democratic presidential frontrunner will go to New York on Thursday, for what I do not yet know, then launch a bus tour of Pennsylvania on Friday which will run till next Wednesday. Hillary Clinton will, of course, win the Pennsylvania primary next month. It’s one of the oldest, most traditional Democratic electorates in the country, a place helpfully described by longtime Clinton spinner James Carville as “Philadelphia on one side, Pittsburgh on the other, and Alabama in between.” Hillary has a huge lead there. Which Obama merely needs to cut some in order to guarantee his continuing popular vote lead at the end of the primary season in June.

** CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSES PROP 98 EMINENT DOMAIN INITIATIVE. Something actually happened last week in California politics, and I missed doing an item about it at the time. Call it the press of other events. The California Chamber of Commerce came out aginst the emininent domain initiative backed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association on the June statewide primary ballot that would preempt local rent control ordinances and other renters rights measures. They’re neutral on the competing eminent domain initiative backed by some local government groups and others, Prop 99. It turns out that over 80% of the funding for Prop 98 comes from landlord interests.

** WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.

Hillary Clinton is campaigning in her latest firewall state, Pennsylvania, with events in Philadelphia, Blue Bell, and Uniontown.

Bill Clinton is campaigning across Indiana, with events in South Bend, Rochester, Logansport, and West Lafayette.

Barack Obama is vacationing in the Virgin Islands, where he won 84% of the vote.

John McCain is campaigning with veterans and military families in Chula Vista, California, and having private fundraisers, as we say, in various locales in Southern California.

** SCHWARZENEGGER LIVE WEBCAST THIS MORNING. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger resumes his campaign for California budget reform this morning in Bakersfield with a meeting with local elected officials, law enforcement officers, and business and community leaders. The event will be webcast live at 10 AM Pacific.

THE MORNING COLUMN

The week ahead in presidential politics, as may be the case with much of the next seven-odd months, is dominated by the racial politics swirling around Barack Obama. And by the questions yet unanswered by his speech last Tuesday in Philadelphia. These questions are at least as much about patriotism as they are about race.

John McCain, returned from his tour of the Middle East and Europe, is in California for three days this week to raise badly needed funds and to try to stake a claim to the Golden State in the general election. On Wednesday morning at the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, he delivers a major address on national security and geopolitical matters, addressing what he learned in Iraq and the other nations he toured last week.

Notwithstanding the firestorm of controversy over the past comments of his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and some consequent teetering in the polls, Obama had a good week last week. For one thing, it became apparent that he had far more cash on hand at the end of February than rival Hillary Clinton, not to mention John McCain, whose best month of fundraising doesn’t match Obama’s best week. And that his fundraising machine, centered on the Internet, was humming along.

For another, Hillary’s fading hopes for the nomination took a major hit when it became apparent that there would be no do-over primaries in Florida or Michigan, two states which she had previously claimed notwithstanding the fact that she’d earlier agreed with the Democratic Party’s decision not to recognize their rogue primaries in which no one campaigned. The hurdles to hastily organized primaries at the tail end of the season in June were too high, and Clinton forces sought to block independents who participated in the real Republican primary — largely on behalf of McCain — from voting in a real Democratic primary.

By week’s end, it was apparent that Clinton almost certainly could not catch Obama in delegates won in the primaries and caucuses or in the popular vote. The media counts, incidentally, which have Obama over 700,000 votes ahead of Clinton, do not include, oddly, votes cast in the caucuses. Most of those have had record turnouts, making them easily the equivalent of smaller primary elections. Include those in the popular vote, as they should be, and Obama’s lead is well over a million votes.

And Obama got a good start on addressing his Jeremiah Wright last week. But only a start.

As I wrote in real time as the Jeremiah Wright firestorm broke 10 days ago, it was a clearly survivable situation.

And as I wrote in real time when Obama gave his speech on race in America and the Jeremiah Wright controversy six days ago, he solved much of his problem with regard to the Democratic nomination fight. Polls show that his speech worked, especially with Democratic voters, and largely with independent voters.

An even more recent poll for CBS News showed, as does the Rasmussen poll, that most Americans think highly of Obama’s speech.

Nevertheless, Barack Obama’s path to the White House has certainly gotten longer and more perilous.

I think that Obama is not going to become president unless he can explain Malcolm X (Wright’s most outrageous statements are a stand-in for what he represented), the anger that produced him, and the preposterous statements that not infrequently emanate from the black church.

He can’t simply float as the easy post-racial figure, a man Americans can vote for as a salve for the issue of race in America.

Which may have been inevitable. And was certainly inevitable when he decided not to be a Hawaiian, or a nice Ivy League lawyer, but a black Chicago politician who ended up running for president.

For Obama made a choice. He was born and in large measure raised in Hawaii, America’s polyglot paradise in the Pacific, a place where questions of racial background can become so complex as to be irrelevant. But after a glittering Ivy League debut, he decided to enter into politics, not as a multi-racial, post-racial figure in Hawaii or California — where he spent two years attending Occidental College — but in a 76% black state senate district in Chicago.

Why he decided to embrace his blackness as a very young man may be a matter more for the psychologically inclined than the politically inclined. In any event, it is what he did.

As a man who was neither a movie star nor super-rich, Obama needed a base for his rise. As he is a politician and not a deity, he is by nature an opportunist. (All politicians are opportunists. The question is the degree of egregiousness.) A big part of his opportunity was being a member of what is arguably the leading black church in Chicago.

For a man with a missing father, Trinity United Church of Christ and the Rev. Wright played a key role in Obama’s life. Mothered by a white woman and raised in large measure by white grandparents, Obama sought what he did not have in his life as a biracial boy. A black family. The black church in Chicago became a stand-in for that. And Wright, a complex man who, by most accounts, has done some serious good in Chicago to balance his now well-publicized ranting, became in Obama’s own recent words, an “uncle.”

The church also answered the formerly frequently posed question about Obama. Is he “black enough?”

But as a result of this embrace — and Obama notably refused to disown Wright even as he renounced his now infamous comments — Obama still has serious questions to answer.

He has to explain to America — and in particular, to key voting groups such as the Scots-Irish who make up much of the working class and patriotically-oriented in the country — the anger that produced such irrational notions as the US government inventing AIDS to destroy the black people. And the idea that the US may have deserved 9/11. And why men such as Wright, whose generation grew up with a frequently rugged racism directed toward them and developed within them, have a chip on their shoulder today.

It’s certainly not what Obama wanted to do when he launched his candidacy on a wave of high-flown, impressively-delivered rhetoric, floating over the historic divisions of America on a cloud of post-racialism.

But it is what he must do now. He didn’t intend to run as “the black candidate” but as a candidate who happened to be black. But being black, or at least, “black enough,” as it turns out, was at least in part a choice for Obama. And as a result of that choice, he rose in Chicago enough to become a United States senator. And as a result of being a senator, he has enough stature to wage this campaign.

This conversation about race will continue throughout the campaign.

As will a conversation about patriotism. “God damn America” is not a concept that goes down well with most voters.

This may be even more of an imperative for Obama than the racial issue, though the two are joined.

What is his idea of America? How is he an American patriot in a time of war?

What can he do to convince the Scots-Irish American voter that he is enough of a patriot to take on the uber-patriot, John McCain, a man who does not have to wave the flag because his very presence waves the flag?

In many respects, Obama represents an emerging America. Multi-racial, with an internationalist perspective. But he will not represent any America, at least as president, until he demonstrates that he represents the enduring America. …

You can always see the full MMQ on PJ Media.

** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the new Russia Today channel.

You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.

While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.

** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Crude oil is trading in the $100 to $102 per barrel range. The oil price has dropped dramatically in the past several days on expectations of a global economic slowdown and possible recession.

Your posts are welcome in the Forum.

Read bullet | (192) Comments bullet

192 Comments

Jonas Blane:

That is an awesome video clip.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:17 am Jonas Blane:

That is an awesome video clip.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:17 am Jonas Blane:

And an awesome column.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:26 am Jonas Blane:

And an awesome column.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:26 am Capitol Boy:

America can’t deal with too much candor about race. I’m afraid this is exactly what the Clintons hoped for. But if anyone can talk about it and make it right, it’s Barack Obama.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:58 am Ann:

OMG

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:07 am Ann:

OMG

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:07 am Alva Johnson:

Excellent piece, Bill. I wonder, however, how many of Obama’s words (and deeds) will break through and be heard in a reasoned discussion, with the right-wing echo chamber endlessly looping Wright sermons in the background.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:11 am marcus waldron:

I don’t know if America is ready for this.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:32 am marcus waldron:

I don’t know if America is ready for this.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:32 am Jack Aubrey:

The funny thing is that Obama looks like Malcolm X. Fortunately for him most people are ignorant in America.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:40 am Scott Chilcott:

I do not agree with any of this. America is not a racist country. America is the beacon of the world because it is not a racist country. Illegal aliens from all over the world flock to America because we are PC and ALLOW it. Barack Hussein Obama would flourish nowhere else in the Western world and he knows it.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:46 am Len:

Obama can lead America to a new place. He can leave us where we are now. It isn’t up to him as much as it’s up to us. Where do we want to be? Do we want to be real? Do we want to be fake and hateful? Maybe that’s the real America, fake and hateful. I hope not.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:56 am Len:

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:56 am Sacramento Solon:

Bill,

Excellent work.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:58 am Capitol Boy:

You don’t “agree?”

You sound crazy.

Scott Chilcott :
I do not agree with any of this. America is not a racist country. America is the beacon of the world because it is not a racist country. Illegal aliens from all over the world flock to America because we are PC and ALLOW it. Barack Hussein Obama would flourish nowhere else in the Western world and he knows it.
Mar 24, 2008 07:46 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:05 am Capitol Boy:

You don’t “agree?”

You sound crazy.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:05 am marcus:

John McCain vs. Obama will be a great debate for America.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:11 am Hap Hazard:

Ahead of the curve as usual Bill

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:20 am sergei:

This is amazing race in America. You deal with race unlike anywhere else. In my country Obama would be unspeakable. African exchange students have been harrassed on streets of Moscow for many many years. Yet Vladimir Putin within year will probably accept Obama in the Kremlin. These are amazing days.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:33 am sergei:

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:33 am Kandy Kid:

Bill, today’s very insightful piece about how talented and educated Obama donned the black politician persona instead of a biracial or white one is one of your best. While that cynical calculation will put off many regular voters, as a political professional, I am actually impressed by his clear assessment of his personal assets and his follow through in developing them. I have a Hispanic friend in the financial world who has done quite well using his racial background to get a edge against other supremely qualified competitors.

Of course every strategy has its vulnerabilities and sitting through years of bombastic sermons that spew preposterous lies and magnify racial conflict will be a tough one for Obama to explain. Imagine if John McCain had to explain his minister’s anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, KKK views. I don’t think “he’s practically a part of our family and those views are widely preached in our community” would cut it.

After decades of campaigns, political professionals learn that unintended consequences of strategic decisions are often your biggest liabilities. I think magnifying this problem is Team Billary’s only remaining hope and McCain’s path to victory. The independent expenditure ads write themselves and could disqualify Obama in the minds of many swing voters.

The Republicans for Hillary krewe will keep the medicinal Wild Turkey in storage for a few more weeks. Her best role might now be keeping the ugly debate rolling and then losing spectacularly at the end to a very wounded Obama.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:40 am Sacramento Solon:

Mr. Kid,

That’s not a bad write yourself. Seems as if the prose professionals be on their game this morning. Good job!

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:48 am Sacramento Solon:

Mr. Kid,

That’s not a bad write yourself. Seems as if the prose professionals be on their game this morning. Good job!

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:48 am Ann:

This is too serious.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:55 am Alva Johnson:

It’s not unpatriotic to remember past injustice.

I think what Obama proposed to the American people is that while we should remember the past, we need to turn the page and live in the here and now.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:59 am Johnnie Rico:

Kill ‘em all.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:00 am Johnnie Rico:

Kill ‘em all.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:00 am Ann:

Allah help us. lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:03 am Bill Bradley:

Or something like that.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:08 am Bill Bradley:

Or something like that.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:08 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks again.

>Johnnie Rico :
Kill ‘em all.
Mar 24, 2008 09:00 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:09 am Bill Bradley:

Of course not. But this is very difficult for many people to deal with. Including me.

>Alva Johnson :
It’s not unpatriotic to remember past injustice.
I think what Obama proposed to the American people is that while we should remember the past, we need to turn the page and live in the here and now.
Mar 24, 2008 08:59 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:11 am Bill Bradley:

Perhaps.

>Ann :
This is too serious.
Mar 24, 2008 08:55 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:12 am Bill Bradley:

Perhaps.

>Ann :
This is too serious.
Mar 24, 2008 08:55 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:12 am Bill Bradley:

Indeed.

>Sacramento Solon :
Mr. Kid,
That’s not a bad write yourself. Seems as if the prose professionals be on their game this morning. Good job!
Mar 24, 2008 08:48 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:13 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks, KK. But don’t be so sure you’ve got this deal figured out.

As I said to a McCain advisor last week, for every problem, there is a solution.

>Kandy Kid :
Bill, today’s very insightful piece about how talented and educated Obama donned the black politician persona instead of a biracial or white one is one of your best. While that cynical calculation will put off many regular voters, as a political professional, I am actually impressed by his clear assessment of his personal assets and his follow through in developing them. I have a Hispanic friend in the financial world who has done quite well using his racial background to get a edge against other supremely qualified competitors.
Of course every strategy has its vulnerabilities and sitting through years of bombastic sermons that spew preposterous lies and magnify racial conflict will be a tough one for Obama to explain. Imagine if John McCain had to explain his minister’s anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, KKK views. I don’t think “he’s practically a part of our family and those views are widely preached in our community” would cut it.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:15 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks, KK. But don’t be so sure you’ve got this deal figured out.

As I said to a McCain advisor last week, for every problem, there is a solution.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:15 am Bill Bradley:

… Of course, I am in the problems business, and not the solutions business.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:17 am Bill Bradley:

… Of course, I am in the problems business, and not the solutions business.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:17 am Bill Bradley:

Most of my Russian friends can’t stand black people. Which makes the old Soviet stance quite, well, amusing.

>sergei :
This is amazing race in America. You deal with race unlike anywhere else. In my country Obama would be unspeakable. African exchange students have been harrassed on streets of Moscow for many many years. Yet Vladimir Putin within year will probably accept Obama in the Kremlin. These are amazing days.
Mar 24, 2008 08:33 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:18 am Bill Bradley:

Most of my Russian friends can’t stand black people. Which makes the old Soviet stance quite, well, amusing.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:18 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks!

>Hap Hazard :
Ahead of the curve as usual Bill
Mar 24, 2008 08:20 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:19 am Bill Bradley:

I think it will be.

>marcus :
John McCain vs. Obama will be a great debate for America.
Mar 24, 2008 08:11 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:20 am Bill Bradley:

I think it will be.

>marcus :
John McCain vs. Obama will be a great debate for America.
Mar 24, 2008 08:11 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:20 am Bill Bradley:

A bit harsh.

>Capitol Boy :
You don’t “agree?”
You sound crazy.
Scott Chilcott :
I do not agree with any of this. America is not a racist country. America is the beacon of the world because it is not a racist country. Illegal aliens from all over the world flock to America because we are PC and ALLOW it. Barack Hussein Obama would flourish nowhere else in the Western world and he knows it.
Mar 24, 2008 07:46 AM
Mar 24, 2008 08:05 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:21 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks.

>Sacramento Solon :
Bill,
Excellent work.
Mar 24, 2008 07:58 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:23 am Bill Bradley:

Of course, I disagree with your disagreement. America is a racist country, with all races involved. That is a big part of Rev. Wright’s problem. Or are you only pretending that white people are not racist?

>Scott Chilcott :
I do not agree with any of this. America is not a racist country. America is the beacon of the world because it is not a racist country. Illegal aliens from all over the world flock to America because we are PC and ALLOW it. Barack Hussein Obama would flourish nowhere else in the Western world and he knows it.
Mar 24, 2008 07:46 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:25 am Bill Bradley:

Well, except for the glasses and the ears …

>Jack Aubrey :
The funny thing is that Obama looks like Malcolm X. Fortunately for him most people are ignorant in America.
Mar 24, 2008 07:40 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:27 am Bill Bradley:

We’ll see.

>marcus waldron :
I don’t know if America is ready for this.
Mar 24, 2008 07:32 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:28 am Bill Bradley:

We’ll see.

>marcus waldron :
I don’t know if America is ready for this.
Mar 24, 2008 07:32 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:28 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks, Alva. That’s one of the reasons why Obama has much more work to do.

>Alva Johnson :
Excellent piece, Bill. I wonder, however, how many of Obama’s words (and deeds) will break through and be heard in a reasoned discussion, with the right-wing echo chamber endlessly looping Wright sermons in the background.
Mar 24, 2008 07:11 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:30 am Bill Bradley:

Yep.

>Ann :
OMG
Mar 24, 2008 07:07 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:31 am Bill Bradley:

I think the Billary crew have more than they can deal with on this score.

>Capitol Boy :
America can’t deal with too much candor about race. I’m afraid this is exactly what the Clintons hoped for. But if anyone can talk about it and make it right, it’s Barack Obama.
Mar 24, 2008 06:58 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:33 am Bill Bradley:

I think the Billary crew have more than they can deal with on this score.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:33 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks.

Although I thought about it for several days, I actually wrote this in about 90 minutes. This is tough stuff.

>Jonas Blane :
And an awesome column.
Mar 24, 2008 06:26 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:35 am Bill Bradley:

Yes, it is.

>Jonas Blane :
That is an awesome video clip.
Mar 24, 2008 06:17 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:36 am Bill Bradley:

Yes, it is.

>Jonas Blane :
That is an awesome video clip.
Mar 24, 2008 06:17 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:36 am Brasky:

Wow. Good read Bill.

This issue, which is very thoughtfully laid out by Bill, shall be another good test for Obama and his supporters. This is no time for putting our heads in the sand.

It will be interesting to see the comments today — people tend to REACT rather than READ pieces that challenge their assumptions.

I will be away from my Flintstones technology today. I expect when I reappear, comments will have exceeded 100.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:42 am Brasky:

wow - see you are up to 41 comments already…I better raise my expectations to 150.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:44 am Ann:

lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:50 am Ann:

lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:50 am Kandy Kid:

Thank you Bill and Solon. Banging out a couple hundred words in the morning helps keep the brain nimble and creative. Adding some humor starts my day with a smile.

Yes Bill, in politics and wrestling, every good move has a counter move. Of course the wrestler must know the counter move and skillfully, quickly execute it. Therein lies Obama’s prospects for the White House. He loses every day this issue drowns out his appealing, hopeful campaign message.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:52 am Nick Thomas:

We don’t need all this Negroism.

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:00 am Ann:

lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:17 am Ann:

lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:17 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks.

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:22 am Bill Bradley:

Oh, yeah, thanks.

>Nick Thomas :
We don’t need all this Negroism.
Mar 24, 2008 10:00 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:23 am Bill Bradley:

Oh, yeah, thanks.

>Nick Thomas :
We don’t need all this Negroism.
Mar 24, 2008 10:00 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:23 am Ann:

Schwarzeneger wasn’t too late. He said something about living computers. lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:26 am Bill Bradley:

Actually, there is no particular rush for Obama. You may know the phrase, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

>Kandy Kid :
Thank you Bill and Solon. Banging out a couple hundred words in the morning helps keep the brain nimble and creative. Adding some humor starts my day with a smile.
Yes Bill, in politics and wrestling, every good move has a counter move. Of course the wrestler must know the counter move and skillfully, quickly execute it. Therein lies Obama’s prospects for the White House. He loses every day this issue drowns out his appealing, hopeful campaign message.
Mar 24, 2008 09:52 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:27 am Bill Bradley:

Actually, there is no particular rush for Obama. You may know the phrase, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:27 am Bill Bradley:

Living computers? Cool. Sounds like cross-promotion for the Sarah Connor Chronicles.

>Ann :
Schwarzeneger wasn’t too late. He said something about living computers. lol
Mar 24, 2008 10:26 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:28 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks.

>Brasky :
Wow. Good read Bill.
This issue, which is very thoughtfully laid out by Bill, shall be another good test for Obama and his supporters. This is no time for putting our heads in the sand.
It will be interesting to see the comments today — people tend to REACT rather than READ pieces that challenge their assumptions.
I will be away from my Flintstones technology today. I expect when I reappear, comments will have exceeded 100.
Mar 24, 2008 09:42 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:30 am James- The Historian:

Bill-

I must join the chorus this morning: your write today is off the hook!

Might I add that some of the NWN regulars are waxing eloquent as well on this Monday.

All of which makes NWN the place to go if one wants to be on the lead edge. OK with you to reproduce the Morning Column with a link back?

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:40 am James- The Historian:

Bill-

I must join the chorus this morning: your write today is off the hook!

Might I add that some of the NWN regulars are waxing eloquent as well on this Monday.

All of which makes NWN the place to go if one wants to be on the lead edge. OK with you to reproduce the Morning Column with a link back?

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:40 am Vladimir Bierko:

Wow, we should all be lucky to have Hispanic friends who admit to using their racial background to blah, blah, blah.

I’m sure education, hard work or perseverance had zero to do with having an edge against others.

Kandy Kid, you are an idiot ignorant of own idoicy. Perhaps that gives you an edge against other idiots.

>Kandy Kid:
I have a Hispanic friend in the financial world who has done quite well using his racial background to get a edge against other supremely qualified competitors.

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:42 am alphaomega:

“You can’t deny the charges.”

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:56 am Bill Bradley:

Thank you, Brother Malcolm.

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:04 am Bill Bradley:

Thank you, Brother Malcolm.

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:04 am Bill Bradley:

I don’t disagree, but let’s keep it cool.

>Vladimir Bierko :

Wow, we should all be lucky to have Hispanic friends who admit to using their racial background to blah, blah, blah.

I’m sure education, hard work or perseverance had zero to do with having an edge against others.

Kandy Kid, you are an idiot ignorant of own idoicy. Perhaps that gives you an edge against other idiots.

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:06 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks, James.

Of course.

>James- The Historian :
Bill-
I must join the chorus this morning: your write today is off the hook!
Might I add that some of the NWN regulars are waxing eloquent as well on this Monday.
All of which makes NWN the place to go if one wants to be on the lead edge. OK with you to reproduce the Morning Column with a link back?
Mar 24, 2008 10:40 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:07 am Kandy Kid:

Vladimir, I hesitate to dignify your attack with a response, so I will keep it short. At the highest levels of government, the economy and our culture, equally well educated, hard working and dedicated people still compete for fame and fortune. The winners usually maximize their assets, including ones such as race that make some people uncomfortable. Professional women who can show extra cleavage when dressing for job interviews do the same thing. Everyone puts their best foot forward and emotionally secure people admit race and sex can be part of the winning presentation.

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:08 am Kandy Kid:

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:08 am Ann:

Like WHITE. lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:10 am Jim Thomason:

“I think that Obama is not going to become president unless he can explain Malcolm X (Wright’s most outrageous statements are a stand-in for what he represented), the anger that produced him, and the preposterous statements that not infrequently emanate from the black church.”

The problem with this is that Malcolm X, in spite of his own much more harrowing than Wright’s (to say nothing of Obama’s) personal history (his father being murdered by the KKK, etc. etc.) in 1964 - OVER 40 YEARS AGO - overcame his hatred of whites. As the “official” Malcolm X website puts it:

“Malcolm went on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The trip proved life altering. For the first time, Malcolm shared his thoughts and beliefs with different cultures, and found the response to be overwhelmingly positive. When he returned, Malcolm said he had met “blonde-haired, blued-eyed men I could call my brothers.” He returned to the United States with a new outlook on integration and a new hope for the future. This time when Malcolm spoke, instead of just preaching to African-Americans, he had a message for all races.”

http://www.cmgww.com/historic/malcolm/about/bio3.htm

Why could Malcolm X overcome his -much more well-founded - racist hatreds in 1964, in Saudi Arabia of all places, yet Wright in 2008 still not only harbors them but instills and inflames them in his parishoners?

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:53 am Jim Thomason:

http://www.cmgww.com/historic/malcolm/about/bio3.htm

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:53 am Vladimir Bierko:

Perhaps you have a well-endowed, Hispanic female friend too?

Sorry, Mister Bradley, I couldn’t help myself.

>Kandy Kid:
Professional women who can show extra cleavage when dressing for job interviews do the same thing. Everyone puts their best foot forward and emotionally secure people admit race and sex can be part of the winning presentation.

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:54 am Jim Thomason:

“Everyone puts their best foot forward and emotionally secure people admit race and sex can be part of the winning presentation.”

So G. Ferrarro is clearly an “emotionally secure” person, and Obama is not.

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:57 am Trinka:

Is Obama, like the Wizard of OZ, a fraud behind a screen of words?

Obama’s recent speech does NOT excuse Obama’s 20 years of support for Rev Wright’s racism and lies:

-Obama says “words matter”, yet he attended a church for 20 years whose pastor who was clearly racist
in his verbal attacks against whites.

-Obama supported (I believe correctly) the firing of Imus for the three word racial comment Imus made, but Obama said nothing for 20 years about Rev. Wright’s racial comments until a video of one of Rev. Wright’s racial rants was shown on UTube.

-Because Rev. Wright is a very loud and dynamic speaker, it is unlikely that Obama slept thru all of
Rev. Wright’s racist comments during the 20 years Obama attended.

-Obama asks us to believe that he thinks of Rev Wright as sort of a crazy Uncle. Then why didn’t Obama just quit going to Rev. Wright’s church? After all, Rev. Wright is NOT Obama’s real uncle.

-Rev. Wright believes that the US government created AIDs to destroy African Americans. Does Obama believe this also? If not, why does Obama take his children to a church where such lies are spoken? Such lies are not very unifying.

Yes, Obama, like the Wizard of OZ, is a fraud behind a screen of words.

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:19 pm Trinka:

Is Obama, like the Wizard of OZ, a fraud behind a screen of words?

Obama’s recent speech does NOT excuse Obama’s 20 years of support for Rev Wright’s racism and lies:

-Obama says “words matter”, yet he attended a church for 20 years whose pastor who was clearly racist
in his verbal attacks against whites.

-Because Rev. Wright is a very loud and dynamic speaker, it is unlikely that Obama slept thru all of
Rev. Wright’s racist comments during the 20 years Obama attended.

-Obama asks us to believe that he thinks of Rev Wright as sort of a crazy Uncle. Then why didn’t Obama just quit going to Rev. Wright’s church? After all, Rev. Wright is NOT Obama’s real uncle.

Yes, Obama, like the Wizard of OZ, is a fraud behind a screen of words.

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:19 pm Alva Johnson:

I know I’m late to this party, Bill, but what is meant by the term “Negroism,” as used in the comments above?

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:19 pm M. Simon:

I didn’t march for this crap. I didn’t drink out of the Colored Only water fountain when I was five (I knew what it meant and it offended me) for this. I could go on…

I don’t have a racist bone in my body and IMO Obama’s Pastor is as Racist as any Southern Cracker in 1962.

Obama is toast. He is not the most amazing thing since sliced bread.

Obama want to fix this crap? He should make “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” his campaign song. 360,000 mostly white Americans died to free the slaves. Where is credit where credit is due?

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:27 pm M. Simon:

I didn’t march for this crap. I didn’t drink out of the Colored Only water fountain when I was five (I knew what it meant and it offended me) for this. I could go on…

I don’t have a racist bone in my body and IMO Obama’s Pastor is as Racist as any Southern Cracker in 1962.

Obama is toast. He is not the most amazing thing since sliced bread.

Obama want to fix this crap? He should make “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” his campaign song. 360,000 mostly white Americans died to free the slaves. Where is credit where credit is due?

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:27 pm Capitol Boy:

Obama is “toast??” Keep dreaming.

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:36 pm Vladimir Bierko:

Toast starts out white, then gets darker (blacker?) according to taste and temperature. Perhaps M. Simon is on to something here.

>M. Simon
Obama is toast.

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:46 pm LogicalSC:

Both Obama and Wright should be prime examples of that America works. Obama who raised by his white grandparents attended the #1 prep school in Hawaii, was accepted to one of the top schools in the nation and is a millionaire. Wright comes from a very successful family with a very highly reguarded mother.

The color of their skin has had no negative impact on their lives and yet to push a radical socialist ideology they promote ill-will toward this country and their whites countrymen.

No thanks, the problems facing the country and the world can not be fixed by “blaming whitey”.

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:47 pm LogicalSC:

The color of their skin has had no negative impact on their lives and yet to push a radical socialist ideology they promote ill-will toward this country and their whites countrymen.

No thanks, the problems facing the country and the world can not be fixed by “blaming whitey”.

Mar 24, 2008 - 12:47 pm Sacramento Solon:

Okay, I’m just back from my stroll. Read this crap and now need a nap.

Folks, get a grip of youselves. No, not that grip, dummies…get control of yourselves!

Hope you are all in a better mood when I wake.

Toast, someone called for toast???

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:22 pm Sacramento Solon:

Okay, I’m just back from my stroll. Read this crap and now need a nap.

Folks, get a grip of youselves. No, not that grip, dummies…get control of yourselves!

Hope you are all in a better mood when I wake.

Toast, someone called for toast???

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:22 pm Sacramento Solon:

Oh, least I forget and someone takes true offense at my last post, or lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:30 pm Ann:

lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:41 pm Ann:

lol

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:41 pm Classical Values:

Not your typical closet

I’ve been reading Maureen Dowd for years, and I generally find myself irritated by her. But when she’s good, she’s good, and in her latest column, she’s at her best. (Have to admit, I savored every word.) While it’s obvious…

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:51 pm Classical Values:

Not your typical closet

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:55 pm Classical Values:

Not your typical closet

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:57 pm Classical Values:

Not your typical closet

Mar 24, 2008 - 1:57 pm Classical Values:

Not your typical closet

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:04 pm Capitol Boy:

Prop 98 is toast.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:32 pm Juan Cortina:

“The winners usually maximize their assets, including ones such as race… ”

Sure… race has helped millions of people of color get noticed… by the police and immigration.

Thankkks for starting the conversation on race in America!

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:38 pm Juan Cortina:

“The winners usually maximize their assets, including ones such as race… ”

Sure… race has helped millions of people of color get noticed… by the police and immigration.

Thankkks for starting the conversation on race in America!

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:38 pm Kandy Kid:

Solon, I certainly did not take true offense at your comment. The only time I loose control of myself is at wine tastings when someone else is driving.

Speaking of toast, my favorite toast is sourdough spread with roasted bone marrow and sprinkled with coarse salt. Pair with a nice pinot or merlot and you wont care about extra cleavage. Unfortunately, I can’t find any Sacramento resturants that serve such exquisite toast.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:40 pm Kandy Kid:

Solon, I certainly did not take true offense at your comment. The only time I loose control of myself is at wine tastings when someone else is driving.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:40 pm Dana:

Don’t a lot of deep pockets take their cues from the Chamber as to which measures to fund? This stance by them against 98 could be bad news for the landlords who hoped to tap the eminent domain issue to fund their anti-rent control crusade…

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:48 pm Bill Bradley:

Yes, many do. And also see it as sign of prospects.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:51 pm Bill Bradley:

Yes, many do. And also see it as sign of prospects.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:51 pm Bill Bradley:

Now, General Cortina …

>Juan Cortina :

“The winners usually maximize their assets, including ones such as race… ”

Sure… race has helped millions of people of color get noticed… by the police and immigration.

Thankkks for starting the conversation on race in America!

Mar 24, 2008 02:38 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:52 pm Bill Bradley:

Probably.

>Capitol Boy :

Prop 98 is toast.

Mar 24, 2008 02:32 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:54 pm Bill Bradley:

Probably.

>Capitol Boy :

Prop 98 is toast.

Mar 24, 2008 02:32 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:54 pm Bill Bradley:

How’s the weather?

>Sacramento Solon :

Okay, I’m just back from my stroll. Read this crap and now need a nap.

Folks, get a grip of youselves. No, not that grip, dummies…get control of yourselves!

Hope you are all in a better mood when I wake.

Toast, someone called for toast???

Mar 24, 2008 01:22 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:55 pm Juan Cortina:

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:56 pm Juan Cortina:

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:56 pm Bill Bradley:

I don’t recall Obama saying he “blames whitey.”

>LogicalSC :

The color of their skin has had no negative impact on their lives and yet to push a radical socialist ideology they promote ill-will toward this country and their whites countrymen.

No thanks, the problems facing the country and the world can not be fixed by “blaming whitey”.

Mar 24, 2008 12:47 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:56 pm Bill Bradley:

Hah.

>Vladimir Bierko :

Toast starts out white, then gets darker (blacker?) according to taste and temperature. Perhaps M. Simon is on to something here.

>M. Simon
Obama is toast.

Mar 24, 2008 12:46 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:57 pm Bill Bradley:

Hah.

>Vladimir Bierko :

Toast starts out white, then gets darker (blacker?) according to taste and temperature. Perhaps M. Simon is on to something here.

>M. Simon
Obama is toast.

Mar 24, 2008 12:46 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:57 pm Bill Bradley:

I’ll let you know when Obama is toast.

>M. Simon :

I didn’t march for this crap. I didn’t drink out of the Colored Only water fountain when I was five (I knew what it meant and it offended me) for this. I could go on…

I don’t have a racist bone in my body and IMO Obama’s Pastor is as Racist as any Southern Cracker in 1962.

Obama is toast. He is not the most amazing thing since sliced bread.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:58 pm Bill Bradley:

I’ll let you know when Obama is toast.

>M. Simon :

I didn’t march for this crap. I didn’t drink out of the Colored Only water fountain when I was five (I knew what it meant and it offended me) for this. I could go on…

I don’t have a racist bone in my body and IMO Obama’s Pastor is as Racist as any Southern Cracker in 1962.

Obama is toast. He is not the most amazing thing since sliced bread.

Mar 24, 2008 - 2:58 pm Bill Bradley:

Dunno.

>Alva Johnson :

I know I’m late to this party, Bill, but what is meant by the term “Negroism,” as used in the comments above?

Mar 24, 2008 12:19 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:00 pm Bill Bradley:

I assume this is a rhetorical question …

>Trinka :

Is Obama, like the Wizard of OZ, a fraud behind a screen of words?

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:01 pm Bill Bradley:

I assume this is a rhetorical question …

>Trinka :

Is Obama, like the Wizard of OZ, a fraud behind a screen of words?

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:01 pm Bill Bradley:

Would that get you in trouble?

>Vladimir Bierko :

Perhaps you have a well-endowed, Hispanic female friend too?

Sorry, Mister Bradley, I couldn’t help myself.

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:02 pm Bill Bradley:

She is? I know her.

>Jim Thomason :

“Everyone puts their best foot forward and emotionally secure people admit race and sex can be part of the winning presentation.”

So G. Ferrarro is clearly an “emotionally secure” person, and Obama is not.

Mar 24, 2008 11:57 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:03 pm Bill Bradley:

She is? I know her.

>Jim Thomason :

“Everyone puts their best foot forward and emotionally secure people admit race and sex can be part of the winning presentation.”

So G. Ferrarro is clearly an “emotionally secure” person, and Obama is not.

Mar 24, 2008 11:57 AM

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:03 pm Bill Bradley:

That sounds like a Capitol interview.
>Kandy Kid :

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:05 pm Ann:

Too funny.

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:16 pm Ann:

Too funny.

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:16 pm Jim Thomason:

>”She is? I know her.”

Take it up with Kandy Kid, I was just taking his statement at face value and running with it.

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:29 pm Mitchell:

Bill/others; Do you think McCain has any chance of winning California in the general election?

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:42 pm Mitchell:

Bill/others; Do you think McCain has any chance of winning California in the general election?

Mar 24, 2008 - 3:42 pm Wilbur:

So who scrawled this address on the echo chamber walls?

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:07 pm Sacramento Solon:

Howdy,

Couple catch-up posts…

Chris M…the wine you mentioned last evening is listed in Wine Spectator in an article titled “California Values”

Mr. Bradley…Weather is near perfect

KK…My words were not intended for you. I would thing the only time you might get out of control is if your blood alcohol level was low. I know it impacts me the same way!
Please, folks, don’t get me started on what it was like to live in the South during the fifties or what an education it was to move from there to Los Angeles. It’s far too long a write…but just let me say that some folks attitudes were scarred beyond repair and justly so.

Off to the market. Play nice.

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:15 pm Kandy Kid:

McCain has a slight chance of winning California, but only under a Democratic meltdown scenario. If California is close come late October, then McCain will win at least 40 states and therefore the California results will not matter. That is the reason McCain will not seriously campaign here.

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:18 pm Kandy Kid:

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:18 pm Bill Bradley:

Some chance. The McCain folks insist he will contest California.

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:23 pm Bill Bradley:

That’s good.

>Sacramento Solon :
Howdy,
Couple catch-up posts…
Chris M…the wine you mentioned last evening is listed in Wine Spectator in an article titled “California Values”
Mr. Bradley…Weather is near perfect

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:24 pm Bill Bradley:

That’s good.

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:24 pm Bill Bradley:

Pardon?

>Wilbur :
So who scrawled this address on the echo chamber walls?
Mar 24, 2008 04:07 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:25 pm Bill Bradley:

Pardon?

>Wilbur :
So who scrawled this address on the echo chamber walls?
Mar 24, 2008 04:07 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:25 pm Bill Bradley:

What do you think?

>Mitchell :
Bill/others; Do you think McCain has any chance of winning California in the general election?
Mar 24, 2008 03:42 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:27 pm Bill Bradley:

Got it.

>Jim Thomason :
>”She is? I know her.”
Take it up with Kandy Kid, I was just taking his statement at face value and running with it.
Mar 24, 2008 03:29 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:28 pm Bill Bradley:

Got it.

>Jim Thomason :
>”She is? I know her.”
Take it up with Kandy Kid, I was just taking his statement at face value and running with it.
Mar 24, 2008 03:29 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:28 pm Mitchell:

I think its very difficult for any Republican to win California in the General Election, even McCain. He does though, have an appeal to the Independents and will have, I assume, the enthusiastic support of Arnold.
Still, I would think this would be classified as a ’safe’ Democratic state in the general.

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:34 pm Bill Bradley:

They do have some plans, which I’ll get into.

Are you going to be at the convention in San Jose?

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:44 pm Bill Bradley:

They do have some plans, which I’ll get into.

Are you going to be at the convention in San Jose?

Mar 24, 2008 - 4:44 pm Mitchell:

Yes

Mar 24, 2008 - 5:01 pm Chris M:

An excellent day’s work, Bill!
—
McCain’s statements such as the one Bill posts above add to the growing realization that McCain’s rep as foreign policy expert and his preparedness to be C-in-C are more media creation than reality:

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/03/24/mccains_rogue_state_rollback_s/

Yes, Al Qaeda in Iraq is a problem, but because Bush created it! McCain’s new tactic is to lump in Al Qaeda with all Islamic extremists. His hope is that American voters will be even less nuanced on Iraq and Islam– kill them all!–than they will be on race.

To be fair, the Right, whose votes candidate McCain needs, may in fact be disappointed by what McCain might do as President:

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-mccainpolicy16mar16,1,7538119.story

The conflicting signals have caught the attention of foreign policy experts. “Who is the real John McCain?” asked Dmitri Simes, president of the Nixon Center, a Washington think tank and stronghold of the realist thinkers.

Simes said McCain, one of the Nixon Center’s advisors, has privately assured prominent supporters in the traditional foreign policy camp that “his more exuberant statements don’t necessarily reflect his real views.”

“John is a traditional national security guy,” said retired Adm. Bobby Ray Inman, a former top intelligence official who is listed by the campaign as an important supporter. If McCain reaches the White House, Inman predicts, “there’s going to be a lot of disappointment on the neoconservative side.”

Let’s hope that McCain’s more pugilistic pronouncements are intended to reassure Limbaugh’s sheep and the wingnuts and not a true indication that Bush-Cheney has been just a warm-up act for an even more aggressive McCain administration foreign policy.

Mar 24, 2008 - 5:43 pm Chris M:

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/03/24/mccains_rogue_state_rollback_s/

To be fair, the Right, whose votes candidate McCain needs, may in fact be disappointed by what McCain might do as President:

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-mccainpolicy16mar16,1,7538119.story

Mar 24, 2008 - 5:43 pm Bill Bradley:

Thanks. And that of course is some good spin from the opposition to McCain.

Mar 24, 2008 - 5:51 pm Bill Bradley:

Thanks. And that of course is some good spin from the opposition to McCain.

Mar 24, 2008 - 5:51 pm Bill Bradley:

Great! See you there.

>Mitchell :

Yes

Mar 24, 2008 05:01 PM

Mar 24, 2008 - 5:54 pm Brasky:

Well Bill, you gave us all a lot to think about today and I’ve got to say, the blogosphere came-up short. I was worried it was going to be all heat and no light, but even the heat wasn’t even up to Zippo standards.

I think you are right when you propose the importance of the decision of Obama to go to Chicago. I do think that his decision had to do more with establishing his personal, rather than his political, identity. I also think that when you talk about opportunism, maybe we should also talk about the opportunism to affect change – going to the place where you can have the most impact.

This decision is really a key something Obama should talk must talk about in the days and months to come. A very thoughtful article – I only wish those on this side of the keyboard had been able to meet the challenge. Lots of things we could have discussed today, but didn’t.

For example, the Autobiography of Malcolm X is an amazing read about a man who went thru two or three dramatic life changes. In his last incarnation, X might have been able to build a meaningful bridge between the races. But then he was shot and killed. The two men who had the greatest opportunity to heal hatred were taken by hatred, one by a white trigger-finger, the other by a black trigger-finger.

How does that relate to Rev Wright? I’m not sure, except that the anger still there today is complicated, although the expression of it is often not. And unfortunately, having an honest discussion of race is difficult – there are minefields on BOTH sides of the barbed wire fence that need to be negotiated with considerable more tact than a charging rhino like Wright or a bumbling old heifer like Rush Limbaugh.

Having an honest discussion about race in a sound byte world might not be possible, but seeing the reaction to Obama’s speech gives me some hope.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:05 pm Brasky:

Having an honest discussion about race in a sound byte world might not be possible, but seeing the reaction to Obama’s speech gives me some hope.

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:05 pm Capitol Boy:

Where’s the video of Hillary Clinton flying in to Bosnia?

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:06 pm Sacramento Solon:

Capitol Boy,

Think Chris M posted the link last evening…however, if you missed it, here it is…

[www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/…]

Bill, hope I’m not sinning by doing this.

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:02 pm Sacramento Solon:

Capitol Boy,

You might be amused to hear that HC’s folks are now claiming that she misspoke about the landing.

Here’s a link to that story:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Clinton-Bosnia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:28 pm Sacramento Solon:

Capitol Boy,

You might be amused to hear that HC’s folks are now claiming that she misspoke about the landing.

Here’s a link to that story:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Clinton-Bosnia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:28 pm Jack Aubrey:

Hillary is such a phony.

Mar 24, 2008 - 8:58 pm Hattie Caraway:

In 1924 Warren Harding was dead, and all of his scandals were in full view of the nation. His vice presidential successor, had the personality of a parking meter. The Democrats had two great candidates, William Gibbs McAdoo, the glamorous son in law of Woodrow Wilson, and Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic to make a serious run at the presidency. McAdoo and Smith tore each other up at a Democratic Convention that went 103 ballots (that’s right, 103) and ultimately nominated corporate lawyer John W. Davis. By that time the nomination had no value, and Coolidge beat Davis in a landslide. 2008 is feeling an awful lot like 1924 all over again. Oh, one final note about Davis, he would later argue the losing segregationist side in historic Brown v. Board of Education.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:23 pm Hattie Caraway:

In 1924, Warren Harding was dead, but the nation was feeling the revulsion from his myriad scandals. His vice-presidential successor, Calvin Coolidge, had the charisma of a parking meter. By contrast, the Democrats had two great candidates — the glamourous William Gibbs McAdoo, son-in-law of Woodrow Wilson (and much later a Senator from California) and Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic to have a serious chance of becoming President. But the Democrats blew it. McAdoo and Smith tore each other up at a Democratic Convention that dragged on for 103 ballots before nominating corporate lawyer John W. Davis. Davis, who would later argue the losing segregationist side before the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education, was swamped by Calvin Coolidge. Given what is happening between Clinton and Obama, 2008 is feeling chillingly like 1924 all over again. We won’t go 103 ballots, but the value of the Democratic nomination is being steadily DEvalued.

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:29 pm Hattie Caraway:

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:43 pm Hattie Caraway:

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:19 pm Hattie Caraway:

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:27 pm Hattie Caraway:

Mar 24, 2008 - 10:27 pm Hap Hazard:

technical note - it appears that PJM recently (within the last hour or so, judging by the 10:27 PM post above) redid its website with a new link address to NWN, which I discovered only after having been forbidden (http 403) to enter the site using my bookmarked address. Is it just me?

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:21 pm Hap Hazard:

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:22 pm Wilbur:

Nope, Hap, it did it to me too. Had to go find Bill’s mugshot on the main PJM page to find this page. Seem to have added a new server or subdomain name “mt” to the left of the old address.

Now we get to start a pool on what “mt” signifies. McCain Time?

Mar 24, 2008 - 11:56 pm Hap Hazard:

Wilbur - it appears that the PJM site has been redone, but it also appears that only the “pajamasExpress” bloggers have the “mt” added at the beginning…

Mai Tai?

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:08 am Hap Hazard:

Wilbur - it appears that the PJM site has been redone, but it also appears that only the “pajamasExpress” bloggers have the “mt” added at the beginning…

Mai Tai?

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:08 am Bill Bradley:

Folks, it’s easy to get to New West Notes.

Same deal as two years ago … newwestnotes.com.

Now about mp3 players …

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:10 am Bill Bradley:

Folks, it’s easy to get to New West Notes.

Same deal as two years ago … newwestnotes.com.

Now about mp3 players …

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:10 am Bill Bradley:

Thanks.

>Hattie Caraway :
In 1924, Warren Harding was dead, but the nation was feeling the revulsion from his myriad scandals. His vice-presidential successor, Calvin Coolidge, had the charisma of a parking meter. By contrast, the Democrats had two great candidates — the glamourous William Gibbs McAdoo, son-in-law of Woodrow Wilson (and much later a Senator from California) and Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic to have a serious chance of becoming President. But the Democrats blew it. McAdoo and Smith tore each other up at a Democratic Convention that dragged on for 103 ballots before nominating corporate lawyer John W. Davis. Davis, who would later argue the losing segregationist side before the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education, was swamped by Calvin Coolidge. Given what is happening between Clinton and Obama, 2008 is feeling chillingly like 1924 all over again. We won’t go 103 ballots, but the value of the Democratic nomination is being steadily DEvalued.
Mar 24, 2008 10:27 PM

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:11 am Hattie Caraway:

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:45 am Hattie Caraway:

I am sorry for the multiple posts, my computer kept telling me that I was not connecting. I am very sorry, this was unintentional.

Mar 25, 2008 - 12:49 am Bill Bradley:

Well, you might want to look at the Forum section where it’s all posted, i.e., here.

Mar 25, 2008 - 1:02 am Bill Bradley:

Well, you might want to look at the Forum section where it’s all posted, i.e., here.

Mar 25, 2008 - 1:02 am Bill Bradley:

As promised, it’s all on the front page of NWN now.

>Capitol Boy :

Where’s the video of Hillary Clinton flying in to Bosnia?

Mar 24, 2008 06:06 PM
Sacramento Solon :

Capitol Boy,

Think Chris M posted the link last evening…however, if you missed it, here it is…

[www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/…]

Bill , hope I’m not sinning by doing this.

Mar 24, 2008 07:02 PM

Mar 25, 2008 - 1:04 am Bill Bradley:

As promised, it’s all on the front page of NWN now.

>Capitol Boy :

Where’s the video of Hillary Clinton flying in to Bosnia?

Mar 24, 2008 06:06 PM
Sacramento Solon :

Capitol Boy,

Think Chris M posted the link last evening…however, if you missed it, here it is…

[www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/…]

Bill , hope I’m not sinning by doing this.

Mar 24, 2008 07:02 PM

Mar 25, 2008 - 1:04 am sergei:

This is amazing discussion of racialism. Thank you.

Mar 25, 2008 - 3:22 am

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Monday Morning Quarterback: Obama’s Wright Stuff … X Marks The Spot, And More With Forum Throughout Day

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