web analytics

JerseySmarts.com

Hillary Clinton Swings it Home in Denver

Posted on by

Like every other political wonk out there, I watched New York’s Senator Hillary Clinton give a great speech during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. The goal of this speech was for Senator Clinton to show her unyielding support for Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy and I think she did just that – and did it in grand style. Many of the talking heads on the television talked about how Hillary’s speech put herself in front of Obama on a variety of policy issues. I disagree. I think that she said as clear as she could possibly say it – she supports Barack Obama for President.

Yes, her speech was lacking a lot of flowery language and poetic verse. But folks, Hillary isn’t Obama. Senator Obama gets on the stage and sounds like the modern day Mark Twain, yet says nothing in the process. Sure, he’s someone that is probably fun to listen to live, but he gives no indication on what his specific course of action will be if he is elected as President.

For those of you who expected a flowery speech from Hillary – you’re nuts. Flowery speeches are reserved for those political figures who are on their way out (think Senator Edward Kennedy in 1980 – YouTube it if you’ve not heard it). Poetic speeches are reserved for those who will not run for higher office again and you KNOW Hillary is going to run for President again!

All in all, I was pleased with Hillary’s speech. I’m having a major problem with the DNC, though. It seems like it’s a good time out in Colorado, but I’m not able to get that feeling in my living room. By matter of contrast, both the Republican and Democratic conventions in 2004 brought a palpable excitement into many homes around the nation. This year the Democratic convention is missing that electricity. I think it’s because there are no specific policies being explained in detail (and if they are being explained, then our biased American media isn’t reporting it).

Here’s hoping the Republican convention has as many good speeches as the Democratic convention has had so far…and that’s it more fun to watch!

Senator Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama at the DNC

Posted on by

Last night I, along with millions of Americans, watched Senator Ted Kennedy give a raucous speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Whether you love him or you hate him, you have to admit that it was good to see the man standing up on his own power and speaking with the force and passion that defined his political career. I thought the opening tribute video was a nice summary of his political accomplishments, too.

I understand, however, how some people will never be able to forget his connection to the Chappaquiddick incident. But putting those issues aside, the man looked pretty good for someone who has recently undergone brain surgery and chemotherapy.

As for the rest of the convention, I thought it was a good night. And I don’t subscribe the theories that the Democrats should have been stronger on the attack. Americans have been promised “change” and a “new politics” and I think the Democrats are carrying out their end of the deal by not using their convention to bash the opponents. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi gave a nice speech (giving a great shot out to Italian-Americans – whoo hoo!). I didn’t care for Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s speech, but that’s because I don’t think he really said anything…which is par for the course.

Michelle Obama gave a good speech, too, but mainly because she has completely changed course from her previous anti-American stances. I’m sorry, but when a person says that “America in 2008 is a downright mean country” and that this is the “first time in my adult life that I am proud of my country,” those are extremely negative statements. But her speech tonight was very well written and very well spoken. An excellent job by Michelle Obama!

Unfortunately, these conventions are always marred by morons on the outside. The anarchists who are protesting the DNC should be ashamed of themselves. They represent that worn-in crud on the boot of American politics and, frankly, that’s too high of a position for them. I saw one article that reported there were anti-Obama, anti-gay, anti-black, anti-war, anti-Democrat, anti-government, anti-American, and anti-FOX News protesters outside of the convention yesterday…to name a few.

Talk about people who are brainwashed!

The Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado

Posted on by

For political science junkies, this is the most wonderful time of the year! Or the last four years, to be exact. This week we will be treated to political craziness at its best with the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. I’ve been following the pre-Convocation hype machines on FOX News, CNN, and MSNBC (all emanating from Denver) and it’s been interesting to say the least. Both FOX News and CNN keep asking their Democratic guests about the logic in choosing Senator Joe Biden as Senator Barack Obama’s running mate while the fish at MSNBC keep flopping around like crazy about how great Obama/Biden will be for the country.

Personally, I’m a fan of Biden, but for the wrong reasons. I like the fact that he speaks his mind and seems like a regular guy in terms of telling people to go F themselves. I also like the fact that he isn’t afraid to say, “Person A is a complete moron. Don’t listen to them because they don’t know what they’re talking about!” That’s candor for you!

But as much as I enjoy watching the political conventions (there will be more insanity when the Republican National Convention takes place), I always hate what comes with these events. For example, as I was flipping from CNN to FOX yesterday I caught a bunch of protesters on FOX News chanting, “Fuck FOX News! Fuck FOX News!” This was their response to a FOX reporter who was asking them what they were protesting about and if they could justify their stance. That type of childish, grade school activity is unnecessary and strongly detracts from any “cause” these people are trying to push. I’d rather that these protesters come on and give their best shot at answering the question (which one older man tried to do to no avail – he made no sense).

Anyway, the big story of the week will be how the Clintons interact with the delegates at the convention. Will Senator Hillary Clinton use her speech to focus on her personal accomplishments and the amazing gains that she’s made for women in national politics? It’s likely, but it’s also well-deserved. Will President Bill Clinton continue his lackluster support for Barack Obama or will he come out of the gate swinging for Obama/Biden? I think we’ll see Hillary continue her support for Obama and for Bill to talk about the message of hope and change. Nothing ground-breaking from either of them, though.

But be on the lookout for people going over the edge during the conventions (and I’ll repeat this warning when the Republicans begin their show). You’ll hear more lies, half-truths, and spin during a political convention than almost any other time of the year (the day before Election Day being the exception). So sit back, relax, and enjoy political theater at its best!

Ron Paul Plans Alternative Rally

Posted on by

Failed Presidential candidate Ron Paul has planned an alternative rally to the Republican National Convention. Paul’s rally, to be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, is supposed to focus on his message of limited government (of which I am a fan).

It’s a shame that Congressman Paul’s campaign was neglected by the major networks. The media has really shaped the current Presidential campaign and it’s disgusting. Any American out there who is looking for real “change” isn’t even allowed to hear different opinions by the American media. How many of the major media conglomerates are allowing the Libertarian or Green Party to join the debates? FOX isn’t. CNN isn’t. CBS isn’t. ABC isn’t. MSNBC isn’t. Speaking of NBC – I can barely watch their programming any more as their entire schedule of programming is so one-sided in favor of Obama that it might as well be funded out of the Obama campaign!

I know these media companies stick to some format that requires X% of the national polls to be in favor of your campaign, but they know that American masses are mostly sheep and vote for either R or D. Why not change your debate regulations to reflect the fact that there needs to be more than two views of how to move forward? Why not have regulations that allow the four political parties with the highest polling to be involved in the debate? If the Republicans get 44% and the Democrats get 44%, then the media should look to that remaining 12% of the opinion polls to see which third party candidates people are supporting.

All I know is that for a Republican and a Democrat to run around America saying “Change, change, change,” is completely ridiculous. What’s the definition of insanity? Always doing the same thing and expecting a different result. So America – keep voting Republican and Democrat and see if you get a different result…lunatics.

Sirius and XM Approved to Merge

Posted on by

After what seems like an eternity, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM have been approved to merge by the Federal Communications Commission. This is at once both good and frightening news. Good news because there was no reason to stop these two companies from merging in the first place and – as a combined organization – they may have the ability to become a profitable company. Frightening news because the merger plan has taken over 18 months to be approved.

What the hell is wrong with our government that it takes 18 months to approve the merger of two extremely small companies? Sad, really…

And it’s funny how politics makes strange bedfellows. The biggest personality on satellite radio is Howard Stern – someone who has been critical of the Republican administration for quite some time now. Who cast the deciding vote to allow the merger? A Republican. The Democrats on the FCC were looking to bog down the merger with such a massive amount of needed extras that it would have looked unappealing for any company.

In the end, as a consumer of satellite radio I’m happy. I’ve been thinking of giving up the service since Howard Stern is one of the main reasons that I even have Sirius XM and he’s only on a small fraction of the time due to a ridiculous vacation schedule. But now that the two companies have been allowed to merge – I’ll probably stick around for a little bit longer!