Tuesday, August 26, 2008

McCain's Celebrity

Over at the TIME groupblog Swampland, Ana Marie Cox has a post noting John McCain's 13th appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. That's the same amount of appearances as such celebrity heavy weights as Pamela Anderson and Simon Cowell. Just in case your wondering, Barack Obama that "elitist celebrity" has only appeared on the show once.

Via Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo.

Thoughts on Biden


I realize that this is coming 4 days late, but I really think that Joe Biden is a solid pick for Barack Obama's running mate. Biden is a very endearing Senator and I have no doubt that he will convince many voters that were on the fence in regards to Obama to fall fully into his camp. His personal story about commuting home every night to be with his sons after the tragic accident that killed his wife and daughter will resonate with American voters. Joe Biden truly is a blue-collar guy, an Irish Catholic from Scranton (yeah Dunder-Mifflin!!!) that grew up with absolutely nothing. Just like Barack Obama, the son of a single mother on welfare. Hopefully this pick will help combat the "elitist" and "celebrity" narrative. However, I think the Democrats could nominate a homeless 12 year old for President and the GOP would still call them an elitist. Mark Schmitt has a great mini-profile of Joe Biden over at the American Prospect. It's a short read that I highly recommend.

As for the convention last night, I thought the tribute to Teddy Kennedy was very moving. I thought considering the circumstance he looked good. His speech conveyed the fire and passion he still possesses, especially for lifting up ordinary Americans. Also, his vow to be on the Senate floor in January 2009 was very touching, and reassuring for that matter. His voice is a crucial one, and if Obama hopes to enact progressive change through the Senate, Kennedy's skills will be vital. I thought that Michelle Obama was electrifying. I had high expectations for this speech, but she absolutely knocked it out of the park. Her speech exhibited how normal she is. Personally, I find it abhorrent that millions of Americans still need to be convinced of that. It shows just how far our country has to go. However, her presence on that stage also demonstrated how far our country has progressed.

Photo used courtesy of Flickr user IowaPolitics.com July, 17 2007