Keepin' the real in Realpolitik

May 1, 2008

1) "It is not deficient. It is just different." That sums up our disappointment at learning that the Rev. Wright's appearance at the National Press Club this week was probably not orchestrated behind the scenes by Club member Barbara Reynolds, a supporter of Hillary Clinton for President, who had originally invited Rev. Wright (whom she knows well) to speak at the club some years ago. In a time when political CSI teams find every fingerprint, it could have been such a smooth move. Still, as for the Wright performance itself, as political theatre it was priceless.

2) Speaking of Political CSI. Ryan Lizza, writing in this week's The New Yorker [4-28-08], describes Bill Clinton on the trail as being unable to comprehend the blanket coverage of modern media. Quoting a Clinton aide on Bill, "It's like he's been plucked out of time and thrown into the middle of this entirely new kind of campaign. Because of the way he is covered, the only thing anyone ever sees is fifteen seconds that is deemed by the pundits to be off message."

3) For those who don't believe either of the above two stories. "Nothing in this campaign has been by accident." Rep. James E. Clyburn (D., S.C.) [NYT 4-29-08]

4) HRC goes to "The Factor" Yes, Hillary's appearance on Bill O'Reilly's show was akin to Nixon's trek to China. Except with that one we weren't looking at The Great Wall and still thinking about loofahs somewhere in the back of our brains. And oh yes, did you know he grew up in Levittown?

5) Nine out of ten doctors agree: Perception of brilliance often linked to circumstance. GOP political brain Karl Rove dishes out advice to Obama. Among the gems, "When you get into trouble, pick one, simple explanation." What's next, "Don't forget your coat when it's raining?"

6) Hey! Did that Godot guy ever show or what? The days, weeks, months tick by and still former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards has yet to endorse either Hillary or Barack. Just what is Elizabeth waiting for?

7) When the "new politics" runs smack dab into that pesky, dang gone "old politics." See Mississippi's 1st Congressional District race. GOP candidate Greg Davis airs spot linking Democratic candidate Travis Childers, an Obama supporter, to Obama and Rev. Wright. The tag line: "Travis Childers - he took Obama's endorsement over our conservative values. Conservatives can't trust Travis Childers."

8) Obviously someone who has not practiced politics in Chicago, New York, Louisiana, Philly, or anywhere in Jersey. Sen Tom Harkin (D., Iowa), on the continuing Democratic presidential race: "I still say it will never get to the superdelegates. Within 10 days of the last primary, one or the other will drop out.....Emotions run high in primaries, but time heals all wounds and political wounds tend to heal faster." [Italics added.]

9) Ordinarily we'd turn the page, except for the source. Veteran GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio, speaking to USA Today [4-28-08]: If John McCain runs "the right kind of race, I will tell you that John McCain could win in an electoral landslide." Maybe he means a race in A-4 Skyhawks. If so, the smart money's on McC.

10) The loneliness of the long distance pol. Tuesday's NYT profiled Nebraska's only black State Senator, Ernie Chambers, first elected in 1971, and now leaving the legislature due to term limits. A self-described "loner," Chambers, 70, says, "....a lot of people are going to be very happy when my absolute last day arrives. In fact, there will probably be so much joy in this corner of the world that it will be picked up on the Richter scale. I'm not liked at all."