The Debate to Nowhere

With all the worry and frenzy about how Sarah Palin will perform at the VP debate, I got to thinking: are we underestimating her? Is she a worthy opponent to Joe Biden? Can she show grit the way she did at the RNC? Perhaps. I am convinced she can perform and perform well. Partly, because she has a decent rating as governor in her state and Republicans have rallied around her.

There are some skeptics out there who think she cannot handle herself, but she has debated before. I think she will do well because the media has gathered around to say how bad she will do because she has not performed well during the interviews she has had with Sean Hannity, Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson. She recited talking points during the latter two and with Hannity, she was given softball questions and took several shots at Obama; instead of laying out McCain's vision for the country.

National Review contributor and prominent conservative writer, Kathleen Parker, suggested that Palin should get off the ticket. And go where? Back to eat moose in Alaska. John McCain, who is a rather brash and uninhibited guy picked a maverick like him - whether the conservatives like it or not - Palin ain't getting off that ticket. She is here to stay. 

Now whether voters buy her readiness as President is quite another case indeed. She has repeated said she was not for the Bridge to Nowhere when she was and has cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as valid foreign policy experience. 

I don't buy her readiness as President. But I am a moderate, not a hard right conservative. I see things through a certain prism. Palin has proven to be an effective speaker by reading lines from a teleprompter. Let's see if she can pull off a successful debate with Biden without one. I think she can, not because of her qualifications but because of the low expectations and media hype.

Movie Picks of The Week

Jack

- A Robin Williams classic. The story revolves around a boy named Jack, who ages very fast. The movie is hilarious and bittersweet. Worth the watch.

****

A Piece of The Action

- One of the best Bill Cosby films around. Sidney Poitier also stars. Cosby and Poitier play two thieves who have to do community service at a recreational center. The movie is a classic.

*****

Constellation

- A melancholy film about family relationships and how families deal with funerals. Starring Billy Dee Williams, Gabrielle Union, Zoe Saldana and Hill Harper, this film is poignant and moving. Very entertaining.

****

On The Waterfront

- A Brando classic about corruption among dockers. The film won 8 Oscars including Best Picture. The film weaves together several social issues such as poverty and homelessness. There is remarkable directing done by Elia Kazan here.

****1/2

Debate Analysis

From the start of the debate, I was concerned. Concerned that Obama would portray himself as an above the fray guy. He has seemed aloof to many undecided voters as not having strong convictions and no concrete proposals despite his almost agreement with Hillary Clinton during the primaries. But as a staunch Obama supporter, the fears that many have expressed about Obama were squashed during the debate. Obama performed and performed well. 

McCain held his own too, however. He [to me] seemed rather competent to handle the challenges of the next President. The only problem I had with McCain was his contempt for Obama that was revealed during the debate. It is quite obvious that the Illinois senator has gotten under his skin. Many pundits saw McCain as a grumpy old man similar to the movie with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. 

While Obama agreed with McCain about 25% of the time during the debate, McCain did not move the dial with voters and neither did Obama. McCain also agreed with Obama on the points concerning the bailout plan - although he did not say it outright as Obama did. 

Overall, Obama did well by showing voters he could handle the crises that America faces and will faces. Obama needed to show he could be a commander and he solved that. A recent CBS poll showed 44% of voters saw Obama as a credible commander before the debate and 60% now say he is. That is a decent jump after only one debate. McCain held his ground - which he needed to do and tried to steer clear of Bush, but that record of his will get him in trouble when the economy and healthcare are discussed in the next debates.

2 more to go. But for now, I'd call the debate a tie between the two.

The Case for McCain

In the September 15 issue of National Review magazine, Ramesh Ponnuru makes the case for McCain. Taking a look at the 2006 election, Ponnuru cites how the voters were deeply dissatisfied with the Republican party at that time and that this signaled a move towards the left. Ponnuru adds that the Republicans would have won if they had stopped the spending and brought the public up to speed on what was going on with their government. Less secrecy and more accountability are some of the main arguments Ponnuru makes. 

Ponnuru goes on in the article to say that Democrats are believing Americans have lurched leftward when in reality the country is right of center. He says that Obama is the most liberal senator ever to run for President, a sentiment echoed in the National Journal when Obama began running for President. 

In other words, where McCain votes 95% with the current President, Obama votes 97% of the time with his party except when he voted with the Republicans for the FISA bill and agreed with McCain on the Supreme Court decision regarding child rapists. 

Ponnuru then goes on to say that Obama would be no Bill Clinton. Insisting that McCain is the better choice of the two, he makes three distinctive points where McCain is significantly different from Obama. For one, the surge. McCain advocated more troops in Iraq back when it was not politically expedient. The second, in terms of taxes. McCain will not raise taxes while Obama will (on certain portions of the public). The third is McCain's health care policy.

Ramesh says that McCain's plan is "designed to make health care coverage more affordable; to let people take it with them from job to job more easily." That sounds reasonable. It actually got me to thinking about Obama's universal health care plan, which advocates a governmental tax to help pay for uninsured Americans. 

Both plans are good. In fact, on health care, I actually prefer McCain's. Why? Particularly, because universal health care has not been very effective in Europe and other countries where it has been tried. Not that it will not work here, but America has previous examples to draw from in terms of whether it will be successful.

Ponnuru also discusses McCain's strong stance against excessive government spending called earmarking. McCain does indeed have a strong record. A stronger one than Obama's on this subject. Another interesting nugget in the article is Ramesh's discussion on judges. He states that McCain will not appoint judges who will force liberal and/or conservative policies down people's throats. He wants judges who follow the law, whereas Obama wants more Souters than Roberts'. 

Ponnuru, overall, makes the case for the 72 year old Senator. He definitely got me to thinking. While my mind is made up on who I will vote for - if I was undecided I would have definitely been swayed by the points Ramesh makes in the article.

Can Obama Really Win?

Since Obama locked up the nomination, Democrats have worried that the Illinois senator did not have the juice to go up against the Republican party. In a year where Democrats should win handily, the polls still to this day show a margin of error statistical tie. Many top level Democrats like Donna Brazille and Bob Shrum have said that if Obama loses, people will say that the party should have nominated Hillary and that she will be slated to win in 2012. 

Why all the humdrum? I am a registered independent, but that kind of attitude is truly and utterly disgusting. Why, you ask? Partly because they are already in the wrong frame of mind. They are anticipating Obama's defeat by stating that Obama should be talking more about kitchen table issues instead of change and hope. But Obama is talking about kitchen table issues. At every townhall, at every rally. He is giving specifics. The Democrats are looking for another Bill Clinton - and Obama is no Bill Clinton.

While Bill Clinton captivated voters with his it's the economy stupid message; Obama has called for a unity of Americans to better solve the economic crisis. He has laid out specifics in almost every economic speech he has given. So why all the fear from certain Democrats? Because he does not seem to be breaking through? Because he is not 10 points ahead in the national polls? Have Democrats become cynical? Are they so desperate to win that they are believing that they will lose?

The Democratic party nominated Barack Obama because they believed he was the right choice given that he had a tremendous money advantage, great oratorical skills, a powerful message of hope and the future and that he had an insurmountable lead on Hillary during the primaries. But this is ridiculous. Instead of talking and debating about whether Obama will lose, why aren't we registering voters, phonebanking, telling our friends and neighbors why Obama is the right choice. 

No, if Obama loses this year - it won't be his fault. Americans after all favor the Democrats in handling the economy. No, it will be America's fault for failing to take a risk in hard times given the fact that the next four years of a Republican run White House will dig us further in the ditch. Electing a Democrat should be a no brainer, so why all the fuss and worry?

A Long Time Coming: A Review

Wayne Brady, known for his comedic impromptu acts on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and the host of "Don't Forget the Lyrics," stuns audiences with his debut cd: "A Long Time Coming." Brady opens the cd with his hit single, "Ordinary," which is an upbeat song about love. One of the best songs on the cd. The next song, "FWB," or Friends With Benefits has a smooth R&B vibe that one find being played at a party. "Can't Buy Me Love," a Beatles cover is one of the better ones that I have heard in awhile. Blackstreet was my favorite, but this one comes close. 

"Back In The Day," is a more poppy R&B track. Upbeat, interesting and will definitely get you on your feet at a party. "Sweetest Berry," feels like where Brady is in his element. Reminiscent of a D'Angelo cut, Brady shines through on this slow jam and definitely proves that he can compete on the R&B charts. Brady delivers on the Sam Cooke remake, "A Change Is Gonna Come." It feels juke joint ish. "I Ain't Movin," feels like something one would hear on a Robin Thicke cd, but is still a decent addition to the cd.

"Make Heaven Wait," feels radio friendly like "Sweetest Berry." I would not be surprised it he releases both. "All Naturally," sounds much like the current R&B songs being churned out by Marques Houston and others like him. It is a good song, though. 

Brady redoes "All I Do," the Stevie Wonder classic with different notes and a surprisingly well sounding rendition. The best of the three remakes on the cd. "Beautifully Ugly," seems like filler on the cd. The final track, "You & Me," is a track about his recent divorce and his daughter. An excellent close for the cd.

Overall, Wayne Brady outdid himself on the cd. A great debut that could become a classic.

****1/2

Movie Picks of The Week

Charlie Chan At The Opera

- One of the best Charlie Chan films starring the first actor, Warner Oland. While the plot is average, but the twist at the ends makes the film worthwhile to watch. This is a starter to those who are not familiar with Oland's Chan character.

****1/2

Rope

- An Alfred Hitchcock classic famous for its single location shot and the first Hitchcock film to be made in Technicolor. The film is based on the premise that one might kill someone just so someone could prove that one could.

****1/2

L.A. Confidential

- A film about three cops involved in a corruption following a multiple murder at a coffee shop. The film has a dramatic showdown as the three cops stories are intertwined to reveal what occurred at the coffee shop. Great acting by Kim Bassinger, Russell Crowe and Danny DeVito and superb writing bring this James Ellroy novel to life.

****

British Comedy Clips

Check out a few clips from the recommendations I made on the 5th.

Fawlty Towers

Yes, Minister

Allo, Allo

90210: A Review

Welcome to Beverly Hills, 90210. A phenomenon that has lasted for more than ten years. A show that made Shannon Doherty a household name. The CW decided to grace television audiences with a newer, hipper 90210. An updated version, if you will, complete with a new family, new storylines, and new characters. The first episode introduced viewers to the Harry, Debbie, Annie and Dixon Wilson. A family from Kansas. They move to Beverly Hills to keep an eye on Harry's mother, Tabitha. The characters are decently written - with Dixon being the adopted African American son and Annie playing a homely schoolgirl. 

The other characters in the show are: Ethan, a guy that Annie met two years earlier when she visited her grandmother; Navid, who befriends Dixon; Erin, Kelly Taylor's (from the original) younger sister; Ty, a guy who takes a liking to Annie and Naomi, Ethan's girlfriend.

By the second episode, I found a liking to the characters, but not the stories. Jennie Garth from the original captivates the screen as Kelly Taylor and Doherty reprises her role as Brenda Walsh, the twin girl from Minneapolis who was a teen idol eighteen years ago. 

The show's pacing seems fast and rushed. While the storylines are interesting {Ethan and Ty vying for Annie, Dixon helping Erin come to terms with her mother's alcoholism and Naomi struggling with her father's infidelity}, the show is bland in parts. The characters are believable, but the stories do not draw the viewer in like those of Andrea Zuckerman or David Silver. 

The writing is decent, but feels OCish. The new 90210 is an OC in Beverly Hills clothing. While the new 90210 does not disappoint with its teenish storylines and cookie cutter characters, many hardcore Beverly Hills fans will be wishing they had gone out to Walmart to buy the ten seasons of the original.

Perhaps, the show will get better - after all, it's just in its 3rd week.

*** 1/2

The Status Quo Is Not So Bad You Know

In the days since the Republican Convention, Democrats seem worried. They are concerned that McCain has enjoyed a delightful bounce out of his convention. Apparently, voters aren't too issue driven. They much prefer style. But on that front, Obama should win hands down. So why is McCain ahead? Sarah Palin. She has energized the Republican base and drawn some more white women into the Republican column. These Walmart moms and suburban mothers are enjoying seeing the first potential woman veep in the White House. 

The Republicans seem to be successfully hoodwinking voters into believing that the last 8 years have not occurred (or have been run by a "liberal" Washington [a la Mitt Romney]) . They are banking on the public being stupid. After all, it worked in 2000 and in 2004. Voters decided who they'd rather have a beer with than who could best get money into their pocket. In this it's the economy stupid election, voters seem to be oblivious to the fact that John McCain will be a carbon copy of George Bush (if that is even plausible).

The latest tracking poll has McCain enjoying a 4 point lead over Obama among white women, who claim Palin was a game changing decision for them. Really? Women will really vote for Palin simply because she is a woman. If that is the case, that is quite pathetic. That is like saying all African Americans should vote for Obama because he is half Black.

But in these perilous times, voters aren't as smart. They wake up and smell the coffee after it has been brewed and cooled off. Voters still apparently haven't learned the okie doke Republicans pull every election season. They fall for it hook, line and sinker. And this election is proving to be just like the others; except for one small difference: Obama. 

For months now, the conservative media (yes the media is ultra conservative no matter what line of bull they feed you) has been meme-ing the narrative that this election is a referendum on Obama. On his experience, his command of the issues and judgment. Rick Davis, campaign manager of the McCain campaign, said that this election will be about "personalities." I suppose that is why the straight talk express has adopted the change mantra or tried to.

They bring out Palin to repeat that they are change. And voters are falling for it. What can the Obama campaign do? Fight and fight hard. A clear, precise and cut to the chase message should be on exhibit for all to see from Barack. He is getting there. In the past week, he has said that the Republicans are dishonest and that McCain is no maverick. Obama has said in the past that the Republicans don't know who they are dealing with.

Even if the Republicans are no match for Obama, voters still may go with McCain. That would be a terrible thing. 4 more years of the last 8 years is too horrendous to think about. But for those voting for McCain in November, they seem to disagree. Most people, after all, like the status quo. Change isn't easy. In fact - it never is.

Movie Picks of The Week

Go West

- Seen as one of the better later Marx Brothers' films, this one tells the story of the brothers going west to thwart an evil baron. Despite the formula that had taken ahold after the departure of Zeppo from the films, the film contains some hilarious gags such as the broom scene, the moving train scene and Groucho's "Oh Susanna" tune. For beginners of the Marx Brothers, Duck Soup is always recommended, but this one hits the right notes on comedic nonsense. 

****

Murder By Death

- A quite entertaining spoof on traditional whodunits. The characters satirically mock traditional detectives like Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and The Thin Man couple. Written by Neil Simon, this film has witty banter and whimsical farce. Definitely worth a viewing.

*****

The Ernest Green Story

- A historical drama about the Little Rock 9. Monica Calhoun and Morris Chestnut appear in this film about integration in the late 1960s. 

****

1408

- A Stephen King short story produced into a full movie about a bizarre hotel room. Not up to par with the usual King stories, but worth watching because of the film shots and the twist at the end.

***1/2

British Comedy Recommendations #1

British comedy has its place. Although not American, British comedy is wry, dry and whimsical. There are a few exceptions but for the most part, it does not disappoint. Here are few recommendations on some hilarious series worth watching.

Fawlty Towers

-Dubbed one of the best British sitcoms, this series told the story of Basil and Sybil Fawlty who run a bed and breakfast. It is one of few British comedies that is not dry. The comedy gets straight to the point and does not leave the viewer with a delayed reaction. 

*****

Yes, Minister

- A zany political satire about the inner workings of a prime minister's job. The three main characters do an outstanding job of bantering back and forth over political decisions, maneuvers and sophisticated governmental operations. The series is worth the watch.

****

Allo, Allo

- A brilliant mockery of World War II. This comedy is about a French cafe owner who allows various soldiers to stay in the cafe. The comedy lasted for ten years and received several awards.

*****

John Ridley Post

John Ridley, a contributor to the Huffington Post wrote two great articles. Enjoy.

The Pocket Guide to Palinguage I

The Pocket Guide to Palinguage II

Somebody Hand Me A Barf Bag

As I watched Sarah Palin last night, I became swiftly nauseated. The snarky nature of her prose proved yet again how zany the right is. They have selected a well-spoken intelligent woman to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency, who is vapid and trite. Sarah Palin is no reformer and her verbose about being mayor and governor did not prove that. That speech was conservative boilerplate. Pure and utter poppycock. 

Palin seemed to deliver on the bite as she threw globs of steak to the conservative dogs last night. They seemed to chow down ferociously on the line regarding bittergate. She also took on the energy issue by acknowledging the obvious that drilling won't solve anything, but touted it as a serious matter anyway. 

The speech, written by a Bush speechwriter, was the standard dull humdrum that continues to echo from the right. Palin seemed at home when talking about her family. She looked uneasy attacking Obama, whom she praised a few weeks ago before receiving the call to take on this enormous task. 

The post-speech analysis on MSNBC was a little bromidic. Chuck Todd said the conservatives have found their Obama. That was quite a stretch. Palin is drear and does not measure up to the oratorical skills he has. The teleprompter does not suit her well. Pat Buchanan said that she is a "rising star" in national politics. Most pollsters said that the speech probably did not play well to independents, who will decide this election. 

Palin has fired up the Republican base, but the jury is still out on whether she effectively has fired up the voting majority. I agree with Peggy Noonan though, when she made her off mic remarks(even though she tried to walk them back in the Wall Street Journal) that the race was over the minute Palin was selected to ride along the Straight Talk Express. 

Bracing For The Vice Who Wears Go Go Boots

The GOP's futile attempts to say that Sarah Palin is more qualified than Barack Obama prove just how desperate they are. President Bush echoed the sentiment last night during the speech he gave via satellite. This has become a political grand ole party (no pun intended). In fact, some new juicy fruit has just arrived via AP. Peggy Noonan of the Wall Street Journal, Mike Murphy of McCain's 2000 campaign and NBC's Chuck Todd were caught on tape saying how Palin is a pick of political bullshit. Right on. They called it "gimmicky" and said in essence, this race is kaput. They elaborated that McCain could give a speech like his good express rider Joe Lieberman gave last night. Lieberman took so many shots at Obama calling him "young and eloquent but not ready to lead," you would have assumed he was still running to get the second slot on the ticket.

All day yesterday and all day today - every Republican who graced the television with their kooky antics have been trying to convince viewers that Palin is a courageous reformer who is a straight shooter like Johnny Mac. But I'm not buying it. And neither are the infamous Clinton women. They see this as insulting and political pandering. Pandering so low, it gets a 1.0 on the pander meter. And as more and more slime rolls out about Palin, the McCain campaign has taken the position that it is the media's fault for combing through the Alaskan governor's history. 

Johnny Mac even cancelled an interview with CNN's Larry King because he did not want to endure the barrage of questions that would be shot his way. This choice of McCain's will go down in history as moronic and pathetic. And if Noonan, Murphy and Todd are correct that this race is indeed over - then Palin's speech is not even worth watching.

That's too bad - I was hoping to hear more about salmonberry jam and her apparent infatuation with creationism being preached, ahem taught in schools. So much for the worry-free convention the GOP was hoping for. The party in St. Paul is far from it. 

Shining Through Terrence Howard's Debut: A Review

The successful actor makes his music debut with "Shine Through It." It is a raw and blues-esque record. The first track, "Love Makes You Beautiful," is a stunning opener. One of the more memorable tracks on the cd. "Shine Through It," does a decent job of showcasing Howard's voice. The production is stellar. "Mr. Johnson's Lawn," is Howard's attempt at rapping over a rhythmic beat. This is an average track. 

"Sanctuary," is the first single off of the cd. A decent mellow groove, the song feels cafeish. "No 1 Fan," is one of the rawer tracks on the cd. Howard feels like he is in his element here. "Spanish Love Affair," is a notable track displaying Howard's guitar skills and his effort to record a polished track. "Plenty," is similar to "Shine Through It," only faster in its appeal to the listener. "I Remember When," feels like filler with its whistling and harmonica laid over Howard's raspy voice. "It's All Game," is a jazzier track that satisfies on the second listen. "She Was Mine," is a juke joint track that feels old school to the listener. The final track, "War," is a winning combination of raw with a big band feel. An enjoyable track.

Terrence Howard's cd is interesting. It shows a different talent of Howard's compared to acting. Howard does indeed shine through the cd on several tracks. Definitely worth the listen.

***

New Kids On The Block - The Block: A Review

The group known for "Step by Step" returns in 2008, with its first album since 1994. John, Jordan, Joe, Danny and Donnie reunite to record "The Block." The album begins with the riveting "Click Click Click," which has an awesome beat. The track is one of the more notable ones on the cd. The following track "Single," produced by Ne-Yo, is the second single from the group. This song is a dance track. It is decent, but leaves the listener wondering if there should have been something else added to it.

"Big Girl Now," brings the New Kids back to their tried and true melodies. Similar to the beat of "You Got It," the song is produced by RedOne, an up and coming producer. RedOne is known for his production on Kat Deluna's "Whine Up." "Summertime," the album's first single, is an average track that wins over newcomers to the group. "2 in the Morning," is the first mellow song on the cd. It has a modest appeal that reminds me of something NSYNC or 98 Degrees would have recorded. 

"Grown Man," is a track produced by music genius, Teddy Riley and features the Pussycat Dolls. The two groups make for an interesting listen to the ears. "Dirty Dancing," is another notable track on the cd. Also produced by RedOne, this track is one of the best on the cd. "Sexify My Love," the next track feels like filler. It is bland. "Twisted," seems to build on what they achieved in "Big Girl Now," with similar elements they used in songs that made them so successful. "Full Service," is a polished track that features New Edition. It is a groove that is radio friendly. "Lights, Camera, Action," produced by Polow The Don is a rather distinct track. It feels out of place on the cd. 

"Put It On My Tab," which features Akon is also radio friendly. A distinct poppy sound adds dimension to the group's voices. The final track, "Stare At You," is the slowest song on the cd. Borrowing the formula from earlier hits, this track proves that ballads are the group's best element.

Overall, the album will not disappoint New Kids fans. The group showcases their talents and why they were one of the most successful boy bands of all time. There are few memorable tracks on the cd, but the album is worth a listen; if only once.

***

Tom Foolery On The Right

The Republicans are at it again. With the Palin pick they have created a worthwhile distraction for the voting public. It allows McCain to tout that he will be different from President Bush. His surrogates are already laying the foundation that Palin has more experience in her pinky than Obama does. That argument is good in theory, but will it work?

For months, the McCain campaign has belittled Obama for being a superior orator and having little experience to be President. They have rolled out ads attacking Obama for being liked by the American people. They have tried to portray McCain as putting country first, while Obama as a risk who puts country last. With the Palin pick, that sort of popped the hot air balloon of that particular argument.

Now, the GOP is scrambling trying to make the public feel comfortable with Sarah Palin. The McCain spokesman, Tucker Bounds, skid past the qualifications of Palin when questioned by CNN's Campbell Brown. He continued to berate Obama for having a thin resume, while saying that Palin had directed the National Guard. Even when called on the carpet for something that the Pentagon does - Bounds continued to say that Palin was the supreme choice. Nice try.

The GOP is notorious for distractions though. They have successfully swiftboated John Kerry, stole the election from Gore, tried to tell us that Obama's pastor's views were his and even told us John McCain had a baby out of wedlock so it made him not a viable candidate for President. But if you turn on the major news channels, you will find a very different story going on. This week, Hurricane Gustav ripped through Louisiana and parts of the South. Millions of Americans fled from their homes in order to get to safety. President Bush was quick to respond to the natural disaster. He seemed eager to help. Too bad he wasn't when Katrina destroyed New Orleans years ago. I guess he thinks his response to this storm makes up for lying us into a war, being reticent to respond to Katrina and other scandals that have fallen under the radar. 

As I said before, the GOP is notorious for distractions. Palin is a distraction. An excellent one, at that. I hope for the sake of the country, this particular one does not make it into the White House because an oilmonger from AK has no business being a heartbeat away from the Presidency.