It was the middle of the week, and news media the world over were gushing over Sen. Obama. A sullen Sen. McCain summoned his staff to discuss what must be done.
McCain: This is unsatisfactory. He is on TV acting like he understands foreign policy. This is MY issue. He is over there stealing MY issue. I am NOT happy. Obama was supposed to go with us, so we could have images of me tutoring the youngster. How did we lose control?! Now he's speaking in Berlin for God sakes. Berlin!!! I need my Berlin. Get me my Berlin!
Sycophant staff member: Senator, you know there is a Berlin in Ohio. If you recall from the primary election, they don't like his kind in Ohio. We could go there and be "with the people."
They all chuckled at their wit.
McCain: Great idea, my friend. Where will we go in Berlin?
Sycophant staff: A German restaurant of course. You get Berlin AND Germany And you look like you understand ordinary people. It's brilliant.
McCain: You might be on to something. Then we could go to Paris, Wisconsin. We could trail his European cities with their American counterparts. That'll show him. We'll belittle Obama for speaking to 200,000 people. After all, this isn't a popularity contest.
The staff shuffled nervously. After all, this was not good TV. But the boss was happy, so they all went along.
Sycophant staff: Great idea, senator. This will make a tremendous impact. Your best idea yet! High five!
Oops!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The buck stops there
In the end, it's a question of leadership. Will you lead or be led. Do you have real accountability, or do you shift it to others.
The test of leadership, viewed through these questions, leaves doubt about Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain's fitness to lead. Specifically, their insistance that Gen. Petraeus' judgment be followed without question or debate, does not strike me as leadership. A true leader asks the right questions of his subordinates, and as the leader, makes a decision for which he or she is held accountable. Just the opposite is happening in Iraq.
Time and time again, we hear Bush and McCain say that they are following the decisions of commanders 'on the ground.' You have never Bush or McCain say that they took the commanders advice and made a decision that was counter to the recommendation. A true leader wants a recommendation from subordinates, but has a broader view from which to make decisions.
The advice of one subordinate can't be the right decision every time or the subordinate becomes the defacto leader. When challenged about a decision, Bush and McCain always defer to Gen. Petraeus as the one who should be held accountable.
This week we experienced a refreshing change when Sen. Obama visited with Gen. Petraeus and emerged from the meeting with a different response. Obama said he appreciated the general's advice, but his decisions would be based on a broader set of inputs. Leadership. I'll take your advice, but the decision is mine.
This is important because the Pentagon and military establishments are notorious for pushing their bosses in directions that favor the military. You can't really blame them. If your boss asked you how you were doing your job and what you wanted to do next, I'm sure the answer would be somewhat favorable to you. It's human nature. That's why a true leader shouldn't make decisions based on a single source of information. Obama gets it, and the concept confounds Bush and McCain.
In their minds, Gen. Petraeus should be responsible for making all the decisions and that's the problem. The buck stops there.
The test of leadership, viewed through these questions, leaves doubt about Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain's fitness to lead. Specifically, their insistance that Gen. Petraeus' judgment be followed without question or debate, does not strike me as leadership. A true leader asks the right questions of his subordinates, and as the leader, makes a decision for which he or she is held accountable. Just the opposite is happening in Iraq.
Time and time again, we hear Bush and McCain say that they are following the decisions of commanders 'on the ground.' You have never Bush or McCain say that they took the commanders advice and made a decision that was counter to the recommendation. A true leader wants a recommendation from subordinates, but has a broader view from which to make decisions.
The advice of one subordinate can't be the right decision every time or the subordinate becomes the defacto leader. When challenged about a decision, Bush and McCain always defer to Gen. Petraeus as the one who should be held accountable.
This week we experienced a refreshing change when Sen. Obama visited with Gen. Petraeus and emerged from the meeting with a different response. Obama said he appreciated the general's advice, but his decisions would be based on a broader set of inputs. Leadership. I'll take your advice, but the decision is mine.
This is important because the Pentagon and military establishments are notorious for pushing their bosses in directions that favor the military. You can't really blame them. If your boss asked you how you were doing your job and what you wanted to do next, I'm sure the answer would be somewhat favorable to you. It's human nature. That's why a true leader shouldn't make decisions based on a single source of information. Obama gets it, and the concept confounds Bush and McCain.
In their minds, Gen. Petraeus should be responsible for making all the decisions and that's the problem. The buck stops there.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
My posts are like my children; I love them all the same.
Except I love these better. Don’t tell the others. Shhh
Over the past 100ish posts, I’ve had some fun weighing in on elections, news and entertainment. Here are some of my favorites:
Over the past 100ish posts, I’ve had some fun weighing in on elections, news and entertainment. Here are some of my favorites:
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Punishing pedophiles
What's a suitable punishment for someone who would sneak into a neighbor's house, kidnap a 9-year-old girl, violate her, kill her and bury her in the yard?
On a week when Congress turned its attention to baseball's steroid shenanigans and Terri Schiavo's right to live or die, here is an issue worthy of their outrage.
---------------------------Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Who's looking at the man in the mirror?
Someone needs to give Michael Jackson a copy of his “Bad” album and tell him to listen to track #7.
There he’d be reminded of the syrupy yet preachy tune he subjected us to in the 1980s. You may remember, “Man in the Mirror.”Friday, March 25, 2005
A conversation on tough issues usually takes two
Maybe Bill Clinton took the last pair when he left the White House, but the Democrats have been unable to get their hands on any since then.
One of the most appalling developments during the national "conversation" on life, government and Terri Schiavo was the absence of any real debate. The religious right was vocal and aggressive in framing the issue as one about the sanctity of life. But the opposing view went almost without a sponsor.
There was the conspicuous absence of any compelling voice coming from the Democratic Party. Last Sunday when the debate reached the House of Representatives, Barney Frank was left to make the opposition's case practically alone. All of the so called leaders of the Democratic Party were silent.Monday, July 18, 2005
Bombs and stones may break our bones but our web-site...
Someone created a website, www.werenotafraid.com, as a response to the latest terrorist attack in London. Now do-gooders on both sides of the Atlantic are rushing to post pictures of themselves, their pooches, their parents and kids...all with the headline "We're not afraid."
I, too, paused with a sentimental, yet defiant smile until I thought about folly of this symbolic stunt. First, do terrorists really care if we post our pictures on a web site? Perhaps they will be hunkered down in their safe house, wearing their FREE SADAM t-shirts when they'll see the Jeanie Moss piece on CNN. They'll gasp in horror, pop open their laptops and log on (using their neighbor's wireless signal). They'll see pages and pages of defiant Brits and Americans boasting that they aren't afraid, curse Allah that the infidels have responded in such an unexpectedly strong fashion, and immediately convert to Christianity. Or... they'll chuckle and strap another five pound bag of fertilizer on the newest recruit and wait.Thursday, November 24, 2005
It's the course, Stupid
In the debate over the debate in Iraq, it's come to this: Americans must now choose between Stay the Course and Staid with No Course. Both sides vocal and venomous. Wrestling with the political and the patriotic. And not a reasonable plan in sight -- only the course.
Neither side can offer a reasonable plan forward because they are both looking backwards. And so rather than having an honest debate about the future, both sides justify decisions past and disguise them as visionary.Thursday, November 2, 2006
Yes, Red America, God does answer prayers
One evening in the West Wing, the mood was especially glum. The President's poll numbers were in the tank. In Iraq, his pet war was out of control, and re-cord numbers of troops were dying.
Across town in Congress, many allies he'd counted as reliable votes were leaving in disgrace and scandal. His domestic policy, stalled. His international agenda, botched.
The president's ears drooped. His eyes cast downward. Laura, sensing the enormous burden on her husband's shoulders, touched his arm, closed her eyes, and whispered a prayer.Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Obama: Some of my best friends make me unelectable
What does it mean when you have white people voting for the black candidate and black people voting for the white candidate?
That’s the situation news reports seemed to suggest last week. Barak Obama’s centrist appeal is drawing record numbers of crowds — of white people. Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, who have previously enjoyed support in black communities, are going back there to fight for the black vote — with good results.
At first blush, this development could be construed as a progress. This is the dream Martin Luther King Jr., spoke of, where a man can be judged not by the color of his skin but the content of his character. So why isn’t this news being reported or received that way?Friday, September 21, 2007
When ads attack
Let's get one thing straight. The moveon.org ad didn't kill more than 2,700 US troops in Iraq. It didn't injure the more than 27,000 others who left that country disabled. It didn't attract an active al qeda insurgency. It didn't mire the country in a civil war. It didn't cause acid rain, global warming and the decline of western civilization as we know it.
It doesn't even cause whiter teeth or fresh breath.
You'd think it did all those things if you listened to the rhetoric spewing from war supporters this week.Monday, December 17, 2007
Mitt wept when church ended discrimination
Let's all roll our eyes together.Saturday, April 5, 2008
We, too, sing America
I love America, and I agree with Reverend Wright. Whether or not the main stream understands or realizes it, I don't think I am different from many African Americans.
In fact, I'd argue that many African Americans experience a different kind of patriotism than our white counterparts because our history and experiences are so vastly different. This is what many people who scratch their heads at Rev. Wright fail to understand.
Generally speaking, African Americans don't wear flags on our lapels or post bumper stickers on our cars to display our patriotism. In barber shops and basements, we often speak harshly of this country. But we pledge allegiance, pay taxes, vote reliably and serve in our military. And when we see injustice, we forcefully speak out against it.Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Clinton needs help with her debt
Hillary Clinton has a new video out asking for donations. She's still $20 million in debt, about half of that to herself, and if she doesn't repay it by August she loses that money.
So all you little boys with bikes and video games, you older Americans with pensions, all of you Appalachians living paycheck to paycheck, go to hillaryclinton.com, and give her back her $10 million.STFU Award: Bob Johnson
Today I'd like to unveil a new award that I have been giving privately with my friends. It's time to introduce it to my blog.
The STFU award is given to an individual who says something so ridiculous, so inane, so utterly stupid, there is only one rational response.
Today's award goes to Bob Johnson, founder of BET.Thursday, May 15, 2008
STFU Lifetime Award: Keith to W
Last month, I unveiled the STFU award, and with Keith Olbermann's help, it is time to award it again. If you recall, the STFU award is given to an individual who says something so ridiculous, so inane, so utterly stupid, there is only one rational response.
Today's recipient has earned the award so many times over, I am tempted to give him a lifetime achievement. But first, the citation. I'll let Keith do the honors.Thursday, July 17, 2008
STFU Award: Jesse Jackson
Just when we thought we had recovered from Jesse Jackson's tasteless and crass comment about Barack Obama, he raises his outrageous behavior to an even more unacceptable level.
Last week we learned that Jesse Jackson was picked up on an open mic on the Fox News set whispering to another guest. Jackson was complaining that Barack Obama was talking down to Black people and Jesse wanted to cut Barack's nuts off. Jesse incredibly thought the microphone was off when he made the comments, violating what must be the must widely known rule in TV -- always assume the mic is on.
Once Jesse got word that Fox had recorded his comment, he immediately came out with a pre-apology. Before the piece even aired, there was Jesse Jackson groveling for any camera that would record him. He still loved Obama. It was the microphone's fault. Children are starving in Africa. OJ was framed. Geronomo Pratt was shafted. Anything to keep the conversation from going deeper than his apology and delving into why he felt the need to make the comment.
People’s Pundit turns 100. Posts that is.
Don’t you hate when you forget to celebrate a major milestone or achievement?
A few blogs back, I uploaded my 100th post. Now this might not be a big deal for the super duper bloggers who post 100 times daily, but it is a big deal for me.
When I started blogging three years ago, I was really just trying to figure out how this “fad” worked. I’d heard about blogging but didn’t really understand it. Or even know if I would want to do it. But another passion pushed me in this direction.
I have always had an enthusiasm for politics. I used to call myself a political voyeur because I would consume so much news and politics. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I could participate on any level.
I remember one Sunday morning before I started blogging, I was sitting on the couch going through my weekly ritual. I was having my argument with the TV while the late Tim Russert grilled his guest. The answers were insufficient. Tim wasn’t asking the right follow-up questions. The interviewee was clearly an idiot, and I wanted Tim to nail him.
As I sat there giving them a piece of my mind, my son walked by and dryly commented, “if you know so much, how come you aren’t on there yourself.”
“It’s complicated, Son” I replied dismissively.
But actually it wasn’t. With this blog thingy, I could have a voice. I could tell all those politicians and journalists what I really thought. So my blogging days were born.
More than 100 posts later, and a delicious feed also informing my blog, I can blast my opinions to anyone who will pay attention.
Now if I could only get someone to pay attention. :-)
Happy belated birthday, People’s Pundit!
A few blogs back, I uploaded my 100th post. Now this might not be a big deal for the super duper bloggers who post 100 times daily, but it is a big deal for me.
When I started blogging three years ago, I was really just trying to figure out how this “fad” worked. I’d heard about blogging but didn’t really understand it. Or even know if I would want to do it. But another passion pushed me in this direction.
I have always had an enthusiasm for politics. I used to call myself a political voyeur because I would consume so much news and politics. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I could participate on any level.
I remember one Sunday morning before I started blogging, I was sitting on the couch going through my weekly ritual. I was having my argument with the TV while the late Tim Russert grilled his guest. The answers were insufficient. Tim wasn’t asking the right follow-up questions. The interviewee was clearly an idiot, and I wanted Tim to nail him.
As I sat there giving them a piece of my mind, my son walked by and dryly commented, “if you know so much, how come you aren’t on there yourself.”
“It’s complicated, Son” I replied dismissively.
But actually it wasn’t. With this blog thingy, I could have a voice. I could tell all those politicians and journalists what I really thought. So my blogging days were born.
More than 100 posts later, and a delicious feed also informing my blog, I can blast my opinions to anyone who will pay attention.
Now if I could only get someone to pay attention. :-)
Happy belated birthday, People’s Pundit!
STFU Award: Jesse Jackson
Just when we thought we had recovered from Jesse Jackson's tasteless and crass comment about Barack Obama, he raises his outrageous behavior to an even more unacceptable level.
Last week we learned that Jesse Jackson was picked up on an open mic on the Fox News set whispering to another guest. Jackson was complaining that Barack Obama was talking down to Black people and Jesse wanted to cut Barack's nuts off. Jesse incredibly thought the microphone was off when he made the comments, violating what must be the must widely known rule in TV -- always assume the mic is on.
Once Jesse got word that Fox had recorded his comment, he immediately came out with a pre-apology. Before the piece even aired, there was Jesse Jackson groveling for any camera that would record him. He still loved Obama. It was the microphone's fault. Children are starving in Africa. OJ was framed. Geronomo Pratt was shafted. Anything to keep the conversation from going deeper than his apology and delving into why he felt the need to make the comment.
Today, Fox News confirmed that in that gaffe, Jesse called Barack Obama THE N WORD (gasp)!
Yep, the good Reverend wants to cut that nigger Barack Obama's nuts off. Damn microphone.
Now this is beyond outrageous. This is the same Jesse Jackson who crusaded against use of the word. He railed against Michael Richards (appropriately) and threatened to boycott Jerry, Elaine and George's DVD set.
Jesse still hasn't explained why he made the first comment about castrating Barack and now he denigrates him further. At this point Jesse, we don't need an explanation. It's pretty obvious; it is part of your character.
You try to appear pious in public but call Jews a racial slur, father a child out of wedlock, and make crude references about the first Black nominee of any major party. What excuse could you possibly have for a pattern of such unexcusable behavior?
It's time for you to stop parading yourself around as some spokesperson for the Black community. We reject and denounce you. We can do better. We are doing better. With the same Brother you are hating on.
Jesse Jackson for being a classless, insincere, destructive force in the Black community, the People's Pundit bestows upon you the STFU award. SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Last week we learned that Jesse Jackson was picked up on an open mic on the Fox News set whispering to another guest. Jackson was complaining that Barack Obama was talking down to Black people and Jesse wanted to cut Barack's nuts off. Jesse incredibly thought the microphone was off when he made the comments, violating what must be the must widely known rule in TV -- always assume the mic is on.
Once Jesse got word that Fox had recorded his comment, he immediately came out with a pre-apology. Before the piece even aired, there was Jesse Jackson groveling for any camera that would record him. He still loved Obama. It was the microphone's fault. Children are starving in Africa. OJ was framed. Geronomo Pratt was shafted. Anything to keep the conversation from going deeper than his apology and delving into why he felt the need to make the comment.
Today, Fox News confirmed that in that gaffe, Jesse called Barack Obama THE N WORD (gasp)!
Yep, the good Reverend wants to cut that nigger Barack Obama's nuts off. Damn microphone.
Now this is beyond outrageous. This is the same Jesse Jackson who crusaded against use of the word. He railed against Michael Richards (appropriately) and threatened to boycott Jerry, Elaine and George's DVD set.
Jesse still hasn't explained why he made the first comment about castrating Barack and now he denigrates him further. At this point Jesse, we don't need an explanation. It's pretty obvious; it is part of your character.
You try to appear pious in public but call Jews a racial slur, father a child out of wedlock, and make crude references about the first Black nominee of any major party. What excuse could you possibly have for a pattern of such unexcusable behavior?
It's time for you to stop parading yourself around as some spokesperson for the Black community. We reject and denounce you. We can do better. We are doing better. With the same Brother you are hating on.
Jesse Jackson for being a classless, insincere, destructive force in the Black community, the People's Pundit bestows upon you the STFU award. SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
So long, Snowbird
I wouldn’t normally listen to a guy like Tony Snow, and for much of his career, I didn’t. I always assumed he was your typical smug Fox News pundit.
I was proved wrong at two points later in his career. I came to admire him as a spokesperson for the White House. Maybe it was in contrast to his predecessor the bumbling monosyllabic Scott McClellan. Press secretary fior the White House has got to be one of the toughest PR job in the world, yet Tony always made it look easy. You almost wanted to like the guy, even if you detested the policies he defended.
He had an easy affable manner even with the most contentious issues.
My second encounter happened in April when he came to speak to a group of communicators in my company. I groaned to myself when I heard he would be the main speaker. Even briefly consider sneaking out. I’m glad I didn’t.
Tony was engaging, funny, and fascinating. He told story after story of being in the White House. He talked about resisting the job when it was first offered. (Doesn’t everyone say that? Who accepts a job the first time asked?) He then spoke of being whisked away in a car with dark windows, into the White House and up a back elevator. When he got out, there was the president with his leg over the arm of the chair.
“Hey Snowbird!” the president said. I want you to come work for me. Snow said he protested briefly but then capitulated. He then regaled us with more stories of the president and working in the White House.
He was clearly a man who was enjoying his life. Hard to imagine at the time, he was so close to the end. Then, with a smile and a twinkle, he bounded out of the room. And that was the last time I saw him alive.
For most of his career, I wouldn’t normally listen to a guy like Tony Snow. Now part of me wishes I had. So long, Snowbird.
I was proved wrong at two points later in his career. I came to admire him as a spokesperson for the White House. Maybe it was in contrast to his predecessor the bumbling monosyllabic Scott McClellan. Press secretary fior the White House has got to be one of the toughest PR job in the world, yet Tony always made it look easy. You almost wanted to like the guy, even if you detested the policies he defended.
He had an easy affable manner even with the most contentious issues.
My second encounter happened in April when he came to speak to a group of communicators in my company. I groaned to myself when I heard he would be the main speaker. Even briefly consider sneaking out. I’m glad I didn’t.
Tony was engaging, funny, and fascinating. He told story after story of being in the White House. He talked about resisting the job when it was first offered. (Doesn’t everyone say that? Who accepts a job the first time asked?) He then spoke of being whisked away in a car with dark windows, into the White House and up a back elevator. When he got out, there was the president with his leg over the arm of the chair.
“Hey Snowbird!” the president said. I want you to come work for me. Snow said he protested briefly but then capitulated. He then regaled us with more stories of the president and working in the White House.
He was clearly a man who was enjoying his life. Hard to imagine at the time, he was so close to the end. Then, with a smile and a twinkle, he bounded out of the room. And that was the last time I saw him alive.
For most of his career, I wouldn’t normally listen to a guy like Tony Snow. Now part of me wishes I had. So long, Snowbird.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The dance Obama is doing
There's an old saying. When you get to the dance, you stick with the one who brung you there. For Barack Obama, it seems he was devoted to Democrats on his way to the dance, and once there, has begun flirting with everyone else.
The line of recent reversals of positions has been well chronicled. Faith based organizations, FISA, gun control, campaign finance, all casualties of the deliberate pivot right. While some recasting as a centrist was expected, Obama is doing it on all the issues that are near and dear to his base.
In addition, he has rejected comments from Gen. Wes Clark, that from all accounts were accurate...and being used in Obama's defense. He slammed MoveOn.org's Petraeus ad, even though the group has mobilized three million people to work for Obama's election.
So now his supporters are miffed and his enemies are gleeful. I'm not sure what Obama is thinking, but someone should tell him that people who flirt with others at the dance usually go home alone.
The line of recent reversals of positions has been well chronicled. Faith based organizations, FISA, gun control, campaign finance, all casualties of the deliberate pivot right. While some recasting as a centrist was expected, Obama is doing it on all the issues that are near and dear to his base.
In addition, he has rejected comments from Gen. Wes Clark, that from all accounts were accurate...and being used in Obama's defense. He slammed MoveOn.org's Petraeus ad, even though the group has mobilized three million people to work for Obama's election.
So now his supporters are miffed and his enemies are gleeful. I'm not sure what Obama is thinking, but someone should tell him that people who flirt with others at the dance usually go home alone.
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