I can't believe I didn't see this until Moye posted it. It's a funny spoof of the music video created in support of Obama that re-imagines it as one for McCain. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gwqEneBKUs]
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Election
I think Toni Morrison is one of the most brilliant and seminal writers of our era. If you haven't read any of her work....then you need to get on that. Anyway, here is her open letter to Obama (her first public endorsement of a candidate) which I'm printing here in full:
Dear Senator Obama,This letter represents a first for me–a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.
May I describe to you my thoughts?
I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or “new-centrist” ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me “proud.”
In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don’t see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can’t train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace–that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.
When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country’s citizens as “we,” not “they”? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?
Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.
There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.
Good luck to you and to us.
Toni Morrison
I could never be as eloquent as Ms. Morrison, but she expresses my thoughts on Obama's transformative and paradigm breaking message that I find so heartening. And Obama is on such a roll that he felt a one sentence reply would suffice:
Toni Morrison has touched a nation with the grace and beauty of her words, and I was deeply moved and honored by the letter she wrote and the support she is giving our campaign.
[Thanks Lauren!]
Watch this short explanation provided by this woman behind her decision to switch her support to Barack Obama from Hillary Clinton. Yet another switch. [youtube=http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=OVuMYKs8iJs]
These phrases need to be banned from the political vernacular, and any politician heard uttering any of them will automatically forfeit their race and go into immediate time out in Sitka, Alaska. 1. Flip flop. *Unless used in the context of open toe sandals perfect in the warm tropical breeze of the Caymans.
Exhibit A.
2. [Insert scandal]+suffix "gate." Any derivative of the word Watergate to describe scandals, from sports to politics to what Betty did at the nail salon should be banned. It diminishes the enormity of the actual Watergate scandal. Usage of gate to describe a hinged barrier or door is acceptable however.
Exhibit B.
3. Although, not a phrase, I want to see a ban on the "Clinton thumb" during speeches and debates. Let me explain, although I'm sure Monica Lewinsky has a different understanding of the Clinton thumb than you or I (WOW. What does that even mean??): You know, the one with the thumb placed over the closed fist that politicians like to use to make a point or underscore something. According to the politicians' focus groups, pointing the finger is inflammatory and accusatory, while waving an open hand around is too Hitler, which isn't the best association. It conveys trust and firmness. I think it conveys robotic and contrived assholeness. Hey politicians: JFK looked sincere and good doing it. You on the other hand look retahded.
Exhibit A. Your honor, I'd also like to submit this as evidence of John Edwards' douchebaggery. I kid, Johnny. I like you okay. You're just no Obama. I can't quit him.
Citizens, any more phrases, words, or behavior you'd like to add to this list?