Of all the award shows that lull viewers to sleep, the Emmy's seems to attract the most interest and viewers. On Sept. 23, 2012, the 64thj Annual Emmy Awards will be on ABC with pre-game starting at 7pm Eastern.
Hosting for the first time is ABC's Jimmy Kimmel. Frankly, I think he will do fine. He draws a young audience and his comedy is current. It could be one of the better shows in a long time.
The Emmys are, generally, not a political affair like the Academy Awards or the Golden Globes. This year may be different. A California PR firm is working with several series (most on ABC) to promote Obamacare. While I will not watch those series, I plan to watch the Emmys. Will the political crap from the Obama campaign hurt the show? Yes, absolutely. You can be the judge.
Here is the list of Emmy nominees for the 64th Annual gala. Pick you favorites.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Somrthing for the Cord Cutters and Others
Do you have a Roku box? I have three and they make watching tv fun again. So many channels to choose from a large number of them are free. Picture quality is, generally, good, but buffering on some of the channels is an issue.
Do you like Vudu? Vudu is a streaming video services that offers a wide variety of movies and television shows. Its biggest claim to fame is that it offers new movies before Netflix.
Well, now you can combine both. Vudu is now available on Roku. When you sign up you will receive a $5.99 credit to your account. Movies vary in price, but there are, generally specials. My favorite from browsing the sit is the $2 for 2 night rental. You can use the Roku box to sign up or go to www.vudu.com.
Don't know much about Roku? Go here.
For cord cutters another choice for current movies. For movie lovers another choice.
Do you like Vudu? Vudu is a streaming video services that offers a wide variety of movies and television shows. Its biggest claim to fame is that it offers new movies before Netflix.
Well, now you can combine both. Vudu is now available on Roku. When you sign up you will receive a $5.99 credit to your account. Movies vary in price, but there are, generally specials. My favorite from browsing the sit is the $2 for 2 night rental. You can use the Roku box to sign up or go to www.vudu.com.
Don't know much about Roku? Go here.
For cord cutters another choice for current movies. For movie lovers another choice.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy's Awarded
Last Saturday (Sept. 15) the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences held its annual P{rim,etime Creative Arts Awards ceremonies.
The Creative Awards are given to talented professional in behind the scenes roles. These are make-up artists, technical directors, camera operators, cinemetographers, and the like.
These are, generally, the unsung professional who often make the production and the acting better than it is or should be.
HBO, CBS and PBS garnered the most awards during the ceremonies. HBO's Game of Thrones won the most with six. Frozen Planet, Saturday Night Live and Masterpiece - Great Expectations walked away with four awards each.
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented on Sunday, September 23, 2012. ABC's Jimmy Kimmel will be the host.
Full list of creative arts awards here.
The Creative Awards are given to talented professional in behind the scenes roles. These are make-up artists, technical directors, camera operators, cinemetographers, and the like.
These are, generally, the unsung professional who often make the production and the acting better than it is or should be.
HBO, CBS and PBS garnered the most awards during the ceremonies. HBO's Game of Thrones won the most with six. Frozen Planet, Saturday Night Live and Masterpiece - Great Expectations walked away with four awards each.
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented on Sunday, September 23, 2012. ABC's Jimmy Kimmel will be the host.
Full list of creative arts awards here.
Friday, September 14, 2012
WV Public Media Update
On August 24, 2012, we reported about changes in the budget at West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Those changes as presented by Executive Director Dennis Adkins were designed to offset the 7.5 percent cut at all state agencies. The loss for the statewide media organization would amount to $420,000.
Adkins had been at odds with the Educational Broadcasting Authority for some time about funding and the future of public media in the Mountain State.
Following an hour-long closed-door session with the EBA, Adkins announced he was retiring in December. The session included additional discussion about the future of public media and the financial situation of the network. In the past Adkins had reported a significant decline in donor and underwriting support. In the recent meeting, Adkins showed that corporate underwriting was on the rise.
According to the Charleston Gazette there were some heated discussion between EBA members and Adkins over plans to minimize the state cuts.
Adkins will leave EBA knowing that he performed at the highest levels to save the network and make it a viable and growing concern. It is often unfortunate that board members do not really understand the media they are guiding. Although this is not the same situation as Alabama, it again demonstrates the need for boards with media professionals to help a media organization survive in the current economy.
More here
Adkins had been at odds with the Educational Broadcasting Authority for some time about funding and the future of public media in the Mountain State.
Following an hour-long closed-door session with the EBA, Adkins announced he was retiring in December. The session included additional discussion about the future of public media and the financial situation of the network. In the past Adkins had reported a significant decline in donor and underwriting support. In the recent meeting, Adkins showed that corporate underwriting was on the rise.
According to the Charleston Gazette there were some heated discussion between EBA members and Adkins over plans to minimize the state cuts.
Adkins will leave EBA knowing that he performed at the highest levels to save the network and make it a viable and growing concern. It is often unfortunate that board members do not really understand the media they are guiding. Although this is not the same situation as Alabama, it again demonstrates the need for boards with media professionals to help a media organization survive in the current economy.
More here
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Voter ID - Day in Court PA
A hearing in the Voter ID cae in Pennsylvania began today. The arguments against were the usual - too expensive, does not prevent voter fraud, suppresses minority vote. We've all hear them before.
While the case continued in PA state court, the elderly African- American woman at the heart of the case was able to get a free ID with little or no trouble at all. Since the current hearing is at the appelate level, the woman's testimony is now moot. She found it was easy to get the ID. Too bad democrats and the DOJ do not understand that.
In another twist in the case, a Delaware County election official told the Philadelphia Inquirer that no matter how the case is resolved, he will not require voters to show ID in November. Christopher L. Broach said that he is not willing to enforce a law that violates civil rights. Perhaps, Broach should be removed from office before the election.
No matter what the PA court or Broach say, the US Supreme Court found Voter ID Laws constitutional in 2008. The PA law closely follows the wording of the Indiana law.
More from Fox News
While the case continued in PA state court, the elderly African- American woman at the heart of the case was able to get a free ID with little or no trouble at all. Since the current hearing is at the appelate level, the woman's testimony is now moot. She found it was easy to get the ID. Too bad democrats and the DOJ do not understand that.
In another twist in the case, a Delaware County election official told the Philadelphia Inquirer that no matter how the case is resolved, he will not require voters to show ID in November. Christopher L. Broach said that he is not willing to enforce a law that violates civil rights. Perhaps, Broach should be removed from office before the election.
No matter what the PA court or Broach say, the US Supreme Court found Voter ID Laws constitutional in 2008. The PA law closely follows the wording of the Indiana law.
More from Fox News
What Can a Guy do . . . Go to a Fundraiser
The killing of four diplomats in Libya including the ambassador made yesterday a bad day for the US. The protests in Cairo and invasion of embassy grounds there brought and apology from the embassy. An ap;ogy dissavowed by the White House and Obama campaign. These actions enhanced the bad day for the US.
Political accusations flew through the air, but the media only wanted to try to trap GOP contender Mitt Romney. Several of the members of the press colluded to ask Romney a certain question and follow up with Obama campaign talking points. A typical day for the media, but a bad day made worse for the US.
The Obama administration policies in the middle east are bad. Saying, "we will work with Libya" is the wrong message. Saying we will immediate attack Libya - something that no one said - is the wrong message. At best the Obama policy in the mid east and other places around the world is appeasement. At worst some policies seem to be collusion with the wrong side.
Instead of trying to look presidential, Obama looked pathetic, thin-skinned, and at a loss of what to do. As noted he failed to "take that 3AM call." Obama's leadership with an emphasis on leading from behind has failed. The attacks in Egypt and Libya prove that. The attack today in Yemen exacerbates the situation.
Instead of staying in Washington and taking intelligence briefings and developing plans with appropriate officials at home and abroad, Obama decides he is to busy for the Israeli prime minister and leaves Washington for yet another fundraiser in Las Vegas.
Fundraisers can be postponed, but American lives are at stake in the middle east and the president decides it is more important to gain re-election than protect Americans. Obama is becoming more like Carter everyday. He has failed and the public and the media need to wake up and recognize it before it is too late.
Political accusations flew through the air, but the media only wanted to try to trap GOP contender Mitt Romney. Several of the members of the press colluded to ask Romney a certain question and follow up with Obama campaign talking points. A typical day for the media, but a bad day made worse for the US.
The Obama administration policies in the middle east are bad. Saying, "we will work with Libya" is the wrong message. Saying we will immediate attack Libya - something that no one said - is the wrong message. At best the Obama policy in the mid east and other places around the world is appeasement. At worst some policies seem to be collusion with the wrong side.
Instead of trying to look presidential, Obama looked pathetic, thin-skinned, and at a loss of what to do. As noted he failed to "take that 3AM call." Obama's leadership with an emphasis on leading from behind has failed. The attacks in Egypt and Libya prove that. The attack today in Yemen exacerbates the situation.
Instead of staying in Washington and taking intelligence briefings and developing plans with appropriate officials at home and abroad, Obama decides he is to busy for the Israeli prime minister and leaves Washington for yet another fundraiser in Las Vegas.
Fundraisers can be postponed, but American lives are at stake in the middle east and the president decides it is more important to gain re-election than protect Americans. Obama is becoming more like Carter everyday. He has failed and the public and the media need to wake up and recognize it before it is too late.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
House Outrage
In what may or may not be honest outrage by members of the House, there is currently a call from House conservatives to strip funding from the spending bill for aid to Libya and Egypt. The call comes after attacks on embassies in both countries and the murder of four US diplomats in Libya.
One freshman member of the House Rep Jeff Landry (R-LA) said, "It makes it easier to vote 'no'"
The omnibus spending bill that will prevent a government shutdown before the election or during the lame duck session will find the government through March 2013.
Frankly a shutdown during the lame duck session would be the best thing to stop Obama spending another $16 trillion.
More from The Hill
One freshman member of the House Rep Jeff Landry (R-LA) said, "It makes it easier to vote 'no'"
The omnibus spending bill that will prevent a government shutdown before the election or during the lame duck session will find the government through March 2013.
Frankly a shutdown during the lame duck session would be the best thing to stop Obama spending another $16 trillion.
More from The Hill
*US Embassy in Cairo Statement*
Yesterday, the US Embassy in Cairo issued this statement.
"*The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others*"
Later the Obama administrationm said, it did not authorize the statement from the embassy.
In other words, the Obama campaign did not revise it.
"*The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others*"
Later the Obama administrationm said, it did not authorize the statement from the embassy.
In other words, the Obama campaign did not revise it.
*Today Snubs 9/11*
Was it a political motive or just another PR error by the Today Show?
While millions of viewers were watching a moment of silence in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks, NBC's Today Show decided its viewers were more interested in Kris Jenner's breast implants.
The long-running morning show saw it's ratings lead disappear in the last year and appears to be looking for higher ratings instead of important events.
Critics from across the country have labeled the incident as "a major shot in the foot" to "a poor choice" to "bad taste." Whether important or not, many former fans of the program are calling for a boycott on Twitter.
The moment of silence was not a late-breaking or unscheduled event. It is likely the Today Show team knew of the event and decided not to honor the memory of those killed during the attacks.
Since part of the event was with the president, it would be natural for the network that supports his re-election the most would air the event.
Apparently, the Today SHow has lost touch with news and important events. It is more important in Hollywood glitz and families that have questionable taste. The Today Show now joins that slate of shows with little more value than some of the sensational talk shows available.
I am sure Dave Garroway is spinning in his grave
More from Fox News.
While millions of viewers were watching a moment of silence in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks, NBC's Today Show decided its viewers were more interested in Kris Jenner's breast implants.
The long-running morning show saw it's ratings lead disappear in the last year and appears to be looking for higher ratings instead of important events.
Critics from across the country have labeled the incident as "a major shot in the foot" to "a poor choice" to "bad taste." Whether important or not, many former fans of the program are calling for a boycott on Twitter.
The moment of silence was not a late-breaking or unscheduled event. It is likely the Today Show team knew of the event and decided not to honor the memory of those killed during the attacks.
Since part of the event was with the president, it would be natural for the network that supports his re-election the most would air the event.
Apparently, the Today SHow has lost touch with news and important events. It is more important in Hollywood glitz and families that have questionable taste. The Today Show now joins that slate of shows with little more value than some of the sensational talk shows available.
I am sure Dave Garroway is spinning in his grave
More from Fox News.
Funding for Public Media
In June the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) issued the results of a study by Booz & Co. on alternative funding mechanism for public media. The report concluded that federal funding for public media was still a necessity. It further stated that 130 stations would be in jeopardy of going off the air without government funding. Many of these stations are in rural areas and, in soime cases, are the only source for emergency information.
Members of the CPB Board and management have been circulating the report to Congressional staffers since its release. The CPB's nearly $500 million subsidy from the federal government is an area that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has targeted for elimination. Romney did state that he likes the programming, but it should be able to stand on its own without a continued subsidy. He suggested that stations be able to sell advertising. In a $3 trillion dollar budget it seems that half a billion is small change. In fact, it is, but recent controversies especially with NPR have raised the ire of many republican members of Congress. One recent budget proposal calls for the continuation of some federal funding for public broadcasting, but prohibits stations from using the federal subsidy from paying dues or purchasing programming from NPR and other national providers. NPR relies on station dues and sales of programming to maintain its lavish lifestyle in DC. The proposed budget did not include a similar provision for PBS programming. A similar provision would devastate PBS. The Big Bird provider depends more on station dues and other fees to provide a full slate of programming. For some stations those dues and fees amount to over 30 percent of the federal funding called a Community Service Grant. Many stations may have to give up PBS membership with that kind of provision.
There is enough high quality content from other providers that could easily replace the content from PBS. Viewers would have to support the new and better content. KCET is still finding that a difficult road to follow, but is making progress. KCET dropped its PBS membership after a dues dispute.
CPBS leaders face an uphill battle to retain the funding for itself, NPR, PBS, and the stations. During its two day board meeting, CPB met with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.
Rep. Don Young (R-AK) said that CPB was an easy target because "you're small in number." As a Republican Young said he like public media, but he said that PBS and NPR concentrate too much on saturated markets for programming. The programs are too focused on New York with few voices from Alaska.
This has been a major complaint from stations for years. PBS, especially, concentrates on big markets and often presents programming of little interest anywhere else in the country. The recent airing of Wagner's complete ring cycle has very little interest outside of New York and Washington is an example of PBS' big market prejudice.
Young said CPB needs a new way to present itself to Congress. He suggested that CPB, PBS, and NPR officials need to talk directly with lawmakers instead of staff.
During the board meeting, CPB Executive VP Michael Levy noted that there is little change in conversation with Congressional leaders and the negative attitude toward public media is "continued and pervasive."
Following the two day meeting the CPB board issues a resolution in support of continued federal funding.
If there is a change in administrations, the funding of public media stations will end in 2015. Proponents of continued funding will need to begin work quickly to turn around the attitude of members of Congress. Strong leaders at the corporate level and string local station leaders need to be found to lead a new movement. Current leaders seem to believe a resolution will save public media.
Members of the CPB Board and management have been circulating the report to Congressional staffers since its release. The CPB's nearly $500 million subsidy from the federal government is an area that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has targeted for elimination. Romney did state that he likes the programming, but it should be able to stand on its own without a continued subsidy. He suggested that stations be able to sell advertising. In a $3 trillion dollar budget it seems that half a billion is small change. In fact, it is, but recent controversies especially with NPR have raised the ire of many republican members of Congress. One recent budget proposal calls for the continuation of some federal funding for public broadcasting, but prohibits stations from using the federal subsidy from paying dues or purchasing programming from NPR and other national providers. NPR relies on station dues and sales of programming to maintain its lavish lifestyle in DC. The proposed budget did not include a similar provision for PBS programming. A similar provision would devastate PBS. The Big Bird provider depends more on station dues and other fees to provide a full slate of programming. For some stations those dues and fees amount to over 30 percent of the federal funding called a Community Service Grant. Many stations may have to give up PBS membership with that kind of provision.
There is enough high quality content from other providers that could easily replace the content from PBS. Viewers would have to support the new and better content. KCET is still finding that a difficult road to follow, but is making progress. KCET dropped its PBS membership after a dues dispute.
CPBS leaders face an uphill battle to retain the funding for itself, NPR, PBS, and the stations. During its two day board meeting, CPB met with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.
Rep. Don Young (R-AK) said that CPB was an easy target because "you're small in number." As a Republican Young said he like public media, but he said that PBS and NPR concentrate too much on saturated markets for programming. The programs are too focused on New York with few voices from Alaska.
This has been a major complaint from stations for years. PBS, especially, concentrates on big markets and often presents programming of little interest anywhere else in the country. The recent airing of Wagner's complete ring cycle has very little interest outside of New York and Washington is an example of PBS' big market prejudice.
Young said CPB needs a new way to present itself to Congress. He suggested that CPB, PBS, and NPR officials need to talk directly with lawmakers instead of staff.
During the board meeting, CPB Executive VP Michael Levy noted that there is little change in conversation with Congressional leaders and the negative attitude toward public media is "continued and pervasive."
Following the two day meeting the CPB board issues a resolution in support of continued federal funding.
If there is a change in administrations, the funding of public media stations will end in 2015. Proponents of continued funding will need to begin work quickly to turn around the attitude of members of Congress. Strong leaders at the corporate level and string local station leaders need to be found to lead a new movement. Current leaders seem to believe a resolution will save public media.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
*CBS Announces Primetime Delays*
For anyone watching CBS stations across the country, the delay of the primetime schedule due to NFL doubleheaders is the cause of missed series and failed DVR recordings.
In order to help viewers, CBS has announced several dates that the primetime schedule will be delayed 30 minutes for NFL games. As any regular viewer knows 30 minute delays often turn into much longer delays.
More from Broadcasting & Cable
In order to help viewers, CBS has announced several dates that the primetime schedule will be delayed 30 minutes for NFL games. As any regular viewer knows 30 minute delays often turn into much longer delays.
More from Broadcasting & Cable
Friday, September 07, 2012
On the Road Again
The happy-go-luck Mars rover Curiosity is taking test drives across the Martian surface and often tweets (@curiositymars) that he/she is having a great time.
One of the recent drives left tracks across the surface that were picked up by an orbiting spacecraft.
Lets hope Curiosity works for a long time and uncovers phenomenal science and information abut the red planet. If Curiosity meets a few friends along the way, that would be fun too.
More from Fox News
One of the recent drives left tracks across the surface that were picked up by an orbiting spacecraft.
Lets hope Curiosity works for a long time and uncovers phenomenal science and information abut the red planet. If Curiosity meets a few friends along the way, that would be fun too.
More from Fox News
Job Creation Weak
Following a DNC that touted the creation of jobs and more coming, the latest jobs reports shows continued weakness.
The 96,000 jobs created are well below expectations for August. Job numbers for June and July were also revised downward. June created only a revised number of 141,000. July showed even more weakness as the number of jobs created fell to 45,000.
The unemployment rate, however, ticked down to 8.1 percent. While the Obamna campaign may look to that as good news, the number of people in the workforce has decline to the lowest number since 1981.
Overall, a weak jobs report for a weak president and a campaign struggling to make it sales pitch to voters.
The GOP campaign should look at the number of jobs created and the workforce numbers as a continued failure of president Obama and his failed policies.
More from The Hill
The 96,000 jobs created are well below expectations for August. Job numbers for June and July were also revised downward. June created only a revised number of 141,000. July showed even more weakness as the number of jobs created fell to 45,000.
The unemployment rate, however, ticked down to 8.1 percent. While the Obamna campaign may look to that as good news, the number of people in the workforce has decline to the lowest number since 1981.
Overall, a weak jobs report for a weak president and a campaign struggling to make it sales pitch to voters.
The GOP campaign should look at the number of jobs created and the workforce numbers as a continued failure of president Obama and his failed policies.
More from The Hill
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Are You Ready for Some . . .
As has been noted before, former president Bill Clinton's speech at the DNC was "masterful."
How many people watched it beyond the 20,000 or so in Charlotte's Time Warner Cable arena may be another issue. NBC did not carry the former president's speech. Instead it opted for an NFL game featuring the Giants and the Cowboys.
The winner is . . . the NFL.
Overnight ratings for the evening show that the NFL garnered an average of 21 million viewers for the evening. This included a large number of the 18-49 age group so valued by advertisers and politicians. The speech on ABC and CBS had fewer than 4 million viewers in the 10-11 pm time slight with a limited number of 18-49 year olds.
The report in TV By the Numbers does not include numbers for viewers of the cable news outlets for the evening.
It is a good thing the NFL agreed to move the game from Thursday to Wednesday. There are, however, lots of distractions for sports fans on ESPN and other regional sports networks.
How many people watched it beyond the 20,000 or so in Charlotte's Time Warner Cable arena may be another issue. NBC did not carry the former president's speech. Instead it opted for an NFL game featuring the Giants and the Cowboys.
The winner is . . . the NFL.
Overnight ratings for the evening show that the NFL garnered an average of 21 million viewers for the evening. This included a large number of the 18-49 age group so valued by advertisers and politicians. The speech on ABC and CBS had fewer than 4 million viewers in the 10-11 pm time slight with a limited number of 18-49 year olds.
The report in TV By the Numbers does not include numbers for viewers of the cable news outlets for the evening.
It is a good thing the NFL agreed to move the game from Thursday to Wednesday. There are, however, lots of distractions for sports fans on ESPN and other regional sports networks.
Who is to Blame
The DNC had a major debacle on its hands when changing the party platform for 2012. The original platform omitted God from the party and failed to recognize Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel.
It was obvious to anyone listening to the multiple votes that two-thirds of the delegates did not agree with the decision of the chair. In fact they continued to "boo" the decision to retmove God to the platform.
Stories were circulating late yesterday that it was the White House and the Obama campaign who were behind the change to the platform based on a poll. That would be the usual course for the WH and campaign.
Yet this morning, David Axelrod and White House operative Valerie Jarret did what is par for the course when it is time to be accountable for WH or campaign action. They blamed other democrats for the debacle.
Link to video from CBS.
It was obvious to anyone listening to the multiple votes that two-thirds of the delegates did not agree with the decision of the chair. In fact they continued to "boo" the decision to retmove God to the platform.
Stories were circulating late yesterday that it was the White House and the Obama campaign who were behind the change to the platform based on a poll. That would be the usual course for the WH and campaign.
Yet this morning, David Axelrod and White House operative Valerie Jarret did what is par for the course when it is time to be accountable for WH or campaign action. They blamed other democrats for the debacle.
Link to video from CBS.
What Did Clinton Do?
Last night's speech from former president Bill Clinton was according to most press reports "masterful."
It was typical Clinton. Supporting the Obama agenda must have been hard for a president who knew how to compromise and who was willing to work with a GOP led Congress. Obama is not and will not. Clinton succeeded with the GOP. Obama will not.
Nevertheless, Clinton did his best to spin facts. While most fact checkers found what he said was true. Many news organizations found that he left out things that would be harmful to Obama and his chances. In a nominating speech, you can expect that.
Clinton did his best, but in usual Clinton fashion, he spoke too long and lost most of the viewing audience by the time he was done.
Yes, Bill Clinton did Barack Obama a favor, but at what cost. Clinton was one of the most highly respected and popular politicians in the country. Barack Obama is his polar opposite - not popular and not succeeding.
If there is a bounce after the convention for Obama, it will not be because of his speech, popularity, or policies. It will definitely not be because the Dems changed the platform to avoid further hilarity on the part of the GOP.
Any bounce will be because of Bill Clinton. The question still remains, what does the former president get from Obama in exchange for the speech?
It was typical Clinton. Supporting the Obama agenda must have been hard for a president who knew how to compromise and who was willing to work with a GOP led Congress. Obama is not and will not. Clinton succeeded with the GOP. Obama will not.
Nevertheless, Clinton did his best to spin facts. While most fact checkers found what he said was true. Many news organizations found that he left out things that would be harmful to Obama and his chances. In a nominating speech, you can expect that.
Clinton did his best, but in usual Clinton fashion, he spoke too long and lost most of the viewing audience by the time he was done.
Yes, Bill Clinton did Barack Obama a favor, but at what cost. Clinton was one of the most highly respected and popular politicians in the country. Barack Obama is his polar opposite - not popular and not succeeding.
If there is a bounce after the convention for Obama, it will not be because of his speech, popularity, or policies. It will definitely not be because the Dems changed the platform to avoid further hilarity on the part of the GOP.
Any bounce will be because of Bill Clinton. The question still remains, what does the former president get from Obama in exchange for the speech?
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
How Far Will He Go
The largest attraction at the Charlotte DNC is former president Bill Clinton.
Many supporters are detractors of president Obama hope Clinton's speech will bring back the Obama magic. How far will the former president go to promote the current resident of the White House.
Clinton still commands respect from both sides of the political spectrum. When faced with a mid-term loss in 1994, Clinton moved toward the center and was able to work with a GOP led House. The result was a growing economy.
Obama had a bad mid-term election, but continued on his ideological agendenda and failed to stroke any compromise with the GOP led House. The result is a worsening economy and more debt than all previous presidents combined. Currently Obama has added $6 trillion to the debt and deficits for the next decade.
Can Clinton give a speech that ignores his accomplishments in favor of Obama's failed policies? If he can, Clinton's popularity will certainly decline among Republicans and independents.
If Clinton speaks about his accomplishments in the 90's, he will energize his supporters. Is that enough for the electorate to forget the current economy and Obama's failed policies? No.
President Clinton will have to walk a fine line. He will talk about the 90's and his success. He will talk about the historical event in electing Barack Obama. He will talk about the future and, perhaps, endorse Obama.
He cannot say Obama is a success. He cannot say that his policies now or in a second term are right for America. Clinton can only hope that Clinton supporters will vote for Obama.
Any talk about the current occupant of the White House in a wild manner will diminish Clinton and his success.
More from The Hill
Many supporters are detractors of president Obama hope Clinton's speech will bring back the Obama magic. How far will the former president go to promote the current resident of the White House.
Clinton still commands respect from both sides of the political spectrum. When faced with a mid-term loss in 1994, Clinton moved toward the center and was able to work with a GOP led House. The result was a growing economy.
Obama had a bad mid-term election, but continued on his ideological agendenda and failed to stroke any compromise with the GOP led House. The result is a worsening economy and more debt than all previous presidents combined. Currently Obama has added $6 trillion to the debt and deficits for the next decade.
Can Clinton give a speech that ignores his accomplishments in favor of Obama's failed policies? If he can, Clinton's popularity will certainly decline among Republicans and independents.
If Clinton speaks about his accomplishments in the 90's, he will energize his supporters. Is that enough for the electorate to forget the current economy and Obama's failed policies? No.
President Clinton will have to walk a fine line. He will talk about the 90's and his success. He will talk about the historical event in electing Barack Obama. He will talk about the future and, perhaps, endorse Obama.
He cannot say Obama is a success. He cannot say that his policies now or in a second term are right for America. Clinton can only hope that Clinton supporters will vote for Obama.
Any talk about the current occupant of the White House in a wild manner will diminish Clinton and his success.
More from The Hill
Maybe They Can't Fill It
For the most part, I am remaining silent this week on political matters. Since the media is involved in the DNC and/or bashing the DNC, there is not any interesting media news to report.
Nevertheless, at the end of last week, there were stories about how the Obama campaign and the DNC would fill the 73,000 seat Bank of America stadium for the acceptance speech by president Obama. The stories persisted that the stadium would be filled. Upo until yesterday, the speech would go on "rain or shine" and it would be filled.
The stories last week said that the campaign was giving away tickets to bar patron in several cities including Charlotte and to African-American churches in South Carolina. Transportation would be provided. This would help fill the stadium.
Now the DNC is having a change of venue. Bank of America stadium is out, Time Warner Cable arena is in. TWC arena is the venue for the DNC. According to the DNC and campaign weather is now the issue. It was just yesterday, however, that the DNC said "rain or shine." The DNC is saying that the forecast calls for severe weather and thunderstorms for Thursday. Both weather.com and weatherundergrond are calling for a 40% chance of rain during the day on Thursday diminishing to a 30% chance by the time Obama was scheduled to speak.
The question remain, is it the weather or that lack of enthusiasm that has been reported in recent weeks? You decide.
Nevertheless, at the end of last week, there were stories about how the Obama campaign and the DNC would fill the 73,000 seat Bank of America stadium for the acceptance speech by president Obama. The stories persisted that the stadium would be filled. Upo until yesterday, the speech would go on "rain or shine" and it would be filled.
The stories last week said that the campaign was giving away tickets to bar patron in several cities including Charlotte and to African-American churches in South Carolina. Transportation would be provided. This would help fill the stadium.
Now the DNC is having a change of venue. Bank of America stadium is out, Time Warner Cable arena is in. TWC arena is the venue for the DNC. According to the DNC and campaign weather is now the issue. It was just yesterday, however, that the DNC said "rain or shine." The DNC is saying that the forecast calls for severe weather and thunderstorms for Thursday. Both weather.com and weatherundergrond are calling for a 40% chance of rain during the day on Thursday diminishing to a 30% chance by the time Obama was scheduled to speak.
The question remain, is it the weather or that lack of enthusiasm that has been reported in recent weeks? You decide.
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Yes We Will - Fill It
The Obama campaign says it will will the 73,000 seatr Bank of America stadium for president Obama's acceptance speech Thursday night in Charlotte.
Well, it's a nice goal, but if crowd counts at other Obama rallies are true, the stadium could be only half-full from Obama supporters. Stories have been circulating in Charlotte and other locations that tickets were being given out and transportation provided for the Charlotte event.
Only the Obama campaign will know how full the stadium gets. The campaign and the DNC control the pool cameras and all of the images leaving Time Warner Cable Arena and Bank of America stadium. As of now, only pool coverage will be allowed on Thursday night. The networks covering the event will only be allowed cameras in their anchor positions no additional cameras will be allowed.
More from The Hill
Well, it's a nice goal, but if crowd counts at other Obama rallies are true, the stadium could be only half-full from Obama supporters. Stories have been circulating in Charlotte and other locations that tickets were being given out and transportation provided for the Charlotte event.
Only the Obama campaign will know how full the stadium gets. The campaign and the DNC control the pool cameras and all of the images leaving Time Warner Cable Arena and Bank of America stadium. As of now, only pool coverage will be allowed on Thursday night. The networks covering the event will only be allowed cameras in their anchor positions no additional cameras will be allowed.
More from The Hill
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