August 26, 2008
Democratic Convention Update (Armstrong Williams)
Day One: A Missed Opportunity
DENVER — With the exception of Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) moving appearance and a well-played video and speech by Michelle Obama, last night was forgettable. For the most part, Democrats were able to succeed with their primary mission on Night No. 1 — humanizing the man they want as president. In that regard, they scored Olympic gold. Obama’s appearance on screen just before his wife’s remarks was a nice production that would have made Hollywood jealous.
But the rest of Monday’s program was lackluster at best. It started before Howard Dean even kicked off the proceedings. Republicans have done a nice job out here causing the Democrats fits. If you scored success simply on the number of GOP surrogates appearing on cable dayside shows, the Dems lost miserably. If I were Jim Axelrod, I’d demote my communications director for letting a McCain spokesman come on air and discuss the Arizona senator’s veep pick — while Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was speaking! Perhaps that says more about the quality of her remarks …
And why were Democrats leaving their stars in the locker rooms while untrained “regular Joes” were on screen? That may be smart for a local mayoral race, but when primetime networks drop millions for production and send their own anchors and stars to Denver, they’re thinking one thing — talent! As much as they eschew the “infomercial” quality of these grand events, they do want someone who has stage presence to share the latest talkers.
First days are usually disappointments at most conventions, but I’m betting the Republicans in St. Paul, Minn., are watching closely and learning from the mistakes made yesterday here in Denver. The show must go on, however! And somehow I sense the buildup to Thursday’s speech will be momentous. Now if they could just get those pesky Clintons out of the picture …
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Spot on Armstrong (wink wink nudge nudge).
Axelrod must fire the Obama's communications director because he "allowed" all those cable "news" channels to air a McSame spokesperson. Now that is hebris. So, Because Axelrod has yet to fire that communications director, it really makes Obama look weak? Great in-depth analysis Armstrong. Did you paid for writing that? Paid by whom?
Comment by Lester — August 26, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Kennedy was boring and didn't say much. Michelle was boring and didn't say much. Hillary will be boring and will not say much. Bill Clinton will be boring and will not say much. Barack Obama will be boring and will not say much. If I left anyone boring out, I apologize. Skip the convention and go play some tennis. You might lose a few ounces or come out ahead. This convention is a total snooooooooooozer!
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 26, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Why are the media expecting and demanding more trash-mouthing at the microphone?
R-a-t-i-n-g-s !
If viewers are burned out — Thank You MSM and cable pundits!
Perhaps the viewers are taking a well deserved break and will be well-rested in tume for the McCain convention … to listen and learn. Ha!
McCain for Prez !
Comment by JFK-HRC — August 26, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
[...] Source:The Hill's Pundits Blog Day One: A Missed Opportunity DENVER — With the exception of Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) moving appearance and a well-played video and speech by Michelle Obama, last night was forgettable. For the most part, Democrats were able to succeed with their primary mission on Night No. 1 — humanizing the man they want as president. In [...] Rating: (No Ratings Yet) Loading … Tagged: convention, democrats, denver, michelle obama, speech, Video [...]
Pingback by Politics news - Democratic Convention Update — August 26, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
If you missed Nancy Pelosi,s speech you missed nothing.
Can anybody think of anything memorable she,s ever said?
She just stands there uttering jibberish about the other party and never offers any suggestions on solving problems.
Remember "The first 100 Days"
Comment by Teerry Gee — August 26, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
Nancy has a way of talking that seems to be suitable for hearing and mentally challenged children. But she isn't just an idiot, she is also a liar who lied about her church's centuries old position on abortion this Sunday. Why is this degenerate still around?
Comment by Igor R. — August 26, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
LOL You guys are really freaking out aren't you?
I would be too if McCain was my candidate.
Comment by Jeff — August 27, 2008 @ 12:26 am
Let's drill Nancy's brain, it's not difficult since there is vacuum inside.
Comment by Misha — August 27, 2008 @ 1:31 am
Nancy thought that natural gas wasn't a fossil fuel. Maybe because her brain is full of it.
Comment by Igor R. — August 27, 2008 @ 1:49 am
Jeff, the country isn't ready for leader of Islamists in the White House yet. This guy while not a Muslim himself is beloved by Muslims everywhere, from Indonesia to Pakistan to Iran. With that kind of candidate, anyone can win, unless one is running for the top Ayatollah.
Comment by Igor R. — August 27, 2008 @ 1:51 am
Igor;
And the country is not ready for a former POW who has PSTD, can't remember what he drives, how many houses he owns, the difference between Shia and Sunni without Joe Libermann whispering in his ear. What the country does't not need are people like you who just don't get it. We are a nation of immigrants, of every color, creed, race and religion and it is about time that you and your ilk figured that out. You run around shouting Islamist but haven't a clue about what it means. Enlighten us of wise one about what being an Islamist entails. I have live in Saudi and travel throughout the middle east. As a black American, I had no problem with any Muslim because during my travels, I was willing to listen. In Saudi, I and a Saudi friend walked through the desert so that we could talk and purify our souls. I am not a religious person but the trek was well worth it. I sat in souks and learn as an old merchant taught me how to haggle for carpets and other items. I read the Koran (in English) to get some idea of where their head is at just as I have read the Bible, and the Torah. You wrote that Obama is a guy that the Muslims love. Now I ask you, what is wrong with that? Are you so weak, so insecure, so afraid, so much of a girlyman that people of different religions or faiths, or races can't like Obama or any American? It is people like you who are scared of their own shadows that Bush and the republican tailored their war on terror. Be afraid of the scary brown people. Be afraid that the boogeyman is coming to get you. I can see that you are one of the ones that can be fooled all the time.
Comment by Mike Coleman — August 27, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Igor,
Obama is a leader of Islam? That lie is so boring. Do better!! Why not skip to the old 'space alien bent on destroying the planet'? It's far more entertaining. Actually, come to think of it, we already know who's bent on destroying the planet… Okay - don't want to steal McCain’s oil co. money… Hey!! Go with anti-Christ!! Yeah… Obama has been sent by Satan to force healthcare on all Americans and take American jobs away from Bush's overseas friends!! He'll make you back to work here in the US!! Vote for him and you'll have to go to the Dr when you're sick!! Millionaires will have to pay taxes like poor people!!! Nooooooo!!!
Comment by Jeff — August 27, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
Jeff, reading foreign press I can see how hopeful Muslims are for him to win. He gives them hope for change. They love his Arabic name, his knowledge of the Koran, although they are a little troubled that he can't publically call for the destruction of Israel.
As far as millionaires paying taxes like poor people, Jeff, have SOME shame!
Bottom 20%: average pre tax income: 15.9K, average tax rate on all federal income: 4.3%, percentage of all federal tax revenue: 0.8%
Middle 20%: average pre tax income: 58.5K, average tax rate on all federal income: 14.2%, percentage of all federal tax revenue: 9.3%
Top 5% (YES, 5%, not 20%): average pre tax income: 520,200K, average tax rate on all federal income: 28.9%, percentage of all federal tax revenue: 43.8%
Jeff, it's lies like yours that bring shame to the words "liberal", "progressive", and "Democrat".
Comment by Igor R. — August 27, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Igor,
be sure and wipe the Sh#t off your numbers before you post. They really stink.
Yes - the WHOLE WORLD is hopeful Obama will win. Why do you think that is? I'll fill you in - it's because republicans are not just wrecking our country - you're wrecking the whole world!
Comment by Jeff — September 2, 2008 @ 4:55 pm