I’m not entirely sure why, but the news and ensuing coverage of Tim Russert’s death has really been affecting me over the past few days. I certainly did not know the man personally, but I did know him in the celebrity sense – I watched him on so many occassions on NBC and MSNBC and I guess after awhile you just get familiar with someone even though, oddly enough, you never met them. It’s really strange how that works. In any case, I will really miss his work and dedication to politics, accountability, and fairness. He brought an insight and enthusiasm to politics that I think very few can or will match, and there will be a definite and glaring absence as we continue through this very important political season. I know that when he came TV, I’d be getting the best.
And this is why I have an “absurdity” category on my blog…
Fox “News”, in its continued effort to prove that it is really just a parody of actual journalism, recently aired a program whereby the host, E.D. Hill, suggested in a teaser that the Barack Obama/Michelle Obama fist bump at the start of the St. Paul, MN nomination victory speech was, and I kid you not, a “terrorist fist jab.” Her exact quote (before cutting to commercial) was:
“A fist bump? A pound? A terrorist fist jab? The gesture everyone seems to interpret differently.”
Upon returning to the program, Hill introduced a body-language “expert” and proceeded to make no further mention of the “terrorist fist jab.” Tricky, tricky.
Those Fox News folks are good. And I don’t mean journalists. They’re first class smearers. Is this how pathetic, scared, and desperate the right has become? Sure looks like it to me.
Many, many news outlets have caught on to the silliness of this story. MSNBC did a nice piece on it, so I’ll share it here. (By the way, the Ali G stuff is priceless – I wholeheartedly encourage you to check out his stuff – you won’t regret it!)
Look at Pat blowing it up! Woot!
My gosh, this all makes you wonder what that President Bush chest bump at the Air Force Academy meant, doesn’t it?
Ali G said it best… “Yo, is you mashed or something?”
In 2004, during the Democratic National Convention, an impassioned, inspiring, and thoughtful keynote speech was given by a young, relatively-unknown Senator from Illinois. That man was, of course, Barack Obama. I remember that night and that speech so vividly. It was the first time I was genuinely moved and energized by the words of a politician. I recall audibly shouting at the TV, “Yes!” and “That’s right!” as the words from that speech made an impact not only in my head but also in my heart. It renewed my belief in what makes America so great, and it gave me hope that we could, and more importantly, would find solutions to those big challenges this mighty nation still faces.
At the end of that speech, I knew who I wanted my next President to be. Unfortunately, Obama was merely the opening act, as John Kerry was the headliner that year. In the end, I was left empty, and my only hope rested in 2008. You can imagine my excitement when Obama announced his candidacy for President! It was, as corny as it sounds, a dream come true. Hey, I take this stuff seriously! I know I run the risk of coming off cheesy, but I assure you - it’s sincere.
Fast foward to today and Barack Obama is on the verge of winning the Democratic Presidential nomination. What an amazing 5 months this has been! It all started in Iowa in January, and it has been an incredible ride ever since. The work, however, is really just the beginning. Another 5 months of campaigning are ahead of the general election in November. What a nice birthday present it would be for me to have Barack Obama as the President-Elect, eh? I’d take it.
People have asked me, “So why are you supporting Barack Obama?” It’s a seemingly easy question to answer, at least you would think, but for me it’s hard to put into words. Naturally I believe strongly in his leadership abilities and views on various issues, but more importantly It’s a “feelings” thing for me. He inspires me, he renews my belief in America, and he talks honestly about what we are facing and what we need to do as Americans to get this country back on track. He’s authentic, intelligent, and well-spoken. He’s thoughtful, patient, and humble. He is a natural leader, he is inclusive, and I think he is a postive face for our country. He is a great man, and I am proud to support him.
Barack Obama is the first political candidate I have openly volunteered and campaigned for in my life. I’m a bit of a politics nerd, I’ll admit it, but I have never, before now, felt compelled to actually take action on behalf of a candidate. It has been a great experience, and I look forward to additional campaign work ahead. I feel as though I have been a small part of history. And it’s only just beginning!
A brighter day is coming. I’m fired up! Let’s make it happen.
