Russell Brand gets political at the VMAs

In the most crass of ways.

In an effort to urge young voters to elect Barack Obama this November, Brand actually suppressed any hopes of the Democratic party appearing intelligent.

"Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world," said the Brit host.

And then, naturally, the shambolic mess referred to President Bush as "that retarded cowboy fellow."

Umm, thanks, but no thanks Russell. How about you keep your mouth shut and let the rest of Hollywood malign the Democratic name in their support of Obama.

To top things off, he lampooned the Jonas Brothers for their vows of chastity. America really hates you now.

The politics of rhetoric

So, I was in a conversation just a few short hours ago with my dad, and he literally said snippets of the following article practically verbatim. I just ran across this article, and it makes for an interesting read, and most definitely is something to think about.

Take a gander.

It's all about oratory and rhetoric. Two of the hottest topics of the week! Regardless of your political stripes, you've got to admit that delivering a great speech is nothing to chide a person for.

[Source: poynter.org]

Pandering to their constituencies like good boys

I-have-7-houses McCain and I've-written-two-memoirs Obama are all about the moolah as of late.

This comes as no surprise after this morning's news.

Democratic nominee Barack Obama insists that the campaign should not be reduced to a "resumé contest" between tickets, but rather a choice over which party would offer a new direction for the nation's economy.

"The American people, who are awfully smart, they're going to be able to make their assessment," Mr. Obama added. "They're going to say, you know what? If we choose John McCain, for all of his good qualities, we're going to get the same kind of government, and if we choose Barack Obama, we're going to get a different one."

As for McCain, he said on CBS' "Face the Nation": "Americans are hurting in a way that they have not hurt for a long time." 

He went on in what I can only describe as some weird reference to the hinterland of his running mate's home state, Alaska. "You know, we've got a very tough sledding to go through."

O.K., that was probably a stretch. But still.

[Source: nytimes.com]

This is great

Steve Almond, of the Huffington Post just wrote this witty little number. 

Dear Barack,

Next time someone asks what you think of Sarah Palin, please don't just call her a "skilled politician" with a "compelling biography." Call her a liar, too. Here's how that would work:

Click to read article in full.

ABC secures first Palin interview

In what will be the VP hopeful's first TV interview since joining the Republican ticket, Gov. Palin will sit down with Charlie Gibson later this week in Alaska.

[Source: thepage.time.com]

Crying sexism?

I am an ardent supporter of women's rights. But, I have to ask: when do questions that would normally be asked of any VP hopeful, become sexist? Is the media really being sexist? Or are they trying to get to the bottom of who this rising star that showed up out of nowhere is?

I'm inclined to believe the latter. Naturally, any minority in the spotlight will have their suspicions whilst under intense and vicious scrutiny that they're somehow being marginalized for their accomplishments. And it's understandable.

But, I am of the opinion that anyone racing towards the White House, should be subjected to intense scrutiny, should be thoroughly vetted and should go through the rigmarole of media inquiries.

Yes, there's a line that can be crossed. The above does not justify calling Hillary Clinton a bitch, when she's merely assertive. The above does not justify asking Sarah Palin if she can "handle" the VP spot with her growing family, because well, that would never be asked of a man.

But, I believe it does justify asking the former mayor of Wasilla, and anyone for that matter, what kind of parent would agree to take on the potential 4 to 8 years of D.C. politics and responsibilities and put aside a four-month-old baby with special needs.

Well, probably the parent who will benefit politically.

[Source: huffingtonpost.com]

Government bail out of mortgage giants!

Now, I'm certainly no economy expert, but I found this dire enough to post.

According to the NYT, the government is planning a takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which own $5.3 trillion in mortgages. What does this mean exactly?

Well, Ali Velshi, CNN's senior business correspondent and host of Your $$$$$ and Minding Your Business, just gave the economy-for-dummies run down of what's happening here.

It looks like the cost of the government's intervention could end up being tens of billions of dollars and will probably be among the most expensive rescues ever financed by taxpayers. That's right - TAXPAYERS.

The thing is, regardless of your ideological stripes, the move is essentially a necessary one. Both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain have expressed their support for the plan.

As a result of the government-conservatorship, the cost of borrowing for the mortgage giants should decline, and they will continue to buy and sell home loans.

Make of this what you will people. I am no money maven, but as I understand this is a BIG DEAL. And I know the economy will be of paramount importance for me in the upcoming election.

[Sources: nytimes.com, CNN]