High Negativity Ratings

O'Donnell (of the JFK and Ted Kennedy stripe) was on MSNBC yesterday talking about Hillary's high negativity ratings. You realize MSNBC talks about nothing but Hillary's negatives and adds to them every minute while sipping on Obama Kool-aid. Anyway, O'Donnell said that going into the PA primary, her negatives were at 48%. (For those who aren't familiar with politicalspeak, I am talking about people saying they just don't like Hillary and that collective thinking creates a negative rating. By comparison, Obama's negatives are much lower meaning people like him more.) So there were 48% of the number polled who said they did not like/hated Hillary and that is a high number, especially for someone running for political office. And then, O'Donnell said that just before the voting in PA, her negatives rose to 54% and he added he could not understand why she did so well in the actual voting.

I have been thinking about this and pose a possible explanation. The TV news stations (MSNBC, CNN, NBC etc) all make very derogatory, sexist comments about her every day. Here are some of the names she is called or described......looking like everyone's first wife, tough bitchy image, (MSNBC); reminds men of their nagging first wives, only reason she is a candidate for anything is because her husband messed around; men hear, "take out the garbage"; reminds men of their nagging wives, (Fox) Does Hillary shave?; Someone has to take her behind the barn; Scolding mother; White women are a problem, but we all know that....(all male panel at Fox laugh knowingly). The negative comments are not just on newscasts, they are in writing and objects for sale like the Hillary Clinton nutcracker where the nuts are cracked between her legs. (I saw a whole display at the Washington Reagan airport this past weekend.) And how about the bumper stickers and political signs that read....Life's a bitch, don't elect one! or What is Hillary? C.U.N.T. (citizens united not timid) or this one...showing an elephant with "the good" under it, a donkey with "the bad" under it and Hillary with "the ugly" under it....or the hand made sign held up that says, "Iron my shirt!" Rush Limbaugh has described her strength in an unusual way by saying, "Mrs Clinton's testicle lockbox is big enough for the entire democratic hierchy." And that is supposed to be a compliment!!!

Now if you did not know a person or had never met her, and you got your information from tv and the print media, wouldn't you think that if all these people say such terrible things about someone, some of it must be true and you probably would think less of them or have somewhat of a negative reaction to them. These comments are made mostly by men (not all) and they are against a woman, a powerful woman who will not go away, who will not step aside, who will not accommodate them or be controlled by them. This is sexism, pure gut level, unconscious cultural sexism. And it is important to note that sexism is not limited to men against women, women are very sexists against each other, almost instinctively and sometimes unconsciously but that is a whole other blog. Rev. Jerimiah Wright in one of his sermons said, Hillary ain't never been called a nigger....and he is right. But that is about all she hasn't been called.

So, I think I understand the high negative ratings but I will also venture an opinion about why she won in Pa. It is because she is still standing after everything including the kitchen sink has been tossed at her. Even Bill Bennett (Mr. Republican himself) said, "You have to respect her strength and resiliency." Yes you do!!! And the voters see that. Even the male voters. I actually think men are being reminded through her of those women in their lives that stood strong for them and maybe, just maybe, it is time to honor the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, school teachers and others who stood by you, stood up for you and gave you unconditional support....yes, they were women and I believe that Hillary is the strongest, smartest, and most sensitive woman I know. Yes she can...!!!! I said, you heard it here....BO is going down...!

(Come on you Obamabots, you can comment.)

In Florida and in Heaven with the Rolling Stones

I am here in Florida enjoying the weather, the beach and that wonderful laid back feeling that comes when you are close to the ocean. Yet, it is tuesday and that means, "Primary in PA"---polls close at eight and we will see if our girl is still in it!!! This primary race is really one for the books because it covers so much and I believe it will be studied and discussed for years to come. I also believe this race is more about sexism than racism and that itself is interesting. Most people feel that race is the big issue and BO gave a well received speech on the subject but sexism is huge and yet, covered up, going along without any real discussion or comparison. I saw a video which if I can find it again and bring it to this blog I will because it shows the overwhelming sexism in the race.

But I digress.....florida.....we have been to the beach, shopped, eaten wonderful meals of lobster and the sun is soooo healthy. It really does make you smile and just feel better. Today we are doing a little tour of the inlet waterways and seeing all the beautiful homes here that wealthy people can afford to own but really never live in. It is a little like a peeping tom without any risky behavior. Tomorrow, we will take the train to Miami, meet a friend and hang out. I have never been to South Beach so it should be fun.

Now it is thursday....can you believe it?? I bet some of you were checking my blog on Wednesday for my reaction to Hillary's big win and found nothing!!! Well, I was busy in Miami but I and my friends did take time to send Hillary some money to carry on in Indiana and North Carolina....I thought she would win Pa by ten points but the polls had me scared. Now I have to weigh the polls----you know like reading movie reviews...there are those you trust and then others where you add or take away depending on the track record of the writer and whether you have agreed with their reviews in the past. Soooo just add 2 to 5 % points for Hillary in any poll in the future because they all under-poll Hillary's chances. You heard it here, folks...BO is on the downward slide. Check out what is happening in NC where the Republican state party chair is running a very negative ad against Obama and two state democrat legislators who want to be Governor. If the ad continues to run and the Republican State Chair said today it would through next week, BO's lead will fall below ten points.

But, last night I saw "Shine the Light" at Imax in Ft Lauderdale with my friends, my niece and her daughter. I recommend it even if you are not a Stones fan. I am not.......but this is a wonderful piece of history. They are such a significant part of our pop culture and Martin Scorsese does a masterful job of filming a recent concert at the Beacon Theater. You are not just in the audience; you feel as if you are right up on the stage. (it will be nominated for an Oscar if it qualifies in the documentary category) Throughout the concert you are treated to press interviews of the various band members when they were young and just beginning continuing on through their concert career years. It is quite priceless to hear them answer questions about their possible longevity---one such question..."Do you still see yourself doing this when you are sixty?" Answer: "Yes." and clearly they are. If you are a Rolling Stones fan, then you must NOT miss this. It will make you smile, laugh and bathe you in nostaglia...

Politics, movies and the warm sun....I am in Heaven!!!!

Stay Tuned....

I am off to Florida tomorrow for a week and it will give me the time and opportunity to "blog" more. I really want to hear from you too so please, click the word comments at the bottom of my entries and go for it. A discussion/conversation is much more fun so join in. Talk later!!!

Kansas Should Have Quit....

Ten seconds left, Memphis has the ball, Kansas down by three (or was it more?) .... This game is over. There is no way for Kansas to win, they have to foul and all Memphis has to do is make one shot. Game over! And so Kansas left the floor and conceded the game to Memphis, the obvious winner.

Oh, that is not what happened you say.....nor would it EVER happen. Give up...odds way against you...give in....let it go....NEVER!! Why? Because anything can happen and it did. Kansas fouled, Memphis froze and reverted to their lackluster foul shooting history---they missssed. The ball went to Kansas with what, three seconds left. Then Memphis made a mistake, a coaching mistake because that coach had a vision. He was cutting down the nets---he was a winner. Oops, something happened. No timeout or direction from the Memphis coach to foul Kansas to keep the possibility of any score to two and so the chance, that impossible chance became a shot for three points and a tie. Overtime. And Kansas, the team that didn't give up, that didn't accept defeat, that didn't leave the contest WON!

And who is it that wants Hillary to leave this race because the odds are against her?? You do the math. She can't win........not unless something goes wrong, something unforeseen happens....

Go Jayhawks!!!

Celebrate!!!!

I am in New York celebrating everything that is good today....a birthday, a new job, a promotion, a new baby, new house, good times!!! And I get to do it with people I love. I urge all of you to never pass up a chance to celebrate events. Years ago, my mother turned 70 and I planned a big party, inviting all her children, friends etc. When I called my sister who then lived in Forida about coming to the party, she had several reasons why she couldn''t---her job, no money, other committments and I said, if I were calling to tell you mom had died, would you get here? She said, "of course I would." Well, I said, "Why don't you come while she is still alive and enjoy the time." She said, "Oh God!! I am glad you don't sell cars." And she came to a great party and we all have a terrific memory we still share today. The point I am making is that it is important to "show up" for the good times and celebrate life. We are doing that today in NY and tomorrow at8am, we go to NBC studios at Rockelfeller Center to rally for Hillary. Me and my kids making another memory......

What the "Frak?"

Ok so I made a misstatement on my description of the show. "oops" I said there were aliens---not true, but in my defense, they seem alien. Actually, the human race made the machines who evolved and tired to take over causing the human race to escape abroad the space ship Gallactica away from their planet. (what that was I am not sure) The machines actually evolved into human look alikes--12 in all, seven original and the recent revelation of the remaining 4, leaving one still unknown. Of course these human like models can have many copies. It is very complicated but worth it because the story lines are so good. Is Starbuck a cylon? She is the one who died but is now back and viewed very suspiciously. I don't think so. I am going with the President. What do you think?? (ps. loved your comment Mike--miss you too)

"Battlestar" is back!!!

I just realized that tomorrow night (friday) the last season of Battlestar Gallactica begins. This is really big news for Sci-fi fans and a few strays like me. I found this show two years ago and became an instant gallactifile.... This has everything, creativity, romance, power, the working poor, aliens, (aka cylons), reincarnation and the last ship in space searching for a friendly planet. i.e. earth. So I am not sure if this is pre or post our world but who cares. A woman is president!! And the love of her life is the wise general who is always right and his sons... Then, there is the head-strong female pilot who actually died at the end of last season but is set to return--how you ask?? Well, either A)she didn't really die B) she has become an alien (cylon) and can reincarnate if she dies near the resurrection ship (cool, huh?) C) it is all in our imagination.

I can't wait to see the faces when she shows up, particularly her husband and her boyfriend's. It is so "frakkin" good. That is the lingo on this show and it has become a part of the vernacular for fans. Say it at the office and you will instantly bond with other Battlestar fans. To catch up, they are running old shows all day Friday up til the new episode at 10. Get on board. This one is just plain fun.

Movies to watch-"In Bruges"

I have been so wrapped up in politics lately that movies have definitely fallen off the radar. Of course, it is the slow season but there are still a few gems out there. "In Bruges" starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes is noteworthy and one not to miss. It will also play well on the small screen so you could add it to your video picks for viewing later.

It is about two hitmen who screw up an assignment and are sent to Bruges for a "vacation." Well, not really and what happens to them there is funny, tragic and a little poignant. Yes, there is violence and some rough language but overall, a creative, funny movie. Gleeson is terrific easily climbing into the skin of his character while Farrell, although quite good, has a few too many "actory" moments. Fiennes is especially funny and shows a good range of ability in delivering a person who seems real but is a bit surreal because he is the guy in charge of these two murderers and he takes it seriously.

The moral?? Even bad guys have limits and lines they do not cross and if they do, they get to see the sights "In Bruges." (It is showing now at your local film art house.)

"oops!!!"

I am really tired of hearing about Hillary's "oops" moment over the sniper fire landing as if she is the only candidate ever to embellish an event. Some have given it as much attention as the anti-american, racist, hate-filled words of Rev. Wright and that is ridiculous. So I thought you would all enjoy an Obama "oops" moment because believe me, there are many. He actually used this when on stage with the Kennedy clan during their big endorsement of his candidacy. Mmmm, lying (overstating or embellishing --whatever!!) right up there in front of his benefactors and the whole world about an important family connection to the Kennedys'. All we needed was the "duck and run" visual. This is from the Tayor Marsh website which I had to copy because my computer linking skills are not up to speed yet. Here it is.....

There Goes Camelot

Obama had to finally admit that when it comes to John F. Kenney and his father, OOPS applies.

Contrary to Obama's claims in speeches in January at American University and in Selma last year, the Kennedy family did not provide the funding for a September 1959 airlift of 81 Kenyan students to the United States that included Obama's father. According to historical records and interviews with participants, the Kennedys were first approached for support for the program nearly a year later, in July 1960. The family responded with a $100,000 donation, most of which went to pay for a second airlift in September 1960. Obama spokesman Bill Burton acknowledged yesterday that the senator from Illinois had erred in crediting the Kennedy family with a role in his father's arrival in the United States. He said the Kennedy involvement in the Kenya student program apparently "started 48 years ago, not 49 years ago as Obama has mistakenly suggested in the past." ... .. Obama's Selma speech offers a very confused chronology of both the Kenya student program and the civil rights movement. Relating the story of how his parents met, Obama said: "There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Junior was born. So don't tell me I don't have a claim on Selma, Alabama." ... .. Obama Overstates Kennedys' Role in Helping His Father

Mistakes happen. So maybe the Obama team will cool it when thinking Clinton is the only one who ever makes a biographical mistake. I'm sure the media and the Obama blogs will jump right on this one.