A musical interlude

Whether Barack Obama wins or loses, the Democrats sure know how to give a superb music concert. The Republicans just can't compete. If you missed the performances Thursday night at the DNC, here are Stevie Wonder (can you spot the dancing Bob Scheiffer in the crowd?), Sheryl Crow and Jennifer Hudson hitting all the notes all the way on the national anthem.

Inappropriate headline of the day

Slate’s “It’s a Girl!” headline (since removed and replaced by “Huh?”) announcing John McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin as his running mate was disgraceful. Would “It’s a Boy!” been deemed appropriate for Barack Obama, John McCain or Joe Biden? I am light years away from Palin ideologically, but I am angry about the torrent of sexist rubbish that she is going to have to put up. It just never stops and there is no end to its ridiculousness. Take this absurd commentary on Hillary’s pantsuit in Denver that appeared in a Los Angeles Times blog:

Picking the orange outfit could have meant that it simply looked better against the blue background. She's worn orange several times this year, so perhaps it was more flattering to Hillary Clinton's hair and skin tones.

But there might be another reason. Does picking orange over blue or lilac, which would have coordinated with Michelle Obama's teal blue dress worn Tuesday night, have a deeper meaning?

Subliminally, to some observers it means that Hillary Clinton is maintaining her political individuality, not following the color code set by the Obama camp.

On the surface, it may sound silly. But small things, like the color of a pantsuit, can telegraph big political messages.

So though her speech was all about party unity, Hillary remains very formidable and individual. And she still wants to be president one day, which might be easier if the Republicans are defeated by Barack Obama this year.

If I understand this correctly, Hillary chose orange because she wants to look presidential if/when Obama loses. Perhaps female politicians should just wear black garbage bags and/or check with reporters on what’s OK to wear?

Mr. Dean, tear down this temple!

Arhhhhh!!! What were the bright folks at the DNC thinking when they decided to erect this monstrosity? According to the Reuters article “Obama Speech Stage Resembles Ancient Greek Temple”:

The stage, similar to structures used for rock concerts, has been set up at the 50-yard-line, the midpoint of Invesco Field, the stadium where the Denver Broncos’ National Football League team plays.

Some 80,000 supporters will see Obama appear from between plywood columns painted off-white, reminiscent of Washington’s Capitol building or even the White House, to accept the party's nomination for president.

He will stride out to a raised platform to a podium that can be raised from beneath the
floor.

The show should provide a striking image for the millions of Americans watching on television as Obama delivers a speech accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.

I had several thoughts when I read this. Will they beam a halo over his head for added effect? Will the 80,000 have to ditch the infamously ridiculous campaign outfits (I love them!) for togas? As my friend Barbara commented, “It looks like a cheap version of the already cheap Las Vegas Strip version of the Partenon...and yes I think Obama will be cast as Zeus and the 80,000 as the worshiping Athenians!”

More seriously, I just don’t think wasting money on the “temple of Obama,” as the Republicans have dubbed it (talk about the Democrats making it way too easy) on a tacky stage prop, is the way to go after talking for days (and rightly so) about the many Americans who have lost their homes and can’t afford basic medical care. All this cult of personality stuff is freaking me out. Mr. Dean, tear down this temple!