Monday, April 30, 2007

Maureen on Michelle

Maureen Dowd is at it again.
From the NYT via theunknowncandidate:

"Usually, I love the dynamics of a cheeky woman puncturing the ego of a cocky guy.

I liked it in ’40s movies, and I liked it with Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel, and Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis in “Moonlighting.”

So why don’t I like it with Michelle and Barack?"


Well how about it's because you don't like much of anything?

Or maybe it's o.k. when the "cheeky woman" is White?

Or perhaps it's because you secretly lust after Senator Bahm Bahm - like millions of other women across America - and can't stand to have the fantasy punctured?

All of the above?

Go somewhere and sit down.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Barbara Richardson Rings Bells for Victims

New Mexico's First Lady, and most human of all the possible next first ladies, leads her state in an expression of sorrow for and solidarity with the people of Virginia after some crazed killer took the lives of 32 innocent people.

From krqe.com

"First lady Barbara Richardson said holding a service like this and ringing bells across the state is one way people can feel a connection to Virginia and the rest of the country.

“I think it's very important we do have this expression of support for those families and also to let the nation know we care,” Richardson said.

She also said connecting like this as a country helps in the healing of people who have had tragedies in their own lives. "


The Trib Bows Down to Barack's Better Half

From the Chicago Tribune

'But Michelle Obama, 43, has a reputation for telling it like she thinks it is -- whether about the butter, her husband's ongoing effort to quit smoking or his political priorities. And though she's lighthearted in her critiques, she never plays the role of the deferential political wife.

"He's a gifted man," she tells the audience, "but, in the end, he's just a man."

The fact that the crowd responds with laughter and a long, warm ovation is a good sign for the Obama team.

One of its most formidable tasks, after all, is to win over Democratic-leaning women tempted to help make Sen. Hillary Clinton the first woman president, and Michelle Obama figures prominently in the promotion strategy. She's a charismatic public speaker, an accomplished professional whose life as a working parent looks familiar to all kinds of women.

More than just a spokeswoman, she's a crucial part of the Obama package itself, complementing and shaping her husband in ways that are politically and personally significant."

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Monday, April 16, 2007

Oh Christ Judi, What Next?

You know, as much as Judith Guliani gets on my nerves - I wouldn't wish this on anybody. One of her yappy ex-boyfriends is going on and on about how this woman (who is now a another man's wife - a man running for president no less) was basically the best he ever had.
Gross. Judi should have had Rudy's people hunt this dic@head down and make him sign some kind of post-relationship privacy agreement. Instead he's a-blabbing to the New York Post:

Theirs was a relationship that spanned five special years. They shared dinners, theater and a love of New York. And in his first in-depth interview, Judith Giuliani's ex-boyfriend tells how he believes passionately that she will be a terrific asset to her husband Rudy's presidential campaign - and a wonderful First Lady.

"Her heart is in all the right places in terms of doing good. She is well-trained for this kind of job if it ever happens," said Manos Zacharioudakis, who lived with the then-Judith Nathan for four years between husbands No. 2 and No. 3.

Eight years later, the clinical psychologist still waxes poetic about the woman he once loved and said former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the GOP front-runner, is in capable hands."

It gets worse.

"She is a sensual person; she is a passionate person. She has that Italian eroticism and passion," said Zacharioudakis, when reached at his office in Volos, Greece, where he is in private practice."

Ew.

More on Michelle Obama's Money

Yep. The financial colonoscopy continues.
From Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times:

"White House hopeful Sen. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle reported $991,296 in income in 2006, boosted by a $506,618 payout in advances and royalties for his books, according to returns released by his campaign on Monday.
The Obamas have four main sources of income:
*Obama’s Senate salary of $157,082.
*Book income of $506,618. Obama’s second book, “The Audacity of Hope,” was released last fall and soared to the best seller lists.
*Michelle Obama’s payment of $273,618 from the University of Chicago Hospitals. She will get paid less in 2007 because she cut back on her job because of the campaign. She made more in 2005 because of a signing bonus from the U of C given when she was promoted to vice president of community and external affairs in January, 2005, just as Obama was sworn in as senator.
Tax returns from last year showed her total compensation in 2005 went from $122,000 to $317,000, though the higher figure includes a one-time pension payout and the bonus.
*Michelle Obama’s payment of $51,200 from TreeHouse Foods, where she has been on the board of directors since June, 2005.
Interest income totaled $4,590 in interest with $1,188 from dividends."

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Bill Takes Hill to Regroup

You'd need a vacation too if you had raised a record 26 million dollars in campaign funds in ONE quarter - only to learn a few days later that Michelle and Barack are breathing down your necks with 25 million.
Team Obama is beating the bushes for any and all contributions. And the spin is excellent: that his funds come from more donors, so they are more grass-rooty and therefore cleaner and a better indication of his popularity.
It clearly shook Camp Hillary to its core, and the principals are taking some time in D.R. to try to get it together. As a former president and possibly America's Next First Lady, Bill is probably telling Hill to keep her chin up - and remember he can raise stupid amounts of money in a matter of minutes.
How?
Consider this from worldmagazine.com

"What would motivate 45 health enthusiasts to dish out $2,300 apiece for 30 minutes on a stationary bicycle at a trendy health club? Two words: Bill Clinton. The former president showed up late last month at Soul Cycle, a new fitness center in New York City's upper west side, to raise cash for his wife's financially fit presidential campaign.

Strolling through rows of bicycles in a suit and tie, Clinton shook hands and shared personal anecdotes about Hillary Clinton, while raking in an easy hundred grand. The small crowd, mostly women, usually pays $25 for a spin class, but said Clinton's appearance was worth the extra dough. "People love him," one woman told ABC News. "People love him more than Hillary."

Mrs. Obama to Univ. of Chicago: 'I'm Outta Here'

Uhhhhh. Ya think?
Let's see. Stay in Chicago to go to boring meetings about how to math over-achieving little snots with volunteer programs they don't really care about but need to have on their resumes....
Or hit the campaign trail to play a central role in one of the most exciting presidential elections in decades.
Yeah, I think it's safe to say Michelle Obama will be putting her career on hold.

Oh and ABC News - we get it. SHES TALL. You don't have to keep describing her as if she's the jolly green giant. Makes you wonder - what kind of dwarf Sunlen Miller is.

Who's the Boss?

Ah the age old question.
Mary Sanchez of McClatchy Newspapers says America is not ready for a female president. The proof? She says just look at the backlash heaped upon the Giulianis after Rudy suggested Judi could sit in on Cabinet meetings (that is if she could squeeze them in between "freshenings").
I disagree Ms. Sanchez. I think the reaction is to Dame Judi. Just as I think some of the extreme reactions against Hillary - are because she's HILLARY and all that implies. I think different women in both situations might be received differently.
I do however agree with your assessment on this:

"So, when you cast a presidential vote, know that you're also signing on for the candidate's better half. Look closely at Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, Ann Romney, Elizabeth Edwards, Jill Biden, Mary Brownback, Barbara Richardson and the rest of the wives whose husbands are vying for the White House.

Look closely at our old friend Bill, too. His famous charisma will be necessary to counter the harsh image his other half has duly earned. If President Hillary ever becomes a reality, it will be in no small part because people were actually voting for her spouse."


Yep, this race is all about "America's Next First Lady"

Thursday, April 05, 2007

The Anti-Judi

In true seasoned politician style Mrs. John Edwards takes advantage of the Judi Giuliani-lash and sets herself up as the antithesis of the woman America is becoming truly sick of.
When Rudy said if he made it to the White House wife number three would sit in on Cabinet meetings - Lizzy responded

"I wouldn't be attending cabinet meetings. Honestly, I have a lot that — You know, I think you get a great big megaphone and you get to talk about things you care about, and I hope I'd be busy doing that and mothering my adorable children as opposed to sitting in Cabinet meetings."

Ouch.
Love it.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

See Giuliani - If You Had Listened to Me...

when I told you to shut Judi up, you wouldn't be putting out pleas like this to CBS News

"Attack me all you want. There's plenty to attack me about. Please do it. But maybe, you know, show a little decency."

--Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, asking the media to back off from scrutiny of his wife Judith Nathan Giuliani. Writes WCBS-TV New York's Lou Young: "That's a tough sell for a man who suggested he might invite his wife into cabinet meetings."

And more bad press found at keyetv.com

"The fuss started when Mrs. Giuliani confirmed she had been married three times. It was previously believed that the former Judith Nathan had been married twice.

"Something I will share with you is that ... Rudy and I have both been married three times," Nathan, 52, told the New York Post.

Subsequently, Giuliani said that if elected, he'd be open to his wife attending Cabinet meetings on issues in which she's interested.

In an interview with Barbara Walters on ABC News' "20/20," Giuliani and his wife answered questions about the six marriages between them and whether she was the "other woman" who caused the breakup of his second marriage to TV personality Donna Hanover.

The Post and the New York Daily News gave prominent play to the marriage and cabinet stories. The Post followed up with a story under the headline, "JUDI'S JOB WITH PUP-KILLER FIRM."

The newspaper reported that that Mrs. Giuliani, a nurse, had worked for a medical supply company that used dogs to demonstrate the use of medical staplers."

Monday, April 02, 2007

The Ladies Finally Get a Little Love

From the New York Daily News:

"Marriage has become a major subtext of the 2008 campaign.

The revelation of a third husband by Judith Giuliani was a first for a presidential campaign, but even before the Giuliani surprise the candidates' spouses were attracting attention.

For one thing, there's a famous former President auditioning to go back to the White House as First Gentleman.

Indeed, all three of the top Democrats have charismatic lawyer spouses at least as popular as they are. It's generally not hard to find people at a Clinton, Obama or Edwards event who wish Bill, Michelle or Elizabeth were on the ticket.

On the GOP side, marriage is a touchier issue."

(more)

And from CBS

"The extraordinary travel and time demands on presidential candidates make it impossible for spouses to stay on the sidelines.

"The increasing length of time that these national campaigns are running under now, and the concentration of these early primary states for nomination, the spouses are just critical to the campaign," said Sarah Brewer of American University's Women & Politics Institute.

Michelle Obama – at first apprehensive – is winning over audiences. Anne Romney kept a low profile when Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts, but not anymore, despite her Multiple Sclerosis. And Cindy McCain is along for a ride on Senator John McCain's Straight Talk Express much earlier than she was in 2000.

"Now, there she is sitting next to him – grinning from ear to ear, hair perfect, looking adoring," Mehren said."

Friday, March 30, 2007

Obama Bashes Bush - Gets His Grip and Grin On

While making the campaign rounds in Tallahassee, Fla. Sen. Bahm Bahm lashed out at George Bush - saying the current Attorney General scandal show's Georgie-Boy's disrespect for the constitution.
Agreed.
But er um Barack sweetie you're showing a healthy disrespect for married man rule number 311. Don't be looking so damn smiley-smiley, and genuinely pleased to be posing with some cute state representative down in Florida - when your wife and possibly America's Next First Lady is back home in Chicago up to her a!@ in whiny little girls and dance recitals and PTA meetings. Photo ops like these are what the fake smiles are for.
Got it?
Good.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Oh No Not Again

Oh good lord jesus.
Will this woman never shut up?
Now Judith Giuliani, in her infinite wisdom, is having a little prime time chat with the crypt keeper a.k.a. Barbara Walters. Other ancient New York hags like the Post's Cindy Adams are kissing much Giuliani a!#... making Judi and Rudy believe the public wants to hear about their relationship.
Wrong.
And all that talk about the third Mrs. Giuliani sitting in on White House cabinet meetings if hubby is elected?
Sigh.
Judi does not play well in the Red states. Have you guys forgotten you're trying to get the Republican nomination?

Monday, March 19, 2007

Cindy McCain Back on the Bus

screenshot from abcnews.com Even the fantabulous Cindy McCain can't seem to breathe new life into this old concept. But she dutifully boarded The Straight Talk Express dos this weekend and rumbled around some well-trod primary ground. The bus, a hold-over from 2000, has been spruced up for round two.. but so far it is failing to generate the excitement of the last campaign.
Senator John did however manage to get in a dig-what-dig? shot at the competition. McCain said: "It's the same McCain, the same Straight Talk, the same, frankly, people with me, same wife."
Uh-huh, unlike that ho-monger Rudy Giuliani who is on spouse numero tres. But you know what McCains? Guiliani, Judith and all, is leading you in the polls.
Your mission Cindy - have his people come up with an idea better than the bus.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Judi "The Deal Killer" Giuliani Strikes Again

Obviously my advice to Mrs. Rudy G. to SIT HER ASS DOWN has gone unheeded.
So guess what happened?
The media dumped another s!@#load of criticsim after her bizarre introduction of her husband at a recent fund raiser in New York.

Oh and Judes, - it's "This means so much to Rudy and me" not "Rudy and I". Not that you should ever get the chance to speak again.

bill bashes back

Potential Next First Lady Bill Clinton's campaign appearances with his wife the senator may be few and far between - but don't think he isn't pulling those levers behind the curtain. The New York Post reports on how he took on the Times this week while raising another gazillion dollars for Camp Hillary.

"He said his wife wasn't getting a fair shake from the Times," said Curtis Sliwa, the WABC Radio host, who was there as a guest. ("I'm a Rudy guy," Sliwa explained.)

"Clinton said the Times is attacking Hillary because she won't apologize for her vote on the war in Iraq," Sliwa said. "The Times has always been super supportive. It's the equivalent of Rudy Giuliani attacking The New York Post."

Oh and don't let the chummy photo of Barack, Bill and Hill in Selma a couple of weeks ago fool you either. Big Willie is trying to deflect criticism about Hillary's war stance(s) - and force the Times to take on Obama.

"Clinton focused on the fact that three years ago - shortly after Barack Obama burst onto the world stage with his speech at the Democratic National Convention where John Kerry was nominated - Obama was asked how he would have voted on the Iraq war if he'd been in Congress at that time.

"And Obama said, 'I'm not sure,' " Sliwa recalled. "Clinton said the Times has a duty to report on Obama's initial ambivalence."

Ouch.
Michelle? Your turn.





Monday, March 12, 2007

Meet Michelle Obama's New Chief of Staff

Little did she know when Eric Appleman visited her for one of his Democracy in Action pieces in 2003 - that she would eventually end up near the center of the hottest Presidential campaign in decades.
Melissa Winter, who worked for Senator Joe Lieberman for 10 years, is now Michelle Obama's right hand woman.

She probably also didn't know that some poorly lit snapshot from a random day at the office would end up being e-mailed around the internet four years later...or that some blogger with no life would end up poking around in her expense reports and giggling about how she probably spent that 1,700 bucks worth of tax payer money during that weekend in pre-Katrina New Orleans.

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Michelle Obama Has Paid Her Dues

The Left End of the Dial blog has dug up this shot of Michelle Obama trying to choke down some rubber chicken - while her then state senator hubby lays the ground work for an eventual run for 1600.

Barack: 'Hmmmm. I wonder how much campaign cash I can squeeze out of...oh s!@#. 'Did a flash just go off? O.K. stay focused. Note to self - have assistant get me two seats at another one of these godawful dinners with Chicago's Jewish movers and shakers to counter inevitable Obama loves Arabs hates Jews headlines.'

Michelle: 'Why is this fool trying to take my picture when he sees I've got my mouth - oh wait - maybe if I move behind this carnation...'

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Michelle Takes Manhattan

In New York - 1010 wins shows the Obamas' strategy was in full effect with Mrs. O playing the role of grounded partner to reassure the adoring masses that she will never let Bahm-Bahm believe the hype.

From AP:

"Senator Barack Obama was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at a fundraiser in New York today.
But the person who had the audience laughing the hardest was his wife, who decided to air some dirty laundry.

Michelle Obama told roaring audience members she sometimes wishes she could live with the same character she sees on T-V. She called that man "Barack Obama the phenomenon."

She said the Barack Obama at her house has trouble putting his socks with the dirty clothes. And he doesn't do a better job than their five-year-old daughter at making his bed.

But the senator's wife tried to depict her husband as more good-guy than politician.

She said he is sincere and authentic -- not manufactured.

The event at Manhattan's Grand Hyatt Hotel was one of the Democrat's first major presidential fundraising forays into New York City."

Good New York hair, make up, and suit by the way - sophisticated without being boring. Bonus.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Babs Richardson Still Under Radar


I swear Barabara Richardson. If you show up at ONE more groundbreaking for yet another worthy cause - and all you get out of it is a mention in the Daily Lobo - I'm gonna strangle somebody.
Get out there girl!

Judith "The Deal Killer" Giuliani

From TIME.com:

Richard Land, the Southern Baptists' ambassador to the very earthly kingdom of politics and policy (his official title is President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest Protestant Denomination) is a diplomat and an affable character, so when he speaks plainly the words carry weight. And his salvos launched at Republican frontrunner Rudy Giuliani were the warning shots in the evangelical primary: who has the strongest claim to the hearts and minds of the GOP base?

That's right. The Southern Baptists' Big Kahuna has spoken on the Giulianis' hoedom. And it's not good:

"You can't win just with white evangelicals" Land says, "but without them you face a loss of apocalyptic proportions." And that's the bad news for Rudy. "The vast majority of those people will not vote for Rudy. The three marriages is a deal killer."


Oh what to do. What to do?
OK - we'll have to re-think this but here's a start. Judi...KEEP YOUR ASS AT HOME. Republicans like Rudy, and they really want to give him a pass on that whole thrice married, pro-abortion, cross-dressing, estranged children thing. But they can't if he's constantly throwing his latest wife in their faces. If Rudy's there - you can be for damed sure Judi is too ...grabbing on as tight as she can - loving the limelight and tounging him down on the cover of the Post.
You want a shot at the East Wing? Confine yourself to the Upper East Side for the rest of the election.


Michelle Obama Headed to NY

Move over Beyonce the real chief chick is coming to town and New York Business.com says the city can't wait.

The presidential contender’s $100-a-head fundraiser, being held this Fridaynight in Manhattan, sold out so quickly that his campaign moved it to a larger venue, the Grand Hyatt New York’s Empire State Ballroom. Tickets sales were resumed, with a new deadline of Thursday. The campaign had stopped selling tickets last week, but requests continued to roll in.

Typically, a fundraiser for a prominent candidate who appears in person would carry a minimum ticket price of far more than $100. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, for example, has an event at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on Wednesday, March 14, with a buy-in of $2,300—the most an individual can legally contribute.

But candidates will occasionally schedule low-dollar events, intended to attract and cultivate a large number of younger donors. In December 2005, Sen. Hillary Clinton sold $50 tickets to a fundraiser at Crobar on West 28th Street that both she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, attended. Predictably, the place was a madhouse.

Mr. Obama and his wife Michelle may find a similar scene at the Grand Hyatt in midtown Friday. The event was originally to be held at The Grand, 41 East 58th St. His campaign would not divulge how many tickets have been sold.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Hairy Situation for Edwards

Elizabeth honey, If you want people to stop thinking of your husband as the "Breck Girl" you're gonna have to do something with your own hair. How could his not look like shiny product-ed perfection next to this?

Paging Michelle Obama

Sheh-Shell.
Sigh.
Come get ya man.

The New York Daily News reports that this went down at one of those down low rich people only fund raisers Barack has been holding sans spouse:

"He spoke for about 20 minutes, never mentioning Hillary Clinton," one guest tells us. "He was very impressive. People formed a circle around him. He shook everybody's hand and asked what they did."

One lady needed no introduction. Feasting his eyes on Beyoncé, the candidate said: "I never do this, but can I ask for your autograph?" The admiration seemed mutual as they posed for a photo. "I want a copy of that picture!" said Obama.

Naturally, he was also cordial to her boyfriend, Jay-Z, who laid his money down despite having had dinner a few nights earlier with Bill Clinton."

Naturally...as any playuh-playuh would be. When Senator Bahm-Bahm was in the pulpit in Selma on Sunday he sent a shout out to his lovely wife who was holding down the home front and taking care of the kids. He should have done the same while all hugged-up with Bey...and it's those very same kids that should have been the (very loudly) expressed reason why he was asking for some sexy 20-something singer's autograph (whether the kids wanted it or not).

Presidents have groupies - they are not groupies themselves. Learn it.

Yeah, a lot of people will say it was cute that his tongue was hanging all out. But you know who won't? Black women. They are still trying to decide whether he gets a pass or not anyway- and he will definitely be denied if they even think he has eyes for anyone other than Michelle.

Mrs. O - whether your husband was trying to get his JFK/Marilyn on or just clowning around...make him stop it. It could do more harm than good.


Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Being Bill

From Cape Cod Times
Out of all the potentates and potential presidents parading across the Pettus bridge in Selma on Sunday - no one was welcomed by the crowds like the person who could be America's Next First Lady...Bill Clinton. At the sight of even just the tippy top of his snowy white head folks went nuts. Maybe because he'd been to Selma before...maybe because he was the only real Southerner among the key-noters...maybe because instead of being embarrassed by the overwhelming and illogical adoration - he wallows in it like a pig in s!@#. Whatever the reason, he needs to bottle it and force feed it to his still-too-stiff wife if he plans on making it back to 1600.

Romneys Are Family Values-rific

From desertnews.com/hearst newspapers
Suck it Giulianis.
Suck it hard.
That was the message First Lady wannabe Ann Romney and hubby Mitt delivered over the weekend at a Rebublican conserva-fest in Washington. The leaning more right every day Romney introduced the crowd to his "sweetheart" to whom he
has been married for a bazillion years...right after Rudy, who is
on wife numero tres, rambled on about how he wanted support.

Ann's also took a turn on the mike:

"We have an exciting month this month," she told the crowd. "Some of you might think, 'Well, of course, you're running for president. That's exciting.' There's another reason we're excited — Mitt and I will be celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary."
Ann Romney introduced the couple's 37-year-old son, Tagg, before confiding to the audience that Romney's public accomplishments pale in her mind against "the accomplishments that I hold most dear in my heart, because for me he has been an extraordinary husband and most importantly, he's been a terrific example to our five sons and now to our 10 grandchildren." (Unlike ho-monger Giuliani)

Genius.

Brits to Potential First Ladies: Bake Cookies

From London's Guardian/Observer
The bake-off, which seems like a relic of unliberation, has in fact only been in place since 1992, when Hillary Clinton defended her career as a lawyer by saying: 'I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies.' Who would have thought that, so many years after second-wave feminism, that phrase could be contentious?

But Democrats have had trouble winning votes from married women, and it was seen by some as such a put-down that the person currently bidding to be the first female President of the United States instantly sought to correct the strategy error by coming up with a recipe. Since then, the bake-off has only highlighted the extent to which the position of First Lady is a symbolic one, and how little that symbol is expected to change.

However idolised Jackie Kennedy was, however exceptional she seemed, Andy Warhol's immortalisation of her proves that it was all about surface and surrender. It has been said that an essential rung on a prospective presidential candidate's career ladder is to pass through Stepford and pick up a wife. Or, as Gil Troy, historian of First Couples has put it: 'When in doubt, go retro.'

Monday, March 05, 2007

Giulianis - The Blended Family Blues

From the New York Post

"The Republican presidential candidate came to Southern California to speak with sheriffs about gang violence, but found himself peppered with questions about his family after his son, Andrew, publicly stated that their relationship had soured after Giuliani's messy divorce from Andrew's mother, Donna Hanover, and his later marriage to Judith Nathan.

"My wife Judith is a very loving and caring ... mother and stepmother. She has done everything she can. The responsibility is mine," Giuliani told reporters gathered outside the Los Angeles County sheriff's headquarters.

"I believe that these problems with blended families, you know, are challenges - sometimes they are," he said. "The more privacy I can have for my family, the better we are going to be able to deal with all these difficulties."

The New York Times reported Saturday that Andrew Giuliani and his father have recently tried to reconcile after not speaking "for a decent amount of time." In the Times article, Andrew said, "There's obviously a little problem that exists between me and his wife."

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Billy C. - Dollars on the Down Low

Potential First Lady Bill Clinton has been keeping a relatively low profile...but don't think he's sleeping on the job. That constant ringing sound you hear? The Clinton cash-register is cha-chinging away.

In The Huffington Post, Blake Fleetwood parses the process:

We came across, and verified, an email Bill Clinton sent to his best supporters last week, urging them to raise a million dollars a week for Hillary's presidential campaign (already raised is $705,280).

With the help of a confidential source in the Clintons' inner circle, we were able to parse many of his sentences to reveal the strategy behind his words and produce a MRI, in effect, of the former president's thinking processes.
__________________________________________________________

Dear _____________,

Am I enthusiastic about my wife's campaign for president? You bet I am.

WHAT BILL CLINTON IS REALLY SAYING:

I've been sitting on my butt for seven years watching Bush bungle everything. And those pathetic wimps - Gore and Kerry - could not beat a dead-man-walking. Now Hillary, with me quietly in the shadows, finally has a chance to show those Republicans what hardball politics is all about.

I know her better than anybody on earth,

And unfortunately, she knows me better than anyone on earth too; and I owe her a big one...Monica (or two -- Gennifer...or three -- Paula) which is why I'm working so hard on her behalf.

and she's got the best combination of mind and heart of everybody I've ever known.

So what if she's way short on empathy and charisma, especially with crowds. Obama is all about charisma, and nothing else. I'll take care of the charisma thing.

(more)

Monday, February 26, 2007

Babs Snubs Bushes

New Mexico's first lady and FLOTUS contender Barabara Richardson just said NO to an invite to the place she hopes to call home come 2009.

From freerepublic.com:

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER: Richardson and other governors attending the National Governors Association's winter meeting are invited to the White House on Sunday night for a "black-tie evening with President and Mrs. Bush." A Richardson spokesman said the governor will be in attendance, but first lady Barbara Richardson is not making the trip.— J.J.

Bad move Babs. I know, I know, watching the Oscars at home in your pajamas was waaaayyyy more interesting. But you should have shown up looking spectacular - gotten some good pub...then bowed out early with a headache or something.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Vilsacks Say F!@# It

Alas, we must bid a fond farewell to Christie Vilsack. She and hubby, Iowa Governor Tom are saying the run for 1600 costs too much money so they're dropping out. Damn shame too. Christie was by far one of the most energetic and entertaining of the First Lady wanabees...the self described spider hit up everybody from atheists to people who can't even vote yet for support. But I'm sure she'll redirect all that crazed energy and zero-in like a laser to try to secure Tom a spot as V.P. on somebody's ticket. Obama-Vilsack anyone?

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Scooch Over Ladies, Ann Romney's Joining the Fray

The Boston Globe shows the Romney fam making their big announcement today. In the photo, Ann, wife of former Massachusetts Governor and newly announced Republican candidate for president Mitt, appears to be the family's center (like Michelle Obama). And she's already come out swinging to help her husband claim the party's family-values high ground. Take that Cindy and Judi.
From the National Journal's Hotline.

"The biggest difference between Mitt Romney and the other candidates," she said, is that Mitt has "only had one wife."

Ooo. Spunky. Like it. But as a Mormon with MS and five sons, I guess she'd have to be to even think about getting into this fight to the finish. Welcome!

Michelle Obama Nails It

During a 60 minutes interview Mrs. Senator BO showed again why she is at the center of the Obamaverse. She was relaxed, funny, smart, and looked great (good hair day). The campaign should keep her in motion. She hasn't got the silent waving spouse thing down yet - she's best when she talking and letting people see who she really is.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Obamas' Coming Out - Good....

But not great. Barack and Michelle took the show on the road Saturday. Announcing a for real for real run for the White House before the senator headed to Iowa. Obama gave good speech... it's about all of "us" - blahbity blabity. But these things, natch, are not solely about substance...they are orchestrated to capture the public's attention and imagination...and this one fell a little short. Like it or not Michelle you are part of a show, one that has to be exciting enough to make people want to get up off their asses and go vote. Your business: icon building and energizing "the base"...which means vivid royal blue, or orange, or red, or yellow coats. Not your somber black one (although I guess you get points for not breaking out the mink.)
Again, check out the masters below.
Newsday caught the Clintons in the classic pose - in colors that make people want to watch...and if they watch long enough, maybe they'll eventually listen - which is the point.
And look at the wave. (Michelle, you've got a lot of work to do on this one.)
Like European royals, Hill and Bill make the wrists do all the work...but they've added American bigness by throwing their arms high in the air.
Barack has worked out a version of the high-arm/wrist based wave but Michelle, you have some kinda whole body windshield-wiper wave going on that is tres unattractive.


Stop this immediately. Remember, you are a queen, a compassionate one yes, but still a queen who must float regally above all the dirty politics.

Michelle Obama Stars on BarackTV

barackobama.com unveiled a new look to go along with the junior senator from Illinois' OFFICIAL announcement that he's making the run for 1600...and wifey Michelle is one of the stars on "BarackTV."
The hair is a little crazy, but I'd spin that as busy mother/career woman with too much going on to obsess about hair. The pale blue turtleneck is just lovely...as are the stories about Barack whose idea of a date was to take her to one of his community organizer events to preach about how the world should be. Ah, young, buppie, want-to-run-for-president-one-day, love.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Judi, Judi, Judi

Sigh.
Rudy and Judith Giuliani serve up some soft porn on the cover of the New York friggin' Post. Who the hell thought this was good campaign strategy? I mean Judi, you've already got major home wrecker/ho problems in the Red States and now this.

Judi, 52, insisted that when her hubby takes the plunge, she won't mind playing second fiddle to his political ambitions - and she revealed the famously tough-as-nails former mayor's sensitive side.

"I've always liked strong, macho men, and Rudy - I'm not saying this because he's my husband - is one of the smartest people on the planet," gushed the former Judith Nathan to Harper's Bazaar in editions due out Feb. 20.

"What people don't know is that Rudy's a very, very romantic guy. We love watching 'Sleepless in Seattle.' Can you imagine my big testosterone-factor husband doing that?"

Is that what you guys were doing when he was bringing you to the home he still shared with his other-other wife? You just pissed away a whole truckload of Republican good will that they decided to let you walk away with recently in New Hampshire.
Fine, don't listen to me. Go ahead. Try to go campaign in Idaho, or how about Kansas? Brownback is gonna family-value your asses right back to the Upper East Side.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Seriously, Michelle...Give Your Peeps a Raise

Now there's international fluff. Excelen-tay.
The London Telegraph calls Michelle, Obama's "secret weapon" and says his campaign is getting ready to "unveil" her. Of course the article doesn't bother to say when, where, how, or why...it's basically just a rehash of compliments heaped upon Mrs. Senator BO in other stories in U.S. publications. A p.r. flack's dream coverage. Enjoy. And well done you.

Christie Vilsack and the Athiest

Sounds like it could be a sitcom...but this is deliciously true. (or at least as true as anything in a blog can be)
It's just too good. In fact, far too good for me to try to paraphrase. So click here for the exchange in its entirety.
That Christie Vilsack. She'll hit up anybody for a vote. And we dig that about her.

Bush Name In Papers for Something Other Than Iraq

The New York Post has details on the First Lady's attendance at a show during NYC's fashion week. It was a charity event, natch. (Note to potential First Ladies: when you want to do something frivolous like look at pretty clothes make sure it's to raise "awareness" or funds for some charity or other.)
By the way Laura was decked out with the perfect accessories...secret service men. If Hillary's out of town, no chance anybody else is going to show up with those.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Italian First Lady Slams Skank Husband

O.K. I guess technically she's Italy's former first lady but that doesn't make this mess any less delicioso.
The papers in Rome are still FILLED with the news of an unprecedented move by Veronica Lario, wife of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. In a letter published on the front page of La Republicca newspaper - she demanded a PUBLIC apology from her husband for shamelessly and slimily flirting with women (and God only knows what else).

The U.S. media couldn't resist either.

From the NYT:

"It turns out that the 70-year-old former prime minister, whose own heart now beats with a pacemaker, attended an awards ceremony last week and was overly friendly with two young and beautiful guests.

“If I weren’t already married, I would marry you right now,” he told one, according to Italian news media accounts. To another, he said, “With you I would go anywhere.”

“These are statements I consider damaging to my dignity,” wrote Veronica Lario, 50, who has been with Mr. Berlusconi for 27 years. His remarks could not be “reduced to jokes,” she said.

“To my husband and to the public man, I therefore ask for a public apology, not having received one privately.”

In divining what this could mean, Italians barely knew where to start."

Whoo, and honey neither do I. More:

"Feminists called it an overdue rallying cry for Italian women like Ms. Lario, who has endured years of supposed infidelity (and no end of sexual remarks, like when Mr. Berlusconi opened a political conference by praising the legs of the women in the front row). Political analysts said Mr. Berlusconi, who wants a third turn as prime minister, could never again win the votes of women — and so was finished. "

But that didn't keep the bastard from trying to do some major spin control so that he can indeed try for another term as PM. Berlusconi wrote his own open letter to apologize to wifey...saying:

“Your dignity should not be an issue: I will guard it like a precious material in my heart even when thoughtless jokes come out of my mouth,” he wrote. “But marriage proposals, no, believe me, I have never made one to anyone.

Forgive me, however, I beg of you, and take this public testimony of private pride that submits to your anger as an act of love. One among many. A huge kiss. Silvio.”

Too little, too late. But for Mrs. B., mission accomplished. She finally stood up, spoke out, and reclaimed her pride for her sake and the sake of her daughters...and she put a major wrench in hubby's political plans to boot. Yipppeeeeeeee.

Note to those trying to be America's Next First Lady... don't try this at home. These are professionals operating on a closed course. Get to the East Wing first. Then if you think a public rebuke is necessary....BOMBS AWAY.


Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Biden's In - Meet Wife Jill

Jill Biden is the latest to join the race for America's Next First Lady (after hubby Senator Joe announced he's making a run for 1600 - and managed to ignite a nasty Obama-versy at the same time). No photos on the senator's official website of madame Biden that I can point you too - so this will have to do. It is Jill's "four buttoned pink suit" that was up for auction on ebay.
Mrs. B. was probably trying to get rid of this frumpiness to make room for more tight leather pants and low cut blouses with which to seduce and frighten visiting Iranians.

Pro: She's an unknown outside the beltway - no baggage.
Con: That whole Iranian thing is the first thing that pops up upon "the google" when you search "jill biden".
Tip: Do more to publicize your Biden Breast Health Initiative.

What about Bill?

The media scrambles to find a moniker for potential eastwinger Bill Clinton.
CNN's says he could be called the "First Gentleman". And while Senator Hills was in Iowa this past weekend someone suggested this.

"First Lady's Man".


(from the Washington Post)








And that wasn't the only allusion to Big Willie's philandering past. Everyone went nuts analyzing Hillary's response to a question about whether she is equipped to deal with "evil and bad men". The senator handled it well.

From the National Ledger...
"The question is, we face a lot of dangers in the world and, in the gentleman's words, we face a lot of evil men and what in my background equips me to deal with evil and bad men," Clinton said. She paused to gaze while the audience interrupted with about 30 seconds of laughter and applause.

It was a great moment. Is it evil and bad to lie to your wife and the country about diddling the help? Hilary tried to explain for the rest of the day that she didn't mean her hubby was the one to which she was referring.

Meeting later with reporters, she was pressed repeatedly to explain what she meant. She insisted it was a simple joke. "I thought I was funny," Clinton said. "You guys keep telling me to lighten up, be funny. I get a little funny and now I'm being psychoanalyzed."

How about President Emeritus?

Sunday, January 28, 2007

More on Rudy and Judi

New York's Newsday on the Giuliani's visit to New Hampshire

"he also appeared intent on quieting questions about his marital history by giving wife Judith Nathan an unusually high-profile role here. She barely left his side in public, and he called her a "partner" whom he leaned on for everything from getting through 9/11 and prostate cancer to understanding the science behind possible anthrax attacks."

Saturday, January 27, 2007

The Guilianis Take the Show on the Road

(from AP via cbsnews.com)
Rudy and Judi spend a snowy Saturday in New Hampshire getting some love from the Republican faithful. The Political Insider takes a little poke at the former Mayor - who has been raking in millions as a headliner- for-hire. Today's speech was gratis but don't get used to it. It costs a lot of money to keep Mrs. G 3.0 looking like this.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Toodles Teresa

Alas, we must bid adieu to Teh-rehhhhzzzza Heinz Kerry. Hubby, Senator John says he's out, so she is no longer a candidate for queen of the East Wing. Too bad. I was really looking forward to her crazy-old-rich-lady- forced-to-ride-on-a-campaign-bus-ramblings. Those are always fun times. Oh well. If we're lucky, Elizabeth Edwards will take on that role. She's been laying low after lobbing some bombs at both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
We can only hope for more.

  • Lizzy Edwards suddenly remembers the power of the Clinton machine and supplicates herself after questioning Hillary's 'happiness" (AP/ABC7)
  • Elizabeth Edwards v. Laura Bush (America's Next First Lady)

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Forget the Speech: Look at Laura

Lame duck George W. went on for a good fifty minutes about the same stuff he usually goes on about during his sixth State of the Union snore-fest. (Although I particularly enjoyed the reference to them Hy-brid Vee-hickuls) What's the only thing that kept the TV audience from dozing off? The all too few shots of Laura who dazzled in a Red-State-Red suit with just enough sparkle around the buttons to give it a little kick.
Take that Edwards.


Too bad the Democratic triumvirate below wasn't close enough to get a good look, because they desperately needed something to shake them out of their slumber.





(Pic snatched from barackoblogga.com)

Eventually, they did wake up, and the camera caught Obama clapping for a man who many in his base consider evil incarnate.

Note to Michelle: Tell Senator BO that yes, he has to look bi-partisan blah blah blah...but when he applauds- he should take a tip from Sen. Clinton and keep his hands low so it's hard to tell. Now Hill can say to those who talk about the need for reaching across the aisle 'see, I clapped for parts of the Bush speech'...and she can tell George-haters 'see, I didn't.' Genius.