Hillary Clinton...the dream slips away. Barack mindful baggage costs extra!

Rumors floated around in the last thrust of the primaries earlier this week that some negotiating was going on behind-the-scenes to exchange pledges for a toasty VP slot for Hillary Clinton.

The scuttlebutt revved up a little when word filtered out that Obama knocked Hillary up ( English term for calling someone on the telephone) and suggested they get together for a chat when things calmed down a bit.

In spite of the fact pundits and the insiders alike hinted that wily Hillary was a designer shoe-in for the "dream ticket", conflicting statements started filtering out of both camps.

I guess someone woke up from the nightmare!

"No overtures were made," stressed a loyal poker-faced chieftain playing cards close to the chest in the Clinton camp.

Meanwhile, press outlets started reporting that in a clandestine conference call with key players on the Democratic ticket scene, Hillary swore up-and-down she'd do whatever it took to help usher Obama-cakes into the Oval Office in November. And, some allege, she slyly made a ploy for the second-place slot on the ticket, somewhat obsequiously.

Boy, would I have liked to have been a fly on that wall!

But, something must have gone awry.

Suddenly, on the heels of his big-win Tuesday, Obama did a bit of an about-face.

To an incredulous media, he announced he'd wait 'til fall to name a running mate.

Ouch!

But, it was the stunner about mulling over potential candidates, that tipped me off.

If Obama isn't sure about Hillary now, he'll never be come he** or high water.

In retrospect, all the shenanigans leading up-to and in-the-wake of securing the much coveted prize, amounted to a lot of flimsy posturing, the swallowing-of-pride, you name-call it.

So, what fell down and went boom?

Perhaps, Lady Diana said it best.

Three in a marriage just doesn't work.

If it wasn't slick Willy's fault, then just maybe Hillary's to blame for failing to be a "gentleman" on Tuesday night - and ultimately - for being a spoil sport.

After all, boys will be boys.

What do I predict?

No Hillary. No Edwards.

Yup, it's all about change.

So, I hazard a guess that "Golden Boy" will be scratching around for a spanking new candidate without any baggage.

Bet 'ya a fiver, dudes.



Reflections in a golden eye...

Barack Obama...fashion tips for stylish entrance on World Stage!

Because I was a fashion writer with a major daily, I couldn't help but notice in the morning TIMES that Obama's suit was looking a little rumpled.

A tough day? No excuse!

Now that Mr. Obama will be meeting with leaders in the political arena and sauntering out onto the World Stage, it is of paramount importance that he make a stylish impression.

The heck with what he thinks!

So, here are some fashion tips for Obama and the rest of you dudes pining to step up the Corporate ladder.

First, never wear a "Dress Suit" jacket with jeans. The look jars the sensibilities and often conjures up scorn from the top levels of management and big Government. (Royalty, too)

When you are properly suited up take care of the finer points of dressing, too.

For instance, the tie should not be too long or too short; in fact, the tip of it should fall at waist level right at the "belt" line.

The cuff of your dress shirt should also fall crisply about 1/2 inch below the jacket sleeve - no more - no less.

To avoid looking like you came from the wrong side of the tracks, never press your dress pants with the hot iron directly on the fabric - otherwise - you'll end up with an unsightly shine in the pants. Very Tacky. (cheap-looking, too)

Most importantly, the cuff of your pant leg should break - just so - at the front of your dress shoe. For this reason, it may be wise to take the loafer you'll be wearing to the tailor when the cuff is hemmed to ensure precision in this regard.
(Obama, you need a keen eye, here)

Never wear a boutonniere and a pocket handkerchief at the same time - strictly verboten. Along the same line of thinking, please note that teaming up suspenders with a belt is considered redundant, so avoid the buttressing like the trendy fashion plague that it is.

And, it would be wise to listen up in respect to shoes, too. Never wear brown shoes with a black suit. Also, be sure to ban white socks from a dress suit ensemble. If not, diplomats will be looking at your feet - instead of your handsome face - at formal dinners in foreign nations.

Potential Execs would be wise to take note that the big honcho often looks at the feet first as a test of character. If the shoes are properly buffed and shined - unscuffed and not broken down at the heels - you'll make your way up the corporate ladder - faster than you can utter "Donald Trump".

With an eye to the White House, Obama pay attention, too.

For sure, don't go overboard with any controlled clashing of patterns.

The quirky idea was a trend for a while, but generally the rule of thumb is this: if you're not experienced with mixing and matching techniques, stick with one pattern and two plains (solid colors).

For instance, if the tie is patterned, harmonize it with a plain jacket and a plain shirt so that the colors and textures offset the cravat.

However, if there is a pattern in the jacket (even if it is only due to a noticeable texture in the fabric (ribbing in herringbone, for example) reach for a plain shirt.

Also, make sure the hues in the jacket and tie are complementary and the colors are coordinated and harmonized tastefully.

If you want to avoid another silly mistake, always take both pieces of a suit to the cleaners; otherwise - if one item is pressed more often than the other - it will fade and look unmatched - and thus - underscore your lack of fashion savvy.

By the way, it is generally uncouth to wear a sport jacket with blue jeans unless the denims are brand new and neatly pressed. Only wear grungy jeans with a broken-in corduroy jacket - with patches on the elbows, perhaps - to effect that campus or devil-may-care, Prof look.

Also, only wear one or two pieces of understated tasteful pieces of jewellery, like a quality watch and ring. None on the pinky finger, please!

Finally, avoid walking into the room with the overpowering scent of bar soap or Old Spice emanating from your person.

The women (in some cases, even the guys) will run the other way.

Remember, it's style - not the clothes - that make the man!



Zips, snaps, and designer flourishes date a piece of wardrobe.
Watch out, Barack. The Fashion Police will getcha.

Hillary Clinton...shutting down. Overdue bow on Friday, according to New York Times!

I have experience, I could always work at Starbucks...






Well, the shocks and jolts keep coming today, folks.

Early this morning I got word that the Planning Commission in Malibu "denied" the proposal for an ordinance to ban pot dispensaries within the city limits.

Then, on the heels of that heady moment, a news flash confirmed that the Justices at the California Supreme Court "denied the stay" on their ruling lifting the ban on Gay Marriage.

Just as I was catching my breath - and getting ready to head out to the local deli for a salami & rye sandwich - more sh** hit the old fan!

The New York Times fired off a missive heralding Mrs. Clinton's decision to endorse Barack Obama, express her support for the Senator - and egads! - bring her financially-troubled year-and-a-half campaign to a screeching halt.

Today, someone must have given Hillary a whiff of smelling salts!

In a staggering about-face, one adviser confided that Mrs. Clinton would concede defeat - and not only congratulate Mr. Obama for his big-win Tuesday - but also proclaim him the party’s nominee while pledging to do the "right thing". (McCain would be proud)

Although Mrs. Clinton was reluctant to squelch the torch last night pending an opportunity to discuss her future with the powers-that-be today, even the precious few in the inner sanctum confessed that events on Wednesday signaled it was time to relinguish her sweaty grasp at the old brass ring.

One of her long-time supporters since the halcyon days said it best.

"We pledged to support her to the end. Our problem is not being able to determine when the he** the end is," confessed Charles B. Rangel. (New York Democrat)

When Walter F. Mondale - and others - announced that they were now backing Mr. Obama - it must have been tantamount to a prize punch in the gut.

"I was for Hillary — I wasn’t against Obama, who I think is very talented," Mr. Mondale said. "I’m glad we made a decision and I hope we can unite our party and move forward."

Traitor.

But, that's all water under the bridge now, eh?

A send-off party is planned for Mrs. Clinton and her supporters for Friday.

Would you attend?

Talk about doom and gloom!

Were I Hillary, I'd take the first flight to Hawaii and chill out on the beach with a bottle of Chivas Regal 'til I got royally sh**-faced.
(uh-huh)

After all, the party proper had little to say on the heels of her fall-down-go-boom episode except,

"Democrats must now turn our full attention to the general election."

Yeah, it's roll-over time.

Some of Mrs. Clinton’s supporters urged Mr. Obama to take the senator on as his running mate.

In one of those ominous conference calls with members of the New York Congressional delegation on Tuesday, Mrs. Clinton was allegedly asked whether she would be open to joining a ticket headed up by Mr. Obama. Insiders say, if the big cheeze offered up the VP ticket - she would not only accept - but join in the good fight to storm the White House in the fall.

Terry McAuliffe, the Clinton campaign chairman, continued to swear up and down there were "absolutely zero discussions" in that vein on Tuesday.

But today is Wednesday.

Who knows what tomorrow brings?


T-Shirt market went through roof today...
(Chelsea eat your heart out!)

Obama...Clinton ticket. Quote of the day!

The morning papers were awash with news about Barack Obama's historic win in the presidential primaries last night.

In response to widespread speculation that Obama may pair up with Clinton - for what some allege would be a dream ticket - one astute observer quipped from the sidelines,

"When you're trying to break the first glass ceiling, it doesn't make sense to double-pane it," said Peter Hart, a Democratic pollster who is not aligned in the presidential race.

Nor should one tempt fate.

How does the old saying go?

"People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

Barack Obama...Secures ticket. Hillary stews in background!

Hello, is anyone listening? I won the popular vote!





The New York Times reported in a news flash just minutes ago that Democratic candidate Barack Obama has leapt over the threshold of the 2,118 delegates needed to be nominated at the party’s convention in Denver in August.

The daily is touting the accomplishment this evening as a "victory" for Mr. Obama, the son of a black Kenyan father and white Kansan mother, who they note, "broke racial barriers and represented a remarkable rise for a man who just four years ago served in the Illinois State Senate."

In an emotional speech to supporters in St. Paul just a short while ago, Mr. Obama thanked the ralliers for choosing "not to listen" to doubts or fears but "to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations."

Confident about the new path he is now embarking on, he noted with hearfelt enthusiasm,

"Tonight, we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another — a journey that will bring a new and better day to America. Because of you, tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States."

But, there was one cloud hanging over the celebration.

Not surprisingly, Mrs. Clinton was reluctant to hand over the reigns.

"This has been a long campaign and I will be making no decisions tonight," Mrs. Clinton told supporters in New York.

She said she would be speaking with party officials about her next move. In fact, I expect she'll be stomping her foot at Democratic headquarters bright and early in the morning demanding that her supporters "do something!"

Tough ti**y, Hillary.

In what was described by the Times as quite a "combative speech", Mrs. Clinton argued up-and-down "she was the stronger candidate" and that "she had won the popular vote", not Obama.

Denial. Denial. Denial.

Spoil sport, if you ask me.

In a bold-faced effort to give the impression she was not being selfish, and that she had the interests of others at heart, the fast-talking Senator used the occasion to twist and distort the facts to make sense of an argument for continuing.

"I want the 18 million Americans who voted for me to be respected."

They will be Hillary.

You don't have to steal an election - or make a fool of yourself in the process - to make that happen

It's not their fault you lost, is it?

Obama, the consummate gentleman responded with proper decorum.

"I am a better candidate for having had the honor to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton."

Yeah, you've learned how to watch your back, handle yourself in public, and - in spite of your alleged lack of experience - managed to deftly avoid setting off any of the mine fields that old "soldier-boy" keeps exploding on the campaign battleground day-in and day-out.

What a diplomat, that Obama.

Starting tomorrow, I expect the presidential campaign will take on a new twist.

Let the games begin!


No more dashed hopes...

Barack Obama...LA TIMES quote of the day!

Surge on floppy hats signals McCain-inspired fashion trends...


In the Los Angeles Times editorial section of today's newspaper regular columnist - Jonah Goldberg - was inclined to survey the rocky political terrain and the subsequent battle for supremacy between the two front-running candidates Senator John McCain and Barack Obama.

In response to Obama's argument in recent days that judgment was more important than experience, Mr. Goldberg was inclined to offer up what appears to be the quote of the day.

"A wise leader with no experience is preferable to a moron with plenty."

In my judgment Babes pine for Obama, too!

Hillary Clinton...Newsweek cuts hopeful out of campaign race!

Wait til you get home...


In this week's edition of NEWSWEEK, the publishers are running a full-page article with a graphic and photos depicting John McCain and Barack Obama surveying the political landscape across the United States.

And, Hillary Clinton is nowhere in sight!

Are the publishers at the top weekly news magazine subtly making a prediction about an outcome next week in the Democratic camp? Or, have insiders tipped the editors off early about Hillary's political demise?

Fasten your seatbelts, something tells me it's going to be a bumpy week!



The call at 3 a.m. that Hillary is going to hate...

Hillary Clinton...Florida sheds light on machinations!

Hillary sends subliminal message...





When Hillary won Florida a few weeks ago, she blew into the sunshine state for a few minutes to thank the voters for their support, then flew off just as quickly on her broomstick - as some shook their heads in her wake - baffled.

An exercise in futility some wondered?

After all, the votes wouldn't count, would they?

As I noted in a post at that time, it was a smart political move.

Now that the presidential hopeful is whining in the press about Florida - and twisting arms in Democratic circles to get at least a partial credit for the delegates she feels she won fair and square there - the width and breadth of Hillary's machinations have come to light.

Hate to say it, but "told you so".

But, fasten your seatbelts. If my instinct is correct, wily Hillary still has a few clever tricks up her sleeve, believe me.

That's why I prefer women in strapless gowns. Better yet, naked.

Remember what John Quinton once said,
"Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel."

Bill Clinton...pain in butt?

They're right...she does have a big a**.

The media has been trying to pin down Obama on potential running mates for the upcoming election.

But, he's been a bit coy with the press. And, determined not to overstep himself in these precarious political times.

In spite of the fact it's obvious someone in the wings will have to reach out with a hook, and yank Mrs. Clinton off the world stage kickin' and screamin' at the appropriate nod, Obama has been quite a gentleman about it - biding his time patiently.

Is the nomination in the bag yet?

Not if Hillary would have her druthers.

On the subject of choosing an individual for the Vice Presidential ticket, one reporter pointedly asked Obama,

"Will you be willing to consider everyone a possible running mate, even if his or her spouse is a pain in the butt?"

A veiled reference to slick Willy?

After a roar from the crowd, and a moment to collect his thoughts, Barack was inclined to note for the record that one of his heroes - Abraham Lincoln - often filled positions with rivals, so why not?

That old familiar saying comes to mind,

"Keep your friends near, but your enemies closer."

If that's the route he goes, the man must be a masochist.

If you ask me, jousting with Hillary in the White House would amount to utter he**.


Personally, I wouldn't tempt fate by sipping any beverage or munching on any delectable goody she brought to the Oval Office around afternoon tea, either.

Barack, beware of Greeks who bear gifts...

Barack Obama...tries on President's shoes on Capitol Hill. Hillary slides into oblivion.

According to Associated Press, when Barack Obama appeared on Capitol Hill Thursday, a band of hasty "super delegates" warmly shook his hand, slapped him on the back, and addressed him reverently as - "Mr. President".

Guess he was trying on the head honcho's shoes for size. Something tells me they were a tight fit!

For many, the occasion was not unlike a scene from a futuristic movie. After trouncing Hillary Clinton in recent weeks, I guess the future is "now".

Obama, I'll sell that slogan to 'ya cheap!

Meanwhile, Hillary is schlepping around the Nation, getting used to the idea of being just plain old Mrs. Clinton, once again.

No salutes in her future, no Air Force One, nada!

After twenty years of on-the-fence no-brain policies like - "Don't Ask, Don't tell" - titillating sex scandals, financial shenanigans, needless imperialistic wars - wherein "evil-doers" have held sway over this great Nation for no good reason as a consequence - looks like America is finally going to be heading down a fresh path, minus a Bush and a Clinton or two.

Hail to the Chief!

Reverend Jeremiah Wright...A.I.D.S. conspiracy lunacy. White coats, comin' to take him away. Ha Ha, Hee Hee!

Obama says you've got it all wrong, Reverend...



When I read in the morning paper that Reverend Jeremiah Wright once lamented that the A.I.D.S. virus was part of a conspiracy to wipe out the black population, I laughed.

Well, his theories were a bit refreshing in some respects.

After all, years ago Church leaders preached about a lot of fire and brimstone and alleged that the deadly virus was God's way of punishing "gays" for engaging in immoral acts.

Of course, in support of their arguments a whole posse of 'em were inclined to quote verses from Revelations. You know, all the scriptures that speak of famine and plagues and things that go bump in the night when the day of reckoning comes.

In recent years, however, scientists have been able to determine - because of A.I.D.S. activists like Elizabeth Taylor (who has raised millions in funds for research) - that the virus actually originated in the lowly monkey.

Yes, the nasty infection jumped species.

Looks like a couple of men in white coats (no, not the Ku Klux Klan) may be jumping Reverend Jeremiah Wright in the near future to cart him off to the funny farm if he continues foaming at the mouth about such nonsense!


Suggestions that the virus evolved into the mainstream because of willful deliberate action by a plotting few or the result of a vaccine that went wrong - are a preposterous notion - at least to those with a modicum of intelligence and common sense.

The man is a lunatic!

Prophetic leader?

How about pathetic loser!

Amen.

Barack Obama...shifting gears! Self-doubt may lose the race! Let it "be".

I had a dream that Obama @#*!...


Judging by the photo in the newspaper yesterday, Barack Obama appears to be pulling back from the media. For good reason!

In the revealing photograph, Obama looked leery of responding to a gaggle of reporters perched a few dozen feet from the Presidential candidate with their mics and news paraphernalia thrust forward.

A piece of advice, Obama? Just "be".

After all, when "The Candidate" let it be in the past, wasn't that a character trait that was inclined to inspire?

Yes, in the old days, Barack was a confident man...always able to stay on top of things. And - ready, able, and willing - to put his spin on the issues without fear of criticism. On occasion, he was witty; even offered up a refreshing anecdote now and then.

More-often-than-not, he had an uncanny way of putting wily Hillary in her place, too.

Mucho points from the voters for your skills in that department, Sir!

But, as the dems head down the last lap, it appears that Mr. Obama is letting the barbs and political innuendos jolt him, paralyze his thinking - and ultimately - bog him down with doubts about his image, fears that he won't be able to turn the tide back, and reservations about launching counter-attacks to halt Clinton dead in her cougar tracks.

Oh, Hillary's a plotter, alright. In fact, Bill's other half puts Lucy - the red-headed screwball schemer from the hit sitcom - to shame!

I agree, it's time to focus on McCain and start placing bets on the Blue Ribbon Race. Come on Barack, turn your back on that tired old saw horse, Clinton, and sprint to the finish line.

Yessir, Dems are making a big mistake prolonging the slug-fest with Clinton and Obama. If both the hopefuls are not careful, their popularity will fizzle out in a gasp of discontent and disgust. And, it will be reflected at the polls!

So, keep on track, Obama.

The only thing capable of derailing you at this juncture is that evil eye of that conniver, Hillary Clinton!

In the final analysis, maybe front-runner Obama needs a stab-in-the-back - er - a "blessing" from his pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, to make things right as rain again?

Kidding!

Barack Obama...say what? Senior analyst disassociates with sports tied to African Americans!

Barack on the "down low"...
(pictured left)



Just when we thought issues pertaining to the race card were dealt a final deadly blow - and tucked away into the good night - another wild zinger zips out of the Barack Obama camp!

At media outlets around the Nation, the morning papers were running photographs of Obama sprinting about the basketball court, underscoring his vim and vigor at the tender age of 46 big ones!

Heh, judging by comments from the ring-siders, Obama put the competing players half his age to shame!

Some have scratched their heads and wondered why Oprah's good buddy hasn't capitalized on the athletic image, especially in view of the fact some whine that Senator John McCain is too old to run for President.

According to the Senator from Illinois, age is not an issue.

A bit of diplomacy on his part, perhaps?

And, when asked why there weren't any press junkets booked around his favorite past-time, the presidential candidate stressed that when he's on the court - it's his downtime - and one of those rare occasions when he is able to relax out of the political spotlight.

In view of a comment made by his Senior Analyst - on the heels of the Obama revelation - one has to wonder...surely that's not entirely true?

After all, in one of those jaw-dropping moments, the aide allegedly let is slip that the reason there were few photo ops - or in-your-face reports from the stands - was due to the fact there was some reluctance on the part of the Obama team to show the candidate playing a sport heavily associated with African Americans.

Oops! Someone put their foot in it...

Hoop nightmares, do ya think?

Barack Obama...seeks cash from Abercrombie & Fitch flesh?

There was a lot of brouhaha in the press over the past twenty-four hours over a pride of Abercrombie & Fitch models that turned up in back of Barack Obama when he chatted last night in Evansville, Indiana.

At the rally, a campaign volunteer allegedly approached the fellas to queue up behind Obama during the speech.

Pretty up the background? I wonder.

Because their T-shirts were scrawled with the A & F logo on their face, many wondered if Obama was rustling up a bid for some campaign cash from the high-profile retailer, or just lookin' to spruce up the Presidential hopefuls GQ-inspired man-about-town image.

Was it shrewd product placement or just a fluke?

Or, is the Senator going full steam ahead for the gay vote?

Fortunately, the young dudes didn't climb on stage, toss their T's, and show a little naked butt.

That stunt nearly landed Abercrombie & Fitch up on obscenity charges in another part of the Country in recent days.

Do you suppose Obama wears Calvin Klein underwear, too?

CBS...news quote of day! Stephanopoulos gets d**k caught in wringer!

ABC looked Mickey Mouse this week...



The Democratic debate sparked fury around the Nation this past week - the effects of which - are still being felt in various quarters.

At issue?

The way moderators at ABC handled the televised squabble.

The heat is off the democratic candidates for a change as Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos cringe in the crossfire in the wake of the debacle.

Yes, I'm wearing a cheshire grin, ear to ear. Over the years, political pundit - Stephanopoulos - has been a little too "smooth" for my salt 'n pepper taste.

Disgruntled viewers on the war path have posted a multitude of negative barbs on ABC's Webbie News site.

Quite a gaggle of 'em have threatened to abandon ship and find trustier media shores elsewhere.

Bottom line: to many, ABC sunk to a new low and displayed a grievous lack of professional integrity. "Tabloid news," screamed others.

For the most part, the general consensus appears to be that ABC's news "story" was not fair or unbiased. And, many media critics underscored that the focus was off-kilter.

"Trivial and irrelevant," lamented some.

The tone? Flat, nauseous.

At a time when the ratings competition is fierce, the misstep by one of the network biggies was a windfall for others.

In fact, many rubbed their hands with glee on the sidelines and fell short of gloating on camera.

Rick Kaplan, an Execytuve News Producer at CBS said it best when he opined,

"It's never a good idea to irritate the audience."

Ya think?


Charles Gibson goes for the Debate, a sure thing?

Barack Obama...quote of day!

In response to the clatter over Obama's recent comments about an alleged bitterness sweeping through middle America, Richard Cohen - a journalist with the Daily Breeze - quipped in his morning column today,

"At times Barack has the air of a Maitre 'd who shows you to a bad table."

Ouch!






A fiver for a table near the window, please!

Hillary Clinton..."Lust, Caution"; movie drags on!

Tango, anyone?


For someone who is hailed as a bright woman, Hillary Clinton doesn't appear to have a clue.

To some, she's like the party guest who overstayed her welcome, or the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.

Some, just wring their hands in despair, and pray she'll move on.

The ongoing battle with Barack Obama - which the news team at CNN is now labelling a "slugfest" - is hurting her each day she hangs on.

A case in point...

Many are worried the former first lady may thwart the Democratic party's play for the White House, if she doesn't make a quick exit soon. For good reason.

The sparring with Obama has turned off voters in such pandemic proportions, that the dog-fight may be the reason the undecided cast their ballot for John McCain this fall.

For sure, McCain's winning the battle at home, if not in Iraq. The old war horse must be sitting back gleefully - as the two prance around the National Stage - in what appears to be a bad segment of Fox's "Dancing with the Stars".

One Senior Senator - Patrick J. Leahy - was blunt; he urged Mrs. Clinton to abandon her presidential bid and cede to Barack Obama - especially in view of the fact that another Senator, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, publicly announced his support for Barack Obama this past week.

But, Mrs. Clinton isn't ready to toss her pant suit into the ring just yet. That may be part of the problem. Some complain that she's got so much baggage, she can't fathom where to start packing.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, her rivals snidely snicker that the fiasco is turning into a long drawn-out movie, of sorts.

Ole big ears was quick on the uptake, and inclined to respond with perfect aplomb,

"I like long movies."

Yeah, well this one should be titled, "Lust, Caution"; namely, Bill's lust, and Hillary's need to be cautious, as her political career starts to turns sideways and flip into oblivion.

Unfortunately, the catchy title is taken.

And, not even Ang Lee, could make it a smash at the box office.

Straight to video, for sure!

Hillary Clinton...late night call comes, she fails the test!

You should have let the service answer!


On Thursday night, Bill Richardson of New Mexico - prompted by a concern that the upcoming Democratic convention may become bloodied - put in a perfunctory call to Hillary Clinton.

"Let me tell you, we've had better conversations," the Governor disclosed to anyone within earshot.

Apparently, after some tense chit-chat on the line, he broke the upsetting news to the former first lady, that he was giving the nod to her rival - Barack Obama.

Although voters were not privy to the conversation on the line that fateful night, it sure would have been intriguing to have been a fly on the wall, listening in!

"It was cordial, but a little overheated," asserted Richardson.

Overheated?

Maybe, the dialogue went something like this,

"The thanks I get. I helped elevate you to the national stage by naming you energy secretary and Ambassador to the United Nations - and look what I get in return - a slap in the face!"

Typical of a Clinton strategist, and no doubt still licking from the wounds, Mark Penn opined about the endorsement in its wake,

"The timing when it could have been effective has long since passed."

Then, why the fiery exchange on Thursday evening?

When the dialogue was over, Richardson not only went on to publicly criticize the tone of Clinton's campaign, but cited it as grounds for retreat from the Clinton camp.

Maybe it was also the tone of her voice, the night before?

While it is being reported in the press that the Clinton's are being philosophical about the unfortunate turn of political events (damage control!), supporters have not been particularly kind to Mr. Richardson.

A case in point, James Carvell. An adviser to Mrs. Clinton (and pal of Bill), he was allegedly livid.

"An act of betrayal," Carvell snorted.

"Mr. Richardson's endorsement came around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate," hissed Carvell, according to the New York Times.

Such a drama Queen!

Some say, the ballsy move by the Governor may trigger super delegates to step forward, and fall into line - behind Obama.

So, as the intrigues unfold, we are left to ponder...

If this was one of those late night calls that Hillary Clinton was referring to on the campaign trail - then clearly, in the hour of crisis - she was unable to weather the eye of the storm.

Richardson hints to Hillary - "get along little doggie"...

Barack Obama...condemns controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright. No Lamb of God!

Rev. Jeremiah Wright...no prophet!

In response to a loud outcry from voters around the nation, Presidential hopeful - Barack Obama - has distanced himself from his Church Pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright for uttering outrageous hateful remarks in recent days.

"I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject matter of this controversy," the Senator wrote in a column published online at Huffington Post.

On occasion the mouthy voice piece has focused attacks on Hillary Clinton direct from the pulpit.

For instance, Wright stridently remarked in a Christmas sermon,

"Hillary Clinton was not a black boy raised in a single-parent home - but Barack Obama was."

He raged on, much to the dismay of a startled congregation,

"Barack knows what it means to be a black man living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people. Hillary! Hillary can never know that. Hillary ain't ever been called a nigger! Hillary has never had her people defined as a non-person."

In another sermon he referred to the United States as,

"The U.S. of K.K.K.A."

Some jump to the pastor's defense by alleging that although Wright's sermons may appear to be too provocative for Sunday morning service, they actually reflect a proud history of what Walter Earl Fluker of Morehouse College in Atlanta would call "prophetic preaching - which is the trademark of the Black Church tradition - in which Jeremiah Wright is one of the most illustrious exemplars."

Peter Paris, Professor Emeritus of Christian Social ethics at Princeton Theological Society, added that prophets are basically reformers and not revolutionaries.

"There's a fine line beyond which one is no longer prophetic but revolutionary. He's not there, but the language may appear from time to time to be there."

Hogwash!

There's nothing prophetic about his inflammatory remarks. Without doubt, Wright crossed the line for a man of God.

In the House of the Lord sermons should focus on the "word" and the salient points of their spiritual essence wisely set forth in the Holy Bible for all to peruse in a moment of reflection.

Moreover, whenever an orator stands before a congregation, he should endeavour to couch the language of the sermon in a manner that engenders widespread universal appeal.

For example, instead of name-calling or pointing an accusing finger at this great country or labelling the nation the - "U.S. of KKK" - the Reverend should find a way to address the issues of racism, discrimination, and prejudice in a more eloquent far-reaching capacity so that the sermon is inspiring, not denigrating.

But, to be fair, Rev. Wright is not alone in his efforts to manipulate the faithful.

For example, during a service at the "Good Shepherd" last fall, one of the Priests took it upon himself to suggest that when Peter referred to a personal dilemma that "upset" him, he may have been referring to the fact he was "gay".

It was so preposterous a notion that I laughed out loud in Church!

Needless to say, the priest retreated. Then, went off on another tangent.

On another occasion I was also hopping mad when a female rector (taking up residence at "All Saint's Church" in Beverly Hills) chose - on the occasion of her first sermon - to address the issue of women and their function in the Church.

In a bold-faced effort to validate her right to "preach" the word of God - which remains in conflict with the dictates of the scriptures - she proceeded to twist and distort the verses to suit her agenda.

Maybe now Rev. Wright can fathom what the "whore" of Babylon truly represents.

No wonder people are turning away from Sunday morning service.

As the Easter season approaches, I urge our men of the cloth to just focus on the Holy Bible, please.

Unless, they want to be crucified, of course!

Barack Obama...Ferraro says, a plus to be Black. An "oreole", perhaps?

Obama breaks "black ceiling"...


A few months ago, I speculated in a post that when it came to voting in the privacy of the polling booths, Americans would be inclined to vote for their own - women for the female candidate, blacks for the Afro-American hopeful, white men for the best Caucasian prospect.

There has been a lot of controversy under the bridge since then - as voters, pundits, and the media alike - tip-toed around the race issue, in particular; usually with disastrous results!

Funny that, a large percentage of the populace became color blind almost overnight - afraid to be labeled racist? You bet!

Or, have Americans suddenly perceived Obama in a different light? Less menacing, not the wild card they expected to encounter on the campaign trail, eh - do 'ya think?

"Saturday Night Live" was recently criticized for hiring a white comedian to impersonate Barack Obama in a hilarious controversial skit which took delicious pokes at both the Senator and Hillary Clinton alike. Some complained quite vigorously that because there was a writers strike on - which stalled production for weeks - that the casting office had ample opportunity to audition for a black fella' to inhabit the politician's skin.

But, wasn't that part of the jab? Weren't the producers subtly suggesting that Obama is an "oriole" - black on the outside, lily white within?

In retrospect, his unique background - his childhood experience, in particular - may have somehow made him more palpable to American voters in the mainstream, I expect.

Curiously, in a recent poll this past week, one in four whites admitted that race was important to their vote, while four out of ten blacks confessed to the same.

A hat off to the honest voter with the gumption to tell it like it is!

Undoubtedly, there are quite a few voters inclined to be influenced by the race card, cowering in the wings, who lack the spine to fess up.

Meanwhile, in the past couple of days, there was a startling new turn of events on the American political scene.

Geraldine Ferraro shattered the "black ceiling" when she boldly asserted that the reason Obama was fairing so well with American voters was BECAUSE he is Black!

What a switcheroo!

For decades, the widely-held general consensus has been that - "black will hold you back" - in respect to politics, gaining entry to the rarefied enclaves of the American social elite, you name it.

In Ferraro's eyes, skin tone is sure to land you at the top of the heap!

Of course, from the sidelines, the critics cried out in angry unison, "Racist".

But when you reflect on the matter, is it?

Whenever we try to fathom the success of an individual, don't we generally take an insightful, probing glance into all the facets of the unfolding scenario that make it so?

Here, the truth is difficult to swallow!

I say, get real America!

Good on Ferraro, for sticking to her - um - guns.

Put that in your pipe, and smoke it!