Sheryl Crow's "God Bless This Mess:" An Eloquent Statement for Change

Folks, I have always been a Sheryl Crow fan. One of the highlights of the Democratic National Convention was seeing her perform -- and of course show her political stripes. In fact, if you go to Crow's blog, you can read about why the grammy-winning singer-songwriter supports Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for president. Now, she's come out with a new song that gets right to the heart of the matter: "God Bless This Mess." The song is included on Detours, Sheryl Crow’s sixth studio album. Take a look at this live version below, or watch the official video.



Copyright 2008 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

A Good Week with Women Voters for the Democrats: The Face of Pay Equity Endorses Obama

Barack Obama has just had a particularly good week with the ladies. In fact, it was a noticeably big week for women's endorsements for the Obama campaign. Can you say "gender gap?" I knew you could. :) In a week that saw Republican VEEP candidate Sarah Palin's approval rating drop precipitously, these actvities aimed at women voters well timed.

First, a group of women's organizations -- those few that have PACs and thus can endorse without jeopardizing their precious non-profit status -- endorsed the junior senator from Illinois. Prominently featured was the still-not-as-happy-as-they-could-be NOW, who joined their shero Hillary Clinton in saying "no way, no how, no McCain." Other groups included the Feminist Majority with the ever colorful Ellie Smeal, the Business & Professional Women/USA, the National Congress of Black Women, and the National Association of Social Workers. Watch portions of the press event here:



But the real coup de grace in my mind was this week's Obama endorsement from Lilly Ledbetter. The plaintiff of Ledbetter v. Goodyear fame headlined the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and on September 18 made it official -- she's for Obama, in a big way. Ledbetter made the announcement at a series of events in the critical state of Virginia, and was treated like a rock star by adoring crowds. The New York Times has referred to Ledbetter as "the Democrats secret weapon," and they may be right.

Take a look at this ad featuring Ledbetter, below, just released this past week -- she's a humble grandmother from Alabama who packs a punch, and women nationwide are cheering her on. Why? Because her experiences are so familiar, so universal to us all, and she's speaking up and trying to change things for future generations -- despite the fact that her own case is closed. Now, the Democratic Senate needs to do the right thing by Ledbetter's vocal support and national advocacy and pass the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The House has already passed this critical bill that would right the Supreme Court's FUBAR handling of the Ledbetter case. However, the legislation is currently stuck in a defacto Senate filibuster on the more pompous, ponderous side of the Hill. But if we can get more Dems elected to the Senate -- and inch our way closer to that magic number of 60 -- I predict the Ledbetter bill will be one of the first bills signed by an Obama Administration.



The Democratic women of Congress also had a press conference cheering on Obama this week, touting an earlier equal pay ad put out by the Obama campaign (below). Pay equity champion Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) is especially worth a listen at this particular dog and pony show, although the women members also talk about critical issues such as health care and retirement security.



The Democrats have finally gotten religion on the pay equity issue -- and about time, too. I'm sure the fact that the issue is a vote driver for women helps a lot -- but that touch of cynicism aside, the Democratic party is the only party that is collectively and actively working to improve women's economic equity -- that, in fact, recognizes the problem of pay equity at all. That, my friends, is just one of a million reasons why Obama's the better candidate for women and their families.




Copyright 2008 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

I'd Like a Little Cheese with My Whine, Please

A while back, I decided to take advantage of former Sen. Phil Gramm's portrayal of Americans as "whiners" and gripe about a few things myself. I'm feeling the need to whine again -- trust me, there's plenty of stuff to bitch about. So, here we go, the Redhead whines again.

-- I must whine about the politics of ... lipstick. Yes, lipstick. Or should I say swiftboating by cosmetics? Seriously, does anyone think Sen. Barack Obama's "lipstick on a pig" comment was an indirect way of calling Gov. Sarah Palin a nasty name? Come on. He was talking about the McCain-Palin campaign's cheap peddling of a pale version of change, indeed the entire Republican party's breathtakingly overt and unapologetic co-optation of Obama's change message. Trust me, if I thought it was a sexist comment, I'd say so -- I wouldn't spare the junior senator from Illinois just because he's the Great Democratic Hope. But the comment clearly was not intended in the way some are characterizing it -- and to try to pin that particular tail on this particular donkey is a deliberate and disingenuous misunderstanding of the context.

-- While I'm on the topic of sexism in the media, I agree that a fair amount of the press coverage of Gov. Palin has been imbued with sexist stereotypes, both overt and covert. The very idea that a woman should be excluded from consideration for any job simply because she is a mother is fundamentally problematic and offensive. We don't do that to men, and we shouldn't do it to women. But, I also have to say, the Republicans suddenly getting religion on the topic of sexist media coverage is disingenuous and transparent. Where the hell were they when Hillary was being excoriated? When Hillary nutcrackers were the hottest holiday gift? Yes, the coverage of Palin has been problematic in some ways. But don't conveniently get a conscience about media sexism as a way to self-righteously sidestep the tough and entirely valid questions about experience and qualifications.

-- I need to loudly whine about the disparaging comments being made about community organizers. At the Republican Convention, which I had the misfortune to attend (being a fly on the wall is not all it's cracked up to be, but I digress), one speaker after another denigrated Obama's work as a community organizer. Clearly, these folks have no idea what the hell that is or the good such work can do -- which is especially ironic since so much community organizing takes the place of programs the Republicans have axed, or addresses problems their lousy, short-sighted, care-only-about-the-rich polices have produced. And, as Gov. David Patterson (D-NY) said, it also smacks of "racial coding." Insulting and offensive.

-- I must join the chorus of loud, vociferous whining about Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-CT). Hell, I want to lead it. I'm pissed he kept calling himself a Democrat during his speech at the Republican National Convention. He is not a Democrat. In fact, he is listed as an "Independent Democrat" on Senate rolls -- whatever the hell that is -- at his own behest. Listen, Joe, you don't get to use our party label just when it's politically expedient. You certainly don't get to use the label in the same breath as you endorse the other party's candidate, in a speech that's the rhetorical equivalent of a slap in the face to the Blue Nation that once nominated you for vice president. Never mind that Independent Joe caucuses with the Democrats or that it's our majority which provides him with the committee chairmanship (aka, bully pulpit) that he loves so much. It's about time he stopped attending the weekly Democratic Caucus luncheons -- good riddance. Stick a fork in Joe. He's done.

-- Are the House Democrats really going to cave on the issue of off-shore drilling? Really? Are they going to roll over in the face of that ridiculous Republican convention chant, "drill, baby, drill!"? Are they going to let a rag tag group of House Republicans in plaid Bermuda shorts and golf shirts, loitering on the House floor during the August recess talking to each other about their oil well wish lists, force their hand? Apparently so. Now, I'm the first to admit that energy policy is not my expertise, but even I know that we can't drill our way out of this mess. I know this proposal has more to it than off-shore drilling rights -- I just hope it's worth the trade off.

-- Okay, this is a pre-whine -- about Charlie Gibson getting the first Palin interview. Please, Charlie... don't disappoint. Ask some tough questions. And don't let Palin get away with just repeating zingers from her acceptance speech
-- over and over and over again -- like she's been doing all week at various campaign stops throughout the country. Ask her the hard questions. And don't let her get away with the old bait and switch -- make it clear when she's dodged your questions, and bring Palin and the viewers face to face with her lies.

I tell you what, friends -- whining really can be so cathartic. Please, join me. You'll feel ever so much better.


Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Denver's Inclusiveness versus St. Paul's Police State

I'm on my way back from St. Paul, leaving behind the 2008 Republican National Convention and all its sarcasm and right wingnuts, half truths and outright lies. Phew! But as I leave, there are a few observations I need to make that go beyond the typical speech analysis and punditry. Bear with me. :)

-- It's become clear to me that Democrats are liberal arts majors (I know I am) and Republicans are business majors -- and there is a big difference in how the two types run a convention. Denver was one long line after another, and getting into the Pepsi Center each night was a bloody nightmare. St. Paul went like clockwork, logistically speaking -- even Hurricane Gustav didn't trip 'em up. I never waited in line to get into St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center, even though security was scarily tight. I guess such narrow-minded focus (and I do mean narrow) pays off sometimes.

-- Denver's 16th Street Mall witnessed peaceful protests every day, with little problem or fuss. St. Paul was a police state with troops in full riot gear lining the streets, tear-gassing and scatter bombing protesters who had not, by and large, done much to deserve it. In fact, the riot patrols were everywhere, and actually discouraged me from attending some events -- I'm guessing that was most likely their intent. I am mad that I allowed my civil liberties to be infringed upon in that way, but rather than making me feel safe all those cops wearing splash shields, guns and billy clubs just scared the shit out of me. I decided to stay as far away from them as possible -- and I'm glad I did. Hell, I'm lucky they didn't arrest me as a spy, for being a stranger in a strange land and all that. I clearly had not drunk the Kool-aid.

-- There are depressingly few Republican women elected to Congress, and fewer still in leadership positions. And lots of moderates -- particularly the women -- stayed away from the convention altogether, not wanting to be tainted by the right wing spectacle and the Bushies in their tough re-election fights. While Denver was Diversity Central, St. Paul was absolutely the domain of straight white men. That explains the word on the street that the hookers were hopping in St. Paul. In Denver there was only a slight uptick in johns looking for dates -- but nothing like the Twin Cities bonanza. Apparently "they" had to bus in more prostitutes to meet the demand. Some family values, huh?

-- In Denver, just about every speaker had sincere, good things to say about John McCain. They disagreed politically with the Maverick, usually vociferously, but none of the speakers doubted his patriotism or courage, and they lauded his amazing personal story. In St. Paul, the only speaker I heard say something nice about Sen. Barack Obama was former Gov. Mike Huckabee (bear in mind I was traveling during McCain's big night, so maybe when I watch the replay he'll surprise me and have said good things as well). The rest of the Republicans at the podium? Well, they were just mean. Sarcastic. If all you watched of the convention was Gov. Sarah Palin, they were all like that -- condescending and nasty.

-- I agree that a good amount of the press coverage of Gov. Sarah Palin has been imbued with sexist stereotypes, both overt and covert. The very idea that a woman should be excluded from consideration for any job simply because she is a mother is fundamentally offensive. But, I also have to say, the Republicans suddenly getting religion on the topic of sexist media coverage is disingenuous and transparent. Where the hell were they when Hillary was being excoriated? When Hillary nutcrackers were the hottest holiday gift? Yes, the coverage of Palin has been problematic in some ways. But don't conveniently get a conscience about media sexism as a way to self-righteously sidestep the tough and entirely valid questions about experience and qualifications.

-- Wednesday night pissed me off for all kinds of reasons -- but it really pissed me off when one speaker after another disparaged Obama's work as a community organizer. Clearly, these folks have no idea what the hell that is or the good such work can do -- which is especially ironic since so much community organizing takes the place of programs the Republicans have axed, or addresses problems their lousy, short-sighted, care-only-about-the-rich polices have produced.

I am so glad to be home. Seriously. The entire atmosphere in St. Paul was oppressive, but it was also eye opening. I was submerged in the opposition's camp, and I certainly wasn't in Obama's Kansas anymore. After this experience, I sure as hell do not want to live the next four years in McCain-Palin Land, with the the Stepford delegates and evangelical automatons. While the walk on the Red Side was an education, it's good be back in my Blue life. Damn straight, Toto, there is no place like home.


Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Scenes from the Democratic Convention

Hey Folks --

Yes, I was in Denver. Pretty amazing. I was, however, in town earning a paycheck -- you know, the day job. I had hoped to blog from the Mile High City, and I did -- but for work, not for ZR, much to my disappointment. I plan to do a blog about my experiences there, hopefully, but in the meantime I thought these photos would give you a taste of the truly historic 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Enjoy!!

Celebrities were all over Denver. Actress Eva Longoria talked to the DNC's Women's Caucus about the importance of turning out the Latino vote.








Actress Fran Drescher of "The Nanny" told the Women's Caucus, "A black man is running for president and women and Latinos are the deciding vote. It's a world gone mad -- and it's about time!"









Hillary Clinton addresses her biggest fans at Tuesday's enormous EMILY's List after noon reception -- it was sold out and the hottest ticket in town that day.







Michelle Obama pays homage to the women of EMILY's List, the largest Political Action Committee in the country, period. She's new to the List, but they loved her. The fact that she kicked serious ass on Monday night at the Pepsi Center didn't hurt, either.







The party faithful at the Pepsi Center welcome Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night. They needed to be revived after the deadly dull keynote from former Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA), now a Senate candidate. Actually, it was Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) who was the MVP -- he stole the show until Hillary walked out. Warner was a dumb choice from the beginning.



Hillary hits it out of the ballpark, with a speech that takes care of the business of party unity and delights the crowd waving signs with her distinctive signature. I know it was hard, girlfriend, but you did it well.







Bill Clinton rocked the house on Wednesday night. While he called himself the warm up act for VEEP nominee Joe Biden, the Man from Hope is never a sideshow. He went well over his 10 minutes and speakers had to be bumped to the next night, but who gives a crap??




Joe Biden officially accepts the Democratic vice presidential nomination. He talked about how he'd been bullied as a kid, and how his mom would send him back out to "bloody their noses so I could walk down the street the next day." The screenshot of his mom saying to her neighbor, "That's true! I did!" was priceless.





Howard Dean pays homage to the second Women's Caucus meeting on Thursday morning. As well he should, given how much the Democrats rely on women's votes to win elections. Dean talked about how pleased he was with how Wednesday night had went. "Even John Kerry did well," said Dean. Gee, Howard, still chewing on those sour grapes? Course, if Kerry had been has fiery four years ago as he was in Denver, history might have been different.




Longtime progressive women's advocate Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) brought down the house at Thursday's Women's Caucus. On Tuesday, by the way, it was Donna Brazile who was the caucus MVP -- best speech I've ever heard Donna give; she announced that she had signed the petition putting Clinton's name into nomination. Brazile said she did it for Shirley Chisholm, for Barbara Jordan, and for Stephanie Tubbs-Jones -- the Cleveland-based representative and vocal Hillary supporter who just died last week.


John Oliver of "The Daily Show" was on hand at Invesco Field on Thursday afternoon, working the crowd and gathering all the "hard" news for John Stewart. :)

Various musical guests played at Invesco Field between the political speechmaking. It really felt like one massive pep rally. Sheryl Crow, Micheal McDonald, and John Legend and Will.I.Am singing "Yes We Can."
It had been rumored that Springsteen would play that night but, alas, those rumors were false.

The feeling at Invesco Field was electric. Flags, signs, face paint, dancing and music. Despite 3-4 hours in line to make it through three rings of security, the crowd was primed for the main event.




Sen. Barack Obama officially accepts the Democratic nomination to be President of the United States, with a speech that was both accessible about his plans and more sharply critical of his opponent than in the past -- which I, for one, welcomed. No swiftboating allowed this time without an equal response, dammit.




Confetti and fireworks flew over Invesco Field at the conclusion of Obama's speech. Since it was outdoor, the obligatory balloon drop was out. It was the cap to a festive and historic night. Forty-five after MLK's famous "I have a Dream" speech, the first black candidate of a major political party accepted the nomination in front of the largest crowd to ever witness such an event.








Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.