Letterman Clears the Air with Couric about McCain No-Show

Katie Couric visited The Late Show with David Letterman a few nights ago. The interview was all about Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), but apparently Sen. John McCain's now infamous dissing of Dave in favor of the CBS Evening News never came up. In this hilarious clip, Dave rectifies that unacceptable state of affairs by giving Katie a buzz to clear the air. Couric has a great sense of humor -- give it a listen.



After a rough start as television's first solo female anchor, Katie Couric's star is on the rise again as a result of her election coverage. If you're interested in Couric's earlier appearance on Letterman, take a look.



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

Redhead Rant: Dems Wuss Out, Lieberman Bailout Passes 42-13

Paybacks are ... negotiable? All's well that ends... without retribution? Sen. Joe Lieberman (turncoat-CT) apparently kissed and kinda-sorta made up with the Senate Democrats today. The wishy-washy caucus voted 42-13 on a resolution condemning statements made by Connecticut's infamous pain in the ass during the campaign. I'm sure that very firm slap on the wrist struck fear in the heart of any straying caucus member. But wait, that same resolution allowed good ol' Joe to keep his precious Homeland Security Committee gavel, though he will lose an Environment and Public Works subcommittee chairmanship. The Zaftig Redhead's reaction to these developments? Well, pardon my French, but whoopie-fuckin'-do.

As many of you know, I have been loudly, vociferously whining about Joe for a while -- with good reason. So let's just recap Joe's transgressions, shall we? He conducted no serious oversight of the Bush Administration despite his bully pulpit as chairman of the committee specifically charged with oversight -- kiss those checks and balances goodbye! In December, as we all know, Joe turned his back on Democrats (again) when he endorsed Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). Never mind that Joe caucuses with the Democrats or that it's our majority which provides him with the committee chairmanship that he loves so much. It seems sadly appropriate that good ol' Joe gave the Dems the cold shoulder from the frozen tundra of New Hampshire -- where McCain credited Joe's endorsement for putting the wheels back on the straight talk express. Way to go, Joe!

Oh, and don't forget that good ol' Joe lent his weighty support to McCain instead of home state primary candidate Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), as is traditional. Remember, Joe, when Dodd was the only senator who endorsed your also-ran candidacy back in 2004, when you had your own delusions of grandeur about calling the Oval Office home? Now, I know Dodd endorsed Ned LaMont after he beat you in the Democratic primary -- as did the rest of the Democratic Party. You lost the party's nomination fair and square and for good reason, Joe -- them's the breaks. Dodd was just playing by the rules, but you cried sour grapes like a third-grader. By the way, I still can't believe -- after all this -- that it was Dodd (again) that came to your aid to keep you in the caucus despite all your crazy-making. Dodd's either just a really, really, really nice guy or you've got the goods on him -- I'm not sure which.

I'm pissed, Joe, that you kept calling yourself a Democrat during your speech at the Republican National Convention. You are not a Democrat. In fact, you are listed as an "Independent Democrat" on Senate rolls -- whatever the hell that is -- at your 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 stab in the back to the Blue Nation that once nominated you for vice president.

While Reid and Company did not get a clue and boot your double-agent ass out of the Democratic caucus, I sincerely hope that what goes around really does come back 'round again -- and slaps you upside the head. But the sad fact is, for now, we need your sorry ass to get to 60 in the new Congress, just like we needed you to keep the Dems in power in the 110th Congress. You must have a great numerologist, Joe, cuz it's the numbers that keep saving you from getting what you deserve.

So you snaked the Democrats again, Joe. And the Senate Democrats -- well, they deserve what they'll get, keeping a snake such as yourself in their midst and in a position of power. Bunch of wusses. Obama too -- though Obama now owns you, Joe -- you owe him big because it's thanks to his intervention that you're still alive in the caucus. But, given your turncoat ways, I doubt you'll honor your debt to the President-Elect.

Still, the ramifications are clear: if we can't discipline our own, if we can't hold you accountable, Joe, how the hell are we supposed to herd the rest of the cats and actually get some meaningful work done? Senate Democrats now have absolutely no leverage to stiff arm their colleagues and keep 'em on the reservation. And god knows Harry Reid doesn't need any further handicap cuz he was no great shakes prior to the Lieberman defection. Once again, the Democrats talk a good game, but don't put their money where their mouth is.

My only consolation is that what goes around comes around, karma sucks, etc. -- meaning someday, somewhere, Joe, this nasty bit of business will catch up with you. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy -- and I hope I'm there to see it.

Warning: Watch this video only if you wanna throw up a little bit in your mouth.



NOTE: Major props to the two senators who spoke out in favor of removing Joe: Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders, and thanks to the 11 courageous senators who joined them in doing the right thing.

Read here to find out what happened to Lieberman's McCain 2008 bumper sticker?

Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

CNN's Trailmix Remembers Election Day 2008

The Best Political Ad I've Seen All Season -- And That's Saying Something

Congratulations to Progressive Future for an evocative spot that tugs at your heartstrings, managing to make you sad, angry and hopeful all at once. The music is a masterful choice, but the images seal the deal. The pictures remind us of the commonality of our experiences and that we're all in this together -- and that better days are ahead for all of us, and for this nation founded on the grandest of democratic principles.

Please VOTE.

The Pundits Make Their Election Day Calls: How Does Your Crystal Ball Compare?

Less than 48 hours from the election of our lives, here is what some of the best known minds in the business are predicting. What does your crystal ball say? Better yet, what does your gut say? And, if you're that confident, enter the Washington Post's Pick Your President Contest. Remember, a presidential candidate needs 270 votes to carry the Electoral College.

Fred Barnes, executive editor
The Weekly Standard
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 50%/252 vs. McCain 50%/286
Senate: 55 Democrats vs. 43 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 255 Democrats vs. 180 Republicans

Paul Begala, Democratic strategist and former presidential adviser
CNN political analyst
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 325 vs. McCain 186
Senate: 58 Democrats

Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 343 vs. McCain 195
Senate: 59 Democrats vs. 39 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 264 Democrats vs. 171 Republicans

James Carville, former presidential adviser
Democratic media consultant
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 365 vs. McCain 173
Senate: 60 Democrats
(Sources: washingtonpost.com, CNN)

Chris Cillizza
Washington Post politics reporter
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 52%/312 vs. McCain 48%/226
Senate: 57 Democrats vs. 41 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 266 Democrats vs. 169 Republicans

Eleanor Clift, McLaughlin Group contributor
Newsweek contributing editor
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 52.1%/349 vs. McCain 46.5%/189
Senate: 58 Democrats vs. 40 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 265 Democrats vs. 170 Republicans

David Gergen, former presidential adviser
CNN political analyst
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 338 vs. McCain 200
Senate: 59 Democrats

Mark Halperin, TIME Magazine
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 349 vs. McCain 189
Senate: 58 Democrats vs. 40 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 263 Democrats vs. 172 Republicans

Arianna Huffington, editor-in-chief
Huffington Post
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 51.1%/318 vs. McCain 45.6%/220
Senate: 58 Democrats vs. 40 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 254 Democrats vs. 181 Republicans

Morton Kondracke, executive editor
Roll Call
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 54%/379 vs. McCain 45%/159
Senate: 57 Democrats vs. 41 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 269 Democrats vs. 166 Republicans

Bill Maher, host and comedian
HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher"
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 52.5%/375 vs. McCain 46%/163
Senate: 57 Democrats vs. 41 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 259 Democrats vs. 176 Republicans

Chris Matthews, Host
MSNBC's "Hardball With Chris Matthews"
Presidential (Popular/Electoral): Obama 52%/338 vs. McCain 46%/200
Senate: 56 Democrats vs. 42 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 264 Democrats vs. 171 Republicans

Markos Moulitsas, DailyKos founder
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 54%/390 vs. McCain 45%/148
Senate: 58 Democrats vs. 40 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 268 Democrats vs. 167 Republicans

Ed Rollins, GOP strategist
Campaign chair for Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 52%/353 vs. McCain 45%/185
Senate: 57 Democrats vs. 41 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 249 Democrats vs. 186 Republicans

George Stephanopoulos, host and former presidential aide
ABC News "This Week"
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 353 vs. McCain 185
Senate: 58 Democrats vs. 40 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 263 Democrats vs. 172 Republicans

George Will, Conservative columnist
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 378 vs. McCain 160
Senate: 57 Democrats vs. 41 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 256 Democrats vs. 179 Republicans

Juan Williams, NPR news analyst
Presidential Race (Popular/Electoral): Obama 51%/326 vs. McCain 47%/212
Senate: 58 Democrats vs. 40 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 258 Democrats vs. 177 Republicans

The Zaftig Redhead
Blogger Extraordinaire
Presidential Race (Electoral): Obama 321 vs. McCain 217
Senate: 56 Democrats vs. 42 Republicans vs. 2 Others
House: 259 Democrats vs. 176 Republicans

While the overwhelming majority of the pundits are seeing good things for Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and his Democrats, don't count your chickens based on these foxes -- they've been known to be wrong, a lot. But if you really want more, you can find more pundit predictions here.

Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Cindy McCain has a Cameo in Latest SNL Winner: McCain's an Awfully Good Sport, too

Folks have been asking for the clips of Saturday Night Live's latest entry into one of their best seasons ever. So, yes, by popular demand -- only a few days out from the election -- here is the Nov. 1 edition of SNL, with special guest Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Take a look at at this great segment featuring McCain/Palin on QVC -- with a well-conceived cameo by Cindy McCain and the amazing Tina Fey. Truly, I have my problems with the Maverick, but he and the wife were great sports on the show. Wish he coulda been a better sport during the campaign. Then again, if he had been, McCain might be doing better -- so scratch that.



Also, on Weekend Update, Sen. McCain unveiled some new strategies he's considering for the last few days of his campaign. Some real gems in here, especially "The Sad Grandpa" ploy.


We need to be able to find the humor in this crazy, roller coaster of an election we're all been party to. But keep working folks, right through Nov. 4th -- it's tightening up, and we can't take anything for granted.

Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Fabulous Obama Campaign Ad Focusing on Real Women, Real Issues

This Obama for President ad first aired during Gov. Sarah Palin's (R-AK) much anticipated appearance on Saturday Night Live last weekend. In the ad, real women talk about their distrust of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), touching on some of the most critical issues that women voters are keying in on this year -- pay equity, health care, retirement security, etc.

The ad also features Sen. Barack Obama's (D-IL) support for women's reproductive rights. This is particularly notable since the choice issue has more often sent Democrats running for cover -- but in an election year that is breaking all the rules, reproductive rights are back in vogue again and helping pro-choice candidates nationwide. Perhaps people are thinking about the Supreme Court -- about time.



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

SNL: Bush 43's Primetime Endorsement of Palin-McCain

Another priceless entry in what is proving to be a banner year for Saturday Night Live. This latest gem comes from the special Thursday, October 23rd edition of Weekend Update. Apparently George W. Bush has decided to not only school Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) on the duties of the vice president, but also decides his super-duper endorsement is just what McCain needs. Of course, McCain is nowhere to be found, hiding from W for all that he's worth ... but you can watch for yourself.



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

The Rats are Jumping Ship: High Profile Republicans Endorse Obama, McCain Campaign Concedes Key States

People do not like a loser, and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is starting to be a stinker -- if you go by his own party's behavior.

First, well known conservative pundit George Will seems to have had it with The Maverick -- McCain's deer-in-the-headlights reaction to the economic crisis seems to have sent Will over the edge. Then, in the course of a week, Christopher Buckley -- columnist for the Weekly Standard, a conservative handbook founded by his famous father William F. Buckley -- broke ranks and endorsed Sen. Barack Obama. By the way, Buckley got fired for his trouble. How dare he exercise independent thinking!

Then, Gen. Colin Powell, a respected former military man and Bush 43's first secretary of state, came out on Meet the Press for the junior senator from Illinois -- and Rush Limbaugh pretty much called Powell a racist for his trouble. Also this past week, conservative Philadelphia talk show host Michael Smerconish endorsed Obama, live on his WPHT show on Friday (you can listen to his rationale here). Truly, you cannot make this stuff up.

Then, just today, CNN reported that top McCain campaign officials are "making tough decisions" -- pulling campaign staff about of states they no longer see as winnable: Colorado, New Mexico and Iowa. Instead, the campaign is counting on Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and an improbable comeback in Pennsylvania to tip the electoral college balance. In defense, the McCain campaign said: "We see the race tightening both internally and in public polling. We are within striking distance in the key battleground states we need to win." One clearly has to wonder -- what kinda crack are the McCain people smoking?

Frankly, why do they bother to announce this kinda stuff? Talk about scary red flags. Holy smokes, Batman, this campaign's on fire -- and the rats are leaving the ship. Worse, in key states, the McCain campaign is literally giving up the ship.

Lest you think The Zaftig Redhead is becoming overconfident regarding an Obama victory, au contraire. I have no illusions about the dirty tactics and shady voter suppression efforts headed our way. That's why I am encouraging everyone who can to take part in early voting or absentee balloting. This will minimize the impact of these last ditch, underhanded efforts to swing or suppress the vote, and will help to minimize the lines at the polls on election day -- which by all accounts are going to be long. Let's beat them at their own game folks -- for those of you who can, get out there and vote, NOW!

Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

An Interactive Timeline: Eight Years of Republican Failure

For those waffling voters out there wondering what four-to-eight years of McSame might look like, let's take a moment to recap the last eight. If you're like me, you'll probably throw up a little bit in your mouth as you literally gag over the disaster of the past two presidential terms, courtesy of Bush 43, Cheney and Company.

Colin Powell Endorses Obama, Condemns Robocalls -- but will not Campaign for the Democrat

In 2007, Gen. Colin Powell gave a political donation to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). Yes, in the primary, Powell was pulling for the Maverick -- and calls him a "dear friend." But Powell has become increasingly concerned about the direction that the Republican party has taken, and Powell cites Gov. Sarah Palin's selection as further evidence of that troubling shift. On the subject of Palin (R-AK), Powell said, "She is a very distinguished woman and should be admired, but after watching her for the past six weeks I don't believe she is ready to be president. And that is an issue of McCain's judgement."

In coming to his decision, Powell said he watched both candidates over the past few weeks -- as a part of a sort of "final exam" as they dealt with the economic crisis. He talked about his concerns that McCain seemed less sure of himself in taking on these bread and butter economic issues, while Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) showed intellectual rigor and a steadiness that impressed W's former secretary of state.

As a result, Powell announced Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign."

"He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," the former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Powell expressed real frustration and disappointment about the McCain campaign's overuse of 1960's radical William Ayers, and was genuinely troubled by their focus on such an inconsequential matter -- the RNC and McCain are still doing Ayers robo calls in many states -- while so many more important issues were begging for attention.

Powell also shared his concern about the Republican party's not-so-subtle pushing of the myth at Obama is Muslim -- and was eloquent in saying, "no, he's not, he's a Christian. But so what if he was? Why do we care? That's not American, that's not what this country is all about." Right on, General.

"Both John McCain and Barack Obama would be a good president. It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain has I have this morning," Powell went on to say. "Barack Obama will not only electrify the country, he will electrify the world."

Powell said he was not interested in returning to government, but out of respect would talk to any president who wished to speak to him. Powell in an Obama Administration -- in some way, shape, or fashion? It could happen, folks. It could happen. And the country would be better for it.

Take a listen to the inflammatory robocalls McCain-Palin and the RNC are making across the country.




Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Palin Gets Decent Reviews Playing Herself on SNL

Whoever thought that vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's most sustained television appearance (outside of news coverage of canned stump speeches) would be on Saturday Night Live? Imagine that -- a few weeks before the election, and she's never done a press conference, never done a Sunday morning talking head show. These are strange times indeed, my friend. So SNL decided to help the Alaskan governor out by holding a press conference for her on last night's show -- something the tightly handled Palin has never actually done.

But the reviews are in -- and Palin did pretty well on the Oct. 18 SNL. Truthfully, it seemed like she was a pretty good sport. But being a good sport -- a prop while activity goes on around her -- is not what we need in a vice president. It makes her a bit more likable, perhaps, but her SNL appearance doesn't make her -- or McCain -- any more fit to take the reins this country at a time when we desperately need solid, thoughtful leadership.

Here's the press conference skit -- with a special appearance by Alec Baldwin -- for your viewing pleasure.



And here's The SNL Weekend Update rap about Palin -- performed while the real governor bops to the music.



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

Momentary Campaign Ceasefire for Presidential Stand Up at the Al Smith Dinner

The two presidential candidates took a welcome respite from the largely unfunny if not downright dangerous attacks of this year's race for the White House, and instead dusted off some more lighthearted ammunition at the annual Al Smith Memorial Foundation charity event. Held in honor of the late New York Governor to benefit children's charities, the dinner was held in New York City Thursday night and featured such gems as: "I hear you can see the Russian Tearoom from here." Some good stuff -- and a helluva lot more fun than the debates!



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

Joe the Plumber is ... not a Plumber -- and his Name is Sam

Samuel J. Wurzelbacher of Holland, OH is the "Joe" of "Joe the Plumber" fame. Yes, the average Joe made famous during the third and final presidential debate on Wednesday night is really a ... Sam. And this discrepancy is not the first issue that has cropped up about the country's latest media celebrity. Apparently, the pipes of Joe's story have gotten a little clogged, sprung a leak, lost a washer -- um, you get the point.

Apparently, Joe is not a licensed plumber and he owes $1200 in back taxes -- according to court records, anyway. No wonder Joe was so worried about Barack Obama's tax plan -- Joe was already in hot water with the tax man. Joe's 15 minutes of fame are about over -- thank God -- though the press was sure hot on his tail today. Wurzelbacher also figured prominently in tonight's special Thursday edition of SNL's Weekend Update and debate spoof. And he got the impressive cultural distinction of inspiring a Top Ten List -- the icing on any shooting star's cake of infamy. From David Letterman's Home Office on Thursday Night, folks, here it is:

Top Ten Messages left on Joe the Plumber's Answering Machine

10) Heard you mentioned in the debate last night, now can you get the hairball out of my drain?

9) This is Joe Sixpack calling -- what are you trying to pull?

8) Sorry, wrong number. I was looking fof Larry the Cable Guy.

7) Dude, did you get to meet Fannie Mae?

6) This is Sarah Palin. Do you consider yourself to be a Maverick plumber?

5) You had a better night than Joe the Dodgers' manager.

4) This is Bob Schieffer. Hijack my show again and I will bust your kneecaps with a tire iron.

3) You've got to get a copy of the Late Night Show's Fun Facts, it's hilarious.

2) It' Brian from The Late Show. Are you available tonight if McCain cancels?

1) It's Madonna. Are you seeing anybody?

Also from the annals of late night: while Joe Biden visited The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, John McCain finally showed up on The Late Show with David Letterman Thursday night -- after dissing him a few weeks back. When Letterman bluntly asked, "So what happened?" McCain simply answered, "I screwed up!" Boy Howdy, Maverick, did you ever. Letterman filleted you after you tossed him over for -- of all people -- Katie Couric. Big mistake. Huge.

Letterman proceeded to grill the Arizona senator about his vice presidential pick -- McCain admitted again that he didn't know Sarah Palin when he selected her, that they had simply met on a few occasions -- and the host was clearly incredulous about the Palin decision. Letterman also grilled McCain about the whole William Ayers issue -- and made McCain squirm when he was asked about a McCain fundraiser G. Gordon Liddy had at his home in 1998. The Letterman interview really was entertaining to watch -- almost as good as an Olbermann Special Comment!

By the way, after all this hubbub about good ol' Joe, McCain admitted to Letterman that the Republican candidate had not yet spoken to Wurzelbacher, and apologized for the media attention the wannabe plumber had received. Game over, folks.

Fact Checking Joe the Plumber

Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Kids Tell Parents: Don't Vote for McCain

Kind of along the lines of Sarah Silverman's "The Great Schlep," another campaign is out playing on the power of youth over older voters in the family. This ad, in particular, is aimed at young people -- some too young to vote themselves. It smartly features a few of the actors from the popular CW show, Gossip Girl, and gives humorous ways for young people to talk to -- and stop -- their parents from voting for The Maverick. I find it pretty amusing to have voting for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) compared to the dangers of drunk driving, with a kid saying: "If you're out and you feel like voting for John McCain, just call me and I'll pick you up -- no questions asked." Then again, considering the selfish binge the Bush administration has been on, spending both the surplus and our international goodwill like drunken sailors, perhaps the perils of a McSame administration are aptly compared.

According to the Partnership for a McCain-Free White House, "Young people overwhelmingly support Barack Obama. But too many of their parents don't. So we launched a fun new ad and site encouraging young people to talk to their parents about John McCain." The campaign, developed by MoveOn.org, gives some important warning signs to look for in parents who may be straying off the progressive path:

1) Prefacing every sentence with "Lemme give you a little straight talk."
2) Arguing that it's crucially important for a president to be erratic and unstable.
3) Referring to the past 8 years of American history as "The Golden Age."
4) Saying things like, "Sarah Palin is a reasonable choice as VP."
5) Having trouble making eye contact.
6) Wandering and pacing aimlessly.
7) Disparaging Spain for no apparent reason.
8) Delusionally believing all people they meet are "[their] friends" —- even though most people are kinda creeped out by them.
9) Being unable to accurately count the number of homes they own, cars they drive, or years the United States should remain in Iraq.
10) Putting a McCain-Palin yard sign in the front lawn.

Time after time this year, we've seen people come out in support of Barack Obama because their children told them to. Or asked them to. Or simply challenged them to follow their hearts and their hopes this time.

But there's more work to do. Right now, young people back Barack Obama by overwhelming numbers. But their parents and grandparents are still leaning more towards John McCain.

People decide who to vote for based on the opinions of the people they trust—and family plays a huge role. The more young people who talk to their parents, the better chance Obama has on November 4th.

Please do your part. Talk to your parents today.

The Partnership's clarion call is clear: Talk to you parents, for the life you save may be your own! Vote for Barack Obama. Amen.





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

DC News Briefs: Lost Relatives, Historic Votes and ... Mani-Pedi's?

A few days ago I did my first DC News Briefs blog, and I find I like the format -- perfect for the latest juicy news from inside the beltway. So, friends, here's another installment of news tidbits direct from our nation's capital -- the strange, the remarkable, the trivial (but interesting), and some things guaranteed to piss you off. Expect this to become a regular feature -- hell, I'll even give DC briefs their own label.

A Record Vote in More Ways Than One: The Oct. 3 House vote on the $700 billion financial bailout package was historic in more ways than one. Aside from the massive socialization of risk/privatization of profits trade off that occurred, it was also notable because all members of the chamber showed up to cast their votes. Shamefully, this marked the first time in five years that the entire body had cast a simple yes or no on a piece of legislation. Way to go, team!

Palin and the Princess: Apparently VEEP candidate Sarah Palin is distantly related to Princess Diana and FDR. But she's not the only one with some presidential DNA -- apparently Barack Obama is related to Dick Cheney, Gerald Ford, and Bush 41 and Bush 43. Damn. McCain's got connections as well -- to Laura Bush, of all people, as well as King Louis VII of France. No wonder the Maverick has delusions of grandeur.

Uncle Sam Gives a Mani-Pedi: Less than a week after the federal government -- um, that would be you and me -- so generously offered an $85 billion bailout to insurance giant AIG, the company held a week-long retreat for its executives at the luxury St. Regis Resort in California, running up an astonishing tab of $440,000. The executives spent $200,000 for rooms, $150,000 for meals and $23,000 for the spa. No wonder AIG needed that additional loan of $38 billion just to make ends meet.

Remember the First Stimulus? October 15 is the last day to file for those stimulus rebates. At last count, at least 4.3 million Americans had yet to claim their $300 to $600 booty. You can find out if you're eligible for the debt-funded windfall on a prior blog I did on the topic. By the way, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is still talking about another stimulus bill -- the House passed a measure just before they recessed, but the Senate failed to follow suit.

Voter Suppression Rears its Ugly Head Again... and Again, and Again: According to an investigation by the New York Times, upwards of tens of thousands of eligible voters in as many as six swing states have been removed from the registration rolls or have been blocked from registering in ways that might to violate federal law.

Obama Makes Record Ad Buy: Already advertising at record levels, Barack Obama has scheduled a half-hour commercial for prime time on Oct. 29, six days before Election Day. I guess he's betting that he can lure people from FOX, who will showing the sixth game of the World Series at the same time -- or perhaps, now that Chicago's teams are out of the running, he just doesn't give a crap. The Obama campaign has lined up a 30-minute block of time at 8p.m. on both NBC and CBS -- the latter of which is already pushing back "The New Adventures of Old Christine" to sell the time. The campaign is still working on ABC.


Copyright 2008. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved.

Build the Next Cabinet: Who Do You Think Should be the Next Secretary of... ?

Between Election Day and Inauguration Day, some of the biggest decisions facing the president-elect will be choosing his cabinet — the critical people who will run the executive departments and the most prominent agencies in our country's government. The transition team will spend that short time frame in a frenzied effort to screen and select the next set of leaders for the executive branch, and dole out political appointments galore.

Thanks to CQ.com's fun new game, The Cabinet Maker lets you personally assemble a core group of advisers for the next occupant of the White House. What would an Obama or McCain administration look like if you had your druthers? The game features candidates chosen by CQ's beat reporters as likely suspects for 18 top positions, so it's an interesting preview of the Washington-style game of musical chairs that will play out when a new sheriff comes to town. Take a look.

Meet the Press Veep Debate Post-mortem with Gwen Ifil

On October 5, Gwen Ifill, Tom Brokaw, David Gregory and other luminaries of the pundit world gathered for the Sunday morning talking head chatfest known as Meet the Press. Top of the agenda: Saturday Night Live and the vice presidential debate. I will admit I had been a bit disappointed in Ifill's performance as moderator -- I've always thought of her as a serious, credible journalist -- so her kid-gloved handling of Palin was annoying and a bit of a surprise. But after hearing Ifill's perspective, I understand a little better why the debate played out the way it did -- and have more sympathy for her role. I still think Ifill could have pushed more... but this roundtable discussion on MTP is nonetheless enlightening.



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

NBC's Brian Williams Dishes about Palin on Letterman: Funny and Informative

I don't know about you, but when I look at Brian Williams, I am inevitably reminded of a "Ken" doll. Not really fair, I know -- he's a good newsman. But he just doesn't move me. Still, I must admit that if I watch the network evening news -- I'm more of a cable girl myself -- I tend to watch NBC Nightly News. I think it's a Brokaw holdover -- nobody did it like Brokaw. Yes, Cronkite was great, but I don't really remember him all that well -- that's just history to me. In my lifetime, Brokaw was the man.

Anyway, I came across this great interview David Letterman did with Williams on Friday -- post-vice presidential debate. It's very informative, and Williams reveals a pretty wonderful sense of humor as well as his chops as a serious newsman. I do need to say there are some sexist remarks by Letterman that I found more than a little problematic -- I know, I know, it's late night television. And while I am not a Palin fan, I couldn't help but cringe at some of Letterman's remarks and his tone as he mimicked the vice presidential candidate. I don't have to like her politics to object to that -- to me, that's an obligation that is above politics. Letterman's sexist remarks are also evidenced in the debate recap Letterman did just prior to Williams coming on stage. Letterman walked a narrow comedy line in the recap -- some of it worked, some most definitely did not.

The Williams interview comes in two parts from YouTube... if you like the first segment, you'll enjoy the second one as well.







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

The Palin-Biden Debate, SNL Style, w/ Queen Latifah as Gwen Ifill

Yep, folks, you knew I would post it -- last night's Saturday Night Live skit about the Great Debate. Truthfully, I've practically been forced to post the Oct. 4th video -- it was clear from the site traffic people were dropping by The Zaftig Redhead to see if I'd given some blog real estate the latest SNL ditty -- how could I disappoint? The long and short of it is this: Tina Fey continues to amaze, and Sarah Palin continues to suffer for it. And the SNL crew got some good zingers in on moderator Gwen Ifill -- played winningly by Queen Latifah -- as well as Biden's bombastic style. If you really want to have some fun, check out this great flow chart detailing Palin's debate strategy before you watch the SNL video -- it makes it all come together. Enjoy!


"I want to be done playing this lady Nov. 5," Tina Fey said in September 2008 at teh Emmys. "So if anybody can help me be done playing this lady Nov. 5, that would be good for me."


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