Commentary by Don Rose
The reason this recession seems so much deeper and depressing than other downturns of the recent past may be due to two forces that happen to be happening at the same time.
First, there was the popping of a great speculative bubble (real estate), the damage of which was magnified by the unregulated unwise use of leveraged and overly complex financial instruments tied in part to home values (which act like giant lead weights thrown on the legs of an economy that's trying to run its way out of the post-bubble crater with help from Uncle Stimulus). The second force feeding the downturn is a bit of demographic timing often discussed by Harry Dent (see his book on "The Roaring 2000s" in which he predicts with eerie accuracy that we'd face The Mother of All Depressions right around, well, now). The demographic curves he serves up, which depict how much we spend (a function of how old the population is), show that the huge wave of Baby Boomers are getting to that point (you know, aging, Viagraing and retiring) where overall consumer spending in the economy goes down. WAY down.
Either of these forces alone could cause an economic downturn. Put them together and no wonder this current recession is a real doozy -- and quite possibly that Mother which Dent predicted. But even if all this affulence-addling awfulness was preDented, that doesn't mean it has to occur, or stick around for years. Massive government spending, plus a primo priming of the money supply pump, was the primary strategy used to get out of the (first) Great Depression, and Obama/Bernanke & Company seem to be trying something similar now. In addition, the Obama team seems, in large part, to be throwing money at the problem in an intelligent way, rather than randomly -- that is, if we need to spend massively to get the economy moving, if "spend spend spend" is the best solution in sight, why not spend in targeted ways, on solutions we really need right now and in the near future (like cleaner energy, more efficient cars, education, productivity, and perhaps even healthcare). If "a crisis is a terrible thing to waste" (to paraphrase Obama's main man Rahm Emanuel) is the mantra of the moment, if Obama is spending our dollars not just massively but wisely as well, with future needs in mind, then I think we will get out of the current mess, slowly but surely -- and get to even higher ground than when we started.
In summary, if the economic problem we now face was caused by a double whammy of history, then it may take at the very least a decisive doubling up on the demand side in order to defeat this financial foe. I just hope that Obamanomics, if one can define it, is or will be the act of taking a spend-big-but-spend-with-future-vision "win-win" approach. Stimulate the economy, and do it in stimulating ways. Let's pray it works, that it makes a massive dent in the problem Dent predicted, and gets us back on track to recovery and prosperity. In the best case scenario, we won't be where we were before the recession, but rather in a better place.
And what's the worst case? What if the bear eats the bull, the Stimulus was bull and unemployment hits 25%? That's easy. I retire early and move in with my Mother in Miami, where I'll have no income tax, no income, and no one coming over. Sure, it'll be boring as hell, and hotter than hell, but at least it's not technically Hell. Hell, I might even get used it. Living with Mom again was never my dream, but till the dream job comes, it'll do. Even an Odd Couple beats a couple of odd jobs.
Showing posts with label commentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commentary. Show all posts
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
WHEN LARRY MET WOODY: CAN TWO BESPECTACLED BROOKLYN KVETCHERS USE "WHATEVER WORKS" TO DELIVER THE NON-FEELGOOD MOVIE OF THE YEAR?
Commentary by Don Rose
What more do you want, fans of kvetching humor? Finally, you got your big screen Dream Team. (And by your I also mean mine.) Which means that, on paper, the new Woody Allen film "Whatever Works" seems to have all the elements of a satisfying comedic-cinematic concoction.
The biggest sign of imminent hilarity is the casting of Larry David, who is arguably the funniest guy on TV right now and could be called this generation's Woody. We all know that he created the iconic ironic George character on Seinfeld, who everyone knows was heavily influenced by Woody and his various Woodyisms (at least in the early episodes of Seinfeld), so it seemed like destiny for Larry and Woody, the jocular Jewish jesters, to eventually work together.
But wait, there's more -- as in more signs of classic comedy to come: the casting of Michael McKean and Ed Begley, Jr., who of late have been regulars in the Christopher Guest film family. David, McKean and Begley (sounds like a law firm, doesn't it?) are all schooled in the skill of improvisational comedic acting, which I am hoping will add some mirth-filled sparks. When working from a work of Woody, I kinda doubt there is much improv going on, but you never know. This only adds to my anticipation for "Whatever Works," which opens in New York and Los Angeles on June 19th.
The title "Whatever Works" not only seems to be part of the underlying message of this movie, but could also apply to how comedians write and perform their humor. One cannot always explain why people laugh at something, and comics are often happily surprised by what works onstage. You take what you can, and try to remember it, and do it again. You do whatever works. Similarly, comedy directors are often surprised by what works, and are happy to grab the magic when it occurs, eager to use whatever works to get the laugh. (Remember: dying is easy; comedy is hard.)
Woody, of course, is the least likely to need comedic chance to evoke large laughs, but the vast comedic experience in much of his cast's past means Woody gave himself the greatest odds of mining gold from his latest script, so he could unearth whatever works to create a knockout comedy. And the best jester for a kvetchfest besides Woody is Larry. David seems just the comedic Ali to deliver Allen punchlines. He could be credited as reinventing the sitcom, and now he's TV comedy's most brilliant (and unlikely) star. Most fans of funny agree that David's HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" has been one giant leap for mirthkind. (Yes, that was a non sequitur nod to Apollo 11, but before you banish me to the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, look at the connections: the first moon landing celebrates its 40th anniversary this July, and this is also the 40th anniversary of Woody's first film as director/star ("Take the Money and Run"), and "Whatever Works" is Allen's 40th film. What more do you want? Okay -- I predict his latest opus will gross $40 million.) Now here's a 40 word summary of "Whatever Works":
Eccentric New Yorker Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) abandons his upper class life to lead a more bohemian existence. He meets a young Southern girl and her family, and no two people seem to get along in the entanglements that follow.
The film's trailer is available on the Whatever Works website, and reveals laughs aplenty -- a very good sign. Boris is another in the great tradition of Woody Allen surrogate characters (played over the years by stars ranging from Kenneth Branagh to Will Ferrell to, now, Larry David). Boris comes right out and tells you, breaking the Fourth Wall, that this "isn't the feel-good movie of the year" and he isn't a likeable guy. Good. We like David unlikeable. We are used to him playing the ornery complainer who still somehow grows on us, like an amiable barnacle -- and this film thankfully lets David be David, with the added bonus of stellar Allen lines.
However, I have a feeling the ending may reveal more feeling than Boris seems to have on the surface. While this may not be the feel-good movie of the year, it still may be a feel-good movie; we get a taste of a Boris speech at trailer's end hinting at a somewhat optimistic message. Perhaps Woody has finally found a glimmer of meaning in a mostly meaningless universe. And perhaps a feel-goodish ending to a non-feel-good movie is the perfect plot ploy here, since telegraphing one message then veering off to another is a classic comedy formula (most jokes do this -- leading you down road A only to turn onto unexpected road B in the punchline).
In summary, what we seem to have here is a film with fun, funniness, and a fine feel-good final finale. I, for one, can't wait till next week to witness Woody's "Whatever Works" -- and solve the message mystery for myself.
# # #
Find for film freebie fans: a poster for "Whatever Works" - actually autographed by Larry David! - is being given away by those other mavens of mirth, The Onion. Click here for details.
Big Apple big story: To read more about this new movie and its stars, see the recent article in New York magazine featuring Larry and Woody on the cover as the "Last of the Schlemiels". Great article, great cover.
****HEAR LARRY DAVID ON NPR'S "WEEKEND EDITION" - ON MOST NPR STATIONS SATURDAY MORNING JUNE 13**** or online anytime at National Public Radio's website, http://www.npr.org/. Among other things, David discusses his reaction when he got Woody's script and, expecting a small role, saw that his character appears on page 1... and page 50... and at the end! (Looks like it's a Larrypalooza...)
What more do you want, fans of kvetching humor? Finally, you got your big screen Dream Team. (And by your I also mean mine.) Which means that, on paper, the new Woody Allen film "Whatever Works" seems to have all the elements of a satisfying comedic-cinematic concoction.
The biggest sign of imminent hilarity is the casting of Larry David, who is arguably the funniest guy on TV right now and could be called this generation's Woody. We all know that he created the iconic ironic George character on Seinfeld, who everyone knows was heavily influenced by Woody and his various Woodyisms (at least in the early episodes of Seinfeld), so it seemed like destiny for Larry and Woody, the jocular Jewish jesters, to eventually work together.
But wait, there's more -- as in more signs of classic comedy to come: the casting of Michael McKean and Ed Begley, Jr., who of late have been regulars in the Christopher Guest film family. David, McKean and Begley (sounds like a law firm, doesn't it?) are all schooled in the skill of improvisational comedic acting, which I am hoping will add some mirth-filled sparks. When working from a work of Woody, I kinda doubt there is much improv going on, but you never know. This only adds to my anticipation for "Whatever Works," which opens in New York and Los Angeles on June 19th.
The title "Whatever Works" not only seems to be part of the underlying message of this movie, but could also apply to how comedians write and perform their humor. One cannot always explain why people laugh at something, and comics are often happily surprised by what works onstage. You take what you can, and try to remember it, and do it again. You do whatever works. Similarly, comedy directors are often surprised by what works, and are happy to grab the magic when it occurs, eager to use whatever works to get the laugh. (Remember: dying is easy; comedy is hard.)
Woody, of course, is the least likely to need comedic chance to evoke large laughs, but the vast comedic experience in much of his cast's past means Woody gave himself the greatest odds of mining gold from his latest script, so he could unearth whatever works to create a knockout comedy. And the best jester for a kvetchfest besides Woody is Larry. David seems just the comedic Ali to deliver Allen punchlines. He could be credited as reinventing the sitcom, and now he's TV comedy's most brilliant (and unlikely) star. Most fans of funny agree that David's HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" has been one giant leap for mirthkind. (Yes, that was a non sequitur nod to Apollo 11, but before you banish me to the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, look at the connections: the first moon landing celebrates its 40th anniversary this July, and this is also the 40th anniversary of Woody's first film as director/star ("Take the Money and Run"), and "Whatever Works" is Allen's 40th film. What more do you want? Okay -- I predict his latest opus will gross $40 million.) Now here's a 40 word summary of "Whatever Works":
Eccentric New Yorker Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) abandons his upper class life to lead a more bohemian existence. He meets a young Southern girl and her family, and no two people seem to get along in the entanglements that follow.
The film's trailer is available on the Whatever Works website, and reveals laughs aplenty -- a very good sign. Boris is another in the great tradition of Woody Allen surrogate characters (played over the years by stars ranging from Kenneth Branagh to Will Ferrell to, now, Larry David). Boris comes right out and tells you, breaking the Fourth Wall, that this "isn't the feel-good movie of the year" and he isn't a likeable guy. Good. We like David unlikeable. We are used to him playing the ornery complainer who still somehow grows on us, like an amiable barnacle -- and this film thankfully lets David be David, with the added bonus of stellar Allen lines.
However, I have a feeling the ending may reveal more feeling than Boris seems to have on the surface. While this may not be the feel-good movie of the year, it still may be a feel-good movie; we get a taste of a Boris speech at trailer's end hinting at a somewhat optimistic message. Perhaps Woody has finally found a glimmer of meaning in a mostly meaningless universe. And perhaps a feel-goodish ending to a non-feel-good movie is the perfect plot ploy here, since telegraphing one message then veering off to another is a classic comedy formula (most jokes do this -- leading you down road A only to turn onto unexpected road B in the punchline).
In summary, what we seem to have here is a film with fun, funniness, and a fine feel-good final finale. I, for one, can't wait till next week to witness Woody's "Whatever Works" -- and solve the message mystery for myself.
# # #
Find for film freebie fans: a poster for "Whatever Works" - actually autographed by Larry David! - is being given away by those other mavens of mirth, The Onion. Click here for details.
Big Apple big story: To read more about this new movie and its stars, see the recent article in New York magazine featuring Larry and Woody on the cover as the "Last of the Schlemiels". Great article, great cover.
****HEAR LARRY DAVID ON NPR'S "WEEKEND EDITION" - ON MOST NPR STATIONS SATURDAY MORNING JUNE 13**** or online anytime at National Public Radio's website, http://www.npr.org/. Among other things, David discusses his reaction when he got Woody's script and, expecting a small role, saw that his character appears on page 1... and page 50... and at the end! (Looks like it's a Larrypalooza...)
TOP TWELVE BETTER NAMES FOR THE IPHONE
Commentary by Don Rose
The great irony of the iPhone is that the Phone part is now but one small sliver of what this device does. People seem to spend much more time doing the NONphone activities afforded by the iPhone than the phone part. The sprouting of thousands of applications for this device makes it, as Leo LaPorte says, more of a mini superportable computer than a phone, something worthy of a new category of device.
Perhaps, then, the iPhone needs a new name.
At least that is what iThink. Here are my iNitial iDeas:
iRony - see first sentence above.
iVerything - since it does, just about, everything.
iKnow - with the iPhone, you truly can know it all, you know-it-all -- thanks to the net connection and all the apps.
iApps - again, the apps is the haps; they truly make the iPhone the versatile wonder that it is.
iAll - you can do it all, in the palm of your hand (sorry, Palm, if you think I'm Pre-mature).
iT - since this really is the current "it" device. Plus, iT can also stand for "internet technologies" or "integrated tech".
iThink -- therefore, I app. See, I even wrote a new ad slogan for you, Apple.
iThere - the i(nternet) is, like, there! And it takes me there. There, another new name and slogan. You taking notes, Apple?
iDo - since users truly are married to this device, and it lets you do almost anything.
iLoveit - users do.
iDeal - since the device really is ideal for most people, and it is a great deal for what you get.
iFun - my favorite new moniker of them all. Listen: iFun even sounds like iPhone!
There you have it. New names for the iPhone that better fit its awesome, broad capabilities.
And as for Apple itself, well, maybe they need a new name too. A subtle change. Like... APPle.
The great irony of the iPhone is that the Phone part is now but one small sliver of what this device does. People seem to spend much more time doing the NONphone activities afforded by the iPhone than the phone part. The sprouting of thousands of applications for this device makes it, as Leo LaPorte says, more of a mini superportable computer than a phone, something worthy of a new category of device.
Perhaps, then, the iPhone needs a new name.
At least that is what iThink. Here are my iNitial iDeas:
iRony - see first sentence above.
iVerything - since it does, just about, everything.
iKnow - with the iPhone, you truly can know it all, you know-it-all -- thanks to the net connection and all the apps.
iApps - again, the apps is the haps; they truly make the iPhone the versatile wonder that it is.
iAll - you can do it all, in the palm of your hand (sorry, Palm, if you think I'm Pre-mature).
iT - since this really is the current "it" device. Plus, iT can also stand for "internet technologies" or "integrated tech".
iThink -- therefore, I app. See, I even wrote a new ad slogan for you, Apple.
iThere - the i(nternet) is, like, there! And it takes me there. There, another new name and slogan. You taking notes, Apple?
iDo - since users truly are married to this device, and it lets you do almost anything.
iLoveit - users do.
iDeal - since the device really is ideal for most people, and it is a great deal for what you get.
iFun - my favorite new moniker of them all. Listen: iFun even sounds like iPhone!
There you have it. New names for the iPhone that better fit its awesome, broad capabilities.
And as for Apple itself, well, maybe they need a new name too. A subtle change. Like... APPle.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
OBAMA EXPLAINS IT ALL: CAIRO SPEECH DELIVERS BOLD, AMBITIOUS VISION FOR WORLD PEACE AND PROSPERITY BY GETTING PAST THE PAST
The President, Clearly Striving to Improve America's Image in the Eyes of Muslims, Brings Message of Positive Change Overseas; Emphasizes Need for All Religions and Nations To Live and Work Together in Peace, By Finding Common Ground Rather Than Focusing On Differences and Discord
Commentary by Don Rose
President Obama seemed to be, for 54 minutes at least, the World President. While his inspiring speech at the University of Cairo made a special appeal to Muslims in several sections, Obama's message transcended nations, with words undeniable in their logic, delivered with a controlled passion that seemed to be saying, Wake up, world! It's me, Barack, and I believe we're ready for a new way of thinking. Our world can do better. He implored his audience to let go of status quo, and listen to what we know. That we can and should listen and learn from each other. That we all have basic human rights, and no one is more right than others. He gave examples from history showing how numerous nations and peoples have suffered injustices and pain, but we can and must move forward to write a new chapter in history.
Obama often sounded like a kind of world parent, implying that it is time to set aside childish things and grow up on a global scale. For example, he discussed how both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered terribly, but each side must change if there is to be lasting peace. Palestinians must abandon violence, Obama said (pointing out that it was peaceful resistance, not violence, which brought about change for blacks in America) -- but Israel must stop settlements and accept Palestine's right to exist (just as Palestine must recognize Israel). Our President, the man of mixed race, the American with the Muslim middle name, is the one American leader in recent memory who could make such statements with such conviction, imploring Muslims, Christians and Jews to go beyond painful history to a new, peaceful destiny.
Obama ended his exceptional speech with a reference to the Golden Rule, and this seemed to indeed summarize his overarching message. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you" are words that transcend borders. The words are ancient, yet transcend time. They still apply here in the 21st century, and are more needed than ever. But perhaps the main accomplishment of Obama's speech was to show how an American President can set out a bold vision to the entire world and challenge all nations to live up to it, without sounding condescending, preachy or demanding. He knows that we are better than we have been.
Sure, some might call Obama's message pollyanna, or criticize him for stating too broad a vision. But that's what I find most endearing about this man who continues to break barriers -- his ongoing, passionate, unwavering Audacity of Hope. He is not afraid to lay out a vision that shoots for the stars. Now we need to build the (international-relations) ship to reach that stellar destination. I just hope the citizens of the world can become as audacious as Obama, because in this time of giant global challenges, audacious thinking may be the best (and only) way to envision the solutions we need to survive as a species.
Commentary by Don Rose
President Obama seemed to be, for 54 minutes at least, the World President. While his inspiring speech at the University of Cairo made a special appeal to Muslims in several sections, Obama's message transcended nations, with words undeniable in their logic, delivered with a controlled passion that seemed to be saying, Wake up, world! It's me, Barack, and I believe we're ready for a new way of thinking. Our world can do better. He implored his audience to let go of status quo, and listen to what we know. That we can and should listen and learn from each other. That we all have basic human rights, and no one is more right than others. He gave examples from history showing how numerous nations and peoples have suffered injustices and pain, but we can and must move forward to write a new chapter in history.
Obama often sounded like a kind of world parent, implying that it is time to set aside childish things and grow up on a global scale. For example, he discussed how both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered terribly, but each side must change if there is to be lasting peace. Palestinians must abandon violence, Obama said (pointing out that it was peaceful resistance, not violence, which brought about change for blacks in America) -- but Israel must stop settlements and accept Palestine's right to exist (just as Palestine must recognize Israel). Our President, the man of mixed race, the American with the Muslim middle name, is the one American leader in recent memory who could make such statements with such conviction, imploring Muslims, Christians and Jews to go beyond painful history to a new, peaceful destiny.
Obama ended his exceptional speech with a reference to the Golden Rule, and this seemed to indeed summarize his overarching message. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you" are words that transcend borders. The words are ancient, yet transcend time. They still apply here in the 21st century, and are more needed than ever. But perhaps the main accomplishment of Obama's speech was to show how an American President can set out a bold vision to the entire world and challenge all nations to live up to it, without sounding condescending, preachy or demanding. He knows that we are better than we have been.
Sure, some might call Obama's message pollyanna, or criticize him for stating too broad a vision. But that's what I find most endearing about this man who continues to break barriers -- his ongoing, passionate, unwavering Audacity of Hope. He is not afraid to lay out a vision that shoots for the stars. Now we need to build the (international-relations) ship to reach that stellar destination. I just hope the citizens of the world can become as audacious as Obama, because in this time of giant global challenges, audacious thinking may be the best (and only) way to envision the solutions we need to survive as a species.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
RETRO REWIND: 1960-1963: GREATEST ERA EVER FOR POP NOVELTY SONGS
Commentary by Don Rose
Perhaps it was because rock and roll was taking a breather, waning a bit after its ferocious beginnings circa 1951-1954 and before 1964's "Big Bang" of the Beatles (as Little Steven likes to say). Perhaps it was because Elvis, the King of Rock, had gone in the Army - then returned to become a movie star, deviating from his rock roots. Or perhaps everyone felt the way Decca Records did, when they turned down the Beatles after a January 1962 audition because they believed "guitar groups are on their way out." Whatever the reason, there sure were a ton of unusual yet immortal novelty songs that made the pop charts between 1960 and 1963.
Just look at the evidence below.
How do you define a novelty song? We define it loosely as a song with a strong hook and/or concept, featuring at least one unique sound or lyric, something that makes it different than any other tune, often with a heavy dose of humor, and often the biggest (or only) hit for the performer or group who recorded it. And now, some of the top novelty hits of 1960-1963:
Runaway (1961) - the first hit by Del Shannon featured a famous solo by Max Crook, one of the most distinctive in rock history, performed on a heavily-modified clavioline (early synthesizer) that Crook called the "Musitron"
Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (A Letter From Camp) (1961) - immortal hit by Allan Sherman, using a classical passage as the music under his sweet humorous lyrics based on his son's complaints from camp, peaked at #9; received the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Performance
Telstar - 1962 hit instrumental by The Tornados featured a Univox Clavioline
Monster Mash - hit by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers (1962) peaked at #1, and is still one of my favorite songs of all time; fun clever lyrics, a dead-on Boris Karloff impression by Pickett, and an irresistable rocking backing track, especially the drums on the opening bars
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On the Bedpost Overnight) - 1961 hit by Lonnie Donegan, who led the Skiffle craze in Britain that inspired the early Beatles, peaked at #5
Mr. Custer (Larry Verne) (1960) peaked at #1
If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul) (1963) peaked at #1; featured the immortal line, "If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife..."
Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow (The Rivingtons) (1962) peaked at #48; covered live by the Beach Boys in their early days
Speedy Gonzales (Pat Boone) (1962) peaked at #6
Mr. Bass Man (Johnny Cymbal) (1963) peaked at #16
My Boomerang Won't Come Back (Charlie Drake) (1962) peaked at #21
Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport (Rolf Harris) (1963) peaked at #6 - features a unique homemade instrument making the "wakawakawaka" sound that starts the song; YouTube fans can find a rare recording of Rolf with the Beatles, for which he changed the words in honor of the Fab Four and the group provides a bit of backup
Alley-Oop (The Hollywood Argyles) (1960) peaked at #1
Who Put the Bomp (In the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp) (Barry Mann) (1961) peaked at #7
I encourage you to check out all of the above songs. If you feel I left any notable novelty tunes out, feel free to send them and we can add to this list. Send to: info@thelareport.com.
Perhaps it was because rock and roll was taking a breather, waning a bit after its ferocious beginnings circa 1951-1954 and before 1964's "Big Bang" of the Beatles (as Little Steven likes to say). Perhaps it was because Elvis, the King of Rock, had gone in the Army - then returned to become a movie star, deviating from his rock roots. Or perhaps everyone felt the way Decca Records did, when they turned down the Beatles after a January 1962 audition because they believed "guitar groups are on their way out." Whatever the reason, there sure were a ton of unusual yet immortal novelty songs that made the pop charts between 1960 and 1963.
Just look at the evidence below.
How do you define a novelty song? We define it loosely as a song with a strong hook and/or concept, featuring at least one unique sound or lyric, something that makes it different than any other tune, often with a heavy dose of humor, and often the biggest (or only) hit for the performer or group who recorded it. And now, some of the top novelty hits of 1960-1963:
Runaway (1961) - the first hit by Del Shannon featured a famous solo by Max Crook, one of the most distinctive in rock history, performed on a heavily-modified clavioline (early synthesizer) that Crook called the "Musitron"
Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (A Letter From Camp) (1961) - immortal hit by Allan Sherman, using a classical passage as the music under his sweet humorous lyrics based on his son's complaints from camp, peaked at #9; received the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Performance
Telstar - 1962 hit instrumental by The Tornados featured a Univox Clavioline
Monster Mash - hit by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers (1962) peaked at #1, and is still one of my favorite songs of all time; fun clever lyrics, a dead-on Boris Karloff impression by Pickett, and an irresistable rocking backing track, especially the drums on the opening bars
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On the Bedpost Overnight) - 1961 hit by Lonnie Donegan, who led the Skiffle craze in Britain that inspired the early Beatles, peaked at #5
Mr. Custer (Larry Verne) (1960) peaked at #1
If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul) (1963) peaked at #1; featured the immortal line, "If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife..."
Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow (The Rivingtons) (1962) peaked at #48; covered live by the Beach Boys in their early days
Speedy Gonzales (Pat Boone) (1962) peaked at #6
Mr. Bass Man (Johnny Cymbal) (1963) peaked at #16
My Boomerang Won't Come Back (Charlie Drake) (1962) peaked at #21
Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport (Rolf Harris) (1963) peaked at #6 - features a unique homemade instrument making the "wakawakawaka" sound that starts the song; YouTube fans can find a rare recording of Rolf with the Beatles, for which he changed the words in honor of the Fab Four and the group provides a bit of backup
Alley-Oop (The Hollywood Argyles) (1960) peaked at #1
Who Put the Bomp (In the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp) (Barry Mann) (1961) peaked at #7
I encourage you to check out all of the above songs. If you feel I left any notable novelty tunes out, feel free to send them and we can add to this list. Send to: info@thelareport.com.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A TO Z OF VICTORY: 26 REASONS FOR OBAMA'S ASCENDANCY TO THE PRESIDENCY
Commentary by Don Rose
A: Audacity of Hope. Not just a Barack book, but a brand, a message, that millions believed in. After eight years of fear, hope prevailed. Yet think back to early 2007. Imagine the audacity of a young relatively unknown first-term Senator of African-American descent to hope he can beat the odds and become leader of the free world. Yes he can.
B: Bush. Yes, baby, Bush begat Barack. Yin begat Yang. One can argue that Bush devolved so deeply into a fear-mongering Constitution-shredding neo-Conning rightwing idealogue that the nation snapped back with a vengeance to the intelligent, erudite, anti-Iraq pragmatist candidate -- Obama -- who seems to be above ideology. Out of fear, hope.
C: Clinton. Hillary's hard fought battle against Obama made Barack a tougher, wiser candidate, and got almost all the dirty laundry out in the open early. Remember when Rocky and arch rival Apollo Creed team up to beat Mr T? Okay, not a perfect analogy, but I still love that movie.
D: Dean. Howard Dean was Net Candidate 1.0 way back in 2004. Smart and tech savvy, the first true Internet grassroots candidate. While Obama's version 2.0 was superior to the original Dean model, the Vermont visionary and his network guru Joe Trippi pointed the way. Howard's other influence on Obama's win came as DNC head. In that role, Dr. Dean championed the "50 State Strategy" that kept GOP strategists scrambling and helped Obama expand his base to "traditionally non-Democratic states" -- even win several of them.
E: Economy. No con on me! That's how many felt, and still feel -- like the $700 billion bailout revealed a con going on, causing collapse of a broken system and then, like poisonous icing on a stale cake, using gobs of taxpayer money to bail out fat cats. Yes, it is always "the economy, stupid". Voters vote their pocketbook if it's getting lean. Bad economy helped Obama, big time. But it wasn't just that, it was Bad Men. Constant bailout news made it look like those in power (GOP) had taken advantage, then wanted to do even more damage (taxpayer bailouts) that might not even work (wanna buy some toxic financial instruments?). Also helping Obama, ironically, was that his relatively light experience made him look even more like an outsider, hence one who could come in and clean house.
F: Fairey. Shepard Fairey's graphics gave the Barack brand its ubiquitous face. His iconic HOPE posters were copied, mimicked and parodied ad infinitum, which only helped spread the brand further.
G: Gore. When Al didnt run, the best non-Barack brand in the bunch went bye-bye, leaving Obama as the leading "CHANGE" agent.
H: History. Millions wanted to make it, and they did. In fact, I think history's call led to a kind of "reverse Tom Bradley Effect", where voters on the fence jumped more to Obama in order to be part of history. Also, African Americans voted in record numbers. Call it the "being black bump". It helped the Change wind grow to gale force.
I: Iowa. First Obama victory, surprising Clinton and the pundits, foretold the future. Most momentum-al moment. I know Obama must be thinking, "I owe a lot to Iowa." (Okay, maybe not Obama, but Iowans.)
J: JFK. The similarities between Obama and John Kennedy are many. Even JFK brother Ted acknowledged it. Both men: young in age, two young kids, young attractive wife, picked experienced Senator as running mate, and broke barriers (JFK was first Roman Catholic President, and of course Obama is first President to check email regularly).
K: Kerry. Democrats learned from the mistakes of 2004. GOPers tried to Swift Boat Obama like they did Kerry, but the Obama camp was ready. Every attack was immediately and strongly rebuked or counterattacked. It worked.
L: Love. Young people were definitely showing the love for Obama, in droves, and were relentless in getting out the vote, calling people in swing states, holding rallies and parties in support of Obama, and more. With Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004, Democrats may have been satisfied with their candidate, even admired them, but twasn't love.
M: Moveon.org. Their more-than-daily emails kept Obama on the brain, whether you liked it or not. They relentlessly informed of urgent needs for funds and house parties/events where one could help the cause. Kept essential info coming to an ever expanding base of net-savvy supporters. Got the word out, kept the brand afire. (But be honest, aren't you kinda glad the flood of messages is finally over? Even The Onion acknowledged how often these emails were flying round the net with their headline, "Obama Deletes Yet Another Unread Moveon.org Email").
N: Negativity. McCain seemed negative in the debates, and his ads were overly negative. This turned off many, even his longtime friend and GOP honcho Colin Powell, who cited this negative tone as one reason he backed Obama. Plus, McCain's negativity was in such stark contrast to Obama's endless optimism.
O: Oratory. Obama's oral outpourings? Outstanding.
P: Palin. Pitifully poor pick. Pretty person. Petty prattle.
Q: Questioning assumptions. Who says a Dem can't win red states? Who says a black Dem can't win GOP voters and endorsements? Who says record dollars can't be raised via millions of small donations averaging under $100? Not he.
R: Republican Right. The GOP keeps assuming you must appease or energize the rightwing and/or religious wing and/or nutjob wing. Here's a maverick idea: why not cow tow to the needs of millions of MODERATE Republicans? Nixon used to talk about the "Silent Majority" and my guess is there is now a new generation of Silent Majority folks who are GOP but in the middle of the political spectrum. In 2008, McCain tried so hard to court the right, Obama could go full court press in the middle and win lots of GOP moderates (Colin Powell), even some conservatives (Bush's former press secretary and even the son of William Buckley). Obama, post-Hillary, moved right to win over middle ground -- and, amazingly, McCain gave it up as he slid right. Huge tactical mistake by McCain. He handicapped himself. With Republicans reeling, rife with rifts and ripped apart riffs, this seems like RIP GOP (at least for two terms). With the new powerful left, there' s not much left of the right that's right. Right?
S: Stephen Colbert. His performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner was a warning shot across the neo-Con bow that a mighty wind of change was coming. It got people thinking. And talking. And it was funny as hell. Blistering satire is one thing, but to do it right in front of all the people you are mocking, who also happen to be the most powerful people on the planet, is quite another. Yet Colbert pulls it off masterfully. The room didn't roar with laughter (for fear of firing, perhaps), but millions streaming on the Web did. I think it was an Emperor's New Clothes moment, which set the stage for millions to accept a new brand like Hope-Change-Obama. See Colbert's redhot roasting of Bush here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869183917758574879.
T: Texting Obama's VP pick. The text message announcing VP Biden was another brilliant stroke, not only giving mass attention to Obama's "Change" brand again (e.g., this guy is with it, tech savvy, etc), but brings in tons of funds and emails and cell numbers in order to be part of the early select millions getting the early word (which leaked big time anyway, but who cared, the point was to expand further the huge Obama network, who then kept getting constant emails and texts about Obama events, donating reminders, pleas to phone swing states, reminders to vote, chances to win things like "be backstage with Barack" -- if you donate, of course, and so on).
U: Unflappable. Obama always kept things on an even keel, especially during the debates. The people liked that.
V: Vice President Biden. First major decision for Obama, he hits a home run. Showed superior judgment to McCain, who chose a much inferior VP when it was his turn. Veep is crucial in a tight race; Barack knew it, McCain blew it.
W: Winfrey. Oprah's Obama endorsement certainly didn't hurt. Especially in the campaign's earlier days.
X: X-Factor. The late George Plimpton wrote a book on it. That certain something. Surely Obama has it.
Y. Yes We Can. The 3 most empowering words since I Love You and We Shall Overcome.
Z. Zebra. Half black and half white, like Obama, and symbolizes... ...oh, forget it. Isn't 25 reasons enough, people?
A: Audacity of Hope. Not just a Barack book, but a brand, a message, that millions believed in. After eight years of fear, hope prevailed. Yet think back to early 2007. Imagine the audacity of a young relatively unknown first-term Senator of African-American descent to hope he can beat the odds and become leader of the free world. Yes he can.
B: Bush. Yes, baby, Bush begat Barack. Yin begat Yang. One can argue that Bush devolved so deeply into a fear-mongering Constitution-shredding neo-Conning rightwing idealogue that the nation snapped back with a vengeance to the intelligent, erudite, anti-Iraq pragmatist candidate -- Obama -- who seems to be above ideology. Out of fear, hope.
C: Clinton. Hillary's hard fought battle against Obama made Barack a tougher, wiser candidate, and got almost all the dirty laundry out in the open early. Remember when Rocky and arch rival Apollo Creed team up to beat Mr T? Okay, not a perfect analogy, but I still love that movie.
D: Dean. Howard Dean was Net Candidate 1.0 way back in 2004. Smart and tech savvy, the first true Internet grassroots candidate. While Obama's version 2.0 was superior to the original Dean model, the Vermont visionary and his network guru Joe Trippi pointed the way. Howard's other influence on Obama's win came as DNC head. In that role, Dr. Dean championed the "50 State Strategy" that kept GOP strategists scrambling and helped Obama expand his base to "traditionally non-Democratic states" -- even win several of them.
E: Economy. No con on me! That's how many felt, and still feel -- like the $700 billion bailout revealed a con going on, causing collapse of a broken system and then, like poisonous icing on a stale cake, using gobs of taxpayer money to bail out fat cats. Yes, it is always "the economy, stupid". Voters vote their pocketbook if it's getting lean. Bad economy helped Obama, big time. But it wasn't just that, it was Bad Men. Constant bailout news made it look like those in power (GOP) had taken advantage, then wanted to do even more damage (taxpayer bailouts) that might not even work (wanna buy some toxic financial instruments?). Also helping Obama, ironically, was that his relatively light experience made him look even more like an outsider, hence one who could come in and clean house.
F: Fairey. Shepard Fairey's graphics gave the Barack brand its ubiquitous face. His iconic HOPE posters were copied, mimicked and parodied ad infinitum, which only helped spread the brand further.
G: Gore. When Al didnt run, the best non-Barack brand in the bunch went bye-bye, leaving Obama as the leading "CHANGE" agent.
H: History. Millions wanted to make it, and they did. In fact, I think history's call led to a kind of "reverse Tom Bradley Effect", where voters on the fence jumped more to Obama in order to be part of history. Also, African Americans voted in record numbers. Call it the "being black bump". It helped the Change wind grow to gale force.
I: Iowa. First Obama victory, surprising Clinton and the pundits, foretold the future. Most momentum-al moment. I know Obama must be thinking, "I owe a lot to Iowa." (Okay, maybe not Obama, but Iowans.)
J: JFK. The similarities between Obama and John Kennedy are many. Even JFK brother Ted acknowledged it. Both men: young in age, two young kids, young attractive wife, picked experienced Senator as running mate, and broke barriers (JFK was first Roman Catholic President, and of course Obama is first President to check email regularly).
K: Kerry. Democrats learned from the mistakes of 2004. GOPers tried to Swift Boat Obama like they did Kerry, but the Obama camp was ready. Every attack was immediately and strongly rebuked or counterattacked. It worked.
L: Love. Young people were definitely showing the love for Obama, in droves, and were relentless in getting out the vote, calling people in swing states, holding rallies and parties in support of Obama, and more. With Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004, Democrats may have been satisfied with their candidate, even admired them, but twasn't love.
M: Moveon.org. Their more-than-daily emails kept Obama on the brain, whether you liked it or not. They relentlessly informed of urgent needs for funds and house parties/events where one could help the cause. Kept essential info coming to an ever expanding base of net-savvy supporters. Got the word out, kept the brand afire. (But be honest, aren't you kinda glad the flood of messages is finally over? Even The Onion acknowledged how often these emails were flying round the net with their headline, "Obama Deletes Yet Another Unread Moveon.org Email").
N: Negativity. McCain seemed negative in the debates, and his ads were overly negative. This turned off many, even his longtime friend and GOP honcho Colin Powell, who cited this negative tone as one reason he backed Obama. Plus, McCain's negativity was in such stark contrast to Obama's endless optimism.
O: Oratory. Obama's oral outpourings? Outstanding.
P: Palin. Pitifully poor pick. Pretty person. Petty prattle.
Q: Questioning assumptions. Who says a Dem can't win red states? Who says a black Dem can't win GOP voters and endorsements? Who says record dollars can't be raised via millions of small donations averaging under $100? Not he.
R: Republican Right. The GOP keeps assuming you must appease or energize the rightwing and/or religious wing and/or nutjob wing. Here's a maverick idea: why not cow tow to the needs of millions of MODERATE Republicans? Nixon used to talk about the "Silent Majority" and my guess is there is now a new generation of Silent Majority folks who are GOP but in the middle of the political spectrum. In 2008, McCain tried so hard to court the right, Obama could go full court press in the middle and win lots of GOP moderates (Colin Powell), even some conservatives (Bush's former press secretary and even the son of William Buckley). Obama, post-Hillary, moved right to win over middle ground -- and, amazingly, McCain gave it up as he slid right. Huge tactical mistake by McCain. He handicapped himself. With Republicans reeling, rife with rifts and ripped apart riffs, this seems like RIP GOP (at least for two terms). With the new powerful left, there' s not much left of the right that's right. Right?
S: Stephen Colbert. His performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner was a warning shot across the neo-Con bow that a mighty wind of change was coming. It got people thinking. And talking. And it was funny as hell. Blistering satire is one thing, but to do it right in front of all the people you are mocking, who also happen to be the most powerful people on the planet, is quite another. Yet Colbert pulls it off masterfully. The room didn't roar with laughter (for fear of firing, perhaps), but millions streaming on the Web did. I think it was an Emperor's New Clothes moment, which set the stage for millions to accept a new brand like Hope-Change-Obama. See Colbert's redhot roasting of Bush here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869183917758574879.
T: Texting Obama's VP pick. The text message announcing VP Biden was another brilliant stroke, not only giving mass attention to Obama's "Change" brand again (e.g., this guy is with it, tech savvy, etc), but brings in tons of funds and emails and cell numbers in order to be part of the early select millions getting the early word (which leaked big time anyway, but who cared, the point was to expand further the huge Obama network, who then kept getting constant emails and texts about Obama events, donating reminders, pleas to phone swing states, reminders to vote, chances to win things like "be backstage with Barack" -- if you donate, of course, and so on).
U: Unflappable. Obama always kept things on an even keel, especially during the debates. The people liked that.
V: Vice President Biden. First major decision for Obama, he hits a home run. Showed superior judgment to McCain, who chose a much inferior VP when it was his turn. Veep is crucial in a tight race; Barack knew it, McCain blew it.
W: Winfrey. Oprah's Obama endorsement certainly didn't hurt. Especially in the campaign's earlier days.
X: X-Factor. The late George Plimpton wrote a book on it. That certain something. Surely Obama has it.
Y. Yes We Can. The 3 most empowering words since I Love You and We Shall Overcome.
Z. Zebra. Half black and half white, like Obama, and symbolizes... ...oh, forget it. Isn't 25 reasons enough, people?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
BARACK OBAMA VICTORY PARTY AT CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL BRINGS OUT THOUSANDS OF LA DEMOCRATS FOR ELECTION NIGHT CELEBRATION AND ELATION OVER REBORN NATION
Event Report and Commentary by Don Rose
Obama? Oh mama, what a whammy of a party ye have wraught. I should have known when I saw over 4000 rsvp's online the day before (which in the end swelled to over 10,000) that this would be a madhouse. And it was. I think every Democrat in LA came to the Century Plaza Hotel. So did the Fire Marshals. I heard that, not long after the start time of 8pm, the hotel had cut off people from entering, as the downstairs ballroom area (party central) was just too full. I got in around 10:45 as the fire folks let people in a few at a time. It all went til 2am. One great party, to mark the end of eight years of the Grand Old Party.
Why did so many come out? To witness an awakening. To drink in living history live (via TV) as Barack Obama gave an electrifying and eloquent speech in embracing his victory to become our 44th President, and the 1st who wasn't a white guy. (I know, some stickler out there will say he's the first half-white guy to win, but the real impact here is about the other half of Obama, and what his dramatic landslide means for millions of Americans. Now, for the first time, every child in the land can truly believe in that age-old adage, "anyone can grow up to be President.")
Funny how, in a panoply of people, you can still gravitate towards people you know. Like Laura Nativo (pictured in photo with your intrepid reporter, yours truly). Laura is an actress and animal activist; check out her website at http://www.lauranativo.com/. The photo was snapped by another very cool Angeleno named Steven Swimmer, who is one of the main creative forces at Fox Interactive as well as being a standup comedian who does shows at The Comedy Store. I ran into many similar folks at the Obama bash, creative types who work hybrid careers, have hybrid backgrounds and drive hybrid cars.
Yes, Election Night 2008 was certainly a far cry from the uncertainty of 2000. The great thing about a landslide is that you don't go to bed with one President and wake up with another. So goodnight, President-Elect Obama. See you in the morning, as a new day dawns in America.
Obama? Oh mama, what a whammy of a party ye have wraught. I should have known when I saw over 4000 rsvp's online the day before (which in the end swelled to over 10,000) that this would be a madhouse. And it was. I think every Democrat in LA came to the Century Plaza Hotel. So did the Fire Marshals. I heard that, not long after the start time of 8pm, the hotel had cut off people from entering, as the downstairs ballroom area (party central) was just too full. I got in around 10:45 as the fire folks let people in a few at a time. It all went til 2am. One great party, to mark the end of eight years of the Grand Old Party.Why did so many come out? To witness an awakening. To drink in living history live (via TV) as Barack Obama gave an electrifying and eloquent speech in embracing his victory to become our 44th President, and the 1st who wasn't a white guy. (I know, some stickler out there will say he's the first half-white guy to win, but the real impact here is about the other half of Obama, and what his dramatic landslide means for millions of Americans. Now, for the first time, every child in the land can truly believe in that age-old adage, "anyone can grow up to be President.")
Funny how, in a panoply of people, you can still gravitate towards people you know. Like Laura Nativo (pictured in photo with your intrepid reporter, yours truly). Laura is an actress and animal activist; check out her website at http://www.lauranativo.com/. The photo was snapped by another very cool Angeleno named Steven Swimmer, who is one of the main creative forces at Fox Interactive as well as being a standup comedian who does shows at The Comedy Store. I ran into many similar folks at the Obama bash, creative types who work hybrid careers, have hybrid backgrounds and drive hybrid cars.Yes, Election Night 2008 was certainly a far cry from the uncertainty of 2000. The great thing about a landslide is that you don't go to bed with one President and wake up with another. So goodnight, President-Elect Obama. See you in the morning, as a new day dawns in America.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
O WILL GO WITH JOE, ON TO THE DEMO SHOW; WILL FIGHTIN' BIDEN, NOW OUT OF HIDIN', WIDEN OBAMA'S LEAD?
News and Commentary by Don Rose
It's finally official: Barack Obama has tapped veteran Senate colleague Joe Biden to be his Vice Presidential running mate.
The choice brings a wealth of experience, especially in foreign policy, an area which some feel is a weakness for Obama. Biden's selection also gives further evidence that this is indeed The Year of the Senator. Two Senators now sit atop the Democratic party ticket, another Senator sits atop the GOP ticket, and a fourth Senator (Hillary Clinton) came in a very close second in the Demo race -- and still may be a powerful force at the upcoming convention in "Dem-ver", given her huge block of delegates (a mere 300 or so behind the presumptive Democratic nominee).
My only beef with Biden is the way he gave misdirections leading up to Obama's official announcement. If Joe did know he was a go, why tell the press "I'm not the guy"? Can't a veteran politician give vague comments that sound definitive yet leave the door open without being untrue? Like, "Look you guys, I am not running for Vice President." Technically that's true. No one actually runs for Veep anymore, they get appointed/anointed (unlike back in the day, when the VP used to be the guy who came in second in the general election, even if the Prez and V.Prez were from different parties -- yep, this was way way back in the day).
Speaking of back in the day, the election of 2008 is becoming more and more like the election of 1960. As with Obama-McCain, the Kennedy-Nixon battle of 1960 was in large part over experience. There are other similarities between Barack and Jack, too. For starters, the last 3 letters in their first names. Okay, that was a stretch. But seriously, parallels abound. When he ran for Prez, JFK was, like Obama, a young, thin, handsome Senator with two kids who raised doubts in many voters' minds about experience, and toughness when dealing with enemy nations (USSR/Cuba for JFK, Iraq/Iran for Obama). Another striking similarity: each triggered issues about religion. For Kennedy, it was his being a Roman Catholic and would he be beholden to the Pope over the interests of US citizens. For Obama, as that recent sold-out New Yorker cover tried to satirize, it is those lingering false allegations about him being Muslim, not Christian.
Just as Kennedy did by picking Lyndon Johnson, Obama got pragmatic for his Democratic mate and chose a fellow Senator, one with more experience, to be Veep. And for his acceptance speech, Obama opted to deliver it in a stadium. Who was the last candidate to accept his party's nomination in a stadium? You guessed it: JFK. So... if 2008 is indeed a rerun of 1960, then Obama will win in an extremely close race, and Joe is just Biden time till he inevitably becomes President. You heard it here first.
Some other interesting notes, from USA TODAY's coverage of the Biden VP pick:
"Like Obama, Biden burst onto the political scene as a wunderkind: he was elected to the Senate in 1972 at the age of 29. He attained the constitutional age of 30 required for senators before his swearing-in."
"Biden is running for re-election for his eighth Senate term this year, but Delaware law will allow him to seek both his Senate seat and the vice-presidency."
"The Obama campaign used excitement over the vice presidential announcement to create an elaborate cellphone number harvesting system, telling supporters they could be among the 'first to know' if they sent a text message from their portable phones to the campaign. But the text message went out in the wee hours of Saturday morning, well after many news outlets named Biden as the running mate late Friday — proving that the political rumor mill remains more efficient than the high-tech information highway."
While this last point may indeed be true, you gotta give huge kudos to the politicos in Obama's camp for dreaming up the whole text-the-Veep idea. First, it further bolsters Obama's brand as "man of the future" (e.g., new technologies -- well, at least newfangled to many voters in McCain's demographic) -- and it also gives Barack a huge base of cell phones to text GO VOTE reminders to come November. Or perhaps they'll use each of those cell numbers to text a $5 gas voucher on Election Day; that would really seal the deal. Too techie? Then just mail me 20 quarters. Now that would be change I can believe in.
It's finally official: Barack Obama has tapped veteran Senate colleague Joe Biden to be his Vice Presidential running mate.
The choice brings a wealth of experience, especially in foreign policy, an area which some feel is a weakness for Obama. Biden's selection also gives further evidence that this is indeed The Year of the Senator. Two Senators now sit atop the Democratic party ticket, another Senator sits atop the GOP ticket, and a fourth Senator (Hillary Clinton) came in a very close second in the Demo race -- and still may be a powerful force at the upcoming convention in "Dem-ver", given her huge block of delegates (a mere 300 or so behind the presumptive Democratic nominee).
My only beef with Biden is the way he gave misdirections leading up to Obama's official announcement. If Joe did know he was a go, why tell the press "I'm not the guy"? Can't a veteran politician give vague comments that sound definitive yet leave the door open without being untrue? Like, "Look you guys, I am not running for Vice President." Technically that's true. No one actually runs for Veep anymore, they get appointed/anointed (unlike back in the day, when the VP used to be the guy who came in second in the general election, even if the Prez and V.Prez were from different parties -- yep, this was way way back in the day).
Speaking of back in the day, the election of 2008 is becoming more and more like the election of 1960. As with Obama-McCain, the Kennedy-Nixon battle of 1960 was in large part over experience. There are other similarities between Barack and Jack, too. For starters, the last 3 letters in their first names. Okay, that was a stretch. But seriously, parallels abound. When he ran for Prez, JFK was, like Obama, a young, thin, handsome Senator with two kids who raised doubts in many voters' minds about experience, and toughness when dealing with enemy nations (USSR/Cuba for JFK, Iraq/Iran for Obama). Another striking similarity: each triggered issues about religion. For Kennedy, it was his being a Roman Catholic and would he be beholden to the Pope over the interests of US citizens. For Obama, as that recent sold-out New Yorker cover tried to satirize, it is those lingering false allegations about him being Muslim, not Christian.
Just as Kennedy did by picking Lyndon Johnson, Obama got pragmatic for his Democratic mate and chose a fellow Senator, one with more experience, to be Veep. And for his acceptance speech, Obama opted to deliver it in a stadium. Who was the last candidate to accept his party's nomination in a stadium? You guessed it: JFK. So... if 2008 is indeed a rerun of 1960, then Obama will win in an extremely close race, and Joe is just Biden time till he inevitably becomes President. You heard it here first.
Some other interesting notes, from USA TODAY's coverage of the Biden VP pick:
"Like Obama, Biden burst onto the political scene as a wunderkind: he was elected to the Senate in 1972 at the age of 29. He attained the constitutional age of 30 required for senators before his swearing-in."
"Biden is running for re-election for his eighth Senate term this year, but Delaware law will allow him to seek both his Senate seat and the vice-presidency."
"The Obama campaign used excitement over the vice presidential announcement to create an elaborate cellphone number harvesting system, telling supporters they could be among the 'first to know' if they sent a text message from their portable phones to the campaign. But the text message went out in the wee hours of Saturday morning, well after many news outlets named Biden as the running mate late Friday — proving that the political rumor mill remains more efficient than the high-tech information highway."
While this last point may indeed be true, you gotta give huge kudos to the politicos in Obama's camp for dreaming up the whole text-the-Veep idea. First, it further bolsters Obama's brand as "man of the future" (e.g., new technologies -- well, at least newfangled to many voters in McCain's demographic) -- and it also gives Barack a huge base of cell phones to text GO VOTE reminders to come November. Or perhaps they'll use each of those cell numbers to text a $5 gas voucher on Election Day; that would really seal the deal. Too techie? Then just mail me 20 quarters. Now that would be change I can believe in.
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