NEW BOOK: "Art for Obama: Designing Manifest Hope and the Campaign for Change"

ART FOR OBAMA
Designing Manifest Hope and the Campaign for Change
Edited by Shepard Fairey & Jennifer Gross

NOW AVAILABLE IN STORES

(Click Book Cover to be directed to Amazon.com)

In conjunction with the themes of hope and change,

all of the authors' profits from this book will be

donated to Americans for the Arts charity.

EQUATIONOMICS: WILTING WORLDWIDE WORTH + BYE-BYE BABY BOOMER BORROWING/BUYING = DEEP DEPRESSING DEPRESSION (& HOW OBAMANOMICS MAY BRING HOPE, I HOPE)

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.

JAN 20: "ART OF CHANGE" OBAMA INAUGURATION PARTY AT THE MAYAN

Featured Event - Posted by Don Rose

Tuesday January 20, 2009 is a day that will make history.
Here in LA, that night should prove to be historic, too.

While D.C. will certainly be "Change Central" as we welcome a new President into office, we in Los Angeles have a great way to celebrate as well. It's an event called "Art of Change" -- the West Coast Presidential Inaugural Ball featuring The Mutaytor.

The Art of Change Inaugural Ball – Los Angeles celebrates a new spirit in our government. The producers of the Ball purposely kept ticket prices low (only $10!) to encourage an inclusive celebration.

Here is the official press release, with more info:

"Art of Change Inaugural Ball – Los Angeles” Featuring The Mutaytor at The Mayan, Presented by Wonderland adVentures - Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The “Art of Change Inaugural Ball – Los Angeles” brings artists and creative thinkers from all communities together to celebrate the swearing in of President Barack Obama on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The revelry will take place in Downtown LA at the beautiful Mayan featuring The Mutaytor as well as DJ Motion Potion, DJ Wolfie, a surprise special guest performer TBA, and others. Creative formal attire is encouraged! Located at 1038 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, to learn more about the venue please call 213-746-4674 or visit http://www.clubmayan.com.

Doors open at 7:00pm and guests 21-years old or older are welcome. Tickets cost $10 and an advance purchase is highly recommended as the event is expected to sell out the Mayan’s 1,500-person capacity. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit http://www.wonderlandadventuresinc.com.

The time-line for the evening is as follows:-
7:00pm – Doors open, tunes provided by SF's DJ Motion Potion (www.motionpotion.com), dine on healthy, organic fare catered by Carbon Grill (separate cost), a farmers market favorite-
8:00pm – Rebroadcast of President Obama’s Inauguration Speech in HD on six BIG SCREENS. DJ Motion Potion spins until 9:30pm-
9:30pm – The Mutaytor (http://mutaytor.com) takes the stage for their celebratory theatrical extravaganza, hot off the heals of their San Francisco New Year’s Eve show (with Thievery Corporation and Bassnectar) with extra special musical and visual surprises to salute our new President-
10:30pm – An "Extra Special Guest Artist" takes the stage and rocks out until we cant stand up anymore (around midnight)-
12midnight – DJ Wolfie (www.djwolfie.com) brings it home for those who want to party into the wee hours (wrap up by 2:00am)

Visuals for the evening will be provided by VJ Victorious (www.myspace.com/evictor) from Visual Symphony (as seen at Coachella), who will be doing a commemorative audio/visual display unveiled for the first time at the Art of Change Inaugural Ball. Lighting designer extraordinaire Dan Reed, is on board to light the show for the evening. Reed lit the Democratic National Convention when Obama and Senator Joe Biden accepted their party’s nomination in Denver, as well as Obama’s acceptance speech on November 4th in Chicago. Reed has also worked in key theatrical lighting positions on the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys and so much more.

At the outset of our 43rd President’s term, he may well be labeled ‘The Artist’s President.’ As the author of two best-selling books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression. Observing that our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces with works of genius, he agrees that the arts embody the American spirit of self-definition.During Obama’s and Biden’s campaign they ran on a platform in support of the arts and pledge to:- Reinvest in Arts Education- Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations- Create an Artist Corps- Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education- Support Increased Funding for the NEA- Promote Cultural Diplomacy- Provide Health Care to Artists- Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists

The "Art of Change Inaugural Ball – Los Angeles" celebrates this new spirit in our government. The producers of the Ball purposely kept ticket prices low ($10) to encourage an inclusive celebration.

The Mutaytor is part hip-grinding techno-retro-funk, part audience-interactive post-modern circus. The act takes drastically advanced elements of the Grateful Dead, Parliament-Funkadelic, the Crystal Method, Louis Prima and Blue Man Group and throws them directly at the audience as riotous surreal entertainment notable for "turning Civilians into Rockstars." The sound is tight, the show manic, the vibe all-inclusively friendly. They are on stage, above the audience, IN the crowd. There's nothing like the Mutaytor in show business today and they'll probably have to spin off parts of itself in order to have any competition in the future.Motion Potion aka Robbie Kowal is one of the Bay Area's hardest working, most innovative, and versatile DJs. Alternately called the DJ for people who hate DJs (SF Weekly) and the "Swiss Army DJ," he seems to have something for everyone. Funk impresario, mashup enthusiast, and live collaborator with such bands as Parliament-Funkadelic, the Mutaytor and Galactic, his career has been defined by an attempt to break down genre and scene barriers, playing every conceivable kind of music in the course of a night, a set, or a seven-minute mash-up. His own mix CD's range wider than most label's catalogs; live mixes that range from underground hip hop to electronic breaks to world fusion to rare southern rock. Legends such as Isaac Hayes, Dr John, and Maceo Parker have all called upon “Mopo” to open their shows and rock their set-breaks.DJ Wolfie headlines parties from coast to coast, both in mainstream venues and the underground circuit. In 2008 he played at Coachella Music Festival on the bill with Prince and Roger Waters, at The Optimus Alive festival in Portugal with Rage Against the Machine, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young, and at The All Points West Festival in New York with Radiohead, Underworld, and Jack Johnson. His music features a broad range of funky tunes with ass shaking beats. He throws some of the wildest invitation-only events in Los Angeles, regularly packing in 1000 or more people to artistically fueled musical extravaganzas.

Recap: The Mayan is the location for the Art of Change event.
Downtown - 1038 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
http://www.clubmayan.com/ 213-746-4674 $10 21+.
Some event highlights:
- Re-screening Obama's Inauguration Speech on the BIG SCREEN
- Healthy food from Carbon Grill (a farmers market favorite)
- SF's DJ Motion Potion (http://www.motionpotion.com/),
VJ Victorious from Visual Symphony
(as seen at Coachella -http://www.eyepscience.com/),
The Mutaytor (http://mutaytor.com/),
DJ Wolfie (http://www.djwolfie.com/) and an
"Extra Special Guest DJ".
Tickets:
http://inaugural.beticketing.com/

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?

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.

GUEST ANALYSIS: Last Minute Presidential Election Summary 2008

by Doug Everett, Host of the Weekly Show "Radio Parallax" www.radioparallax.com

Tuesday's vote is expected to deliver all states carried by Kerry to Obama. At 270towin.com one can click on the '04 map as a reminder. Kerry got 252 votes – 18 short of the needed 270.

Iowa (7) - which went for Gore in '00 - is a SURE BET for Obama, leaving him just 11 votes short.

ANY combo of the following that totals 11 or more makes Obama victorious:
Ohio (20), Florida (27), Virgina (13), North Carolina (15), Indiana (11), Missouri (11), Colorado (9), New Mexico (5), Nevada (5), North Dakota (3), Montana (3).

The most recent polls in "swing" states have the following differentials (Obama up equals a + number):
Indiana – 2 to -1%
Virginia + 7 to 8%
Florida + 2 to 4%
N.C. Tied to +1%
Missouri Tied to -1%
Colo. +6 to 7%
N.M. +7 to +11%
N.D. -4 to -1%
Iowa +13 to 15%
Mont. -4 to -3%
Nevada +3 to 4%.

NM looks like a lock for Obama leaving him 6 votes short of 270. So starting with Kerry's 2004 total and adding Iowa AND NEW MEXICO leaves Obama 6 away from a victory achievable with wins in both Montana & ND or any other single state in paragraph 5 (save NV). Virgina or Colorado should do it, failing that Ohio or Florida.

Anticipated Blow-by-Blow

Polls indicate a VERY difficult task for McCain. There has been talk of swinging Pennsylvania red, but McCain is down 8-10%. PA being in play will he shockingly bad news for Obama.
This is not at all likely. If it happens I will suspect fraud.

The first polls close at 4PM (Pacific time); McCain will carry KY, GA & SC easily and will add WV soon after 4:30. Vermont will go blue. As the networks call these (~4:45?) McCain should jump to a 36-3 lead.

At 4PM polls ALSO close in Florida (except the panhandle) plus Ohio & NC. If ANY can be promptly called for Obama it is curtains for McCain.

The networks MAY be reluctant to do this, especially in FL given the fact that some western polling places will not close till 5 PST.

THE key state in this election is probably Virginia. Its 13 electors are enough to make Obama President. His lead is solid there, ~7%. If VA goes Obama, as expected, it should all be over.

Will networks make the call? Exit pollsters are reputedly on a short leash this year so exit poll results may be held back. Once polls close the initial data will make predictions easily in most cases!

Upon 5PM poll closings McCain should pick up 73 more votes from easily called Ala, Miss,TN,TX,OK & KS. This should take him to 109.

Meanwhile Obama can count on 117 votes from these strongly blue states: ME,NH,MA,CN,NJ,DE,MD,DC,PA,IL & MI. He should go to 120.

Missouri will close polling now too. It is expected to be very close, making a delay in calling it either way probable.

Review: between 5 & 6 PM one can expect a 109-120 count; with Florida, Ohio, North Carolina unlikely to be called yet. McCain cannot lose any of these 3 or he is dead. Any of these going for Obama (or Missouri) means he wins - barring entirely unexpected losses in states blue in '04.

About this time Indiana, though tight, might be called. I see it going red making a 120-120 tie as 6PM PST is passed. That is, if the networks aggressively call states.

After 5:30 PST Arkansas and North Dakota should close polling. Arkansas will go red giving McCain 126.

ND is interesting – polling is quite close. McCain needs to win it and chances are he will squeak by - giving him 129.

After 6PM we should see McCain add 30 more to his total thanks to LA,SD,NE,WY & AZ. I see him at 159 as they call these states.

Obama will add 60 to his tally via NY,RI,WI,MN and the key state of New Mexico. His total should be 180.

After 6 PM Colorado enters the mix. McCain is 7% down there. It may be called early - also tantamount to an Obama victory.

Post 7PM Iowa should dole its 7 votes to Obama, giving him 187.

Before polls even close in California at 8PM this election SHOULD be decided as an Obama win.

The networks will likely NOT declare Obama the victor until west coast polls close, however, even if he has it in the bag.

As we near 8PM Utah & Idaho will have added their votes to McCain, Montana will likely give him 3 more taking him to 171.

Alaska WILL push this tally to 174 when its polls close at 9PM.

After 8PM Obama will get 77 more votes from CA,OR, WA & Hawaii pushing him to that 264 talked about at the beginning.

After 8PM the election will hinge on those swing states.

After 8pm Nevada's polls close. Should it go blue - and EVERY other swing state not yet counted go red - a 269-269 tie would result! And given a 4% lead in NV Obama SHOULD go to a 269 vote total one vote shy of the 270 needed.

While it is very unlikely, a possibility exists that the election could be swung by one of the 2 states that DIVIDE their electors. Maine's 4 votes will surely all remain blue and Nebraska's 5 will likely stay red. But if Obama should prevail in Omaha (Warren Buffet endorsed him) its elector could go to him – giving him 270. A curious scenario.

If the election is a tie the House picks the president. This actually happened in 1800 & 1824. If it goes to the House, BTW, a Democratic victory is not certain but is very likely. A topic for another day!

After CA closes our polls it should come down to: Virginia, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Missouri and Colorado!

Could the election drag on all night undecided as did Bush v Gore? NOT LIKELY!
- Virginia and Colorado both give Obama leads of around 7%.
- Ohio has Obama up by around 4%
- He is up 2-4% in Florida
- Missouri & NC are toss-ups but McCain absolutely must win both.

If by 8:15 Obama is not declared a victor despite being (per my analysis) 1 vote shy, Democrats should start getting nervous.

In 2004 the LA Times had Kerry at 320 just days before the election. As it happened Bush prevailed in 5 states leaning quite blue before people went to the polls. Those states were: Florida, Ohio, Iowa, New Mexico & Colorado. Could a similar swing of 6 states occur this time? Again, not likely, the 2004 votes were tight in New Mexico, Iowa and Colorado. Evidence for election chicanery in Ohio is overwhelming, however, and strong in Florida and New Mexico. McCain running the table in these key swing states will be harder this time around. But this could be a more interesting election than a lot of people hope.

Weather addendum

In a close election weather can play a role. It is widely believed that the 1960 and 1976 elections could have gone the other way (Nixon and Ford over JFK and Carter respectively) had election day seen inclement weather. Republicans tend to vote regardless of weather conditions. Not so Democrats.

Tuesday forecast calls for wonderful weather in Missouri, Indiana and North Dakota; rain in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia. The former should help Obama; the latter McCain. Nevada should be clear. Advantage Obama.

My handicap: NC may swing to McCain and Missouri to Obama owing to weather. The rest should not change their outcome because weather usually only makes a percent difference or so.

North Dakota is intriguing though - nice weather COULD push the state blue, which would be decisive.

OCT 20: LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN CALIFORNIA! HERE IS USEFUL INFO TO HELP YOU

Many voting questions can be answered here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

The following are some highlights from the above webpage:

Frequently Asked Questions
This webpage contains information about registering to vote in California. If you have a question that you do not see answered here, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Are You Already Registered to Vote?
To find out if you are currently registered to vote, contact your county elections office. If you are not registered to vote, you can ask your county elections office how to register or you can follow the simple steps [on the page we linked to above].

How You Can Register to Vote
Fill Out A Voter Registration Form Now
Click here (ENGLISH/ESPAÑOL) to download and complete the voter registration form on your computer. When you fill in your address, the address for your county elections office will automatically be added. Then simply print the form, sign it, and mail it directly to your county elections office.
Pick Up A Voter Registration Form
You can pick up a voter registration form at your county elections office, library, or U.S. Post Office. It is important that your voter registration form be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.

October 20 is the postmark deadline for mailed registration forms.

When to Re-Register to Vote
You will need to re-register to vote when:
You move to a new permanent residence
You change your name
You change your political party choice.

Additional Assistance
For additional assistance with voter registration, please contact the Secretary of State's office at the following toll-free number: (800) 345-VOTE.

VOTE! RODEO CANDIDATE WINDOW, OCT 2008 (MOUNT RUSHMORE TWO?) - BIJAN SCORES ALL FOUR IN ONE STORE

Here is your choice for 2008, folks. Make it a good one.

Thanks to the Bijan store on Rodeo in Beverly Hills for finally bringing all four prez players together at last.

NOV 9: KCRW's "LEFT RIGHT & CENTER" LIVE BROADCAST FROM NEW BROAD STAGE IN SANTA MONICA; LISTEN LIVE ON KCRW 89.9 FM OR KCRW.COM

TICKETS FOR "LEFT, RIGHT & CENTER LIVE" EVENT SELL OUT IN LESS THAN FIVE HOURS, BUT FANS CAN LISTEN LIVE ON THE POPULAR PUBLIC RADIO STATION OR STREAM SHOW LIVE ON ITS WEBSITE

On November 9, 2008, public radio station KCRW Santa Monica (89.9 FM and KCRW.com) presents a live broadcast of the station’s political week in review show, LEFT, RIGHT & CENTER. Tickets for the live production, featuring popular political pundits Arianna Huffington, Tony Blankley, Robert Scheer and Matt Miller, sold out less than five hours after being offered for sale to the public at 8 am on October 3.

The on-stage event -- a post-election analysis -- will be broadcast live on 89.9 FM from 6 to 7 pm, and will be streamed LIVE on KCRW.com, with both audio and video feeds.

The beautiful new Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica is the location for this event, which will feature a pre-show meet and greet with the panelists and a live question and answer segment on air.

Left, Right & Center Live is sponsored by City National Bank and Morphosis Architects. Proceeds from the event benefit KCRW’s programming.

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PRO-CON: RUNNING MATE DEBATE (RATING SARAH PALIN, MCCAIN'S VP PICK)

An imagined debate between the GOP and the Democrats about the wisdom of John McCain's pick for Vice President, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin:

PRO: McCain has picked a new face, a fresh voice, to help him change Washington.
CON: McCain has handed Obama a huge gift by picking someone with even less experience than Barack has, therefore nullifying the experience issue. Sarah, you're manna from heaven!

PRO: Palin gives the McCain ticket a more youthful feel, since she is so young and attractive. This helps counteract the youthful vitality of Obama.
CON: Palin's youth and vitality makes McCain look that much older by comparison. And McCain's age makes Palin seem even more inexperienced. They look like one of those Hollywood May-September sugar-daddy couples. Wait, that was wrong. Make that January-December.

PRO: But Palin is so young and beautiful, voters will be distracted from McCain's age.
CON: Voters will worry even more about McCain's age, since it makes it more likely that this young, inexperienced ex-model will have to replace him one day.

PRO: Palin will help McCain win over disgruntled Hillary supporters. I mean, she's a woman!
CON: Palin is young and attractive, therefore the opposite of Hillary.

PRO: That was a low blow.
CON: Oh yeah? See Bill laughing and nodding his head over there in the corner?

PRO: Well, polls show Palin gave McCain a big bump.
CON: She gave him a big bump, all right. Viva Viagra, Vivacious Veep!

PRO: McCain has now appeased the GOP conservatives by picking a pro-life conservative.
CON: The GOP conservatives don't have time to go over Palin's views, they are too busy going over her, um, assets. Now they have to deal with sexual urges they thought were long dormant. Talk about Alaskan drilling!

PRO: Palin has been a vocal proponent of opening the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge for more drilling, meaning more oil for Americans and hence lower prices. Palin pick helps pocketbooks.
CON: You mean pickpockets. Palin is in bed with oil, literally. Her husband works for energy giant BP. How can McCain fight the oil companies now? Voters will realize that the drilling (of holes in our pockets) shall remain under McCain.

PRO: Palin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Idaho.
CON: I guess that means she'll be able to ask herself the tough questions. (Like: how can a former beauty queen keep looking hot under the heat of the White House Press Corps?)

PRO: McCain reinforced his "maverick" image by picking someone unexpected and risky as VP.
CON: McCain reinforced his "dangerous" image by picking someone unqualified to be President.

PRO: They say Sarah Palin has a good sense of humor.
CON: What, Michael Palin wasn't available?

PRO: If McCain loses, at least he gets into the history books by picking the first female GOP VP.
CON: Not if. When.

PREDICTION: OBAMA SHOULD WIN THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2008, BASED ON 16-YEAR CYCLE OF NEW NON-INCUMBENT DEMOCRATS WINNING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS SINCE 1944

After 1944, a new, non-incumbent Democrat has won the White House every 16 years.

Twice during the past 64 years, a Democratic VP took over the White House when the President died, then went on to win as an incumbent. We view that as an extension of the late President's administration.

1944: Roosevelt-Truman wins. After them, no new Democrat in the White House till...

1960: Kennedy-Johnson wins. After them, no new Democrat in the White House till...

1976: Carter wins. After him, no new Democrat in the White House till...

1992: Clinton wins. After him, no new Democrat in the White House till...

2008: Obama wins (?)

So, the pattern is clear. Like clockwork, since 1944, it always takes 16 years for a new non-incumbent Democrat to win the Presidency. This makes 2008 a sure win for Democrat Obama.

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.

TWAIN AND OBAMA: SATIRE RULES THE MAGAZINE COVERS (FROM TLR's "IT'S ALL CONNECTED" DEPT.)

Commentary by Don Rose

Holy coincidence, Batman! What are the odds that the master of satire, Mark Twain, would be featured on a popular magazine's cover this past week (TIME) while an example of controversial satire graces the cover of another popular magazine (The New Yorker - which of course is even MORE popular now, at least with supporters of the Freedom of Speech).

But riddle me this: perhaps this is NOT a coincidence, but rather indicates that critical thinking via satirical content is coming back into vogue. (Hear that, Vogue? Get with it with your covers, baby! Doncha wanna increase sales, too?)

Yes, dear reader, I believe that maybe, just maybe, we as a people are smarter than the MainStream Media makes us out to be. After all, one thing we know for sure about next January is that our next President will be coming into office direct from that intellectual body known as the Senate, for the first time since John F. Kennedy. If Obama wins, his Kennedyesque qualities (young, smart, handsome, 2 young kids) means that comparisons to JFK's Camelot will come a lot out of MSM mouths. And hey, there's a popular musical currently on Broadway called Spamalot. Coincidence?

See... it's all connected.

Of course, satire on magazine covers is nothing new. And you never know when readers will, or won't, get offended by attempted humor. For example, this Bush cover. Now, why didn't this get people upset at People?

OBAMA VS. MCCAIN: WHO'S MORE LIKE REAGAN?

"No Pundit Intended" - A Commentary Column by Don Rose

Okay, Obama babes and dudes: I know the title sounds a tad weird. But Barack does share several traits with Ronald Reagan, as does John McCain, his opponent. Question is, who's like Reagan more? Let's explore.

ORATORY
Both Obama and Reagan are famous for being great communicators. McCain is all right, but not all that. Score one for the O man. His Obamatory is glorious.

HAIR
Reagan had great hair. Obama and McCain? Okay, let's skip this one...

CHANGE
Reagan was the "change candidate" in 1980, the outsider looking to come in and change Washington, during a climate of stagflation (low/no growth plus rising prices), oil shocks and turmoil in Iran. Sound familiar? Obama wins again.

FAMILY
Reagan had 2 daughters. Obama has 2, McCain has 3. Obama wins.

OTHER PARTY APPEAL
Reagan was famous for winning the votes of "Reagan Democrats." Obama gets love from a lot of Republicans, who have been dubbed "Obamacans." Yet McCain also has cross party appeal, drawing support from some Dems who see John as a moderate maverick (maybe). Tie.

FINAL SCORE
Obama is the victor. He is more Reaganesque than McCain. Just don't tell anyone I said this; I gotta preserve my street cred and keep my mojo working. Thanks.

CANADIAN AUTHOR CALVIN HELIN OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR GETTING U.S. OFF WELFARE & PRODUCTIVE AGAIN; "DANCES WITH DEPENDENCY" HITS U.S. BOOKSTORES IN APRIL

Neal Public Relations is representing #1 Bestselling Canadian Author Calvin Helin, whose book "DANCES WITH DEPENDENCY" makes its U.S. debut in April 2008. Helin is a former member of the Canadian Parliament and a native Indian -- and just might have key answers our nation needs as the United States financial system continues to be rocked by a severe crisis.

In "Dances with Dependency," Calvin Helin, a leading North American Native lawyer, offers ways to eliminate welfare dependency and get out of poverty. Helin helps us understand, how formerly colonized populations have been forced into welfare and a dependency mindset. His message is a call to action to change our thinking so that we can break that cycle of dependency and actively steer our lives. And yes, he is 'politically incorrect' at times as he offers his key solutions including doing away with typical welfare systems and government assisted programs. Instead he would like to create more interactive programs that could generate business opportunities and jobs. His unique approach would be of interest to any taxpaying American, especially as heated debates continue in this election year. Plus, Helin's welfare reforms might just jumpstart our economy, freeing up billions to enable more of our citizens, perhaps even all, to enjoy the benefits of healthcare.

Helin is a straight shooter, unafraid to say it as he sees it, even if it means pointing the finger at his own people. His "Did our ancestors sit around eating potato chips?" continues to raise eyebrows, as does his "Every welfare check eats a bit at a man's soul!" The author is on a crusade to help the poor understand that the key to a brighter future is when policy reform meets individual responsibility and self-reliance.

Colleges and universities are starting to use "Dances With Dependency" as a way to explain fundamental Native issues and how social stigmas sometimes perpetuate a problem instead of solving it. Perhaps Helin's refreshing perspective and constructive solutions can bring hope to some desperate situations.

Helin is joining a new generation of Native leaders who are looking to put an end to government dependency and replace it with a return to self-reliance. He reminds us at every corner that we're headed into a "Demographic tsunami" as our poor population continues to explode while our economy implodes -- unless we reframe our mindsets and empower our children to seek and make their own opportunities instead of expecting them and waiting for them.

Calvin Helin will be coming to the U.S. in April/May to promote this book, and is available for Interviews by calling Roger Neal of Neal Public Relations at 714-883-0231 or by emailing Mr. Neal at prstarus2000@yahoo.com. To View an interview with Calvin Helin, see: http://www.nealpublicrelations.com.

RIP, GOP CONSERVATIVES; HELLO, CONVERSATILES!

essay by Don Rose

McCain Train Gains, Mitt quits. But the rise of John McCain and descent of Mitt Romney is just one aspect of a larger political shift. The soaring ascendancy of Barack Obama is another part of it. What is "it"? The end of the "conservative revolution" that began circa 1980 with Ronald Reagan, and now ends in 2008 with the man who loves to emulate and be thought of as another Reagan, George W. Bush. A 28-year run -- not bad -- one which saw but one Democratic name in the White House amidst a sea of GOP. Imagine, only Bill Clinton broke the string of Republican Presidents from 1980 to 2008. The reason for this GOP domination: the rise, acceleration and expansion of the Conservative Wave.

Now that wave is crashing down, and riding in on the new wave is John McCain, the man who prides himself on being able to reach across the aisle to (God forbid!) Democrats, who does not mind bucking "conservative wisdom", whatever that is. (A contradiction, perhaps.) Mitt Romney made a whole campaign out of begging GOP "believers" to see the light and seek him out since only he preached the true conservative gospel. But it was in vain versus McCain.

Why? Because, somewhere along the line, GOP voters freed themselves, woke up and wised up. They realized that their party originally became dominated by "Conservatives" when Reagan rode into power on a one Trickle Down pony, yet these same GOP folks ran record deficits, which was never a tenet of true conservatism. Then the party became dominated by Religious Right Conservatives (the Falwell Farewell to GOP moderates), which finally led to a Born Again Religious Right Conservative (Dubya). Yet behind the "conservative" verbage lies a liberal amount of spending (pun possibly intended). Yep, Dubya has full blown Big Spendingitis, now drawing up the first-ever 3 trillion dollar budget, and even higher record deficits.

As the Dubya Decade decayed, Big Spendingitis and Big Religion had fully infected the Conservative "mold", and after almost 3 decades, the term "Conservative" is now downRight moldy. Who ever said being "conservative" was about Big Government (record spending and deficits)? Who ever said being Republican was about Big Religion? The GOP got so lopsided to the Right, it couldn't right itself, and finally fell over. And the main man standing is McCain.

Yes, 6 years and 6 months after 9/11, 28 years after Reagan's rise, the American People are waking up and shaking things up. They realize that today's "conservative", the Neo-Conservative, and other brands of current conservatives are not really the real thing. The current shift in the political current is about allowing the GOP, the Grand Old Party, to have more just the "conservative" brand. To be truly appealing and truly Grand, a Party needs more than one brand. The Grand Old Party was like that before. And it can be again, perhaps with McCain.

In other words, Republicans are starting to realize their party was hijacked, on a flight path that kept banking Right. But now, just maybe, they realize that "GOP" can mean many things. It can be other-than-Conservative. It can be maverick. It can tell the truth. It can take the Constitution out of the garbage can. It can befriend Democrats. It can embrace eco green values. It can go for Finance Reform. It can be Arnold. It can be McCain.

But what term can succinctly sum up this shift? "Anti-Conservative" sounds so negative, but that's getting warm. RepubliCAN sounds too, well, Up-With-People-ish, and frankly, who likes multi-case font. Still, we need a word here. It's about a resurgence of open-minded Republicans who go with what's Right (as in engaging in conversation with other points of view) over what's Right (as in insulated, "I'm always right" Right-of-center conservative). It is about the "free interchange of thoughts or views", with the emphasis on free -- and that, my friends, is the definition of "converse." Hence, I propose we say that McCain is the new leader of the "Conversatiles" - converts to conversation and converse versatile thinking - who are finally replacing the old King of the (Capitol) Hill, the Conservatives.

Heck, the new (or reborn again?) GOP is so free, it can even be a Democratic supporter. Yep, hard as it is to believe, some rightwing talk show hosts and authors are so in an uproar over McCain's Gain, they are even jumping to the other side. Ann Coulter said she would vote for Hillary Clinton over McCain, and Rush Limbaugh pretty much said ditto. And they were serious. Yep, signs are that the GOP party hijacking is ending, and the party's hostages are flaunting their freedom. Feeling free to converse and vote any way they wish. To think freely. To let religion stay out of the fray, and obey that little thing called "separation of Church and State". Some "conversatiles" have even become free enough to express support for a free thinking libertarian like Ron Paul. Some even go so far as to support Barack Obama. I saw it online, and they were serious. Who woulda thunk it.

Heck, it's almost as if common sense, good ideas and intellectual freedom are coming back in vogue, after years of religious and political dogma. God and dogma used to be Good, Right, and required for GOP candidates. Now, the formula has grown stale, and was in vain versus McCain.

One more note as the nation races toward making Presidential history. Only 15 Senators have ever been President, and only two Senators (Warren Harding and John F. Kennedy) were sitting Senators when they won the top job, going directly from Senate seat to Oval Office. Yet in 2008, all three remaining frontrunners for the Presidency are Senators. One will surely win. Showing that another Great Age is ending: the Age of Governors. Twas exactly 40 years ago that the last (ex-)Senator won the White House: then-Vice President Richard Nixon. And guess what: he was a Republican, and he was NOT a Conservative (which of course every student knows thanks to his nickname, Moderate Dick).

So then: who will win the Presidency this time around, in November 2008? Another Clinton? Obama? McCain? No matter what name gets the Prez prize, the American people are the clear winners.

Live Report from the Obama campaign LA party at the Avalon Club in Hollywood

The Avalon club is very crowded, with the expected throngs of young supporters, and a fun vibe with several top DJs spinning -- but it is not the over the top energetic vibe that one might expect. Of course, that is understandable since it looks like he is not going to win California. The many cool folks here include the director of "Who Killed The Electric Car," Chris Paine. Many TV screens everywhere with pundits and polls galore. I get the sense that they are happy but not ecstatic with the Super Tuesday results, and are looking ahead to the next round of state primaries, where Obama is expected to do better than Clinton overall.

TOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG

(from an American Apparel email endorsing Obama for the Dems,
McCain for the GOP
on Super Tuesday
primary day)

JAN. 22: DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN FEB.5 CA PRIMARY

from a Courage Campaign email:
.........
Are you registered to vote in the February 5 presidential primary? If you need to register to vote (or re-register, if you have moved), you have until January 22 to do so. Yes ... January 22 is the last day that Californians can register to vote. Our friends at CREDO Mobile have provided a great tool that allows you to register in just a matter of minutes. Please tell your friends by forwarding this link to them as soon as possible: http://www.CourageCampaign.org/register

NO PUNDIT INTENDED: CLINTON & OBAMA (ANALYSIS)

by Don Rose

HILLARY CLINTON

She has frontrunner swagger, a huge national base, name recognition off the charts, the admiration of millions of women, and Bill. Not to mention the love of the pants suit industry. But she needs to overcome the obstacle Gore faced in 2000: how to come off less robotic. Until robots get the vote around 50 years from now, this is a must in our current human dominated society.

I mean, let's be real; when she told an Iowa debate audience she had been "touched" by their stories, there was not an ounce of true feeling in her voice. It may have been a sincere statement, but it sure didn't sound that way, and sound is what matters most, next to visuals. And since her visuals are just average, she better get sound down.

Oral arousal (no, not that kind, the speaking kind) was a talent her hubbie was a master of; Bill Clinton could make reading the phone book sound downright meaningful and from the heart. Maybe he can teach his wife his gift of aural aura, the secret of being Master Thespian of Feeling Your Pain. It would be the best holiday gift Hill could ever hope for.

BARACK OBAMA

In many respects, he seems like another Bill Clinton: rock star status, celeb pals, firm command of facts, exemplary oratory, mega magnetism. Heck, many people referred to Clinton as "the first black President," and Obama actually is half-black, which ain't half bad. There's only
one problem with a Clinton-like candidate. There already is a Clinton candidate, and
she has the real Bill Clinton in tow to boot.

So, no Obama in the White House in 2008. What he is really doing is what many great
candidates do: get their first big campaign out of the way, build a national
infrastructure, get the kinks out and run again later as a stronger, older, wiser veteran candidate.

Face it, he's too green now, even in this golden age of Green. Obama's time will come, in 2012 or 2016. Maybe by then he can get his pal Ms. Winfrey onboard as running mate, after she retires from TV in search of a new challenge. Just imagine what Letterman could do with an Obama-Oprah ticket.