Tag: CSPAN

SPEECH OF A LIFETIME– Oh – and that Sarah person

At
last.   Our whole day had been built around this.  Obama accepts
the nomination with the highest TV ratings of
any acceptance speech in modern US history, according to the Hollywood
Reporter:

Barack Obama’s historic acceptance speech for the Democratic
presidential nomination Thursday night was seen by 38.4 million viewers — 57%
more than watched John Kerry four years ago — and was the most-watched
convention speech ever.

Thursday
night’s viewership set a new record for national convention coverage, according
to Nielsen Media Research. Naturally, it’s also the largest number since the
convention began, up 42% from Hillary Clinton’s
speech on Day 2.

Obama’s
speech was seen by more U.S. viewers than the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony
(34.2 million).

It was a remarkable speech in a spectacular setting.  You either watched it or
you didn’t – watch it here.  It’s actually worth more than one viewing for
not only the substance but also the environment and symbolism.  Watch it —
it’s pretty amazing.

Here’s
a
transcript, too.

I
waited until today to write this because I felt so much emotion last night that
I thought I should let it all sink in.   I’ve seen so many acceptance
speeches, and my sense of Obama’s role is so deep that I didn’t think I had
much new to offer.  It doesn’t seem to be wearing off though — not that
I’m alone.  MSNBC super-conservative and often inflamatory and somewhat
cruel Joe
Scarborough was still rhapsodizing when I woke up.  I think any aware
American, anyone who’s lived through a substantial portion of our modern racial
history, anyone with any desire for a better, more just country — any of us —
could not have watched what happened last night and remained
dispassionate.  Tweets all night, and not just from those in the arena
kept saying "Tears everywhere"  "Tearing up"
"Didn’t think I’d cry but…"  I was fine until the family
walked out to the center of the stadium holding hands.  Then I just
disolved.

Beyond
the moving historic moment, and the incredible tableau of two decent committed
families who have made public service a life-time commitment, who are the kinds
of people who seem to manifest what Americans used to think of as "real
American" character, the substance was also inspiring, at least for
me.  You can read blogger comments on the wonderful CSPAN Hub — assembled by a team that
includes that very smart woman you keep seeing on CSPAN, Leslie Bradshaw.  This post of
hers will give you an idea of
what it took to run the Hub operation – so valuable to so many bloggers.

Continue reading SPEECH OF A LIFETIME– Oh – and that Sarah person

KATRINA AND HEZBOLLAH

It’s a wacky day and I have a big meeting this afternoon but I’m haunted by something and I want to share it.  For the past two days C-Span (my drug of choice) has been broadcasting from New Orleans.  And it’s been sad and scandalous.  This is not a political opinion, this is a fact.  When you listen to the stories and see how little has been done a year later it’s painful.  BUT

What was hardest to hear was that several times – at least three times that I recall – people called in to compare the fast, effective relief DELIVERED BY HEZBOLLAH to bombed out Lebanese to the stunted, slow support they’re receiving down there.  Whatever you think of Hezbollah – it’s a sad commentary that Americans have lost so much faith in their government that they make these sorts of comparisons.  In a way it reminded me of what the Black Panthers used to do in San Francisco and Oakland — social services, daycare etc.  I’m not objectively comparing the two – just what looks like a remarkable strategy.  Read this NYT piece too if it’s not already behind that wall of "Extra."

I know there are real problems; I know that there’s been fraud and it’s important to watch out, I know that people like Cooper Munroe and Emily McKhann made, and are still making, an amazing difference.  Their Beenthereclearinghouse is a miracle.  But on this anniversary it’s something to think about.