Democrats preparing for 2012

Democrats putting America to sleep
Excitement and drama displayed by media not politicians

Readers of Paulies Point know that I have a less than favorable opinion about Democrats, but they also know that they will get an honest observation of all matters at any given time. So take me at my word when I tell you that after two days of "Partying" in Denver, the Democrats have wasted those two days.

If you don't believe me then believe Democrats themselves. Few would argue that when it comes to Democratic consultants and strategists nobody is better known than James Carville. During his regular stint on CNN Monday night, he said after the first evening of the convention, "If this party has a message it's done a hell of a job hiding it tonight, I promise you that."

After watching Michelle Obama Monday night and viewing the tribute to Ted Kennedy, it became clear that Democrats are playing more defense than offense. The first lady hopeful looked beautiful, spoke elegantly, but came across as a person desperate to repair her image instead of promoting her husband and the Democratic agenda. Her speech was quickly forgotten as her children stole the show and had to rescue their father who forgot what town he was in.

One mistake the Democrats made was their tribute to Ted Kennedy. Don't get me wrong, it's great that he is out of the hospital and appears to be doing well, but Kennedy doesn't have the positive image his late brothers have. In fact he has been the poster-child for liberalism for over three decades. It also must be noted that many Americans including your brilliant blogger found it tasteless to honor a man who's extreme incompetence or disturbingly selfish actions cost the life of a young woman named Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969. Time may heal all wounds, but it does not bring back the dead.

Night two was Hillary's night. Did she unify the Democratic Party? Only time will tell, but what was for certain was that her speech expressed support for Barack Obama in a very limited manner. While Democratic pundits will say that she proved to America that she is backing Obama, she only mentioned his name about ten times and geared her speech to promote herself, woman, offering limited praise for Barack.

If you are a fan of Hillary chances are you loved her speech and instead of being pumped up to support Obama, your even more angry she didn't get the nomination and furious she didn't receive serious consideration for Veep. Her outfit didn't help sooth sore feelings as she appeared in an orange pantsuit, which made her look like a Gitmo detainee. She probably felt that way, condemned to make a speech she didn't want to make. Unless you believe she just laid the ground work for 2012.

The most genuine speech of day two and maybe the entire convention so far was the rhetoric expressed by Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich. A favorite of the Progressive movement, Kucinich blasted oil and insurance companies, speculators and war contractors. He went into what could only be described as Socialist tirade that probably sounded more appropriate in it's original German. Considering Kucinich's "blame the Jews" history, I found his speech very disturbing.

What has become obvious during the past two-days is the beating MSNBC is taking. I'm not talking just in the ratings, I'm referring to the in-fighting as well as the beating the cable network is taking from prominent media figures and politicians for their blatant pro-Obama bias that has defined the network.

Keith Olbermann who is about as objective and honest as the President of Iran when it comes to Israel, was caught dissing Joe Scarborough on an open microphone. Olbermann, whose viewership consist of his family, few friends and a buddy of mine in Indianapolis, is beyond being in the tank for Obama. His disdain for the GOP and anyone who disagrees with him has played a major role in the networks credibility dwindling down below John Edwards honoring his marriage vows.

In what has been a very boring two days in Denver has at least sparked some great media moments. However Dennis Kucinich salute to Pat Buchanan at the 1992 GOP convention, will hold a special place in the hearts of Progressives for decades to come.

Paulie