What Did I Miss?
Waterloo, Iowa: You can tell a lot about a locality by its waitresses. As I sit here in this little truck stop cafe', one waitress after another is insisting on topping off my cup of coffee. A few days ago in a different region, your coffee cup could sit bone dry and gather dust until the Second Coming and no waitress, save the one who took your order, could be persuaded to give two hoots in hell about it. Waitresses are more honest ambassadors of a town than its Chamber of Commerce. Likewise, you can tell a lot about politicians by their spouses.
After several days of freight schedules that had me rising in the middle of the night to drive, I tried desperately to stay awake for Mrs. Obama's presentation at the Democratic Convention last night. By the time they played a video tribute to Senator Kennedy, I was cross-eyed. I must have nodded off because I missed the part where they paid tribute to Mary Jo Kapechne, whose death provided mute testimony to the Senator's compassion and the media's facilitation of his contribution to the party's rich history of insuring that women are amply subsidized, molested, or aborted altogether.
But the odd hours took their toll and I was fast asleep long before the First Lady took to the podium. Instead, I've had to rely on media accounts in this morning's news. Jennifer Epstein, over at Politico, writes, "It was a surprisingly biographical speech about a man who's already been President nearly four years…" That's good news, though I think she must have left some of Michelle Obama's remarks out of her report. Perhaps you can help me out.
Reaching out to connect with folks, Mrs. Obama said, "Barack and I were both raised by families who didn't have much in the way of money or material possessions but who had given us something far more valuable -- their unconditional love, their unflinching sacrifice, and the chance to go places they had never imagined for themselves." But Politico left out the part where the First Lady thanked tax payers who have paid for her excursions to those unimaginable places. She did thank those of us who paid for her and her husband to fly on separate airplanes to Martha's Vineyard, right? I really regret sleeping through that. Sure, the Romney's live quite the lifestyle too, but they don't require a long haul truck driver to subsidize it.
Ms. Epstein writes, "Without being explicit about her husband's argument that a background in business doesn't translate into having the skills to be president, Obama said she watches her husband make decisions on 'problems where no amount of data or numbers will get you to the right answer.'" While this explains the President's habit of writing off basic economics, it's an incomplete picture because, if he's not paying attention to the data, what factors is he paying attention to? We get a glimpse, though out of focus, when the First Lady says that the President, "…get[s] all kinds of advice from all kinds of people." But then the signal fades and we miss that part of the speech where Mrs. Obama talked about the advice he got from Bill Ayers, or how his philosophy was shaped by Saul Alinsky, whose precepts he taught.
“When it comes to the health of our families, Barack refused to listen to all those folks who told him to leave health reform for another day, another president,” said the First Lady. Well that's just ducky of course, but how did the audience react when she explained how much healthier they will be languishing on a lengthy waiting list for basic health services that will be rationed by government bureaucrats all because "Barack refused to listen to all those folks..."? Bet she had 'em eating out of her hand on that one.
"At the end of the day," said the First Lady, "when it comes time to make that decision, as president, all you have to guide you are your values, and your vision, and the life experiences that make you who you are." Accepting the truth of that statement, I can't find the part of the transcript where she describes how the President's values and vision were formed and enlightened while absorbing 20 years worth of sermons from a preacher who famously invoked the Almighty's damnation of America. How did the audience react when she explained how her husband's vision and life experience resulted in the striking of even a single mention of God in his party's platform? Did they cry with gratitude again? I'm sorry I missed that part of the speech, though I saw enough boo hooing earlier to wonder if the convention is being sponsored by Kleenex.
I think the freight schedule is spoiling my fun. Speaking of which, the road is calling again and I have to go. Perhaps I'll catch more of these biographical glimpses into the President's past as the week goes on. I did notice, however, that his speech has been moved indoors due to fears of lightning strike. If I had just thrown God out of the party altogether, I'd be a little concerned about lightning strikes too.
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Jun '10
Re: What Did I Miss?
See if you notice a theme:
Michelle: loved the life [...] I deeply loved the man I had built that life with [...] I loved Barack just the way he was. [...] their unconditional love [...] We were so young, so in love [...] Barack Obama is still the same man I fell in love with all those years ago. [...] I love my husband even more than I did four years ago...even more than I did 23 years ago, when we first met. I love that he's never forgotten how he started. I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he's going to do [...] I love that for Barack, there is no such thing as "us" and "them" [...] he knows that we all love our country...and he's always ready to listen to good ideas...he's always looking for the very best in everyone he meets. And I love that even in the toughest moments, when we're all sweating it – when we're worried that the bill won't pass, and it seems like all is lost – Barack never lets himself get distracted by the chatter and the noise. [...] sacrifice, and longing, and steadfast love...
Sep '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
"Barack and I were both raised by families who didn't have much in the way of money or material possessions...."
Oh, nonsense.
Barry Obama was a prep school baby who attended the most expensive private school in Hawaii. (Take a look at the Punahou School web site--note the article about each of the 4th graders being issued laptop computers.)
I have never set foot on the campus of Punahou--but I have worked with technicians who have, and who have set foot in the White House and in Buckingham Palace. (All three, the U.S. Capitol, and most Vegas casinos, use the same lighting control system.)
Michelle has credible middle class roots--Barry? Nope. The only time he has ever--in his life--set foot in a public school was for a campaign photo op. Gold-plated private school for him; gold-plated private schools for his kids.
Middle class? Ha.
Edited on September 5, 2012 at 7:18pmJul '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
I am positive that Barrack has been sulking because of various rejections, especially financial. Michelle knows her narcissist husband needs a pick me up to get him to deliver a big speech. Telling everyone just how awesome he is will do the trick in her mind. Narcissists love hearing how awesome they are.
What I am curious about is if Barrack is all that and a bag of chips then why does she always seem so darn angry?
Jul '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
Let's also explore the fact that the Obama's are both atheists who sat in church to expand their political careers. I have little doubt in my mind that Obama believes himself a minor deity that answers to no major one.
At least they are showing their cards now if you have enough brains to look.
Jun '10
Re: What Did I Miss?
John Murdoch: "Barack and I were both raised by families who didn't have much in the way of money or material possessions...."
Oh, nonsense.
Barry Obama was a prep school baby who attended the most expensive private school in Hawaii. (Take a look at the Punahou School web site--note the article about each of the 4th graders being issued laptop computers.)
I have never set foot on the campus of Punahou--but I have worked with technicians who have, and who have set foot in the White House and in Buckingham Palace. (All three, the U.S. Capitol, and most Vegas casinos, use the same lighting control system.)
Michelle has credible middle class roots--Barry? Nope. The only time he has ever--in his life--set foot in a public school was for a campaign photo op. Gold-plated private school for him; gold-plated private schools for his kids.
Middle class? Ha.
But, his Grandma was an oppressed bank vice president who had to take the bus to work--the convenient bus, that ran right in front of her house.
Jul '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
John Murdoch: "Barack and I were both raised by families who didn't have much in the way of money or material possessions...."
Oh, nonsense.
Barry Obama was a prep school baby who attended the most expensive private school in Hawaii. (Take a look at the Punahou School web site--note the article about each of the 4th graders being issued laptop computers.)
I have never set foot on the campus of Punahou--but I have worked with technicians who have, and who have set foot in the White House and in Buckingham Palace. (All three, the U.S. Capitol, and most Vegas casinos, use the same lighting control system.)
Michelle has credible middle class roots--Barry? Nope. The only time he has ever--in his life--set foot in a public school was for a campaign photo op. Gold-plated private school for him; gold-plated private schools for his kids.
Middle class? Ha. · 3 minutes ago
Edited 3 minutes ago
So poor he worked from fourth grade on like me and most of my friends? Nope, he's a spoiled brat and now he's going to be a loser for the first time. Please, oh please.
Aug '12
Re: What Did I Miss?
Dave - you are a national treasure.
Jan '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
"when it comes time to make that decision, as president, all you have to guide you are your values, and your vision, and the life experiences that make you who you are."
Right.
When you don't know, you have to guess. If you're not an expert on a topic but you have to make the decision, you have to take a reasonable, educated guess. You have to listen to experienced people, challenge their assumptions, and try to come up with a prudent decision.
So, Democrats and worshipers, maybe you can explain something to me.
He was faced with a difficult choice, risking the lives of the SEAL teams and many others, but "when it comes time to make that decision," he listened to Valerie Jarrett, a political sycophant with no military experience or judgment.
Right. Keep on trying, Democrats.
Jul '10
Re: What Did I Miss?
"Without being explicit about her husband's argument that a background in business doesn't translate into having the skills to be president, Obama said she watches her husband make decisions on 'problems where no amount of data or numbers will get you to the right answer.'"
I'm trying hard to come up with an example of a problem that would involve gov't that doesn't require the examination of data, if not data and numbers. Oh. I forgot. The One doesn't need established facts - he senses what is correct or just makes up his own 'facts' as he is "smarter than most of [his] advisors."
Apr '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
barbara lydick: "Without being explicit about her husband's argument that a background in business doesn't translate into having the skills to be president, Obama said she watches her husband make decisions on 'problems where no amount of data or numbers will get you to the right answer.'"
I'm trying hard to come up with an example of a problem that would involve gov't that doesn't require the examination of data, if not data and numbers. Oh. I forgot. The One doesn't need established facts - he senses what is correct or just makes up his own 'facts' as he is "smarter than most of [his] advisors." · 12 minutes ago
He has an unusually high midichlorian count - almost as high as Yoda and Anakin!
May '12
Re: What Did I Miss?
If he had gone to public schools, would he know how to use data or numbers? He doesn't follow laws either.
Nov '10
Re: What Did I Miss?
I believe the term you're looking for is, "empathy."
Aug '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
The good news about presiding over a government that has made such a mess of so much - there is so much to do to fix it! And it's not what you do to fix it, but how much you care that counts. If the fixes make it worse, you just have to care even more!
Apr '12
Re: What Did I Miss?
Brilliant!
Nov '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
Mel Foil: See if you notice a theme:
Michelle:loved the life [...] I deeply loved the man [...] I loved Barack just the way he was. [...] their unconditional love [...] We were so young, so in love [...] Barack Obama is still the same man I fell in love with all those years ago. [...] I love my husband even more than I did four years ago... I love that he's never forgotten how he started. I love that we can trust Barack [...] I love that for Barack, there is no such thing as "us" and "them" [...] he knows that we all love our country... . And I love that even in the toughest moments, [...] sacrifice, and longing, and steadfast love...
Uh, forgive me for mentioning it, but wasn't it Ann Romney who launched this round of love talk:
So now the GOP is getting hearts shoved right back at it, in spades. (Serves us right!)
It seems we've lost track of what's public and what's private.
Edited on September 5, 2012 at 8:36pmJul '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
Like medieval bleeding treatments for intestinal pain that turns out to be from intestinal bleeding. Just believe in the cure.
Edited on September 5, 2012 at 8:26pmApr '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
@PeterMeza Impressions from my twitter feed last night:
unyielding shtruggle ... #shtruggle #DNC2012
shtruggle for us ... #DNC2012
Did she say "dishtracted"? #DNC2012
shtruggling to pay his bills ... #DNC2012
shtruggling neighborhoods ...
Family shtruggles ...
@IngrahamAngle It's a shtruggle to get through this speech.
#DNC2012 Prosperity will come from getting free stuff from the government.
Aug '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
DocJay
Like medieval bleeding treatments for intestinal pain that turns out to be from intestinal bleeding. Just believe in the cure.· 2 hours ago
Edited 2 hours ago
There's more to this bleeding metaphor than one might think, and not just in the British meaning of the word. Our free market has a severe case of economic anemia brought on by a parasitic government. The Democrats first declared the relationship sybiotic and now mistake the parasite for the host. Its time to crush this tick before the damage is permanent.
Edited on September 5, 2012 at 11:23pmAug '11
Re: What Did I Miss?
Michelle Obama used the word "work" well over a dozen times in the speech, seemingly talking about achieving success through actual work. The work of one's hands. But I'm pretty sure that in this closing section, she's talking about finding success through a completely different sort of work.
It fits in with an earlier statement (Nancy Pelosi's?) that small businesses will find success if they hook up with Barack Obama. Which I took to mean "become Washington rent-seekers."
This is a very different sort of "work" than her earlier usage. I'm not sure why this bothers me. Maybe I'm hearing dog-whistles of some kind.
Apr '12
Re: What Did I Miss?
You missed a contestant for the "Miss Congeniality" award, I heard she was real nice.