TresSugar

Anatomy of a Gaffe: McCain Adviser's Quote Exposes Pattern

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:59:59 -0700

Controversial statements on the campaign trail are sparking a lighting-quick trend, the standard cycle of apology becoming an expected, relay-race reflex. Here's the most recent example: Charlie Black, a top adviser to John McCain, has apologized for this passage in a profile on McCain in Fortune magazine:

As would, Black concedes with startling candor after we raise the issue, another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. "Certainly it would be a big advantage to him," says Black.

As is usual in the current political climate, the problematic statement, that a terrorist attack would be an advantage to McCain, was followed quickly by an apology from the source, with Charlie Black saying:

I deeply regret the comments. They were inappropriate. I recognize that John McCain has devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country and placing its security before every other consideration.

The next step in the pattern follows the distancing by the candidate, with McCain saying:

I cannot imagine why he would say it. It's not true. I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America.

With his campaign officially seconding that emotion. To see what happens next, read more.

Then, Act III of the modern political gaffe-gate, the rival's response and analysis. The Obama campaign says:

The fact that John McCain's top advisor says that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a 'big advantage' for their political campaign is a complete disgrace, and is exactly the kind of politics that needs to change. Barack Obama will turn the page on these failed policies and this cynical and divisive brand of politics so that we can unite this nation around a common purpose to finish the fight against al Qaeda.

It's a pattern fast becoming a foregone conclusion. Oops, Shun, Spin. Does the expectation of this progression, dilute the impact of the initial event? Does it neuter the apologizing and distancing by the candidate by its omnipresence? Are apologies in politics too numerous and quick to count? In this case, was the initial statement inaccurate or offensive?

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Bernie Mac: 1957 - 2008

GiggleSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Bernie Mac, the tough-talking, controversial, big teddy bear of a comedian died Saturday at a hospital due to complications from pneumonia. Mac had a rough childhood growing up on the South Side of Chicago, but rose to prominence doing standup, ultimately shining in television (The Bernie Mac Show, in which he played a grumpy dad who often directly addressed the viewer) and starring in movies (Ocean's 11, Charlie's Angel's, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner). The anti-Bill Cosby, Mac was a straight talker whose salty talk and bawdy topics got him into trouble just as recently as the past month during a fund-raiser for Barack Obama. And, like many people of color doing comedy, the question of race and audience were a dilemma. About The Bernie Mac show, he said in an AP interview in 2001, "Now everyone telling me what I CAN'T do, what I CAN say, what I SHOULD do, and asking, `Are blacks gonna be mad at you? Are whites gonna accept you?'" As the above clip shows, Mac wasn't afraid to show that he wasn't perfect, but did his best. Rest in peace, Bernie!

Do You Think the Economy Is More Important Than Terrorism?

LibertySugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:00:15 -0700

More Americans care about a presidential candidate's ability to address the economy than the candidate's ability to confront terrorism. A new Gallup poll asked respondents whether they would be more likely to choose a candidate whose greatest strength is fixing the economy or a candidate whose greatest strength is protecting the country from terrorism.

Fifty-six percent chose the economically-strong candidate, compared to 39 percent who chose the candidate who is best at protecting America from terrorism. Despite these numbers, McCain's senior adviser Charlie Black thinks McCain's perceived strength on national security could help him win - he said a terrorist attack on US soil would be be a "big advantage" for his candidate. Perhaps Black thinks Americans would quickly move fighting terrorism to the top of their priority list, but it's still unclear how a nightmare like an attack would play out politically, something I don't want to hypothesize.

Right now, what do you want to be a candidate's top strength: improving the economy, or fighting terrorism?

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The New Yorker Picks McCain's #2, Joins Facebook=Big Week!

CitizenSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:00:11 -0700

The debate can end now, The New Yorker has picked John McCain's running mate. Nope, not Florida Governor Charlie Crist, or Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty - it's. . . wait for it. . . Condoleezza Rice. Stunned? Here's some of the reasoning behind the pick.

Her nomination to a constitutional executive office would cost McCain the votes of his party’s hardened racists and incorrigible misogynists. They are surely fewer in number, though, than the people who would like to participate in breaking the glass ceiling of race or gender but, given the choice, would rather do so in a more timid way, and/or without abandoning their party. And with Rice on the ticket the Republicans could attack Clinton or Obama with far less restraint.

It's not completely without merit, though for some reason I can't see it happening, but the piece is worth a read for sure. One other tidbit that stood out? George W. Bush might be remembered for his progressive cabinet nominations. Surprised? Then, read more.

In this connection, a kind word for George W. Bush may be in order. By appointing first Colin Powell and then Rice to the most senior job in the Cabinet, a job of global scope, Bush changed the way millions of white Americans think about black public officials. This may turn out to the most positive legacy of his benighted Presidency.

Oh, and if you like these ideas, you're in luck! The New Yorker now has a Facebook page. Head on over and give 'em a poke.

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