Stage Directions Anyone?

The Obama campaign distributed Gov. Bill Richardson's endorsement speech...note the stage direction:

I know Senator Obama well.

I first got to know him when I chaired the last Democratic National Convention, where he gave that wonderful keynote address.

And then, last year, as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, I came to fully appreciate his steadfast patriotism and remarkable talents.

I also felt a kinship with him because we both had one foreign-born parent and we both lived abroad as children.

In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation’s special responsibilities in the world.

[Turn toward Obama and smile]

Barack Obama, you are an extraordinary leader who has shown courage, sound judgment and wisdom throughout your career.

You understand the security challenges of the 21st century, and you will be an outstanding Commander in Chief.

Comments

Bad staff work.

oy.

Posted by southpaw | March 21, 2008 1:45 PM

Petty. And beneath your blog.

Posted by Chris | March 21, 2008 1:47 PM

SHOCKING!

Seriously dude, what the hell?

Posted by Craig | March 21, 2008 1:49 PM

This blog is spinning, spinning the news today, Hillary must really be i trouble

Posted by David | March 21, 2008 1:59 PM

Hey, it's Bill Richardson.

Fat Greasy "Taco Bill" from down New Mexico way. Obviously they have to supply stage directions. At least they removed most of the embarassing ones, like -

(don't let mouth hang open all the time)

(don't scratch ass)

(don't pick nose)

(don't let shirt tail poke out through pants fly zipper)

(don't raise arms to show sweat stained pits)

(Obama is the off grey colored guy with the massive ears)

(wipe saliva from corner of mouth periodically)

(it's pronounced Bar-AACK, like CRAAACK. NOT "Barracks" like in the Army)

*(the money has been deposited, don't worry)

Posted by robert ethan | March 21, 2008 2:03 PM

Man, don't tell me political rallies aren't all spontaneous! Next they reveal that politicians aren't thinking up their words on the spot, maybe don't even write their speeches alone...

I'm sorry, but until today I thought this was a well-balance blog, but between circulating a right-wing Anti-Obama-video and this I really question this judgement.

Posted by Mark H. | March 21, 2008 2:04 PM

What an amazing day for Obama.

What doesn't kill you makes you stonger...and gives you more superdelegate support!

First the "Billary" assault was weathered and gave him Kennedy and South Carolina

And now the Wright-gate was weathered and gives him Richardson and the support of yet another former presidential candidate.

Posted by Them Dems | March 21, 2008 2:04 PM

Amazing day for Obama.

Posted by Kelly Pierce | March 21, 2008 2:08 PM

I get that your posting is light today, but seriously Marc - this is beneath your blog. Of course there's always a lighter side to laugh about, but this is just stupid.

Posted by Ready for change | March 21, 2008 2:08 PM

Marc was just pointing out something funny. It's not a personal attack on Obama or his campaign. Chill out, people.

Posted by Sam | March 21, 2008 2:11 PM

Politico: "One important Clinton adviser estimated to Politico privately that she has no more than a 10 percent chance of winning"

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9149.html

Posted by David | March 21, 2008 2:16 PM

You know, every gaffe isn't something that will cost Barack Obama the nomination and every post a do or die momment.

I know it's been a really bad week, hell, a bad month for Obama. It definitly came in like a lion, but hopefully it's smoothing on out and ITA w/Sam.

Posted by Rhoda | March 21, 2008 2:17 PM

As an Obama supporter, I think that is still pretty funny. I think the part they left out was "Bill, whatever you do, don't say anything stupid..."
In all seriousness, I watched the entire endorsement, and it left me with a much more favorable opinion of Richardson than at any other point in this race. The debates made him look like a pretty doofy guy in my opinion. This speech made him look alot better to me, and I think leaves the possibility of him as the Dem VP nominee.

Posted by Kevin | March 21, 2008 2:17 PM

I think that it is fairly suspicious that it is a black man and a hispanic man who face these kinds of attacks.

Sometimes racism isn't about what you say but the things you chose to talk about.

Posted by Sean | March 21, 2008 2:19 PM

Come on, everybody knows that pauses and directions are included in speeches. The staff is exhausted and made a mistake, give them a break! Geez people think everything and anything on Obama is news. I'm surprised we don't get news on Obama's bathroom breaks. "Obama took a long bathroom break after lunch today and seemed to stay in there a lengthy amount of time. What do you suppose that implies? How will this effect his candidacy in the general election, especially the white vote? Did he wash his hands after? Is it true, as has been suggested, that he was trying to wash his black off?" Get a life Marc, you are obsessing!

Posted by busybee | March 21, 2008 2:20 PM

This is pretty damn funny! In fact, it's HILLARY-ous!

Posted by NCYvonne | March 21, 2008 2:21 PM

In this post, Ambinder, you kind of remind me of Eliot Spitzer. Like him, you had an idea to do something that wasn't necessary but might be fun; like him, you ignored that little voice in your head that said, "nah, that'd be stupid. I should just stick to my job."

This sort of writing is what gives blogs, and really all political journalism, and beyond that, all politics, a bad name.

Maybe I had too much coffee this morning but I do kind of feel that Ambinder is becoming a threat t the Republic.

Posted by Gus | March 21, 2008 2:27 PM

The Kennedy endorsement won Obama Massachusetts, California, and Rhode Island, right?

I must have missed it. Maybe in a parallel universe.

And Richardson will help win which state?

Obama's unfavorability ratings are rising and he is sinking like a stone among the independents.

Now he talks about 'typical white person.' That ought to win him a lot of votes.

He is self-destructing under the glare of the presidential campaign.

Obama thought he can sustain some false outrage over the Passport breach. It turns out the breach happened for all candidates. So, that story is done.

He will flail around and swing wildly and attack Hillary personally. Nothing is going to work.

He is done! Stick a fork in him!

Posted by Tom | March 21, 2008 2:33 PM

Tom, I'm sorry for you. You can overcome the delusion though.

Richardson, if nothing else, is a superdelegate. But, moreso, he's another rival that has turned to Obama.

2-0 on that front. Maybe Hillary will start courting Gravel.

Posted by Chris | March 21, 2008 2:38 PM

After Richardson's performance in the debates I can see why they thought the stage direction was necessary.

Posted by Tel | March 21, 2008 2:39 PM

It's funny.
A 10 percent chance of winning is not worth the rancor.

Posted by bjd | March 21, 2008 2:42 PM

Yeah, this was pretty funny. I like dogging on Marc as much as anyone, but I don't see this as desperate spin at all.

I would like to hear Marc's take on the fact that Hillary's $35 million Feb. fundraising numbers included a $5 million self-loan and $10 million from her Senate campaign.

I remember pointing out repeatedly that the public statements about public fundraising by the campaign didn't at all jive with the announced numbers, and now we see why.

So, to reiterate, in a month where Obama raised $55 million from the public, Hillary didn't quite hit $20 million.

Smart to conceal it though -- the trickle of superdelegates would have become a deluge if this had been disclosed before now. So she in fact prolonged her candidacy... but at what price?

Posted by Jeff Larson | March 21, 2008 2:42 PM

Richardson cracks me up. I love him. Especially today.

Posted by former deaniac | March 21, 2008 2:45 PM

Jeff--I agree. Hillary's February disclosure was the best laugh I got today. The Clinton camp are beginning to make Bush/Cheney and even Rove look reasonably honest in comparison.

Posted by busybee | March 21, 2008 2:52 PM

God Damn America! Vote Obama!

Posted by God Damn America | March 21, 2008 3:35 PM

I second you, GDA.

Only voting Obama will stop the damning. Just like Kerry said Obama will make a great president because he is black, and he can bridge the divide, unite moderate Islam against the extreme because he is African America who is so underprivileged he understands the oppression [from typical white person].

Posted by John D | March 21, 2008 3:40 PM

I listened to the endorsement of Bill Richardson who courageously is standing with him while he is down and to Barack's speech afterwards and Obama, to me, is not just an ordinary human being but indeed an Advanced Soul, come to lead America out of this mess, if we, no, if They let him, but we too have a say in this Democracy, this Barack well knows. Through this trial-by-fire, recently experienced by him, he has been Humble, Noncombative, Noncritical and committed to doing his work on this earth to make it a more better and perfect union. He has kept his promise not to tear one another down but to build us up. He has courage in the face of fire, not a courage of anger but a courage of goodwill and a spirit of generosity born out of harmlessness in spite of the difficulties. That is why he can say with honesty that he can work with the other side because where others see hate, he sees love and the good within an individual... that takes a special person to see the good when bad is all around that person and may be to bring that good out within that person.. to transform them, while all the time transforming theirself and the world around them.

Posted by Angellight | March 21, 2008 3:46 PM

Okay. That is just pathetic. Will Richardson get SAG scale for that? Or will they just Taft-Hartley him?

The thing that is even more embarassing about this is that if it's read from the POV of the Obama campaign writing it -- well, it's just cheezy "steadfast patriotism". Gee that isn't a CYA from the G*D D*MN America comments or anything?

Axelrove is losing his touch.

Posted by Catriley | March 21, 2008 4:01 PM

Uh, excuse me? What happened to Obama's insistance that the superdelegates HAD to reflect the will of the people who are in their constituency? Who was it again that won New Mexico? Why, I believe that was HILLARY CLINTON??? Is Obama backtracking on that insistance now? Superdelegates are now free to support whomever they wish? That should be good!

Posted by Joy | March 21, 2008 4:06 PM

I wonder if there an instruction for Richardson not to mention "I am endorsing senator Obama for the president of US KKK A?"

That would really be fun.

Posted by Plagiarista | March 21, 2008 4:08 PM

Hi Joy, I understand your frustration. But the fact is Obama can say/spin anything he wants, and the media would bother to check or question.

Last Friday, he said he didn't hear those controversial remarks; then in that race speech, he said he heard them; then last night on larry king live, he said he didn't hear them.

Well well...that's really courageous and trustworthy.

Posted by Cathy | March 21, 2008 4:13 PM

It is possible that that bit of stage management was because of filming for a possible ad... sometimes these cues are written to build in a pause that important lines aren't stepped on, rushed through.

But I have to agree with the other posters who said... Marc, a tacky, petty "gotcha" when the big story is Hillary didn't get the endorsement.

Posted by Jade7243 Hussein | March 21, 2008 4:14 PM

dear lord, all you Obama supporters are insufferable. lighten up, so uptight -- dorks.

Posted by Israel | March 21, 2008 4:16 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smZGgzdNyA8&feature=user

Here's a video of Richardson's endorsement. There is a funny moment about 3/4 into it, Richardson tells a good story.

But the event comes off beautifully. Obama is his usual steady self, and Richardson is warm and jolly and really on his game, in spite of the fact (as Marc points out) that there may have been some stage directions written into the script. I don't know how anyone could watch this video and then watch a clip of Hillary and not recognize that this nomination contest needs to end, and soon.

Posted by basil | March 21, 2008 4:19 PM

Are you so short of important stories and stumped for originality?Take a break until you can think of something interesting to say.

Posted by martin | March 21, 2008 4:48 PM

I think that people are forgetting that it is important to support both candidates because Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are both GREAT compared to John McBLAME. If democrats don't start supporting each other in the primmaries AND on Blogs, Webpages and even here, the RepubliDON'Ts are going to take the Congress and the White House for another 4 ytears.

Posted by D-Termined | March 21, 2008 5:06 PM

All GoP has to do is to plaster the TV with sermons of God damn America in the Fall which they will and this guy is toast. These fools want to win the nomination but lose the GE. If the party cares anything about winning, they will drop him like a hot potato.

Look at their silly little screams about this embarrassing story about their dear leader. Grow up and grow some spine and individuality!

Posted by malay | March 21, 2008 5:12 PM

For Jeff Larson and Busybee:

The wire service story on Sen. Clinton's February fund raising wasn't very well written because it left the impression that the $5 million load and $10 million dollar transfer from her Senate campaign were posted in February. That's also what I thought so when I first read it, but the actual filing (see: http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dcdev/forms/C00431569/328357/) shows they both happened before then, so the $34.5 million in contributions is accurate. She's still in the red though (see: http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/03/hillary_campaign_in_the_red.php)

Posted by AJP | March 21, 2008 5:17 PM

For Jeff Larson and Busybee:

The wire service story on Sen. Clinton's February fund raising wasn't very well written because it left the impression that the $5 million loan and $10 million dollar transfer from her Senate campaign were posted in February. That's also what I thought when I first read it, but the actual filing (see: http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dcdev/forms/C00431569/328357/) shows they both happened before then, so the $34.5 million in contributions is accurate. She's still in the red though (see: http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/03/hillary_campaign_in_the_red.php)

Posted by AJP | March 21, 2008 5:23 PM

I think if we see one more "stupid" attack on Obama we will all VOMIT! It the GOP along with the racists Hannity, O' Reilly, and Fox and Friends uses that GD-Amaerica or Wright clip again, or even Obama talking about his grandma being a typical or normal white person, we will turn on them and bite them in their a#$%s! The AMERICAN public is tired already! How will we feel if it continues to be OVERPLAYED AGAIN AND AGAIN! We will HATE the messenger NOT the message!
Hope you get the point, Marc.

Posted by American Patriot | March 21, 2008 5:29 PM

I think if we see one more "stupid" attack on Obama we will all VOMIT! It the GOP along with the racists Hannity, O' Reilly, and Fox and Friends uses that GD-America or Wright clip again, or even Obama talking about his grandma being a typical or normal white person, we will turn on them and bite them in their a#$%s! The AMERICAN public is tired already! How will we feel if it continues to be OVERPLAYED AGAIN AND AGAIN! We will HATE the messenger, NOT the message!
Hope you get the point, Marc.

Posted by American Patriot | March 21, 2008 5:29 PM

Who says MONEY CAN'T BUY LOVE?

Wasn't Taco Bill shopping his support around to the highest bidder not long ago in the interest of "Retiring His Campaign Debt"?

Looks like Crack Alabama DROPPED SOME GOLD in those sweaty greasy nervous palms.

"Hope 'N Change" bought the favor of "Paunchy Ol' Lefty", just as surely and cynically as "Client #9" bought "Kristen" for the evening.

Posted by robert ethan | March 21, 2008 5:51 PM

Malay says that "if the party cares anything about winning, they will drop him like a hot potato," for fear that all the GOP has to do to win in November is to "plaster the TV with sermons of God damn America." Giving in to fear of a smear campaign predicated on stoking the fears of white folks is not "growing a spine."

Electability is a worthy consideration, to be sure, but my worries over electability stop at the concern over race-baiting smear campaigns. Any rational person knows Obama does not share the more extreme views of the Rev. Wright, and if those tapes prove to be fodder for sub rosa smear campaigns then so be it. I'd rather see the Dems lose on account of such smear campaigns than dump Obama for a more hermetic candidate (if your fear is loss-by-smear-campaign, Hillary is also a liability, if for different reasons).

Posted by JRD | March 21, 2008 6:00 PM

robert ethan:

I've said it before, and I'll say it again because it never stops being true:

Don't you have a Klan rally or neo-Nazi rally or something to attend? I'm sure you'd enjoy the company there much more than you would here.

Posted by firebrand | March 21, 2008 6:02 PM

Yeah, firebrand, when ALL THE EVIDENCE ANY REASONING HUMAN BEING WOULD REQUIRE show you to be GUILTY BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT, invoke THE O.J. SIMPSON DEFENSE, and cry "Racism!".

"Hope N. Change" has proven to be as corrupt, self serving, and dishonest, as any politician to emerge from the swamp in many years. But Heaven help anyone who tries to POINT OUT THE OBVIOUS, for they shall be deemed RACIST HEATHENS, stoned, and cast out into the wilderness.

Posted by robert ethan | March 21, 2008 6:15 PM

"One important Clinton adviser estimated to Politico privately that she has no more than a 10 percent chance of winning"

So, you're saying there, is, a chance: http://theseedsof9-11.com

Posted by Peggy McGilligan | March 21, 2008 6:25 PM

The stage direction could have been put in there by BR himself; if it were the Obama campaign it might say something like, "turn towards The Light" or "turn towards Him".

Anywhoo, here's some background on Richardson that you'll never hear from Ambinder:

youtube.com/watch?v=i0YRHXoygRM
youtube.com/watch?v=MiszkrzoOs0
youtube.com/watch?v=CifLm6z32eA
youtube.com/watch?v=mN2o208PFhg

Ambinder will never point out his habit of lying and misleading.

And, Ambinder would never in a million years point out what's on the first video: Richardson was shilling for a pan-American group whose interests are at odds from the U.S. at the same time as he was running for president of the U.S..

Posted by TLB | March 21, 2008 6:29 PM

I watched Richardson's whole speech. It was warm and delightful. He was as good as I have ever seen him. What a shame that you had to try to make something snide and petty of it. Most of you bloggers at the Atlantic really need to get out more, among the human race.

Posted by southernoregon | March 21, 2008 6:48 PM

And may I ask why you still have not banned the psychotic "Robert Ethan" from this site? He's disgraceful and so is this site, for giving him a platform. Exactly where DO you draw the line, folks?

Posted by southernoregon | March 21, 2008 6:51 PM

Robert Ethan, you are already in "the wilderness"! Seriously though, you are what the French call un rabat-joie, i.e. a very sad and gloomy person who just cannot stand seeing other people happy.

Posted by ptw | March 21, 2008 6:58 PM

Wow, this is petty.

Posted by Rebecca | March 21, 2008 7:13 PM

No matter. Both Hillary and Barack are tanking. Neither will back down for the good of the Party due to their egos, plain and simple.

While they scratch and claw at each other - today Barack called Hillary a liar and Hillary shot back with her drivel - McCain sits back, gathers cash, eats his popcorn and is truly amused to watch 40+ years of Identity Politics come to a boiling rage.

They will continue to destroy their beloved Party right uo to the Convention. One will emerge and will have to have recovery time to lick and bandage their wounds and about mid-September, the Convention Victor will begin to go after McCain.

Too little, too late.

The DNC candidate, no matter who it is, is done.

Posted by Snooper | March 21, 2008 8:19 PM

All GoP has to do is to plaster the TV with sermons of God damn America in the Fall which they will and this guy is toast. These fools want to win the nomination but lose the GE. If the party cares anything about winning, they will drop him like a hot potato.

Look at their silly little screams about this embarrassing story about their dear leader. Grow up and grow some spine and individuality!

Posted by malay | March 21, 2008 5:12 PM

Let's put the shoe on the other foot? Hillary Clinton is completely and totally unelectable in a head to head with John McCain!

The entire basis of her campaign has been experience and slogans such as "Ready on day one"

No matter how much Clinton's supporters wish she could compete on these grounds. She just will not be able compete on those grounds when most of her so called "experience" when scrutinized turns out to be vastly greatly over stated or in some cases flat out taking credit for someone else's hard work.

Now compare that with a former POW and decorated Naval Officer. Let alone the fact that he has over twenty years in congress as both a member of the US House of Representatives and US Senate.

No contest John McCain has more actual experience that Hillary Clinton ever dreamed of...

You and you precious Hillbilly better wake up and smell the kimchi It's time for Damage control.

The Math is on Obama's side if the Rev Wright thing is the only dirt that the right wing can find on Obama and they wear it out now nobody will care about it in November.

Conversely giving McCain and the Republicans over six months to build a General election strategy while the Democratic Party squabbles like children in a school yard. Is a sure fire way to lose come November seven weeks vs almost seven months of planing who do you think is going to do better?

Posted by SC Rose | March 21, 2008 8:41 PM

Richardson, a friend of the Clintons for what 16 years and then shoots them in the back. With friends like this weasel you don't need enemies. I'm not a Clinton or Hussein supporter but I know a weasel when I see one. I would never trust him out of my sight with a female dog.

Posted by Scrapiron | March 21, 2008 9:56 PM

John: Take a look at this and think will you still say Barak will unite 'moderate' Islam? I don't think so. His cousin is Raila Odinga in Kenya. Think about it carefully - that combined with Rev Wright etc. doesn't auger well for these United States of America. God BLESS America.
http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2008/01/barack-obama-backs-taliban-supporter-in.html

Posted by Hyacinth | March 21, 2008 10:15 PM

I think that it is fairly suspicious that it is a black man and a hispanic man who face these kinds of attacks.
Sometimes racism isn't about what you say but the things you chose to talk about.
Posted by Sean

Ah, of course it is suspicious that people would dare attack black and brown men for the same sort of things they attack white men for - and that there is a section of the population that fails to understand Obama's associations or Rischardson being a doofus advanced 3 levels above his competency by Bill Clinton - are immunized by being "people of diversity". Especially Sean, who has written 500+ posts attacking only men of one race, but a permissible one to attack under Leftist Identity Politics.

And may I ask why you still have not banned the psychotic "Robert Ethan" from this site? He's disgraceful and so is this site, for giving him a platform. Exactly where DO you draw the line, folks?
Posted by southernoregon

Southernoregon missed the fact that The Atlantic is not a "one view only permitted or you are banned by Lefty cocksuckers in charge" Site.

Back you go to DU, Daily Kos, moveon.org, little cocksucker! Be a Stalinist to your hearts content on a true Stalinist site.

******************

Posted by chris ford | March 21, 2008 10:18 PM

With the stage direction intact, we can be sure the text wasn't meant as copy for My Weekly Reader. Really, this speech could usefully have been pitched much higher. The Democrats already have a lock on such people as can be persuaded by such pat remarks; it's many of the rest of us who remain to be won over.

Posted by Kralizec | March 21, 2008 10:40 PM

Richardson sold out FOR CASH. No ifs, ands, or buts. Just like he sold out to Obama in Iowa. He sat on the fence as long as possible waiting to make sure he got the best possible deal, but there was never much doubt that it would be THE SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO MOBSTERS who ultimately got him to unbuckle his belt and drop those trousers with the 50" waist. Taco Bill is bought and paid for with CULT CASH, just like Dumpster Diver Drudge and Ben Smith the Corrupt Cherub from Politico.

Madre de Dios! A lifetime supply of FRIJOLES, amigo! Bueno, bueno, mucho gracias!

Posted by robert ethan | March 21, 2008 10:52 PM

First Ambinder post about Richardson: "Does the timing imply Obama needed a good news morning?"

Second Ambinder post about Richardson: "Look at the stage directions! Ha ha!"

Any Ambinder post involving anti-Obama material handed to him by his "sources" (aka puppetmasters): "Here is something very important that I wanted to share with you."

So why bother reading this blog? I find it is the most efficient way to learn about whatever anti-Obama line the Clintons and/or the GOP are pushing at any given moment, all without any independent thought on Ambinder's part to get in the way.

Posted by DTM | March 21, 2008 11:50 PM

Poor Bill bottom fishing aren't we now! Et to Brutus! Did you do your homework Bill or just put your name up for the highest bidder ? What do you as an endorser think about Obama the race card player, or did you get HOODWINKED AND BAMBOOZLED LIKE THE OTHER SOUTH CAROLINA FOLKS! They were hoodwinked just like MALCOLM X said they were in Harlem. Maybe you were BAMBOOZLED with the efficiencies of his chairmanship on the sub committee on foreign affairs. You know the committee with NO HEARINGS! Perhaps it was the tight connection with the accountants that keep finding REZKO MONEY in his pockets. I got it , it was that extensive foreign affairs experience he has. Remember the experience you mentioned in the debates you had. ??? What could it have been that convinced you that OBAMA should be put in charge of the most powerful nation in the world?? Once again you must have seen something! What was it BILL? What was it that swayed your vote? How about SELF INTEREST! HOW ABOUT SELF IMPORTANCE! SHAME ON YOU BILL RICHARDSON SHAME ON YOU.

Posted by ricksramblings | March 21, 2008 11:51 PM

Richardson forgot to add "and we both hate whities."

Posted by Chad | March 22, 2008 12:22 AM

The stage directions, they edited out...

(Slimeball, turn to Sleazeball and smile [remember he is RETIRING YOUR CAMPAIGN DEBT AND THEN SOME!])

(Sleazeball, put your right arm around Slimeball, while slipping the CASH ENVELOPE into his inside suit pocket with your left)

(Sleazeball, move your mouth and clack those oversized molars awhile, so we know you're LYING)

(Slimeball try not to think too much of ALL THAT CASH The Cult has slipped you, remember YOUR CHOLESTOROL COUNT, now!)

(Sleazeball, DUMP SOME MORE DIRT while the press is distracted by Slimeball's fat ugly face. [maybe the fact that YOU WERE THERE FOR WRIGHT'S HATE SERMONS, that is the Queen of Spades we definitely need to pawn off as discretely as possible])

(Sleazeball, try to pretend you don't loathe Fat Hispanics who smell like refried beans when they sweat so much)

(Slimeball, try to pretend you don't despise that Biracial Fraud who passes himself off as Black when it suits his purpose, and White when it is more expedient)

(O.K. now that the FARCE is over, Slimeball and Sleazeball, you can both wash your hands as much as you want to remove th dirty feeling from touching the each other, and gargle to wash the BAD TASTE FROM YOUR MOUTHS)

Posted by robert ethan | March 22, 2008 12:27 AM

Let's face it, Obama's whole candidacy is one huge staged show...when you have as thin a record as he has, no experience and zero legislative accomplishments, basically a glorified community activist turned state senator turned US Senator turned Democratic front-runner in about two weeks (in political time), there is no other way to run except by smoke and mirrors, messianic messages, fainting admirers, and an entourage of media sycophants.

Posted by george | March 22, 2008 12:38 AM

The stage directions written on Obama and Richardson's shirt cuffs in indelible ink -

(If you need to find your butthole, remember to use the hand coming out of this cuff, AND the hand coming out of the other cuff. The flashight is in the pocket of your shirt. Good Luck!)

Posted by robert ethan | March 22, 2008 12:46 AM

I hear Obama had his own cheat sheet... it said

[Smile at the groveling little turd]

Posted by george | March 22, 2008 12:52 AM

Hey, if you do this stuff, it helps. I was a trial lawyer, and I wrote out my closing statements, and closing statements are important, and where I had to do something, I wrote the stage direction. There are ways to communicate other than words, and why should you be expected to memorize those bits any more than the words themselves? In fact if you are reading from a teleprompter, you're likely to FORGET to do obvious things, like acknowledge the person you are endorsing, because you're focused on the words.

Posted by Phoebe | March 22, 2008 5:20 AM

Funny. Really funny. That's what I thought while I was watching his speech. Thanks for publishing.

Posted by Sancy | March 22, 2008 5:58 AM

At least it didn´t say:

"(At end of speech bow down and kiss his ring)"
AND
Do not say in public:
"Don´t forget, Obama, I get a cabinet position in exchange for this endorsement."

LOL.

Posted by Sally J. | March 22, 2008 7:53 AM

Interesting endorsement speech. I especially loved RIchardson's line (paraphrasing) calling him" ...a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to elect a leader who can restore America's position as a world leader...;

Gee, substitute the word "Germany" for the word "America" and it's an excerpt from.... "MEIN KAMPF"

Very, very creepy

Posted by Matic | March 22, 2008 8:32 AM

Interesting endorsement speech. I especially loved RIchardson's line (paraphrasing) calling him" ...a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to elect a leader who can restore America's position as a world leader...;

Gee, substitute the word "Germany" for the word "America" and it's an excerpt from.... "MEIN KAMPF"

Very, very creepy

Posted by Matic | March 22, 2008 8:33 AM

And here I thought Obama was done after seeing him dance on the Ellen show.

Bottom line is he has done nothing to deserve the presidency and is being mindlessly followed because there is no one else to lead that party. He has not "weathered" the Wright scandal and the Rezko thing just shows him to be another money-grubbing politician.

(Oh and Richardson is from Massachusetts...)

Posted by whatfur | March 22, 2008 9:17 AM

That was funny. It is always funny to see when the high and mighty that supposedly rule us with wisdom need stage directions.

It is also funny to watch the Obamaniacs and Hillary supporters rip at each other. Doing the work the right won't do for fear of being labeled racist or sexist. Bill O'Reilly had the Wright story on tap but sat on it for months. The identity politics crowd is just playing the campaign for them. Heard anything from John McCain lately? Why should he do or say anything at this point?

You know, the blogosphere is a bubble of its own. Out in the real world of average Joes, Obama's fortunes have been sinking like a rock. Everyone now knows where Obama gets his far left inspiration. Why should anyone vote for someone seeking the highest office of a country whose flag he won't even salute? (I am no Hillary supporter but she, at least, respects the country she seeks to lead.)

Posted by inmypajamas | March 22, 2008 10:14 AM

I'm surprised there was no stage direction:

Drop to knees, give blow job. Smile.

Any bets that Richardson will be the nominee for Vice President?

Posted by GarandFan | March 22, 2008 12:23 PM

"Osama? Oh yes hi, Obama here. Yes, you are right, we in the west have been and are evil, I understand. But you know it is the rich white people who have the power and you know I have brown skin like you, I'm not like all those typical white people. Osama, you have said some bad things but you are a good man...let's talk some more..."

Posted by no pasaran | March 22, 2008 1:58 PM

Marc, Matt, Andrew, and all Atlantic, you are all so behind, that I question your analysis.

To recap people. I mentioned that when I visited DC last year, I met with Mr. Juan Williams at his book reading.

He was gracious to sign. Then I shook his hands, and told him the Dem ticket: Obama-Richardson. This was last summer. Last summer. Before first votes were cast in Iowa.

He smiled. He said that would be a great ticket.

Months later I went to similar book reading, by the blowhart Chris Matthews (Keith Olberman, is the biggest blowhard in America, no competition to this hypocritic snob). When Chris and Keith are on the TV at a same time, I feel like voting for GOP. I can Rush more than these two blowhards.

Well, Matthews looked at me and said: We shall see [as in - you sucker: my america will never have these two guys in the ticket]. he was pulling for HRC those days (last Nov.) now of course he is singing a different tune - just like Matt Y. who suddenly discovered Obama this feb.

Man, these DC analysts are not even ready to be my interns.

Posted by eorse | March 22, 2008 2:26 PM

I suck dick

Posted by Name's K, Tim K | March 22, 2008 6:33 PM

Nostradamus’ Third Antichrist has yet to be positively identified. In contrast with his certainty about Napoleon and Hitler, Nostradamus is less clear who this third tyrant is. He calls him Mabus. You can get this from using Barrack's name as you would list in in the telephone book with last name first. Just look at the capital letters.

osaMA, Barrack hUSein

MABUS the third anti-christ?????

Posted by chad | March 22, 2008 7:58 PM

Nostradamus’ Third Antichrist has yet to be positively identified. In contrast with his certainty about Napoleon and Hitler, Nostradamus is less clear who this third tyrant is. What does come through clearly is the fact that this Third and final Antichrist is not a prominent European leader.He calls him Mabus. You can get this from using Barrack's name as you would list in in the telephone book with last name first. Just look at the capital letters.

osaMA, Barrack hUSein

MABUS.....the third anti-christ?????

Posted by chad | March 22, 2008 8:03 PM

Jeez, this blog is a hootpile of kookery. Who da thunk it... The Atlantic Monthly? Must be trying to shake that staid reputation.

There are worse things than being thought of as staid, ya know.

Posted by Nat | March 22, 2008 11:15 PM

Robert Ethan, if you were a woman, and I was a sexist, I'd say you needed a good screw.

Cheers from California,

R

Posted by Reginald Avery Wilkins, Ph.D. | March 23, 2008 12:34 AM

It is totally a man’s world no matter if he is white, black or Latino. I am disappointed with Richardson ’s decision to endorse Obama. Did he not read or listen to Obama’s speech? Latinos were so left out of Obama’s Racial Unity speech. Obama’s speech was on the history of blacks and whites, their issues and perspectives. Latinos, the largest and growing minority, were not considered important enough to dedicate a snippet of who they are as a people and their role in the US . Latinos are invisible. Richardson said he would wait until he saw how Hillary did in the Texas and Ohio election to make his decision. Well, Hillary did well. When Richardson ran for president, it was a Clinton who gave him the opportunity to expand his resume. That is why he was able to say, “When I was the Ambassador to the UN and secretary of the Department of Energy, blah, blah.”
Real issues & Facts:
Obama against the Iraq war from the beginning? Obama was an Illinois (blue) state senator when the 29 US Democratic senators voted for the Iraq war. Hillary voted as her constituents wanted her to vote. It was in her state of New York that the WTC were hit. An estimated 3,051 children lost a parent in 9/11. Senator Feingold and Congressman Murtha were the leaders who were vocal in their opposition against the Iraq war. Obama decided to follow suit after being in the Senate 11 months. In addition, Obama, and Hillary, voted for $84 million to continue the war.
Obama disclosed the 2006 request on a long list of earmark requests. An $8 million was for “High Explosive Air Burst Technology Program." The request led to $1.3 million in funding for the program. The defense project was overseen by General Dynamics, one of the nation's largest military contractors. Obama's Illinois finance chairman, James S. Crown, serves on the company's board of directors and his family holds a sizable stake in the company. Even if it means soldiers and civilians are killed, wars are a profitable business.
Crown and his wife, Paula Crown, are members of Obama's National Finance Committee and have raised more than $200,000 for the Obama campaign.
Reverend Wright--- Obama’s spoken values and his platform is contradictory to his real actions. He lied for 2-3 days prior to his speech. He expected the public to believe that during those 20 years with Rev. Wright, his mentor and spiritual leader, he never heard or was in church when the insidious words were spoken. It was leaked out that the media had proof Obama was in church. As part of his speech, Obama was able to ward off this negative disclosure when he had to tell the truth he was in church. Also, he can not reject Rev. Wright because this church is his political base. Review his advisers and supporters.

Tony Rezko- another 17 year friendship with a soon-going-to- be federal felon who donated over $250,000 towards Obama’s successive campaigns. He selectively forgot how much Rezkco originally donated. Obama said Rezko was not expecting any favors. Yet Rezko is going to jail for his unethical wheeling and dealing/securing favors and influence peddling for the elected officials for whom he has fundraised or donated money.

Hillary is a fighter for whom it matters the most who is elected president. It will not make a difference for the Oprah’s, the Kennedy’s, and the Crown’s; it will be business as usual. But for the workers, their livelihood depends on the economy. Everyone needs or will need health insurance and they deserve that right. Hillary, a brilliant and experienced person, who happens to be a woman, has been advocating for everyone, young and old, all of her life.

Disappointed by not surprised

Posted by David | March 23, 2008 9:48 PM

Maybe Richardson likes Barack's vision for a unified America? Is that a bad thing or unreasonable thing to like? Is that more important than cronyism?

I've watched every debate, read too many blogs, pinned weary eyes on Fox, MSNBC, CNN light and heavy and still I can't find any clear vision for Hillary's candidacy that she couldn't get done in the Senate. Do we need a Commander in Healthcare Chief? Chief of Toughness? The only compelling vision that has leaked out of her mouth is that she's "in it to win."

If we recognize the clarity and truth of that statement, and also recall her singular inability to describe a vision for her candidacy, then the only logical inference is that she seeks power for its own sake. Sounds bad, but as a scientist, I suggest that is a fine null hypothesis. Whatever the case, a good case can be made that this one characteristic is much more frightening than any old fiery preacher from Chicago.

One of my favorite books is The Brothers Karamazov. There is a marvelous line: God is dead, and that is a very serious matter. The analogy here is obvious: Hillary is in it to win, and that is another very serious matter and this is why: if the purpose of her campaign is victory, then it follows like thunder follows lightning that there is nothing outside of expedience to constrain her behavior. In other words, since there is no cause outside of the desire to win, no cause will be sacrificed by the means to achieve victory. Alinsky would be proud of her.

In practical terms: Barack's vision for America limits the behavior he can take to win. He can't say that Wyoming or Idaho don't matter or that Republicans are de facto moral failures just to get the nomination. Similarly, John McCain can't question the honor of the taking of Texas or the Mexican American war. These military values line his DNA.

Hillary, on the other hand, with no clear vision for the presidency outside of imagined desert, can do anything that can't be traced back, whether it be sending "Muslim" photos to Drudge, "taking his word" that Barack isn't a Muslim, or having hubby question Barack's patriotism. Since there is no vision that will be damaged by sleeze, sleeze is no constraint to behavior.

Unfortunately, at least if you're a democrat, there is no logical reason for her not to destroy the party in her pursuit of power.

So what? Well, Barack has managed to persuade folks like myself (those who don't need democrats, right?)to vote contrary to our financial interests for that pie in the sky greater good. You know, that fairly tale land where people don't get off by walking into schools and killing the lot of them or where ambitious Senators don't look tough with other people's blood.

But why fret? The demise of the democrats will be very good for my pocketbook and I can still take the moral highground since, you know, I believe in fairy tales.

I guess I should thank her.

Hillary is in it to win, and this is a serious thing.

Posted by Reginald Avery Wilkins, Ph.D. | March 24, 2008 2:12 AM

with both Richardson and McPeak(sp?), the way Obama circled each while they were speaking, it reminded me of Howie Mandel on the "Deal or No Deal" set

Posted by indie | March 24, 2008 4:49 PM

Ray Mabus is currently serving as the senior advisory to one Barrack Obama.

Ray Mabus is the Nostradamus’ Third Antichrist.

Posted by Nedherb | May 7, 2008 3:36 PM