Political Nanny : Democrats

Political Nanny is Moving Out ... But Not Away

Madeline Holler — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:18:00 GMT

Political Nanny has packed up the candidates' clothes, toys and night-night blankets, loaded the moving van with their position papers, teleprompters and weighty political baggage, and sent change of address notices to their aides, managers, proxies and the press pool. In other words: Political Nanny has moved!

The good news is, she hasn't gone far. Just up and over to Strollerderby, where she'll still be keeping an eye on the last three candidates in her charge and everybody else around them. Political Nanny will still be there to give out cookies, put rule-breakers in the Naughty Chair and bulk up the babes with a little formula supplement on the issues.

The new digs won't change a thing! Political Nanny is still the one who stays awake to answer the phone at 3 a.m., she's fired up and ready to go, she wants change, too. It's too soon for nanny withdrawal, this surge into Strollerderby will work -- it's already working, my friends. She's staying in this race until November! Yes she can!

So reconfigure your RSS feeds and meet her upstairs at Strollerderby. See you there!

And a sidenote to all those who wrote her with concerns: smooch! Now wipe the lipstick off your cheek and go play.

Photo: sandiegohomeblog.com

Bipartisan Dog House: Treats for Conservative, Liberal Pets

Madeline Holler — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:17:00 GMT

There you are, pumping your fists at footage from an Obama rally on YouTube, tears gathering in your eyes as you mouth "yes, we can!" Your dog, though -- your best damn friend! -- won't stop slobbering all over himself as he barks "the surge is working, the surge is working!"

You sleep in the same bed, you and your conservative pooch. Yet yours is a house divided.

Reach across the aisle and give your four-legged, small government, flat-tax, butt-sniffing Karl Rover a hand-out. Petlane makes tasty peanut butter-flavored biscuits that come in the shape of any conservative canine's favorite political beast -- an Elephant.

Wait, what did you just say? You're giving comfort to some Bobo, tax-and-spend, weak on defense, baby killing mutt? Well, she's sitting there with her paw out (as usual!). Better give her Petlane's donkey treats, which she'll love just as much as she loves taking away your right to keep and bear arms.

Not sure of your pet's political leanings? The maker of these bipartisan dog biscuits has a list of the signs.

Republican Pets

• They bark at passing neighbors and traffic; home security is very important to them.

• Their ears perk up when Fox News comes on.

• They are a big spender at the local pet store.

• Strongly believe pet matrimony should occur only between two cats or two dogs.

• Believe in the second-amendment right to bare teeth and claws.

• Are for electric border fences around the yard.

• Want national ID tags for all pets.

• They advocate for the pet-tracking chip -- you can never have too much surveillance.

Democratic pets

• They want universal veterinary care for all.

• They want their treats for free.

• They socialize with all breeds at the dog park.

• They prefer their owner uses biodegradable poop bags.

• Are very concerned with the rising cost of pet food.

• Have the young puppy and kitten vote locked.

• Want to end the war of dogs vs. cats once and for all.

• Think of Ralph Nader as the dog catcher.

Photo: Petlane.com

St. Paddy's Day Formula: How Green is Your Candidate?

Madeline Holler — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:37:00 GMT

On St. Patrick's Day, everybody's Irish, right? That includes the candidates, two-thirds of whom have traceable Irish roots. (The other married Bill Clinton, who descends from the Irish, too.) But as Political Nanny likes to tell her charges, it doesn't matter where you came from as much as where you plan to take the rest of us. So on this day of shamrocks and parades and beer tinged with food-coloring, let's see which candidate's platform is the greenest of all.

The Grist distilled candidates' positions into a handy table. In summary:

As with most issues, it's difficult to differentiate the Democrats. They both would make polluters pay for the right to pollute, and aim to get nationwide carbon emissions down to 1990 levels by 2050. They both want to raise fuel emission standards to 35 mpg by 2020. They both have multi-billion dollar plans for investment in renewable energy -- Obama aiming to get 30 percent of the federal government's energy from renewable sources within the next two decades. The Dems both want to require 60 billion gallons of biofuels produced by 2030. Neither loves nuclear energy, considering the water and storage problems. But Obama said it should be a part of the energy mix. Clinton doesn't want it emphasized as an option until those problems are addressed.

On coal they differ a bit. They both support clean coal, but Obama says he'll keep new dirty coal facilities from being built. He had some making up to do to environmentalists when, a few years ago, he sang the praises of liquified coal, which he now supports only with the above-described qualifications. Greenies also cast a suspicious eye on Obama, fearing his reach across the aisle could mean watering down tough but necessary environmental action.

Like the Dems, McCain also supports selling off pollution rights, but calls for much less aggressive reduction in carbon emissions around the country. He supports better fuel efficiency for cars, but hasn't laid out a specfic number like the Dems. He did introduce legislation in the Senate that would require all cars to get 36 mpg by 2016. McCain has no specific targets on renewable energy. He likes biofuels but opposes subsidies for ethanol. He's fine with coal but wants to find cleaner ways to use it -- no mandates or plans, though. He supports nuclear energy and has submitted bills which contain significant support for the nuclear energy industry. Back when other Republicans were putting quote marks around global warming, McCain was calling for action.

Now, campaigning has got to be one of the most unenviromentally friendly endeavors around. All those plane trips, all those buses, disposable everything -- not just for the candidates but for their entire entourage (and the press!). Clinton's campaign purchased carbon offsets, among other "green" strategies. Neither of the other two candidates mentions greening their campaigns. But environmentalism starts at home, and here's what they've done:

Clinton says: we have switched not only lamps to compact fluorescent light bulbs, but also downlights, track lights, and vanity lights. We've installed motion-sensor light switches so lights automatically turn off when there is no one moving in the room, and switched to buying our power from ConEdison's green power program. We're also reducing our demand for energy by replacing windows and doors to keep more heat and cold in. This has taken our total [kilowatt-hour consumption per year] from about 14,000 to about 4,300. We're currently working with the Rocky Mountain Institute to determine how we can best incorporate solar energy into our home.

Obama says: We just bought a Ford Escape, so I traded in a non-hybrid for a hybrid. We are in the process of replacing our light bulbs in our house and trying to limit the use of our air conditioning, trying to make sure that we unplug and turn off all of our appliances when we're not using them. It's a fun project to work on with my 9-year-old and my 6-year-old.

McCain says: We just moved from a very large house with swimming pool and grounds into a condominium, so we made a dramatic change. My daughter has a Prius. And we have a place up north where we have solar panels in some of the buildings. But we haven't done enough, and we intend to do more.

Naughty Chair: Feminist Race-Baiter

Madeline Holler — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:15:00 GMT

Candidates, candidates, candidates, what was Political Nanny just telling you?!

When you or your proxies call names, it makes voters feel like hating you -- not the intended consequence, right? The latest transgression comes from Geraldine Ferraro (yes, that Geraldine Ferraro!) in an interview with a small Southern California newspaper.

In trying to decry what she sees as sexism against her BFF Hillary, Ferraro comes off as unhinged and a wee bit racist (or, at least, race-baiting) . And that hardly does any favors for the campaign she's working on.

From the Daily Breeze:

"I think what America feels about a woman becoming president takes a very secondary place to Obama's campaign - to a kind of campaign that it would be hard for anyone to run against," she said. "For one thing, you have the press, which has been uniquely hard on her. It's been a very sexist media. Some just don't like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign.

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," she continued. "And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept." Ferraro does not buy the notion of Obama as the great reconciler.

Now, Geraldine. Stick with the sexism. Talk media bias. Share your feelings. But don't start making his success solely about his race. That's so 1980s of you. Remember what conservatives used to say about affirmative action? Remember why you were selected to run as Walter Mondale's vice president? Remember?

So that's two minutes in the naughty chair, Gerry -- a bit of quiet time to go over talking points and to reflect on appropriate use of negativity in a campaign and inappropriate use. Because let's say Obama WERE a white guy and Hillary were winning. Would that be only because she's a woman?

via Daily Kos

Obama on Being VP: In Your Dream (Ticket), Hillary!

Madeline Holler — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:40:00 GMT

If there's a happy ending for Democrats in this election year fairy tale, it won't be with President Hillary Clinton and Vice President Barack Obama leading their kingdom together happily ever after in Washington, D.C.

The so-called Dream Team ticket, which Hillary had hinted at all last week, ain't gonna happen, Barack Obama insisted after he gathered up 12 more delegates following his big win in the Wyoming caucus.

From Top of the Ticket at LATimes.com:

"... You won’t see me as a vice presidential candidate. You know, I’m running for president. We have won twice as many states as Senator Clinton, and have a higher popular vote, and I think we can maintain our delegate count."

Bill Clinton is also pressing the idea, perhaps to convince Obama, perhaps to plant the idea in voters' minds.

In the past, Political Nanny enthused about the Clinton/Obama dream ticket. But, unless they do an uncomfortable amount of kissing and making up -- perhaps even campaign couples' therapy -- the whole idea feels awkward.

Naughty Chair: Name Callers!

Madeline Holler — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:15:00 GMT

Political Nanny will pull out the double-wide Naughty Chair this morning to make room for an aide from each of the Democratic campaigns. They're calling names. And that's not nice. Now, who started it?

Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson compared Obama and his campaign staff to Ken Starr, the prosectuor with an agenda back in the Bill Clinton never-ending-investigations years. Specifically, in a memo called "No Answers, Just Attacks":

"Apparently, the Obama campaign’s idea of new politics is to recycle the same old Republican attacks on Senator Clinton that have failed for years. Imitating Ken Starr is not the way to win the Democratic nomination."

But Obama advisor Samantha Power, who Political Nanny admires greatly, called Hillary Clinton a "monster." Ugh! Power is the woman who wrote "A Problem From Hell: American and the Age of Genocide." When she says monster, well, people take note! Now, Power apparently tried to retract the statement just after she said it, but that's not really how it works. Annnnnnnd, she probably knows that.

From The Scotsman:

"We f***** up in Ohio," she admitted. "In Ohio, they are obsessed and Hillary is going to town on it, because she knows Ohio's the only place they can win.

"She is a monster, too -- that is off the record -- she is stooping to anything," Ms Power said, hastily trying to withdraw her remark.

Remember, Samantha, "new kind of politics." And, Wolfson -- by bringing in Starr you're playing the victim/gender/Bill Clinton card. Remember, Hillary supporters prefer to IGNORE all that.

Candidates, sit down with your friends and speak from your hearts. Remind them they can go negative -- but go negative where it counts. Don't be mean.

So Wolfson and Power, that's two minutes in the naughty chair to think of better strategies and subtler ways to undermine the opponent. You guys look so ridiculous with your tongues sticking out!

Dress Your Family in Campaign Swag and Marc Jacobs

Madeline Holler — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:36:00 GMT

Political statement or fashion statement? Who cares! Just order your high-end campaign T-shirts for one or both of the Democrats now (especially the Marc Jacobs Hillary tee, because, well, not being insensitive or anything, buuuut, will they be available much longer?).

Each T-shirt features the candidate, big-faced and beautiful, on the front. Obama's -- designed by grafitti artist Obey -- has street cred, style, and even screams "Hope" or "Progress," your choice. Hillary's, offered by Marc Jacobs, is more classic and features the New York senator with an American Flag lapel pin. You have to buy Hillary's in a Marc Jacobs store. Obama's you can order online. Hers is $35, his is $25. Hillary!

These T-shirts are hardly standard-issue Nannywear, but Political Nanny wants one of each anyway. She'd even take one with John McCain's face, especially if his daughter designed it and military-esque epaulettes weren't involved.

A confession: Political Nanny has already started half-packing her dear little Hillary's bag -- ready and willing to unpack it quickly if Texas and Ohio turn out for her. But Hillary's depature would leave yet another empty whole in Political Nanny's heart (she's still mourning Dennis, Fred and Mitt). Which is why she thinks she'll cherish her Hillary T-shirt for years to come. That is, if Political Nanny can ever get her hands on one. Not unlike the campaign, Obama's tee is easy to find, easy to buy, instantly rewarding. Hillary's is more of a challenge, requiring near manic dedication to see the process through to the end.

Extra Cookie: 2 More Words to the Dems

Madeline Holler — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:03:00 GMT

Political Nanny is proud of senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for ignoring Tim Russert's cues to go after each other on stage. It's so easy to descend into a tantrum. Instead, they made stern faces over photos of turbans and chuckled over saracastic tirades. (Political Nanny is ignoring the pillow thing -- a reference to Saturday Night Live's skit on how the press treats Obama more gently.)

Sure there was disagreement, but there should be. They explained their differences on healthcare, Iraq and NAFTA, and said "I'm better," without making us cringe. It went off without a hitch (particularly if you're Obama) and may have kept you in the game a little longer (if you're Hillary).

For that, Political Nanny has two more words: well done.

You both get two extra cookies at snacktime.

Political Nanny to Dems: Two Words

Madeline Holler — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:22:00 GMT

Political Nanny has but two words for her Democratic candidates tonight as they get ready to meet each other in Ohio for their final debate before the very crucial and decisive primaries/caucuses in one week:

Play nice.

Ralph Nader: Hey, Guys, I'm Back!

Madeline Holler — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:17:00 GMT

Everybody's favorite election spoiler, Ralph Nader, has officially come back for more.

He announced on Meet the Press this morning that he will be launching his third third-party candidacy and running a campaign based on his anti-corporation message. Of course, Dems aren't happy, but even he -- Ralph Nader, jouster of windmills -- had this to about whether he expects to win:

“Not a chance,” he said. “If the Democrats can’t landslide the Republicans this year, they ought to just pack up, close down, and re-emerge in a different form.”

Hillary's not exactly excited. The GOP, on the other hand, is likely loving it. As for Obama, we're pretty sure he's not terribly concerned.

Patriot Games

Madeline Holler — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:09:00 GMT

Hillary Clinton -- and really, everybody -- has found it difficult to criticize her "friend" Barack Obama. But rabid Republican bullies have (finally!) found a little something negative they can pile into the Swift Boat, docked as it is, waiting to be called to serve.

Just how might they attack the adored and gifted orator with an alarming amount of political party cross-over appeal?

They're questioning his patriotism.

Now, examining Obama's love for the U.S. isn't new. Over the summer, a picture of him without his hand over his heart started rumors (detractors claimed it was during the Pledge of Allegiance; in actuality, it was during the National Anthem wear hand/heart coverage is optional). Then it was noted that during the run-up to the Iraq war, Obama stopped wearing American flag label pins ("a substitute for, I think, true patriotism," he said.). There was also a brief detour into calling the avowed Christian a Muslim (which, for religious conservatives, IS like calling someone un-American). But that was finally settled at a debate in January.

Then, oops!, his wife Michelle went and said something about being proud of the U.S. for the first time in her life, a statement that was plucked from its context and plunked down into a small but growing collection of negative material against Obama -- for use this fall if/when he is the Democratic nominee.

Obama will be running against a former POW and decorated war veteran, a fact that we'll no doubt hear endlessly. But Political Nanny would not be surprised to see this gifted orator turn any patriot games into a heartfelt, emotionally inspiring call for all of us to love not just America, but Americans!, a little more and a lot less conditionally. There will be swooning and donations and an opponent who will look older, meaner, petty and perhaps seriously out of touch.

McCain, Political Nanny doesn't mind the squabbling, but you might not want to go exactly there.

Ted, Mi Amigo, Please Don't Sing In Spanish (or Ever)

Madeline Holler — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:52:00 GMT

At the Texas debate Democratic candidates talked a little about bi-lingual education. Jorge Ramos, the Univision moderator, wanted to know what they thought about the entire nation learning English and Spanish. Perhaps Ramos wanted to avoid incidents like this in the future (If so, we couldn't agree more.)

What do you think? Time to fly Kennedy back to Massachussetts? That video is just painful.

via Mother Jones

Copy Cat!

Madeline Holler — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:05:00 GMT

Hillary Clinton's getting scrappy. Her campaign staff called out Barack Obama on a recent speech he gave in which he defended himself against her claim that the Obamentum he has created is based on "just words."

The defense of his "just words" just happens to be someone else's words, namely Deval Patrick, Massachussetts governor. You can see the two speeches side by side.

The Clinton camp is calling Obama a copy cat and says this calls into question his candidacy.

From TPM:

The Clinton campaign argues that this act of plagiarism fundamentally, along with the current arguments about taking public financing, seriously undermine Obama's candidacy. "So if you're asking the electorate to judge you on your promises and you break them, and on your rhetoric and you lift it," argued campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson on a conference call with reporters, "there are fundamental questions that are raised about that campaign and that candidacy."

Obama said that sure, they were Patrick's words and yeah, he probably should have credited him. But Patrick, an Obama supporter, said, nahhhh, not necessary.

From AP:

"I'm happy to give Deval credit, as I give credit to a lot people for spurring all kinds of ideas," [Obama] said. "But I think that it is fair to say that everything that we've been doing in generating excitement and the interest that people have in the election is based on the core belief in me that we need change in America."

Come to think of it, Obama lifted heavily for "Yes we can" too. But it's so good, why quibble?

Canada Has Superdelegates? Eh?

Madeline Holler — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:06:00 GMT

The Democratic presidential candidates are mining superdelegate votes in Canada. Now, they know America's coldest neighbor isn't actually a 51st state, right?

Right. But Ontario happens to be home to a couple of expats who have lived there since the 1970s and are also executives of the Toronto chapter of Democrats Abroad. Who knew?

Obama and Clinton campaign managers, that's who. And they've been aggressively bugging Robert Bell and Toby Condliffe for their superdelegate support.

In the Toronto Star:

"Oh, I tell you, I get three or four calls a day," says Bell. "It started late last year. I've had calls from both (former) president (Bill) Clinton and Senator Clinton. Dick Durbin, the senator from Illinois (an Obama supporter and majority whip) called me from his cellphone. I've been polled by The New York Times, CNN and AP."

So who's it going to be? Well, Bell is endorsing Clinton. Condliffe will vote for Obama.

Looks like Canada won't be deciding the Democratic nomination either. But Political Nanny likes how nice the superdelegates play with each other.

Scrapbooking the Election: Candidates in Love

Madeline Holler — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:02:00 GMT

Warning: this might be a little like walking in on your parents. So if you've got some unresolved issues, you'll want to move on to the next blog. Because today, the loviest day of the year, we're going to take a peek at how the final four candidates fell in love (and how they show it now).

GOP Love: John and Cindy McCain

Now, the McCains' love is never on full display. We have to search for the subtle clues. But here's how he describes the night that they met:

From AZ Central.com: She was lovely, intelligent and charming, 17 years my junior but poised and confident. I monopolized her attention the entire time, taking care to prevent anyone else from intruding on our conversation. When it came time to leave the party, I persuaded her to join me for drinks at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. By the evening's end, I was in love."

Flashforward 28 years ... Here they are as his campaign surge begins after New Hampshire.

On her blog, the McCain's daughter describes this photo as her mom and dad "having a moment."

John and Cindy McCain in a hotel room (no, not like that. Bummer.)

Southern Love: Janet and Mike Huckabee

From The Knot: It was young love for Mike and Janet, who met during junior high school. The two started dating their senior year of high school. Before Mike proposed, he asked permission from Janet's mother and stepfather. "I didn't have money for a ring yet, so I used a pull-tab from a soda can and proposed to her in her living room," Mike says.

Mike and Janet Huckabee's wedding day, May 25, 1974.

Must be inauguration day. Huckabee's in his fat phase. More of him for Janet to love?

Puppy love. Or not. Janet and a slimmed down Mike are in the Arkansas governor's mansion. Looky in the background! Governors' names are tiled into the steps. Fancy!

The Most Examined Marriage in National History: Bill and Hillary Clinton

From The Knot: It all began in the library for Hillary and Bill. "I noticed that he kept looking over at me," Hillary says. "He had been doing a lot of that." After exchanging several looks back and forth, Hillary stood up and walked over to Bill. "I said 'If you're going to keep looking at me, and I'm going to keep looking back, we might as well be introduced -- I'm Hillary Rodham," she says. "The way Bill tells the story, he couldn't remember his own name."

Wedding Day, Oct. 11, 1975

A kiss in Little Rock, Ark., 1992 (From the Telegraph)

He's a former president, she's a new senator. Bill and Hillary in 2001.

Now she's a presidential candidate. And he's, well, sometimes her advocate, sometimes locked away in a closet and told to be quiet. A kiss in the rain, November 2007.

America's Newest Political Sweethearts: Michelle and Barack Obama

It took a month of asking before Michelle would agree to go out with Barack. They went to "Do the Right Thing" on their first date. Then it was love. He swept her off her feet.

Wedding Day, October 18, 1992, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

A snuggle in Illinois (love the camera ... that must feel so private!) For more on Michelle and the Obama marriage, go here and here.

A post 2004 monumental, much talked about, life-changing Democratic National convention speech. (Needless to say, well done, Barack!)

And in 2008 conceding New Hampshire (hey, don't look so sad. Like a good marriage, you're campaign is about to get better ... much, much better)

The Coveted Wax Museum Endorsement

Madeline Holler — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:34:00 GMT

Curators of the D.C. branch of Madame Tussauds don't mean a thing ... a thing! ... with how they arranged wax figures of the two Democratic frontrunners.

They have placed confident Barack Obama behind a desk in the fake oval office. Where's Hillary Clinton? She's standing next to the desk in a baby blue silk shantung pantsuit. It appears as if Bill, who is also there in his wax-tastic glory, is escorting his wife out the door. Wax-Hillary is even waving good-bye.

The subtle expression of political favorites finally got to those in charge of the display.

From the NY Times:

Later, in fact, the Hillary Rodham Clinton figure was moved to join Mr. Obama behind the fabled Resolute desk.

That kind of love feels so forced.

Photo: New York Times

Hillary Plays Texas Hold-Me-I'm-Trembling-'em

Madeline Holler — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:10:00 GMT

The Potomac Primary is so yesterday. Which is why Hillary Clinton is in Texas today. She lost big in Tuesday's primaries in Virginia, Maryland, and Washinton, D.C. She's gambling all her chips on Texas and Ohio's March primaries, the next big races and what appear to be her last chance at the nomination.

Mike Huckabee, too, has to regroup if he's going to continue in the race. McCain won big in the veteran rich region of the country.

No more modesty or superstitions: Barack Obama and McCain have no choice but to adopt the frontrunner label.

Let's see what hand the voters in Texas deal her. In the words of Kenny Rogers (hey, he's irrelevant -- surely he endorsed somebody!), she's got to know when to hold'em ... and when to run. (Or, not run in this case.)

Oh, and she should probably congratulate her competitor, since it's become newsworthy that she hasn't. Just saying. Congrats Barack and John!

What do you think of a John McCain/Barack Obama match up?

Photo: Ron Niebruegge

Rock Star to McCain: Quit Playing My Songs

Madeline Holler — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:12:00 GMT

Rock 'n' roller John Mellencamp told John McCain to unplug the "Pink Houses" and find his own damn songs. Well, not exactly. But probably pretty close.

Indiana's most famous native son, a lifelong Democrat, said he didn't want the Republican presidential frontrunner to use "Pink Houses" and "Our Country" at his campaign events anymore. The rocker said that he was distressed to hear the popular songs about a decaying American landscape were being played without his permission at McCain's big rallies. Mellencamp producers have asked that the songs no longer be used.

But you can't have a rally without music. McCain's Beach Boys performance back-fired, so to speak. What's left for the GOP candidates when you take away social commentary rock? Morrissey?

The Sound of Hillary's Two Hands Clapping

Madeline Holler — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:20:00 GMT

Philosophical Discussion Topic Card #37: What is the sound of Hillary's two hands clapping?

Answer: What you hear is the desperate chortling of Chris Matthews and his sycophants trying too hard to be funny. And saying questionable things like, "is this a Chinese thing?"

First, the video:

It's a montage of Hillary Clinton clapping at different speeches and rallies. In some, she's obviously clapping to a chant. Other times she's clapping at her audience and as a way of acknowledging the supporters standing behind her. Eventually, the montage cuts in Stephen Colbert, who mocks her: "Clap, clap, point, point ..." (Not his best work, but a it's alright.)

Funny (peculiar), the Hardball pundits don't show clips of her clapping, say, at an interview, or a small group discussion, which would indeed be weird. But she's always clapping around crowds of people who are also clapping and/or chanting. Was it a slow news day, Chris?

In fairness to the Hardball intern who put together the clip, the way candidates look into the crowd and then suddenly point and raise their eyebrows -- maybe signal with a thumb's-up -- is jarring. Kind of cheesy. It's all so Tom Jones "What's Up, Pussycat" and cringe-inducing when coming from potential leaders of the free world. But ALL the candidates perform this pointing exercise (except, maybe, Ron Paul.) All the candidates clap, too (again: jury's out on Ron Paul). What are we missing? Is it only worthy of ridicule coming from Hillary Clinton? Oh, and the Chinese (WTF?)?

This focus on Hillary for all the 2008 campaign hilarity leads Political Nanny to another discussion that started shortly before the Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses, and that is whether there is a double-standard going on with respect to negative attitudes toward the final two Democratic candidates. Women's rights advocate Robin Morgan believes it is. The author of the 70s essay "Good-bye to All That," Morgan updated her sentiments in a "Good-bye to All That 2," which became news because Part 2 was supposedly fowarded by Chelsea Clinton to a few friends. Before long, the email got all viral.

Slate's XXFactor breaks it down arguing Morgan's essay gets a bit ranty. Agreed. But the essay also points out the following:

When a sexist idiot screamed “Iron my shirt!” at HRC, it was considered amusing; if a racist idiot shouted “Shine my shoes!” at BO [Barack Obama], it would’ve inspired hours of airtime and pages of newsprint analyzing our national dishonor.

And that's true. If the complement to those "I Wish Hillary Had Married OJ" T-shirts were, instead, XL Beefy Ts bearing a silk-screened noose? There would have been no end to the outrage (and understandably so). It's as if anything about Hillary is fair game including -- no, especially -- whatever reminds us that she's a female.

It's interesting, too, that making fun of Mitt Romney's Mormon underwear never really caught on. Because religion is sacred, perhaps? Nobody mentions John McCain's floppy right arm. Why? Because that's just mean! Not to mention irrelevant. Like the central figure of a rally clapping along with the audience.

But yuck! Political Nanny hates the discussion that begs to know which trumps the other race or gender! Why? Because it pits one group of the historically disenfranchised against another. And it pushes us in that direction of having to choose between race or gender rather than being seen as a statement of the obvious: both black guys and white ladies are capable of leading the country! Instead, it's all: Voted for Hillary? We always knew you didn't fully comprehend racial struggles in America. Voted for Obama? Misogynist pig!

Even worse! The race vs. gender fight isn't fun or engaging or hopeful or forward-thinking. It's narrow and stuck and divisive. Sort of like Congress under mega-partisan Bush.

Which brings us back to Hardball and to Philosophical Discussion Topic Card #38: If Chris Matthews falls in a forest and nobody hears him, does he make a sound?

Answer: Let's give it a try.

(Hat tip to Jezebel for bringing the Hardball segment to our attention.)

Barackula! -- Obama's Story as Vampire Musical

Madeline Holler — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:32:00 GMT

Though Democratic delegate counts are nearly tied, there is a clear frontrunner in terms of candidates who inspire a large contingency of creative types: Barack Obama. He's got the girl, the buzzy star-studded video, and now he has his own musical.

A vampire musical, no less. (Not to quibble, but the vampire genre is tiring. Let's hope he soon inspires something a little more Fossey!)

Barackula (he's even got the best name for neologisms and plays on words -- O-mentum, for example) takes place during Barack's time at Harvard Law School. It's directed by Mike Lawson and uses Obama's own inspiring words as a source for materail. This political horror film tells the young law student's "having to stave off a secret society of vampires at Harvard when he was inducted into presidency at the Harvard Law Review in 1990."

From MTV.com

Lawson described the film as a mixture of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video and "Jesus Christ Superstar," and it features a pair of original musical numbers, both co-written by Sherman, which make undead allusions to some of Obama's current campaign themes. In the funk-rock-gospel tune "Running," Sherman croons, "The name's Barack Obama/ Just named president of Harvard's law review/ It should be a time of celebration/ But my life's in danger/ My association with a secret society that's after me won't let me go, won't let me be/ So I'm running, I'm running across Harvard's lawn." (It sounds a lot smoother when he sings it, trust us.)

Subtle!

It's only 10 minutes long and should debut online in the next couple of weeks.

Photo: vH1.com

Good Enough Wednesday: Some Thoughts

Madeline Holler — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:25:00 GMT

Oh, sweet Mitt. Mitt, Mitt, Mitt. Super Tuesday? Not so super for you, Mitt. If you're planning a very special speech today, know that Political Nanny always liked you second best among the GOP. But if you're planning on burning through another 10 acres of stacked 20s from your own personal fortune, she'll think you're crazy, yet love you more than ever. Let's hope post Super Tuesday is a good-enough Wednesday for you.

And Mike! Southern voters hearted Huckabee! Sure, the West Viriginia win feels kind of disingenuous, but you take what you can get, right? Any chance you're going to turn this around and kick John McCain in the teeth? Because you are knocking them off, one-by-one.

John ... well played. That West Virginia move was slick. The rest of your wins obviously earned. Your own political surge is working.

Hillary and Barack ... this is exactly where you need to be. Tied. A continued battle. It's too soon to know. Wait! A reversal! Obama wins Missouri, not Clinton. Oops, it's still pretty close. She's got more delegates, he's got more states. She's got the old white ladies, he's got the young and the beautiful in every color and creed.

(Question: When you're George W. Bush -- or any Bush -- and you see all this "energizing" and "calls for change" and record number of voters, do you feel in any way embarassed for having created such a fuss?)

Ron Paul, you'll take (second in) Montana -- your best showing. There's a fire in this nation ...

Some extras:

Whenever reporters said "delegate-rich California," did anybody else start craving cake with a delicious, calorie-rich buttercream frosting?

Damn kids! Arnold Schwarzenegger's 18-year-old daughter followed mom Maria Shriver's endorsement, not the governor's, and voted for Barack Obama. (And wore a T-shirt in case there were any questions.)

From The Root, an African-American woman confesses that, even though she's a big ol' lefty, she's nominating Condoleeza Rice as her candidate for president. After all, the fact that a woman might vote for Obama or an AfricanAmerican might vote for Hillary Clinton just boggles the mind of pollsters and the press. However do these women make up their minds! Last night over on ABC, Sam Donaldson (who needs to hang up his toupee and retire from live broadcasting) asked, incredulously, what's a black woman to do?

Predictions ... not so easy. Even estimated bedtimes were off. No sooner were folks at CNN shaking their heads saying, "this'll be a late one ... results from delgate-rich California won't be ready until the wee hours ..." when 5 minutes later, after retrieving a pack of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, Political Nanny noticed they called the Golden State for Clinton and McCain.

Finally, a note to John Edwards. We all know who you're going to endorse. Now that Super Tuesday is over, just come out and say it.

We'll continue licking the bowl of this delicious election throughout the day, here at Political Nanny.

The Edwards Matrix

Madeline Holler — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:34:00 GMT

Think of it as the grown-up version of picking a prom date.

An Edwards supporter who doesn't know which box to check on her absentee ballot has come up with a cheat sheet to figure out which candidate she will support. She has posted the Edwards Matrix for all to see.

Problem is, the matrix is inconclusive. The mom who designed it gets all the important stuff -- Iraq, healthcare, experience, hair. But the would-be dates are still in a dead heat.

Political Nanny is looking for something definitive -- a gun to her head, marching orders, whatever you got. Clinton, Obama ... Obama, Clinton. To hell with choice. Could somebody help her decide!

Seems like Republicans are less undecided than Democrats, but there are still plenty who are (but with much less consequence, since McCain seems to be far enough ahead of the others). Apparently, we undecideds are not alone. Salon's Rebecca Traister brilliantly describes how millions of Democratic voters are feeling right this very minute. And this minute. And this one too.

The Coveted 'Gangster Party' Endorsement

Madeline Holler — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:15:00 GMT

Snoop Dogg says he's not down with the Republican party or the Democratic party. "I represent the gangster party." So who does he plan to vote for in tomorrow's California primary election?

Either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. (Damn! Political Nanny thought the undecided Democratic voters might finally get some answers ... albeit from Snoop Dogg. What was she thinking?)

"Whether it be him, a black man, or Hillary, a woman, either one to me is a great move for America because we need change, we need somebody in there that’s going to be about listening to the people and representing the people and I feel like both of the candidates will do that."

Mr. Dogg, Political Nanny could have told you that. Super Tuesday undecideds ... anything? Do you have anything?

Rap Mogul Russell Simmons is leaning toward Hillary Clinton. He says he's had Bill and Hillary's number in his cell phone for years. Q-Tip from Tribe Called Quest is certain of his support for Obama.

will.i.am. & o.ba.ma: Yes We Can

Madeline Holler — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:14:00 GMT

Political Nanny wasn't into Obama's Superbowl ad. She likes this election music video a little better. But here's the problem.

First, it's fun listening to Obama give his big speeches, so having will.i.am talk over him -- with the same words -- feels like the Black-Eyed Peas guy is trying to take credit. But then it's kind of beat poet artsy, so we'll grant a pass on that one. But then it starts feeling like a "We Are the World" but in separate studio sessions because nobody can take the time to get together and sing in a star-studded ensemble anymore. Where's the love in that?

Fine, standing alone is a symbol, one person makes a difference, let's go with that. So we get a montage of other famous (and some not so much) people also talking over Obama. (Have we mentioned the tune is quite catchy?) Sometimes we understand what they're saying. Once in awhile, Political Nanny gets the goosebumps -- kind of her applause meter, if you will.

But then ... then this. What Political Nanny found most annoying -- and she's blaming herself for this -- once Scarlett Johanssen shows up, we stop listening to the message and start leaning in to hear what SJ's singing voice sounds like. (Still not sure.) Wait, where are we? Yes can what? Oh, damn, missed her again.

Mental exercise: After you watch this, watch it again, only try to imagine it's a Mitt Romney or Hillary Clinton speech. Huh, doesn't work so well.

So, sure, it's the Political Video of the Year.

Or you can watch a music video lovenote to Mike Huckabee, with lyrics like " it don't bother me that you went to fake college, cuz the Bible is the once source of true knowledge," and "you were a dream in 2007, gonna be the president of heaven," and "lost that weight, look great, gonna marry church and state."

Thanks for the tip DailyScanner

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe: Super Tuesday Super Quiz

Madeline Holler — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:34:00 GMT

So who's it going to be? You have just about 24 hours, you citizens of Super Tuesday states. Haven't you made up your mind?

Political Nanny understands. We're all a little shell-shocked from the past seven years under Bush. We want to choose carefully. She's here to help.

Take these online quizzes and see if you get consistent results:

This one asks 17 policy questions and spits out a clear answer.

The ghosts of Kucinich and Giuliani (and the other dropouts) provide a haunting look at what could have been. Watch candidate rankings rise and fall after each question is answered.

Here, you get to pick a strategy and then rank the importance of the issue using a slidebar. It takes some work, but you get a result to take to the voting booth.

This one looks at individual rights, parents issues, and international relations. You can also take a quiz on your political philosophy. Should we plug in candidate statements and see who truly inherits the Reagan label?

Want to know which way your state is leaning for either party? Check out these maps.

Graphic: WTOC11