Like many, I’ve been reading about politics this week and spent a long time with Newsweek’s seven-part in-depth report, Secrets of the 2008 Campaign. This is a special behind-the-scenes project the magazine does after every presidential election, drawing upon information not to be revealed until then. Start at the Highlights and proceed to a fascinating account that begins at the beginning: 2006. You’ve heard some of the revelations, such as campaign computers being hacked and Palin’s more-profligate-than-believed spending with the memorable quote by a staffer: “Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast.” You might not have heard the inside stories of McCain’s comeback, Hillary’s hanging in, the increased threats against Obama during the time of Palin’s hate-filled rallies and the fun factoid why McCain refused to look at Obama in the first debate. If there is a must-read, this is it.
Also riveting, a Washington Post story about Eugene Allen, the White House butler of 34 years, with final paragraphs that hit me like a canonball to the stomach. Today’s New York Times has a terrific op-ed piece by Nicholas Kristof called Obama and the War on Brains. It was especially interesting to me, given what I wrote last month in Smart People Need Not Apply.
Picture of the week? Baroque Obama. Apologies to Rembrandt.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m enjoying that Newsweek series, ella.
Washington Post story . . . . Oh my goodness. Rest in peace Helene.
Very moving. Thanks.
I read the butler and the Newsweek piece earlier this week and I love them to pieces. Such a historic race and such rich, detailed and well-written history behind it all. The Newsweek article paints McCain as defeated long before the actual votes were cast, it makes me wonder why networks bother will all the superficial narrative, interactive maps and holograms.
Jack’s last blog post..links for 2008-11-08
Hi, sage – I don’t know anyone who read the butler story who wasn’t moved by it. The story itself is so compelling but the writing … wow. The story really stayed with me. I wish the Newsweek series would be expanded into a book.
Jack – You’re so right. Anyone who thinks print journalism is going to be replaced with YouTube any time soon need only read the Newsweek series. I think it’s a perfect example of the power and strengths of the written word.
I will admit to a fondness for interactive maps, but that hologram was just weird. Showbiz!
Thanks, both of you, for your comments.
Happy Monday
Loved your cartoon pick, too. <3
I confess to being wowed by the Magical Map!
youtube? If I’m never assaulted with another reference to hatred, misinformation, fearmongering, or edited with prejudice gotchyas immortalized on digital video — it will be too soon.
Happy Monday to you too Sage! If you want to lose yourself in a map, check out this map at the Times. It’s interesting, but not surprising, that one of the few areas to vote more Republican this time is the very southern tip of Ohio — where so many of those videos of extreme racists were shot. I was also struck by the lack of even one red dot in NH, which must have devastated McCain.
Glad you like the cartoon. I am still dreaming about the campaign. Srsly. I was so glad when I woke up this morning and remembered it’s over. I think I need a vacation…