Geraldine Ferraro thinks that Obama is on political easy street because he is black.

Oh Geraldine, I remember when my parents would tell stories about how you and Walter Mondale got electorally sodomized in the 1984 Presidential campaign. And here you are again, back in the limelight and trying to extend your political shelf-life.

I have to say with the utmost regret, that I agree with certain portions of what Ferraro is trying to say - it’s the way she says it that makes her a little media-whorish.

An educated person might say something like, “Obama has the charismatic benefit of being able to speak to multiple disenfranchised voter groups while maintaining a strong mainstream appeal.”

That works a lot better than, “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman, 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,” which is what Ferraro told the media.

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You wouldn’t think it, but there is one way this 2008 presidential election looks sort of like the end of the 2004 campaign.The celebrities are coming out early and in full force.

Here’s how it breaks down by candidate (the ones who are still in the game) and celeb (this is a MUCH abbreviated list):

Mike Huckabee – Chuck Norris
Barack Obama – Oprah Winfrey
John McCain – Red Sox pitcher Kurt Schilling
Hillary Clinton – America Ferrera

I understand that celebrity endorsements can bring excitement to a campaign and make people who otherwise may not pay attention to a particular candidate tune in and then (I hope) research that candidate’s platform. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so shocked to hear that not only do quite a few people take note of who throws their support where, but it actually makes a difference as to which celebrity is coming out to officially back you up. Read More »

Like any good twenty-something, I’m on several random email lists, usually of the happy hour variety. When one of my favorite haunts in lower Manhattan emailed me about an open bar next Monday, I did a cartoon-style double-take. Not because I’m that excited about an open bar, but because in the subject line, this one was exclusively for supporters of Barack Obama.

I opened said email instead of deleting immediately, and read that the “suggested donation” was $25 per person, but more would be greatly appreciated, and that the proceeds would go directly to Obama’s campaign.

Maybe I should’ve been disgusted. Instead, I was intrigued. A politician’s supporters realize a great way to get the twenty-to-thirty demographic to donate…give them booze in exchange for the donation. Unlimited alcohol—and sushi!—for four hours, even. Read More »