Posts Tagged ‘Barack Obama’
The toxic mental effects of being in power too long
President Barack Obama tells Jerry Seinfeld ‘world leaders’ who’ve been in power too long lose their judgement. Interesting that he would say that, eh? Seinfeld says, meaningfully, “Privilege is toxic.” Yep. I’ve had cause to think that in regard to certain unpickings in New Zealand politics, recently. See the exchange in context in this […]
It’s all about image
I spotted this National Party campaign ad yesterday thanks to @jamileeross who tweeted it into my timeline. Hmm, I thought, monochrome, concrete block bunker, working the phones. Looks like they’re going for a 1960s Kennedy campaign vibe. I wonder who’s on the other end?
Obama on MLK speech 50th Anniversary
I know I’m late to this. I just spotted this photo in Barack Obama’s Instagram feed. (I ‘follow’ it, but pretty much abandoned Instagram when Facebook bought it.) I’ve stood on that spot (yeah, tourist, me) at the top of the steps in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, right on the battered […]
The evolution of mom dancing – Jimmy Fallon and Michelle Obama
Cool! via Andrew Sullivan’s Daily Dish
Taking it seriously. Barack Obama polishes his speech notes.
This is a photo by White House official photographer Pete Souza of a version of US President Barack Obama’s draft speech notes marked up for changes. When he’s ‘on’ Barack Obama is a fine orator — possibly the best of his generation. What this photo shows me is that he really works to polish and prepare. […]
Not an endorsement. Not product placement. Just what they use: Apple.
I’ve talked before about the presence of Apple computers in the Obama White House (see: Talk about product placement! and iPad penetration) … today I was browsing the White House Flickr photostream (gee is that one word now?) having followed a link to Pete Souza’a excellent action shot from August last year of President Obama […]
Lessons in the voter breakdown
I’m not a data geek like Nate Silver. Look at his little joke, a play on the Romney campaign’s (purloined) slogan ‘Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.’ Clear algorithms. Full spreadsheets. 91% chance of winning. — Nate Silver (@fivethirtyeight) November 9, 2012 Tee hee. Anyway, so I’m not a data genius, nor do I pretend […]
Four more years
From Barack Obama’s Facebook page Pic: Scout Tufankjian Whew. Pic: By Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images Update: The Story behind the top photo — Gizmodo
Ellsberg: Vote for Obama. Not because I support him but because I oppose the Republicans.
From a recent article by Pentagon Papers Whistleblower (and one of my heroes) Daniel Ellsberg: An activist colleague recently said to me: “I hear you’re supporting Obama.” I was startled, and took offense. “Supporting Obama? Me?!” “I lose no opportunity publicly,” I told him angrily, to identify Obama as a tool of Wall Street, a […]
Obama and Romney: Two men, two visions
Here are the two parts of a BBC documentary about the US election, and the ‘tectonic plates’ of the partisanship being played out, which featured on the World Service this week. It’s instructive to hear an explanation for the death of public consensus, the rapid rise of the right wing extreme (and its effect on […]
Debate #2
I’m sure how you saw today’s 2nd debate between the US presidential candidates depends on where you stand. I didn’t think it was even close. To me, Romney floundered and appeared untrustworthy, arrogant and somewhat entitled/spoilt-bratty. But I’m sure others judged the whole thing differently. Let me be clear: I want Obama to win. He […]
Lying liars
Wow. Trying to be as big a liar as their candidate? … Florida Republican Volunteer Tells Senior Citizens: Obama Is A ‘Muslim’ Who Will ‘Get Rid Of Your Medicare’ “Well think really hard, you all sound like senior citizens, right? …. Yea, you don’t want Obama, you don’t want Obama because he’ll get rid of […]
Oh boy. Michael Lewis on Obama
One of my favourite authors Michael Lewis, had the assignment and the opportunity to trail President Obama for eight months (including access to the White House) for one of his LOOOONG Vanity Fair pieces … excerpts here. Worth a read. The full article will only be in the printed edition, I think. (UPDATE: Link in […]
I loved him. But I’m biased.
Andrew Sullivan live-blogged the Obama Democrat convention speech and wrapped it up about 11pm with this: I loved him. But I’m biased. I think he’s been the best thing to happen to America in a long time and he has achieved more in tougher circumstances against historical odds than anyone has a right to expect. […]
Being President doesn’t change who you are. It reveals who you are.
An impressive speech from Michelle Obama tonight …
