Election Coverage 2008 Blog

Peggy Noonan tries to explain

Tim Einenkel — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:23:27 -0400

Yesterday, Peggy Noonan wrote in the Wall Street Journal an "explanation" of what she meant by " I think they went for this -- excuse me-- political bullsh*t about narratives --." The article is below....

Well, I just got mugged by the nature of modern media, and I wish it weren't my fault, but it is. Readers deserve an explanation, so I'm putting a new top on today's column and, with the forbearance of the Journal, here it is.

Wednesday afternoon, in a live MSNBC television panel hosted by NBC's political analyst Chuck Todd, and along with Republican strategist Mike Murphy, we discussed Sarah Palin's speech this evening to the Republican National Convention. I said she has to tell us in her speech who she is, what she believes, and why she's here. We spoke of Republican charges that the media has been unfair to Mrs. Palin, and I defended the view that while the media should investigate every quote and vote she's made, and look deeply into her career, it has been unjust in its treatment of her family circumstances, and deserved criticism for this.

Peggy Noonan on Palin:"Political bullsh*t"

Tim Einenkel — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:13:51 -0400

Chuck Todd: Mike Murphy, lots of free advice, we'll see if Steve Schmidt and the boys were watching. We'll find out on your blackberry. Tonight voters will get their chance to hear from Sarah Palin and she will get the chance to show voters she's the right woman for the job Up next, one man who's already convinced and he'll us why Gov. Jon Huntsman.

(cut away)

Peggy Noonan: Yeah.

Mike Murphy: You know, because I come out of the blue swing state governor world: Engler, Whitman, Tommy Thompson, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush. I mean, these guys -- this is how you win a Texas race, just run it up. And it's not gonna work. And --

PN: It's over.

MM: Still McCain can give a version of the Lieberman speech to do himself some good.

CT: I also think the Palin pick is insulting to Kay Bailey Hutchinson, too.

PN: Saw Kay this morning.

CT: Yeah, she's never looked comfortable about this --

MM: They're all bummed out.

CT: Yeah, I mean is she really the most qualified woman they could have turned to?

PN: The most qualified? No! I think they went for this -- excuse me-- political bullsh*t about narratives --

CT: Yeah they went to a narrative.

MM: I totally agree.

PN: Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at, they blow it.

MM: You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism, and this is cynical.

CT: This is cynical, and as you called it, gimmicky.

MM: Yeah.

Presser at the RNC-Blaming the media

Tim Einenkel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:23:16 -0400

Carly Fiorina, Chairman, RNC Victory 2998, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Former Gov. Jane Swift (R-MA), Rosario Marin, Former U.S. Treasurer, Nancy Pfotenhauer, McCain 08' Policy Advisor, Renee Amore, Pennsylvania Republican Party Deputy Chairman criticizes the media and liberals for sexism again Gov. Palin. Blackburn blames the media for the Republicans not speaking up when Senator Hillary Clinton was attacked during the primaries

Presser at the RNC-Defending Palin-Rosario Marin speaking

Tim Einenkel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:45:15 -0400

Presser at the RNC-Defending Palin-Gov Jane Swift explains

Tim Einenkel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:28:24 -0400

Presser at the RNC-Repubs Defend Palin-Renee Amore speaks

Tim Einenkel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:21:47 -0400

Carly Fiorina, Chairman, RNC Victory 2998, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Former Gov. Jane Swift (R-MA), Rosario Marin, Former U.S. Treasurer, Nancy Pfotenhauer, McCain 08' Policy Advisor, Renee Amore, Pennsylvania Republican Party Deputy Chairman criticize the media and liberals for sexism again Gov. Palin.

Day Three: Palinpalooza!

David Bender — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:30:19 -0400

The media has already invented an apt title for its breathless coverage of the Sarah Circus: "Palinpalooza." Ron Reagan and I will have ringside seats again tonight as Cindy McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani all take their turns in the GOP's elephant parade prior to the star turn of the Woman from Wasilla. Clout's Richard Greene will help us preview the big speech and we're expecting Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar to stop by as well. Get your peanuts! Get your popcorn!! Come join us tonight under the Big Top in St. Paul!!

Don't forget to listen to David Bender and Ron Reagan on the third and almost last day of Air America's coverage of the Republican National Convention, which you can hear and see right on AirAmerica.com.

McCain is so alive!

Tim Einenkel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:38:47 -0400

McCain looks on as Lionel interviews a random local Fox News Reporter....Senator McCain please calm down....please sir, Lionel is trying to conduct an interview...

They Love Her Here....

Lucy Carrigan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:23:40 -0400

They do. They are ecstatic. Everywhere I go I hear women (and it is, mainly, women) either chatting on their cell phones, or doing the stall to stall banter in the ladies' room, talk with great excitement about Sarah Palin. They are discussing their pins, and their signs and the great anticipation they feel for tonight's speech.

One lady I met yesterday said that she was so excited when she heard that John McCain had chosen Sarah Palin to be the Chosen One, that she went upstairs and she put on a dress. "I wore it all day, that's how excited I was," she said, as I struggled to empathize.

Talk Radio Row at the Republican National Convention

Tim Einenkel — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:45:03 -0400

This is where the radio magic happens. Nothing like 50 plus picnic tables, folding chairs and pieces of radio equipment to create the wonderful shows you hear on your radio, Ipod and computer..

...It is very different here

Lucy Carrigan — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:37:23 -0400

and yes, I know, I'm not a Republican so maybe it is that I just don't get it... can't connect with it. (How anyone can connect with the t-shirt above I can't quite tell, on sale right outside the Xcel Center this afternoon). But. The vibe is different. Do you know it is $3 for a bottle of Dasani Water in the vending machine? And yes, the vending machine is cool ... very... but still. Three buckeroos. And nothing seems to be for free. Here at the Republican Convention you must pay for everything. No promotions. No parties in the workspace. No beer nor wine receptions. (har har I can hear the Republicans cry, "It's all about you democrats and your desire for a welfare state.") But no, it is very very staid. Not a lot of excitement in this crowd (not counting the lady sitting behind me during the pronouncement of the Republican Platform. Now she was a whooper and a holler-er, loordie!). The (other) ladies look at you and you can sense their disapproval. They walk along the aisles with this strange downward turn on their lips, as if they have lived a life of eternal disappointment. The girls dress with no flair. Their suits are conservative. No expression. Button down shirts and woolen (or cotton) vests. Neat. Tidy. Proper.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) live on Air America at the Democratic National Convention

Tim Einenkel — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:25:54 -0400

Michelle Obama enters a room, the crowd goes wild. The people can't get enough of her, even the other big shots. Roving floor reporter, Alex Goldmark, catches Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy snapping a few photos of the (potential) future first lady.

VIDEO: Markos Moulitsas In the Big Tent with Sam Seder

Tim Einenkel — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:27:47 -0400

Sam talks with blogger Markos from the Daily Kos

VIDEO: Sam Seder inside the Convention

Tim Einenkel — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:20:17 -0400

Sam Seder takes you inside the convention center. See what you are missing because you didn't book your flight in time

VIDEO: Sam Seder talks to Rachel Maddow live from Denver!

Tim Einenkel — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:13:23 -0400

Sam Seder Dispatch live from the Democratic National Convention

VIDEO: Sam Seder Dispatch live from the Democratic National Convention

Tim Einenkel — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:53:43 -0400

Spencer Ackerman at the Democratic National Convention