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Videos of the Week Is Made From People!!
By Tommy ChristopherApr 6th 2008 2:05PM
Filed Under:eJohn McCain, Ron Paul, Mike Gravel, Videos of the Week
to Heston's charisma and charm that many liberals, myself included, had no problem overlooking his status as the face of the gun lobby to enjoy his films.I want to pay tribute to him, but I don't want to give him short shrift, so I will continue this ode to Charlton Heston at the conclusion of VOTW with a look at my own personal Heston Trilogy, three films, and three roles, that would not have been possible with another actor.
This week, we've got Hillary with another tall tale, McCain telling us all to stay off his lawn, President Bush pitching to the enemy, Ron Paul swinging big wood, Obama getting f@cked, Oprah doing good and evil, and an absolute must see, can't miss trainwreck from Mike Gravel.
To lead off this week's VOTW, here's a great clip from The Young Turks. My pal, Cenk Uygar, deconstructs Rachel Maddow deconstructing John McCain's straight talkin' maverick narrative. Extra points for making Joe Scarborough look foolish.
This next video is burning up the Youtube charts, and while many will draw from this "another exaggeration" for Hillary Clinton, for me the takeaway is entirely different. In the video, Hillary tells a story during a stump speech, and as my friend, David Knowles, reported yesterday, it turned out not to be true. More after the vid.
For me, there are two important points here. First, I hate when candidates tell these kinds of stories, because they just sound so truckling and artificial. They remind me of the myriad gags about filling in the blanks on form letters or computer calls to sound sincere. Dear (voters) of (name state here), I met (member of local sports team)...
I hate it when any of them does it, because they tell it like it's an experience that stuck with them, but the story itself is never interesting. The second, more important, point is that you must guard against Anecdotal News Syndrome. I did 5 or 6 stories this week explaining the importance of decent journalism, some in defense of Senator Clinton, and this case illustrates it beautifully. Senator Clinton can hardly be blamed for the fact that her staff, once again, fell down on the job.
Here's a super-short one called, "McCain on blogging." I'm not sure, but I think he's being a dick.
That was a slam, right? Well, assuming it is, up yours, McCain. I'm not gonna take crap from a guy who runs outside to check his mailbox every time his computer says, "You've got mail."
My friend, Diana, and I were disagreeing about Bill Maher yesterday, she pro, me con, so I thought I'd give him another shot. Tell me what you think.
See, my assessment of Maher hasn't changed. As a comic, he has it all except for delivery, timing, and material. As a pundit, or more accurately, a "fundit" (thanks, Mo) he seems to me to be rather narrowly contrarian. I liked the bit about McCain's speech, but the MLK sniper joke was a calculated attempt to be "edgy," and it didn't work for me.
Here's a clip of the McCain speech, which I hadn't realized was delivered outside the motel. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that. What I love is the video's title, "John McCain lightly heckled during MLK speech." It sounds like a menu description, like, "...and our special today is a pan-seared McCain, lightly heckled, in a reduction of straight talk."
Another friend made an excellent point about this next video, that one of the great things that Oprah Winfrey does is to be a bridge to everyday people, people who might otherwise have trouble recognizing the humanity of her controversial guest, the "Pregnant Man."
The 3am ad gets a little comeuppance from Hillary Clinton, in a bit of self-parody that many critics missed, as they pointed out very seriously that bad economic news was unlikely to occur at that hour. Kudos to Hillary for having a sense of humor.
Worth noting is that Obama volunteer Casey Knowles is missing from the new ad. Smart move.
Mike Gravel jumps the shark, then eats it with some fava beans and a nice Chianti in this next clip, wherein he channels Bill Shatner against a backdrop of newsreel violence porn. What's supposed to be ironic comes off, to me, as mocking.
Here's a clip of David Shuster kicking off a Hillary Clinton NAFTA GOTCHA!
I don't care for this type of attack, as I believe that politicians can, and should be encouraged to, change their minds, but the whole thing is fueled by the candidates' complicity in insisting that they've always thought as they do today.
President Bush throws out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals' new ballpark, and as they say in the bigs, this kid can really bring it.
No, they weren't yelling, "Looou!"
Ron Paul is back! I like Dr. Paul, but he's much more effective as a thorn in the government's side than as the head of it. Here he is making lots of sense, again.
If you're not laughing at this next video, I'm worried about you.
This next clip from the AP details the ironic goings on at Wrestlemania.
The fireworks belligerently called for a re-match.
My friends told me to watch this next one, but I arrogantly refused, thinking it was a sorry re-hash. I was wrong.
Set aside the politics of it, and this is seriously funny. Here's "I'm F@cking Obama."
In our last political clip, Pa. Governor Ed Rendell has a complete break with reality. I agree that many on MSNBC and CNN have been guilty of anti-Hillary bias from time to time, but Fox's lowered bar does not put them ahead of these two.
And now, a brief tribute to Charlton Heston. Politically, he may have some things to answer for, but I do believe that he thought he was doing the right thing. Artistically, his arrogance served him, and us, very well, and never more so than in my own Heston Post-Apocalyptic Trilogy.
The characters he created in these three films were uniquely his, fiercely unlikeable anti-heroes from a broken and scattered mold. I recommend you check these out.
First, there's Planet of the Apes. Here's the original trailer, wherein we also learn what all those 1930's newsreel announcers were doing for work in 1968.
Heston's Taylor is such an unapologetic, believable prick from beginning to end, illustrating in his performance the thesis of the film, that man is a flawed, self-destructive creature. What's magical, though, is the way that, even after all of the unrelenting dickishness, by the end of the film we are all shattered along with him.
On a political note, the trailer showcases Heston seemingly offering a critique of the Bush administration at every turn.
Here is my favorite scene from the second film in my trilogy, Soylent Green, featuring Edward G. Robinson's final performance.
This film is full of wonderful observations about scarcity in an environmentally devastayed future, including one of my favorite lines ever in a movie. He's questioning a harem of prostitutes, and he arrogantly grabs a cigarette from one of them, takes a deep pull off of it, and says, "If I had the money, I'd smoke two, three of these every day."
Again, the key to this film is the jaded, cynical Heston, who turns out, by film's end, to have been the naive one.
Finally, there's "The Omega Man." This film was re-made as "I Am Legend", also an awesome flick, but Heston really captured the hubristic insanity of the last man on Earth.
This movie was like cinematic crack for me. Last man on Earth? I'm there! What kid hasn't dreamed of a world of free stores and empty movie theaters? While I thought Will Smith's portrayal was richer and truer, Heston's bull in a post-apocalyptic china shop approach worked for Omega Man's mix of dorky-cautionary-tale/blaxploitation flick. Plus, I absolutely love the score from this film.
Ironically, all three films are heavily liberal "message movies," which has always led me to believe that if Heston could separate his politics from his movies, then we should at least reciprocate.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 1)Tommy Christopher2:07PMApr 6th 2008
TJ, both Knowles and I did report that. Read what I wrote and turn your caps off, please.
Diana2:14PMApr 6th 2008
Tommy......thanks for the shout out and I know you need to be topical, hence the headline, but last week's show was much funnier and more representative of Bill Maher's humor. Here's the monologue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwzXnQ1e8Uo
Here's 'New Rules', where YOUR name is actually mentioned in a tempting context. LOL. :
And here's John Cusack. Now there's a politically-savvy Hollywood actor (Ben Affleck's another). :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT3hJPZJc10
TJ2:35PMApr 6th 2008
Those of you tired of you, in NEW YORK, who support HiLlary Clinton and had it with media bias, i found this on the wire:
Time to stop media abuse.Please joint the protest:
Hillary Clinton Demonstration
Attention Hillary Supporters!!
Are you sick of the biased and sexist media?
Would you like the media to stop choosing our presidents?
If so, JOIN OTHER HILLARY SUPPORTERS on FRIDAY, APRIL 11th at 8 AM!!
We'll be protesting in New York City, at the Corner of 48th Street and Rockefeller Plaza!
We have to stand up! Let the media understand we won't take this abuse of power any longer!
We encourage homemade signs supportive of Senator Clinton
or protesting media bias and sexism only. Anti-Obama or Anti-McCain signs are absolutely not welcome.
This is a peaceful protest. We do not represent Hillary Clinton but as supporters of her politics
we embody her values and accordingly, must conduct ourselves respectfully at all times.
Remember the date and join us in keeping the media's power in check!
This protest is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the official Hillary Clinton for Presidential campaign.
This protest is an independent project organized, funded and operated by grassroots supporters of
Posted by: stands up | Apr 6, 2008 1:59:25 PM
Tommy Christopher2:42PMApr 6th 2008
Di,
OK, I liked that "New Rules" segment. And rest assured, I always get good grades. I wasn't great with home work, but I always came through on the big tests.
TJ2:47PMApr 6th 2008
Well, Tommy christopher, if you knew Mrs clinton heard it from a sheriff, tell me why it would be newsworthy. Why???-just to mock Hillary and drive up her negatives?
Would you believe a Sheriff,Tommy Xtopher?
I personally would believe a sheriff without question.
This election is a not about comedy or about laughs.
it is about the course of many lives. its about this country.
You are using the power of the media to deprive America of a great president in Hillary Clinton.
Obama will never win. Ive done my part to hold him off till now and i know many more, like me, that will vote McCain before Obama.
So, cut the crap, and do a decent reporting.
Tommy Christopher2:51PMApr 6th 2008
TJ, read what I wrote. It was in plain English.
"The second, more important, point is that you must guard against Anecdotal News Syndrome. I did 5 or 6 stories this week explaining the importance of decent journalism, some in defense of Senator Clinton, and this case illustrates it beautifully. Senator Clinton can hardly be blamed for the fact that her staff, once again, fell down on the job."
Her staff should have vetted the story before putting it in a speech. A rookie mistake.
D. L. GRAHAM3:09PMApr 6th 2008
SETTING THE GORE STAGE
At this point we know that neither of the Democratic Candidate's have a snowball chance in hell against (D-AR)US/Senator John McCain in the General election, and as the campaign draws on with each passing day a Republican Victory is ensured.
But, it appears that the Democratic Party Elite have come upon the ultimate solution and that is the "Gore Draft" at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
We now know that the so called problem concerning the seating of Florida and Michigan is really nothing at all and will be settled by the (DNC) Chairman Howard Deans' (25) in the standing committee's of the credentials committee on or about June 29th.
It is now important that political operative's such as Tommy Christopher, Sandy Clark, and David Knowles stir the pot. The Democratic Campaign at this point is only been taken to the gutter by the Clinton Campaign, but to ensure the "Gore Draft" in the convention, the campaign must be taken from the gutter down deep into the sewer, the deeper into the darkness the better.
Thus by the time both unelectable Democratic candidates reach the convention, it will be a snap to convince (100) Super-delegates to withold their votes on the first ballot allowing for a "Draft Gore" on the second ballot.
The Democratic Party will not be fracture over just one office, at the expense of the Democratic Party, putting a strong candidate who can unite the party into the nomination, with very long coat tails. We are talking the Congress and various state houses if not seats in the various state houses.
So, it is now up to Tommy Christoper, Sandy Clark and David Knowles to stir that pot.
JOHN3:10PMApr 6th 2008
Trinity United Church of Christ
Obama mentioned his church during his appearance with Oprah. It's the 'Trinity United Church of Christ'.
It is very alarming. Barack Obama is a member of this church and is running for President of the U.S. If you look at the first page of their Web site, you will learn that this congregation has a non-negotiable commitment to Africa. No where is America even mentioned. Notice too, what color you will need to be if you should want to join Obama's church? Does this surprise anyone?
Doesn't look like his choice of religion has improved much over his Muslim upbringing. This guy wants to rule America while his loyalty is totally vested in a black Africa !
I cannot believe this has not been all over the TV and newspapers. This is why it is so important to pass this message along to all our family and friends. To think that Obama has even the slightest chance in the run for the presidency is really scary.
D. L. GRAHAM4:21PMApr 6th 2008
TO: TOMMY CHRISTOPHER (CLINTONIAN)
FR: D. L. GRAHAM
TOMMY CHRISTOPHER: "Her staff should have vetted the story before putting it in a speech. A rookie mistake."
REPLY: You are still wet behind the ear's. (D-NY) US/Senator Hillary Diane Rodham-Clinton, paid Mark Penn how much money to what run a clueless campaign? To no have vetted (D-IL) Barrack "Barry" Hussein Obama? To what play both sides of the fence agaisnt the interests of the candidate and your Democratic Party, Blackwater, and the Columbians? To run a campaign of "Bradley & Limaugh Effects" and "Tanya Harding Knee Cap" tactics? It's not only Mark Penn any longer its Hillary, the "Buck" stop's at the top.
Boy, you better wake up an smell the roses. The Democratic Party is in real trouble, and Al Gore is looking each and everyday as it's only solution.
It will be easier to save the Democratic Party then the planet and at the same time be in a position to create the changes that he so badly wants to do.
Your girl and Penn blew it. And, now the Democratic Party is at risk, and the big boys aren't playing.
CCWBRANCH4:26PMApr 6th 2008
sounds like tommy has things running up his leg like chris matthews. as a matter of fact, so does david knowles....why dont you two tell us what it is that makes obama a good choice for a candidate...you know, what is it ? is it his bad judgement in the wright thing ? or how about his good character with all those shady chicago people ? or how about all that experience that he doesnt have ? is it his appeal to college students that think hes a rock star and you two want to be part of that crowd ? i doubt if you can tell us one thing concrete about your choice of obama. so, we are back to that thing running up your legs.....a big nasty lying ass rat.
suzanne5:12PMApr 6th 2008
Enjoyed the Videos Of The Week!!
"I'm F@cking Obama" to good!!!!!
Tommy Christopher5:23PMApr 6th 2008
CCW,
read this
The Whole Truth About Barack Obama
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/03/17/the-whole-truth-about-barack-obama/
Then come back and apologize.
Tommy Christopher5:40PMApr 6th 2008
Suzanne, thanks. My fave was Gravel. I'll check back on comments later tonite, peeps, so come back. Enjoy the vids.
Katherine5:46PMApr 6th 2008
I can't watch any of them!! It just keeps doing that rotative cycling thing....OH, and now as I write this---ALL of them started at once. LOL. Can't be my alienware.
OK, I'll be back! (lol).
TJ6:37PMApr 6th 2008
WHAT IS NEWSWORTHY?
OBAMA IS HARVESTING 93% OF BLACK VOTES
HE NEVER ATTENDED THE BLACK UNION;
HILLARY DID
OBAMA NEVER PAID TRIBUTE TO MLK IN MEMPHIS;
HILLARY DID.
THE BLACK VOTE IS FREE TO OBAMA FOR THE TAKING. DOES OBAMA ONLY THINK HE IS BLACK WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT AND WHITE WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT?
ID SAY , YES.
THAT IS NEWS
IM STILL TO SEE THE MEDIA RAISE THE QUESTIONS?????
THAT IS WORTHY OF HALF A DOZEN BLOGS.
AlasAlas7:38PMApr 6th 2008
The whole truth about Obama and the cite is "The Political Machine" ? How funny is that ROFL. If its like the other fiction they put out you would be better off getting your information from Dr. Seuss lol
AlasAlas7:42PMApr 6th 2008
The whole truth about Obama and the cite is "The Political Machine? ROFL. What could be funnier from this group of fiction writers. Do they go so far as to call him their God?
Thank god for other news sources:-)))
Tommy Christopher9:44PMApr 6th 2008
Alas, did you read the piece? Do you want to argue the substance of it? I'm happy to do that, or to listen to your unfounded insults, but I'm not the one shrinking from a challenge. I'm answering it.
Katherine10:34PMApr 6th 2008
HI! I have some videos of the week and will be back to comment on this author's videos of the week.
Obama, pushed wrong buttons or was a liar? (Senate Votes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne_sVIpv6io
GODTUBE: Bless You (and Obama , too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMhgXolZ4I
Devolution of America (Obama)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1mq5Nn6LfA
Obama SexyLies (No Music) Part1 (Race-Baiting,I mmigration, HealthCare, Iraq
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JQ4YXC_bjQ
Obama SexyLies (No Music) Part2 (Tony Rezko,William Ayers, Rashid Khalidi, Nadhmi Auchi, Jeremiah Wright
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft6cZjPw79Q
Barack Obama - The Audacity of Blood (This one is weird and controversial, but creative)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slJzRwhiaZQ
Obama Robot, Liar, or alien?Garlicy Italians, Whites, Jews (warning: curse word)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUvyccJgOnQ
Obama Says A Baby Is A Punishment (thereby offending millions of Americans)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzmly28Bmg
Obama-Raila Odinga--yep, cousins, not even 10% of the story, but here ya go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBJouPhws1M
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TJ1:36PMApr 6th 2008
THERE IS A VIDEO OF HILLARY SPEAKING TO THE SHERIFF IN QUESTION ON ABC NEWS. IF YOU OR DK CARED FOR TRUTH ,YOU WOULD REPORT THAT HILLARY GOT THE STORY FROM A SHERIFF.
YOU ARE A BUNCH OF LIARS AND YOU WANT TO WIN FOR OBAMA AT ALL COST.
IF YOU CARE FOR THE TRUTH, TELL THE TRUTH....
YOU JUST WANT TO DRIVE CLINTON'S NEGATIVES UP TO FAVOR OBAMA IN PA. MEDIA IS GETTING DESPERATE
REPORT THE TRUTH---THE WHOLE TRUTH.
MY FACT CHECK OF YOUR FACT CHECK.... HOW IS THAT?
YOU GET "F"
HILLARY HAD EVERY REASON TO BELEIVE A SHERIFF..