A Good Week

Is it possible that the Democrats have actually pulled off a flawless convention and nominated a terrific team that offers passion, experience, vision and conviction? Each night seemed perfected choreographed to convey a particular message designed to unify the party and demonstrate to the nation that Barack Obama and Joe Biden are the right choice on Election Day in November. And the news today that John McCain has chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, a social conservative, apparently to bolster his support among the party’s base who have little love for the former maverick, adds piquancy to the strength of the Democratic ticket. The Ted Kennedy/Michelle Obama show on Monday, followed by Hillary’s terrific performance on Tuesday, and then Bill and Joe’s one-two punch on Wednesday were all impressive raising the stakes for the main event on Thursday. And Barack Obama did not disappoint. He hit all the right notes, delivering a great speech with all the poetry his supporters have grown accustomed to while also providing plenty of specifics that his critics have charged he has glossed over. Never mind that his standard stump speech has always been chock full of policy specifics that have been essential to his appeal. But most importantly, Obama took the fight directly to Sen. McCain, leaving no doubt that he is ready to take on the War Hero on the question of who has the ideas, the determination and the fortitude to deliver on the challenges facing our nation at this critical juncture. Even the roll call had a dramatic, cathartic and even entertaining quality to it. When the Illinois delegation ceded its time to the New York crowd allowing Sen. Hillary Clinton to call on the convention to nominate Obama by acclamation, policy wonks everywhere were breathless. Granted McCain deserves some credit for seizing the media’s attention by naming Palin, the little known, self-described former “hockey mom.” But after the buzz caused by the surprise announcement dies down independents and other undecided voters will most likely wonder why this choice should convince anyone that the nation’s future is best entrusted to this team. Wow. Whatta week. I’m still kinda breathless.

Iowa in T-minus 24 hours

Friends, it’s almost Labor Day. Summer is setting, and with it, the horizon of possibility for reckless adventure, late-night wanderings, wine by the bonfire and naps on the beach recedes. I don’t know about you – but I’m scared. It hasn’t been the best summer for me. I would go so far as to call it “crummy.” But it’s still summer. For every personal catastrophe, awkward social situation and case of the stomach flu there’s been grilled corn on the cob, rowboat-ing and long afternoons at the pool. I think I have the best tan of my life. And as much as I want the litany of disaster and disheartening failure to stop, I don’t want summer to end. Luckily, we still have Des Moines. Yes, Des Moines. Remember Branson? Sure you do: We had the time of our lives in Branson, forceful suppression of irony aside. And now we’ve been invited to Des Moines. Branson might be God Country’s family-friendly answer to Las Vegas, but based on the research we’ve done so far, Des Moines might surprisingly hold its own to the Sin City. We’re not even joking. Originally we were going for a boxing tournament, which has since been rescheduled. And even Wayne Newton – Mr. Las Vegas himself – is going to be there this weekend, judging the Iowa Gold Star Futurity. We’ll be dining at the historic Embassy Club at the top of one of the tallest buildings in Iowa, hitting up the piano bar and hopping all around the East Village, where our fancy downtown hotel is located. We’ll see you at El Bait Shop, a Mexican-BBQ-70s-fishing themed bar and grill featuring more than 170 beers on tap, and maybe Des Moines’ oldest bar, The Locust Tap, which sounds kind of like the Landmark, or maybe Polish Falcons. From what we can gather, the city’s LGBT community is HQ’d in the East Village, too, which is great news, because gay men love Matt Wild. We’re really excited to see the State Capitol and the history museum and shop at the Des Moines Downtown Farmer’s Market, one of the biggest and best in the country – they actually shut down the downtown city streets on Saturday morning. And even though we like to play fast and loose on these trips, I am secretly holding out for a few moments of peace and quiet, maybe in Brown’s Woods, the state’s largest urban forest preserve, or on the beach at Saylorville Lake, or amid the crab apple trees at the Arie den Boer Arboretum. Also we’re stopping by the Field of Dreams on our way home. Really, all of this sounds just picture-perfect, a far cry from the Midwestern kitsch-trip we had kind of expected when planning our On Assignment series. I really can’t wait. I need a vacation. Good thing we’re leaving tomorrow morning. Des Moines ahoy! Stay tuned for frequent blogging and video updates, and tell all your friends!

Hitting the Right Notes

My name is Ted and I’m a political junkie. There I was captivated by the television coverage of the Democratic National Convention even though I had bills to pay, dishes to wash, and good books to read. It was a gorgeous late summer evening and I knew I had better things to do. Heck, just leaving the house for a stroll would have been healthier for my body and soul

On Second Thought

Conventional Wisdom proved on the money yesterday when Barack Obama announced Joe Biden was his choice as the Democratic party’s candidate for vice president. Biden is a safe choice a) because as a two-time candidate for president he has been exhaustively vetted and his weaknesses are well-known, b) his thirty years as a Senator and foreign policy expert gives him a gravitas that many feel Obama lacks, and, perhaps most importantly, c) Biden is a proven counter-puncher who is not shy about engaging in the kind of attack that Obama has at least pretended to be above, so far. Once elected, God willing, there is also the potential for Biden to serve as the President’s consigliere, an indispensible role that can aid in the early success of the Obama administration. The most recent Democratic administrations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stumbled seriously out of the gate largely due to an inability (or unwillingness) to build coalitions with Congress. Earlier, I expressed the hope that Obama would make a bolder choice, such as Colin Powell, as a demonstration of his committment to a new kind of politics. But Biden may be the best of both worlds; a good partner during the election who will effectively balance the ticket as well as seerving as a savvy and experienced vice president after the inauguration who has Obama’s full faith and confidence. The polls are tightening but you have to feel good about the chances for the Democrats. First of all, people who would never vote for Obama, because of his politics, inexperience or color, most certainly have already made up their minds. The next seventy days are about reaching the undecideds (and getting your supporters motivated enough to actually vote). Biden is a good choice in this regard, reassuring to the Hillary Clinton supporters and undecideds. But the veep choice rarely makes much of a difference. It will still be Obama’s job to close the deal with the voters. As expected, the campaign has grown uglier this past week as McCain made some ill-advised comments regarding the definition of wealthy as $5 million and up and, of course, failing to have an answer to the quesstion of how many homes he owns. His camp has fired back that attacks on McCain’s wealth reflected a repudiation of the Obama pledge to run a clean campaign (though McCain has been questioning Obama’s patriotism and arguably started this mudslinging himself), declared the gloves are off and went after Obama for his “million dollar home’ purchased with the help of “convicted felon” Tony Rezko. But have no doubt that the Obama camp is comfortable in this arena. If the candidates are judged by their own words then McCain’s flubs and misstatements will only reinforce his own vulnerabilities. And it is only a matter of time before somebody brings up McCain’s connection to the Keating scandal in the 1980s. McCain was sanctioned for his ties to savings and loan mogul Charles Keating and his commitment to campaign […]

Only Hours Away

Barack Obama hasn’t publicly announced his choice for vice president yet. I know because his campaign has ensured me that I will be the first to hear. Me and the millions of others who have texted “VP” to 62262 (OBAMA). Chances are good that he will make the announcement in the next 18 hours since The World is expecting his choice to join him at a rally in Springfield, Illinois on Saturday. So this is my last chance to share my thoughts on the Big Choice. The conventional wisdom has lined up behind Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, who has the Washington experience and foreign policy credentials that some say are holes in the Obama resume that need to be filled. Personally, I believe Biden would be a disappointing choice because he is too safe. Granted, he’s run for president twice so his negatives are well-known and manageable. But the trouble is that he doesn’t bring anything that would energize the campaign. Obama knows this choice will be analyzed and dissected more than anything he has said or done so far in the campaign. That includes his remarks about the bitterness of the working class and even his choice of pastor. His choice needs to affirm his campaign theme of change and I don’t think Biden fits the bill. I look for someone older and more experienced but not from the list of usual suspects. Here is my list of eye-openers, holy-cows, and who-would-have-thoughts: First of all, there’s Jim Webb, a first-term Senator from Virginia. CW has focused on the Commonwealth’s Gov. Tim Kaine as more likely but look at what Webb brings; decorated war hero (sound familiar?), experience at the Pentagon as an Assistant Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, and a Republican who switched sides to become one of the most-outspoken critics of George Bush. Obama could do worse. You have to believe that Obama is seriously considering a Republican or at least someone with a strong record of working across the aisle. While he has pledged to bring a bipartisan approach to his administration, many independents and Republicans don’t see very much to suggest that in his record. How do you think they’d feel if Olympia Snowe, a moderate Republican who has served on the Armed Services, Finance and Intelligence committees? She has earned the respect of leaders of both parties by developing a keen ability to craft legislative compromise without sacrificing principle. But the 800 pound gorilla of long shots has got to be Colin Powell. Can you imagine? The incredibly highly regarded career military man was dissed big time by the Bush administration. He’s made no secret of his regret about taking cooked evidence to the United Nations to make the case for war. What better way to restore his reputation than as a member of the administration whose greatest challenge will be cleaning up the mess that occurred on his watch? Powell has said he’s not interested but come on. When a […]

Soulstice Theatre’s CHICAGO

Northern Lights Friday night show

Milwaukee is a little too far south to see northern lights often, but this fact won’t stop you from enjoying them during the Friday night shows at the Manfred Olson Planetarium at UW-Milwaukee this fall. Not only do you marvel at the beauty of the aurora borealis — as they are also known — you explore why they occur and where to see them. As always, you look at the stars and other special astronomical objects such as galaxies and nebulae in the current night sky displayed on the newly renovated dome of our theater. You might be surprised to see the difference between city skies and country skies. At the end of the program you have a chance to ask the presenter questions that she gladly answers. When: 7:00-7:55 pm, September 5 to October 31, 2008 Admission: $1 per person. Location: 1900 East Kenwood Blvd in the UW-Milwaukee Physics building. This show is not intended for children under 6 years old. Our theater is wheelchair accessible. Tickets go on sale at 6:30 pm, 30 minutes before the show begins. We recommend arriving at that time because sometimes the shows are sold out. Unfortunately, latecomers cannot be allowed to enter so plan to find your seat a few minutes early. For additional questions, please contact the planetarium director, Jean Creighton, at (414) 229-4961. www.planetarium.uwm.edu

Kids in the fridge

When my dad saw the cover of our August issue, he railed at me for a half-hour about our lack of editorial responsibility. Apparently, I am too young to remember a time when empty refrigerators in basements and junk lots enticed curious children into their deadly depths. My parents are subscribers, so they received the magazine right when it was hitting the stands. Since then, we’ve had dozens of calls, emails and hand-scrawled letters from furious readers who are terrified that young ones city-wide will see this issue, get ideas in their heads and go romping right to their death in the Fridgidaire. When this gem arrived at our office, I knew I had to do some serious research, and by research, I mean a Google search of “kids in refrigerators”: Here’s what my research turned up. The reason I’m too young to remember kids dying in refrigerators? Because kids don’t die in refrigerators anymore. Abandoned iceboxes used to be a threat because of the mechanical latch on models manufactured before 1958. The widest rash of refrigerator deaths happened between 1956 and 1964, with accidents mostly tapering off after around 1984. From thestraightdope.com: “The problem hasn’t entirely disappeared — two kids in Guyana died in an old fridge in 2003.” But unless copies of VITAL are somehow migrating to the Third World, which is probably the only place you’ll be able to find refrigerators old enough to trap innocent children, I doubt we’ve put any children any closer to an untimely end. The crusade is over. So don’t fret your head. And stop calling me.

Eye of the Beholder

Maybe you heard that Marie Claire magazine has opined that Milwaukee is one sexy city. Apparently, our rocking lakefront and neighborhood festivals suggest that we know how to have a good time. I won’t argue with that though the magazine didn’t bother to send anyone here to check it out. You gotta wonder if we’d have still merited the honor if a reporter had actually visited and seen the sweaty beer bellies hanging over the cutoff shorts and the hairy necks and backs. And I don’t even want to think about the guys. I kid, I kid! I love Milwaukee and today it’s a happening town. The reconstruction of the Marquette Interchange is officially declared completed today, under budget and ahead of schedule! To policy wonks like me, that’s sexy! And, of course, today is the long awaited unveiling of the Bronze Fonz sculpture along the riverfront (across from the Pabst Theater on Wells) intended to cash in on the nostalgia for Happy Days, the popular television show of the ‘70s. Henry Winkler (the Fonz), Anson Williams (Potsie), and Cindy Williams (Shirley of Laverne and Shirley) are expected to appear at the festivities. Visitors will be treated to a little harmless fun (not to mention free custard) and a good time should be had by all. There is no truth to the rumor that Mike Brenner has rented a plane to pull a banner declaring that “Milwaukee Has Jumped the Shark.” The diminutive sculpture may make you wonder what all the fuss has been about. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the summer, y’all. Middle of August and it hasn’t reached 90 yet. Now that’s sexy!

Do we ever learn

Scary Movie 3???

Well it’s the dog days of August but things are anything but slow in the world of politics. As many of you may be aware, there is a presidential election coming up in November and once again it’s time to exercise our constitutional right and have a say in what direction we want our country to go. And once again I believe the right choice is obvious. And once again I have that ominous feeling that our marvelous but sometimes wacky country could very easily elect the wrong guy and continue us on a path of boneheaded policies and misguided diplomatic and military high jinks that will lead to dangerous and deadly conflicts around the world, a worsening economy home and abroad, increased polarization between the haves and the have nots, and a continued diminishment of our personal freedoms ranging from reproductive choice to habeas corpus. There is, to coin a phrase, hope. Barack Obama is a superb candidate who is connecting with voters in ways we have not seen since the two Kennedy campaigns of the ‘60s. He draws unprecedented crowds everywhere he goes, not because he is a vacuous celebrity, but because he combines a command of the issues with the ability to present common sense solutions that connect with the average citizen. But, just like in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and other great struggles from history and literature, powerful forces are gathering to oppose the champion of the people. This may prove to be a nasty and difficult election with Obama’s opponents resorting to attacks and innuendoes that appeal to the baser sides of our hearts and minds. It may get ugly; very, very ugly. But don’t panic or despair. Organize and participate. Let’s not let this year’s election send the wrong person to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. What we need here in this country is nothing less than a People’s Revolution in which the disenfranchised rise up and assert themselves not through violence or conflict but by voting and participating in the electoral process. Barack Obama’s campaign is calling on the people of Wisconsin to stand up and be counted. A new office will be opened here in Milwaukee at 744 N. 4th Street (Wells) on August 20 beginning at 5 pm and everyone is invited. Wisconsin is in play and there is something wonderfully exciting and energizing about living in a so-called swing state. The McCain camp is not taking Wisconsin for granted either and if that’s the way you swing, then by all means go out and support your candidate. But as we’ve learned over and over the last eight years, Elections Matter. Register, Volunteer, Have Your Voice Heard, and above all, VOTE. It’s really, really important.

McCain vs the cake