Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

2G2K Circus :: Debate Fatigue, Farrakhan, And Where’s The Plan?

After work out of town, flu bugs, cable news stuff, and other stuff, Two Guys, Two Keyboards And A Circus is back! Ferentz sets it off talking Hillary-Barack’s 20th debate last night:

Last night’s debate was fairly collegial and was essentially a draw. Obama is playing keep away these days and will not engage in anything unless it’s going to deliver the knockout punch to Clinton. Clinton, at least during the exchange on the question about Farrakhan appears ready to concede. She injected herself into that question in a peculiar way by rehashing how she was attacked by republicans in New York for allegedly supporting Palestine. There were a number of ways she could have entered that dialogue with the intent of harming Obama, but she did not and I think this represents a new tone in their debates.

They both actually seemed tired of these debates and it is becoming more evident that this process is wearing on both of them. Afterwards the pundits discussed the moderators’ inability to elicit any new answers from either candidates, but why would either Obama or Clinton say something substantial?

I agree that there is a sense of exhaustion to the debates.

But I think the Farrakhan exchange was really interesting. Farai Chideya actually played some of The Minister’s speech on her show today, and Debra Dickerson made the substantive point that this may be more about Farrakhan trying to move towards redemption than about Obama being painted into the nationalist corner, a la Jesse ’84 and ’88.

I think many of my friends sympathetic to Minister Farrakhan were probably appalled last night at the exchange, and I can’t say I’d blame them. But I thought Barack’s point about rebuilding Black-Jewish relations was really refreshing to hear. When’s the last time a presidential candidate was, uh, candid about issues like that? Oh yeah, never. The ease with which Obama brushed off the exchange with Russert over Farrakhan and Reverend Jeremiah Wright indicates how much things have changed since the 80s.

Or have they?

Judging by Bill Cunningham’s performance the other day, we’ll be getting lots more of this on right-wing radio this summer and fall if Obama is the nominee. Those fools are all too eager to refight the culture wars even if Obama is running like Gnarls Barkley from that era in his life.

I’ve made this point before: he should just put them to rest–embrace his activist days and talk about how the nation and world are all the better because students fought against apartheid and for diversity.

You asked:

One last point for now, is it me, or has health-care become a democratic proxy for the economy? It’s amazing actually how much time Clinton and Obama spend referring to their health-care proposals, when in effect neither proposal can be launched if the economy is not somehow revived. Think about it this way, our current health care system all but means you need a job in order to have health coverage. If somewhere between 10 – 17,000 people a month are losing their jobs, fewer people are obviously going to have health coverage and the economy is not going to be able to afford to pay for them to be covered. Regardless of how much money we shift from spending on Iraq or how quickly we bring the troops back, neither plan will work under our current economic conditions.

I actually think health care is about the only place Hillary can claim a philosophical difference, even if it’s mainly masks procedural differences. (And these are policy objections that scan as obscure to the average voter.) That, and foreign policy “hypotheticals” as she puts it, are what the campaign perceives to be her comparative advantages over Obama.

Trouble is, if the two candidates essentially look the same, voters will tend to vote their aspirations. This is why Hillary’s women are still so committed to her. But Barack, though, has been more, what did Biden say, “articulate” in making a broader aspirational call.

Your main point–“Does anyone think that either of the three remaining candidates can oversee a economic renaissance?”–goes to the heart of this. What really is the economic agenda here?

posted by Jeff Chang @ 1:48 pm | 1 Comment

One Response to “2G2K Circus :: Debate Fatigue, Farrakhan, And Where’s The Plan?”

Anonymous says:

March 27, 2008 at 4:56 pm

Dear Sor/Madame

My name is Dorian Taylor, I am the Producer of an Independent film that was Directed by filmmaker/writer/director/producer, Surakhan, entitled, IN THE NAME OF LOVE the first and only movie made about Diana Ross and the Supremes as they are today

We have just completed a film on Diana Ross and The Supremes . We are independent filmmakers. who have a lo to no budget. We have used most of our savings to hold a huge screening on 42nd steet, NYC, Thursday March 6, 2008. at the Regal Theater The movie has been sent to all three former women of the Supremes and the President of the Motown Alumni Billy Wilson. There were press and other film industry people at the screening. We are seeking assistance in sponsoring this film. There is a public demand wanting to see it and we believe it will be a reality with assistance from people in the industry who share in our dream to depict African Americans in a positive light. There are so many movies depicting life’s harsh realities, such as war, abuse, and killings. This movie is a breath of fresh air in comparison and is much desired on the big screen. I have always admired Mr Hudlins vision and work as an Independent filmmaker. I hear that he provides a opportunities for black industry newbies and this is the reason why I am contacting you. Any assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated. We hoping he can help give us the opportunity to show the world this gem of a movie. Motowns Alumni Association President, Billy Wilson has a copy as well and gives us the green light on the movie’s concept. He said” You have our attention.” We need someone like Mr. Hudlin to believe in this project. We are in need of sponsoring and or finacial backing so that we can pay off the licensing to get this film on television or in the theaters. Warmest regards.

Synopsis: The semi-fictitious storyline plot revolves around the strong bond of love and lifelong musical careers between the original living Supremes of Motown fame. Trying to overcome some zealous periods in their lives, the strength of a lifelong friendship leans toward a unexpected final concert reuniting the ladies. It isn’t another Dream Girls movie, Rather, it focuses more on the present and the future of these three women. It also depicts how natural forces present themselves to the ladies and destiny calls them together again. It was viewed by a few members of the Motown alumni and we’ve gotten great feedback back thus far. It is the FIRST of it’s kind.

This link is for the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysW2o3odjlQ

This one is for the fans and movie goers response to the film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIzezVy_XGw

This is an interview with Director, Surakhan on an Internet radio show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocmjOIuBpuI

The Daily News contacted us for an interview, we it hasn’t been posted as of yet but here is the email sent to us for the editor.

Hi there,

We’re really interested in doing an item on the movie, just a few questions: is there a distributor for it yet? And have any of the Supremes or Berry Gordy given their permission for the film? What plot lines are truth and which are fictionalized?

Any info would be great, please get back to us ASAP, our deadline is 4 pm EST. Don’t hesitate to call, thank you

Shallon Lester
Rush & Molloy
New York Daily News
(212) 210-1617
slester@nydailynews.com

If you require any additional information please feel free to call me.

The most talked about film on Diana Ross Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong of the Supremes Fame. In the name of love, a film that can become reality. Storyline revolving around a reunion on Diana Mary & Cindy Check out the directors myspace at http://www.myspace.com/surakhan59

The cast speak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5YLoeAxsxI

The trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysW2o3odjlQ

The fans reaction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIzezVy_XGw

About the Director
BIOGRAPHY Surakhan began writing and directing films in the early 2000’s. He began his career writing his first film Titled “Brothers Gonna Work It Out” which brought Hollywood to Brooklyn. Surakhan’s film premiered on Wednesday, March 26 th 2003 at the Linden Multiplex Theater In Brooklyn, New York. In a gracious effort, the 16-song soundtrack produced for the film was distributed to the guest in attendance for free. This youth awareness film was written, directed and produced by Surakhan, community coordinator for the NYCHA Albany Houses Community Center in Brooklyn. With over 6 months of rehearsals, 8 months of filming and 7 months of editing the cast and crew of 270 worked intensely to complete this project. His vision of bringing “Hollywood To Brooklyn” was lights brightening the sky over the theater as public housing youth walked down the red carpet along with city officials and distinguished community leaders as their dreams of being on the silver screen come to life before their eyes. In Jan of 2005 Surakhan produced and directed “Life On The Walk of Fame” The Virginia Capers Story, he also wrote a book under the same title in May of that same year honoring Tony Award Winning actress Virginia Capers In 2006 the Marquis Who’s Who Publication Board, certified that Surakhan is subject of biographical record in the 59th edition of Who’s Who In America. In 2007 the Rosa Parks Foundation authorized that Surakhan be placed on the Wall Of Tolerance, honoring those who are taking a personal, public stand and leading the way toward a more just America. Surakhan became a member of the voting rights in the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science Grammy Awards. Surakhan currently speaks at multiple school commencement ceremonies each year. He awards students with the VSE Enterprises Scholarship for the arts; this is his way of giving back and inspiring the youth. “In The Name of Love” is a semi-fictitious story line that takes place today about Motown’s legendary singing group Diana Ross & The Supremes. Surakhan feels that unity among those in high places like Diana Ross is a good example for all. A film about Diana Ross and The Supremes was something he felt he truly had to do. He thought I could show them better than I could tell them. As a result he made a movie with a pathway for the ladies to follow if unity is truly in theirs hearts. Surakhan believes “There is more wisdom, knowledge and understanding in a single human teardrop than can be found in all the universities of the world.”

Dorian Taylor
Producer
VSE Entertainment
646 361-4406
(My Gratitude Flames)

)

Feed Me!

Revolutions

Word

Fiyahlinks

Email list:

Add me to the Can't Stop Won't Stop email list for updates and thangs:

Dates

Upcoming Appearances

For a complete list of Jeff's appearances, check Dates.