Rod Blagojevich just might appoint himself. This would be a grave mistake for the governor and his political career would be totally in the tank. Emil Jones and the rest of the potentials would also place a conversational moratorium on speaking to Blagojevich. It is in the governor's best interest to go with Emil Jones or the voice of James Earl Jones (Danny Davis).
Who would Barack Obama choose if the choice was his? Mr. Jones!
Or the sleeper, the helpmate, Mrs. Michelle Obama. If Blagojevich chooses Michelle, they wouldn't have to change all of the stationery - white-out brushed over Barack's name - just add Michelle and the Senator Obama moniker never changes. First Lady and Senator from the State of Illinois - Michelle Obama.
Rod Blagojevich has a big decision to make. He has the task of choosing the next Senator from the state of Illinois. Will it be Jackson, Jones, Madigan, Duckworth, Schakowsky, or Guitierrez? Danny Davis? Could it be a sleeper...someone who is not so obvious?
My pick for senator would be Jesse Jackson, Jr. It's an obvious pick, but the individual is the closest candidate we can cartridge in, without cloning. With all respect to the other candidates, Congressman 3J, is an Obama supporter, has worked with him on several initiatives, is similar in age, although a bit younger than Obama (by 3 and a half years), and said on GML that "I wouldn't say no to the invitation Garrard."
Will Sun Times columnist, Mary Mitchell, agree with Garrard that racism is extinct?
Garrard says it's official. Racism has left the shores of the United States. There are no racists here anymore. Everyone is free and we have no need to tell ethnic jokes...well we can tell them now without feeling fearful, inhibited, and racist. Well, that kind of defeats the purpose.
When you leave your house today, pay close attention - taking note that hate groups have disbanded, institutional racism is passe', and people are getting hired today based on their qualifications, not their skin color. We are free today - No Chinese internment camps, no holocaust, no slavery, no native American eradication. We are free because Garrard says so, ...and because Obama is president - elect. Mary Mitchell joins me later for a conversation on racism and it's disappearance.
It's easy to be cynical about celebrating and remembering veterans. If you're against the concept of war, honoring a soldier can be difficult. But if you think of all of your rights and privileges, and the freedom to just walk out of your house, drive a car to any location you choose, and say just about anything, you begin to embrace the sacrifice of the soldier.
Veterans Day is special. My dad, uncle, brother, and several of my cousins are veterans. They served this country with pride, so that I can get on TV and run my big mouth. They sacrificed so that I can do research at institutions of higher learning, so that I can protest, complain, and put something into action. We should hug a veteran today and say thank you. Their sacrifice is our freedom.
Okay ... so Barack Obama and his family have their own code names from the secret service, but what if you were being protected by the secret service, what would your code name be?
Leave us your answer and check out the official code names for Obama, Bush and past presidential families.
Dawn Turner Trice, Chicago Tribune columnist, calls us to specific action with a sobering article, "Is Obama's election a Call to Action?" Some people think so, but others don't. Honestly, the newness of the Obama euphoria will wear off, like the new-car smell that motivates us to make the first 6-7 payments - on time...but as soon as the car becomes basic transportation, we tend to take it for granted.
We need better race relations, better jobs, better housing, better schools, better this and better that...but what are you going to do? Will you step to the plate and act on your - talk? Change is expensive - Time to DO!
Life is unfair to women because society has determined that women must always be ornaments. "Don't forget your earrings, girl..." and, "those shoes don't look right with that dress." It doesn't matter how intelligent or well-spoken the woman is. What matters is how perfect her hair is when the wind blows and the fame of the dress designer.
I'm not a fashionista, but Jill Biden's choice of color was a bit harsh - chartruce / green screen? Pretty design but bad color choice. Michelle Obama's dress was beautiful at close range, but from the audience - the red splash was a bit much. The photo above gives you a better look. Joe Biden wins for best dressed - the powder blue tie takes years off of your age. Obama's tie with red, white, and blue stripes, added maturity and confidence to the president-elect. That's Garrard's fashion report for today. Jackie Onassis - we need you.
While many of us get our news from the internet, today proves once again why newspapers still have a place in our lives. It's always nice to read about history in a newspaper. Click here to check out the front pages from newspapers from around the world on Obama's historic victory yesterday.
Many newspapers are printing extra copies to keep up with demand.
Dreams from my Father and The Audacity of Hope...Baby Barry does it. Grandma Dunham is smiling in heaven today. Sasha and Malia are going to the White House. Michelle is the First Lady - Elect.
Barack Obama - 44th President of the United States. Tell me what you think...and better yet, what will you do to help Barack Obama be the best president of the United States?
Uh oh! Senator Obama's name may change to President in a few hours...he just won Virginia, he's got New Mexico, Pennsylvania is in his pocket, Minnesota is toast, the North Eastern states are all wrapped up. A caller to my show said it's all about race...political race, not the politics of color. Will Indiana turn Blue? Call me at 630-575-Talk or leave a comment.
The states are coming in...the numbers are close ladies and gentlemen...what states do you think make the difference? We are taking your calls tonight on GML. Post your blog comments and call me.
Welcome to Election Day Chicagoland! No matter who wins this election, it will make history.
So we want to know from you Chicagoland, why is this election historic to YOU? Why was it so important for you to vote today? Do you believe this is a turning point in American history?
Send me your comments throughout the day and then watch CLTV's election coverage this evening. And don't forget to VOTE!!!!!!
Who are your picks for local and national elections? I am looking forward to your phone calls, blog comments, and voice messages. Garrard McClendon Live! will be on throughout the election night with CLTV News and continuous election coverage.
GML call in line - 630-575-TALK (8255). Blog me atwww.CLTV.com/gml. Leave a message on the GML-VLINE - 630-574-3232.
Who are you voting for on Tuesday? Tell me and I will share your picks with viewers on GML.
You thought your favorite sitcom was coming on, but the Democratic candidate for president bought the time slot and wowwed viewers with a dazzling 30 minute infomercial stumping on networks with cinematography rivaling Hollywood. Was the money and time worth it? I think so. Obama continues to show that he is a formidible force of nature in the political world.
Call it pompous, conceited, confident, or "humble," Obama spares no expense in getting the message out to potential Barack backers. Senator John McCain should have countered by spending $3 mil to do the same. The film may be the tipping point. Senator, lawyer, organizer, father, husband, candidate, and diplomat, Barack Obama shows us that excellence and hope is just a vote away.
The Associated Press reported that there was a plot to assassinate Sen. Barack Obama and to shoot or decapitate 102 Black people in Tennessee. Two Neo-Nazi Skinheads reportedly had plans to rob a gun store, target a Tennessee high school, shoot 88 Black people and decapitate 14 more. Supposedly, the numbers 88 and 14 are symbolic in the White supremicist community.
The year 2008 for some people is no different than 1858, 1868, 1915, or 1964. We live in a great country, but killing and devastation are the hobbies of the disturbed.
The blogs are lighting up over who should pay for police, fire and medical services provided by the city of Chicago during Obama's election night celebration.
Halie Soifer, Jewish Vote Director for the Barack Obama Campaign, talks to Palm Beach County voters. Staff Photo/Jim Rassol, South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Obama is not friends with anti-Jewish organizations and the Louis Farrakhan references are tired and insulting. The trick bag is filled with tricknology, half-truths, and fear. I am a little taken aback by Barack's committees. Are there directors for every ethnic and religious group in Obama's camp? Irish Vote Director, English Vote Director, German, Italian, Neo-Baptist Swahili Vote Director? Poor Halie says "I think some people have been swayed by all the slurs. They hear something and then their minds are closed." Halie - God Bless you - I'm glad that you're out there dispelling the myths of Barack being an enemy to Jews. You are to be commended. But some people love to be ignorant. It gives them a sense of comfort.
Is Dan Seals - the truth, or a "face man"? Can he overcome his loss to Mark Kirk back in 2006? Candidate for Congress, Dan Seals, joins me on Garrard McClendon Live. Call the show...talk to Dan. 630-575-TALK (8255).
Watch it at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. - Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 on CLTV.
CNN commentator, Leslie Sanchez, takes me to school on the Hispanic vote. Can Hispanics effect change in the forthcoming presidential election? Do Hispanics vote in a monolithic fashion like African Americans? Your thoughts?
Is Sarah Palin the victim of sexism in politics? If I call her attractive, am I being a sexist? I think we have the right to be sexist pigs sometimes. After all, it's unintentional most of the time.
Do television news magazines focus more on her physical attributes than her interviewing prowess? She has the "look" down, but the woman needs a crash course in United States History. Beauty Queen or Calculating Coquette?
I don't know John. I think you have some concerns for the economy, but you aren't prepared for Friday's debate. Obama and you have been all over CNN today "live," and Washington and Wall Street have you both in a tornado spin. John McCain is not ready for the debate, and he used the economy as a deflection device. Can you say diversion?
Do we vote according to the idealogy of our parents? Or are we truly free thinkers who examine the candidates and their stance on issues? Have you checked Obama and McCain's voting records?
Sarah Palin stole the show during her speech. But John McCain is not the most charismatic and theatrical guy in the world. He will have to deliver a speech that resonates with Repubs and that touches the Independents and undecided voters. John McCain is in trouble now, but a good speech and more mudslinging may close the gap in the polls.
Annikin Skywalker, also called Optivum Servator, has changed his named to Joe Lieberman. Changing parties to get elected by any means necessary is how the senator rules his Connecticut galaxy. With lightsaber in hand, Lieberman Skywalkertold the delegates at the RNC, "when you vote for president, vote for the person you believe is best for our country, not for the party you happen to belong to." Tatooine has 2 suns so just flip to the party that elects you.
Joe, are you a Democrat, an Independent, or a Republican? C3PO or R2D2? Hyperspeed, Darth Maul, Vader, or Nader? Lieberman Skywalker, may the Republican force be with you.
I watched Cyndi McCain's speech. It doesn't get any less inspiring than that. She and Laura Bush had pretty smiles and pretty clothes, but they turned the opening day of the convention into a telethon. I guess it's the least they could do with FEMA failing 3 years ago. I appreciated their thoughts concerning hurricane Gustav and the levees, but they didn't say anything about the presidential candidate and Sarah Palin, the token-pick for the Repubs.
I quickly turned away from the convention and watched Live Free or Die Hard with my wife and in-laws. Bruce Willis is more inspiring than the St. Paul convention.
John McCain went for the sympathy vote: He wants everyone to pay attention to his VEEP candidate Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska. Well, there is plenty of oil there so that may help in terms of energy arguments. She is capable of running a state. She was the youngest person, and the first woman, to be elected governor of Alaska. She is obviously a pro-life advocate - it has been reported that she knew her child would have Down's Syndrome and she chose to deliver: I do applaude her for this decision. Sensitive issue.
But can she deliver the female vote and sway the Hillary fanatics to leave the donkey and go for the elephant? I think the chess match has begun. Biden vs. Palin: 2 months of Vice Presidential contrasting.
Sen. Barack Obama has delivered his acceptance speech at the convention. Now we want to hear from you. What do you think of Obama's speech?
If you have thoughts or questions you'd like to share now, don't hesitate to leave a comment. Something you've seen or heard this week in Denver on your mind? A question about a speaker or the convention? Write it out and send it in.
On the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, Senator Barack Obama will accept the nomination, deliver a speech, and continue his quest toward becoming America's next top model -- I mean President. Is there substance in his change movement? What about policy over politics? What would you like Mr. Obama to improve in this country over the next 4 years?
Delmarie Cobb and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. will be guests on GML.
Do you think the Democratic Party is unified? Did Hillary trump or stump on Tuesday night? Can the democratics really beat John McCain and the Republican juggernaut?
Was Hillary Rodham Clinton's speech -- too good? Was she stumping for Obama or campaigning for 2012? I did like the speech...her metaphors and stories were memorable, especially the Harriet Tubman story, the slogans, and the Twin Cities remark about Bush and McCain. What were your thoughts on Hillary at the DNC?
The after-parties in Denver are going to be obscene...all of those democrats in one city for a whole week. Howard Dean, Alexi Giannoulis, Emil Jones, Jr., Jesse Jackson , Jr., and Michelle Obama are headlining tonight. Will you be watching? Is Obama your presidential candidate?
Photo: Nancy Stone![john_mccain-pres[1].jpg](http://weblogs.cltv.com/news/opinion/mcclendon/john_mccain-pres%5B1%5D.jpg)
Kyra Speaks
