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Whoopi Goldberg | 08/28/2008 5:00 pm

Whoopi Goldberg on Barack Obama's Nomination

Whoopi Goldberg
Tonight, of course, is Barack Obama accepting his place in history as the first African American nominee. I think it’s very interesting that the other side has sort of been saying, "Oh, he’s such a rock star." Of course, he’s in a giant stadium with pillars that look like they come directly out of antebellum — the antebellum south you look at where he’s going to be talking. In a funny way it looks like the opening of "Gone With the Wind," but the Republicans sort of equate this with a rock star’s status. This is a status that they actually applied to Ronald Regan. Remember, he’s the great orator. He could mesmerize crowds and of course we’ve placed this directly in our own hands, in our own laps, because we don’t want a president who doesn’t have that feel. Because we want people to come out of the woodwork wherever our president goes, and here’s what he has to say. We want him to be good-looking. We want him to be articulate.

They were all over Obama today because, if he’s not on the teleprompter, he’s not as smooth. Well, my gosh, if I’m not up on a teleprompter on "The View" I’m not as smooth. No one is as smooth as they are with a teleprompter, so let’s hope John McCain adapts to that teleprompter, because he could use some help. It’s a shame no one ever said to George W., "Hey, man. Try a teleprompter or something."

I’m listening to all of this and I’ve seen some of the attack ads that are coming out and I am wondering if the Democratic attack ads are going to be the same as the Republican attack ads, showing  the various other people who ran for president, talking about the person who gets the nomination, which we’re assuming is going to be John McCain on the Republican side. Can you imagine — all the talking heads like Rudy Giuliani talking about John McCain, how he’s not a real republican, and all these other guys who were running around, talking about how John is not a real Republican? And he doesn’t hold the Republican values? This is going to be a riot.

It’s a kissy-face-fest whenever you do the conventions so, of course, the Clintons have gotten on board and they took care of business last night. I thought Bill was extraordinary and Hillary was extraordinary. I have to say, I tip my hat to Hillary Clinton because one of the things that didn’t happen during the campaigns –because no one really stopped and said out loud, "Is this a little femophobic?" (That’s what I call it when people go after you because of your gender.) They couldn’t go after Barack for his color because, my goodness, that would have totally rocked the boat, so everybody felt free to go after Hillary for her gender and no one really talked about it. They talked about it a little at the end of her campaign but not a whole lot, but I think she pulled it together and it will be interesting to see if people can tell the truth — why they’re afraid of Barack Obama.

Are they afraid because they think, "Oh, my goodness. I’ve seen black men in rap videos and how do I know he’s not going to turn into that?" I know that sounds silly but I’ve heard stranger things. I’ve heard John McCain say he’s not like us. Well, I don’t know how he’s different except that he’s black. And of course some of his ideas were the same as Barack’s ideas, but John has changed his mind on things like choice. At one point he thought it was a woman’s right to choose what she was going to do. He personally didn’t feel that it was a decision that he should be making. He thought a woman should have the right to choose. Of course, now he’s changed all of that. He once thought that illegal immigrants should be dealt with with dignity and clarity and figure out a way to make it work for everybody, but no more. He’s taken up that other banner. I guess he’s going to start building a up a new wall. It will be interesting to see how tonight goes and what the future brings.

179 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Mugsy Peabody
Thanks, guys….
By Mugsy Peabody on 08/28/2008 5:32 pm
phyllis Doyle Pepe
Kisses, Mugs–––and lots and lots of warm blanket affection–––––––PLUS a dynamite inhaler that would work for 24/4–––7 is too much to ask for.
By phyllis Doyle Pepe on 08/28/2008 5:44 pm
Lena B
I’ve been looking for you too Sister Mugsy; I hope you get better soon.
By Lena B on 08/28/2008 8:42 pm
Mugsy Peabody
preciate you always, Lena. Keep posting!
By Mugsy Peabody on 08/28/2008 9:24 pm
Esther Bradley-DeTally
Hi Mugsy, I’ve been away, and away from this site. Oh dear, get stronger; what a bear; hope you feel better soon! love esther
By Esther Bradley-DeTally on 08/28/2008 11:24 pm
theCHEROKEErose
mugsy..keep my fingers and toes crossed for you….
By theCHEROKEErose on 08/29/2008 8:24 am
Dona Howlett
Mugsy I always miss you when I don’t see your little Cameo ………………. I hope you are feeling better. It seems a lot of us on this site have health problems……….but that comes with age.
By Dona Howlett on 08/28/2008 5:55 pm
Mugsy Peabody
Thanks, Dona. I miss you guys when I’m down, as well….
By Mugsy Peabody on 08/28/2008 6:19 pm
mary lou s
mugsy, as someone used to tell me: live and be well. also, although it is off topic, i hear that our wonderful activist del martin has died. i am sorry to hear it. twice i have suggested that wowowow memorialize her. she has done more than most and led the way to a humane future for us all.
By mary lou s on 08/28/2008 8:40 pm
Mugsy Peabody
As for Ms. Del, it would honor wOw to memorialize her, not the other way around. It is the Del Martins, Martina Navritilovas, Lily Tomlins, Jane Wagners, and Matthew Mitchams of the world who make life easier and richer for the rest of us. I cry as much for Phyllis, losing her soul mate.
By Mugsy Peabody on 08/28/2008 9:23 pm
Jeannot Kensinger
Mugsy, I am sending you the best thoughts and prayers. Get well. Also: old remedy from my grandmother who had asthma. She used clover honey to make drinks. It helped her a lot in breathing. Maybe too old fashion in today’s world but I remember that this helped a lot. Best wishes for you.
By Jeannot Kensinger on 08/29/2008 12:30 pm
Mugsy Peabody
JMK, I’ll try that. All the high-fangled, high-tech stuff isn’t working, so ginger tea is the best thing so far (and the trusty ole albuterol!). Thank you so much everyone for your beautiful support. I really am touched by your good wishes. MP
By Mugsy Peabody on 08/29/2008 4:06 pm
Lorraine Bates
Sorry to hear you’ve been ill. Hope the fires subside, and your health improves!
By Lorraine Bates on 08/28/2008 6:38 pm
Hines Hammond
I think of you often,though we haven’t yet spoken, Mugsy. Keep writing about what’s on your mind and in your heart. We’re here. My messages (alerts) from wOw always state that the new replies are from “Mugsy Peabody” — a computer glitch others have mentioned - so you’ve written me more times then you could imagine. Nice to meet you on this historic day. My fingers are crossed for you. -Hines
By Hines Hammond on 08/28/2008 11:27 pm
Mugsy Peabody
Oh, what a hoot! Really, Hines? I’m sure that cheers Joni right up! Glad to meet you as well. All best, MP
By Mugsy Peabody on 08/29/2008 12:15 am