Republicans try "30 Rock" Strategy

I've been trying to figure out what grand strategy the Republicans are using to win the hearts and minds of America. I think I've got it: They are trying to be the "30 Rock" political party. 

We have Tina Fey:

We have Tracy Morgan: 

 

And we have Kenneth the Page: 

Don't tell Alec Baldwin, but it seems that the Republicans have a mad crush on his show. They are embracing the "bizarre, absurdist" comedy, which industry insiders love but which fails to attract viewers. The Republicans seem not to realize that winning a shelf full of awards for comedic brilliance doesn't necessarily mean that anyone is paying attention to you (see: "Arrested Development").

Maybe the Republicans should embrace a new strategy based on "The Office." 

   

Oh wait. I guess they already tried that . . . 

The Economy IS Awesome

Former President Bill Clinton urged Barack Obama to speak positively about the economy, no matter what every economic indicator seems to point to. Be cheery, Barack, and let's see where the sunshine gets us!

Clinton also encouraged President Obama to "play it free and loose with the meaning of the verb to be." For example: There is no economic crisis with our country.

Yeah . . . that approach works out great.

Rock of Love v. The View--Death Is Not an Option

Recently the television gabfest show The View came up in a conversation with a friend. Supposedly I am the target demographic for this show--female, at home most mornings, opinionated--and yet I find this one of the most obnoxious shows on television.

In fact, I think The View is more revolting than, say Rock of Love. (I am slightly embarrassed to A) know what that show is and B) say that I've seen it.) In case you have been privileged enough to never hear of or see Rock of Love, it's a reality show in which several dozen women, of questionable intelligence and frequently surgically altered, compete for the affections of Bret Michaels, former member of the 80's band Poison. Hijinks ensue.

So why would I find a show featuring conversation between 5 women of relative intelligence more obnoxious than a show featuring 25 women who seemingly want to win the heart of a guy who's a walking STD?

Because The View is supposed to represent me. On Rock of Love, I can feel pity or disgust or shock for the people on the show, knowing that none of them in least represents me. But on The View, I am usually annoyed more by the nature of the conversation and the people who are supposedly like me than the ones who aren't. And that's extremely unpleasant television.

Covenant School Would Have Been Ashamed

You gotta give a giant hand to Rod Blagojevich. Sure, he was ousted from the governor's mansion in humiliating fashion, but you have to admire the way he continued to compete right up to the very end.

On the other hand, how ashamed should the Illinois senate be? Running up the vote to 59-0? That's unconscionable. Their coach should be fired.

Let's Put This to a Vote

Which is the more hilarious comedy: the highly contested vote, count, and recount of the Minnesota senate election between Al Franken and Norm Coleman, or the uber-political showdown on The Office over the hotness of Hillary Swank?

Check the links for a recap of the latest episodes in both dramedies and let your opinion be known in the comments section. 

And Our G.I. Barack and Mighty Michelle Action Figures Aren't Based on Real People Either

The Beanie Babie people have some serious nerve. I thought it was odd that they were making toy versions of the Obama girls (Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia). But "odd" wasn't strange enough for them. No, Pennington, Hansbrough, and Cobb can now get in line behind Ty Inc. as the most objectionable Ty in history. 

That's because Ty is denying the dolls are based on the real-life Sasha and Malia, neither their names nor their likenesses. It's so absurd, I can't even comment. All I can say is, Obama better take action. Not only is it an offense to his own daughters, it's an affront to truth, justice, and the American way. Besides, everybody knows that Malia is the sweet one. Sasha handles all things marvelous, alliteration be damned.

Farewell, President Bush

Whatever else you might say about George Bush, and maybe I'll add more thoughts on that later, he has handled the transition to the Obama Administration with grace and class. His parting moments with the Obamas seemed genuinely to wish them well.