Herban Sprawl

We were a bit on the out-of-touch side last night, having missed the convention broadcasts. I really had some issues with tuning in to my once favorite network because Katie Couric just doesn’t do it for me. I always find myself longing for Dan Rather’s word play. I just don’t see Katie Couric as having substance, like her late sister who tag teamed with my state senator so they could study all the bills before them.

That said, I did pick up the news on my computer, and was very moved by Senator Kennedy going to Denver and doing what only he could do. He’s getting to be frail, but he still has that star quality that brings Democrats from the entire spectrum around him. The people who have never liked him are chafing at all the attention he’s getting but let’s be honest, how many of us have NOT benefited by his work? Uh-huh. So those of you who would start sending me your hate Kennedy jokes, fuggedaboudit.

I was also delighted with the CNN interview with Caroline Kennedy. When asked about the process of vetting vice presidential candidates and specifically about Hillary Clinton, she was forthright in saying she absolutely would not discuss it because it was confidential! No political sidestepping, no innuendo – just flat out honesty in putting that reporter in her place. Caroline is the unsung Kennedy hero at this stage. I look for her to realize she can make a difference and I hope she will continue to carry on the legacy. That is not to say I want her to run for office – that’s her call, but I would rather see her lending her considerable clout to the issues that need attention.

So does America believe that Barack Obama is a regular guy? Not yet. But that could change.

Will the Hillary supporters come around? They must if they truly do not want another Republican mucking up the country. I love her, too, people, but it’s time to put the primary behind us and realize this guy has the same charisma Hillary’s spouse has. Charisma is probably the only thing Hillary lacks! But she isn’t going to be on that ballot in November so it’s time to get with the program and focus on what Democrats need to do. No fair taking our toys and running to John McCain.

The words of the late, great Ann Richards come to mind when I think of John McCain. “He was born with a silver foot in his mouth.”

I have another reason for supporting the dark horse candidate, no pun intended. I want those little punks in the ‘hood to see what can happen if you take care of business at school. I want them to see the beautiful wife and smart children conversing with each other in language other than profanity. I want them to see that America can elect a black man, so this business of using race as an excuse, rather than a reason, is coming to an end. It doesn’t mean the fight for racial justice is over, but it sure means segments of our society need to face facts and learn to play nice. It means they can and should get into this game because it’s the only one worth playing.