‘O Carolina’
New York Senator Hillary Clinton
‘New York Senator Hillary Clinton tightened her margin pundits predicted she would lose to Illinois Senator Barack Obama and managed to beat him by three per cent in the first primary of the presidential campaign.
After losing by 10 per cent to the Black democrat in one of the whitest states in America, the former first lady almost cried to convince New Hampshire voters that she was the most experienced candidate.
Using a tag team comprised of her daughter Chelsea and former President Bill, they mobilized to show the Democratic Party that they could again lead from the White House. But the January 19 and January 16 will be defining dates in Nevada and South Carolina respectively when primaries are held in those states.
The latter with a Black population of 47 per cent and residual returns from campaigns with Oprah Winfrey, the 46-year-old candidate may prove his staying power in the expensive race to change America.
And the major showdown will be the 22-state primary on February 5 when New Yorkers decide the best of the best.
The experience she touts
Senator Clinton’s three per cent victory last Tuesday is certainly a victory to be celebrated considering projections she would be given a second trouncing after losing to two candidates. Coming in third place to Senator Obama and former Senator John Edwards seemed to signal that at least in Iowa the prevalent belief is that Hillary is one Clinton too many.
For many, it punctuated that if term limits were not in place, Bill would not be third term president. That more than 70 per cent of the mid-western caucused against a Clinton endorsement must now resonate that the Clintons are not the saviors they may assume to be. More evident in Iowa and even in New Hampshire is that the experience she touts does not factor with an overwhelming majority.
Funnyman Chris Rock joked on New Year’s Eve that the former first lady “is experienced at forgiving.” Through his stand-up routine he kept revellers in stitches defining how experience does not rub off with marriage.
“If my wife was up here now, her experience with me would not make you laugh,” Rock explained, “as a matter of fact, you wouldn’t even be here.”
First black president’s true colour
We will never know if Bill Clinton was making reference to Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech 40 years ago when he said: “Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I’ve ever seen.”
That he considers Obama’s bid to be president a fantasy must now irritate those self-hating Black folks who argued that Clinton was “the first Black president.” Stressed and desperate by his wife’s pitiful debate last Saturday and her unflattering first public assessment, Clinton lashed out at the media and Obama, as if they were to be blamed for her inadequacies.
Experience aside, both Hill and Bill are showing their true colors by raging and engaging in dirty political campaigns.
‘Why Blacks Fear America’s Mayor’
Republican former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani is getting fierce competition from a new book published this week. Written by former Village Voice New York City beat reporter, “Why Blacks Fear America’s Mayor” details how the popular city leader is perceived by a populous he allegedly ignored throughout his tenure.
Author, Peter Noel pits evidence of racial profiling, police brutality and divisive governance against the candidate Oprah Winfrey labeled “America’s mayor” after his dominance during the travesty that besieged the Twin Towers at the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.
Noel compiles articles from published coverage in New York Magazine, and the Village Voice to state a case against electing Giuliani to the White House. Giuliani placed sixth in the Iowa caucus, third in Wyoming and fourth in New Hampshire. He is counting on conservatives in the south, especially Florida, to win him the delegates he will need at the Republican convention in order to get the nomination to face a Democratic contender.
Ruder Finn reneges
A tradition started decades ago at the Jamaica consulate to thank the media for the year’s support may now be history. Previously hosted by the consular general, the December, pre-holiday event seemed an anticipated gathering that invited predominant niche outlets for a morning or afternoon toast to their reportage.
Back when Kay Baxter served her country she sent beautiful notes, marked by Jamaican artists and images, inviting scribes from virtually all Caribbean islands that worked the beat. Print and radio personnel rallied to celebrate Jamaica but mostly take a bow for the previous year’s coverage of Caribbean events.
Whether they focused on hurricanes, travel alerts, tourism, countered negative mainstream reports or celebrated triumphs, they were acknowledged and celebrated at the yearend fete.
In 2007, Ruder Finn, the contracted representatives dispatched emails inviting reporters and writers to a holiday luncheon, which replaced the consulate annual two seasons ago. Instead of December the union was slated for January 10 with a guest speaker, tourism director Basil Smith.
Four days prior to the luncheon, an email explained that due to a scheduling conflict with Smith, the post-holiday luncheon would have to wait. Some of us were baffled by the belated discovery. As a matter of fact, media folks who previously attended from Florida were already committed to flying in for the unifying occasion.
The festive celebration was never intended to be a forum for any special guests other than media. Those who attended since the first gathering anticipated not for the sorrel, escoveitch fish, rice and peas or curry goat because that menu is now as prevalent as hamburgers in fast food restaurants.
Neither did most show up to hear Ruder Finn boast their success at getting Jamaica into trade and mainstream publications. The camaraderie, positive and festive atmosphere as well as the unique opportunity Jamaica established before all other consulates kept each date open for gratitude and latitude.
It seems another positive tradition is slipping away and it is very unfortunate for the island as well as the people.
See you in the Whirl!
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