THE WEEK THAT WAS (03-07/09/2012)
The Democratic National Convention was to this week what the Republicans were to the previous seven days. After previewing the convention, I covered all three days, starring Michelle Obama on Tuesday, Bill Clinton on Wednesday, and Barack Obama on Thursday. Featured speakers included Julian Castro, a tribute to the remarkable Teddy Kennedy, Elizabeth Warren, Bill Clinton, and Deval Patrick. Hillary Clinton watched Bubba’s speech from East Timor and Rep. Gabby Giffords gave the Pledge of Allegiance, the most beautiful moment from either convention.
The subject of Israel was never far away from the convention, after the party dropped from their platform the notion that Jerusalem was said nation’s capital. I examined the Democratic Party’s platform for The Forward this week, noting how this time around, the subject of peace has taken a backseat to security concerns. And, I tried to crystallise the Jerusalem problem which bedevils both parties.
Other writers featured on the blog this week included David Maraniss of The Washington Post, who wrote extensively about Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and their relationship. In longer form, Ryan Lizza in The New Yorker too wrote about the frosty yet necessary bond between 42 and 44. Away from the convention, Timothy Garton Ash in The New York Times touched on the crisis in Europe and the project to forge a more perfect union.
Music this week was provided by Fleetwood Mac, whose song “Don’t Stop” was revived once more for Bill Clinton, and James Taylor, who played the convention live on Thursday. And, I noted the passing of Hal David, who penned the lyrics to “A House Is Not A Home” and “What The World Needs Now”, amongst others.
And finally, every party needs their hyper-excited crazy. At least she wasn’t talking to an empty chair…
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