Wake-Up Call: "Hold Me Closer Tony Danza" Edition

At Farley's Pub in Scranton last night, where people gathered to watch the debate, "rumors that actor Tony Danza would make an appearance proved unfounded" (Scranton Times-Tribune). Sad.

At yesterday's WH welcoming ceremony for the pope, ex-Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) was "way in the back" where the staffers stood, but "he sure was excited" ("In the Loop"). [ed. note. NOT sad]

"I'd rather get fat, grow a beard, and try for the Nobel Prize" -- Mitt Romney, giving his top ten reasons for dropping out of the race at last night's Radio & TV correspondents' Assn dinner (Wake-Up Call! sources).

and finally... the reason why tonight's Colbert Report is a not-to-miss edition:

HRC and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) on "The Colbert Report" (Comedy Central, 11:30 pm).

My two fave politicians in one place... though it's odd they paired them together, as Murph-dog is an Obama supporter.

I'm F*cking Annoyed I Enjoyed This So Much

Inspired by Sarah Silverman, natch.

Yes! She! Can!

Last night provided a happy end to what was a no-good, very-bad day. Hillary won (as she needed to) Rhode Island, Ohio, AND Texas! It felt sooooo good, especially because I had forgotten how it felt to have my candidate win. To honor these wins, I wanted to find the Dixie Chicks song that plays at all her events which, no joke, gives me shivers and brings my emotional-self to tears with the thought of her as president! She's ready to run...

In her email to supporters last night, Hillary said:

It's a pretty incredible feeling, isn't it? After our victories tonight we have the momentum, thanks to your will, determination, and hard work.

Some people were ready to count us out. But you and I proved them wrong, just as we have every time they tried to declare this race over prematurely. And we're going to keep showing them exactly what we can do.

We're going to do it for everyone across America who's been counted out -- but refused to be knocked out. For everyone who's stumbled -- but stood right back up. And for everyone who works hard -- but never gives up. [Emphasis mine]

I hope you enjoy our victories tonight as much as I am [Ed. Note - I DID!]. We won this one together, and that makes it that much better. Thank you so very much for all you have done for our campaign. Let's build on this remarkable momentum.

Thank you for everything you did to make this night possible.
All the best, Hillary

I'll admit it - I'm a sucker for the bit about "everyone across America who's been counted out... but refused to be knocked out." It makes me misty-eyed and hopeful. So with that, Hillary earned another shiny 20 dollar bill from moi. That should put her over the top, I'm sure.

Nervous Nelly

My dad, one of the two people I know who actually listen to Rush Limbaugh's radio show (the other won has to, for work purposes), told me last night that he was emphatically urging his listeners in Texas to vote for Hillary, since it's an open primary.

I know it's bad, but I was secretly grateful for Rushie's orders - however ill-intentioned they may be. People (read far-right conservatives) actually listen to this man.

Today is just nerve-wracking for a myriad of reasons... stay tuned.

It's important to note that my dad, while a Republican, is a moderate, and only listens to Rush because he makes my dad laugh... whereas Rush makes me hateful and anxious. Whatever... to each his own.

"There's nothing on this Earth sexier, believe me...

... than a woman you have to salute in the morning."

Indeed, Mr. Nicholson. Indeed.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you why some people think Hillary is best for our country.

And now, time to do my taxes.

Ellen Plays Hardball with Hillary Clinton...

... Molly plays hardball with her cackling laugh. Seriously, my laugh in the video below is enough to make me never want to laugh again. EVER.

Anyway, last night I went to see Hillary Live! - a HRC fundraiser at GWU - and it was obviously tons of fun. But I'm a Hillary supporter, so was I really not going to like it? I don't think so. A definite highlight was Ellen DeGeneres' surprise live appearance via satellite. That's the YouTube video above. And it's getting mad hits, thanks to Perez Hilton and Towelroad!

So yeah, what are other bloggers saying about it? Well, it's not all sunbeams and chocolate sauce (I had to go there), but it's still fun to read:

From Perez Hilton himself (it's totes my pic and my YouTube video... loves it): Oprah Winfrey has lent her support to Barack Obama. And, now…. Ellen DeGeneres is tossing her hat into the political ring as well! The funnywoman joined Hillary Clinton via satellite on a campaign stop Monday night. Click here to check out Ellen's appearance. SO funny!

From Wake-Up Call: Ellen DeGeneres made an unannounced satellite appearance at HRC's GW fundraiser last night, where the two discussed the merits of a presidential ban on glitter ("The Swamp").

Also from Wake-Up Call: Meanwhile, a smattering of GW frat boys stood outside HRC's fundraiser last night, with one holding an Obama sign, and another holding a homemade "Bros before Hos" poster (Wake-Up Call! reporting).

And from Ellen's website: Ellen was full of surprises Tuesday. Here she interrupts one of Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign stops to ask Hillary about the big issue that has divided America for too long, "glitter or no glitter?"

From Politico's Ben Smith: My colleague Beth Frerking reports that Hillary took questions from Ellen DeGeneres, via teleconference, at a rally tonight at George Washington University.Said Ellen, after rowdy applause from the student audience: "I have some tough questions for you if you don’t mind.”

From Towelroad: Ellen DeGeneres appeared on screen at a Hillary Clinton fundraising rally at George Washington University in D.C. last night. DeGeneres jokingly asked Clinton whether or not she would promise a ban on glitter. Clinton said she would ban it for those over the age of 12. Said Ellen: "That's what I like about you. You have solutions."

UPDATE:

From Huffington Post: I liked what I saw of Hillary tonight, she was poised and smooth, a real pro, as expected. But she really needs to display all her courage, brains and heart for the Ohio debate. The hourglass is running out fast.

UPDATE 2: The NEW MOViN 92.5 embedded my YouTube video. This is so much fun for me, so I'm sorry for boring you all, but it's the first time I've gotten readers that aren't my friends which I force to read my blog!

Wake-Up Call: Like a Sunbeam Dipped in Chocolate

My co-worker AK has a way with words, and she once described a really friendly and really good person as "a sunbeam dipped in chocolate," and ever since then, I can't stop using the phrase every chance I get. It'd make a fabulous letterpress card, wouldn't it? Sigh. For my next life.

Anyway, this morning's Wake-Up Call provided me with, yet another, excuse to use this phrase:

A "Hillary Clinton Pantsuit Schedule" is on display in the back of her plane. The schedule indicates that Clinton wears "sunshine yellow" on Sundays ("Political Radar").

"When the Magic Fades"

When the magic fades, indeed. David Brooks hit the nail on the head in his NYT column today, entitled "When the Magic Fades." I don't agree with all of this cheeky column, namely the "Sitting Shiva for America Tour," but I certainly understand the comparison.

As the syndrome progresses, they begin to ask questions about The Presence himself:

Barack Obama vowed to abide by the public finance campaign-spending rules in the general election if his opponent did. But now he’s waffling on his promise. Why does he need to check with his campaign staff members when deciding whether to keep his word?

Obama says he is practicing a new kind of politics, but why has his PAC sloshed $698,000 to the campaigns of the superdelegates, according to the Center for Responsive Politics? Is giving Robert Byrd’s campaign $10,000 the kind of change we can believe in?

If he values independent thinking, why is his the most predictable liberal vote in the Senate? A People for the American Way computer program would cast the same votes for cheaper.

I've said it before, and I'll take this opportunity to say it again: I think all of this back and forth is good for the democratic party, though it is becoming detrimental to friendships.

I have to say that personally, as the race for the democratic nomination goes on and on and on, I'm finding it harder to actually like the man who once brought me to tears of joy at the '04 Democratic National Convention. If he wins, and he likely will, I'm going to vote for him - but will I be able to campaign for him like I do for Hillary? I can only HOPE... which is an ironic choice of words.

Red-Eyed Report: Coming Down from the Potomac Primaries

Oy. What a long day. What a long, long day.

First, HRC lost in all three primaries. Not at all a shock, but still hard for a Hillary supporter to digest after volunteering so much. Still, it's not over 'til it's over.

Oh, and it's worth mentioning that besides the departure of CM and DCM, two more people have left her campaign in the big shake-up, including the fabulous Crystal Patterson. I have mad love for Crystal.

Second, I fell not once, not twice, but three times on my walk home in the ice storm.

Third, when I arrived home, I learned my elevators were busted... again. So I had to walk up nine flights of stairs. Admittedly, this wouldn't be SO bad, but I was buzzed, tired, and bruised from my walk home so it became that much more difficult.

Fourth, I failed to go to the post office yesterday, which means all my valentines will be late. Sad molly j.

Hopefully today will be better. Reading this, from Hotline's Wake-Up Call, was a good start:

Vogue's Andre Leon Talley "may miss the Paris women's wear shows" this year because he's volunteering for the Obama camp (New York Post).

Potomac Primary: Update #3

According to Maryland Moment, Maryland Democrats are torn between whom to vote for. Were I there with these undecideds, I might offer this sage advice, best summed up in this description from one family-member-of-a-friend, who is neither a political wonk nor an avid political obsesser (like moi), but rather a regular American:

I have voted for Hillary with my pocket book and at the polls. I think she is smart as a whip, tough as nails, and absolutely tireless. Of all the things that Bush has bungled, I worry the most about foreign relations. I have more confidence in Clinton on this score. Also, although some people say she is polarizing, she has gotten high marks in the Senate for working well with both Democrats and Republicans. I have not heard much substance from the Obama campaign. We're all for Change-- even the Republicans! And George Bush ran on a platform of bringing us all together! (Not that I think Obama would be anything like Bush.) My dream is 8 years of Hillary followed by 8 years of Obama. (emphasis mine)

Or perhaps I'd say, as another dear friend, JW, has said:

ME: How did you decide on Sen. Clinton?
JW: Three things:

1. Hillary is not MY ideal woman to have in the White House, but you know what? She's an excellent start and pave the road for more progressive female candidates to be accepted and have power in this country. And God knows she's not Elizabeth Dole.

2. I'm tired of women's issues and our cares and fears not being addressed seriously in this country. For example, on Day One, would Obama or Hillary repeal the Global Gag Rule?

3. People are right to compare Obama to JFK because it's all about the image, the voice, the perceived hope. But what happens when it comes down to Day One and all that can slide away?

All in all, I believe this is good for the party, good for the country, and it's nice to feel like my vote in DC will actually matter. I know I, personally, loved seeing the candidates campaign around here. Like I said - it's like Christmas in February.

Potomac Primary: Update #1

Evidently my mom's co-worker took Ebbitt to vote today... for Obama. Too bad Ebbitt had already voted today... for Hillary!

Potomac Primaries (aka "Gee, my vote counts this time!)

I voted! And for the first time in my career of DC voting, it counted. It feels like Christmas. No really, it does.

I'm sure you all probably know I'm team Hillary, but that doesn't mean I'm not team Obama - should he win. That's what's so exciting... I think both of them would be kick-ass, so it's pretty exciting (no matter who much certain people in certain places want to make feel like that's untrue).

I know Obama is expected to carry MD, DC, and VA so I'm not expecting any great upset. I think I'm being very realistic about it all. I just like that my vote matters. Slightly.

Below are some updates, courtesy of Hotline's Wake-Up call. I hope to keep updating throughout the day, since stormy weather and record-breaking turnouts, among other turnout-related maladies, are predicted.

Today's weather report: A "light wintry mix" is expected this afternoon in DC, with a high of 39; cloudy skies with a few showers and a high of 48 in Richmond, VA; and "steady rain or freezing rain developing later this afternoon" in Baltimore, MD (Weather.com).

Election officials in VA, MD, and DC "expect a large, perhaps record-breaking, turnout in today's primaries" (Washington Post). And black voters, who make up nearly 20% of VA voters, have previously turned out in "disproportionately greater numbers" than other groups (New York Times).

Contrary to popular belief, HRC edges out Obama for best musical performance by a politician -- Play Of The Day!

Why?

Just, why?

Hillary Sexism Watch (Axe edition)

Click image to enlarge.

Wow. Because if this disgusting cologne spray can reduce your average woman to a feral animal, just imagine what it can do for a presidential hopeful in a tight race against a female candidate! This might be an all-time low for both Hillary Sexism Watch and for Axe ads. And that's really saying something.

Previously in Hilary Sexism Watch:
Chelsea edition
Acronym edition
Misogyny-wear edition
Cheek-pinching edition
"Gender expert" edition
Shock collar edition
Hitchens is an asshole edition
Ironing edition
Accessories edition
Management edition
Laughing edition

Previous Axe-is-disgusting posts:
The manliest of loofahs
A new low for Axe
Axe: The sweet stink of sexism
'Female subject is idle and ready for test sequence'
The Violence Effect

the quote of Super Tuesday

Thanks Broadsheet:

"I want to thank all my friends and family, particularly my mother, who was born before women could vote, and is watching her daughter on this stage tonight."
-- Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Super Tuesday night

Wake-Up Call: Is this thing on?

"My name is Hillary, and I'm so pleased to have most of you on board... If you look out from the right, you will see an America saddled with tax cuts for the wealthiest and a war without end. If you look out from the left, you will see an America with a strong middle class at home and a strong reputation in the world" -- the new, funnier HRC, speaking over the P.A. system of her new 737, Hil Force One ("Washington Wire").

For the Widows in Paradise...

... For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti.

On the day of the Michigan Primary, which no one really cares about 'cept Romney, I give you this "commentoon," courtesy of Women's eNews:

Who's crying now?

(She's an American girl.)

I want to be clear: Hillary's win in New Hampshire doesn't mean that she has it wrapped up... it doesn't mean that she can relax, or take a break, or rest on her laurels. Not that she ever would. But it does mean that this race isn't over yet, that Obama wasn't even close to his projected double-digit lead, and that she is a fighter. I'm so proud to support her. And even if this doesn't last, even if she doesn't win the nomination, it still feels good tonight. She's back!

(I knew I loved Manchvegas during my visit this past June.)

I love it when pollsters have to admit they were SO. VERY. WRONG. Even if most of them refuse to do it. Of course there are many ways to explain this win, just as there were for Obama's in Iowa, but none of them should evoke anything dishonest or illegal. So don't go there, pols. Don't do it.

Noteworthy: iHeart how she evoked Bill's 'comeback kid' moment with this quote at her speech: "Let's give America the kind of comeback New Hampshire has just given me." Woot woot.

It's bedtime... g'nite.

Live Free or Die (tryin'): NH Primary Day

Unless you're completely tuned out, you probably heard that Obama and Huckabee won the Iowa Caucuses for the Democrats and Republicans, respectively. I can't say anything better than what's already been said, but suffice to mention that it's clear that, at least in Iowa, the people want change. Any hint of experience seems to be detrimental to a candidate.

Yes, I support Hillary - but it's important to mention that no matter who wins the Dem nomination... she/he has my vote. So an Obama win wasn't bad to me, necessarily. It just made me a little sad. Of course, I then remembered - courtesy of Obama's kick-ass speech - how incredible it would be to have a president who inspired again... and all was well.

And here we are today, the day of the New Hampshire primary. The first primary in the nation. I didn't sleep well, and my dreams were all electorally oriented. If this makes me uncool, I totes accept it.

I know pols are predicting a double-digit lead for Obama over Hillary, but I'm not sold. He certainly has Obamomentum, for now, but how many of these Independents will choose the Democratic ballot over the Republican? Either way, Hillary is not down, she's not out, and she can still win this thing... so I stand firm for my candidate.

Do you have thoughts? Analysis? Share them in the comments.

(And don't you DARE get me started on "Hillary is weak because she cried" because I will slap you. Hard. Dang double standards.)

Happy Caucus Day, Iowa!

I don't want to write too much about how today is THE MOST EXCITING DAY I've endured in 2008 (true story), but I couldn't let it go by without acknowledging today... it's CAUCUS DAY! I'm so nervous, I could hardly sleep last night.

Most of you know that, while I totally support all of the democratic candidates, I'm totes Team Hillary. Loves her. I can't believe that we're thisclose to figuring out who the democratic nominee will be! (I heard this is the same for the Republicans, but I couldn't care less.)

Also, LM is back in the District, and that can only mean shiny-happy things for Iowa... right?

Tell me: Who do you support? Who is your candidate? Leave it in the comments section, and stay tuned for tomorrow's wrap-up.

"Make Noise, Make Signs, Make History."

I really dig this: