• BORE-ING

    BORE-ING

             On Sundays in mid-February, people gather around their television sets, sometimes with family and friends, to watch the Super Bowl. An exclusively American spectacle, it’s a huge event with great absenteeism the next day.  Musical stars perform at half-time. Often, the game is exceedingly exciting. People cheer, post things, and talk about the game the…

  • Bill Clinton’s Rapid Response Team

    Bill Clinton’s Rapid Response Team

                When Michael Dukakis ran for president in 1988, he pledged to a decent campaign- above the fray. He did and became a punching bag for his opponent. He as attacked brutally and relentlessly- and lost.             In 1992, Democrats had lost five of the last six elections. Only Jimmy Carter’s 1976 close call broke…

  • The day I shook a President’s hand

    The day I shook a President’s hand

    The Democratic Party held its twelfth convention in Chicago, a city with significant historical ties to the party. From Abraham Lincoln’s nomination in the first Chicago Convention to Bill Clinton’s unconventional 1996 entrance, the city holds a special place in Democratic history. The author also reflects on personal encounters with political figures, including a memorable…