Monthly Archives: August 2004

American Candidate Travels to Keene, NH

At its most base, the draw of reality shows is to see who is eliminated and to vicariously participate in the relationships of the contestants still standing. In “American Candidate,’ standing depends in part on what skills and resources contestants … Continue reading

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Funereal

As the number of people whom you have known begins to outnumber the people whom you know, as the balance tips between the number of those friends who have died and those who are left behind, as the contributions to … Continue reading

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Protest, Security and the Progressive Agenda

With a virtual rout of a ‘progressive’ agenda at the Democratic National Convention, contrarians were left to attend a 3-day Boston Social Forum and Progressive Convention, to rally at Boston Common and/or take to the streets. On July 12, 2004, … Continue reading

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Reality Politics vs. Reality Television

According to Lisa de Moraes of The Washington Post (August 4, 2004), “Prime-time goings-on at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday were by far the most-watched TV events last week, averaging 21 million, 20 million and 28 … Continue reading

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Riding the Donkey

At the opening meeting of the African American caucus on July 26, 2004, John Kerry Campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill said, “This is a chance to show everyone the future of our party.” And if the enthusiasm in the crowd … Continue reading

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