Pinko Magazine Hedonism + Activism

When I lived in Philadelphia I lived at 20th and Spruce, two blocks from the worst bar in the world, an Irish Pub called, creatively, Irish Pub. It was as close to a suburban experience as you could get in a major urban area; the sort of place you would go if you had to be in a city but weren’t comfortable actually experiencing it. So I was tickled to see that Sarah Palin watched the debate there last night, with the best friend of every Republican, cocksucking Comcast chairman Ed Snider. (Comcast is known this decade for intentionally underscheduling many of their employees just below the 32-hour a week requirement to get benefits. Nice.) 

Back at the debate though it was a bittersweet night. It seems in the final analysis that a calm, cool, collected Barack Obama crossed the bar of showing he was mature and could be Commander in Chief. The sighing snarking condascending John McCain came off as mean. Obama didn’t turn into an angry black man. “We won.” (Read this James Fallows piece for the best assessment/wrap-up I’ve seen.) 

Still as a dedicated progressive it has been hard to watch the last week; naively perhaps I dream of a new New Deal, and if there was ever a week to propose it this was it. If there was ever a time where you could get away with boldness, it was the last seven days. And Obama was more technocrat last night, doing what he needed to do to win but still leaving me wanting a broader vision for the economy and the country. 

There were some good moments. At times I thought I was watching a Miami Beach City Council hearing, as McCain threw up every reference to Jews (second holocaust anyone? coming right up!) he could festoon the debate stage with. Also I liked that bracelet craziness. (I HAVE A BRACELET TOO, BITCH) 

With this, away we go. God I still hope the guy wins, new new deal or not. Next up: Palin debating Thursday! 

Also a quick note: I work for The Nation and Paul Newman was one of our longtime friends and benefactors and a brave and bold activist. This is a nice tribute to him I hope you’ll read.

About The Author - Ben Wyskida is a writer, activist, conscientious hedonist and political communications strategist living in Brooklyn. - Visit Ben's site.