The First Debate

I watched the first Presidential Debate last night, and I thought that Sen. Barack Obama more than held his own against Sen. John McCain. McCain just seems to have very little respect for Obama, and at times appeared to be treating him in a condescending manner. Is it me, or did I notice that during the initial handshake, McCain didn't even make eye contact with Obama.

Watching the debate on CNN, it amazes me that they felt it necessary to employ 10 people to analyze the results of the debate. If perception is reality, and in most cases it is, Barack Obama just appears to be more presidential than John McCain. McCain really is a reincarnation of President Bush, and we see where that's got us after 8 years.

The Slate and Newsweek offer opinions on the debate and Politico's Ben Smith provides the following opinion:

The mild consensus in the press file was that McCain won, if not in particularly dramatic fashion. The two insta-polls out -- from CBS and CNN -- found the opposite: That Obama won by a wide margin. CBS had it 39% to 25% for Obama, CNN 51% to 38%. Maybe the difference was expectations. People covering the campaigns think of Obama as a much-improved debater, and McCain as at times a weak one. McCain, by that standard, overperformed. But people tuning into the race now now think of McCain as an experienced hand, and Obama as a newcomer. Obama more than held his own, and McCain failed to expose him -- as he tried -- as out of his depth.

Sen. Barack Obama performed just fine in his first Presidential Debate, and with just over 6 weeks until the election, time and conditions are on his side.

Wachovia Being Merged?

The Charlotte Observer reports that Wachovia Bank is in possible merger talks with Citigroup of New York, Wells Fargo of San Francisco and Banco Santander of Spain. The bank's stock is presently selling at $10.00 a share.

Kevin Johnson Update

Former NBA star Kevin Johnson is a mayoral candidate for the city of Sacramento, and has a pretty good chance to win the election. The Sacramento Bee provides an update on KJ, and reports that yesterday he campaigned with Shaquille O'Neal amid concerns that Johnson appears on a list that bars him from receiving federal funds or grants, while being investigated for possible improprieties regarding his St. Hope Academy, which he founded.

Kevin Johnson on has done a lot of good work in his hometown of Sacramento, CA, so hopefully the investigation will not hinder his chances to become mayor, assuming that he's not guilty of any wrong doing.

WAMU CEO Entitled To $13Million "Golden Parachute" For 18 Days Of Work

The New York Post reports that Washington Mutual CEO Alan Fishman is entitled to more than $13 million after only being on the job for 18 days. Fishman received a signing bonus of $7.5 million, and is entitled to a severance package of $6.15 million if he is fired without cause.

We all know by now that Washington Mutual's collapse as of today is the biggest bank failure in our country's history. Talk about giving out handouts to people. Amid all of this economic chaos, the selfishness of our country, and big business never ceases to amaze me.

Hova Still Making Moves

Billboard.com confirms a story that has been making the rounds for the last week, that Jay-Z has formed a record label and publishing company with Norweigian production team Stargate under the StarRoc banner. If you're not familiar with the Stargate team, Billboard.com provides the follwing information on them:

Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen) has been behind several big hits for artists Jay-Z nurtured while president of Def Jam, including Rihanna and Ne-Yo. The duo is currently represented on the Hot 100 by Ne-Yo's "Closer" (No. 7), Rihanna's "Take a Bow" (No. 27) and Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight" (No. 41).

It's good to see that Jay-Z still continues to show his business acumen by looking for opportunities that clearly place him in control of his destiny. We could all learn something from Mr. Carter.

To Debate Or Not Debate

Well Sen. Barack Obama has indicated that he will be in Oxford, Mississippi tonight for the scheduled Presidential Debate, however, as of last night Sen. John McCain had not made travel arrangements.

With no bailout plan approved, McCain has an open excuse for not showing up, but Obama has indicated that if McCain is indeed a no show, that he will proceed alone in a Town Hall format. Should be interesting theatre.

No Bailout!

I was fixated on CNN last night as they gave as many updates as possible on the breakdown of the economic bailout talks. It was interesting to note that Sen. Barack Obama openly questioned Republican Sen. John Boehner regarding his alternative proposal. It was also noted with surprise that Sen. John McCain sat quietly while Obama at least appeared interested in resolving and discussing the bailout options.

Between Sen. John McCain's behavior in the last 2 days, and the Gov. Sarah Palin interview with Katie Couric, it's clear that the McCain team doesn't have a clue as to how to lead our country. History is indeed in the making.

Jennifer Hudson

Billboard.com profiles the lovely Jennifer Hudson, whose debut Cd is released next Tuesday. Hudson, who at 26, is already an Academy Award Winner, will surely set the world on fire next week with the release, and I can't wait.

Is She Really Veep Material?

This is a clip of Katie Couric interviewing Gav. Sarah Palin concerning the economic crisis. Is she really Veep Material?

Is McCain Attempting To Salvage Campaign

Sen. John McCain yesterday suspended his campaign, and requested to postpone Friday's Presidential Debate because of the Congressional Bailout Hearings. It's interesting at a time when the polls are showing Sen. Barack Obama surging that McCain would choose to postpone the first debate.

Sen. Obama, correctly rejected the idea of a postponement, and stated that he will proceed with plans to attend the debate. With the economy teetering on the verge of a collapse, Obama has a chance to put some much needed separation between himself and McCain in the area of the economy.

Bush Confirms Worst Fears Of Economy Collapse

In a speech to the nation last night President Bush warned of an economic catastrophe if the $700 billion bail out package isn't passed soon.

This was Bush's first address to the nation in over a year, so I guess this economic crisis is pretty serious.

Rodney Jerkins Speaks On Janet's Departure From Island Def Jam

Famed music producer Rodney Jerkins speaks about Janet Jackson's departure from Island Def Jam, and hints that he may collaborate with Jam and Lewis on the next Janet record. Janet now has the autonomy to make the kind of record she pleases. She's a legend, and that will never change.

Patty Jackson's 411 Report

I love Patty Jackson's 411 reports, and I've been remiss in linking recently. This is the latest link, and Patty reports that famed Motown Songwriter Norman Whitfield has died from complications due to diabetes. If you've watched the "Temptations" movie, Whitfield is the producer who wrote "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". Prayers go out to the Whitfield family.

Patty provides additional details regarding what's happening in the entertainment industry, so please support the famed Philadelphia radio personality.

Bailout Plan In Doubt

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson told Congress yesterday that if the $700 billion bailout plan isn't passed soon, that the economy as we know it will cease to exist. The stock market has already lost more than 500 points in 2 days.

The Baltimore Sun provides additional details into the dire outlook if the plan isn't passed soon.

Tyler Perry Contributes To Local Atlanta Charity

The Atlanta Journal Constitution also reports that Tyler Perry contributed enough food to the Hosea Feed The Hungry charity to feed more than 1,000 families for 2 weeks. Tyler Perry is the epitome of the American Dream, and he continues to show that fame and fortune have not allowed him to forget his roots.

T.I. Ordered To Pay More Child Support

Rapper T.I. was ordered to pay more child support by a Georgia judge yesterday as part of a continued child support dispute with the mother of two of his children. T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris was ordered to increase his payments from $2,000 to just over $3,000. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides specifics on the dispute and results of the hearing.

Pennsylvania Has 444 Juveniles Serving Life Sentences

Pennsylvania leads the nation with 444 juveniles serving life sentences without parole. Yesterday, the state held a 4 hour hearing to debate the issue. According the the group that organized the pubic hearing, black youth in Pennsylvania are 1.5 times more likely than white youth to be sentenced to life without parole, despite commensurate crimes.

The Philadelphia Daily News provides additional information on the hearing that at least will bring awareness to the issue if the finding are correct that black youth are being sentenced more harshly than whites.

The Fearless Jazmine Sullivan

21 year old Philly native Jazmine Sullivan releases her debut Cd "Fearless" today. Propelled by the chart topping single "Need U Bad" which is produced by Missy Elliott, Sullivan is poised to make a lasting impression on the music industry.

Please support Ms. Sullivan, it's good to see a young woman not wasting her God given talents.

Being Black Could Cost Barack 6 Points In Polls

I posted earlier today that Donna Brazile stated that race could cost Barack Obama 3 points in the polls. It turns out that this may be a conservative figure.

The New York Daily News reports that the figure may be closer to 6 points, which if true, puts Barack's campaigning as a potentially moot point considering how close the race appears to be.

I think all of the polls are a ruse to keep blacks away from the polls in 6 weeks. Let's continue to register new voters and take Barack over the top.

Bill Gets Palin

The New York Post publishes an article in which Former President Bill Clinton states that he understand Sarah Palin's appeal. Bill may understand it, but does he really have to give a dissertation on her appeal. It's not really necessary at this point.

Clinton, who is in Manhattan for his Global Initiative Meetings, which is part of his foundation has stated that he will be campaigning for Barack Obama when the meetings conclude. Thanks in advance for your help Bill.

Palin Speaks Before Crowd Of 60,000 In Florida

The Orlando Sentinel reports on Gov. Sarah Palin speaking in front of an estimated crowd of nearly 60,000 people in Florida.

Will Troopergate Be A Campaign Issue

Clarence Page writes in the Chicago Tribune that the John McCain's campaign has been very quiet about answering questions about the Tropergate Scandal that has Gov. Sarah Palin's name written all over it. "This is the probe, initiated with her blessing and a unanimous vote by Alaska lawmakers, is trying to find out whether Palin abused her power in trying to remove as a state trooper Mike Wooten, who divorced Palin's sister."

Republicans are so in love with Palin, I don't think it would matter if she's guilty of wrongdoing in Troopergate.

Obama's Map To Victory

Regardless of what the poll numbers show, the electoral college will determine the next President of the United States. The Chicago Sun-Times discusses Sen. Barack Obama's path to victory related to the electoral college.

The article also states that since 1964, only two southern nominees, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have won the presidency running as a Democrat. Well, when Obama wins the presidency, he'll make history in more ways than we ever could've imagine.

Philly Democrats Openly Uncomfortable With Obama

The Philadelphia Daily News has published an interesting, but sad article that highlights the fact the Philadelphia Democrats are stating openly that they are uncomfortable with Sen. Barack Obama. Democratic operative Donna Brazile stated yesterday on a television show that we need to add at least 3 points to these poll numbers because of the race issue in our country. Unfortunately, I think she's right.