I'm sure it hasn't escaped the attention of anyone reading this that the past couple of days at the Democratic Convention have heavily featured a paean to the families of the candidates, right down to the exit music for Biden after his acceptance speech, the 70s disco hit, "We Are Family."
The production of Obama's "spontaneous" visit was awesome, and it displayed the Biden family beautifully, right down to the photo-op of the grandson waving to the crowd.
I have started to think this is dog-whistle politics to some extent, even though it makes perfect sense to portray the candiates' strengths, in this case their strong families.
By producing such endearing images of raw emotion and irresistable cuteness, accompanied by a pounding, slightly, uh, African theme, Obama and Biden have challenged McCain and whomever to recite their own family histories, accompanied by their idea of music. Please, John, how did you meet Cyndi and what was it you liked about her so much? Tell us about the strength of your commitment to her and about some of your kids, and don't forget the ones you didn't get custody of.
Any comment by McCain along the lines of his family is going to compare very badly with the presentation of the last couple of days, and the stagecraft on display tonight set the bar pretty high.
Speaking of the bar being set high, Obama is tall, so that is emphasized when he greets others on the stage. (Did you see the Pelosi gesture?) McCain is short, so it will be interesting to see how they keep him from standing next to people of normal stature.
I'll be interested in the tune selection at the Republican convention, to see which artists don't mind licensing their tunes to the GOP. Will there be any Black artists represented?
Ten bucks says the Rolling Stones let them use something. They're rich and they sold out decades ago, and Keith probably drowned Brian Jones. I'll bet they're whatever passes for Republican in England. Maybe "Gimme Shelter" for McCain's entrance and "Sympathy for the Devil" for Cheney, "Shattered" for Bush.
Any other thoughts for Rolling Stones theme music for Republicans? "Sticky Fingers?"