I don't know if the movie "
Swing Vote" could have been made before the 2000 election, but after unlikely photo-finishes in both the Gore-Bush race, and a couple of statewide races here in Washington, you may be more likely to willingly suspend your sense of disbelief.
The movie occurs during a presidential campaign. Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a happy-go-lucky drinker who has a low paying job in a factory and is pretty much raised by his grade school age daughter, Molly who is serious minded and scolding. Bud has a heart, but always seems to miss the mark when it comes to
responsibility. Politically savvy Molly sneakily registers Bud to vote, but politics do not show up on Bud's radar screen. He does promise to vote, but when a night of heavy drinking gets in the way, Molly sneaks a vote in for President in Bud's name. A
glitch however stops it from counting. When the race ends up in a dead heat, all attention turns to Bud. He
soon become a national celebrity and the results are hilarious.
Both presidential camps go to hilarious attempts to capture Bud's vote, that is where the real satire comes in. Both candidates seem sincere, but are influenced by there handlers. Kelsey Grammer plays the incumbent presidential candidate Andrew Boone, Stanley Tucci, plays his handler loosely based on Karl Rove. Dennis Hopper plays the Democratic candidate, Donald Greenleaf, with his handler played hilarously by Nathan Lane.
John McCain, desperate to steal thunder from Barack Obama, has picked Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Obama delivered arguably one of the best speeches in American history, however, McCain aparently is trying to woo Democrats angered over Hilary Clinton being skipped. Palin is Pro-Life, so it is doubtful that many Hilary supporters will crossover, in fact some may stay home altogether. Remember, George W. Bush did not win much support from the Black community after picking Colin Powell to be the first black Secretary Of State.
The Seattle Seahawks finished their pre season on a winning note, beating old AFC Nemesis Oakland 23-16. The victory, just 4 days after the loss to San Diego, was costly as the 'Hawks lost
KIRO news radio has increased it's reach by simulcasting on the FM band. Long the voice of news, talk, and sports in the region, KIRO is arguably Seattle's most successful radio station. That point was driven home in 2004, when morning host Dave Ross ran as a Democrat for Congress. KIRO has traditionally broadcast at 710 on the AM dial. It will continue that spot and will also be heard at 97.3 on FM. Oldies station KBSG, which was KIRO's sister station, is no longer in existence.
pictured: Sada, Mariel, and Becca
John Edwards personal troubles remind me of the movie"Beau James" where Bob Hope played the colorful New York mayor Jimmy Walker. Attending a baseball game, Walker was asked about a scandal he was involved with. His comment was "I hope the Yankees win."
