Moore: I'm now welcome at convention

[IndianaGreen]

Thanks to OKNancy for finding this on the internet. Please read the entire article.

Moore: I'm now welcome at convention
GENESEE COUNTY
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, July 25, 2004

Moore said Saturday that the Democratic Party is welcoming him, even though he first believed a "low-level, disgruntled person" was trying to deny him the access he sought to the convention.

<snip>

Moore's friend Sam Riddle, a longtime political consultant, supplied The Flint Journal on Friday with a copy of an e-mail in which Moore writes, "Can you believe the Dems are not going to give me credentials?!"

The-mail was dated Thursday. Moore said he did not intend the e-mail to become public and that the situation was resolved sometime Friday. The Journal could not reach Moore for comment Friday.

"The top dogs of the Democratic Party must have realized that had Michael had a more visceral reaction, it could have had a very severe effect on November," Riddle said Saturday.

He maintains that media inquiries prompted convention officials to act on Moore's behalf.

http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/new...

[slinkerwink]

1. is it so wise to allow him at the convention?

I don't want the pundits to talk about Moore while Kerry's giving a speech.

[wtmusic]

2. Not to mention

how many voters are anti-Moore, pro-Kerry?

[LTR]

4. Hey, they get Pat Robertson and all those RW radio goons

We get Michael Moore, Ben Affleck and Al Franken.

I think we got the better end of the deal.

[Orangepeel]

5. I don't think he should have a speaking part

but I have nothing against having him in the hall (I'm assuming he is a registered Democrat). I think he made an unneccessary big stink about the whole thing, though. Is his first recourse always to go to the press?

I'm glad he made F/911, but he's still a grandstanding blowhard.

[bpilgrim]

9. why not?

he is a WELL RESPECTED LIBERAL FILMAKER

you guys act like he's soom kind of wacko like the right have on all the time.

sorry, but this pussy-foot'n around is getting be waaay tooo much no wonder we are in such bad shape.

GUTS

peace

[Orangepeel]

12. I answered the question

because, although he has made some excellent films, he's also a grandstanding blowhard.

There is a long list of well respected liberals (fortunately) and they can't all speak at the convention. This is a showcase event and should be used in the way that will do Kerry the most good.

[Cha]

15. He's not "a grand standing blowhard"...he's just Michael

Moore and thank the stars we have him!

[Orangepeel]

16. well, to each his own.

of course, his grandstanding blowhardness or lack thereof is a matter of opinion.

Do you want to argue about any other celebrities?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

30. You seem to be the one wanting to argue...

...tell you what...you pick the subject and we'll respond. How does that sound? Does that sound like the way a message board should operate? Wow...what a concept!

[Media_Lies_Daily]

29. "Grandstanding blowhard"??? So, anyone that questions the status quo....

...is grandstanding? Anyone that produces films that make people THINK about the world in which they live is pretty far from a "grandstanding blowhard".

Additionally, with F911, Moore has done more to cause people to ask questions about FratBoy and the NeoCons than anything the Democratic Party has done over the last four years.

[Orangepeel]

41. I don't think that anyone who questions the status quo is a grandstanding

blowhard. I think that Michael Moore is a grandstanding blowhard. That's his stock and trade. His movies are entertaining (and in the case of F/911 extremely important), but they are all about grandstanding.

Take for example, the scene in F9/11 where he drives the ice cream truck around reading the patriot act through the loudspeaker. That was amusing and drove home a very important point, but it was still grandstanding.

Is it not possible to like a movie and not like the man who made it?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

46. So, you state that you believe MM is a "grandstanding blowhard", but....

...you previously stated IN THE VERY SAME POST that you don't think that anyone who questions the status quo is a "grandstanding blowhard".

Evidently, you must believe that MM doesn't question the status quo.

Interesting.

That's definitely a new criticsm of MM I hadn't heard before...at least not from the Left.

[Orangepeel]

57. I should have said "everyone"

our "anyone ... is by definition"

[bpilgrim]

49. i think the word your looking for is 'MARKETING' or PROMOTION

and he does it extremely well, i hope someones taking notes ;->

peace

[Swamp Rat]

66. Bzzt! WRONG! It was NOT grandstanding.

Call it something else, but Moore was driving around in an ice cream truck. He was not standing on a roof or in a stadium.

That was Paul Revere II. It was an American using his ingenuity and GUTS to address the fact that the current government is subverting OUR Constitution. How hard is that for people to comprehend?

[bpilgrim]

71. agreed

but there is a certain amount of showmanship in his work and he's darn GOOD at it is all i'm saying

peace

[Swamp Rat]

73. His showmanship is superb for a regular American dude

Actually, I was responding to the poster above. Sorry for the confusion. You and I are on the same page on this one.

[rocktivity]

33. What grandstanding?

The article makes it as plain as day that the story was the result of SOMEBODY ELSE taking an e-mail Moore sent him and making it public. Surely a "professional" grandstander such as Moore is capable of making trouble without assistance. In fact, the source of the story suggested as much ("The top dogs of the Democratic Party must have realized that had Michael had a more visceral reaction..."). You can't hang this one on him!


rocknation

[ilovenicepeople]

72. I know what GRANDSTANDING is

it's an acronym for: "Guy Ranting to Americans, Newsflash!! Dangerous Stupid Texan Alcoholic Neocon Dork Is No Good".

[hippywife]

45. If standing up for the people

unable to stand up for themselves or calling out those in power, both politically and economically, to answer the tough questions then that makes many of us here "grandstanding blowhards", too, now doesn't it?

He's everyman who has labored long and hard. He's the perrenial man on the street looking for answers and justice. He's figured out how one man can bring about needed change.

Grandstanding blowhard, indeed!

[RetroLounge]

68. "he's also a grandstanding blowhard"

Straight from O'Reilly's mouth to DU...

Sad.

I watched Bowling for Columbine last night, and saw nothing, NOTHING, grandstanding or blowhard-like about it. Why are you repeating the right wing talking points? Sorry if anyone who speaks up offends you.

RL

"Paging Doctor Dean, Spine transplant needed in room 1..."

[skooooo]

13. exactly..

...people shouldn't be banned from the convention anyway.

[jean]

36. we're not in bad shape and Moore has had plenty of exposure

through his films. I hope he goes and keeps quiet. Just showing up and being 'a presence' is enough - Michael Moore packs a wallop just being seen.

Let the candidates take the spotlight and have the podium. We need them in everyone's living room.

[bpilgrim]

42. this ain't about 'exposure' for MM it is for the DEM PARTY

sheesh, r u kidding me.

all the egomaniacs in our media obsessed world show KNOW better.

it's the TEAM and MM will ATTRACT a LOT of ATTENTION which is a GOOD thing.

peace

(on edit: and if you don't think this country is in 'bad shape' then you aint been pay'n attention!)

[jean]

52. talking not about the country but about our team - Kerry/Edwards

since these are the people we want to put in the white house.

Michael Moore can have a strong presence and we can all feel happy about that but he does not need to get up on the podium and speak - F 9/11 is speaking volumes daily.

Michael Moore attracting attention? The idiot media (Blitzer, Woodruff, all the other mouthpieces) will just use him to bash our side and distract from the convention. They will cheapen and try to split us by taking cheap shots at Moore.

[cyclezealot]

39. Does initial reaction reflect soul of Democratic party?

His past support for Nader? Should that haunt him forever. My wife supported Nader...Didn't matter in California anyway. Nader people supporting the Democrats, might bring back the vast numbers of disafected voters...Certainly one who plays the role of a truth teller.
Timid, staid. Don't rock the boat? Vote for the status quo...Don't question the Iraq war's corruptions. Be the world's number One military machine.
I would follow Moore as a political leader over most Democrats.Except Kucinich/Dean.
If Moore would slim down a little bit,I would like to see him run for President. Some honesty finally.

[rednek_Liberal]

63. Are you biased against him as a candidate because of weight???

kind of shallow dont you think Hal?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

26. Did you read the part about his FRIEND releasing his email to the press?

[GHOSTDANCER]

40. Maybe we shouldn't allow 3rd party candidates to debate either?

mmmm Kay?

[Fone Book]

50. I don't think he is a registered dem

hes a green

[rednek_Liberal]

61. I dont think he went to the press on this issue...

maybe you missed this in the article...

The-mail was dated Thursday. Moore said he did not intend the e-mail to become public and that the situation was resolved sometime Friday.

Whooo doggies thats some grandstanding.....

[bpilgrim]

7. Is it wise NOT to?

I don't think so.

He's a widely known well respected and world renown liberal filmmaker who's done more than anyone to get the word out about this mis administration who's party's convention should he go to if not the Dem's?

it would have been WORSE if he didn't get invited imo i know i would have been pissed.

if he was a sexist, racist, fundamentalist or something like the right often embrace now THAT would be a whole nother story.

peace
(edited the title)

[11bravo1986]

34. why

do you use that picture of inspector clouseau?

[rednek_Liberal]

64. LOL your kidding right??

[Rose Siding]

32. The article explains he won't be there that day.

snip>
Moore will attend the convention Monday through Wednesday, but not Thursday when Kerry will deliver his keynote address. Moore is scheduled to appear on NBC's "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno that night.

[unfrigginreal]

54. Gee, maybe they should silence Howard too?

Very surprised at your take on this.

[Piperay]

69. I agree

I hope he will try to just blend in and not be the focus.

[Cha]

3. It should be a Big Tent...I'm Glad Michael Moore is

Welcome!

[Gman]

6. Pat Buchanan's call for a culture war in 1992

played a huge role in sinking Bush I that year. That's also why the GOP won't have the real nuts speaking this year.

While we may want to hear the real, unadulterated truth flow like a river at the convention, the political reality is that the tone of the convention and so the speakers must deliver tempered and moderate speeches.

[Bucky]

14. The sinking and stinking will happen in the "free speech zone"

That's the part that'll get ugly. I wish Kerry & Edwards would denounce the free speech zone for the NewSpeak BS that it is. There should only be one free speech zone in America with the following boundries: from the mountains to the prairies to oceans white with foam. Protesters are calling the "protest pens" and the judge who reviewed the conditions there called it worse than a concentration camp. And then he ordered that they stay in place!

I disagree with 90% of the protesters, but goddammit those free speech zones are intolerable. Once we're afraid to talk to each other, democracy is basically over.

[rocktivity]

27. Here's where you can ask Kerry to protest the free speech zones

1. Check out the photos of the DNC Convention’s free speech zone at http://parkerpettus.com/fleet/index.html

2. Call John Kerry’s campaign office of DNC headquarters at one of these phone numbers:
Washington DC
202-712-3000
202-712-3001 (fax)

Massachusetts
617-367-1551

DNC Headquarters
202-863-8000

Or leave an e-mail at http://www.johnkerry.com/contact/involved.php

3. Tell them that you are outraged, and that before the convention starts, John Kerry MUST publicly denounce the zone as being as unsafe as it is unconstitutional.

It might strike you as odd that we should want Kerry to look out for his own protestors. But think of the "fun" the mainstream media would have blaming Kerry's "endorsement" of nazi-like tactics if major violence or mass arrests were to occur. If he takes a public stand against the zones, Kerry would be in a position to say, "Well, I warned you, didn’t I?" if there's any trouble. Best of all, he'd be standing up for the civil rights of even his political enemies--how "presidential" is THAT???


rocknation

P.S. Thanks for the inspiration, Matcom and Plurality!

[Jerseygirltoo]

38. what Bucky said

I second that. It was terrible when they put us in pens in New York, and I hate that it's happening in Boston. Remember this verse
from Woody Guthrie's song.
As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there
And that sign said - no tress passin'
But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!

[Merlin]

21. EXACTLY! That's our problem now. Soon the battles will be internal.

Always, it seems, after the glorious but envervating battle to rise up and throw out the oppressors comes the battle to control those who do not grasp the limits of the potential for change in the electorate.

Our next fight will be internal. It's inevitable. Sadly, it will be fought primarily against many of the best intentioned, youngest, most naieve but ardent supporters of our cause. They do not fully understand that, in a democracy, it is essential for the governing party to retain the consent and support of the majority of the electorate. Our side is now emerging as that governing power.

[bpilgrim]

43. "the limits of the potential for change" - BS

if you view to see it as a 'battle' when it is simply the NATURAL dynamics of any large group that may part of the problem.

if the party PLANS WELL they will be able to DEAL with them otherwise the PEOPLE will take it to the streets.



same as it ever was.

a wise leader will CAPITALIZE on that powerful mood of the people an effect POSSITIVE CHANGE.

peace

[Merlin]

74. MLK was a great example of recognizing the limits of potential for change

He understood he had only so much energy and so much time. What he COULD achieve, he believed, was to unlock the legal shackles that kept black people from voting and from equal access to common and government provided facilities.

MLK understood that he could not make all the changes he wanted to or all that were needed. He couldn't right all the wrongs. He couldn't completely solve the race problem. He couldn't lift blacks en masse out of poverty.

He understood he had a winning technique for galvanizing public attention and activism in support of his cause, but that the results he could achieve--the results society could be pushed to accept--were necessarily only half a loaf.

That's what I mean by recognizing the "limits of the potential for change." You can only do so much at one time. Same way in your own life. If you're a poor kid just out of high school, you can't just buy a house right away. You need a job first. You need to save. Then, when the time is ripe, you can make your move. Politics is the same way.

As JFK said, "politics is the art of the possible."

Peace.

[Merlin]

22. EXACTLY! That's our problem now. Soon the battles will be internal.

Always, it seems, after the glorious but envervating battle to rise up and throw out the oppressors comes the battle to control those who do not grasp the limits of the potential for change in the electorate.

Our next fight will be internal. It's inevitable. Sadly, it will be fought primarily against many of the best intentioned, youngest, most naieve but ardent supporters of our cause. They do not fully understand that, in a democracy, it is essential for the governing party to retain the consent and support of the majority of the electorate. Our side is now emerging as that governing power.

[Toucano]

8. Thanks IG and OKNancy

This is good to know.

[Judi Lynn]

10. That's tremendous news. It's really good to see he's interested

in attending, and that he's welcome.

MIchael Moore didn't hide his support in 2000 for Ralph Nader. I think it shows the prospects for human beings are grave under _{George Bush} if he is showing support for the Democratic candidate this year.

Democrats benefit. Michael Moore's no small presence, and he has reached the public in ways the Democratic leadership cannot.

[IndianaGreen]

11. Moore supported Wes Clark this year

and he has done more to poke holes in Bush's public persona of Commander in Chief than anyone else. The F911 sequence showing the 7 minutes of Bush at the grade school while the WTC was under attack was devastating.

[Judi Lynn]

23. Thanks for the Wes Clark reminder.

That point never quite sank in with me when it happened. I wasn't paying close enough attention, it seems. Glad to see it pointed out.

The more discussed about his movie, the better. I hope it gets seen so widely that those Republicans who won't see it will still be told about it by Republicans who DID.

[jean]

55. yes and Wes Clark immediately distanced himself from Michael after

Moore attacked bush over his (lack of) military record. Michael did a fantastic job of nailing bush but Wes Clark was NOT comfortable being his tag team partner on that issue - the media went after Clark over his connection to Moore and Wes backed away.

Moore did manage to focus attention on bush's AWOL-ness - and it continues to this day to be a majaor weakness in the bush armor.

[DemBones DemBones]

17. Moore draws too much attention to himself

and is someone who'll put off a lot of people who are not happy with Bush* but not yet committed to Kerry.

I hope he's a very quiet presence at the convention but knowing him. . .

[0007]

20. Go Michael go and please don't catch a dummy

~You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of~

[opihimoimoi]

18. The crowds will demand Moore speak by popular acclaim.

Its hard to imagine they not gonna ket him speak...

He is one of the Heros of the anti Bush Movement...Franken, Stewart, Clarke.

But he has an enormous impact via his movie F911

It would be wise indeed.

[0007]

25. You got it right .Franken, Stewart, Clarke and the Deans and Hersh

I say let Michael incite the truth, let him speak. The party must galvanize, not act like a bunch of wimps!

[Rose Siding]

19. Whew

That's a relief.

[lynx rufus]

24. WE WANT MOORE! WE WANT MOORE!

He has done more for the Democratic Party than anyone
this year. Not only do I want him there; I want a speech!

[IranianDemocrat]

60. What a GREAT IDEA!

Let him give a speach! It's not like hes a polaraizing figure or anything!

[sonias]

28. Good news!

He never should have been denied credentials to the convention. He is a huge media talent. He's not speaking at the convention officially, he's simply attending it. Appearing on a couple of news segments, talking with other pundits. He won't even be there on Thursday, the night of Kerry's speech. If you read the article he's only there through Wednesday. On Thursday he's on Leno's show.

Open the tent and make it wider.

I do agree that Kerry and Edwards should denounce the horror concentration camp that Boston has set up, and had the gall to call a free speech area. Shame!!


Sonia

[Dr Fate]

31. I'm glad he will be attending...stop worrying folks...

...I am sure he will be good to us!

Most DEMS & potential swing voters do not have a huge problem w/ him-
Where do we get the idea that these swing voters even have an opinion about him at all?

[Yavin4]

35. If Faux News Can Be Let In...

then so should Michael Moore. Case Closed.

[bloom]

62. I would like to hear FOX news referred to as "hate news" by the wsj

If someone there can call DU a "hate" site...

[rocktivity]

37. The article also says he'll give an interview to Larry King this week!

Well, well, well! But will Larry King be totin' that White House representative to rebut F9/11? A few weeks ago, CNN offered Moore a Larry King appearance under that condition, he accepted, and CNN never called back. It's tempting to wonder if CNN was HOPING that Moore to get mad and back down, but what kind thought is THAT to be having on a Sunday?


rocknation

[marlakay]

44. Interesting about Larrry King!

They called off the interview because the white house wouldn't send anyone...they are trying to ignore the fact that Michael exists...like anyone could!! I emailed Larry King's show and told him exactly what I thought about that! I watch him a lot and told him every one was watching Mike's movie and we need him to interview him and that CNN is bowing to the right...

(I was talking about last week...glad he is doing it at the convention!)

[rocktivity]

48. The kid yawns again!

CNN called off the interview because the White House wouldn't send anyone? Does that mean they didn't run the idea past the White House FIRST? Or that having a White House rep was THEIR idea rather than the White House's--in which case they SHOULD HAVE run it past the White House first?

This is just like this nonsense on the Letterman show about the yawning kid video--first CNN said the White House called and said it was faked; then they said that someone on their end mistakenly thought it was the White House who called and said it was faked! Gee, they're batting a thousand here...


rocknation

[lovuian]

47. Well Hello Democrats!!! Michael Moore is coming to town!!!

Smart decision ...and they better have open arms to Michael Moore

there is a clip on Michael Moores film of Democrats sitting listening for the phone call and yet Republicans storming the polls in Florida....Where was the fighting spirit for this country


They better show some spunk here

[rocktivity]

51. Perhaps this whole thing would have been avoided

If Mike had said he'd representing the Paris Business Review.


rocknation

[Laughing Mirror]

53. Press put pressure on convention officials

to comp Michael Moore's way in, or else they might not have invited him, or passed over him. Good for those alert people making phone calls and getting people embarrased. I scratch my head at the oversight on the part of the convention. Few people have done as much as Michael Moore has to get the buzz going and try to help energize the party.

An enterprising network ought to have hired him to cover the convention live. Like Gore Vidal at Dem convention in 1968, Moore would be quite good providing a running commentary, hustling interviews on the floor as the convention unfolds.

[Columbia]

56. Sounds like typical Moore publicity stoking

I wonder if Kerry will have a photo-op with him?

[maxanne]

58. holy toledo

If we're so afraid of big bad Michael Moore - how will we win an election?

I can't believe what I'm reading here. Maybe we should only allow "embedded" journalists. Maybe we should handpick the audience, and give Kerry the list of questions before the press conference.

[DaveSZ]

59. I don't know if it would be wise to give him a speaking spot

He might be the Dem's Pat Buchanan lol.

On the other hand, he should get in the door of course!

[stepnw1f]

65. This Is Why Dems Lose

They think way TOO politically. It's a real turn-off to regaular voters. I am a Registered Dem, and I am just pointing out that this type of backpedaling is going to look bad if they deny Moore. They don't have to wave Moore signs all over the place, but should publicly Thank him at the DNC to merit his efforts and give the movie a seal of approval.

One part of that movie that stands out, is the part where nobody came to the side of our Black Caucaus. People will be remebering Moore than DNC and finally they didn't support the Black Caucaus.

Want to improve that already frightening fact, then allow him in. But then again it's all politics right?

When will we learn?

[Uzybone]

67. Even opiate of the masses pusher ESPN,

had Moore do a big "documentary" for them last week during the Espys. Nah, those who are turned away from Dems by Moore were never gonna vote for Dems anyway.

[Pepperbelly]

70. whole thing blown out of proportion ...

some asshole made a decision that he/she had no right to make and bingo, instant controversy.