The Accidental Pundit

MVI 3398

2008-12-22T19:34:00.001-05:00

ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 AT THE 59TH ST. COLUMBUS CIRCLE SUBWAY STATION, A GROUP OF ARTISTS GAVE A GIFT TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK. THEY HUNG BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART, ALL BY ANONYMOUS ARTISTS IN THE TUNNEL LEADING THE 59TH ST. STATION. THIS IS AN INTERVIEW BY IREPORTER BRAD BAILEY, THE FIRST ON THE SCENE TO GET THE OPINIONS OF COMMUTERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

BRAD BAILEY ON MSNBC- KEITH OLBERMANN

2008-11-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

Brad Bailey's Interview with Sarah Palin is on MSNBC's Keith OlbermanN

MY WORK WAS NOTED ON A CNN.COM BLOG

2008-11-03T08:22:00.000-05:00

http://www.ireport.com/blogs/ireport-blog/2008/11/02/up-close-and-personal-with-palin

MY INTERVIEW WITH SARAH PALIN WAS ON CNN.COM

2008-11-03T01:24:00.000-05:00

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-132425

BRAD BAILEY TALKS TO SARAH PALIN ABOUT RACE AND EQUALITY

2008-11-02T07:26:00.001-05:00

Brad Bailey attends a speech by Sarah Palin in Jeffersonville, Indiana and asks her about the fact that he is the only minority out of thousands. Governor Palin gives her take on the matter. (p.s. Bailey is a democrat and attended the rally to understand what's going on and to hear her speak for himself.)

HANK WILLIAMS JR. DISSING OBAMA

2008-11-01T02:06:00.001-04:00

HANK WILLIAMS JR. DISCUSSES HIS OPPOSITION TO BARACK OBAMA AT A RALLY IN JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA. Brad Bailey shot this footage.

Kirsten Broderick CREATOR OF THE FEDERAL FINANCE CORE

2008-10-30T01:17:00.001-04:00

Brad Bailey talks to Kirsten Broderick about her organization, the Federal Finance Core, and it's role in helping educate Americans about finance. In addition, her group will help prevent future economic meltdowns. THIS INTERVIEW IS IN NEW YORK CITY

SARAH PALIN AT THE PODIUM

2008-10-29T23:45:00.003-04:00

I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND A RALLY FOR SARAH PALIN IN JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA AND GOT THIS SHOT OF SARAH PALIN TALKING AT THE PODIUM.

IS JOHN MCCAIN THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE?

2008-10-28T00:40:00.001-04:00

MY LATEST AND MAYBE GREATEST

Brad Bailey iReport Film Festival Submission

2008-10-13T06:48:00.001-04:00

A Video Retrospective of some of my interviews over the past year

BRAD BAILEY BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BEIJING OLYMPICS

2008-09-22T02:17:00.001-04:00

CNN INTERVIEWED ME FROM BEIJING ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES AT THE OLYMPICS

2008-08-28T01:47:00.003-04:00

My interview with CNN concerning my meeting with Micheal Phelps and my experiences at the Beijing Olympics can be found by clicking here

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/sports/2008/08/20/dcl.brad.bailey.phelps.cnn?iref=videosearch

BRAD BAILEY TALKS TO KOBE BRYANT AT THE BEIJING OLYMPICS

2008-08-28T01:43:00.001-04:00

BRAD BAILEY TALKS TO KOBE BRYANT MINUTES BEFORE THE LAST PRACTICE OF THE U.S TEAM AT THE OLYMPICS BEFORE THE GOLD MEDAL ROUND.

BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWS ACTOR VINCE VAUGHN AT THE BEIJING OLYMPICS

2008-08-28T01:42:00.003-04:00

BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWS ACTOR VINCE VAUGHN AT THE BUDWEISER PARTY IN BEIJING AT THE OLYMPICS

BRAD BAILEY AND LEBRON JAMES IN CHINA AT THE OLYMPICS

2008-08-28T01:42:00.001-04:00

BRAD BAILEY TALKS TO LEBRON JAMES AT THE LAST PRACTICE OF THE USA TEAM BEFORE THEY GO FOR THE GOLD IN BEIJING

BRAD BAILEY AT THE BEIJING OLYMPICS INSIDE THE PRESS ROOM

2008-08-28T01:41:00.003-04:00

BRAD BAILEY IS IN BEIJING CHINA AT THE OLYMPICS INSIDE THE MEDIA PRESS CENTER, WHICH IS THE MEDIA HUB OF THE OLYMPICS.

WHY I AM A DEMOCRAT IN 2008. FROM BRAD BAILEY Moultrie, Georgia

2008-08-28T01:41:00.001-04:00

Brad Bailey, Originally a Moultrie, GA native, Brad Bailey is an independent filmmaker based out of New York and Los Angeles. A former graduate of Yale and Princeton Universities, Brad Bailey credits his emancipated creativity to his eclectic experiences; he has worked on independently produced short films and has worked moderating political and social films around the world.This video answers his question as to why he is a democrat in 2008, and utilizes a wide array of diverse people to relate this common theme.

BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWS PASSERBY RIGHT AFTER THE LOS ANGELES EARTHQUAKE

2008-08-01T22:21:00.000-04:00

MY RESPONSE LISTED BELOW WAS PLACED ON CNN.COM

2008-08-01T19:24:00.001-04:00

MY RESPONSE TO MY EARLIER I report on CNN was put on cnn.com. CLICK BELOW TO CHECK IT OUT.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-54747

BRAD BAILEY RESPONDS TO THE ATTENTION RECEIVED FROM THE "BLACK IN HOLLYWOOD" VIDEO

2008-08-01T19:09:00.000-04:00

CNN INTERVIEWED ME ABOUT "BLACK IN HOLLYWOOD" FOR IT'S "BLACK IN AMERICA SERIES" FOLLOWUP

2008-08-01T05:08:00.002-04:00

THIS INTERVIEW CAME OUT TODAY ON CNN.COM IN THE ENTERTAINMENT SECTION AND CREATED QUITE A STIR. YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE ARTICLE AT

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/07/31/hollywood.irpt/index.html

I WAS ON CNN.COM TO TALK ABOUT THE L.A. EARTHQUAKE

2008-08-01T05:01:00.001-04:00

SHORTLY AFTER THE 5.4 EARTHQUAKE RATTLED LOS ANGELES, I WAS LIVE ON CNN.COM RADIO TO DISCUSS MY EXPERIENCE WITH ANCHOR NICOLE. IT WAS LIVE ON THE AIR AT 2:30 IN THE AFTERNOON ON JULY 29 2008.

MY FOCUS GROUP IN LA WAS ON CNN.COM!

2008-08-01T04:33:00.001-04:00

MY FOCUS GROUP IN LA ABOUT CNN'S "BLACK IN AMERICA SERIES MADE A SPLASH ON CNN.COM"

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-50979

BRAD BAILEY SPEAKS TO CNN ABOUT "BLACK IN HOLLYWOOD" FOR IT'S "BLACK IN AMERICA SERIES"

2008-08-01T04:22:00.001-04:00

BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWS LEGENDARY ENTERTAINER RUPAUL (WITHOUT HIS MAKEUP!)

2008-08-01T04:16:00.002-04:00

Accidental Pundit- Would U Vote For A Obama/Clinton Ticket?

2008-06-19T16:10:00.001-04:00

The accidental pundit Brad Bailey walks the streets of Hollywood and asks the public what their thoughts are on the general election.
Would you vote if there was a Clinton/Obama ticket? (and vice versa)
Who do you think should be president and vice?

BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWS RALPH NADER

2008-06-18T14:07:00.001-04:00

THIS IS ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE OF BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWING RALPH NADER RIGHT BEFORE THE 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. THIS INTERVIEW WAS ON THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. SINCE MR. NADER IS RUNNING AGAIN, IN 2008, THIS INTERVIEW MAY BE OF SOME INTEREST.

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDS HILLARY CLINTON'S CONCESSION SPEECH IN WASHINGTON

2008-06-08T00:28:00.003-04:00

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDS HILLARY CLINTON'S SPEECH SUSPENDING HER CAMPAIGN AND CONCEDING THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION TO BARACK OBAMA AT THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON.

MY PHOTO WITH CHELSEA CLINTON MADE IT ONTO CNN!

2008-06-04T15:29:00.001-04:00

MY PHOTO WITH CHELSEA CLINTON ON THE NIGHT OF HER MOTHER'S SPEECH IN NEW YORK CITY MADE IT ONTO CNN.COM. YOU CAN CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK!

BRAD BAILEY ASKS HILLARY CLINTON ABOUT HER INFLUENCES

2008-06-04T05:34:00.001-04:00

BRAD BAILEY SPEAKS TO HILLARY CLINTON ON THE NIGHT OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA/MONTANA PRIMARY IN NEW YORK CITY. HE ASKS HER OUTSIDE OF HER HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER, WHAT HAS INFLUENCED HER THIS CAMPAIGN SEASON AND SHE SAYS HER FAITH.

BRAD BAILEY AND BILL CLINTON IN NEW YORK CITY

2008-06-04T04:34:00.003-04:00

BRAD BAILEY MEETS BILL CLINTON ON THE NIGHT OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA AND MONTANA PRIMARY. THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN IN NEW YORK CITY ON THE NIGHT OBAMA CLINCHES THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION.

MY PHOTO WITH HILLARY CLINTON MADE IT ONTO CNN!

2008-05-15T18:18:00.003-04:00

The photo I took with Hillary Clinton on the night of her West Virginia primary made it onto CNN. You can check the link here

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-22115

thanks!

BRAD BAILEY LIVE ON ABBEY ROAD LONDON

2008-05-14T01:29:00.001-04:00

Brad Bailey is live on Abbey Road London, the intersection and studios that the Beatles made famous.

BRAD BAILEY AND HILLARY CLINTON IN WEST VIRGINIA

2008-05-14T00:28:00.002-04:00

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDS HILLARY CLINTON'S VICTORY SPEECH IN CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA ON THE NIGHT OF HER PRIMARY IN THAT STATE. THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN AS SOON AS SHE EXITED THE STAGE.

"HILLAROCKY"- HILLARY VS. OBAMA IN SPOOF OF ROCKY 3

2008-04-09T04:53:00.002-04:00

Brad Bailey, filmmaker, and creator of Accidentalpundit.com teams with Cinematographer Christopher Rutkowski, and a group of LA area film students to create "HILLAROCKY", the new video spoofing the final scene of "Rocky 3" using actors that portray Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

BEN WILDMAN TOBRINER, OLYMPIC HOPEFUL WORLD CHAMPION

2008-04-03T22:44:00.001-04:00

BRAD BAILEY INTERVIEWS U.S. Olympic Team hopeful swimmer and World Champion Ben Wildman-Tobriner as he dives into the pool at the Hilton San Francisco for the Hilton Swim to Beijing Relay, a multi-city event that will benefit learn to swim programs across the United States.

THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT BRAD BAILEY DOES LABRADOR 2

2008-03-12T22:58:00.001-04:00

The Accidental Pundit, Brad Bailey, gives you a glimpse of his new documentary, "24 Hours in Labrador", where he takes a 24 hour journey to the sub-Artic province of Labrador, in Northern Canada to deal with mining issues,human rights concerns,parliamentary elections, and the longest snowmobile race in the world- all in 1 day!

THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT BRAD BAILEY DOES LABRADOR. CANADA

2008-03-05T03:30:00.001-05:00

ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT: TALK SHOW HOST LISA LING LOVES OBAMA!

2008-02-29T23:49:00.001-05:00

BRAD BAILEY, THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT, TALKS TO LISA LING ABOUT HER SUPPORT OF BARACK OBAMA IN THE CRUCIAL DAYS LEADING UP TO THE TEXAS PRIMARY. THIS INTERVIEW IS IN AUSTIN, TEXAS.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR POLICEMAN KILLED W/ CLINTON MOTORCADE

2008-02-26T02:06:00.001-05:00

BRAD BAILEY,THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT, attends the Candlelight vigil for Victor Lozada, the police officer killed during Hillary Clinton's motorcade in Dallas as she was heading to a rally in Fort Worth, Texas. This is original footage for www.accidentalpundit.com This is video is one of his partners, who worked with him, and talks about the idea of community policing that Corp. Lazado believed in

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDS THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL OF THE POLICE OFFICE KILLED WHILE ESCORTING A HILLARY CLINTON MOTORCADE

2008-02-26T02:00:00.002-05:00

I WENT TO THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL OF SENIOR CORPORAL VICTOR LOZADA IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS LAST NIGHT. IT WAS A SAD AND TRAGIC EVENT. I WAS ABLE TO SPEAK WITH A POLICE OFFICER THAT KNEW HIM AND ABLE TO BE THERE DURING THIS TIME IN TEXAS.

Accidentalpundit.com: BARACK OBAMA @ OBAMA/CLINTON DEBATE 2

2008-02-24T16:19:00.001-05:00

I took this footage of Barack Obama in Austin Texas. This is original footage for Accidentalpundit.com

Accidental Pundit: Backstage at Cnn Debate in Austin Texas 2

2008-02-24T16:08:00.001-05:00

This is my video that played on CNN.COM and on a Belgian political website where I was backstage at the debate in Austin.

Accidental Pundit: ACTOR GEORGE LOPEZ @ OBAMA/CLINTON DEBATE

2008-02-22T14:43:00.001-05:00

BRAD BAILEY, THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT SPEAKS TO ACTOR GEORGE LOPEZ BACK STAGE AT THE DEMOCRATIC DEBATE IN AUSTIN TEXAS.

WATCH MY VIDEO ON CNN.COM OF THE DEBATE

2008-02-22T14:31:00.002-05:00

YOU CAN CHECK OUT A VIDEO OF ME ON CNN.COM BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE SPIN ROOM. THE LINK IS AT

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/21/texas.debates.irpt/index.html

LOOK UNDER THE VIDEO FOR THE VIDEO ENTITLED "A LOOK INSIDE THE SPIN ROOM"

THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT GOES TO THE TEXAS DEBATE

2008-02-22T07:06:00.002-05:00

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDED THE CNN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE IN AUSTIN TEXAS TONITE. I WAS ABLE TO BE BACKSTAGE, AND GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE ALL THE CNN CROWD IN ADDITION TO INTERVIEWING GEORGE LOPEZ. I ALSO ATTENDED THE CNN WATCH PARTY AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL AND SAW CHELSEA CLINTON, HILLARY, AND SENATOR OBAMA. I WAS ALSO ABLE TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH SENATOR OBAMA.

MY PHOTO OF MICHELLE OBAMA IS ON CNN.COM

2008-02-19T16:42:00.006-05:00

CNN WAS GENEROUS ENOUGH TO PUT MY PHOTO OF MICHELLE OBAMA IN MADISON ON IT'S POLITICAL SECTION COVERING THE WISCONSIN PRIMARY. IT'S THE 9TH PHOTO.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/19/primaries.irpt/index.html

NATIVE AMERICANS FOR OBAMA IN WISCONSIN

2008-02-19T01:21:00.001-05:00

Brad Bailey speaks to Native Americans in Wisconsin on the eve of the Wisconsin Primary.

THE HILLARY SPEECH: HOW HER TEAM DROPPED THE BALL

2008-02-19T00:10:00.002-05:00

I ARRIVED LATE TO THE HILLARY CLINTON EVENT TONITE IN MADISON, AND BECAUSE OF "SECURITY", WEREN'T ALLOWING PEOPLE IN. I WAS A BIT UPSET BY THIS, AND ALTHOUGH I ADORE HILLARY, WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS LACK OF ACCESSIBILITY IS THE REASON SHE ISN'T CONNECTING. IN THIS TIGHT RACE, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE DENIED TO SEE HER, OR ANY CANDIDATE. I'VE SEEN HER SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY, BUT IF I WEREN'T AS INFORMED AS I AM, I WOULD HAVE EASILY NOW UNDERSTOOD HOW A VOTE FOR OBAMA IS A VOTE FOR CHANGE.

YOUNG OBAMA SUPPORTERS IN WISCONSIN

2008-02-18T21:13:00.001-05:00

BRAD BAILEY SPEAKS TO YOUNG OBAMA SUPPORTS IN WISCONSIN ON THE EVE OF THE WISCONSIN PRIMARY.

Accidental Pundit: Michelle Obama in WISCONSIN SPEECH

2008-02-18T19:50:00.001-05:00

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDS A SPEECH BY MICHELLE OBAMA IN MADISON, WISCONSIN ON THE EVE OF THE WISCONSIN PRIMARY. RAW FOOTAGE. THIS IS ORIGINAL FOOTAGE FOR ACCIDENTALPUNDIT.COM

ME AND MICHELLE OBAMA

2008-02-18T18:20:00.004-05:00

EXCUSE THE GLARE FROM THE BACK OF MY FRESHLY POLISHED HEAD, BUT I DID TALK WITH MICHELLE FOR A FEW MOMENTS AT HER SPEECH. WE SHARED A FEW MOMENTS, BOTH OF US BEING PRINCETON GRADUATES.

BRAD BAILEY ATTENDS MICHELLE OBAMA SPEECH IN MADISON WISCONSIN

2008-02-18T18:10:00.003-05:00

I went to Madison, Wisconsin for a day of politicking. First, I went to the Capitol Theater at the Overture Center in downtown Madison to see Michelle Obama speak to Wisconsin folk concerning the primary tomorrow. It's going to be a close race.

Accidental Pundit attends an Oprah Show in Chicago

2008-02-15T19:55:00.001-05:00

The Accidental Pundit attends a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago over Prez Weekend. The show is featuring Jim Carey, Carol Burnett, and Steve Carell for their new movie- Horton Hears a Who, which was fantastic!

Accidental Pundit:: What DO YOU THINK OF A OBAMA/CLINTON TICKET?

2008-02-15T17:23:00.001-05:00

THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT BRAD BAILEY TALKS TO VOTERS ABOUT THEIR OPINION ON A OBAMA CLINTON MATCHUP ON A PRESIDENTIAL TICKET.

WATCH MY EXCLUSIVE GRAMMY RED CARPET VIDEO

2008-02-11T19:54:00.000-05:00

I ATTENDED THE GRAMMYS AND WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE A FEW SECONDS ON SOME RED CARPET ACTION WITH EVANDER HOLYFIELD, RIHANNA, YOKO ONO, AND BEYONCE.

BRAD BAILEY, THE ACCIDENTAL PUNDIT, ATTENDS THE GRAMMYS

2008-02-11T04:50:00.000-05:00

I had the good fortune of knowing a couple of folks over at the Staples Center in LA who at the last moment, had an opening for me at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards. It was a breathtaking evening. I attended the Pre-Show, Telecast, and then the After Party. I spoke with Tina Knowles, Beyonce's mother, George Lopez, Alicia Keyes, Omarosa, Jill Scott, Natasha Bedingfield, Rihanna, Beyonce, Yoko Ono (pictured right), Gayle King- Oprah's BFF, and saw Prince, Smokie Robinson, Tony Bennett, John Mayer, and countless others. I have footage of my time spent on the Red Carpet with Evander Holyfield, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Yoko Ono. CLICK TO SEE MY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE RED CARPET HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUWCKC12rqw

OPRAH WINFREY AND ME

2008-02-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

I just found out that i'm attending a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show this week in Chicago. Looking quite forward to it. I've always wanted to meet her, and of course, see her legendary show.

THE PRO HILLARY SITE THAT RARELY GETS IT WRONG

2008-02-07T02:42:00.000-05:00

I've been watching hillaryis44.org for months now, and without exception, they have correctly picked the outcomes of the race, almost eerily. It's a Pro-Hillary Site, but to tell you the truth, they are hitting things on the nail. I think it's worth a read for those of who who want to go beyond what the media and "pundits" are saying.

Accidental Pundit: Oprah at Obama Rally uncut PART 2

2008-02-06T18:42:00.001-05:00

This is Part two of Oprah Winfrey speaking at a Barack Obama debate in Los Angeles. This was shot by Chris Rutkowski for Accidentalpundit.com. Brad Bailey was in attendance.

Accidental Pundit: Oprah at Obama Rally uncut PART 1

2008-02-06T18:41:00.001-05:00

This is original footage for the Accidental Pundit.com of Oprah Winfrey attending a rally at UCLA for Barack Obama

Michelle Obama now vs. Hillary Clinton circa 1992. Similarities are a bit surprising

2008-02-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or are there a number of similarities between Hillary Clinton circa 1992 and Michelle Obama now. Not many people would think there are lot of similarities, but after hearing Michelle speak at the Oprah/Obama/Stevie Wonder rally at UCLA, my opinion was changed. Michelle is fiercely passionate and a defender of her husband, as was Hillary in 1992. Michelle is also a fierce feminist and a bit edgy, so edgy that the Obama campaign has carefully molded her image. Hillary had the same issues when she burst on the scene in 1992. First, they are both Ivy League law grads, Michelle went to Harvard and Princeton (my grad school alma mater) and Hillary went to Wellesley and Yale Law school(my undergrad alma mater). They were both in their mid 40's when their husband ran for President. They are both as articulate and intelligent as their husband. Obama even commented that if he was running against his wife, she would beat him "without much difficulty". Bill Clinton already admits the strengths Hillary has over him. People have even commented that Michelle could run for Senate from Illinois herself if Barack won. They both represented change at a time of political stagnation. When Bill Clinton ran, he was the first Boomer Generation, Obama represents the first Post-Baby Boomer. I would love to know your thoughts.

SUPER TUESDAY CELEBRATION FOR OBAMA IN HOLLYWOOD

2008-02-06T11:23:00.001-05:00

Brad Bailey attends the Obama Celebration party at the Avalon Nightclub in Hollywood on Super Tuesday and speaks with an Obama Supporter

Los Angeles Voters speak their mind with Brad on Super Tuesday

2008-02-06T11:17:00.001-05:00

The Accidental Pundit Brad Bailey speaks to voters around Los Angeles about their thoughts after they finished voting in California, a major battleground state.

Hillary Clinton and African-Americans: an interesting road

2008-02-06T03:59:00.000-05:00

I wanted to point you to an interesting article from MSNBC that chronicles Hillary journey from an "all white suburb" to civil rights advocate. It's a very telling, moving tale, and is becoming very relevant. You can click here to get the story.

Accidental Pundit Brad Bailey does the Obama/Oprah Rally

2008-02-05T14:11:00.001-05:00

Brad Bailey, The Accidental Pundit, attends the Barack Obama Rally at UCLA Sunday February 3 in Los Angeles. Oprah Winfrey,Michelle Obama,Maria Shriver,Stevie Wonder, and Caroline Kennedy are speaking. We also have actress Alfre Woodard, and Traci Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross in the crowd. This is original footage.

Accidental Pundit: Stevie Wonder at the UCLA Obama Rally

2008-02-05T03:33:00.001-05:00

This is Stevie Wonder introduced by Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey at the Barack Obama rally at UCLA on February 3. Brad Bailey attended this event and this is original footage shot by Chris Rutkowski for the AccidentalPundit.com. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of JFK, is in the background.

HILLARY CLINTON AT YALE

2008-02-05T02:08:00.000-05:00

Hillary went to her, and my own alma mater today, Yale, and spoke at the well known Yale Child Study Center. Ironically, a lot of the campus was for Obama, but there was obviously a lot of Clinton love in the air. Her days at Yale were quite revolutionary, from what i've heard. She knew a lot of Black Panthers, and of course, met Bill Clinton at the Yale Law Library.
You can find the info when you click here

Denise Dunning, Contributing Blogger

2008-02-05T00:29:00.000-05:00

The election is already decided – at least in my mind. After many weeks of thought and research, I’m going with Obama.

If you’re interested in knowing why I (who have ALWAYS wanted to be able to elect a female president) have decided to vote for Obama, it goes like this:

In addition to his tremendous leadership, vision, and character, Obama is the first candidate in many years who has inspired me to believe that I not only have the capacity, but also the responsibility, to impact the political process – hence this email.

Please vote on Tuesday – it not only matters, but actually could change the country.

Hugs to you all,

D

PS. If you are still undecided, I suggest you check out Obama’s South Carolina victory speech at:

http://citylifejc.blogspot.com/2008/01/obamas-south-carolina-victory-speech.html
Or his acceptance of the Kennedy endorsement at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ-mL_iIoss

Women for Hillary Event in Los Angeles with Actress Ericka Alexander, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters

2008-02-04T19:01:00.000-05:00

I attended the Women for Hillary Event January 31 in Hollywood on the morning of the debate at the Kodak Theater. Reporters from all over the world were there to hear actress Ericka Alexander, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, legendary Congresswoman Maxine Waters (PICTURED HERE), and host of local politicians to support Hillary Clinton. I took the photo to the left with Congresswoman Waters. To know more about her legendary work, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxine_Waters. To know about Ericka Alexander, check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erika_Alexander and Sheila Jackson Lee, a fellow Yalie, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_Jackson-Lee

Los Angeles Obama Clinton Debate

2008-02-04T17:34:00.001-05:00

This is my personal view of the Los Angeles Debate on January 31 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. I also attended the debate that evening and sat in the same room as Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Speilberg, Alfre Woodard,Quentin Tarantino,Topher Grace, Chelsea Clinton, Kerry Washington, and Erika Alexander

David Maynard- Contributing Blogger

2008-01-26T20:41:00.001-05:00

Brad,

Among the possible criticisms of Hillary Clinton, I think this one may come up:

She has aligned herself with the morally dubious figure that is Richard Holbrooke, and has tossed around the idea that he'd be her secretary of state. This, to me, is not a good thing. Though Mr. Holbrooke advocated dropping bombs on the Serbs in order to curb the genocidal activities in the last nineties, his record is nothing noble.

He's basically a wall street banker who supported the Philipine dictator Fredinand Marcos, and endorsed Indonesia's horrific genocide in East Timor whilst it was going on! He was pro-Iraqi invasion, and is a dedicated Zionist who compared Armadinijad to Hitler. (We must recall that Zionism is an analogue of neo-Nazism, simply replacing the Aryan with Jewish in the equation.) He is no noble intellect; he's a savvy businessman. That Hillary has such close ties to him renders her suspect.

David Maynard, Contributing Blogger

David Maynard- Contributing Blogger

2008-01-26T20:35:00.000-05:00

written on January 22 following the South Carolina Primary Debate:
(note: David has very different opinions from me, nevertheless, they need to be heard!)

Here are my thoughts on last night's CNN Q&A theater, Mr. Bailey.

At one point during last night’s "debate" (after a row between H&B), John said: “What I’d like to say is: Are there 3 people in this debate, not 2?”

Mr. Edwards meant this as a rhetorical question, of course. But the answer is actually not what he intended: No, there are FOUR people in this debate, not 3 OR 2. Tragically, one of them was—once again--banned. (I’m sure this went by without much notice.)

Regarding Hillary’s attack on Obama re: his comments on Ronny R.:
For the first time, I must come to Obama’s defense. Barack said nothing inaccurate when he talked about Ronny in his interview a few days ago. Everything he said was true: Ronny Reagan was a pivotal, hugely transformative figure that brought about a tremendous amount of change, and was quite successful at pushing through the Republican agenda. THAT was the only point Obama was making, and it was unfair for Bill and Hillary and Edwards to castigate him for it.

Most scholars I’ve encountered agree—for reasons too obvious and too numerous to mention--that Reagan was arguably the worst (most harmful and destructive) president in US history. He was stupendously horrific in pretty much every possible area one can rate a president… (except for offering hope. He was an optimist who catalyzed “national pride”, aka national chauvanism, aka nationalism). Reagan was an optimist who was very, very proud of his country: the “shining city on a hill”. He accomplished A LOT of things—as Barack noted. Tragically, though, he had no NOBLE accomplishments, which is precisely what Barack later clarified.

Everything Barack said about Ronny was true. Ironically, it has been Hillary in the past that has said some positive things about Mr. Reagan (shame on her). Moreover, ironically again, Hillary—like her husband—has been a HUGE friend of corporate power here in the U.S. So she really doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on.

Edwards is by far the superior candidate of the 3. He’s got balls, he’s bold, and he tells it like it is. He stands up for the disenfranchized and marginalized, and against corporate power. Obama has no balls and Hillary is inauthentic: I’m inspired by neither cotton candy nor someone who’s part of the establishment Machine. Edwards stands up to the incumbent power structures in ways Obama and Hillary don’t even touch…though not nearly as much as still needs to be done. (I mourn the loss of Biden. I pray he’s our next sec. of state!)

Barack pays lip service to the fact that a so-called “single-payer” healthcare system is obviously the best and most desirable system…but then says: but we can’t totally revampt the system, we need to work with the system we have. Eeeesh. This is a cop-out. (Does he even KNOW what “audacious” means? One wonders.) Good thing every person who’s instigated a profound leap in progress in human history didn’t have that attitude. (Imagine if MLK Jr. said that: Well, we've gotta work with the system we have, no point in trying to change it in any REVOLUTIONARY way.)

Are there no Thomas Paines left in the world?

Meanwhile, the words “hope” and “change” need to be banned from ever being uttered again in this campaign. They’re snazzy, catchy, vacuous buzz-words that mean nothing on their own. Actually…ALL catchy platitudes, candy-coated canards, enticing bromides, market-tested euphemisms, tasty-yet-meaningless catch-phrases (“war on terror”), vague labels (“the economy”), misleading terminology (saying “universal healthcare” when it is meant “universal health INSURANCE”) and other sophistic semantic devices should be banned from all political discourse for the rest of eternity. Imagine these televised q&a sessions (“debates”) if THAT were enforced! Woweee, gosh-golly, gee-wiz, zowee!

In other news: Here's the inside scoop from my "contacts" in NYC:
Uber-pragmatist and ultra-savvy businessman Bloomberg will enter the main race as an independent IFF each of the respective parties nominate a sufficiently polarizing figure. For only then will there be sufficient room for a centrist candidate like himself to channel votes. That means that:
A) Hillary must get the democratic nomination
AND
B) Someone OTHER than McCain or Paul must get the Republican nomination.

So…only if the winners are Hillary AND Romney/Huckabee/Guliani will Bloomberg jump into the pool. Otherwise, there isn’t sufficient room in the center for him to make a successful run.

It looks like there’s a decent chance that it’ll end up being Hillary vs. Romney…in which case Bloomy would be in. Under the right circumstances,even I would consider Bloomberg. He’s far, far, far from a great mind…but he can’t be bought…and he knows how to get shit done. In this case, being a savvy businessman has its virtues. If we can’t have an intellectual, then we may need to settle for a no-nonsense pragmatist and realist who’s not beholden to the Machine...or at the mercy of special interests/lobbies...or who needs "favors"...or who OWES "favors".

If it’s Barack, OR if it’s McCain…Bloomberg’s out, and we should just hope Obama grows a pair.

Reframing the Debate

2008-01-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

I would call for a reframing of the debate in order to prevent a possible fracturing of the party. In races across the country, the progressive vs. moderate wing of the Democratic Party are at war. We saw this most explicitly during Joe Lieberman's run for Senate in Connecticut last year, and the Congressional Race in Maryland is the most recent example.

We're here to help change the dialogue. Another point we think needs to be changed in the debate is how liberals, Democrats, and those who have traditionally supported her are starting to demonize her. I believe that you can support one without demonzing the other, because we're all on the same side. While it's important to stand up for progressive principles, it must not come at the expense of the party as a whole. As an African-American male under 35, it's important to represent a voice that is rarely seen outside of the sports and entertainment fields. That voice in politics is disjointed, and underepresented. It must be crucial for this voice to be now heard, and not just an African-American voice, but also from younger voices who plan to inherit the broken, political landscage that we currently inhabit.

There must be new leaders, new definitions of success, and new ways of finding solutions to old and new problems. After college, I didn't directly go to law school or accept a high paying job like my peers, and moved to Jersey City. It was risky move, but i felt there were many real life lessons I had to learn. I'm glad I did, i'm now prepared to handle the complexity of issues that I would have never dreamed about. It's risky, but we live in a risky world. New leaders must go outside of safe spheres- so worrying about rent, family, health, and navigating those dangerous waters- all while trying to find love and achieve our aspirations and dreams. We must find unorthodox ways of achieving traditional goals. In defining a progressive and moderate voice, we must achieve a balance that takes into account the ideals of our democracy but also the realism of racism, sexism,homophobia, poverty, AIDS, terrorism, and our place in the larger global scheme.

While visiting the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, I truly understood what it meant to be an American. I was there with friend from Italy, and we were both moved by what we saw. During the video presentation that we saw, we learned that, throughout history, it was a symbol of freedom to those who have been oppressed thoughout history. It started out as Revolutionary War symbol against the British, then was used to strike down slavery during the Civil War, it rose up again during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's, and feminists utilized it's power in the 1970's. What struck me the most was how the fight for freedom has been fought and won many times, but must continually be fought today, and in the future.
While finding my own voice, we each must do this in our everyday lives, not just on the battlefields of Iraq or some foreign land, but in our daily lives here at home- struggling to find our own patch of happiness on Earth.

Born long after the Civil Rights Movement was fought and won, I realize that I was given opportunities that my ancestors would have never imagined. As I understand, as Senator Obama does, it is a responsibility to live our best life and stand up for those who have no voice, or as Oprah says, “standing on the shoulders” of those who have come before us. However, many of those of my generation, and even younger, have already lived and died, never understanding that legacy, succumbing to the specter of drugs, death, and violence that plague so many communities. We will do our best to present that vision here, to uphold it, and to stand up for it.

The Dangers of Hillary Hate

2008-01-23T22:09:00.002-05:00

Although I had been on the fence between the two, I am shocked at the vehement reaction Sen. Clinton gets from many Obama supporters. The most vehement of her detractors seem to come from other white females. Friends have told me that they were at a “Barak Obama Victory Party” during the New Hampshire primary when a young white woman saw Hillary on TV, and the young woman yelled “Know They Enemy”. This response floored me. Even some of my friends, who have known Hillary for years and had no visible problem with her before this election, have taken on the media's negative portrayals of her, and since they are Obama supporters, now see her as the “enemy”. It's almost a type of bandwagon, and looking at the other “guy” or “gal”, no matter how well-reasoned, as the enemy.

If Hillary wins, many of the current Obama supporters may desert her in the general election and withdraw their support, or worse, become indifferent. His loss could potentially disenfranchise the many proportionately younger voters that support him. leaving the field open to be taken by an independent like Mike Bloomberg, or a moderate Republican, to win in November. This is DANGEROUS.
Hillary Hate, as i call it, is a cottage industry. Countless books, websites,groups, and individuals, usually conservative, have been built up around painting a negative portrayal of her and ending her career and destroying her reputation. In the 1990's this was common knowledge, and it seems to have crossed over to Obama's supporters and the extreme progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

The Big Issue with Hillary and Obama

2008-01-23T22:09:00.001-05:00

However, a new one has come along- I recently met and talked to him in Jersey City recently. I also sat with 3000 other people in an effort to hear Senator Obama discuss “hope” and “change” and his view for America. Growing up in a small south Georgia town, then heading to Yale, on first glance I would have a lot in common with Senator Obama. This, however, presents the constant dilemma that many African-Americans face. Loyalty and the experiences like the one above, are a lot of the reasons many African-Americans back Senator Clinton and deserting her now at this moment to someone who as not yet “proven” himself on a national scale is a bit risky. We grew up looking at Clinton, so it's like we almost know her. Yet, the idea of Obama is enough to excite even the most jaded person, and potentially re-engage a new population who have been previously politically disenfranchised. To tell you the truth, if only one of them were running, this would be a slam dunk.

Hillary Clinton and Me

2008-01-23T22:07:00.002-05:00

I first met Hillary Rodham Clinton in June 1995 as an intern at the Clinton White House. I worked for Bill Curry, ex-Gubernatorial candidate for Connecticut, who was Domestic Policy Advisor for President Clinton. Also in the office often was Dick Morris, current columnist, and Presidential Advisor. It was my last full evening as an intern, and I attended a fundraiser at the Sheraton Hotel in Washington, with Anita Baker headlining. As the event let out, there was a crush of people attempting to meet both Clintons. Although I did take a picture with Bill Clinton, the flash on the camera didn't work, so i moved on to Hillary, who was further up the line shaking hands. I stood on a table to get her attention, telling her where and who i worked for (I was 20 at the time!), and that i wanted a picture. She looked directly up at me, laughed, and said “Maybe sometime at the office”. The next day, as she and President Clinton were leaving the White House to go off a trip, they did the usual greeting of the crowds at the White House. Bill worked the line first, and when he got to me and my group, he said wryly, “I remember you!”, and then moved on. Hillary, steps behind, came up to us, and I reminded her (again, I was 20),”Mrs. Clinton, remember me from last night”. She said “Nice to see you again”, and as promised stood right beside me. I was floored by the rush of photographers and people trying to get in the shot. I put my hand around her shoulders, and smiled.

13 years later, after finishing college at Yale, working in NYC at the Civilian Complaint Review Board investigating Police Brutality, going to graduate school at Princeton, and working in filmmaking in Los Angeles, I am much more seasoned and experienced with regard to the complexities of life than those days as an intern in DC. However, I never would have imagined that that lady i met would be running for President herself, and that main opponent would be another African-American male. Living in New York for the past 8 years, i've been privy to news articles and prognosticators from early as 2002, who predicted Hillary's run for President. From the Village Voice to the NY Post, analysisof Hillary's chances came almost all the time. To the chagrin of my friends who didn't live in NY and weren't given daily news on Hillary, they were bored. They wanted me to just shut up about it. Today, however, the tables have turned, and my friends worldwide are talking about it, and i'm like, well, been there done that.

Because of that exposure in NY, it's hard not to be impressed at her level of diligent work in the Senate and in New York with regard to creating alliances, and building up an infrastructure to make her historic run. Her organization HillaryPac has been in creation for years, ready for this moment. Like a diligent ant, she was preparing for winter, and needed it, especially with the phalanx of groups dedicated to her downfall. I've read many of her bios, pro and con, and feel like i understand, in a public sense, who Hillary Clinton is, and what has motivated her to this point. Hillary Rodham Clinton has been described as a passioned idealist, and gutsy streetfighter. In fact, the way she stands up to those who try to take her on, while keeping to those 60's ideals of feminism and progressive ideals, was a fact not many liberals disputed until recently.

Democratic Unity: Is the stage set for a Clinton- Obama Ticket?

2008-01-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

It's relatively obvious, one offers experience, the other offers hope, and they BOTH offer change.It looks like Hillary will still take the nomination, and if she does, choosing Obama as her running mate would be the only way to prevent a fracturing of the Democratic Party. How can we achieve Democractic Unity is Hillary Wins and doesn't choose Obama as her running mate?

Race vs. Gender

2008-01-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

Which is still more potent in American society? Is Sexism or Racism worse in American society. Does Hillary's gender or Obama's race represents more change? Is America more ready to elect a female or black president?

Loyalty vs. History: Who Will African-Americans choose?

2008-01-23T22:05:00.000-05:00

This week, it's important to focus on the Presidential race, and this week, with the upcoming South Carolina primary and the battle between Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama.

As Nevada centered on the issue of the power of the Latino vote, South Carolina puts a spotlight on African-American electorate. The African-American voice is as diverse and divergent as the population itself. Many African-Americans are loyal to Hillary Clinton and refer to Bill Clinton as America's First Black President, yet identify personally with Barak Obama, and realize the potential social shift that would happen as a result of his winning the election. Class distinctions, income level, and education also shape African-American opinions toward Barak Obama. I am a member of Abyssinian Church in Harlem and sat in the audience last Sunday as Hillary Clinton spoke. Although there were shouts of “Harlem for Obama”, the shout of “Hillary for President” were just as loud. I also remember attending Coretta Scott King's Funeral in Atlanta and remember the warm presence she received from the largely
black audience who celebrated her, in front of George Bush himself, as the possible next President.

Who We Are

2008-01-23T22:04:00.000-05:00

We're a diverse group of people ranging the political spectrum- all levels of education, but all smart and articulate. We're going to be here all year, dealing with a wide range of issues, some political, some not. All year, we plan to showcase people who have blog all the time, and those who have never blogged before. We feel it's important to find people who can give a unique perspective from the people. In a way, we're all "Accidental Pundits"

Why We're Here

2008-01-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

This website is dedicated to helping shape a new political discourse, allowing people to make up their own minds about current events. We're here to help reframe the debate, and we're now called upon to get involved.