CDP Update #1- "I know you ladies are cranky but..."
Greetings dear readers from San Jose, California, one of the hippest parts of California and the center of the World Coin Collector Convention at the San Jose Convention Center AND the California Democratic Convention! Two of California's most important conventions in one place! And with Schädelmann.com on the scene you'll get updates on both, all right here!
First impressions of the convention: It's definitely got more of a carnival atmosphere this time around, with no clear front runner for the Presidential nomination. Everyone's abuzz with talk of delegate selection caucuses, the latest polls from Iowa and New Hampshire, and whatnot. The LaRouche for President faction held a loud demonstration in front of the convention hall and made sure that delegates were informed on who Satan is in American Politics, etc. The usual contingent of Democratic activists were here, the kind that have been going to these things for the last 100 years, alongside the newcomers from the Dean and Clark campaigns and others.
Rep. Dennis Kucinch gave a well-received speech to delegates at the CDP Chairman's "Welcome Reception" this evening, the only presidential candidate to appear this weekend. The vibe in the room was more like a rock concert, with Rep. Kucinich as the star of the show, versus a regular political speech and was definitely talked about afterwards by delegates.
Rev. Al Sharpton was scheduled to attend, but apparently was stuck in traffic and missed his chance to speak at the reception. A pity, only because I wanted to meet him, and perhaps get some Schädelmann-exclusive quotes. Ah well.
However, the biggest news out of the convention (and what is going to be the least-reported incident - if it's reported at all) is Attorney General Bill Lockyer's comments to the Women's Caucus of the CDP. Lockyer, as you may recall, admitted he voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger over Democrat Cruz Bustamante for Governor in the recent recall election.
You may also recall that A.G. Lockyer said of allegations about Gov. Doofinator that "[he] was convinced Arnold didn't really understand that he was caught up in frat-boy behavior". Needless to say, this is a comment that was not popular with women who feel that sexual harassment is an issue. Especially Democratic Activist women.
So A.G. Lockyer, who wants to be the Democratic nominee for Governor in 2006, came to the caucus to "apologize." However the esteemed A.G. found some rather unfortunate words for his "apology." Discussing his commentary of Governor Doofinator's behavior, Lockyer appealed to the women assembled by starting off with "I understand if you're cranky..."
Right. They're just "cranky." No legitimate gripes here, just some uppity women getting crazy about some silly little issue. I'm surprised that Lockyer didn't hand out Midols with "Lockyer 2006" on it for added apologetic value.
It went downhill from there. After several women protested A.G. Lockyer's comments, they were admonished to be "courteous." Others returned the "lanyards" (the little necklace things delegates use to wear their credentials around their necks for I.D.) that have Lockyer's logo all over them. Word is that there's going to be a protest at Lockyer's speech tomorrow when he speaks to delegates. I'll be on the scene in case such an outburst of grassroots Democratic action takes place.
Lockyer then stumbled to explain his vote for Republican Gov. Doofinator, giving a convoluted explanation for his vote with some longwinded explanation that didn't pass muster with the assembled crowd. As he left he was booed again, and many of the "cranky women" told the A.G. (who has had some issues with women in the past himself) just what they thought of his future bid for governor.
All in all a very interesting incident. Perhaps Lockyer oughta run for LG with Governor Doofinator and save Democratic partisans the prospect of a bruising battle between a Democrat and a wannabe Democrat in the 2006 primary.
Stay tuned! More updates as needed will be posted!
Incidentally, if members of the press are curious as to the veracity of Mr. Lockyer's "cranky" statement, I talked to three sources who confirmed said remarks, the journalistic standard.
© 2003-2006 Greg Dewar | All Rights Reserved | Originally Published at www.schadelmann.com
