HBO "Game Change"

[Bilge_Rat]

Anyone seen it? saw it last night. Was'nt sure what to expect after all the political stories that it was a "hatchet job", but was pleasantly surprised. It is actually a good movie about the insides of a political campaign.

McCain is portrayed as decent and honorable. He was probably let off too easy IMHO. Steve Schmidt and the rest of the campaign staff are portrayed as competent professionals.

Even Palin is not handled all that roughly, this is not a saturday night live skit. Julianne Moore plays her as a complete individual, with strengths (charisma, political instinct, drive, strong family values) and weaknesses (very stubborn, weak on the policy side).

I actually find myself having more respect for Palin after having watched the movie. On the other hand, my wife, who is also strong willed, stubborn and who I thought would identify with Palin now hates her more than before. Women, go figure..

[Platapus]

Have not seen it. Won't see it unless I can see it for free.

In my opinion, there is nothing about Palin's life that is worth any of my money.

[mookiemookie]

Have not seen it. Won't see it unless I can see it for free.

In my opinion, there is nothing about Palin's life that is worth any of my money.

Agreed, but I'll probably never watch it, even for free. I don't think I really care to relive the 2008 election, especially from the losing side.

[Onkel Neal]

I saw it, and I'm reading the book now. The book covers Obama's rise and Hillary's frustration, as well as Edwards (Mr. and Mrs) and their wack adventures.

One thing about Obama, he has incredible self-assurance and is really smart. Amazing to think that a virtual nobody like him could be confident enough to run for President and manage to do a decent job at it.

Re: I have not gotten to the Palin/McCain section of the book yet. In the movie, Palin is depicted as a decent but fairly ignorant small time politico with incredible star quality. I think that's pretty close. During the Republican convention speech, I certainly was captured by her. After it became clear that she was the least capable VP candidate since Ross Perot's choice, I woke up (and I can sympathize with those millions of Hope & Change fans--charisma and good speechifying can be very alluring).

Yeah, what a country we live in :)