Through the L.A. Grapevine

This has been a busy few weeks. I had lunch with Senator Harry Reid last week, together with his staff and about ten others. Senator Reid thanked Norman and People for the American Way for helping save the filibuster. Although I'm not sure how much of a win it was, at least it keeps us in the game. Senator Reid is a nice man and seems to really know the Senate. He isn't a Barak Obama, but then I'm not sure Barak Obama is Barak Obama anymore. We discussed the nomination and Reid said that it was Hillary's if she wants it. I mentioned how much we love Hillary, but how, since the last election, just about everyone I've talked to in LA doesn't think she can win. Suddenly, several people jumped into the conversation and said that of course she can win. Rob Reiner said he thinks she could definitely win, depending on who runs against her. If Frist or some right-winger wins the Republican nomination, Hillary would stand an excellent chance. If McCain wins it, that would make it more difficult, but the religious right hates McCain. Anyway, the winds are definitely changing. People who wouldn't consider Hillary a few months ago are moving to her side. Also, from what I hear, Mrs. Clinton has Steve Bing, Ron Burkle, and Haim Saban in her corner... no small potatoes.

That same night, Norman and I went to a fundraiser for Hillary at a friend's house. I think her presence and speech that night sealed it for me. She is a genuine star and there isn't anyone who comes close to her in strength, intelligence and magnetism. I think we need to get over our fear of a Clinton nomination. I also doubt she would run if she doesn't thinks she can win. My gut tells me she is the ONE. All right, 45% of the country doesn't like her, but more than that dislike Bush. Again, it will come down to those swing voters -- and my guess is they will be so sick of the Republican Party in three years, that most of America will welcome another eight years of a Clinton presidency.

I had lunch the other day with a good friend who works for MSNBC. He is a great guy and a progressive. But I was upset to hear they are creating a new show for Tucker Carlson that starts tonight. "Another conservative?" I said. "You should hire a progressive like Ed Shultz or Al Franken. I don't even want to watch MSMBC anymore. I'm so sick of Joe Scarborough and Chris Matthews...they are so predictable and biased. Balance it out!" Chris Matthews preempted Bill Moyers for an interview with Russell Crowe on Thursday. I thought this was supposed to be news, not Entertainment Tonight. My MSNBC friend confided that when they headline liberals the right wing demands equal time, but the Democrats never do. Besides, he said, Tucker isn't a conservative, he is a Libertarian. Oh right...

At another dinner last week I sat next to a wealthy Republican donor who told me he talks to Karl Rove every week. He told me that I should know the Bush administration wants to get out of this war as much as everyone else. I almost spit out my lamb chop.

Now the real bombshell: Evidently CBS is doing a special on the life of the Pope. The word is the Vatican said yes to the project under certain conditions. The conditions are that no gays or Jews be allowed to work on the show under any circumstances. According to the friend who told me this, she got it right from the top that Les Moonves has agreed to the Vatican's terms. I hope not.

I met George Lucas today at a Pediatric AIDS event. He said he is under fire from the Christian right for saying in his last movie that democracy is better than fascism. I guess the right wing thinks that if you mention fascism you are against Bush. Interesting logic. George wondered aloud about what has happened to our mainstream media and freedom of the press. Yes, indeed...what has happened?