News In Brief

Published February 26, 2008

By Max C. Bookman

“Shame on you, Barack Obama.”

-A visibly angry Hillary Clinton, berating rival Barack Obama for a campaign mailing that she argued had false statements about her record. Obama responded that the emotional outburst was “tactical.” The media has not been kind to Senator Clinton over the past few weeks, portraying her campaign as in its final throes. WT wonders: Real Obama momentum or setup for biggest Clinton comeback in history?

“Since the premise of Dog The Bounty Hunter is about second chances; we have decided to give him one.”

-A statement released by A&E network executives regarding the scheduled return of Duane “Dog” Chapman. His show was taken off the airwaves months ago when his son released a recorded conversation of Dog on a racist diatribe against the son’s African-American girlfriend. As we learned from Don Imus, the 21st century punishment for blatant racism is a slap on the wrist, a quick time out, and a quiet return.

“They’d better get it, because they have a fundamental responsibility to protect our diplomats and our embassy.”

-Undersecretary of State R. Nicholas Burns, on whether or not the Serbian government understands the need to protect the American embassy there. The embassy was recently attacked by violent protesters, angry about the United States’s decision to formally recognize the breakaway region of Kosovo last week. Kosovo’s declaration of independence has had a mixed reception in the international community, with countries like Russia and Spain worried about the precedent that the breakaway movement’s newfound legitimacy sets.

“Washington and Hollywood are really sister cities.”

-Host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, describing to the New York Times his view on the similarities between the worlds of politics and entertainment. Stewart, who commonly straddles both worlds, hosted the 80th annual Academy Awards on Sunday night.

“Here’s something you’ll like: a more democratic society.”

-Brother of Fidel Castro, Raul, forecasting the climate of a post-Fidel Cuba to reporters. Raul Castro, who has assumed the Cuban presidency following his brother’s resignation last week, is somewhat of a wildcard. His low profile has prevented speculators to, well, speculate on how his leadership style will differ from his brother’s. Regardless, the State Department has been quick to assure us, don’t expect Cuban cigars any time soon.

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