Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude is a German word that means "pleasure at the misfortune of others." You know, finding enjoyment when your rival team's quarterback gets injured or your ex gets dumped -- or apparently when a monster hurricane threatens thousands of lives. It's a laugh riot -- right?

Friday, I interviewed a group of women going to the GOP Convention in Minnesota. After we wrapped up, I asked them what they thought about Hurricane Gustav making landfall and postponing the convention. They said quickly that it wouldn't happen and then went on to laugh and joke about how people in Louisiana are a bunch of whiners. They kept going on and on about how Tropical Storm Fay hit Florida four times and Florida citizens didn't whine like people in New Orleans. They actually called them whiners. My photographer looked at me and shook his head. I swallowed my pride and remained professional and respectful.

They had no idea that I'm from Louisiana -- with friends who lost their homes to Katrina. But, that should make absolutely no difference. The one-two punch of Katrina and Rita is a little different than a tropical storm hitting four times. But, I chose to let that go.

Then today a video surfaces with former Democratic party chair Don Fowler and who the poster of the video identifies as Congressman John Spratt from here in South Carolina. They're sitting on a plane coming back from the DNC in Denver and Fowler starts joking about Hurricane Gustav forcing the postponement of the Republican Convention.

Schadenfreude?

A lot of people, including myself, are reliving a nightmare. I just got off the phone with a friend from home who is now living in Tennessee and, like me, he can't stand not being there. We are worried about our families and our home-state. We covered Katrina together and Gustav has filled us both with a sense of dread. He's watching The Weather Channel non-stop. I can't bring myself to watch it just yet. But, that will change the closer Gustav gets.

Mayor Ray Nagin just ordered the 100% mandatory evacuation of my old neighborhood, Algiers, in New Orleans. All I can think is "here we go again."

Here is just a taste of the messages my friends in Louisiana are leaving on their Facebook accounts.

"Joni N. has on her gameface. Ready for Gustav coverage."

"Lance W.: Gustav has got to go...somewhere else!"

"Alisa M. is hoping and praying Gustav weakens and heads another direction."

"Catherine K. is evacuating today. Please pray for New Orleans."

Those are neither funny nor whining.

Biden Steals The Show -- Beau Biden That Is

For the first time, I think I know Joe Biden. I recognize his character and appreciate more about him as a man. Sen. Biden owes that to his son, Beau.

Beau was the most articulate and poignant speaker tonight, and that includes Bill Clinton. Beau painted a picture of a man you can’t help but love – a man dedicated to his family – vulnerable but intrepid. He made us all wish that Joe Biden was our father. I even bet he convinced thousands to forget that they wanted Hillary Clinton as the VP candidate.

Most introductions at the convention were throw-away speeches; even Carolyn Kennedy’s tribute to her uncle. Beau out-shined his father, who succumbed to nerves at the podium. Beau connected us to Joe Biden. Asking us to take care of his dad was an honest and humble nod to a man who was willing to sacrifice everything for his boys.

From this day forward, I will always think of Joe Biden as the young man taking the Oath of Office next to his son’s hospital bed mere days after his wife and daughter died in a car accident. How can that not move you? Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were not the only ones with tears in their eyes.

Here’s the intro. Go to 4:09 on the video timeline to hear Beau introduce Joe Biden. I think we met a future Senator tonight.

Bill Clinton Shatters Doubt

The master wordsmith, Bill Clinton, exercised one the most influential and difficult-to-use tools in his arsenal – restraint. He was careful not to overshadow his wife or the party’s nominee. His entire address was a love letter to Barack Obama and a throwing down of the gauntlet to John McCain; leaving no room for Clinton conspiracy theorists to speculate about hidden agendas.

He took the GOP to task and dared them to argue. He finally addressed the elephant in the room – Obama’s experience or lack thereof. He reminded the critics that they said the same thing about his experience back in ’92. I don’t know that that's a fair or accurate comparison. There is a stark difference between Clinton’s experience at the time and Obama’s current resume. Mr. Clinton, just saying it out loud does not make it so.

His jewel of the night…

“Most important, Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are strong at home. People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power. Look at the example the Republicans have set.”

“A place called hope” and “the audacity of hope” finally meet face to face on the battleground – finally on the same side.

Denver Heats Up Already

***Warning: Adult language in video***

Let me tell you from experience, this is a reporter’s worst nightmare. It’s not forgetting your script, stumbling over words or forgetting an official’s name during a live interview. They all suck and I’ve done them all, but the biggest fear is losing control of the situation.

Our jobs can get very dangerous and this is the perfect example of that.

The reporter was a bit of an antagonist, but that could have turned ugly very quickly.

The group is called Recreate ’68. They are planning an anti-war protest during the Democratic Convention. I am all for the anti-war movement and there is nothing wrong with exercising your 1st Amendment rights.

I guess you get what you ask for when you go into the belly of the beast and stick your Fox News microphone flag in the middle of a group of obviously angry people with a clear agenda and message.

The group itself is pretty interesting. Media outlets across the country claim the organizaion hopes to recreate the riots of the Democratic Convention of 1968. But, the group has a statement of nonviolence on their web page. They also address the media accusations.

They did train before today’s protest (video). They claim it is to protect members from counter-protesters.

Denver should be interesting.