Seth was fab, and Our Dear First Lady out of context. Really

[Ninga]

why was she involved?

She was beautiful and articulate and out of place...

Just my opinion.

[CherokeeDem]

1. I think she was fine...

She was making a point about the arts and how important artistic efforts are and what the arts bring to our lives.

She was not out of place at all.

And she did look beautiful...

[Ninga]

7. She is always fine...Hollywood is not the National Endowment for the Arts, her appearance

In context of the Oscars was not warranted.

[kentuck]

9. Over-exposure?

Maybe?

[CherokeeDem]

10. Seriously?

You have a problem with her appearance on the Oscars?

Doy you feel it is not a classy enough venue for the First Lady to appear?

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be argumentative but I don't the see the controversy here. She gave an eloquent statement on the importance of the movies and what they bring to our lives. There are several movies important to me, some for simply the shear enjoyment they give. I think her statement was entirely appropriate in the "context of the Oscars."

[Ninga]

33. No, no, no and no!!! Her APPEARANCE (not her comments) had no context. It was too

political for me. Not a venue for politicians no matter how wonderful and classy they are.

Irregardless of her wonderful and classy statement, I prefer separation between politics and Hollywood entertainment.

Good grief, the door has now been opened for future FL's to make an appearance on the Oscars.

[goclark]

40. Hollywood stars have been huge supporters of this President

and strongly supportive of the Democratic Party.
Many of their dear friends ( and big donors ) have certainly done big fund raisers for them.

I saw the President in Los Angeles at a wonderful event.


Stevie Wonder , Jennifer Hudson and lots of other stars were singing their hearts out for him.

I thought Ms.O was lovely.

[CherokeeDem]

70. Um...didn't Reagan appear on the Oscars once as President?

But then I suppose since he was an actor, that's okay....

[Auggie]

77. I agree with you Ninga

[question everything]

2. Agree. and who were all the brass behind her?

Nicholson appeared drunk, or stoned..

Yes, Seth was the best in the last few years. I came late but last year, or was it two years ago? it was embarrassing when the MC addressed each nominee for best actor and told the biography, etc.

And how did "Ted" climb the stool?

[MADem]

4. They weren't 'brass' -- they were four young representatives of the

USMC, USN, USAF and USA. It was a nod to the services.


I think the senior person there was the Navy LT. That's a "junior officer" not a bigwig.

As for FLOTUS, I thought she looked great and that was a wonderful treat to see her. She made the point that the movies unite us all--well, most of us.

Some of us just don't like anything. Nothing to be done for that.

[Ninga]

8. I love FLOTUS....and still believe it was contrived.

[CherokeeDem]

12. LOL...

I would prefer the word...invited...but yes...those pesky Democrats are hanging with the Hollywood crowd again.

Be happy...Rush will probably go ballistic about this...I'll take contrived any day if that happens!

[Berlum]

29. This could be the THING that drives him over the edge

The Great Draft-Dodger Dude (R) occupying the airwaves for profit and perversion --the dude now in the midst of a sickening downward spiral with advertisers and the American people -- has major issues with women and the feminine in general. Rush's yang energy is tragically, pathetically, destructively whacked out.

[dballance]

28. I'd Call W's Landing on a Carier and Strutting With His Codpiece Contrived AND

I'd call W's secret trip to Baghdad on Thanksgiving where he wielded a fake turkey for the cameras contrived. I'd call W's manly brush clearing photo-ops at his fake ranch (the one he acquired in 1999 just before running for President and promptly sold in 2009 after leaving office) contrived.

I don't think inviting the First Lady to introduce the Best Picture nominees was contrived. The Academy could have invited any number of national figures to do that. They just happened to invite FLOTUS because she is very popular.

[greatauntoftriplets]

72. You win this thread!

[MADem]

79. Yes--you absolutely win this thread, hands down!

Or codpiece/fake turkey up, whichever comes first!!!

[question everything]

11. Thanks, would have been nice if someone introduced them (nt)

[MADem]

13. I don't think it was about them as individuals--they

were there as a personification of EVERYONE in uniform in their branch of service. In short, they were "living symbols."

It wouldn't have been appropriate to introduce them, really--it wasn't about them, personally--and I mean that in the nicest way.

I thought it was cool that FLOTUS put them in the scene, as it were. I'm sure the kids watching at bases around the world were gratified to see that they were being remembered.

[edbermac]

3. Look at the bright side.

At least it wasn't Ann Romney.

[MADem]

5. She'd probably want to know why YOU PEOPLE are watching those filthy movies

with all the naughty words!

[JI7]

17. didn't they go to see Twilight or some other crap

instead of lincoln ?

i remember reading something about it after the election .

[MADem]

19. I'm surprised that they'd go see a Heathen Teen Film...

....but perhaps that's all their feeble minds could process; wolves and vampires and teen lust-ish love!

Lincoln, now--that's history. I'm sure it would hurt their pretty little heads; they probably don't realize that we don't "do" that slavery thing anymore!!

[VenusRising]

21. Not surprising, really.

Twilight was written by a Mormon. I'm sure they thought it would conform with the little bubble they live in.

[JI7]

22. just read on freerepublic that Lincoln was the worst abuser of the constitution

maybe romney felt the same way

[MADem]

23. I love this place--you learn something new every day!

That's hilarious! Mormon vampires! Just the thought....!

[VenusRising]

34. Then you should love this!

She wrote the book based on an erotic dream she had about a sparkly man in a sun-drenched meadow. Robert Pattinson often remarks about how creepy it was to be playing the role of the fantasy man of Stephenie Meyer.

http://theplaylist.blogspot.com/2008/11/twilight-star-robert-pattinson-calls.html

Pattinson responds by saying:

"...when I read [Twilight], it seemed like I was convinced [author] Stephenie [Meyers] was convinced she was [the book's lead character] Bella and it was like it was a book that wasn't supposed to be published. It was like reading her sexual fantasy, especially when she said it was based on a dream and it was like, 'Oh I've had this dream about this really sexy guy,' and she just writes this book about it. Some things about [Pattinson's character] Edward are so specific, I was just convinced - I was like, 'This woman is mad. She's completely mad and she's in love with her own fictional creation.'"

[MADem]

68. Ewwwwwwww!

I used to think actors had an easy gig in a lot of ways; you know, work hard, play hard, make lots of money, assuming you are successful...but having to deal with that kind of psychological trauma? Maybe they DO earn those big Hollywood paychecks!!!

At least that poor guy did!!

[tblue37]

25. But she llllooooovvvvveeeeesssss us women! nt

[Lint Head]

6. She added class to a lack there of.

The Obamas love movies. It was appropriate.

[mac56]

49. This.

The fact that people find the need to nit-pick about this is.. just.. sad.

[KingFlorez]

14. She presented like a lot of other people do

Unlike previous First Ladies, she has been more down to earth and better received by the public.

If anything was out of the place, it was the boobs song at the beginning of the show by the host, I thought that was sexist and immature.

[Ninga]

30. Reading comprehension is a huge problem. Posters who suggested that there was "hating"

going on in my OP, or other such ridiculous and out of bounds statements did not respond to the question but just wanted to exclaim their blah blah blah by attacking.

I appreciate those posters who actually thought about the context of her appearance.

Seriously, if you don't agree with the OP and can't respond with thoughtful comments, why bother?

I worked my ass off on ground here in Ohio for Obama's reelection. I was an elected Ohio delegate which was personally expensive. I spent modestly during the summer so I could pay my way to the convention. I would gladly do it again.

I still believe that FLOTUS's appearance was contrived and without context even though she is a terrific role model.

Her appearance, her appearance, her appearance. Understand?

[LanternWaste]

75. What specifically leads you to believe her presence was any more contrived ...

What specifically (and with relevance) leads you to believe her presence was any more contrived than that of any other guest speaker?

[lpbk2713]

15. It could have been worse.

[MADem]

20. I look at that picture and my first thought is "Where is his

HAND?????"

And my second thought is...

Where is HERS????

[OldDem2012]

16. The Obama-Haters will find anything to complain about. Sad, really. nt.

[EastKYLiberal]

38. It's very sad and becoming quite intolerable.

But then again, people that are have a contrary opinion about everything are like those flies swarming around a horse's ass.

[Ninga]

41. Really? Why start a flame war over an opinion?

[graham4anything]

56. It had much context. Seth btw was the 2nd worst host ever.

3 movies dealt with members of the armed forces.
All 3 could have won the best Picture.
And one of them won the best picture.

3 pictures all showing the best of America.

It was a known fact one of them was going to win.

SO indeed, much context.

Now, it would have been nice if one of the egotists who climbed the stage for Argo had mentioned the name of Jimmy Carter instead of the self-congrats they love fested over.

[Ninga]

59. War movies and the FL are not in the same context.

[graham4anything]

62. 99.99% of the democratic party loves Michelle and seeing her on the Oscars.

I just wish Hillary and Bill and Jimmy were there.
and that Michelle was there in person.

But remember her being there in person would mean all the secret service, and with people running back and forth from the seats to the stage and backstage, and alot of the nominees sitting way back in the audience, it would probably be impossible.

And George Bush41 and Barbara Bush used to show up all the time at the CMA awards at the Grand Ole Opry normally in October of each year.
Same with W and his wife.

And same with the Kennedy Center honors.

Again, wish Hillary was there. Hope when she is President she and Bill show up too.
One never tires of any of them.

[Myrina]

76. It seems you are the one starting the flame war by

.... having to attack everyone who disagrees with your OP.
You stated your opinion, others have registered theirs - agreeing or not.
You're not going to change any minds, so why argue with us?

Before you decide to get snarky, please see my sig line. Thanks.

[FSogol]

43. Yup, very sad. n/t

[mykpart]

18. What? There was some TV show on tonight

featuring Set and the First Lady?

[progressoid]

24. Yeah, I didn't get the reason for her presentation.

I kept looking for some context or connection to her or her job as first lady.

[factsarenotfair]

27. It needed a segue or context, IMHO.

OMG, the military people were just wrong.

[Demo_Chris]

26. Odd and out of place, but whatever

[Autumn]

31. I loved her dress.

Not a bit out of place.

[Puzzledtraveller]

32. I agree Ninga

[Ninga]

37. I appreciate it.

[Ninga]

39. Lovely, thoughtful comments? Such rage over an opinion is very scary.

[SammyWinstonJack]

46. ...

[Safetykitten]

36. Should she have been on the show? No, no, just absolutely no.

Bad advice all around to whoever told her it was ok. Also,

[Ninga]

42. Time to lock this thread.

[Safetykitten]

45. Why?

[Ninga]

47. Well, I guess I'm being over sensitive, and worry that this discussion could

dissolve into flaming name calling.

[lynne]

44. Frankly, a lot of the show confused me -

- and I really didn't understand the involvement of the First Lady. They didn't explain it well, IMO. Didn't introduce/explain the persons behind her.

She looked and sounded just fine but the reason for her being involved was left a mystery and I find that unfortunate.

[Ninga]

48. I like separation between politics and sports, entertainment, be that a circus or the Oscars.

Moreover, it gives detractors an opportunity to vent.

I was with a huge politically diverse group of people watching last night. I wasn't the only Dem who was puzzled.

[WinkyDink]

50. Well, you've come to the wrong planet. Politics and sports? Hello, Olympics? Even

a President throwing "the first ball."

[Ninga]

54. Pres. WH Taft in 1910, did without any statements or comments. Fast forward to 2013 and

politics, politicians are exposed 24/7 and can pick and choose how, when and where they will appear.

In our over stimulated over hyped culture, meaning is quickly lost and affectiveness easily diluted.

Just sayin..

[Puzzledtraveller]

53. Exactly

What I do not like is the almost worship like fascination we have with our political leaders. I know it's nothing new but now it has become so entrenched that you are considered traitorous to question it.

[Ninga]

55. You captured the essence perfectly!

[graham4anything]

63. The Presidents always threw out the first baseball of opening day & World Series

especially the years in the past (and now again) when DC had a team.

And show up at Football games.

And some show up at what some say is a sport, Nascar racing, though I never understand how one can call that a sport as the person themselves isn't doing anything athletic or Olympic like.

[southernyankeebelle]

51. I agree with you. I thought both did a great job. Yet I hear both are being slammed. I don't

get the hate.

[spanone]

52. so, what is 'her place'?

[Ninga]

57. She doesn't have "a place"..,, why would you ask such an inflammatory question?

[spanone]

58. inflammatory? she has a place wherever she appears.

[Ninga]

64. You choose to use quotation marks to question "a place"...a baiting and dog whistle

question, which insulted me and was clearly inflammatory.

You knew exactly what you were doing when you used quotation marks to frame "a place."

That phrase has been used for all eternity to demean women, minorities and anyone else targeted as not worthy.

My OP is sincere, and should prompt spirited debate...Instead of a dog whistle insult.

[whatchamacallit]

60. She was charming as always

Last edited Mon Feb 25, 2013, 01:49 PM - Edit history (1)

but surrounded by military, had she read Zero Dark Thirty as the winner, I would have been freaked.

[tarheelsunc]

61. Did you have a problem with Reagan's 1981 video appearance? eom

[Ninga]

65. Yes, and any future appearances.

[Bluenorthwest]

73. Of course both Ron and Nancy were lifelong voting members of that Academy and both came

from the motion picture industry. I detested Ron but to say that it was out of place for him to address his own former industry at an awards show for a professional group he was a Member of (AMPAS) seems very extreme.

[Beacool]

66. I have no idea why they asked her to present the best film award.

But, then again, I don't know why Bill Clinton was asked to do the same at the Golden Globes.

Doesn't bother me one way or the other.

[Little Star]

69. That's where I'm at. But I don't have a problem with Ninga presenting her opinion/questions...

especially because she did it without any malice whatsoever.

[Tempest]

67. I stopped reading when you said Seth was fab.

He was an epic disaster. His "jokes" failed and were insulting.

[Bluenorthwest]

71. Michelle has been a very vocal advocate of the arts making her very suited for an award for

artistic excellence. I find the term 'out of place' to be an odd one since she was not even present at the event.

[Myrina]

74. Seth was ok. I had no idea how handsome he is, though ...

FLOTUS prefaced the Best Picture award with a thanks and encouragement to all who work in the arts. Hollywood IS an 'American Industry' and one hell of a job-creator, not to mention a way for small children to dream big dreams & have aspirations -- something FLOTUS and POTUS have always championed.

I think she was entirely within bounds, although when Jack announced her, I was certain Best Picture was going to be Lincoln, since Big Dawg introduced it at the Golden Globes & it is about - well - a president that POTUS happens to revere.

[Beacool]

78. What I didn't know is that he could sing.

I didn't see Ted or know much about him.