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02/14/2008
Towleroad Guide to the Tube #245
CONDOLEEZZA RICE: The Secretary lies about making false statements before the Iraq war.
HILLARY CLINTON: Clinton wants a debate in Wisconsin.
MICHELLE OBAMA: Her recent appearance on Larry King Live.
DAVID ARCHULETA: 16-year-old American Idol contestant sings "Heaven" at Hollywood audition.
Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 4:22 PM EST by Andy in Barack Obama, Condoleezza Rice, Election 2008, Hillary Clinton, Music, News, Towleroad Guide to the Tube | Permalink
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Funny she asks for a debate when she's 1000 miles away in Texas. Hmmm
Posted by: Jason | Feb 14, 2008 4:29:26 PM
The Archuleta kid is AMAZING. What a voice and cute as a bug, smiling ear to ear while maintaining a clearly genuine "Aw shucks" modesty.
He has got to be a sure front runner at this point. He's definitely my favorite.
Posted by: ZEKE | Feb 14, 2008 4:29:32 PM
Kudos for posting David Archuleta's performance, Andy, he's one of the most talented, skilled, and appealing contestants AI has ever had. It will be a delight to watch him--let's hope he hangs in for a while.
Posted by: rascal | Feb 14, 2008 4:41:36 PM
Sorry--once more about David--
"...that tingly feeling... oh, I don't know... I only get it when I sing, I guess..."
Aahhhh! I thought the twelve year-old girl in me was long gone. Guess not....
Posted by: rascal | Feb 14, 2008 4:49:28 PM
Zeke & Rascal are right. Some folks are just natural born singers. You can't learn that, you can't imitate like that--not at 16. Mr Archuleta is unbelievable. I wonder if one can be a musical genius at singing the same way one can be playing any other musical instru...well, of course you can: Aretha.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Feb 14, 2008 4:50:45 PM
WOW! I may have to watch AI this season. That guy is amazing.
Posted by: Barry | Feb 14, 2008 4:50:57 PM
The kid is the real thing. I hope that fact that he's a former UTube celebrity, Rosie O'Donnel favorite and then there was his record deal... doesn't get him kicked off the show or hated by America. This kids gonna get alot of bad press real soon.
Posted by: lexxicuss | Feb 14, 2008 4:55:17 PM
That guy is one of my favorites... but I'm not sure I can forgive Idol for cutting Josiah.
Posted by: crispy | Feb 14, 2008 4:55:47 PM
there have been 18 freaking debates! Hillary is desperate.
Here's Obama's response AD:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid353515028?bctid=1418509422
Posted by: marco | Feb 14, 2008 5:05:51 PM
He's not bad, but other than the fact that he's 16, he's not all that remarkable. There's just a lot of very talented singers out there. I actually don't think the potential for talent is all that rare, just the willingness to work at it.
All that said, I could be entirely prejudiced due to the fact that I a) hate American Idol and b) only saw part of the video - where he just started to really sing - before the video stopped working.
Posted by: Ryan | Feb 14, 2008 5:07:17 PM
And he's already agreed to two more debates!
Posted by: John | Feb 14, 2008 5:08:26 PM
Josiah was a mess, vocally and mentally. Liza Archuletta has a decent voice, but what a bright-eyed, totally sincere, adorable, sweet-natured kid! I hope he goes far on that alone! There's no air of pretense whatsoever....one of the most endearing contestants in the history of Idol ~ so far. I hope he doesn't turn into an arrogant prick (sorta like Josiah)...
Posted by: jeffreychrist | Feb 14, 2008 5:11:51 PM
Let me get on the David Archuleta bandwagon. I usually don't watch Idol. I usually watch the first few episodes then give up. Last season was the first time since season 1 that I watched to the end. I agree with some of the other feedback. His modesty and his inate talent are endearing. And he took a song that I probably turn away when I hear it on the radio and hooked me. It's hard to believe he hasn't had a lot of training, because he sure seemed a pro in delivering that song, knowing exactly how to "massage" it at certain points. Let's hope he has staying power. I also feel bad for that geeky kid who was the last one cut. I agree with Simon he had enough talent to carry him further, and he would have been fun to watch as the weeks progressed. And no Josiah, either. Sniff, sniff. Hope he comes back next year just a bit more polished.
Posted by: Eric | Feb 14, 2008 5:15:48 PM
RYAN, too bad they didn't show the clip where he sang while playing the piano. That was my favorite. The kid is INCREDIBLY talented and so natural.
JOSIAH, made the mistake of letting his natural arrogance show. After his hissy fit with the band, refusing to take up the generous offer from the coach to go back and work with them to sort things out and then strutting out on stage, dismissing the band and TOTALLY screwing up the song, he couldn't get kicked to the curb quick enough for me.
Posted by: ZEKE | Feb 14, 2008 5:23:22 PM
ill just add on to what others are saying
that kid is great! still not enough for me to watch AI,but I'll definitely check him out on youtube as the season goes on
Posted by: gabriel | Feb 14, 2008 5:23:43 PM
Obama IS ducking debates because why get specific on issues if he doesn't have to? People have drunk his kool-aid, they buy his gimmick. 18 previous debates don't matter because they are specific to the market currently about to vote. There should be a debate for each voting area. Obama is very afraid of having to talk about issues because he has to talk about specifics and not give flowery speeches. I'm looking forward to Obama winning, I was a huge fan of the Carter years.
Posted by: Michael | Feb 14, 2008 5:42:20 PM
I don't normally watch Idol because as a classical singer I think that anyone who has the balls to sing in front of a bunch of people deserves to have my unqualified support... especially when the song you're covering has been made very famous by a well-known successful artist. David Archuleta did a great job, and has a lovely and pleasant voice for one so young. I hope he continues to have the same joy and passion for singing that he so clearly showed in this clip. It's nice to see someone smile so genuinely. What a cute kid.
Posted by: The Milkman | Feb 14, 2008 5:59:12 PM
Re: Condi's lies: I find it very telling that she only says "that isn't right," never saying "that isn't true."
Posted by: dave | Feb 14, 2008 6:37:55 PM
Once again people seem more concerned with pop culture than our own government. Rice is low, no better than the terrorists our government claims to be fighting. Today the House of Representatives voted Thursday to cite Joshua B. Bolten, the White House chief of staff, and Harriet E. Miers, a former White House counsel, for contempt for refusing to testify about their participation in the firing of federal prosecutors. The White House is invoking "executive privilege" in order to keep individuals from testifying regarding Republican partisanship, and in retaliation is accusing Democrats of their own partisanship. Seems a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Further, if they have nothing to hide, if nothing wrong was done, why go to this length? Finally, the Republican party seems awfully bent on pushing legislation on this eaves-dropping bill. Over the course of the week I found it very interesting that the Clemons steroid "scandal" was front page news while our government handed out free passes to telecom companies in exchange for their co-operation in eavesdropping on American citizens. Benjamin Franklin put it best when he said, "Those who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security." American was founded on freedom, giving up our essential liberty would simply be giving in to "terror". What could is living if our lives become meaningless, regulated shells of existence; mere echoes of our former selves? Are we any more safe after 9/11 with the Patriot Act; habeas corpus has been taken from the American people and it seems we're more concerned with television and Britney Spears. It's sickening and maddening to watch as our own government wipes its collective ass with our constitution as we fall further and further down the rabbit hole, becoming closer to our sworn enemies. In the name of terror? Nothing is more terrifying than living in a police state. Call me a liberal, call me whatever makes you feel better if you agree with our governments actions in these recent times. In the end, I would hate to believe that American soldiers and civilians died defending our freedom if our own government feels that very freedom is expendable. It doesn't add up.
Sorry, but I get so disheartened when I see something as important as what is currently happening in our government get glossed over time and time again in favor of American Idol or Britney Spears news. Sad.
Posted by: Cory | Feb 14, 2008 6:45:05 PM
David Archuleta = jailbait. He's just too cute. Nice voice as well.
Posted by: The Other Jordan | Feb 14, 2008 6:51:00 PM
Jason the reason is because she wants the free advertising a debate will bring.
Obama has agreed to 2 more debates so far before Texas/ Ohio, but hillary can't afford to actualy field a starong campaign in wisconsin anymore.
The frugal part of me gives her kudos for trying to get free advertising. The obama supporter in me says tough cookies for her not budgeting her money better
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Feb 14, 2008 7:02:49 PM
Ruan
What makes him amazing is he had Big time surgery on his larnyx (spell check) a few years ago and was told he would never ever ever be able to sing again let alone probably not be able to talk again.
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Feb 14, 2008 7:08:54 PM
damn
sorry for the typos
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Feb 14, 2008 7:10:27 PM
Hey Cory - Do you know what the most popular decade for American movies was? The 1930s -- The Great Depression. Think about it.
Posted by: rascal | Feb 14, 2008 7:54:00 PM
Sorry, but I get so disheartened when I see something as important as what is currently happening in our government get glossed over time and time again in favor of American Idol or Britney Spears news. Sad.
Posted by: Cory | Feb 14, 2008 6:45:05 PM
Cory I understand your feelings and I am happy to say I do not watch any of this crap they call 'reality' TV. That said the kid has a great voice in the clip, as does the Underwood girl, though none are of my taste.
Considering the shit, like your mention of Spears puts out, this is a far better improvement but not so much considering how many they have thrown into the market the last 7 or so years. I only watched about ten minutes the first season and found it to be so mean spirited, especially considering the ass wipe Judges and W in DC.
As for the posts who are so into this crap, they may or may not be into the problems in this world, but we all need a break. Cut them some slack. My guilty TV pleasures? Torchwood, South Park, Daily Show, and of course Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters. Hey we all need a break, take one yourself, you sound like you deserve one.
Posted by: patrick nyc | Feb 14, 2008 7:56:53 PM
Jimmy, Jimmy. Now you know it's more than "free advertising"—that would mean, conversely, that Barack's reluctance was only about NOT wanting "free advertising"—which ALL politicians want.
Her reason for wanting more is the same reason he DOESN'T want more. She's better than him in debates the same way he is better than her in speeches and wants to try to win votes that way just as he doesn't want to give her the chance.
Michigan; Florida? INSANE of the DNC not to have worked this out long before so that's not adding to the anger and bitterness everything else is generating.
Superdelegates? Bad idea because it's definitionally unfair. Fine to give guaranteed slots to the various categories based on extraordinary service to the party, etc., but make them vote whenever everyone else does in their respective state—not have their own essentially separate election that screams "veto power."
Similarly, though it won't happen for a lonnnng time: standardize nationwide how delegates result from primaries. No more "winner takes all" in State X while in State Y they're allocated proportionate to the candidate's respective votes or played with further later by state conventions, etc. We have grown too big a country to allow it to continue to be done so many different ways. In fact, maybe it should all be collective popular vote and eliminate delegates entirely. Which brings us to the "electoral college" which is another mess.
Finally, standardized methods of voting in EVERY location. All paper ballots; all electronic [using machines certified safe by someone the majority of people trust]; whatever. Just standardize it.
PS: Didn't listen to all of Madama Obama's interview but was mostly impressed with what I heard. Assume she'd taken a chill pill since her questinable commments on GMA. While she looks better than Bill would, she should save the sleeveless dresses for summer daytime. In any case, wink, she'll make a lovely Wife of the USAmbassador to the UN.
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Feb 14, 2008 8:07:49 PM
Patrick, as you mentioned "Brothers & Sisters," I thought I'd note that Jason Lewis who probably first caused many gay men's er attention to pop up with this faux ad on "Sex in the City"
http://www.adage.com/images/random/absoluthunk_big.jpg
and then played the brief boyfriend of gay "Kevin" on "B&S,"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44aZ942z8gI
was at the fourth anniversary celebration of San Francisco's gay marriages last night.
Not saying anything. Just saying.
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Feb 14, 2008 8:19:59 PM
I seem to recall the beginning of the campaign when Obama was criticized for being too detailed in his speeches. So perhaps he has dialed it back a bit much, but he just has to find the balance between soaring speeches and nitty gritty. He is just as much a policy wonk as Hillary.
Posted by: Nick | Feb 14, 2008 8:53:48 PM
CORY,
i admire your outrage and your heart. you should know that this blog is nothing if not political, however. not strictly political, but political, nonetheless.
most all who comment here have been appalled more than a few times when any of the traitorous cohort of the criminal white house crawls out from the darkness to defend the indefensible and to lie, lie, lie.... if i were to suffer an apoplectic fit every time this occurs, i would not be long for this world.
believe me. i hold the entire bush administration in the most profound disdain. sometimes, though, i have to relax and enjoy moments like the one provided by that beautiful kid with the wonderful voice.
DERRICK,
you're absolutely correct about miss aretha -- as you are about so many things. now shuge, i KNOW you didn't retire your stepin fetchit (roll of the eyes) alter. he came out for mr lopez and his "leche". i would miss him so if you were to retire him.
NICK,
no one other than, perhaps, Bill is more wonkish than Hillary. That's why the NYT, in their endorsement, called her brilliant. Barack is no slouch. By their academic records they're likely on a par, but it's that experience thing, you know.
anyhoo, by any measure, whichever is the candidate will be Einsteins compared to Bush. and, either is head and shoulders above McCain.
Posted by: nic | Feb 14, 2008 9:51:26 PM
Michael, Hillary wants the debates, because just like the previous eight contests, she doesn't have the money to advertise in Wisconsin. Yes, she is a better debater than Obama, but he is better having face to face meetings with people, and that is what he is doing. Hillary knows a debate will take him away from that, and that which will hurt him. She really doesn't want to debate, but she wants people like you to think that eighteen debates and agreeing to do to more is not enough.
By the way, Obama has listed in great detail his plans on his website, he released statements about his budget, healthcare plan, and plans to fix the educational system. So, exactly how is that not being detailed.
Posted by: Cadence | Feb 14, 2008 10:26:02 PM
NIC
Bill is more wonkish than Hillary? Maybe I smoked too much pot to remember the 90's better, but I would swear that she was/is more so than he.
Bill being no slouch intelectualy, but I would swear that Hillary is more the studious type. If nothing else, I will complement them on complimenting each other. He the superb charmer and she the studious intelectual.
Anyway;
Michael
Michigan and Florida.
Th perfect solution is redo Michigan because there were 3-4 candidates not even on the ballot. Sit florida with a penalty of - 1/3 overall delegates for breaking the rules and seat the rest even though they would still give a benefit to Hillary who isn't my current candidate.
On the system as a whole. Heck we need to have federal standards on elections just to ensure proper types of ballots, how to handle ballots, paper trails, etc let alone clening up the whole screwy primary stuff.
On Obama "not wanting free advertising" It is more like he would rather pay for his advertising in Wisconsin than give hillary any help.
A question for Hillary suppoters. IF Obama wins, how do you feel about Hillary as a supreme court justice put on the bench by Obama?
I get giddy thinking about Hillary disenting against much of what scalia spews forth from is trap.
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Feb 14, 2008 10:43:22 PM
JIMMYBOYO,
i don't know about your recreational use of reefer, but if you'll switch "complement" with "compliment" in your comment directly above, you'll be a man after my own heart. i can then compliment (praise) your grammar and you can complement me (make me complete). but then you had me at the first typo. ha! gotta luv u, dude.
grant me this: Bill used to work the NYT's crossword while talking on the phone with members of congress WHILE getting his knob polished by Monica. substitute a hot male groupie for Monica, and what more could a grateful nation want? Bill was far and away the smartest president (he studied at oxford, for cripes sake)in recent history, and yes, arguably, the equal of Hillary and Gore in wonkishness.
btw (not @you, Jimmy) Hill and Barak were INVITED to a debate in Wisconsin. she accepted; he declined. nuff said.
Posted by: nic | Feb 14, 2008 11:55:08 PM
NIC
:-)
I wish I could go back and edit my posts. My spelling is atrocious as you know.
Heck I wish I could go back and delte many of my posts.
I didn't know about the invite. That changes things a bit.
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Feb 15, 2008 12:47:47 AM
delete not delte
LOL
simply atrocious
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Feb 15, 2008 12:49:36 AM
David A is an absolute angel...both in voice and disposition. Happy VDay!
Posted by: california joe | Feb 15, 2008 1:00:35 AM
As a Floridian, I didn't appreciate Hillary swooping into the state a day or two before the primary and claiming that she was the only one of the candidates who cared enough about Florida voters to show up. She didn't mention that, in fact, she was the ONLY candidate to break HER PROMISE (the promise that SHE was the first to make) to not campaign in or make any official visits to the state prior to the primary. The media keeps repeating that NONE of the candidates campaigned in Florida. That is simply NOT true. I live here and I can tell you that she certainly did come here and she played herself up as the heroine of disenfranchised Florida voters knowing that that this theme would resonate with Floridians after the 2000 debacle. She was the first to agree to the DNC punishment and now she is the first to demand that the delegates be seated. I find this to be shameful, disgusting and just the kind of political underhandedness that I am sick to death of. Did she take a page from the Karl Rove play book?
At the time I supported and voted for John Edwards. When he dropped out I had to decide who to give my support to. Hillary's sneaky and dishonest antics in Florida just showed me that she is the "do anything to win" kind of candidate that people accuse her of being. That was a major factor in swinging my support to Obama and I've grown more and more sure of my choice ever since.
Posted by: ZEKE | Feb 15, 2008 3:48:45 AM
Here's young David Archuleta from Season One of AI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8SJXDPE_sQ
Singing that song from Dreamgirls.
Posted by: Aman Chaudhary | Feb 15, 2008 4:16:36 AM
Zeke,
Sorry to disagree with you but just do a google search, Hillary and Obama both made fundraising visits to FL. They said they would not campaign but would fundraise. I think it's splitting hairs myself and hate to see this race get so nasty. I plan to vote for whoever wins the race either way. I just wish all of us democrats would turn down the level of mud thrown at our party and aim it at the GOP, where it clearly should be.
Posted by: patrick nyc | Feb 15, 2008 7:44:40 AM
Jimmyboyo -
Can you post a link to where you heard about Archuleta's laryngeal surgery? I work in that field and would be interested in sharing it with some folks.
Thanks!
Posted by: The Milkman | Feb 15, 2008 10:09:28 AM
"I just wish all of us democrats would turn down the level of mud thrown at our party and aim it at the GOP, where it clearly should be."
PATRICK NYC
AMEN! I wish people would wake up and realize that by hating on Clinton (or Obama) we are playing into the rights tactics. They WANT us to fight with each other, tearing the Democratic party apart and disintegrating any chance for cohesion and unity. This is the only way McCain will win the election (and we all know he will get the nomination at this point). We MUST vote for whomever the candidate is, Obama or Hillary. We MUST NOT take the bait.
Posted by: Cory | Feb 15, 2008 12:59:59 PM
The milkman
I heard it on AI itself when he did he little intervew before he tried out for the first time.
Try a youtube search for his first try out and the interview he gave before he did it. His try outs were the san Diego ones
Sorry I cant be any more helpful
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Feb 15, 2008 3:27:01 PM
Actualy
here you go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRZps_AEMpU&feature=related
Turns out he was diagnosed with vocal pralysis a few years ago. He didn't go through with the surgery though and has recovred a lot.
This fact speaks volumes about his talent.
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Feb 15, 2008 3:31:47 PM
I noticed that onor two of the YouTube videos of David Archuleta have comments (probably by teens) saying things like "David is gay!" and "Oh no he's not! How can you say such a thing?" etc.
I suspect that whether or no David is gay is going to be a hot topic amongst teenagers. The fact that he has a Mormon family from Utah worries me. I hope this talented young man doesn't get dragged into a firestorm that could kill his joy. He seems so joyful now. His voice is phenomenal, like an angel. I think he could unquestionably have a great career ahead.
Posted by: Hephaestion | Feb 15, 2008 7:51:55 PM
Hephaestion,
i don't think this boy can be hindered by religion, gossip, or other means. he is a true talent.
Posted by: nic | Feb 16, 2008 6:52:59 AM
David Archuleta was a Star Search winner when he was about 10 (which was only 6 or 7 years ago!). He is 17 now. His voice, stage presence, and smile are fantabulous. He has a huge career ahead of him.
Posted by: K.B. | Feb 17, 2008 5:16:21 AM