Politics: Surprise! Clinton Finds Her Voice, Obama Finds a Horse Race and We Find (Maybe) Naked Romney

All of the pundits -- from the major media all the way down to me wrote Hillary Clinton off in New Hampshire. Hah! Instead voters last night delivered a classic "Dewey Defeats Truman" moment after the obits had already been written on the Clinton candidacy.

Now it's a true race between two very worthy candidates -- Obama already bursting with positive energy and a rejuvenated Clinton displaying anew her steely resilience.

As for last night's speeches...Hillary had a strong start and finish -- she got some great -- maybe even future classic-- soundbite moments. I still found Obama's speech to be remarkable for a guy who came in runner-up -- on message and powerful if a bit lengthy.

Whichever of them becomes the nominee will have been strengthened and tempered by this true contest -- a plus for everyone.

As for the Republicans ...sickly-looking faux-maverick Bush convert McCain won over Lyle Waggoner look-alike Mitt Romney.


Lyle Waggoner or Mitt Romney? "Hey there sugar -- ever strap a dog to the roof of your station wagon?"


Here's Hillary's speech...that opening about finding her voice is the line of the night:



Here is Obama's concession speech -- notice the pivot now that the contests are moving to states with more black voters-- there is a bit more overt acknowledgement of race. That "Yes we can" is very powerful stuff -- worked on me anyhow.

Television Review: HBO's Tell Me You Love Me -- Adult Drama, With the Emphasis on Adult

Tim DeKay examines Ally Walker's ear for hidden coins...

Give HBO credit for taking chances on concepts that would send most TV executives running in the opposite direction -- John From Cincinnati anyone? Tell Me You Love Me is definitely the first show I've seen outside of the scrambled channels that featured testicles, and not just a glimpse! And therein lies the promise and the peril of the show. The copious graphic lovemaking threatens to overshadow the very fine acting and writing as we watch three couples (four if you count therapist Jane Alexander and her husband) grapple with their relationship issues. The excellent cast is toplined by the aforementioned Alexander along with Ally Walker, who plays one half of a sexless married couple with Tim DeKay. Sonya Walger (Penny from Lost -- bad news Desmond!) and husband Adam Scott are trying to conceive -- their storyline is rich with unsaid undercurrents as they lie to their therapist, their families and themselves about what they really feel. Newly engaged couple Luke Farrell Kirby and Michelle Borth are wrestling with the meaning of commitment while using sex to short circuit talk. The issues they deal with are as raw as the sex and for the most part the lovemaking seems to be integrated into the storytelling rather than a reminder to HBO's viewers that they are watching pay television. It will be interesting to see how the show evolves and if they can get past the "Wow is she actually giving him a handjob??" factor. For now this is a solidly watchable show with a great deal of promise. Tell Me You Love Me gets four out of five condoms: