This is your pundit DFW reporting from Germany, and THIS is definitely NOT CNN!

[DFW]

I have been contacted again by West German Radio News to possibly do a repeat of my guest spot as German-speaking Democrat during a live all-night election running commentary during the election (if this goes down like it did 12 years ago, I guess I'm not going to Paris that day after all). It would be from their studios in Köln (Cologne), down the Rhein a bit from Düsseldorf, where I am.

Though the outcome of the voting is not much in question, nor was it so last time, either, and we still got burned. If this comes to pass, it will be a far more sober DFW doing the commentary along with the local newsies and their correspondents beaming in from around the USA. The outcome in 2008 was never in doubt, just the margin of victory. For that matter, the margin of victory in 2016 was impressive, too. The distribution is what threw the election into the disaster classification, and I am still quite convinced that the count was manipulated. I have no problem saying so, but it won't come up. What the Germans are interested in is the future. If Trump gets manipulated back into office, there won't be much of a future to crow about.

As I write, I am certain that there are voting machines being manipulated, state officials being bribed, thugs being armed, and corrupt judges being instructed--and yes, ALL by Republicans. These are hardly things I can say on the radio at the start of the program, but if the results are as phony as they were last time, I will say them anyway. I will be saying them from a continent where 80% of the people agree with me, so I don't have a lot to lose. Karl Rove will not be leading me down the corridor to show me some data he thinks will pull a rodent out of his hat. If they want Pennsylvania again, they'll have to pay for it like they did last time, and their credit worthiness ain't what it used to be. I guess I can't say THAT on the radio, either! It's OK, this is not my first rodeo. My dad was a prominent Washington journalist for 50 years. I know where the lines are drawn.

[soothsayer]

1. Cool

[Sherman A1]

2. Good luck on the broadcast

It sounds both exhilarating and wearisome.

[lastlib]

68. Yes, GOOD LUCK!

So glad you are on OUR side!

[central scrutinizer]

3. Televise my good side

As if I had one.!

[DFW]

4. The Television Will Not Be Scrutinized n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. Wow, what a great thread title, my dear DFW!

I am laughing!

I hope we will all have much to be happy about that night. And I wish I could hear your running commentary too.

Have a blast!

[DFW]

6. Be careful what you wish for my dear Peggy

You have listened to me speak German to my wife for minutes at a time.

Are you sure you want to listen to me speak German to a bunch of strangers for six hours straight?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. Um, well, no! I did think about that after I answered!

LM might enjoy hearing you, but probably not for 6 hours straight!

But I do wish there were some way to hear what you said. Perhaps you could condense and translate it for us deprived Americans?

[DFW]

10. IF it happens, I ill try to give you a summary later on

Remember, I was JUST asked if I would be willing. I haven't gotten the formal invite yet, and I don't even know if the decision has been finalized to do it in the same forum as last time. However, they wouldn't have asked if they weren't seriously thinking about it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. That certainly works. I hope it will come to pass. I feel optimistic! n/t

[spooky3]

8. Totally agree with you, and hope your commentary gig goes well.

Thanks for doing it and keeping us posted.

[safeinOhio]

9. Best of luck.

What a great honor.

[DFW]

12. I've done things for/with them before

One time, they asked me to phone in a report from the Denver convention when Obama was nominated. I had JUST met Joe Biden for the first time, and had to rush off to find a phone at midnight to make an 8 AM news broadcast in Germany. A friend of mine in Düsseldorf had no idea this was coming, and just about fell out of his bed yelling the German version of WTF?? when he heard my voice coming over the radio.

[PatSeg]

13. Look forward to hearing about it afterward

Too bad about Paris, but this is historical.

[DFW]

14. I run down to Paris once a week for work anyway

They'll wait, believe me!

[PatSeg]

17. That is so cool!

[DFW]

19. Routine for me

It's less than 4 hours away by train or 50 minutes by air.

Take places I have never been, like Iowa or Minnesota--now THAT'S exotic!

[PatSeg]

24. Ha, ha!

Iowa? Not too exotic! Lots of corn though.

[DFW]

29. So I've heard!

The State Auditor is a friend of mine. Great guy. He's pushing 40, but looks like a high school junior. I keep pushing him to challenge Grassley for his Senate seat in 2 years. He's reluctant, but I think he can make it.

[PatSeg]

51. Yes, I know some good Democrats in Iowa

and I think things are changing there for the better. Still lots and lots of corn though! I spent most of my life next door in Illinois and Iowa was pretty much the last place anyone wanted to go. Even Indiana had a catchy tourist jingle, "There's more than corn in Indiana", but sadly, that wasn't true for Iowa. More like, "There is MORE corn in Iowa".

No offense to anyone from Iowa. A lot of great people there.

[peacefreak2.0]

15. Thank you for your honesty.

Please be careful.

[DFW]

18. Though not a journalist myself

I grew up among them. Helen Thomas was a personal friend for decades. My dad was a president of the Gridiron Club. I'll be on familiar ground.

[peacefreak2.0]

22. I remember way back you and she

would lunch occasionally.

[DFW]

26. Actually, we would go out to Dinner every time I was in Washington

Helen had a favorite Lebanese restaurant (she was Lebanese herself) not too far from where she lived. My brother and I would drive into town, pick her up and drive on over to Mama Ayesha's. I love Lebanese cuisine anyway, so not only did I get to have a meal I loved, but got to hear what JFK was like from someone who knew him well.

Helen respected my father immensely (so did I), so we had a natural connection that went back almost 50 years.

There was one time we did meet for lunch. It was a lunch I was trying to set up for 18 months. I had another friend on the political scene that I knew would get along with Helen, and sure enough they did. Now THAT was a lunch!

[peacefreak2.0]

36. DFW, if you ever get to retire,

you need to write a book. Best wishes.

[DFW]

41. I already did!

I know how to bore people as well as the next man! Ask Panader0 or Peggy. They have read it.

[niyad]

46. So have a fair number of people here, as our public library ordered copies for me.

[Boomerproud]

48. Can you tell us the title of your book?

I would love to get a copy
.

[DFW]

52. Well, if you really have nothing better to do, but don't say I didn't warn you

It's a little far-fetched, but some people actually liked it. Here is a link:

https://www.amazon.com/Time-Cellar-Marc-Emory/dp/159967971X

Proceed at your own peril!

[pbmus]

63. The first 2 reviews at Amazon...you are way too modest DFW

Rene Rondeau
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure delight!
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2014
Verified Purchase

As a fan of time travel stories I never thought I'd ever find a novel that could rival the classic "Time and Again" by Jack Finney. I stand corrected.

I can't compare the two stories since they are so very different in nature, but for sheer enjoyment as well as thought-provoking wonder, "The Time Cellar" is quite simply a fantastic companion to Finney.

Which is as it should be; I've seen some stories that hew too closely to Finney's model. It's a treat to read a book with an entirely different approach, but no less excitement and equal plausibility. Every permutation of the time travel paradox is addressed, often brilliantly.

The writing is delightful, with a casual tone that only a very skilled wordsmith could pull off so successfully. Like a talented dancer, Emory makes it look easy. But the more you read, the more you realize how hard it really is to write so well, with so many subtle hints of things to come. I was also impressed with how artfully he integrated impeccable French with translations of such dialog so that it seemed all the more real, without becoming awkward. It all flows together.

It's a book which I quite literally could not put down. I read it in one sitting, and was very sorry when I reached the end. I would have loved for it to go on for several hundred more pages. I'm glad I bought it as a hard-copy, this is a book I intend to re-read often in coming years.

I couldn't recommend this more highly. (I've already started shipping off copies to my friends!)
Read more
6 people found this helpful

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S. Flegler
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, absolute delight to read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2014
Verified Purchase

Seldom have I encountered a book that is such an absolute delight to read. It is captivating. I tend to read books quickly. However after having read a few pages, I knew I wanted to slow down and enjoy every sentence. The author has an excellent writing style. I really felt I was in the mind of the main character, understanding his thoughts, feelings, frustrations and joys. There is more than sufficient depth in the plot to firmly hold your attention without the use of countless characters and contorted subplots. Without giving a lot away, this book should make special reading for anyone that collects coins, enjoys wine, or has an appreciation of history. Even for someone not into these areas, it should make good reading. As a scientist, I found the book enthralling and accurate. It incorporates a number of concepts of science and even a little science fiction.

[NBachers]

59. I read the book, and I endorse it. The pitchfork scene is definitely worth it!

[erronis]

43. Ahh. Mama Ayeshas on Calvert / Massachusetts. One of the original ethnic in DC

I've had many memorable times and dinners back when they actually had belly dancers (at least my faulty memory supplied that.)

Impressive trio with the ex-Gov of my state on your right.

[DFW]

47. Howard and I have been friends for nearly 20 years

Fellow 12 string Leo Kottke guitar fans as well!

[DFW]

54. Calvert is correct, but it's almost at the corner of Connecticut n/t

[burrowowl]

61. Make Helen proud!

[judesedit]

16. I am nervous, too. As soon as I saw the map in 2016, I knew the election was stolen

Hillary had way more support and votes than that lifelong thief and con man. I'm looking forward to the truth and, hopefully, a landslide for Biden/Harris and taking the Senate. Thank you.

[diva77]

20. K&R!!! We'd love to hear your broadcast (in English if poss.) !!

[DFW]

21. That won't be happening, I'm afraid

That's like tuning in to NPR, and calling the local station and asking for the German language version.

[diva77]

23. haha, ok. You shattered my dreams!

[erronis]

44. Will there be a stream / podcast? I can try to tune up my rusty German.

[DFW]

49. You know? I hadn't thought about that.

If it happens, I will find out! It will be the WDR (Westdeutsche Rundfunk) but they have something like radio 5 channels, and I don't know which it would be (I suspect #5, but couldn't swear to it).

[SheltieLover]

25. Awesome, DFW!

Keeping fingers crossed for you.

Have fun with this & please convey that the majority of us detest "it!"

Be safe!

[DFW]

32. They know!

The European media have been full of nothing but for months!

[SheltieLover]

64. How I wish our media would cover this correctly!

Ty for sharing! Have fun & be safe, my friend!

[niyad]

27. Very cool! And I am fervently hoping that the commentary will be celebratory!

[DFW]

37. That makes two of us! n/t

[SleeplessinSoCal]

28. if we all know about the shenanigans being employed...

...so dies the Biden campaign. Surely they can begin the lawsuits before 11/3. And we need the world to "see clearly" how corrupt the GOP is in 2020.

[DFW]

30. Lawsuits go before judges

Republicans have been appointing their own judges with assembly line efficiency ever since Trump got into office. It's the least simple line of attack.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

38. True, but don't lawyers know which judges to bring a case to?

My fight with a corrupt NYC landlord was postponed until we got a tenant friendly judge. May not be enough time for postponement though.

One can hope they are looking at their options in anticipation of the worst shenanigans ever.

[DFW]

40. Not all cases can pick their own judges

Especially if it's an emergency judgment.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

42. if this happens, it's past time for the Dems to emphasize how important the courts are.

My Republican mother believes the SCOTUS is the main reason to vote for them. Yet I'm not so sure she knows the harm being done by her beliefs. You know how the fear stokes them into action. She shuts down when their actual agenda is pointed out. Thanks Fox News.

[FakeNoose]

31. You'll be awesome, I'm sure

You have so many great stories to tell. The Germans will love you, also any Yanks who are listening in. I hope they don't pair you up with the Repuke - for bothsiderism.
That would be awful.

[DFW]

34. Oh, they always do

But it's often some rich German who lived in the USA, made a fortune, and moved back. That's who it was last time, anyway. He didn't even come to the studio. He was on the phone from Berlin. After he figured out he was just there for decoration, he hung up, and I was among friends for the rest of the night.

[malaise]

33. Very cool

[nuxvomica]

35. An excellent choice for the West German Radio News

[DFW]

39. I don't know, maybe I was the only game in town.

But if they want me, who am I to question their poor judgment?

[Paladin]

45. Take no prisoners, DFW. Best of luck. (nt)

[DFW]

50. Keine Gnade!

(no mercy!)

[Paladin]

62. Danke.

Keep us posted as to how it goes.

[Just_Vote_Dem]

53. You are awesome, thank you!

[DFW]

56. Hey, no need to thank me. After all, I'm the one having all the fun here! n/t

[Karadeniz]

55. Let Germany know how the US capitalist fascists are trying to take us over!

[DFW]

57. The German press has been reporting on the USA with better analysis than our own press

I don't need to tell them anything. They know the score. I'm just along as a real live Texas Democrat who speaks German. They know the national scene. They want me to comment on obscure stuff their correspondents might not have gotten into, like the Senate races in Alaska or Maine, or what Mark Kelly is like in person, that kind of thing. If there is one country that does NOT need the evils of fascism explained to them, it's Germany!

[bluecollar2]

58. This old VP sailor approves...

Thank you.

[mwooldri]

60. Will WDR know what hit it?

Seriously if you do decide to contribute on the day after the election (after all Germany is 6 hours ahead of New York) you'll do a great job.

[DFW]

72. They still need go decide to do the broadcast, remember

They put out the feeler to me because I had done it before, but they still need the green light from their executive editorial staff. As it is, they first reached out to me through their former Moscow station chief because he has been a good friend of ours for almost 40 years.

But we’ll all know shortly, and I will post if it happens, along with any streaming info if there is any.

[Joinfortmill]

65. Thank you

[Hekate]

66. Enjoy. Don't forget the USPS and Postmaster General deJoy-- he's still at it

Wish we could listen in! (In English, of course.)

[Hotler]

67. Do the folks over there recognize the fascism knocking on our door? nt

[DFW]

69. Of course they do

Europe was devastated by fascism less than a century ago. They know.

[Hotler]

83. I thought so. I have a friend that is retired military and goes over to...

Ukraine a few times a year. He got stuck over there during lock down and was the only guest at a small hotel. He got to know the owners well. Him and I have known each other since we were kids and somewhere along the way he made a hard right turn. Anyway, he was complaining that the news media over there was all left wing. He was showing the owners of the hotel Fox News on his lap top. I'm surprised they didn't inform him that from the Ukraine they could see that the orange one is fascist.

Thanks
Have a good day.

[LittleGirl]

70. Good luck and danke. eom

[GoneOffShore]

71. Bonne chance. I'll be going to bed around 23h30 CET.

[DFW]

73. Merci bien!

That would probably be my second choice!

[Meowmee]

74. Good luck!

I hope it goes well for all of us...

[a la izquierda]

75. Neat!

Cheers from across the Channel, where I'll be free of quarantine by 3 November and likely staying up all night watching BBC coverage with my best friend (who's also from the US). We'll likely be streaming other European news services (probably in Spanish and Dutch), but if you've got a link to the newscast, I'd love to see how bad my German is!
I just hope I don't wake up on the 4th with a hangover from crying and many bottles of wine...

[DFW]

77. If it ends up happening, I will post in advance

If possible with a link to live streaming.

Dat gaat geen nederlands worden, alleen duits!

[UCmeNdc]

76. Good luck with the broadcast!

I will try to tune in. WDR

[DFW]

78. If it happens, I will post ahead of time!

WDR 1 or 5 I suspect, but I will let you know.

[UCmeNdc]

81. Okay

[Liberal In Texas]

79. Sounds like it could be a very interesting night for you.

Hope you get to do it.

[Alhena]

80. Ich freu mich auf deine Sendung

[DFW]

82. Die muss erstmal stattfinden!

Aber es wäre nicht das erste Mal, also es könnte durchaus sein.

[calimary]

84. Oh EXCELLENT!!!

Congrats!

Proud of you!

[DFW]

85. It hasn't happened yet!

They just asked if I'd want to do it again, and I said sure! Now, we wait to hear if they go through with it. I'd say the chances are good though.