Charlie Wilson’s War is a rollicking true tale of the most successful
covert war in history — taking down the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
With one or two side effects.
** ALL TIED UP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — IN BOTH PARTIES. The new Boston Globe poll of the New Hampshire presidential primary, released Sunday morning shows dead heats between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side and Mitt Romney and John McCain on the Republican side.
On the Democratic side, it’s Obama 30%, Clinton 28%, and John Edwards 14%.
On the Republican side, it’s Romney 28%, McCain 25%, and Rudy Giuliani 14%.
These amount to statistical dead heats.
Obama has taken his sliver of a lead by hollowing out Hillary’s support in the Manchester area of the state, especially among blue collar workers. She once led him there by nearly three to one. Now he has a tiny edge.
** CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR. Terrific movie. Perfect? No. Fun and mostly accurate? Yep.
Tom Hanks, not perfectly cast but making a more than game stab at it, plays the roguish Texas Democrat hawk (but social and economic liberal) congressman who helped bring down the Soviet Union by proving to be the necessary lynchpin to fund the covert war against it in Afghanistan. Charlie Wilson’s War, written by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin (disclosure: I did some consulting for the show, after he left it) and directed by Mike Nichols, is based on a terrific best-selling book by the late 60 Minutes producer George Crile.
Some on the right, naturally, are attacking the movie because it doesn’t give all credit to St. Ronald Reagan, and because Wilson is a Democrat. Well, the truth is that covert operations in Afghanistan — invaded by the Soviets in the late ’70s — were authorized by Democratic President Jimmy Carter (upon the advice of his staunchly anti-Soviet National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, an Eastern European immigrant now advising one Barack Obama) — and that those covert operations were then adopted by Reagan and his CIA Director Bill Casey.
But the operations languished. Until Wilson, a former naval officer and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, became convinced that they needed to be ramped up. Dramatically. And no matter how you spin it, without the massive funding that Wilson arranged through his utterly key role as a keeper of the Congressional appropriations keys, there’s no successful covert war in Afghanistan.
The film is also attacked from the left, as by a witless film critic in the LA Times, on grounds that it was a bad idea to make Afghanistan Russia’s Vietnam and take down the Soviet Union. Because, um, they won’t say all of the “because,” because that sounds a bit too nostalgic for the good old Soviet days. But they will say that it was a bad idea because it built up Al Qaeda.
Reality check. Al Qaeda had next to nothing to do with the Afghan War. That’s a myth. Osama bin Laden barely made it into the country while any actual fighting was going on. It did give the Islamic jihadists of today the idea that if one superpower could be defeated, so could another. But if America had paid attention to Afghanistan after the Soviets were ousted — which it most assuredly did not, as all the books make clear — the Taliban would never have risen and Al Qaeda would never had found its safe haven there. As it was, Al Qaeda only ended up there because its preferred hidey holes wouldn’t have them.
Now for the movie. Hanks isn’t perfectly cast, but the All-American icon clearly has fun playing against type as the playboy congressman. Julia Roberts plays a camp version of herself as the very right-wing, very rich Texas socialite Joanne Herring who helps seduce Wilson into championing the mujahedeen and Pakistani dictator General Zia. (Who later died in a plane crash. Watch out for that, General Musharraf.) Philip Seymour Hoffman is perfect as the the unkempt, un-clubbable CIA officer Gust Avrakotos who spearheaded the covert op.
It’s a fun political movie, with a happy and yet ironic ending. Kind of like the world we live in. Well, except maybe for the fun part.
** FIELD POLL: CALIFORNIANS DOWN ON BUSH, IRAQ, DIRECTION OF AMERICA. The latest Field Poll continues to dribble out and contains no surprises. California voters are very down on President Bush, his Iraq policy, and the direction of America. Bush has just a 28% job approval rating in the Golden State. The Iraq War, on which voters are permanently soured no matter what short-term progress is achieved by the surge, is favored by only 24%. A whopping 67% see America on the wrong track, the highest level of displeasure since 1992, when George Bush I was in the White House.
** NOTE: NWN is on a reduced holiday publishing schedule. That doesn’t mean there won’t be some columns and updates and videos; just not nearly so many. The Forum will of course be open. The relative break is coming sooner rather than later because of the frankly insane presidential campaign schedule, which sees Iowa and New Hampshire within a week of New Year’s Day. For some perspective, when I did first-in-the-nation Iowa for Gary Hart, it was on February 20th.
Two days after Christmas, NWN throttles back up full bore through the February 5th presidential primaries in California and elsewhere.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the new Russia Today channel.
You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.
While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Crude oil closed back up at $93.31 per barrel. Energy markets are closed on the weekend.
Your posts are welcome in the Forum.
Read 
| Comments (79) |
The movie looks cool
The movie looks cool
When did you consult on “The West Wing?”
I love Julie Roberts! What is the movie rated?
You know you have been written some great articles lately:)
I love Julie Roberts! What is the movie rated?
You know you have been written some great articles lately:)
sorry writing:) too much wine in my lunch.
Wine?
Thanks!
Charlie Wilson is rated R. Like the guy’s life. Actually, that was rated X.
>carole w :
I love Julie Roberts! What is the movie rated?
You know you have been written some great articles lately:)
Dec 22, 2007 12:27 PM
Thanks!
Charlie Wilson is rated R. Like the guy’s life. Actually, that was rated X.
>carole w :
I love Julie Roberts! What is the movie rated?
You know you have been written some great articles lately:)
Dec 22, 2007 12:27 PM
I was always in touch with the producers, and was more involved in the final season.
>Jonas Blane :
When did you consult on “The West Wing?”
Dec 22, 2007 12:23 PM
It is pretty cool.
>Jonas :
The movie looks cool
Dec 22, 2007 12:17 PM
Julia Roberts still looks good in that bikini. She’s gotta be way in her 30s, right?
Julia Roberts still looks good in that bikini. She’s gotta be way in her 30s, right?
California hates Bush. Yawn. lol
Another non-surprise.
You sound like a Hollywood studio head.
Julia Roberts is actually, gasp, 41.
>Capitol Boy :
Julia Roberts still looks good in that bikini. She’s gotta be way in her 30s, right?
Dec 22, 2007 12:54 PM
Saw it yesterday. Highly recommend. What a surprise the right wing wants more adulation for Ronald Reagan.
As Bill Maher says, “conservatives talk about Ronald Reagan the way gay men talk about Barbra Streisand.” Those of us who lived in CA while he was Governor remember a much different person than the way he is remembered by his idol worshippers.
Roberts looks good in her bikini. And I have to admit a guilty pleasure of seeing a scantily clad of Emily Blunt.
Saw it yesterday. Highly recommend. What a surprise the right wing wants more adulation for Ronald Reagan.
As Bill Maher says, “conservatives talk about Ronald Reagan the way gay men talk about Barbra Streisand.” Those of us who lived in CA while he was Governor remember a much different person than the way he is remembered by his idol worshippers.
Roberts looks good in her bikini. And I have to admit a guilty pleasure of seeing a scantily clad of Emily Blunt.
Wine? Yes, Too much wine in the Mostaccioli.
carole w :
Wine? Yes, Too much wine in the Mostaccioli
——
I’m shocked! Totally shocked!!! What kind of example is that to set for the rest of us??? Guess I will just have to follow your lead and go drink some myself. See what you have started????
whew-hew:)
Saw Charlie Wilson’s War Friday night. I can’t remember when I saw a movie with as many great lines as this one, in addition to which it seemed to be fully grounded in reality. My wife wanted to watch it again right then and there. My absolutely favorite character was Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust. I identified with that guy..
Saw Charlie Wilson’s War Friday night. I can’t remember when I saw a movie with as many great lines as this one, in addition to which it seemed to be fully grounded in reality. My wife wanted to watch it again right then and there. My absolutely favorite character was Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust. I identified with that guy..
Afghanistan was Russia’s greatest humiliation of Soviet time. It still is hard to talk about without anger and sadness.
It’s a sore subject with my Russian friends. Not unlike Vietnam with a great many Americans, though it is far more recent and calamitous.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is a GREAT actor, and Aaron Sorkin is an amazing screenwriter.
>Hap Hazard :
Saw Charlie Wilson’s War Friday night. I can’t remember when I saw a movie with as many great lines as this one, in addition to which it seemed to be fully grounded in reality. My wife wanted to watch it again right then and there. My absolutely favorite character was Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust. I identified with that guy..
Dec 22, 2007 08:50 PM
Philip Seymour Hoffman is a GREAT actor, and Aaron Sorkin is an amazing screenwriter.
>Hap Hazard :
Saw Charlie Wilson’s War Friday night. I can’t remember when I saw a movie with as many great lines as this one, in addition to which it seemed to be fully grounded in reality. My wife wanted to watch it again right then and there. My absolutely favorite character was Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust. I identified with that guy..
Dec 22, 2007 08:50 PM
We must renounce all such temptations in this holiest of seasons.
>Sacramento Solon :
carole w :
Wine? Yes, Too much wine in the Mostaccioli
——
I’m shocked! Totally shocked!!! What kind of example is that to set for the rest of us??? Guess I will just have to follow your lead and go drink some myself. See what you have started????
Dec 22, 2007 05:09 PM
What is mostaccioli?
>carole w :
Wine? Yes, Too much wine in the Mostaccioli.
Dec 22, 2007 04:08 PM
Deftly put.
>Elroy El :
Saw it yesterday. Highly recommend. What a surprise the right wing wants more adulation for Ronald Reagan.
As Bill Maher says, “conservatives talk about Ronald Reagan the way gay men talk about Barbra Streisand.” Those of us who lived in CA while he was Governor remember a much different person than the way he is remembered by his idol worshippers.
Roberts looks good in her bikini. And I have to admit a guilty pleasure of seeing a scantily clad of Emily Blunt.
Dec 22, 2007 03:31 PM
Wow!
Bill: On the Democratic side, it’s Obama 30%, Clinton 28%, and John Edwards 14%.
On the Republican side, it’s Romney 28%, McCain 25%, and Rudy Giuliani 14%.
Re Mostacciolo:
You Brown Hormone free top sirloin steak (ground),add olive oil ,wine,basil,salt & pepper. Crush tomatoes into sauce. Mix into the meat. Boil Mostaccioli noodles. Add together and put into a glass casserole dish. Mix in Mozzerali cheese,(add a layer of cheese on top). Put in the oven at 350 for 35 minutes.
Usually the wine cooks out and leave a nice taste. Yesterday, I put too much wine in and finished the bottle. Today, I have a nice headache…lesson learned.
If your shopping or the crew is out skiing…this dish is hearty and does the job.
What did McCain do to raise his numbers?
Re Mostacciolo:
You Brown Hormone free top sirloin steak (ground),add olive oil ,wine,basil,salt & pepper. Crush tomatoes into sauce. Mix into the meat. Boil Mostaccioli noodles. Add together and put into a glass casserole dish. Mix in Mozzerali cheese,(add a layer of cheese on top). Put in the oven at 350 for 35 minutes.
Usually the wine cooks out and leave a nice taste. Yesterday, I put too much wine in and finished the bottle. Today, I have a nice headache…lesson learned.
If your shopping or the crew is out skiing…this dish is hearty and does the job.
What did McCain do to raise his numbers?
The best laid plans of mice and men …
Wait for the Monday Morning Quarterback column.
Carole W asks:
What did McCain do to raise his numbers?
—-
Viagra????
carole w :
Re Mostacciolo:
You Brown Hormone free top sirloin steak (ground),add olive oil ,wine,basil,salt & pepper. Crush tomatoes into sauce. Mix into the meat. Boil Mostaccioli noodles. Add together and put into a glass casserole dish. Mix in Mozzerali cheese,(add a layer of cheese on top). Put in the oven at 350 for 35 minutes.
Uh-oh. Hillary’s behind in New Hampshire? How did that happen?
Uh-oh. Hillary’s behind in New Hampshire? How did that happen?
Sacto,
LOL…
I use Chardonnay and I love garlic but, my son does not…
I am looking forward to tomorrows article. I am guessing Rudy G. lost numbers to McCain? Good for McCain.
Carole,
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s article as well…reading it means I made it to another day!
Just ordered up a new book by Anthony Lewis on freedom of speech…little present for me.
Do you think the dish would work with red wine?
Reeps be stupid if they nominate anybody but McCain. As a Dem, I hope they be stupid!
Sacto,
Yes, red is ALWAYS a good choice.
What is interesting is McCain numbers are up in NH but, 80% of the respondents in the Globe article are against illegal immigrant’s having drivers license’s?
Sacto,
Yes, red is ALWAYS a good choice.
What is interesting is McCain numbers are up in NH but, 80% of the respondents in the Globe article are against illegal immigrant’s having drivers license’s?
Guess it’s those folks coming down from Canada!
This election is getting seriously interesting. I’m tired of the Clintons. Romney is the biggest phony on two legs.
Romney got hit really hard today by the Concord Monitor as the guy to vote AGAINST.
People seldom vote on just one issue. All the Republicans except Thompson are “squishy” on immigration and he’s melted to nothing.
>carole w :
Sacto,
Yes, red is ALWAYS a good choice.
What is interesting is McCain numbers are up in NH but, 80% of the respondents in the Globe article are against illegal immigrant’s having drivers license’s?
Dec 23, 2007 04:18 PM
People seldom vote on just one issue. All the Republicans except Thompson are “squishy” on immigration and he’s melted to nothing.
>carole w :
Sacto,
Yes, red is ALWAYS a good choice.
What is interesting is McCain numbers are up in NH but, 80% of the respondents in the Globe article are against illegal immigrant’s having drivers license’s?
Dec 23, 2007 04:18 PM
McCain runs the best of the Republicans, now that Giuliani’s hemmorhaging.
>Sacramento Solon :
Carole,
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s article as well…reading it means I made it to another day!
Just ordered up a new book by Anthony Lewis on freedom of speech…little present for me.
Do you think the dish would work with red wine?
Reeps be stupid if they nominate anybody but McCain. As a Dem, I hope they be stupid!
Dec 23, 2007 03:51 PM
More tomorrow. But she has the same problems I’ve discussed before. And Obama is fulfilling his promise as a candidate.
>Ann :
Uh-oh. Hillary’s behind in New Hampshire? How did that happen?
Dec 23, 2007 03:12 PM
Bill,
Must you agree with me during the holiday season? Scares me when you do that!!!
Hey, what about MY San Francisco 49ers???