YouTube Friday

Since I'm quite detached from the British media coverage of the American election (I noticed the BBC has been given quite a rap), I'm exposed to a fairly one-dimensional overview. And, following Clinton's comments, I felt it was duty to uncover what I could from the delves of YouTube to update myself on the British perspective. However, one of my good friends, Thom, who should take all credit, has more or less done this for me. If you're suspicious about the BBC's critics, or wondering what the highlights of the coverage were from across the pond were, then I must point you in the following directions: Gore Vidal raises fresh concerns about his mental health, Dizzee Rascal tells Jeremy Paxman he may run for PM, and, more seriously, Christopher Hitchens throws his weight around on the BBC panel with David Dimblebee.

Just as an aside, Obama's first press conference includes quite an interesting line about Nancy Reagan's spiritualist superstitions. He makes a joke about consulting dead presidents for advice, which is warmly received in an otherwise dull transcript. All of this seems to suggest that Obama will be markedly detached from the religious base. Why would he poke fun at the widow of a dead president without making a conscious suggestion towards a secular leadership? Perhaps that's wishful thinking, but time will tell.