the great leslie

Sunday was the Oscars, as you know, and last night was Obama's first address to Congress, as you also know. I only watched a bit of the former, but all of the latter. Last night, as I watched the politicians enter the Chamber, it seemed like a red carpet of sorts, minus the glitter but not without the flashbulbs.

Movie stars make their way in fancy gowns and top hats, smiling for the camera and maybe stopping for an interview with Joan Rivers. Politicians are decidedly less attractive, but, unfortunately, not less botoxed. They ignore the camera. At Obama's address, it was a big deal that Michelle went sleeveless. At the Oscars, it's a big deal when a starlet wears anything that doesn't showcase her entire decolletage. Last night, I had trouble identifying all the Cabinet members, Representatives, Senators, and other politicos. Everyone is recognizable at the Oscars. And there's the obvious difference: Movie stars make movies, politicians make laws. I'd argue that one is more important than the other, and I'd argue on the side of the law, although I'm not sure everyone would agree with me there.

Still, in both events, the public figures of our country proceeded to their seats in front of millions of viewers. This is the way we do it: they all get dressed up in gowns or suits and go to the place and we watch them come in and sit down. Maybe we get to see one of them snooze or perhaps Jen will give Angelina the stink eye on national television. It's interesting that they all line up, and many bask in the glory of being televised as they find their seats. And that we have infinite interest in watching them do this.