FILM

UC-Irvine and UCLA are co-hosting a joint symposium Para Cinema: Collaborations with Portuguese director Pedro Costa through Thursday. Tonight’s a free screening and discussion with Costa on his smei-documentary film Colossal Youth (Juventude em Marcha/En Avant, Jeumesse!) the third installment of the director’s collaboration with residents of the Fontainhas district of Lisbon, a slum populated mostly by immigrants from Cape Verde. The 2006 film will be screened in Portuguese with English subtitles. The film begins at 7:30 pm at James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall on the UCLA campus.

THEATER
Bill Cain’s new play Equivocation opens for previews tonight at the Geffen. The plot focuses on the events surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (the one where Guy Fawkes conspired to take down Parliament) with a slight twist: King James commissions William Shakespeare to write the “true history” of the plot. The official opening is Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 20. 


*Pencil pick of the day

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Now this discrepancy is not necessarily the failure to win grants, but to have projects in the pipeline or have Metro Board members agree which projects to submit. But this year, the Board agreed to submit two projects: the regional connector and the westside subway. That, however, was not a choice without controversy. A delegation of 14 members of congress thought other projects should be submitted.

That moment, which you called a 'tell Kerry no endorsement moment,' where the brain trust decided to delay the endorsement became a rallying cry for you guys and seemed to be the moment you realized you were playing chess, not checkers. Is that accurate?
Well, yeah, I think that's a good example of that. I would refer to the campaign in that way [as a chess match] and to not just think about things in the conventional way. That's what we did well. We didn't always take things on their first track. We really tried to play things out and say, OK, what is most consistent with the strategy and message of the campaign? I may be wrong about this, but my sense is that there are not other campaigns that would have made that same decision so I'm proud of the one we made.

What other 'Tell Kerry no endorsement' moments did you have?
During the primary, we decided to limit the number of debates we were going to give, which led to a lot of grief from Democratic interest groups. We didn't attend an AARP debate in IOWA and we were told that that was going to cost us at the caucuses. I mention in the book that we made very tough scheduling decisions. We didn't attend every event that every Democratic candidate had attended over the years. We wanted to control our own scheduling and get some people to the events that we thought would us help. That means, we didn't always do the traditional events. That was really hard to do because we got a lot of pressure, obviously. We stuck to our game plan on February 5 where everybody wanted to focus on the results of some of the [major] primary's, like the California primary. We didn't do that. We thought Idaho was as important. So, we had a lot of moments like that. But I also think, broadly, we did not evaluate our campaign prospects every day based on the common national media coverage and punditry of the moment. Part of that was because we were such a grassroots campaign and had so much voter contact every day. But we had our own metrics and we would evaluate our campaign through the prism of our own metrics. That's what mattered to us every day. I think that's what was different about our campaign.

The national press corps (like you guys) all seemed to think you would win New Hampshire quite easily. But when Clinton won, the press penned obituaries to your campaign. What's your view on the state of national political journalism?
Well, first of all, it has a very important role in our society, so I hope it continues to flourish. I do think there is a rush to pronounce judgment and also kind of view the campaign through the prism of all campaigns. You might remember by the way, that we went to Berlin to do a major event in the summer after we were the nominee and part of the speech was "I am a citizen of the world," and a lot of people [in the media] criticized that. They said, 'You can't say that,' and 'You have to be more jingoistic.' Well that was just a misreading of where the electorate was. So, I think think they rush...it tends to be the same and too quick of judgments. Now, I will say that in the case of New Hampshire it was too premature to write our obituary, but I couldn't argue with people who said, ,'Boy, Clinton has no gained the upper hand in the race.' I wouldn't argue with that. But a lot of our political news has now turned into sports news; a lot of it looks like box scores - who's up, who's down, who got the hits. Now, that being said, a lot of these investigative pieces that are out there is really good. Some of the stuff out there does focus on the substantive prognostication could not play a more valuable role in our society.

A fascinating read: "The Audacity to Win."

Has horse race journalism hurt political discourse?
Well, I'll leave that to the people who study it. I'm not an academic in that regard. I would say that some of the debates in Washington...a lot of the coverage is about politics, well what does this mean for [the respective congressional and presidential elections in] '10 and '12? And I do think that does a disservice and moves the dialogue to a short term political flavor, which I think is damaging.

Obama seems to have had a more challenging time selling his message in the press these days as opposed to during the campaign. You may disagree with that notion, but, why is it harder for President Obama to sell the public on his plans than it is for candidate Obama?
First of all, we were doing a lot of communication on our own. We had a huge amount of radio, television and Internet advertising. We had a lot of people knocking on doors to get people to register and vote. And the coverage - people think we got glowing coverage, but the truth is, when you're doing well, you get good coverage. The moments we were doing well in the primary and the general we got good coverage. The moments we were struggling, like during the fall of '07 when Hillary won New Hampshire, you don't get good coverage. The questions are, What's wrong with the campaign and why are you struggling?

So, I think now, we're not in a campaign. This is not a campaign. They're trying to convince Congress on health care, but this is not really a comparative exercise. You're out there trying to get something done and the coverage is less about who's up in this poll in Ohio than it is on health care. There's a lot of talk around the House about what the Senate is going to do and I think [Obama] is fighting through that. That's what makes the president unique. He's going to fight hard and all he's worried about is the end result. And there are moments when the talk is about how you're not doing well, but you just kind of fight through that.

You had some harsh words for Clinton's campaign, calling it a juggernaut, machine, etc. Do you know if she has she read the book and, if so, have you received any reaction from her or her team, including [Communications Director Howard] Wolfson and others?
I don't know. I know Howard's got the book, but I haven't heard from him. I know Bob Barnett, my agent, is very close with the Clinton's, said the book is very fair. I talked with a couple of other people on her campaign who thought it was fair. I couldn't write an honest book about the campaign without being clear. I do wind up writing pretty flattering things about her because we were very impress by her, as frustrating as it was to watch her campaign take off. But it will be interesting to see what [Clinton adviser] Mark Penn and others have to say about it. [Note: In one section of the book, Plouffe mentioned that he was surprised Penn stayed on the Clinton campaign when others stepped down, saying he thought Penn was most to blame for her collapse and infighting, a claim later verified by press accounts.]

The book is wonderfully detailed with quotes from all the primaries, from Obama on down. Tell me about the process of culling those quotations and tapping your memory of events that happened, in some cases, years ago.
Well, it wasn't that long ago. The campaign was pretty long for all of us, so these moments are embedded very deeply on our psyche. I was writing about some of the highlights. I can't say that every word was accurate, but the dialogue I put in there was all based on very clear recollections. Obviously, I had a lot of emails, I had some notes. I had some memos and was able to get some help from some of the colleagues who read the manuscript, David Axelrod and others. I think I captured everything accurately, but that was one of the reasons I wanted to write the book right away. If I waited, it would not have been as fresh. My memory is probably something that makes up for my lack of talent in other regards. I had a pretty good recall on all of these.

I want to get away from the book for a minute. In February, you got a lot of heat for giving a paid speech to a pro-government NGO in Azerbaijan. You said you would donate the $50,000 you got from the speech. What did you learn from the controversy?
The whole speaking world is something I'm new to. That trip wasn't exactly the way it was described to me; I thought I was simply going to give a speech to an organization. I learned that I have to be careful, obviously. Given that there was a financial contribution, they had me come in and give a couple hour election discussion about organizing. We had a great discussion about organizing and about elections. We talked about ballots and about voter protection issues. I think anyone who saw my speech in Azerbaijan would be thrilled to hear what I said, some of which was reported on. It was very much about getting young people involved, about technology and about openness. I do think that the digital technology is going to be big tool in Democracy, particularly as cell phones become more and more diversified in terms of their usability. There obviously are a lot of countries where Internet penetration and computer penetration are not high. But if cell phones can replace a lot of what computers do in terms of functionality, talk about a great tool to get information out there.

You are a 40 something professional political operative who has likely achieved the highpoint of your career. What's next for David Plouffe and can you top the 2008 campaign?
Well, I'm not suggesting I'm not going to continue to contribute, but it's helpful to be realistic in saying it would be hard to top that. So, I'm not going to try. I'm going to obviously do what I can to help the president and try and do a good job with my family. I'm sure over time there will be ways to contribute and to professionally build. I have a full appreciation for what a special moment that was and I tried to relay to our staff on the campaign, which was mostly young people, how fortunate they were to be involved in this, but how spoiled they might be. This was a remarkable candidate, a well-funded campaign, a campaign with all the spirit of millions of volunteers - those don't come around very often. By the way, I hope I'm wrong, I hope they come around every four years. It was very, very special thing to be involved with and I was fortunate to be involved in it. But I'm only 42. Knock on wood, I have a lot of time left, but I'm certainly not going to be out there looking for the next Obama campaign because I know how special it was and what a rarity it was.

Will you be managing the 2012 reelection?
Oh, I don't know. That is so long from now and none of us are really focused on it. The Republican contest is beginning...there will be a time for that, but it's not now.

David, thanks very much.
Thank you. Bye.

David Plouffe will be signing copies of his new book tonight in Pasadena.
The event, sponsored by Vromans Books, takes place at 7 p.m. in the All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena.
There is no charge to attend, but the book costs about $30.For information visit Vromansbookstore.com, or call (626) 449-5320

• The Kansas City Chiefs have released running back Larry Johnson Monday morning after suspending him for two week for calling reporters “faggots”. Johnson has had troubles ever since turning pro when then head coach Dick Vermeil told Johnson “to take the diapers off” after bitching about playing behind Pro Bowler Priest Holmes. Last season then head coach Herm Edwards suspended him three games for violating team rules and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him an additional game for violating the league conduct policy.

  Good for the Chiefs. As they are trying to rebuild the franchise, they need to purge themselves of mindless ignorant fools who beating on women and calling people faggots is permissible. If Johnson does get another job in the league, I’ll be sitting there hoping every tackle knocks him out of the league.

Tonight's Action

Nothing.

Chivas USA opened their shot count at the 16th minute via a header by Maicon Santos. His dangerous header was the result of a botched clearance attempt by Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez and bounced just wide right of the Galaxy goal. Teammates Jesus Padilla and Justin Braun took additional cracks at the Galaxy goal through the first 35 minutes, but neither was able to beat blue-and-gold 'keeper Donovan Ricketts, who again put in another strong performance, including a great finger tip save on Braun's shot.

The blue-and-gold then took control for the majority of the final minutes of the first half following Braun's strike. David Beckham would get a clear shot at goal from the top of the penalty area after a series of volleys and bounces near the Chivas USA goal, but his blast sailed way high. Chris Klein would follow it up with the best opportunity of the half for the Galaxy and only seconds later. Klein had found himself at the receiving end of a great cross from Donovan out on the right wing and he blasted one home. Klein's shot was perfect, but so was Thornton's reaction, whose great one-handed save kept the score level. Sacha Kljestan would counter for the red-and-whites only minutes later with a great long distance shot of his own, but he too was unable to break the deadlock before the end of the half.

As the match wore on, the pace of the game became even more torrid and a bit rough at times. Galaxy midfielder Dema Kovalenko set the tone early on with his aggressive play at the start of the match and was fortunate to not have earned a yellow on a couple of occasions. Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura matched Kovalenko's intensity and the defensive four for both sides put in solid performance as both clubs refused to give an inch.

Red-and-whites captain Carey Talley rallied his troops as they looked to get a goal early in the second half. Chivas USA Head Coach Preki Radosavljevic tried to build on the shift in momentum bringing in Maykel Galindo. Chivas USA pressured the Galaxy defense, but were unable to capitalize despite their opportunities, including a cross from Santos to Galindo that rolled across the mouth of an open Galaxy goal.

On the other side, Beckham and Donovan increasingly exploited the space created by the shift in strategy by the red-and-whites, leading to some great scoring opportunities for the Galaxy, but Thornton and company held the fort down. At the 70th minute, Beckham would put in a wonderful, curving 40 yard pass into a streaking Donovan who then found a wide open Mike Magee just outside the 6 yard box. Chivas USA defender Yamith Cuesta tried to shut him down quickly, but was rather reckless in doing so and ended up committing a hard foul on Magee. Referee Ricardo Salazar did not hesitate and immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

Donovan converted it at the 73rd to give the Galaxy lead, but the game was far from over. Galindo nearly tied it only seconds later as the red-and-whites ratcheted up the pressure and refused to give in. Beckham nearly made them pay for it minutes later, once again putting in another great long distance pass to Donovan, but the Chivas USA defense recovered in time to deny him.

In the end, the Galaxy managed to hold on to the 1 - 0 lead despite a barrage of corner kicks and pressure on their defense in the final minutes. The victory -- the Galaxy's first playoff win since 2005 -- advances the blue-and-gold into the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Dynamo on Friday night at the Home Depot Center.

Elite Delta Force 3, 8p Comedy Central Stage. The sketch girls are back, after their 2009 LA Improv Comedy Festival Audience Award, so you know they’re good.

Top Secret Comedy, 10p Improv. This awesome stand up show has a great line up this week: BJ Novak, Mark Curry, Dan Levy and others!

WEDNESDAY 11/11

Will That Be All, 8p UCB. NYC performer Lindy Gomez brings us her one-woman show about the invisible folks around us all. This show runs alongside the fantastic Apple Sisters.

Room 101, 8p Elephant Theatre. This great new under-the-radar showcase show is featuring some great improv teams this week (Lawrence of Arkansas, Boomtown, etc.). Show runs until about 10p and is totes FREE with some beer available for donation.

THURSDAY 11/12

Jon Lovitz, 8p Comedy & Magic Club. Jon is still out there doing his thing (has anyone been to his comedy club?). It should be a nice night to get out and see a familiar funny face.

Greg Proops Chat Show, 9p Largo. Greg does his monthly Largo show, and this month has Nellie McKay and Craig Ferguson. I hope you like people in suits!

FRIDAY 11/13

All About Walken, 8:30p Improv Lab. It’s a show that is literally all about Christopher Walken, perhaps the most impressioned man since...Johnny Carson?

Karaoke Killed the Cat, 10p Comedy Store. This is not just karaoke, it’s BOOTYOKE, the great NY show that has transplanted to the Left Coast. We’re talking short shorts, ridiculous outfits, and a discount if you show some upper thigh. Seriously.

SATURDAY 11/14

Patton Oswalt, 9p Largo. Man, if Patton isn’t the funniest working stand up in the game right now, I’d be hard pressed to say who is. Well, Louis C.K. probably. But you just can’t deny that Patton is absolute comedy fire.

PianoFight: The S.H.I.T. Show, 9:30p Acme. As a part of the ongoing LA Comedy Festival, these San Francisco sketch legends are at Acme bringing the pain with their amazing S.H.I.T. Show.

SUNDAY 11/15

Growing Up with Uncle Miltie, 7p Improv Lab. Patt Benson knew Milton Berle well, and this is the story of that hilarious and tender 40 year friendship.

Ben Bailey, 7p Irvine Improv. Sure, he’s the Cash Cab guy, but he’s also a stand up comic worth considering on a Sunday night.

8:00pm House FOX - A teenage girl is brought to the hospital with severely swollen appendages after a wild night out

9:00pm Heroes NBC - Claire is determined to get to the bottom of the attacks; H.R.G. realizes he may be the source of Claire's troubles

9:00pm Gossip Girl The CW - Jenny tries to land the hottest escort for Cotillion

9:00pm Trauma NBC - Glenn's attempt to follow his heart jeopardizes his career; an old friend visits Marisa

9:30pm The Big Bang Theory CBS - Sheldon tries to make peace when Leonard and Penny get into an argument.

10:00pm Cake Boss TLC - Buddy and his team create a massive cake for the U.S. Air Force; the guys get their groove on while making a dance-themed cake

11:00pm Lopez Tonight TBS - Actress Eva Longoria; Laker basketball star Kobe Bryant; Ellen DeGeneres

11:30pm The Colbert Report Comedy Central - Tom Campbell, Director, Metropolitan Museum of Art

11:35pm Late Show With David Letterman CBS - Actor Bill Murray; actress Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe.

11:35pm The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien NBC - Actor Kelsey Grammer; Maj. Brian Dennis and his dog Nubs; David Gray performs.

12:35am The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson CBS - Actress Carla Gugino; author Dennis Lehane

12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actor Laurence Fishburne; Elmo and Rosita ("Sesame Street").

TALK
ALOUD at the Central Library hosts Rita Dove, author of Sonata Mulattica, tonight at the Central Library. The former U.S. Poet Laureate will be in discussion with Gail Eichenthal, Program Director, KUSC 91.5 FM, on her recreation of the life of a biracial nineteenth-century virtuoso violinist. Admission is free, but reservations recommended. Parking: 524 S. Flower St. Garage, $1 until 8:45 p.m. with Los Angeles Public Library validation.

*Pencil pick of the day

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