Dave Durenberger, who represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate from late 1978 thru early 1995, has, for as long as I can remember, lamented the rightward lurch of the Republican party. In fact, during his time in the Senate in the '80s, Durenberger was a frequent critic of then President Ronald Reagan's conservative agenda. In 2010 he endorsed Independent Tom Horner for Minnesota Governor.
Last year Durenberger authored a book entitled (what else?) When Republicans Were Progressive, which I am going to guess is little more than a tireless exercise lamenting how the GOP is no longer of his ilk, which are Democrats in nicer suits. I'm not sure how I didn't discover this project until now, but whatever.
Oh, by the way? Durenberger had a co-author on this particular publication, a person who also happens to be a local journalist. Given Durenberger's background and content of the book, would you care to guess the identity of said co-author? If you follow Minnesota politics at all, this should be the proverbial layup.
Once you've ventured a guess, you can learn the co-author's name here ===> (link).
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Thursday, December 05, 2019
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
Quick Hits: Volume CCV
- As I've mentioned many times in this space, the political left loves its identity politics. As such, a small town young mayor like Pete Buttigieg (who is openly gay) can be a formidable candidate for the Democrat presidential nomination. But while progressives love the identity politics angle with Mayor Pete, there's now a growing concern he may not be "WOKE" enough.
A headline from an article in Out, which is a publication aimed at an LGBT audience:
Pete Buttigieg Volunteered for the Homophobic Salvation Army.
Leftists love to proclaim they are morally superior when it comes to compassion for those in need. The Salvation Army has been feeding the hungry as well as providing clothing and shelter for those in need for literally more than a century. Yet because the organization subscribes to a biblical worldview of marriage (one the flies in the face of Buttigieg's relationship, a notion that doesn't seem to bother him), it's better for needy people to seek assistance elsewhere or something.
Oh, and good luck proggies with the "Mayor Pete enables homophobia" chanting point.
- Death. Taxes. Ineptitude within the MN Dept. of Human Services.
In between his time of concocting Executive Orders for a "Climate Emergency" and advocating for a state lawsuit against e-cig manufacturers, Gov. Tim Walz I'm sure is ON THIS!
- If there are a list of "nevers" in the political world (which these days seems to be no-holds barred), at the very top of the list is never invoke a Hitler/Nazi analogy or comparison. Somewhere not too far down said list would be never publicly speak the names of elected officials' pre-adult kids.
One of the Dems'lapdogs key witnesses at Wednesday's impeachment hearing didn't heed the latter.
You can just tell by listening to that person that she isn't the type who should even attempt levity.
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A headline from an article in Out, which is a publication aimed at an LGBT audience:
Pete Buttigieg Volunteered for the Homophobic Salvation Army.
Leftists love to proclaim they are morally superior when it comes to compassion for those in need. The Salvation Army has been feeding the hungry as well as providing clothing and shelter for those in need for literally more than a century. Yet because the organization subscribes to a biblical worldview of marriage (one the flies in the face of Buttigieg's relationship, a notion that doesn't seem to bother him), it's better for needy people to seek assistance elsewhere or something.
Oh, and good luck proggies with the "Mayor Pete enables homophobia" chanting point.
- Death. Taxes. Ineptitude within the MN Dept. of Human Services.
In between his time of concocting Executive Orders for a "Climate Emergency" and advocating for a state lawsuit against e-cig manufacturers, Gov. Tim Walz I'm sure is ON THIS!
- If there are a list of "nevers" in the political world (which these days seems to be no-holds barred), at the very top of the list is never invoke a Hitler/Nazi analogy or comparison. Somewhere not too far down said list would be never publicly speak the names of elected officials' pre-adult kids.
One of the Dems'
Prof. Pamela Karlan now invoking 13-year-old Barron Trump to dunk on @realDonaldTrump.— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) December 4, 2019
Cool cool. pic.twitter.com/gXkgzHB910
You can just tell by listening to that person that she isn't the type who should even attempt levity.
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Tuesday, December 03, 2019
She gone!
As the year 2020 draws nearer, many of the 20+ Democrat presidential candidates will fall by the wayside. In case you doubted that there were too many folks vying for the Dem nomination, the fact that so few hardcore politicos knew the likes of Steve Bullock and Joe Sestak were even in the race (before both dropped out Monday) should be a cue.
Anyhow, it's gettin' real now as a once perceived A-list candidate has moved on.
This is another cautionary tale for leftists who desire to go all in on identity politics. So enamored were proggies with the prospects of electing the first female POTUS (and one of color to boot) that Harris, for a time, was among the top 3 in polling among Dems. However, the identity dynamic justifiably starts to fade when the campaign is inept.
Perhaps the most delicious parts of this development?
One is Tulsi Gabbard, the candidate whom Dems loathe the most due to her epic takedown of Harris in one the debates, remains in the race.
via GIPHY
And second?
------------------------------------------
Anyhow, it's gettin' real now as a once perceived A-list candidate has moved on.
Kamala Harris is dropping out of the presidential race, she told staff on a call Tuesday.
This is another cautionary tale for leftists who desire to go all in on identity politics. So enamored were proggies with the prospects of electing the first female POTUS (and one of color to boot) that Harris, for a time, was among the top 3 in polling among Dems. However, the identity dynamic justifiably starts to fade when the campaign is inept.
Perhaps the most delicious parts of this development?
One is Tulsi Gabbard, the candidate whom Dems loathe the most due to her epic takedown of Harris in one the debates, remains in the race.
via GIPHY
And second?
With Kamala Harris out, the debate stage in December at this point will be all white candidates. Striking for a field that was historically large and historically diverse. Here's who has qualified:— Matt Viser (@mviser) December 3, 2019
Biden
Buttigieg
Klobuchar
Sanders
Steyer
Warrenhttps://t.co/lTSRuuX6WX
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Sunday, December 01, 2019
Ski U BLAH!
Gopher nation was beyond delirious in anticipation of the most consequential Badgers-Gophers football game perhaps in the history of the rivalry. And within the first couple minutes of Saturday's game, we were given instant gratification when QB Tanner Morgan found WR Rashod Bateman for a 51-yard touchdown bomb on their first possession. Alas, it would be the only exhilarating moment for Gopher faithful in a 38-17 Wisconsin rout.
There's no question that Fleck has brought credibility to a program that has rarely had it in more than a half century. As such, I am optimistic he will be able to attract solid players to Minnesota which will give them a chance to compete for Big 10 West titles. But I am hesitant to get too excited due to Fleck's head-scratching decisions he makes in game, particularly in the two Gophers losses this season. Given he's been a head coach in Division I college football for seven years now, these types of blunders shouldn't be occurring with such regularity. It's nice that he takes the burden on his shoulders when they've lost, but after a while the words become hollow when you're kicking away winnable games.
But perhaps the worst part of this loss? Having to listen to certain self-loathing "fans" who lament having their hopes built up for a Rose Bowl berth only to have them shattered, then expressing regret in becoming too emotionally invested. I would be willing to bet that a good number of those thumb suckers hadn't even watched a Gophers game in full before this season. If that indeed is the case, then they have no concept how being hopeful yet disappointed is far superior to hopelessness. Get a grip, people.
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From a talent standpoint, the two teams were pretty evenly matched. But when it came to in-game coaching, Badgers' coach Paul Chryst (whom the Gophs seriously considered hiring in 2011 before choosing Jerry Kill) completely outclassed Gophers head man P.J. Fleck.
Well, it sure was nice having Paul Bunyan's Axe for one year.
After the game, coach Fleck spoke very passionately and eloquently about the program's future.
Coach Fleck with a POWERFUL closing statement.— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) December 1, 2019
A message to the true fans and the critics.
Even a @DisneyFrozen reference in there! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/MX3o3iqIPC
There's no question that Fleck has brought credibility to a program that has rarely had it in more than a half century. As such, I am optimistic he will be able to attract solid players to Minnesota which will give them a chance to compete for Big 10 West titles. But I am hesitant to get too excited due to Fleck's head-scratching decisions he makes in game, particularly in the two Gophers losses this season. Given he's been a head coach in Division I college football for seven years now, these types of blunders shouldn't be occurring with such regularity. It's nice that he takes the burden on his shoulders when they've lost, but after a while the words become hollow when you're kicking away winnable games.
But perhaps the worst part of this loss? Having to listen to certain self-loathing "fans" who lament having their hopes built up for a Rose Bowl berth only to have them shattered, then expressing regret in becoming too emotionally invested. I would be willing to bet that a good number of those thumb suckers hadn't even watched a Gophers game in full before this season. If that indeed is the case, then they have no concept how being hopeful yet disappointed is far superior to hopelessness. Get a grip, people.
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Saturday, November 30, 2019
Couldn't see a thing but open skies.....
This weekend on the Northern Alliance Radio Network, The Closer will be broadcasting on The Headliner edition as I'll be in for Mitch Berg today. The 2-hour blitz gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.
This is one of those rare weeks where I wasn't as heavily engaged in the news as normal (understandable given it's Thanksgiving week), so I'll weigh on an op-ed about how some Americans lost focus on thankfulness and instead are fueled by social media memes during the holidays.
Also, I'll weigh in on nanny stater Michael Bloomberg entering the presidential race.
So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.
You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.
And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.
Until then.....
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You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.
And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.
Until then.....
---------------------------------------
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Monday, November 25, 2019
Quick Hits: CCIV
- Hide yo guns, hide yo Big Gulps, hide yo fatty foods. The most prolific nanny state advocate is entering the presidential race.
It's also been announced that Bloomberg's media empire, Bloomberg News, will not investigate he or his Democrat rivals. Only Trump will be subject to such scrutiny.
If Bloomberg does indeed secure the Democrat nomination, he'll perfectly personify every criticism Trump has lobbed towards the media establishment. And to make the debates even more of a show, Trump should take sips from a 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola every time Bloomberg speaks.
- On Monday, President Trump welcomed to the White House a German Shepherd named Conan, the dog who was instrumental in the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdad.
Y'know, I'm certain there were heroic canines during the Obama years. Why didn't any of those animals receive the courtesy of a White House visit?
Oh, right.
- This Saturday's Wisconsin Badgers-Minnesota Gophers tilt is likely the most consequential Gophers football game in my lifetime, maybe even in the history of the rivalry (one in which both teams are sporting a 60-60-8 all-time record in this matchup). Not only is Paul Bunyan's Axe (currently in the Gophs' possession) at stake but so too is the Big Ten West championship and possibly a berth in the Rose Bowl. As such, the highly popular ESPN college football pregame show College GameDay will broadcast live on the U of M campus.
Despite the fact Minnesota is at home and ranked slightly higher in the AP Top 25 poll (#9 to Bucky's #13), Wisconsin opened up as a 2-1/2 point favorite. I can certainly understand the rationale given the Badgers have endured a tougher strength of schedule as well as the field at TCF Bank Stadium being subject to potentially sloppy weather conditions. With a good chance of snow this Saturday afternoon, Bucky will put to good use it's potent running attack, which is 7th best in the country in terms of yards per attempt (5.6). Meanwhile, the Gophs' potent passing offense could face significant challenges in inclement weather.
There's no question that the National Football League is more popular in this country in terms of TV ratings and attendance at games. But for my money there's nothing better than the pageantry of college football, particularly in rivalry week. Let's do this!
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Michael Bloomberg announced Sunday he is running for president, bringing a narrow following but boundless bank account to the crowded Democratic primary.
The 77-year-old former New York City mayor, positioning himself as a centrist alternative to Joe Biden, launched his candidacy in an online video that is part personal story, part attack on President Donald Trump.
“I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America. We cannot afford four more years of President Trump’s reckless and unethical actions. He represents an existential threat to our country and our values,” Bloomberg declared in a statement Sunday. “If he wins another term in office, we may never recover from the damage.”
It's also been announced that Bloomberg's media empire, Bloomberg News, will not investigate he or his Democrat rivals. Only Trump will be subject to such scrutiny.
If Bloomberg does indeed secure the Democrat nomination, he'll perfectly personify every criticism Trump has lobbed towards the media establishment. And to make the debates even more of a show, Trump should take sips from a 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola every time Bloomberg speaks.
- On Monday, President Trump welcomed to the White House a German Shepherd named Conan, the dog who was instrumental in the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdad.
Y'know, I'm certain there were heroic canines during the Obama years. Why didn't any of those animals receive the courtesy of a White House visit?
Oh, right.
- This Saturday's Wisconsin Badgers-Minnesota Gophers tilt is likely the most consequential Gophers football game in my lifetime, maybe even in the history of the rivalry (one in which both teams are sporting a 60-60-8 all-time record in this matchup). Not only is Paul Bunyan's Axe (currently in the Gophs' possession) at stake but so too is the Big Ten West championship and possibly a berth in the Rose Bowl. As such, the highly popular ESPN college football pregame show College GameDay will broadcast live on the U of M campus.
Despite the fact Minnesota is at home and ranked slightly higher in the AP Top 25 poll (#9 to Bucky's #13), Wisconsin opened up as a 2-1/2 point favorite. I can certainly understand the rationale given the Badgers have endured a tougher strength of schedule as well as the field at TCF Bank Stadium being subject to potentially sloppy weather conditions. With a good chance of snow this Saturday afternoon, Bucky will put to good use it's potent running attack, which is 7th best in the country in terms of yards per attempt (5.6). Meanwhile, the Gophs' potent passing offense could face significant challenges in inclement weather.
There's no question that the National Football League is more popular in this country in terms of TV ratings and attendance at games. But for my money there's nothing better than the pageantry of college football, particularly in rivalry week. Let's do this!
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