Friday, October 30, 2015

Suspend Tom Brady

It was the near the end of the first half of the AFC Championship Game last season when it was learned the New England Patriots were using under-inflated footballs. Going into halftime of that game, the Pats lead the Indianapolis Colts 17-7. Ever since then, the Patriots have been utilizing footballs meeting the NFL requirements for air pressure.

So how have the Patriots fared since halftime of that AFC title game?


- They outscored the Colts in the second half 28-0, which included two Tom Brady touchdown passes. 

- They defeated the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl where Brady tossed four more TD passes and set a Super Bowl record with 37 completions. 

- They have started the 2015 season 7-0 with Brady throwing 20 touchdown passes and one interception. 


My point is clear: If indeed Brady had knowledge that the equipment staff was deflating footballs, Patriots management should suspend him. Clearly the under-inflated balls were to his team's detriment. 

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Taking a pass

I am taking a rare and well-deserved break from the radio show this Sunday. As such, I chose to eschew the GOP presidential debate Wednesday evening (For a solid recap, check out Mr. D's analysis) since I won't be opining this weekend. 

For someone who is an astute observer of politics, I'm not likely to be swayed by debate performances. Yes I have a short list of whom I prefer to be the GOP nominee, but I will obviously wholeheartedly support whomever emerges as the Republican candidate.


Even Donald Trump?!?!?


Ummm....well.....that's a thorny one. 

If it's Trump, I may be left with two options: 




OR






Let's just say I'm hopeful there's a "Rubio Rejuvenation" after Wednesday's stellar performance. 

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Tough week

The Minnesota sports landscape has endured proverbial shock waves this past week with the death of a long time basketball icon as well as the sudden retirement of a major college football coach.

Flip Saunders, who first came to Minnesota from Ohio in 1973 to play college hoops for Bill Musselman's Gophers squad, passed away this past Sunday from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was only 60 years old.

One of the best compliments paid to Saunders was the fact that a good number of hoops fans were not aware of he wasn't even a native Minnesotan. After graduating from the U of M 38 years ago, Saunders was employed in Minnesota basketball (whether as an assistant or head coach) for approximately half that time.

I never had the privilege of knowing Saunders but my friend (and frequent radio show guest) Mike McCollow had known him for more than 35 years. Mike's lifelong friend Steve Rushin, a veteran writer for Sports Illustrated, penned an article back in July 2006 about how he and Mike first came to know Saunders. The big takeaway from that story is how Saunders never forgot those friends/acquaintances who knew him at the beginning of his coaching career.

Another personality trait of Saunders' was his willingness to befriend media members (specifically while coaching the Wolves) who covered his team regularly. Media folks can be quite wary of such an arrangement due to the risk that they may not be as impartial when reporting on the team. Former Star Tribune scribes Steve Aschburner and Dan Barreiro both talked about that very dynamic in their respective remembrances. Both essentially indicated that when criticism was levied, Saunders may have not liked it but never held a grudge. As it turns out, Saunders was someone who genuinely enjoyed the company of others and didn't put conditions on friendship.


I received a text from a friend Wednesday morning that merely said "Jerry Kill retiring???" I was genuinely baffled by that inquiry as I had heard no speculation on this. Turns out the University of Minnesota Gophers head football coach was indeed moving on.

Choking back tears, Kill, 54, announced Wednesday morning that he was retiring immediately, shocking fans across the state as he explained that he could no longer coach the way he wants because of his health issues.

With his wife, Rebecca, tearfully watching near the side of a university stage, Kill told a stunned audience that his seizures had returned, he hadn’t slept more than three hours a night in weeks, he had quit taking some of his medication and that he doesn’t “have any more energy.”

“This is not the way I wanted to go out,” Kill said. “But you all know about the struggles, and I did my best to change. But some of those struggles have returned, and I don’t want to cheat the game.”

Beth Goetz, the university’s interim athletic director, named defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys the team’s interim coach for the rest of the season. Goetz said the school will begin the search for Kill’s permanent replacement “in due course.”

“We are grateful for Jerry Kill’s service,” University President Eric Kaler said. “Our program is enormously advanced from where it was when he arrived.”

Kill had said prior to the 2013 season that he would step away if it got to the point where he couldn't give this job the attention he felt it deserved. But within that season, Kill suffered a seizure prior to a game against Michigan, resulting in his taking some time away from the team in an effort to get better. When Kill did return, he performed limited coaching duties from the press box.

With Kill on the sidelines full time in 2014, the Gophers had one of their better seasons in recent memory, culminating with their first New Years Day bowl game in more than 50 years. It appeared Kill had at least managed his health to the degree that allowed him to perform his coaching duties. Sadly, that was not the case this season.

“I went through a bad situation two years ago, and I’m headed right back there,” Kill said. “I haven’t slept. Two nights ago, my wife was up with me all night, and I slept one hour and came to work. The most sleep I’ve gotten over the last three weeks is probably three hours or less.

“She stays there and sits in a chair and watches me,” Kill said, as Rebecca Kill wiped away tears. “That’s what she did last night. Hell, that ain’t no way to live. I’ve taken years off my life and hers. But we both say we’d do it again, wouldn’t we? Damn right.”


I'm not going to lie. I welled up with tears more than a few times while watching Kill's press conference. During said presser, Kill said on more than one occasion that he had no idea what he was going to do now. However, given he's a God fearing man, Kill remarked that he would leave the matter in the "Big Man's hands."

Today's presser also galvanized my respect for Kill the man. Here's a guy who has known nothing else in his adult life but coaching football, yet was willing to walk away from his passion (one that pays quite handsomely) because he genuinely loves his family and thus doesn't want to put his long term well being at risk. It also proves what a man of integrity he is when he equates not having the ability to give all he can to "stealing" his salary.

"....I don’t have any more energy. None. I’ve left it all right here in the great state of Minnesota.”

Speaking personally as a Gophers fan, I appreciate what Kill did for the football program and admire him for his integrity. Godspeed, coach.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

ICYMI....

....I had the honor of filling in for Paul Ridgeway Monday on his daily radio program on AM 980 The Mission.

In the 5:00 pm hour, I chatted with my friend John Stewart, who had been diagnosed with A.L.S. (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) in April 2014. A little more than a year later, John's neurologist informed him it was "increasingly doubtful" he has A.L.S.!!!

So for your listening pleasure, check out John's testimony at the link below.









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Monday, October 26, 2015

On The Way....

I will be filling in on the radio program On The Way this evening from 4:00 until 6:00 Central Time. I was honored to be asked to guest host for Paul Ridgeway, who is in Israel for the next two weeks.

At 4:30, Julia Erynn of Alpha News will check in with the latest developments on the Univ. of Minnesota purchasing aborted fetal tissue for medical research.

In the 5:00 hour, I welcome to the program my good friend John Stewart (No, I'm not referring to the smug former host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show). About 18 months ago, John was diagnosed with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), an ailment where there has yet to be a cure. However, approximately one year after the aforementioned diagnosis, John's neurologist was of the opinion that it is “increasingly doubtful” he even has ALS!!! A miracle to be sure! Please tune in to hear John's incredible testimony.  


The show airs on Twin Cities station AM 980 The Mission. You can listen via the station web site by clicking here or on iHeartRADIO (click here). 

Until then.....


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Box Score of the Week (Postseason edition)

Game 5 of the 1992 National League Championship Series - Atlanta Braves at Pittsburgh Pirates.

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Braves outfielder Deion Sanders attempted to become the first professional athlete to play in an NFL game and Major League Baseball game in the same day. After his Atlanta Falcons played in Miami earlier, Sanders attempted to grab a flight to Pittsburgh to join the Braves in their game against the Pirates. But Sanders arrived after first pitch and never got in the game. 

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Sunday, October 25, 2015

When things ain't good enough, I just pull the brake.....

A lot to get to today on The Closer edition of the Northern Alliance Radio Network. The 2-hour bonanza begins right at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

Among the news items to discuss include Hillary Clinton's testimony before the Benghazi Committee, Joe Biden not running for President, Paul Ryan agreeing to run for House Speaker, Mitt Romney lauding Obamacare, etc. 


So please give me a call at (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to discuss any of the topics I plan on addressing. You can also text comments/questions to (651) 243-0390.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 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

Even though I have a face for radio, there is a UStream channel where you can watch the broadcast, if you so desire. Check it out here.  

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #narn or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Saturday, October 24, 2015

One final flip?

One could argue that the top goal of conservative voters in 2012 was to nominate a GOP candidate who would a) defeat President Barack Obama and b) repeal Obamacare.

Since candidate Mitt Romney enacted a similar healthcare law at the state level while governor of Massachusetts, many Republicans were skeptical about his candidacy despite his ability to raise money, be an effective campaigner, etc. But as time went on, GOP voters felt the "non-Romney" candidates were either not ready for prime time (e.g. Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum, Herman Cain) or had too much baggage (e.g. Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich).

Apparently conservatives' concerns were assuaged enough to make Romney the nominee, in large part because he had gone on the record saying he would repeal Obamacare on "day one" of his presidency. Obviously that turned out to be a moot point given that Obama was reelected. 

So when Romney on Friday reacted to the death of Staples founder Thomas Stemberg, questions were once again raised as to how serious he was about actually repealing Obamacare. 

Romney recalled that shortly after he was elected, Mr. Stemberg asked him why he ran for governor. Romney said he wanted to help people, and Mr. Stemberg replied that if he really wanted to help, he should give everyone access to health care, which Romney said he hadn’t really considered before.

“Without Tom pushing it, I don’t think we would have had Romneycare,” Romney said. “Without Romneycare, I don’t think we would have Obamacare. So without Tom, a lot of people wouldn’t have health insurance.”

Even though Romney insisted he would repeal Obamacare "day one," his appearance on Meet The Press two months before the 2012 election once again cast some doubts.





Look, I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I'm outraged over what seems to be another classic Romney "flip-flop." He decided earlier this year not to make a third attempt to run for President, so it's quite obvious he's done in politics. But it's situations like this which make it difficult for voters to ever believe politicians truly "evolve" on issues.

Repealing Obamacare certainly seemed to be the politically expedient thing for a GOP nominee to tout in 2012. It seems painfully obvious now that Romney never really sold himself on the idea.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

Benghazi Committee

The latest rounds of Hillary Clinton testifying before the Benghazi Committee took place Thursday.

To be honest, I looked at it as little more than a charade. It's not that I think Clinton shouldn't be made to answer questions for State Department failures on the night of 9/11/2012. But it's been painfully obvious for some time now that the media is so far in the tank for her that the positive spins on her performance were likely written preemptively.

An example of "journalism" throughout coverage of Clinton's testimony:














Short of fire bombing the testimony room or hiding under the table in the fetal position, Mrs. Clinton was going to be held in the highest esteem by her media enablers.

Sure, I believe there was some important new information brought forth in Thursday's testimony (e.g. Clinton telling the Egyptian prime minister it was a terrorist attack or how she did not speak with either Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta or Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey the evening of 9/11/2012, etc.). Unfortunately none of those findings will be all that highly touted in what has become a culture that values theatrics more than deliberate interrogation.

Sleep tight, America.

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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Joe's a No Go

When I heard Wednesday morning that Vice President Joe Biden would announce his intentions for 2016 in the Rose Garden with President Barack Obama by his side, I knew he wasn't running for president. Think about it. How awkward would that be for Obama to allow Biden such a venue to announce he's running when there's already a sense he's thrown Dem front runner Hillary Clinton (his former Secretary of State) under the bus over her email scandal?

Anyhow, late Wednesday morning, Biden made it official.

"Unfortunately, I believe we're out of time," said Biden, flanked by his wife, Jill, and the president.

Biden's decision puts to rest the uncertainty hanging over the Democratic primary. The race now will likely settle into a two-person contest between Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has energized the party's liberal base but lacks Clinton's campaign infrastructure and support from party leaders.

Biden was seen by some Democrats as an ideal blend of Clinton's establishment credentials and Sanders' populist appeal. Interest in his potential candidacy was fueled both by an outpouring of affection after his son succumbed to cancer in May and the persistent questions about Clinton's viability, particularly amid revelations about her controversial email use at the State Department.

However, Clinton appeared to calm nervous supporters with a commanding performance in last week's first Democratic debate. What was already a narrow path to the presidency for Biden appeared to get even smaller.

Leading up to the first debate last week, it was obvious the media was hyping the Clinton candidacy. Lead debate moderator Anderson Cooper further helped the cause with mostly softball questions for her. Then to top it off, the post debate analysis featured incessant fawning over Mrs. Clinton's debate performance, pretty much ending any formidable Biden candidacy.

While there has been very little (if anything) that I've agreed with Biden on politically, I couldn't help but have a little sympathy for the gentleman. While the death of a loved one is never optimal, the loss of Biden's son Beau last May certainly put on hold moving forward in achieving something he's longed for (i.e. the Presidency). Combine that with the fact that Beau's dying wish was for his dad to make another run for the White House, this had to be an anguishing decision for Biden.

As a Republican voter, I can tell you that I am relieved that Biden is not running. I see him as a far more formidable general election candidate than Clinton or Sanders. Current GOP front runner Donald Trump agrees.

"I think Joe Biden made correct decision for him & his family. Personally, I would rather run against Hillary because her record is so bad."

The only question remaining is will Biden go out and campaign on behalf of Clinton (yes, let's not kid ourselves. Hillary will be the Dem nominee)? Just within the past week Biden has taken some thinly veiled shots at her, specifically Mrs. Clinton's closing statement at last week's debate where she labeled the Republicans as an "enemy." The two also had different recollections of Clinton's stance on the Osama bin Laden raid (The VP said Clinton initially opposed it, which she disputed).

Buckle up!

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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Quick Hits: Volume CXVIII

-Truth be told, I've been ambivalent about the race for House Speaker. I will say though that is has been interesting theater. If I were a conspiracy theorist, I would surmise outgoing Speaker John Boehner is stepping down just to prove to detractors in his own party how the job is utterly thankless. 

After several confirmed and rumored candidates have come and gone, it now appears Rep. Paul Ryan, who has been reluctant every step of the way, will put forth a candidacy......with conditions

If he can't get support from the major GOP groups in the House, including the moderate Republican Study Committee and the conservative Republican Study Group and House Freedom Caucus, Ryan said he would stay on as chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.

"It's in their hands," Ryan told reporters after the meeting. "I'll leave it up to my colleagues to decide if I am that unifying person."

Ryan told the members he is open to rules changes, which have been under discussion in recent weeks. But he said the changes must be decided by everyone, signaling he won't necessarily agree to the demands of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of about 40 conservative and libertarian lawmakers who are seeking to end the traditional "top down" style of GOP House management.

Ryan also said he would seek to eliminate a House rule allowing any member to file a motion to "vacate the chair," which is a vote for the removal of the speaker. Such a motion was introduced last summer by Freedom Caucus member Mark Meadows, R-N.C., in a bid to try to oust Boehner.

But he extended a potential olive branch to the disgruntled conservatives.

"We need to update our House rules so everyone can be a more effective representative," Ryan said, adding that he wanted to avoid "constant leadership crisis" that have plagued the GOP majority in recent years stemming from infighting.

For me, it's simple. I would be good with any Speaker who enforces the "Hastert Rule." What that entails is no bills will be brought forth for a floor vote unless a majority of the majority party supports it. Period. This is a tenant which Boehner violated a number of times during his tenure, thus causing friction within the GOP caucus.

I believe Ryan has a better temperament than Boehner and would effectively weather any storms. The only mystery remaining is will the HFC acquiesce to Ryan's conditions? We'll know Friday I guess.


- It appears that for the 107th consecutive year, the Chicago Cubs' faithful will once again be saying "wait until next year." After a 5-2 loss to the New York Mets at home in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, the Cubs are in a 3-0 hole in the best of 7 series.

I would gather that Theo Epstein (Red Sox GM in 2004; current Cubs' President of Baseball Operation) is the only person in human history to be told twice "No way can your club rally after being down in the LCS 3-0 to New York."


- Jim Webb is dropping out of Hillary's coronation the race to be the Democrat nominee for President.

"I fully accept that my views on many issues are not compatible with the power structure and the nominating base of the Democratic Party," Webb told reporters at the National Press Club in Washington. The current Democratic hierarchy, he said, "is not comfortable with many of the policies laid forth, and frankly I am not that comfortable with many of theirs."

On whether he would continue to call himself a Democrat, Webb responded, "We'll think about that."

"The Democratic Party is heavily invested in interest-group politics," he said, and that could exclude groups it means to include, responding to a question about his reluctance to embrace the Black Lives Matter movement and to call on the removal of the Confederate flag from federal grounds.

In an email to reporters on Monday evening, Webb's campaign said that he is considering running as an independent.

Webb running as an independent seems all but assured given the attire donned by his aides at the NPC gathering.


Remember though. It's the GOP which has become more of a fringe party, or something.

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Monday, October 19, 2015

Box Score of the Week (Postseason edition)

Game 2 of the 1970 National League Championship Series featuring the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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At age 19 years and 9 months, Reds pitcher Don Gullett became the youngest MLB pitcher to record a save in the postseason.

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Sunday, October 18, 2015

So this happened.....

Upon finishing supper this past Thursday evening, I decided to indulge in a little television since I had no pressing obligations that night.

While flipping through some channels, I noticed that Encore TV was about to air a few episodes of one of my favorite '80s sitcoms Diff'rent Strokes. Since I am a socially media geek, I popped open Twitter and promptly commented on my discovery. My good friend Jeff Kolb and I ended up having a brief exchange.





To be honest, I had completely forgotten about that conversation until my Twitter feed started to blow up Sunday morning/afternoon. 

Yes, it was a retort from Tom Arnold himself which started the onslaught. 














To think this all spawned from a lazy Thursday evening where I partook in some really lame television show.

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Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right.....

Another Sunday means another edition of the Northern Alliance Radio Network program The Closer. The 2-hour fanfare begins right at 1:00 PM Central Time.

I'll spend some time recapping the first Democrat presidential debate and how the media seemed hellbent in partaking in a coronation of Hillary Clinton. There was also some developments in Minnesota politics, specifically another official candidacy in Congressional District Two.

At 2:30, Philadelphia investment guy Rich Weinstein will check in. No, he's not looking to infringe upon the territory of the Financial Fortitude guys. Actually Rich is the individual who unearthed video footage of Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber admitting to using deceptive tactics in an effort to pass the ACA legislation. Anyhow, Rich will be in the Twin Cities this Thursday as one of the guest speakers at the Citizens' Council For Health Freedom's Annual Dinner.


So please give me a call at (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to discuss any of the topics I plan on addressing. You can also text comments/questions to (651) 243-0390.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 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

Even though I have a face for radio, there is a UStream channel where you can watch the broadcast, if you so desire. Check it out here.  

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #narn or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Friday, October 16, 2015

It's LCS time!!

The Major League Baseball "final four" is set!

I have to say that this is one of the more intriguing pair of  League Championship Series matchups in quite some time, given that the four teams left standing haven't been in the postseason much over the past 20-30 years. As such, one team will end a lengthy World Series championship drought in 2015.

The last time each team won it all:

Chicago Cubs - 1908
Kansas City Royals - 1985
New York Mets - 1986
Toronto Blue Jays - 1993

Other random factoids:

-Coming into this postseason, the Blue Jays had the longest playoff appearance drought of any of the 4 major pro sports, which was 22 years.

-Going into the 2014 postseason, the Royals earned their first playoff berth in 29 years. Now they've made back-to-back appearances.

- And of course we all know about the Cubs' postseason shortfalls, not even having played in a World Series since 1945. Oh, and a memo to Cubs fans: If indeed your club breaks that century-plus streak, don't be like the obnoxious cretin Red Sox fans who, after seeing their club win it all in 2004 after 86 years of futility, exclaimed "Bill Buckner, we forgive you!!!" I'm referring to your demonizing of fan Steve Bartman. If you're still holding a grudge against him, please reevaluate your life.

I can't really get a grasp on the four teams remaining, so I will forgo any predictions. All I know is the parity which the NFL so desperately strives for is a reality in today's MLB.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Dumb Dem Debate

I didn't have an opportunity to watch the first Democrat presidential debate live on Tuesday as I had other obligations. However, given I host a weekly political talk show, I decided to check out some highlights.

Essentially the two leading candidates consist of a lily white senior citizen statist who touted a message of gun control as well as the wealthy paying for ALL THE THINGS.....and the other is a U.S. Senator from Vermont. 

As much traction as avowed socialist Bernie Sanders has attained with his campaign, the media is still hellbent on making the Dem nomination process a coronation for Hillary Clinton. It started with CNN debate moderator Anderson Cooper not wanting to pit candidates against each other (y'know, like in an actual debate) in addition to The Hill declaring Mrs. Clinton "resurgent" more than 48 hours before the debate kicked off. Oh, and guess who Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post declared the big winner? Oh sure, he proclaimed Sanders a "winner" as well, but mostly because of his big applause line on how he was tired of hearing about Clinton's "damn emails." 

The thing I find most amusing about the Democrat POTUS candidates is how this whole cycle is a huuuuuge validation of my friend and colleague Mitch Berg's Seventh Law of Liberal Projection.

When a Liberal issues a group defamation or assault on conservatives’ ethics, character, humanity or respect for liberty or the truth, they are at best projecting, and at worst drawing attention away from their own misdeeds.

Remember in 2008 and 2012 how lefties were off the charts with their "concern trolling" over the GOP being nothing but a party of old white men who tilted so far to the right that Ronald Reagan couldn't even win that "extreme" party's nomination? Sure, John McCain (the '08 GOP nominee) and Mitt Romney (2012) were old white guys but neither could honestly be accused of being all that conservative. But if you look at the race for 2016, you have an all white lineup for the Dem candidates with the two front runners (Clinton and Sanders) at 68 and 74 years of age respectively. And you wanna talk about "extreme?" Clinton and Sanders both spoke in an unabashed socialistic tone.

Yes there were three other candidates (all of them white males in their 50s and 60s) on the stage, but who could tell?

You had former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, who left such an impression after his two gubernatorial terms were up that the state elected only it's second GOP governor in 46 years.

Former Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee, who also served the state as a Republican U.S. Senator from 1999-2007. He was most famous for being the only Republican to vote against allowing President George W. Bush authorization to use force in Iraq as well as being the only GOP "no" vote in confirming Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. But now that he's a Dem, the "strange new respect" is no longer applicable.

But perhaps the most egregious example of how the Democrat party's standard bearer (JFK) probably couldn't be nominated today is that of former Virginia senator Jim Webb. It appears that a decorated military vet with a pragmatic stance on firearms has no place in today's kook fringe leftist party. As such, he received little speaking time at Tuesday's debate.

Finally, I believe RNC chair Reince Priebus best summed up the evening:




Indeed.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Quick Hits: Volume CXVII

- With the Presidential election a little more than one year away, the endorsements of candidates will start to trickle in.

Recently, Minnesota's most progressive congressman announced his preference.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., Monday endorsed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president.

Ellison released a statement saying he’s backing Sanders because Sanders has “demonstrated a willingness to push for progressive ideas that will help American families and restore balance” to the nation’s economy.

When you think about it, it's not the least bit surprising that Ellison would support an avowed socialist. Remember a little more than two years ago when he told a gathering of Democrats that America is "not broke, there’s plenty of money, it’s just the government doesn’t have it?I sure as heck do.


- In last year's American League wild card game, the Kansas City Royals trailed the Oakland Athletics 7-3 with one out in the bottom of the eighth. A mere five outs away from their season ending, the Royals scored 3 in the eighth and 1 in the ninth to tie it and send it to extra innings. The game extended into the 12th inning where Oakland took an 8-7 lead in top half. The Royals were still trailing by one with one out in the bottom of the 12th when they were able to push across 2 runs for the victory. They would not lose another game until Game 1 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. While they fought to the bitter end, the Royals wound up losing in seven games.

Fast forward to Monday where the Royals trailed the Houston Astros 2 games to 1 in the American League Division Series. Once again KC was on the brink on elimination, trailing 6-2 in the 8th inning at Houston. But similar to last season, the Royals wouldn't go quietly. Scoring 5 runs in the eighth and 2 runs in the 9th, KC survived with a 9-6 win, knotting the ALDS at two games apiece. The decisive Game 5 will take place Wednesday in Kansas City.


Oh, and this pretty much sums up the 8th and 9th innings for the Astros in Monday's game:


 




- It's official: "Minnesota's Mr. Right" is running for Congress.

Radio show host and conservative commentator Jason Lewis announced in a video that he is running to replace Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District.

“Establishment politicians have created a boom and bust cycle with crony capitalism and easy money, while the average citizen is left to pick up the pieces,” Lewis said in his announcement video. “I’ve been talking about public policy for decades, now I’m ready to make it.”

Lewis currently resides in Woodbury, which is not in CD2. However, he is not legally required to reside in the Congressional District where he is seeking election. Regardless, DFL chair Ken Martin, when reacting to Lewis's announcement, was quick to point this out.

It’s nice to see so much interest in the second congressional district this election cycle, however Jason Lewis and his extreme priorities are out of sync for this district. Even the Republicans in CD 2 would be embarrassed by Lewis’ far-right views, not to mention the fact that he doesn’t even live in the South Metro. His radical views may play in Woodbury but they won’t resonate with families throughout the 2nd district.

Ummmm......hey Ken? You do realize that 35% of Woodbury is represented by a DFLer (Rep. JoAnn Ward) in the Minnesota House, right? Oh, and the entire city of Woodbury is represented by Susan Kent (yep, also a DFLer) in the MN Senate.

Awkward!

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Monday, October 12, 2015

Box Score of the Week (Postseason edition)

The last time my Twins club won a playoff series was 2002 when they defeated the Oakland Athletics. Let's check out Game 4 of that A.L. Division Series.

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In last week's Game 2 of the Cubs-Cardinals NLDS, Cards starting pitcher Jaime Garcia allowed 5 unearned runs. That's the most unearned runs a starter has allowed in an LDS game since Oakland's Tim Hudson also gave up five in Game 4 of the 2002 ALDS against the Twins. 

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Sunday, October 11, 2015

You got it tough. I've seen the toughest all around.......

Today I return for the second of back-to-back broadcast days on the Northern Alliance Radio Network. I will be in my usual time slot, which is 1:00 until 3:00 pm Central Time. 

In the first hour I will discuss the craziness that is the race for Speaker of the U.S. House. Perhaps there may even be some breaking news as I take to the airwaves. I will also look back at some of the news made last week in the GOP presidential race. 

At 2:15, my friend and fellow baseball rube Ross Brendel will stop by for a 2015 Twins post mortem. I will also explain to Ross how he's misguided in his view that the one-game wildcard playoff is a bad thing. 


So please give me a call at (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to discuss any of the topics I plan on addressing. You can also text comments/questions to (651) 243-0390.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 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

Even though I have a face for radio, there is a UStream channel where you can watch the broadcast, if you so desire. Check it out here.  

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #narn or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Saturday, October 10, 2015

Leavin' home, out on the road; I've been down before......

With my friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg out on assignment, I will assume the reins of The Headliner edition of the NARN today. The 2-hour bonanza begins right at 1:00 pm Central Time.

In the first hour I'll discuss the utter progressive freak out towards GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson regarding his views on abortion, gun control, etc.

I'll also talk about President Obama's visit to Roseburg, OR to politicize the mass shooting which took place at Umpqua Community College a week earlier.


Then for the 2:00 hour I will welcome to the Patriot bunker my friends and fellow political activists Kelly Gunderson and Jeff Kolb. We'll discuss the political scene in Minnesota, specifically the recent GOP entrants into the races in Congressional Districts Two and Eight. I also wanted to discuss a MinnPost article from this past week which delved into our state never having elected a female governor.


So please give me a call at (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to discuss any of the topics I plan on addressing. You can also text comments/questions to (651) 243-0390.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 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

Even though I have a face for radio, there is a UStream channel where you can watch the broadcast, if you so desire. Check it out here.  

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #narn or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Thursday, October 08, 2015

McCarthyism

So the election for a new House Speaker has turned into a real sh*t show, eh?

The sudden decision Thursday by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) to withdraw from the speaker’s race thrust congressional Republicans into chaos and left the contest wide open, with a crowd of lesser-known players jockeying for power and rank-and-file members fretting that the political unrest on the hard right that drove McCarthy and House Speaker John A. Boehner away from the position has left the party unmanageable in the lower chamber.

Conservatives seized the moment as McCarthy made his exodus, celebrating the departure of one of the GOP’s moderates and fastest-rising stars — and pledging to push for one of their own, a hard-liner on fiscal and social issues, to step forward in the coming weeks before the leadership elections are rescheduled. McCarthy’s associates, many hailing from mainstream Republican districts, urged caution and began efforts to draft another centrist Republican to succeed Boehner (Ohio).

As I write this, it isn't 100% clear why McCarthy withdrew.

Was it his comments undercutting the Benghazi committee?

An alleged affair with Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC)?

Or was he sincere when he indicated in his withdrawal announcement that it's time for a "new face" in leadership?

All of the above?

Meanwhile Boehner, who was probably looking to enhance his tan in Florida within the next month, will stay on as House Speaker for the immediate future. That alone inspired all sorts of internet memes.






Perhaps the most telling line of how this has devolved into a carnival? Both the names of Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have been floated as candidates for Speaker.

Maybe House of Cards was biographical after all.

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Wednesday, October 07, 2015

GOP needs more than 2 in 2

To be honest, I have been underwhelmed by the Republican candidates who are vying to replace Congressman John Kline in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District (Kline announced last month he is not running in 2016). Before Wednesday, said candidates consisted of libertarian Republican David Gerson and former MN state senator John Howe.

Gerson has the makings of a perpetual candidate, having lost the GOP endorsement in 2012 while running in CD5 and in 2014 while vying for the CD2 nod. Upon his 2012 defeat in CD5, he chose to run in the GOP primary in CD2. He was trounced by incumbent Kline.

Howe lost his reelection bid for MN State Senate in 2012 and then was defeated for the GOP endorsement in the 2014 Secretary of State race.

Given the DFL has some well funded candidates in CD2 combined with the fact the Democrat presidential candidate garnered the majority of the votes in that district in 2008 and 2012, the Republicans desperately needed to step up their game.

This is a step in the right direction.

A third Republican candidate entered the race to succeed retiring Rep. John Kline Wednesday.

Pam Myhra, a two-term lawmaker who was Marty Seifert’s pick for lieutenant governor in the 2014 primary, said she’s the most electable Republican in the race to replace retiring Rep. John Kline — a race that’s expected to be one of the most competitive in the country.

“One of the distinctions between me and the other people who have either announced or are strongly considering it, is I won in the last presidential election,” Myhra said, referring to her 2012 state House victory over DFL candidate David Jensen. “Whereas none of the others either were running or won their elections.”

If it remains these three candidates, it's a good bet that Myhra wins the endorsement. I can't imagine Gerson and Howe not abiding, but we'll have to wait and see.

What would really blow this race out of the water would be the entrance of former right-wing radio host Jason Lewis, who is also said to be contemplating a run. As we've seen on the national scale in the GOP presidential race, a big name person with no electoral experience whatsoever is seemingly more attractive as a candidate.

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Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Kasich about to exit stage *left*

A passage of scripture from 2 Corinthians 9:5-9

5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”


So according to Ohio governor (and, for now, GOP presidential candidate) John Kasich, we should all be cheery when subsidizing others' health insurance.






That, and the desire to strengthen "green energy" mandates really oughta galvanize support among conservatives, eh?

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Monday, October 05, 2015

Box Score of the Week

Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers - April 13, 2009.

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Leading off the top of the 2nd inning of this game, Chicago's Jermaine Dye hit his 300th career home run. The very next batter was Paul Konerkno. He also homered......the 300th of his career. 

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Sunday, October 04, 2015

And now the gravity of trouble was more than I could bear.....

The Vikings don't play until 3:25 today, so you'll be able to catch the entire 2-hour broadcast of The Closer live! The festivities begin promptly at 1:00 pm Central Time.

The tragedy at Umpqua Community College in Oregon will likely come up. Sadly the aftermath delved into a steady stream of politicization by the President, containing zero substantive solutions.

I'll also look to get an update from the Twin Cities marathon where the activist group Black Lives Matter threatened to disrupt the event. However, BLM head Rashad Turner backed off that threat after a meeting with St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman late last week.

At 1:15, Katrina Pierson, who is the spokesperson for The Tea Party Leadership Fund, will check in to discuss the latest in the GOP presidential race. We will also chat about the race for House Speaker, as the TPLF recently endorsed SC Congressman Trey Gowdy for the post.

Then at 2:15 we welcome back to the Patriot bunker Miss Minnesota 2015 Rachel Latuff.



We'll look back on Rachel's incredible experience at Miss America a few weeks ago (she didn't win; clearly an oversight) as well as look ahead to her remaining eight months as Miss MN.


So please give me a call at (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to discuss any of the topics I plan on addressing. You can also text comments/questions to (651) 243-0390.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 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

Even though I have a face for radio, there is a UStream channel where you can watch the broadcast, if you so desire. Check it out here.  

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #narn or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Thursday, October 01, 2015

Not again.....

I'm not going to offer any earth-shattering insights on the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon. Regardless of your stance on guns, the fact is there have been way too many stories similar to UCC over the past decade or so and they're seemingly more heartbreaking every instance.

Regardless, President Barack Obama will still demagogue the tragedy. Heck, before the bodies were even cold in this particular incident, the President flat out said this is “something we should politicize.” And as is his m.o., he'll cite a lack of action by a Republican Congress on laws that would not have prevented a tragedy such as this.









As my friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg pointed out, UCC being a gun free zone did not deter shooter Chris Harper Mercer from killing all those people.

How many more innocent lives will be sacrificed to the false god of gun control?

The ultimate inconvenient truth.

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