Election 2026 in MN: The first domino (UPDATE: friend of the NARN)

I had been hearing rumors of Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) not seeking reelection in 2026. On Thursday morning, she made it official. 

I’ve decided not to run for re-election to the Senate in 2026.

This job has been the honor of a lifetime. For the rest of my term, I’ll work as hard as I can for Minnesotans and our country.

Thank you so much, Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/3sWVib8nKJ

— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) February 13, 2025

Given the GOP has a 53-47 advantage in the U.S. Senate, Dems need a net gain of four seats to attain a majority. But given they'll be on defense in Georgia (Jon Ossoff, incumbent D in a red state) and Michigan (Gary Peters, who's also not running in '26), this announcement certainly doesn't bolster their prospects. While I'm not suggesting that Smith's seat is suddenly in play for Republicans, it does mean that Democrats have to devote more resources to playing defense here as opposed to relying on the power of incumbency in a blue state.  

So now the question shifts to who might vie for this seat from both parties. Well, the current Lt. Gov. didn't waste any time in conveying her plans. 

I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for U.S. Senate and continue to serve the people of this state. I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I’m talking with community and family and friends. I will have more to say soon.

— Peggy Flanagan (@peggyflanagan) February 13, 2025

This comes on the heals of speculation that Flanagan's boss was considering a run. 

The fact Flanagan made her official announcement while her boss was mulling it over is not only hilarious but also doesn't squash speculation that the two have been at odds since last summer when Walz was running for Veep. Since I believed that Flanagan would challenge Walz in the Dem primary for governor in 2026, who's to say the two won't go head-to-head in this Senate race. Dang, there ain't enough popcorn in the world for that spectacle. 

On the Republican side, I have little hope that a viable candidate will emerge. Royce White, who was soundly defeated by Sen. Amy Klobuchar in their 2024 matchup, signaled within the aftermath of his loss that he would be heard from again. If the GOP is serious about flipping this seat, that is an absolute non-starter. Another name that has emerged is Adam Schwarze, whose cousin happens to be my next door neighbor. 

 

Senator Smith’s announcement that she is not seeking another term sets the stage for a new way forward in Minnesota. We need a stronger America. A stronger Minnesota. I’m excited for our future, I look forward to sharing some big news soon. @mnleg @nrsc

— Adam Schwarze (@AdamSchwarze) February 13, 2025

Schwarze's only foray into electoral politics was in 2022 when he failed in his bid to be the GOP candidate in Minnesota's Third Congressional District. The woeful lack of name recognition would be his undoing in a statewide race. 

So if the Minnesota gubernatorial race is suddenly wide open, who does the GOP put forth? Well, given the party's recent history in candidate selection, they're on a course to make the same mistake they did in the 2018 cycle when they put forth the guy (Jeff Johnson) who lost in the previous gov race.

Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen told the Minnesota Star Tribune this week he is “strongly considering” running again next year. Jensen, a Chaska physician and former state senator, rose to prominence in the state Republican Party during the COVID-19 pandemic as an outspoken skeptic of death counts, vaccines and mask mandates.

Jensen lost to Walz by nearly 8 percentage points in 2022. Despite being at the top of the ticket, Jensen garnered fewer votes than the GOP’s candidates for attorney general, secretary of state and state auditor.

Again, that's gotta be a non-starter. 

Kendall Qualls, who seriously pushed Jensen for the state party endorsement in 2022, is also considering a run. Between his '22 gov campaign and his opposition to CD3 Congressman Dean Phillips in 2020, Qualls has some significant name recognition. His founding of the organization Take Charge has also raised his profile. This would be a solid pick. 

And then there's an out-of-the-box consideration......and I definitely don't hate it. 

Attorney Chris Madel has been rumored to be contemplating a run for the governor’s mansion. Madel was the attorney for state trooper Ryan Londregan, who faced criminal charges in the shooting death of Ricky Cobb II that were later dismissed. He is representing Alpha News and its star reporter, Liz Collin, who are being sued for defamation by a high-ranking Minneapolis police officer over claims made in the film, “The Fall of Minneapolis.”

Political observers noted that several “Chris Madel for governor” web domains were registered in mid-January. Madel would not confirm or deny his interest in the race when asked by a Star Tribune reporter late last month.

“As a policy, I admit nothing, and I deny nothing,” Madel said.

In January, Madel wrote an op-ed in Alpha News urging state House Republicans to fight back against the DFL’s boycott of the legislative session. He slammed Walz’s leadership at the beginning of the op-ed while also noting he once supported the governor.

If we've learned anything in the Trump era, it's that a high profile figure from outside the political realm can definitely make some hay, particularly for a constituency (i.e. MN Republicans) who have grown tired of losing (18 years and counting, statewide). I absolutely wanna hear more. 

We're barely more than a month removed from those who won elected office in 2024 being sworn into their new positions. This is proof positive that there is no offseason for campaigning. As a citizen, I occasionally grow quite weary. But as a radio talk show host? More, please!


🚨🚨🚨🚨UPDATE: Friend of the Northern Alliance Radio Network (and current Minnesota State Senator) Julia Coleman is considering running for a different office in 2026! 🚨🚨🚨🚨

More candidate watch news:

State Sen. Julia Coleman, R-Waconia, confirms that she is also considering a bid for this seat once held by her father-in-law Norm Coleman #mnleg #mnsen https://t.co/Ckjbyi98FZ

— Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) February 13, 2025

 

----------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXIV

 - The latest media and prog (PTR) chanting point has gone out: President Donald Trump's actions has us on the verge of a "Constitutional Crisis." 

This is the same collective who turned a blind eye to President Joe Biden openly admitting to defying a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court  as well as indulged the walking cadaver's fantasy that he alone can amend the United States Constitution. 

For all the leftist media's shrieking over Trump's words leading to violence, they themselves have no issue peddling disinformation in order to stoke anger among their fellow progs. Erick Erickson points out that inconvenient truth. 

In all seriousness, and I do mean I am serious and not trying to be hyperbolic when I say this, the press’s willingness to claim a “constitutional crisis” is going to get someone shot. The left is mentally fragile right now. They are experiencing sensory overload and despair from an election they were convinced they would win. And the press that has lectured Republicans about their shrill and dangerous rhetoric potentially provoking violence is now aiding and abetting the left’s assassination fantasies with this hysterical rhetoric that amounts to a well-coordinated talking point from the Slack channels of the left.

But hey! Assassination attempts make for great ratings and sell papers.

And the prog media will go all "abusive spouse" by proclaiming the Trump's actions will be the reason for any assassination attempt.....like they rationalized after the previous two. 

- Upon being shown on the Jumbotron at the Super Bowl on Sunday evening, Taylor Swift was soundly booed.  

President Trump, who was the first ever sitting POTUS to attend a Super Bowl, reacted on Truth Social. 

Eh. I think it's more attributable to the fact the majority of those in attendance were fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. Given Tay Tay's allegiance to her boyfriend's team (and Philly's opponent), it was for that reason alone she was the target of much of the crowd's invective. Remember, this is the same fanbase who infamously booed Santa Claus. 

- The Minnesota Legislature's favorite felony burglar (allegedly) is having another charge brought against her over an incident last spring. 

Prosecutors filed an amended criminal complaint Monday charging Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell with a second felony.

Mitchell, a first-term Democrat from Woodbury, was initially charged with first-degree burglary last April after she allegedly broke into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home before dawn.

Now, prosecutors have added a second felony charge of possessing burglary or theft tools. The amended complaint says police officers discovered a crowbar in the window well where Mitchell allegedly broke in. Mitchell was dressed in all black and in possession of a flashlight with a black sock covering the light, according to the complaint.

The amended complaint also provides new details on comments Mitchell reportedly made during the incident.

“My God my military retirement. Shoot,” she said after being placed under arrest, according to the complaint.

“I have never done anything like this. You are going to find out I am a military commander for God’s sake,” she added, the complaint says.

Mitchell reportedly told police that she was attempting to retrieve some of her late father’s belongings and that her stepmother wasn’t talking to her.

After being read her rights, Mitchell reportedly responded: “I’m just hoping, um, this mistake won’t completely f– up my life.”

Now, compare Mitchell's statements upon her arrest to her depiction of events in her first public response on the incident in question. 

Had there been an honest and impartial ethics hearing last year, Mitchell's conflicting accounts alone should have been enough to expel her from the Senate, regardless of the outcome of her criminal trial. And if Minnesota DFL chair Ken Martin wasn't such a gutless wonder, he would've have called for Mitchell's resignation immediately as opposed to waiting until the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session. But that would've shown integrity over perpetuating a power grab, which would have disqualified Kenny in his ultimately successful run for DNC chair. 

--------------------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/9/2025

-----------------------------------------

Wanna know the rest? Hey, buy the rights.............

I typically forgo hosting my weekly radio show on Super Bowl Sunday, but there's a lot to get to after this chaotic past week. As such, The Closer will air 1-3 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour I'll spend a lot of time on the situation at the Minnesota House where the elected DFL reps ended their 3-week long boycott. At 1;15, Rep. Cal Warwas (R-Eveleth) will join us via phone to give his perspective. 

Then in the second hour I'll discuss President Donald Trump's efforts to trim the fat in Washington, D.C. and how it has Democrats shrieking like stuck pigs. 

And finally.....my thoughts on the Super Bowl.

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, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Super Bowl LIX: The Q&A

It absolutely boggles my mind that this is the twentieth installment of this Super Bowl prognostication bit. Had you told me when I did the first one that I'd continue this segment for another two decades, I would have thought it was as likely as Sam Darnold leading my Vikings club to 14 wins in 2024. Yet here we are. 

Anyhow, in the event there is anyone new here (which seems about as likely as someone looking to purchase a rotary phone), my acquaintance dubbed the Super Bowl Inquisitor tosses out some inquiries and I offer up the nonsensical retorts. 

As always, this pick against the point spread is not recommended as the basis for a cash wager. 

Super Bowl Inquisitor: So, uh, we've done 20 of these, huh? Dang, you're old.

Brad Carlson: I never really felt it was noticeable until I visited a Wendy's recently and was offered the 55+ discount. 

SBI: It also means this is twenty seasons where your Vikings haven't been a part of this bit. 

BC: Not sure if it's that or the Wendy's cashier calling out my age that makes me feel worse. 

SBI: OK, onto the big game itself. We have a rematch of two years ago with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. Outside of the two fan bases, there doesn't seem to be a lot of enthusiasm for either team. 

BC: Personally, I've adopted the same philosophy Henry Kissinger conveyed about the Iran-Iraq war in that it's a shame both can't lose. 

SBI: Two years ago, these teams were both top 3 in scoring offense. This season, they were both top 5 in scoring *defense.* Quite a change in philosophy, eh?  

BC: I haven't seen that dramatic a transformation in such a short period since Tom Hanks went from Sleepless in Seattle to Philadelphia. 

SBI: For the first time in 12 years, the Super Bowl is back in New Orleans. Any insight as to why the long gap between the Big Easy being the host city? 

BC: Well, the last Super Bowl there had a minutes long delay midgame due to a power outage in the stadium. I guess it was a bad look for the commissioner of a billion dollar league running to a hardware store to buy a power generator. 

SBI: Jon Batiste will be singing the National Anthem. Your thoughts?

BC: Batiste? As in the dry shampoo?

SBI: Uhhhh..no. As in the multi Grammy award winning singer/songwriter .

BC: And he allows the dry shampoo folks to use his name?

SBI: I don't know why I bother to discuss with you any musical acts whose success occurred after 1990.

With that in mind, do you even know who Kendrick Lamar is? He'll be the headliner at halftime. 

BC: He may have finished runner up in NFL MVP, but he still figured out how to be part of the Super Bowl, eh? 

SBI: Moving on. 

President Donald Trump will be attending the Super Bowl, making him the first sitting POTUS to do so. Does that do anything for ya?

BC: Nah. Although it'll be kinda awkward if he and Tay Tay cross paths at the concession stand. 

SBI: Speaking of Taylor, she is part of one of the more ridiculous prop bets in that the Over/Under of the number of times she's shown live throughout the game is 5.5. 

Can you think of a weirder bet? 

BC: Probably the over/under on the number of food crumbs that can be spotted in Chiefs coach Andy Reid's mustache. Good luck to whomever has to quantify that. 

SBI: What's on the menu for the big game?

BC: Hors d'oeuvres, shmor derves. We're keepin' it simple with sloppy joes, ubiquitous meatballs and various soft drinks. Oh, and prolly some cupcakes with each of the team's colors (before RFK, Jr. has a chance to ban the food dyes of course). 

SBI: And finally, the Chiefs are a 1-point favorite to become the first three-peat champion in the Super Bowl era. Who ya got? 

BC: As I said two weeks ago, my standard of never going against Belichick and Brady during the Patriots dynasty of the 2010s was a philosophy I've since assigned to the Chiefs tandem of coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes. And if you recall the 2016 thru 2018 seasons, the Pats had an opportunity to go back to back to back were it not for......the Philadelphia Eagles, who knocked them off in the middle of that run. 

I say RB Saquon Barkley will put forth another epic performance for Philly, in addition to the Eagles' top ranked defense coming up big against Mahomes & Co. 

I'm going 27-24, Eagles. 

Enjoy the game!

My 2024 postseason record:

Against the spread: 6-6

Straight up: 7-5

----------------------------------------------------

You and me goin' fishing in the NARN................

Since the Northern Alliance Radio Network no longer broadcasts from the Minnesota State Fair, the Saturday of Super Bowl weekend is our favorite day of the broadcast year. Yes, Mitch Berg and I will be on the air live 1-3 PM Central Time from Medicine Lake in Plymouth, the site of 14th (15th?) annual Holes For Heroes ice fishing tournament. This yearly extravaganza is put on by the fine folks at Fishing for Life. Also, a big shoutout to Mudek Trucking and J & J Recycling as well as Snelling Heating & Cooling for sponsoring today's broadcast. 

As usual, Mitch and I will be winging it, whether it's discussing the big news items from this past week or chatting with some of the tourney officials about all the goings on. 

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 Mitch's 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.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brilliant! Just brilliant!!

I gotta stay this it's a brave new world when MNGOP elected officials show the kind of resolve they've exhibited over the past month. 

Now you can add repartee to their ever-expanding positive traits. 

Here’s a little fun video I put together with our amazing staff and members. It was being put together leading up to the organizational agreement that brought the DFL to St Paul finally.

I thought it would be fun to share with you. #showuptowork pic.twitter.com/QbN6rNHKTN

— Rep. Jim Nash (@JimNashMN) February 7, 2025

If urges to boycott work and burn political goodwill last longer than three weeks, consult your physician. 

----------------------------------------------------

House DFL temper tantrum is over

When elected Minnesota House Dems indicated they would boycott the legislative session as it began three weeks ago, I equated their actions to that of a spoiled child. Specifically, the minute you tell a bratty kid they can no longer do whatever they want whenever they want, they have a tendency to throw a screaming fit. Now, a parent can react one of two ways. They could either a) give in to the kid because they grow weary of the histrionics or b) wait until the little brat gets tuckered out when he/she realizes said fit is all in vain. 

In this analogy, House Republicans chose the latter. 

The nearly monthlong impasse that halted business in the Minnesota House ended late Wednesday as Democrats and Republicans reached a deal to get back to work.

House GOP Leader Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, will be the chamber’s speaker through 2026 under the deal reached by the two caucuses, according to multiple sources briefed on the agreement. Demuth, who is Black, will be the first person of color to become speaker of the Minnesota House.

Republicans will chair all House committees for the next month while they hold a 67-66 advantage. A March 11 special election for a safely blue Roseville-area seat, called by Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday, is expected to bring the chamber to a tie. Once the House is evenly divided, Democrats and Republicans will co-chair the committees.

The House DFL and GOP caucuses issued a brief joint statement Wednesday night, saying “an agreement has been reached to organize the Minnesota House effective Thursday.

Unless I'm missing something, this is a total capitulation by the DFL. The Republicans had indeed agreed to the same number of members on committees before it was learned that the DFL candidate who prevailed in House District 40B would be disqualified due to not living in the district. But once Curtis Johnson's victory was invalidated, the GOP had a literal majority and thus were no longer under any obligation to "share power." Do you honestly believe if the roles were reversed that the Dems would've continued to work under a power sharing agreement made under false pretenses?

After this three week long stunt, House DFLers realized that their gaslighting was not having the impact they had hoped for. I can't help but think this was partial motivation for them to tuck their collective tails between their legs and scurry back to St. Paul. 

KSTP/SurveyUSA poll results: Lower taxes, health care and stopping fraud are top issues https://t.co/VtTdns9FXf

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) February 6, 2025

You don't need an official poll to realize that the public overwhelmingly favors Republicans when it comes to lower taxes and stopping fraud. It's an indisputable fact that the DFL trifecta spent all of an $18 billion surplus in '23 and raised taxes on top of that. Combine that with Dem House members being absent from the first three weeks of the 2025 session and you have a recipe for minority status after the 2026 elections.

Way to stand firm, GOP! This was a welcome change from previous sessions where the party often seemed to be playing defense, even with a healthy majority. Don't let off the gas now. 

----------------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXIII

 - We're now at the 3-week mark where elected MN House Democrats have not shown up for the 2025 legislative session. And given the special election in House District 40B will not be resolved until next month, we're looking at possibly six more weeks of absent House Dems.

My friend as well as my home area's State Rep. Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) shared his perspective on Fox 9 recently. 

House Democrats are threatening to drag out their SHUTDOWN for another six weeks, and making taxpayers foot the bill.

Watch Leader Harry Niska on Fox 9: 👇📺 pic.twitter.com/W1hCayicS8

— MN House Republicans (@mnhousegop) February 3, 2025

I've been absolutely stupefied by the Dems' ploy here since it's a loser politically, but then Harry offered a valuable nugget in this clip. If Dems showed up before they seat their 67th member next month, Republicans would have the majority. If that happened, a GOP majority would use its power on committees to investigate the more than half billion dollars in waste, fraud and abuse which has occurred in Minnesota over the past number of years. But if Dems hold out until their preferred candidate wins in 40B (very likely to happen), that would deny the GOP a majority and thus such committee hearings would never see the light of day. 

It's still a bad play politically for the DFL but at least they've prevented more Minnesotans from hearing additional details about their sacred cows (i.e. non-profits and entitlement programs) being utterly corrupted. 

- A close family member of mine works in a field which is overwhelmingly occupied by leftist politicos. While overhearing conversation among colleagues recently, said family member heard someone declaring the U.S. Supreme Court was about to hear a case seeking to overturn the legality of same sex marriage. As someone who consumes a generous amount of news, I had literally heard nothing in relation to this, so I wrote it off as little more than progs making a mountain out of a molehill in an effort to gin up more outrage (as if their "shit fit" meter wasn't already at a Spinal Tap-esque 11). 

Turns out, I was right on the money. 

Stop panicking over things that aren't happening. pic.twitter.com/MJCcdqETiO

— Brad Polumbo 🇺🇸⚽️ (@brad_polumbo) February 4, 2025

When it was rumored Roe v. Wade was going to be overturned, the originalist justices on the Supreme Court were subject to threats of violence, including Justice Brett Kavanaugh being the target of a literal assassination attempt. Can you imagine what the reaction would have been had this literal fake news hit the mainstream? For a collective who claims "speech is violence," leftists sometimes act as if that's a feature, not a bug. 

- It appears NFL virtue signaling may not be on display in the world's premier sporting event. 

According to two league sources, Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will mark the first time since February 2021 that “End Racism” is not included as a message in the back of a Super Bowl end zone. Instead, “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled onto the back of the end zones at the Caesars Superdome.

The linked piece from The Athletic was penned by Michael Silver, a San Francisco area sports writer. This is the same guy who once hijacked an NFL Network panel discussion on Tom Brady &"Deflate-gate" and turned it into a screed about Senate Republicans not doing their jobs due to forgoing confirmation hearings for then President Barack Obama's SCOTUS nominee Merrick Garland. As such, you can probably surmise his view on why the NFL is making this move.  

The switch, conveyed internally to high-level employees earlier this week, could be perceived as a nod to the current political climate. Following the lead of recently inaugurated President Donald Trump and his administration, many corporations and institutions are abandoning their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. While Goodell said Monday he was “proud” of the league’s diversity efforts, the decision to do away with “End Racism” as a slogan led at least one high-ranking league official to express concern in light of Trump’s divisive words on the subject.

I feel the rationale conveyed by a league spokesman makes more sense. 

“We felt it was an appropriate statement for what the country has collectively endured, given recent tragedies, and can serve as an inspiration,” said (NFL spokesperson Brian) McCarthy, who noted that “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” also appeared in the end zones for this year’s AFC Championship Game in Kansas City. The NFC Championship Game in Philadelphia included “End Racism” as an end-zone slogan.

C'mon, progs. Y'all already claimed a scalp by ginning up an outrage campaign over the Redskins nickname, which resulted in the name going away. Let this one go. 

-----------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 2/2/2025

--------------------------------------

Waiting on a Sunday afternoon.............

The last time I was on the air for my radio show The Closer, Joe Biden was President of the United States. When I reassume my duties in the Patriot bunker today, it will be nearly two weeks into Donald Trump's second term. Today's 2-hour broadcast will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I will weigh in on the latest on the saga surrounding the Minnesota House as the DFL's boycott reaches nearly three weeks. Also, Gov. Tim Walz can't be bothered to comment much on that but he has time to appear on MSNBC to essentially call Elon Musk a Nazi. 

Then in the second hour I'll discuss the tragedy surrounding the midair collision over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. and how said tragedy emphasizes our political polarization. Also, our national media continues to show it's woeful lack of introspection.

 

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, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Politicize now, mourn later (if at all)

Like many, I was shocked and devastated when hearing of the account of a helicopter colliding in midair with a commercial airliner Wednesday evening. The collision occurred near Reagan International airport in Washington, D.C. 

Obviously there are procedures and protocols in place to investigate these disasters to ensure such fatal errors never occur again. But in today's era of hot takes and political polarization, we just can't take the time to mourn the nearly 70 victims who perished in this crash. No, the obligatory blame game must commence immediately. 

Erick Erickson correctly points out that the immediate urge to play said blame game transcends politics. 

The national media is doing a really good job of discrediting itself and showing just how infested it is, with progressive partisans quick to blame Republicans and, in particular, Donald Trump. Not a single conservative rushed to point out the FAA is heading to trial because it refused to hire qualified air traffic controllers because they were white. That happened when Obama was President, and the trial started this year. It is not relevant to the situation any more than a Trump order from eight days ago is relevant.

It’s just so ghoulish to rush in and blame the other side politically. I’ve been pretty consistent in pointing out Republicans and Democrats alike doing this to each other. When the immediate response is to rush to social media to blame the other side instead of praying for those involved, there’s just a soul sickness.

People who worship God turn to prayer in tragedy. People who worship government turn to politics in tragedy.

Unfortunately, President Trump also indulged in unhelpful finger pointing. 

 

As first responders are tirelessly working to recover the bodies of the 67 victims who are presumed dead after this plane crash, President Donald Trump is baselessly blaming Democrats and diversity programs for the tragedy. @InsidePolitics pic.twitter.com/USVEk1kpHk

— Dana Bash (@DanaBashCNN) January 30, 2025

Yes, I understand that Trump was likely hitting back at the baseless claims that were levied towards his administration literally within minutes of the crash. However, he needs to stay above the fray (Yeah, I get it. It's *never* been his strong suit). 

I know I will definitely be praying for the victims' families, specifically that they can feel some semblance of peace in what is an unfathomable loss. 

-------------------------------------------

Update: still no lessons have been learned

In this the second term of President Donald J. Trump, prog media continues to do the same thing it did Trump's first term, yet are expecting a different result. 

Voters weren't convinced that the election of Trump in November was tantamount to giving rise to a modern day Hitler, yet the legacy media is still running with that narrative despite his successful election. And Trump's closest allies/supporters are also going to bear the brunt of that impotent rage.

CBS58 fired the meteorologist Sam Kuffel even though all she did was the equivalent of open a window, stick out her hand, and tell us it was raining, writes Dave Zirin. We all saw Musk's gesture. It can accurately be called a Nazi salute. https://t.co/SG1eX9rHfP

— The Nation (@thenation) January 27, 2025

Even the Anti Defamation League (not exactly conservative stooges) called bull pucky.  

And despite Trump being elected via the most diverse coalition a Republican has seen in more than a half century, the efforts to dismiss his supporters as merely a bunch of whities are still in full force. 

As you can probably surmise, you're not getting the whole picture (figuratively and literally). 

New York Magazine crops black people out of Trump inauguration party photo, then reports "almost everyone is white" https://t.co/OoTBX3mzQA via @Not_the_Bee

— #NARNShow (@NARNShow) January 28, 2025

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that an industry facing an all-time low in trust among the public at large can't possibly survive if they keep up this pace for the next 1,450 days. 

--------------------------------------------

Super Bowl rematch

After participating in one of the more thrilling Super Bowls ever two years ago, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are slated for a rematch in Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

This was the general sentiment conveyed once that matchup was set:

Who America is rooting for in the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/23wjq88haE

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 27, 2025

I dunno what it is about sports fans, but if it's not their favorite team in the midst of a dynastic run, they have little appetite for other teams putting together many impressive seasons over a decade's time. That and the perceived incessant fawning over Taylor Swift are likely the main reasons NFL fans outside of Missouri and Kansas have grown tired of the Chiefs. And while the Eagles seem to have some solid citizens (and downright likeable dudes) on their roster, the Philly fanbase is viewed as some of the more insufferably boorish and obnoxious collectives in sports. As such, many NFL fans' "moral code" would state the team shouldn't be allowed to win as a result. 

I firmly recall the vibes when the Chiefs fell to the New England Patriots at home in the 2018 AFC Championship Game (the Pats would win their sixth Super Bowl in 18 years just a couple of weeks later, punctuating their dynasty). The Patriots were universally reviled by NFL fans outside of New England, and the common complaints included how NFL officials consistently rigged games for Tom Brady & Co., as well as the obligatory vapid screeds of growing weary of seeing one team win so much. Believe me, pretty much every KC fan in my social media community seven years ago was also screeching those sentiments. How ironic that today's Chiefs are now the target of that invective. 

With all that said, I'm not ready to make my Super Bowl prognostication just yet. I'll definitely post it here the weekend of the big game though.

Until then.........

--------------------------------------

Still on assignment

I still have some family business to tend to, so I will be absent from my radio show once again today. 

Special guest host (and one time Congressional candidate and gubernatorial candidate) Kendall Qualls will be filling in on AM 1280 The Patriot, 1-3 PM Central Time.

I'm looking forward to being back on the air next week!

---------------------------------------------

2024 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship games

Washington Redskins (sorry, they'll always be Redskins to me) (+6) at Philadelphia Eagles: These NFC East rivals split their two regular season matchups with the home team winning each contest. The 'skins seemed like a fun, hang loose team with a bright future for most of the season. However, they elevated to a team capable of making a deep playoff run after a thrilling 36-33 come-from-behind win over Philly in Week 16, a win which denied Philly a chance at the top seed in the NFC. And given his body of work during the regular season and playoffs, rookie QB Jayden Daniels is downright unflappable.

If I had a vote, Eagles RB Saquon Barkley would be league MVP. Despite quarterback Jalen Hurts having a lackluster season, Barkley led the NFL with 2,005 yards rushing. By midseason, opposing teams pretty much assumed Barkley was the Eagles' offense, yet they still couldn't slow him down. And given the Commies allowed 4.8 yards per rush (28th in the NFL) during the regular season and Barkley himself totaled 296 yards and 4 rushing TDs in the two games against Washington, Sunday's game plan seems set in stone. That and the Eagles' top tier defense will put the clamps down on Daniels & Co.

Philadelphia 27 Washington 17

Buffalo Bills (+1-1/2) at Kansas City Chiefs: An editor's note before I weigh in on the game: I have absolutely zero issue with how often cameras pan to Taylor Swift whenever the Chiefs have a positive play, when game coverage resumes after a commercial, etc. As long as there aren't gratuitous shots of Tay Tay during literal game action, I honestly don't care how much screen time she receives. That said, it's only fair that there are reaction shots of Hailee Steinfeld when her fiancé (who happens to be the Bills' starting quarterback) has solid plays. In fact, I demand equal time. 

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

The rivalry between Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is becoming the modern day Peyton Manning v. Tom Brady. The two QBs have faced off eight times with Allen up 4-1 in regular season games while Mahomes has a perfect 3-0 record in the playoffs. Manning eventually broke through and won Super Bowls, but not before being dealt two losses to Brady in the playoffs. Can Allen ultimately overcome the specter of Mahomes & Co.? 

My mantra when making NFL predictions in Brady's Patriot years was I never pick against the combo of QB Brady and coach Bill Belichick in home playoff games. I have now transferred that philosophy to the Chiefs duo of Mahomes and coach Andy Reid. It won't be easy, but as they've done so often in this incredible six-year stretch, KC will find a way. 

Kansas City 24 Buffalo 21

My 2024 postseason record:

Against the spread: 4-6

Straight up: 5-5

----------------------------------------------------

More of this, progs!!

By now many of you have seen video footage of leftist scum interrupting a committee meeting among MN House members (Definitely NOT safe for work): 

Amber Muhm with the Aliveness Project leads protesters in disrupting a committee meeting on Tuesday, accusing Republicans of conducting a “coup” for continuing to convene as the Minnesota DFL boycotts the session.

Video credit: @WalterHudson pic.twitter.com/0krY9Fvs7y

— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) January 22, 2025

Progs can continue to squeal like stuck pigs when claiming there is no House quorum (that issue is currently being litigated) and it'll be met with a collective yawn. But tactics like this provide no political upside to leftists. With a DFL governor, any legislation an all GOP House passes (assuming a legal ruling ultimately validates the gathering a quorum) would likely be D.O.A. on the off chance any bills even reach Gov. Tim Walz's desk. But a duly elected DFL legislator seemingly encouraging this behavior? 

Yeah, that's going to have political ramifications leading up to 2026. And for what? Just so deranged lefty thumb suckers can engage in some sort of catharsis? 

This is a gift, MNGOP. Don't let this crisis go to waste. 

-------------------------------------------------

Hitting the ground running vs. hitting the ground with a thud

Fresh off being inaugurated the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump didn't waste any time getting to work. 

Here are some video clips of his working away in the Oval Office Monday evening while also answering questions from media for about an hour: 

The Boss is still at it!
Here is President Trump in the Oval Office signing an Executive Order designating the Mexican Cartels as a Terrorist Organization 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CCSjxnRBTY

— MAGA Kitty (@SaveUSAKitty) January 21, 2025

President Trump finds letter from President Biden left for him in the Resolute desk in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/VTEHM0fT8c

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 21, 2025

REPORTER: What was it like walking into the Oval Office?

TRUMP: What a great feeling. One of the better feelings I've ever had.

REPORTER: Do you like this better than 2017?

TRUMP: Well, we have experience now. You'd say nobody has experience like I have. We know the good and… pic.twitter.com/oQSDCMSjqk

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 21, 2025

Susie Wiles, Dan Scavino, Natalie Harp, Sergio Gor, Peter Navarro, Boris Ephshteyn and other staff spotted in the Oval Office with Trump pic.twitter.com/F7uLHx33zH

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) January 21, 2025

JUST IN: President Trump pardons 1,500 Jan. 6 prisoners in the Oval Office as one of the first actions of his second term. "We hope they come out tonight," Trump said. pic.twitter.com/jGZgpXiIzk

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 21, 2025

JUST NOW: In Trump's first moments in the Oval Office as the 47th president of the United States, he signed an executive order against radical gender ideology. It's a new dawn 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MWSZWeJSDj

— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) January 21, 2025

Stephen Miller (no, not Trump's senior adviser) noticed something different about this President compared to the previous administration. 

This is the first time I've seen a President take spontaneous questions in the Oval Office without catty aides screaming at media members in 4 years.

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 21, 2025

And if other journalists are not making this same observation then you know they were in on the cover-up of Biden's decline. https://t.co/qxw1Mf9woP

— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 21, 2025

Yup. In fact, the media was enduring those "catty aides" (and thus aiding and abetting the cover-up of Biden's decline) literally within the first few days of the Biden administration.  

Biden's dogs can be heard barking as he signed an executive order in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/HQGj3OO12c

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 25, 2021

If you're wondering why that Griffin character chose to hone in on the barking dogs as opposed to media members being shooed away is because he's part of the leftist cabal at MSNBC. They were among the chief gaslighters when discussing Biden's very obvious physical and mental decline. 

Oh, and in the event you're curious as to whether the legacy media has done any introspection over why their industry is deemed less trustworthy than a used car salesman, here are a few excerpts from Monday. 

Hard hitting Trump obsessed news is back. pic.twitter.com/OdPGv4Mrh0

— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) January 20, 2025

Trump is freeing his violent paramilitary wing from prison because he wants his supporters to be unconstrained to commit violence.

— Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) January 21, 2025

Billionaire Elon Musk gave what appeared to be a fascist salute Monday while making a speech at the post-inauguration celebration for President Donald Trump at the Capital One Arena.

“Some elections are important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered and I just… pic.twitter.com/K8Fo0sdozL

— PBS News (@NewsHour) January 20, 2025

Keep in mind that it is we the American taxpayers who are funding PBS, which has degraded into little more than a leftist propaganda arm. 

The good news is, as I conveyed in my Monday post, the media is so untrustworthy that their nonsensical takes and attempts to go "viral" have only empowered Trump, so much so that Independents and moderates are no longer buying what they're selling (see CNN and MSNBC's imploding ratings). Yes, today's mainstream media is essentially a prog echo chamber which offers little more than a place for leftists to "hate watch." Hard to imagine that's at all a sustainable business model. 

---------------------------------------------------

Inauguration Day

In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol building, this meme circulated: 

The message here is that on 1/20/2017, Donald J. Trump went from being easily the biggest outsider ever to be inaugurated the President of the United States to his term ending in a bizarre, carnival-like fashion. I was convinced that shameful display by some of his most ardent supporters on 1/6/2021 would define Trump's legacy. Throw on top of that a second impeachment as well as multiple criminal indictments, it seemed a forgone conclusion that a third campaign for President of the United States would be even a bigger joke than how people viewed his 2016 run.

And yet......here we are today as Trump was officially inaugurated the 47th POTUS in the culmination of the most improbable political comeback our nation has ever seen. 

Said comeback would still be tops if he "only" faced a perpetually hostile media, two impeachment attempts and those multiple indictments. But add to that two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign and you now have a President Trump who is far more empowered and emboldened than he was his initial term. Yes, any attempts to gin up, say, a "Russia collusion" type hoax will be met with scoffing and ridicule due to the fact Trump effectively broke the collective backs of the legacy media. Until that institution does some serious introspection, alternative forms of media (i.e. podcasts, online streaming, etc.) will continue to dominate the day. The crazies know this, which is why there have been attempts to kill Trump. It's literally the only option to stop the proverbial Trump train. 

I have been a frequent critic of Trump and thus haven't been shy of the fact that I wish he would have imposed a self-banishment. And while I won't shy away from pointing out areas where I feel he is in grave error, I will absolutely give credit where credit is due here: Donald J. Trump is the most compelling political figure of my lifetime and he has overcome challenges which I believe no other presidential candidate could have surmounted. Like his predecessors, he will be in my daily prayers. 

-------------------------------------

Out of the office

I will be absent from the Patriot bunker the next two Sundays due to an arising need within my family. 

In the interim, my friend and NARN colleague Mitch Berg will be in for me today and a surprise special guest host next Sunday the 26th. 

Talk soon!

----------------------------------------

2024 NFL Playoffs: Divisional round

Houston Texans (+8) at Kansas City Chiefs: I wasn't shocked that Houston defeated the L.A. Chargers last week, but I was taken aback how dominant they were after the first quarter. Their defense, which looked leaky much of the second half of the season, really stepped up in that game. And despite a drop off from his 2023 Rookie of the Year campaign, QB C.J. Stroud seemed to have his mojo back. However, Chiefs' defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has designed some of the best postseason game plans in the 21st century. As such, Stroud & Co. may well be in for a long day. 

Through 16 games of the 2024 season, the Chiefs were 15-1, yet appeared to be the most boring 15-1 team in NFL history. They also seemed to be going through the motions in the '23 campaign, but were able to flip that switch when playoff time arrived. They even had to go on the road for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, yet were able to win tough games in Buffalo and Baltimore to get to the Super Bowl. After repeating as champs last year, KC is going for the first ever "three-peat" in the Super Bowl era. In his first six years as Chiefs' starting QB, Mahomes has never been ousted prior to the AFC Championship game. At minimum, that trend will hold this year. 

Kansas City 24 Houston 13

Washington Redskins Football Team Commanders (+9-1/2) at Detroit Lions: I'm hard pressed to recall a rookie quarterback as unflappable as Washington's Jayden Daniels. In his first ever playoff game in Tampa last week, he was as accurate and poised as he'd been all season in leading his club to a victory over the Buccaneers. If there was an opportunity for a "do over" in the 2024 draft, is there any question Daniels would be the top pick? I know the Commanders are going into a tough environment at Detroit's Ford Field, but they will definitely move the ball effectively against a depleted Lions defense. The question is can the Commies defense get any stops against the Lions dynamic offense? 

The Lions were still kinda playing with house money last year, and got within a whisker of the Super Bowl. But as the NFC's top seed, anything short of the ultimate game will be a disappointment. The matchup to watch here is Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs going up against a defense which ranked 30th in the NFL in stopping the run. And if that's not bad enough for the Commanders, RB David Montgomery was just activated off the I.R. list. I believe QB Jared Goff will get his, but it would behoove the Lions to keep Daniels and Co. off the field, so just keep pounding the ball.

I have a feeling Washington will hang tough and be right in it at the end, but the Lions just have too much firepower on offense. 

Detroit 38 Washington 31

Los Angeles Rams (+6-1/2) at Philadelphia Eagles: Even though these teams played each other back in Week 12, it feels like Philly RB Saquon Barkley is still ripping off 10-yard runs against the Rams. Barkley led the NFL this season with 2,005 yards rushing, including a career high 255 in that 37-20 win in L.A. And that Eagles defense is downright stifling having allowed the second fewest points this season and the fewest yards. 

Not much more to say about this one other than we may be witnessing the final game in the stellar career of Rams QB Matthew Stafford. 

Philadelphia 31 Los Angeles 17

Baltimore Ravens (-1) at Buffalo Bills: In Week 4, the Ravens crushed the Bills 35-10, which was easily Buffalo's worst game of 2024. The Ravens also wore down the Bills defense to the tune of 271 yards rushing. And given there's a decent chance of snow in upstate New York on Sunday, why not continue to pound Derrick Henry & Co.? 

Of course, the story of this game is the quarterbacks as Baltimore's Lamar Jackson and Buffalo's Josh Allen are the top two contenders for NFL MVP. Allen will definitely get his against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL and Jackson will do his Lamar thing with the dual threat of pass and run. As the 1-point spread indicates, this game is pretty much a toss up.

Baltimore 27 Buffalo 24

My 2024 postseason record:

Against the spread: 2-4

Straight up: 3-3

----------------------------------------------------

(D)isrespectful

Remember when Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) declared on the House floor that she was "tired of women of color, in particular, being ignored?"

Flashback to nearly eight years ago:

So, what was Rep. Hortman's reaction to newly elected House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who happens to be the first woman of color elected to that post, being ignored by every single solitary Democrat this week? Well....we have no idea since she's part of the collective that is not only ignoring Speaker Demuth but also not even showing up in the House chamber. 

I guess in Mel's world, not all women of color are created equal.

----------------------------------------------

The good news and bad news of the Vikings' 2024 season

One of the best regular seasons in the 64-year history of the Minnesota Vikings ended with a resounding thud Monday evening. 

With that, here are some quick good news/bad news bullet points of the 2024 campaign: 

Good news: The Vikings appear to have gotten it right with the head coach hire in Kevin O’Connell. He’s the only Vikes coach in franchise history to have multiple seasons of 13 or more wins. 

Bad news: In his three seasons at the helm, O’Connell has guided his club to the postseason twice, going “one and done” both times. 

Good news: Through the first 16 games of the 2024 regular season, QB Sam Darnold lived up to the hype that resulted in his being the #3 overall draft pick in 2018. His borderline MVP performance was projected to land him a free agent contract in the neighborhood of 4 years, $220 million.

Bad news: The ’24 regular season finale and Monday’s playoff game show why he was written off after his first few seasons. Those awful performances also likely cost him nearly nine figures in guaranteed money. 

Good news: The Vikings have identified their franchise quarterback, having selected JJ McCarthy #10 overall in the 2024 draft. 

Bad news: The club may take a step back in the early part of next year due to McCarthy having zero experience playing in an NFL regular season. 

Good news: The expectations were absurdly low for the Vikings coming into this season, but they proved they have legit talent all over the roster. 

Bad news: They’re still woefully deficient on the interior offensive line (a decade-plus problem) and red zone running game. 

Good news: The Vikings should be able to adequately shore up their weaknesses given they have nearly $70 million in salary cap space going into the offseason.

Bad news: They can't miss on any of the free agent signings since their 2025 draft capital is scarce. As of right now they possess merely three picks (first round selection and two fifth rounders). 

Good news: Even with little salary cap flexibility last offseason (they had a $25 million dead cap hit from Kirk Cousins’ contract), the Vikings shored up their defense with the acquisitions of pass rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel (both Pro Bowl selections) as well as LB Blake Cashman. As a result, they allowed the fifth fewest points in 2024.

Bad news: With the D’s stellar performance, this may well result in the unit’s architect, Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, being hired as a head coach elsewhere. 

Good news: With stud WR Justin Jefferson locked into a long-term contract extension and the temptation removed to retain Darnold, people can finally STFU about either Jefferson or McCarthy being traded. 

Bad news: These same trade speculation idiots are now glomming onto a report of teams inquiring about a trade for coach O’Connell. 

On to 2025!

---------------------------------------

Will they or won't they? (UPDATE: They didn't)

With the 2025 Minnesota legislative session slated to begin today at Noon, the question remains whether or not DFL House members will follow through on a threat to sit out the first two weeks. When the idea was first broached, the Dems were reminded that they don't get paid if they aren't officially sworn in as legislators. 

Nope. Those Democrats can't be paid if they're NOT sworn in to #mnleg. If they are not there to be sworn in on opening day the House Majority - who actually show up - can (will) vote to deem them as not Members. That's how the MN Law & Constitution is written. https://t.co/OwAuAiJYkK pic.twitter.com/ot9eBnwziV

— Sean Nienow (@SNienow) January 6, 2025

Their solution? Why, get sworn in out of the public view before session even begins, natch.

In an unprecedented action, House DFL members held a mass secret swearing in ceremony Sunday. The move comes as GOP officials threaten recall petitions if DFLers follow through on a threat to not show up for session on Tuesday in a power-sharing dispute with the House GOP. pic.twitter.com/iYkd2to7pX

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) January 13, 2025

Look, this kinda thing wouldn't surprise me were it executed by House members in Minneapolis & St. Paul districts as well as reps in solid blue first-ring suburban areas. But literally all 66 House DFLers (including a DFLer whose "victory" is still in a legal dispute) went along with this, even those who barely won races in swing districts that could easily tilt the other way in 2026. Not only would this appear to be political suicide, but its legality is also in serious question. 

https://t.co/Xg3UE6CW65 pic.twitter.com/qliQuE032f

— MN House Republicans (@mnhousegop) January 13, 2025

In the end, none of this makes any sense. Even if the GOP miraculously won the special election in House District 40B or a possible new election in the disputed 54A (thus giving them a majority for at least the next two years), the governor's mansion will still be occupied by a Dem this next biennium. Any legislation that somehow made it to Gov. Tim Walz's desk would likely have significant bipartisan support due to a (likely) Dem controlled Senate and, at worst for the DFL, a slight GOP House majority. I mean, far be it from me to try to prevent Democrats from running into a sawblade, but there is just absolutely no upside to this. 

We'll definitely check back in at Noon today. 

UPDATE: DFL members don't show up. GOP moves forward with a quorum (Yes, 67 of 133 is a majority, thus a quorum) and elects the first ever African-American female Speaker of the House!

Constitutional crisis underway as @mnhousegop appoint Rep. Paul Anderson to preside over the chamber in Simon's absence. Declare SoS Simon's adjournment improper, and move on to electing @LisaDemuthMN as speaker. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/M7SBTi0H5D

— Rob Doar (@robdoar) January 14, 2025

---------------------------------------------

2024 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Monday game)

Minnesota Vikings (-2-1/2) vs. Los Angeles Rams: Due to the horrific wildfires plaguing Southern California, this game has been moved to the home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, AZ. While this definitely benefits the Vikings, this isn't exactly like the Green Bay Packers having to abandon a home game at Lambeau Field. 

In this matchup, my Vikings take on one of the two teams who defeated them in what was a shockingly great regular season. In what was supposed to be a bridge year to 2025 when the Vikings would hand the reins to QB JJ McCarthy as well as sport an augmented roster due to the likelihood of spending big money in free agency, the Vikes exceeded all expectations by going 14-3. And while I expected coach Kevin O'Connell to unlock something in QB Sam Darnold in much the same way he did with Kirk Cousins, I never envisioned a scenario where Darnold would be considered a top 5 MVP candidate as late as Week 17. But after a (to be charitable) clunker in the regular season finale at Detroit, Darnold now faces even more pressure in a "win or go home" scenario, a situation he's never experienced in his NFL career. 

You could argue the turning point of the Rams' 2024 season was that Week 8 win over the Vikings. After starting the season 1-4, the Rams limped to an unimpressive win over a mediocre Raiders club four days before that Week 8 contest. There was already serious discussion at that point that if L.A. didn't turn things around, Pro Bowl WR Cooper Kupp and possibly QB Matthew Stafford could be traded by the November 5 deadline. But the Rams finished strong by winning 9 of 11 games after that 1-4 start, thus conquering the NFC West. 

After the loss to the Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 8, some Vikings coaches admitted they were caught flat-footed by the return of star WRs Kupp and Puka Nacua, who were both activated from the Injured Reserve list just prior to that matchup. In addition to that, the Vikes were without LB Blake Cashman, which severely hampered their blitz packages. Since Stafford is statistically the worst NFL QB when blitzed, you better believe Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores will bring the house more than the mere 20% put forth in that regular season matchup, especially with Cashman back in the fold. 

There were multiple times during this Cinderella season where skeptics were certain Darnold & Co. were about to turn back into a pumpkin only to see the Vikes bounce back in impressive fashion. Last week's loss to Detroit was another opportunity for the doubters to feel validated. For one week, however, I believe the Vikings will rise up again. 

Minnesota 27 Los Angeles 21

-------------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/12/2025

-------------------------------------------

I won't be walking on thin ice to get through the night......

Less than two weeks into 2025 and it's been awfully news-y. As usual, I will be getting to as much as I can on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour extravaganza gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour I will be weighing in on Minnesota political news, specifically how the DFL seems to have lost any semblance of political acumen. 

Then in the second hour I'll discuss the horrific scenes out of Southern California where there's been little to no containment of multiple wild fires. And finally, Dems begrudgingly certify Donald Trump's election victory. 

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, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2024 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Sunday games)

Denver Broncos (+8) at Buffalo Bills: Sean Payton may be a major douche, but the guy can coach football. With the Broncos organization being viewed as a dumpster fire in 2022, they fired rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett before the end of the season. They had also committed an ungodly amount of money to QB Russell Wilson, only to find out that he looked all washed up. Two years later, rookie QB Bo Nix led Denver to a 10-win season with little more than WR Courtland Sutton putting up decent offensive numbers. And major kudos to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who has elevated the Broncos' D to a top 10 unit. 

Hey, remember when the Buffalo Bills traded their best WR in Stefon Diggs and how that would hamper the productivity of QB Josh Allen? Good times! Yeah, Allen has only been responsible for 40 touchdowns (28 passing, 12 rushing) this season while having nary a 1,000-yard receiver. Buffalo is also the second highest scoring offense in the NFL with an average of nearly 31 points per game. 

While it appears Nix has a bright future for Denver, a rookie quarterback winning his postseason debut in Buffalo is a tall order. 

Buffalo 28 Denver 17

Green Bay Packers (+3-1/2) at Philadelphia Eagles: These two teams met in the 2024 NFL opener, a 34-29 Eagles win in São Paulo, Brazil. So what impact will that have on this game? Absolutely none. 

The Packers were a surprise entrant in the playoffs last year, yet had a nice showing when they whipped the Cowboys in Dallas and then lost a close game on the road the following week against the eventual NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. With that postseason run came high expectations for the 2024 season. And while the Pack finished a solid 11-6, they went 0-5 against the three NFC teams with superior records. While QB Jordan Love had another solid season, Green Bay really shined in the run game with free agent RB Josh Jacobs running for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

But as good as Jacobs was, Philly RB Saquon Barkley was downright phenomenal, running for more than 2,000 yards. And the Eagles needed that type of production since QB Jalen Hurts didn't even throw for 3,000 yards. In my opinion, Hurts has taken a downturn since Philadelphia's Super Bowl loss two years ago. And the fact he didn't even clear concussion protocol until Friday morning doesn't bode well for the Philly offense. As such, Barkley could see an even heavier workload. 

The Eagles' defense allowed the second fewest point in the '24 campaign while also allowing the fewest yards. They too will have to step up big time if Hurts is still wobbly. 

Philadelphia 20 Green Bay 17

Washington Commanders (+2-1/2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Yet another Week 1 rematch, won by the Bucs 37-20. But, again, we can't glean a whole lot from that given Commies QB Jayden Daniels was making his NFL debut. Needless to say, Daniels eventually figured it out as he amassed nearly 4,500 total yards (3,568 yards passing, 891 yards rushing), putting him on the inside track for 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year. 

I have to say that I'm happy for long-suffering Redskins Washington Football Team Commanders fans now that the sniveling weasel punk Dan Snyder no longer owns the club, thus making the organization's morale orders of magnitude better. And they appear to have gotten it right with head coach Dan Quinn, who led the squad to 12 victories in his first season at the helm. This shouldn't be a huge surprise given he was Seattle's defensive coordinator in the "Legion of Boom" era when the Seahawks won the franchise's only Super Bowl and then three seasons later guided the Atlanta Falcons to the big game while serving as head coach. 

After 10 games in 2024, the Bucs looked dead in the water as they sported a 4-6 record while losing WR Chris Godwin to a season-ending ankle injury as well as being without to WR Mike Evans for a few games. However, QB Baker Mayfield's resurgence is real as he compiled career highs in pass yards (4,500) touchdown passes (41) and completion percentage (71.4%). Tampa has also looked better defensively down the stretch, playing a vital role in the winning six of their final seven games. Add to that stud Safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. being on track to play this game and you have a Bucs team that could make deep run this postseason. 

I believe Washington's future is bright and they will acquit themselves well this game, but they're not quite ready for prime time. 

Tampa Bay 31 Washington 24

-----------------------------------------------------------