I really didn't wanna talk about this.....

Despite Taylor Swift's name being arguably the most recognizable on planet Earth, I've cited her exactly twice in the nearly 4,500 posts on this blog. I'm obviously not the target audience of her music, though I willingly admit there are a handful of her tunes which I enjoy. 

Given I talk a fair amount of politics on this site (and even more so on my radio show), I opined on Taylor weighing in on political/social issues about 5+ years ago. While I disagreed with her worldview, I 100% supported her right to express her thoughts. I mean, I've never understood why some get the vapors over celebs spouting their opinions. If anything, be angry with prog media who choose to amplify such viewpoints as if they're more informed or valuable than the perspective of, say, your neighbor or co-worker. 

I'm also a sports junkie, so Taylor's emergence as an NFL super fan (specifically of boyfriend Travis Kelce's team the Kansas City Chiefs) is something I've definitely noticed. And while I believe they're adorable together, I find myself passionately indifferent over Taylor's presence at games as well as the details of the couple's dating life. But, again, there's a certain element who borderline rage over TV cameras panning to Taylor's suite whenever her boyfriend has a positive play. I could perhaps understand slight annoyance if this were done while a crucial play was occurring, but that has never been the case.

In fact, here's an informal breakdown of last Sunday's AFC Championship Game featuring the Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens: 

Amount of time Taylor Swift was shown on TV during this past Sunday’s Chiefs-Ravens game: 𝟰𝟰 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 pic.twitter.com/HYAqdjTlXz

— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 30, 2024

Imagine being so triggered over less than a minute of Taylor Swift being on your TV screen that it got in the way of enjoying an epic battle among AFC titans. 

While expressing anger over Taylor being referenced during an NFL game is little more than impotent rage, attempting to dunk on her and her boyfriend in an effort to score political points for Donald Trump is moronic, unproductive and, frankly, embarrassing. 

Benny Johnson says Taylor Swift is a psyop to elect Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/ITmdttus1B

— Jason S. Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) January 30, 2024

Uh.....has Benny ever emerged from his basement studio?!?!? The idea that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's fame is merely a recent development is stunningly ignorant. While Taylor was arguably the most famous pop star on the planet even a decade ago, Kelce has been an integral part of two Super Bowl championship teams. He's also been a four-time NFL All-Pro his first ten years in the league and has co-hosted with his brother Jason the popular podcast New Heights. No doubt Travis's notoriety has been enhanced by dating an icon, but he was already considered a shoo-in to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame even before he met Taylor. All this to say that Benny's diatribe will do absolutely nothing to draw in undecided voters for Trump, something which he sorely needs. 

While Taylor Swift endorsing Joe Biden (something she has even yet to do, but may at some point) would only marginally enhance the President's reelection efforts, "conservatives" dinging Taylor's fans (aka "Swifties") is a political loser. But maybe that's the point. After all, the con grift put forth by the likes of Trumpkins Benny Johnson, Charlie Kirk, Jack Posobiec, et al is most lucrative when their guy is in peril. 

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

Quick Hits: Volume CCCXXXVIII

 - Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with a rather bizarre stream of consciousness. 

Ilhan Omar tells a crowd of Somalians that her top priority is to put Somalia first and expand its territory

"The US government will do what we want, nothing else. They must follow our orders. That is how we safeguard the interest of Somalia." pic.twitter.com/4jg36ucExQ

— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) January 29, 2024

Ed Morrissey of Hot Air with an insightful perspective.  

But let’s think about Omar’s outburst and her pledge to have Somalia run our foreign policy through the refugee community in light of the progressive revulsion against Israel and America’s Jewish voters and elected officials. None of the latter would dare suggest that Israel should dictate our policies through Jewish voters here in the US, not just because it’s inappropriate (which it would be) but because it would play into the stereotypes promoted by Ilhan Omar and her radical-progressive allies. Omar is the reductio ad absurdum of the Left’s “disloyal Jew” and “divided loyalties” stereotypes, only this time in reality with Somalian as its substitute … which is why this should draw plenty of attention and derision.

Keep this handy the next time Omar and The Squad talk about AIPAC and “Zionist” influence on American policy.

Either Omar believes she's still bulletproof in her district and thus can say whatever she so desires, or she's resigned herself to the fact she has another formidable DFL primary challenge from Don Samuels, so her Congressional career is hanging by a thread. Why not empty the proverbial chamber at that point? 

Either head space doesn't bode well for her constituents. 

- Monday was the 5th anniversary of this tweet. 

What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie. https://t.co/o8ilPu68CM

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 30, 2019

And did ya notice the wording in that NYT tweet, specifically a certain adverb conspicuous by its absence? That would be the word "allegedly." It's not hyperbole to say such an omission is journalistic malpractice, especially in light of how the Smollett saga turned out. 

- With less than two months until MLB opening day (!), the Minnesota Twins finally make their long awaited splash move.  

The first major domino of the Twins offseason fell Monday and Jorge Polanco, the longest-tenured player on the team, was traded to the Seattle Mariners in a five-player deal.

The Twins received two righthanders for their big league club, starter Anthony DeSclafani and reliever Justin Topa, and two minor leaguers, outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez and pitcher Darren Bowen, in exchange for Polanco, the switch-hitting second baseman who has been a regular part of the Twins infield since 2016. The Mariners will also send cash to the Twins, the teams announced.

Given Polanco is now age 30 and has missed significant chunks of the regular season over the past two years, the Twins should feel fortunate they got the return they did. Yes, I'm aware DeSclafani has been plagued by arm troubles since 2022 (Tyler Mahle, part deux??), so anything they get from him in the rotation should be considered a bonus. But a solid reliever like Topa is a more than sufficient replacement for the departing Emilio Pagan, and Gonzalez is a building block for the future (a top 100 MLB prospect as of now). 

Now if the Twins can just get their TV deal resolved..........

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/28/2024

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I hold the microphone like a grudge.....

The last Sunday in January already?!?!? I guess that means I'm back in the Patriot bunker today for my 2-hour radio show The Closer. We'll get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the 1:00 hour, it'll be a lot of talk about the crisis that is occurring at the U.S.-Mexico border and how Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is determined to secure the area despite objections from the Feds. At 1:30, retired border patrol agent Chris T. Clem will join the broadcast to share his solutions to adequately secure the border. 

Then in the 2:00 hour I'll discuss the GOP presidential race and how Donald Trump has pretty much secured the nomination while severely undermining his chances to win in the general. 

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.....

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

2023 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship games

Kansas City Chiefs (+4) at Baltimore Ravens: With all due respect to the NFC matchup, I believe this game is essentially the Super Bowl. I firmly believe whomever emerges victorious here will win it all. 

I said going into the postseason that if the Chiefs can show us a semblance of the potent offense that has won them two Super Bowls over the previous four seasons, the reigning champs should be the favorite to defend their title. And while KC appears to have "flipped the switch" offensively their first two playoff games, they were facing injury-riddled defenses against Miami and Buffalo. But in this game, the Chiefs draw a relatively healthy Ravens unit which was #1 in scoring defense during the regular season. 

After last week's decimation of the Houston Texans, the Ravens were oddly celebratory in the locker room over a win in the divisional playoffs. That doesn't seem befitting of a #1 seed who supposedly is the favorite to win the Super Bowl. Perhaps it was an expression of relief given they were in this same position four years ago only to go "one and done." Whatever the case, the Ravens will look to pound their league leading run game in an effort to keep Patrick Mahomes & Co. off the field. However, the Bills attempted that strategy last week against KC, but to no avail. 

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson can quiet what remains of his doubters if he can lead his club to a Super Bowl berth. Alas, I just can't bring myself to pick against the defending Super Bowl champs who seem to be playing with the proverbial chip on their shoulder. 

Kansas City 24 Baltimore 23

Detroit Lions (+7-1/2) at San Francisco 49ers: The history of success among these two franchises is nearly polar opposite. This is only the second conference championship game in 65 years for the Lions, whereas the Niners are in their third consecutive title game and nineteenth overall. While Detroit is one of four NFL franchises to never appear in a Super Bowl, San Francisco is looking to make its eighth trip to the big game with a win this week. 

If this game were in Ford Field, I would pick the Lions to advance to the Super Bowl with no hesitation (Imagine reading that statement just two years ago). The key this game is what will the 49ers get from dynamic WR Deebo Samuel? He left last week's divisional playoff game against Green Bay quite early on due to a shoulder injury. As such, San Francisco looked lost offensively until that final drive resulting in a game-winning touchdown. However, WR Brandon Aiyuk and TE George Kittle (both of whom amassed 1,000+ yards receiving during the regular season) should be more than sufficient against a porous Lions pass defense. 

Did Green Bay RB Aaron Jones reveal a weakness in what was one of the top run defenses in the NFL? Jones had north of 100 yards rushing (and a whopping 6 yards per carry) against the Niners last week, something that hadn't been done against that defense in nearly three years. Can Lions' rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs handle a significant workload? Regardless, the key to this matchup is how often QB Jared Goff can get the ball to star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. If that duo keeps rollin' like they have all season, this game is gonna be close. 

I believe home field will be the difference in this one. 

San Francisco 28 Detroit 20

My 2023 postseason record:

Against the spread: 6-4

Straight up: 7-3

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

Trump gets a lifeline

It was then President Barack Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel who essentially said "Never let a good crisis go to waste." Like it or not, today's American politics are less about offering substantive (and realistic) solutions and more exploiting weaknesses in your opponent so as to justify radical policy decisions.

President Joe Biden, his staff and media lapdogs have denied that the situation at the America's southern border can be construed as a crisis. In essence, they tell the citizens to not believe their lying eyes. But given the fact that the number of migrants who have streamed across the border over the past three years usurps the populace in the majority of states in America, the situation has indeed become dire. As such, a prominent southern state governor is taking the lead in attempting to stem the tide. 

Erick Erickson explains. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott decided enough was enough, and he would exercise the powers of the State of Texas under the federal constitution to stop the invasion.

Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution states, “No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.”

As the federal government has failed to secure Texas’s border, Texas has the power itself with its Guard until such time as the President of the United States commandeers the Texas National Guard. If, in this case, the President takes charge of the Guard and uses it against Texas, it would breach the foundational underpinnings of our constitutional system — using a state’s own militia against it as it tries to protect itself.

The national media is prone to obsess over Donald Trump provoking constitutional crises, but, in this case, Joe Biden is provoking one by failing the basic constitutional duty of the Commander-in-Chief to protect the borders of the several states.

Amazingly, it was this same issue which Trump used to catapult himself to being the GOP nominee in 2016 and then ultimately winning the presidency. 

As much of a dumpster fire as Trump's candidacy appears to be this cycle, he's got a chance to draw in some of the moderates and independents he's hemorrhaging if he chooses to focus on substance. If not, he'll have the distinction of losing twice to a walking cadaver when he falls short in November. 

If Trump has even a semblance of political acumen, he'd head to southern Texas posthaste. 

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

HOF Joe

In the near fifty years I've been a Minnesota Twins fan, only the club's World Series games made my heart flutter and palms sweat in anticipation. 

Joe Mauer being on the precipice of entering the Baseball Hall of Fame conjured up those same emotions as I awaited the 5:00 PM Central Time announcement on Tuesday. 

A moment we’ll remember forever 🥹 pic.twitter.com/y7WIqhZUGi

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) January 24, 2024

As someone who was born and raised in St. Paul, I take a tremendous amount of pride and joy in one of our own reaching the pinnacle of their profession. Also, people who lived in St Paul for any length of time are rarely more than a few degrees separation from a Mauer (Joe's great-uncle Kenneth Mauer, Sr. was my 10th grade English teacher). And the fact Joe was taken #1 overall in 2001 (the year he graduated high school) by the team he grew up rooting for and with whom he played his entire 15-year MLB career makes this event all the more sweeter. 

As a guy who loves statistics and fascinating facts, it 's this particular bit that absolutely floored me: 

Joe Mauer has been enshrined in baseball immortality 💪 pic.twitter.com/9y4O6xCL2L

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 24, 2024

Now *that* is some select company. 

Congrats, Joe! 

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

"Loyalty" is a one-way street among MAGAites

I was literally in the middle of my Sunday broadcast when Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race and threw tacit support behind frontrunner Donald Trump. Given that DeSantis has been one of the most substantive, accomplished GOP executives to run for President in a long time, I don't doubt this decision was not arrived at easily. 

After Trump scored a decisive victory in Iowa last week, he correctly stated that the GOP race was effectively over and thus called for the party to unify in order to defeat the walking cadaver in the White House. With Trump's most formidable Republican challenger having stepped aside, certainly Trumpkins were ready to receive DeSantis and his supporters with open arms. Right????

Trumpkins: wE nEeD uNiTy.

**DeSantis drops out, endorses Trump.**

Trumpkins: https://t.co/rCZ1EWs2W5

— #NARNShow (@NARNShow) January 21, 2024

Trumpkins: wE nEeD uNiTy.

**DeSantis drops out, endorses Trump.**

Trumpkins: https://t.co/tgBDnf47F0

— #NARNShow (@NARNShow) January 22, 2024

Trumpkins: wE nEeD uNiTy.

**DeSantis drops out, endorses Trump.**

Trumpkins: https://t.co/eLusY2foNw

— #NARNShow (@NARNShow) January 22, 2024

Trumpkins: wE nEeD uNiTy.

**DeSantis drops out, endorses Trump.**

Trumpkins: https://t.co/jwwPsyDJ7p

— #NARNShow (@NARNShow) January 22, 2024

Trumpkins: wE nEeD uNiTy.

**DeSantis drops out, endorses Trump.**

Trumpkins: https://t.co/8Fr0yz3DIi

— #NARNShow (@NARNShow) January 23, 2024

And for those who reply to these examples with "Bah! Those are just Trump surrogates, not actually Trump himself!!," I'll leave you with this.

 

Trump on why he calls Nikki Haley “Nimbra”: “It just feels good to me.”

Racism just feels good, the true essence of Trumpism. pic.twitter.com/yhh3l8fEoX

— Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) January 22, 2024

Y'see, it isn't "unity" that Trump et al desire. No, they demand fealty from day one, and if you don't bend the knee you'll be rhetorically flogged up until (and in some cases beyond) acquiescence. Gonna go out on a short sturdy limb here and suggest that isn't the most effective way to bring in moderate voters whom the Trump campaign is currently hemorrhaging. 

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

The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/21/2024

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

In New York the people talk and try to make us rhyme.............

Another Sunday, yet another edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour extravaganza will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the 1:00 hour I'll discuss issues pertaining to Minnesota, specifically a Strib story reporting that crime in Minneapolis is actually falling. Also, Gov. Tim Walz is allowed by CNN to lie with impunity. 

Then in the 2:00 hour I'll look back at last week's GOP presidential results in the Iowa caucus and how the party is embracing its suck. And the U.S. Dept of Justice comes to the conclusion what sane, rational Americans have know for more than 3 years  --- the saga involving Hunter Biden's laptop was not Russian disinformation. 

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.....

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

2023 NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

Houston Texans (+9-1/2) at Baltimore Ravens: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has had the most impressive rookie season for a QB maybe in my lifetime. Clearly them losing out on the #1 overall draft pick last year was a blessing in disguise as Stroud appears to be miles ahead of fellow rookie QB (and top draft pick in 2023) Bryce Young.

Stroud has his work cut out for him this game as he attempts to best a Ravens defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL during the regular season. On the offensive side of the ball for Baltimore, QB Lamar Jackson has put forth another MVP caliber season. However, when he won the award in 2019, his 14-2 Ravens squad went one and done in the postseason. No doubt he's feeling his club has a bit of "unfinished business" to tend to. 

Baltimore 27 Houston 17

Green Bay Packers (+9-1/2) at San Francisco 49ers: The Pack's thorough domination of the Dallas Cowboys last week was as impressive as it was shocking. Given they possess the youngest roster to appear in the NFL postseason in about 50 years, this was supposed to be a transitional year. However, their performances over the past month would suggest they're set up well for the long haul. And how charmed is this Packers franchise when for 30+ consecutive seasons they've had exactly zero doubt as to whom their quarterback will be to start the year (and have felt good about it)? Jordan Love definitely had the raw ability, but his poise has defied expectations. 

All that being said, beating a 12-5 Cowboys team will give you a sugar high. But you better be able to handle a substantive meal in the form of a 12-5 49ers squad. While Jerry World AT&T Stadium has essentially been "Lambeau South" for the Pack, facing the Niners in the playoffs has been Green Bay's personal kryptonite. Since 2012, San Francisco has gone 4-0 vs. the Packers in the postseason. But it won't be past performances which will spell doom for GB this game, rather it will be 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey running roughshod over a (to be charitable) substandard Packers run defense. 

San Francisco 31 Green Bay 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6-1/2) at Detroit Lions: When I think of these two teams, I envision the also rans of the old NFC Central division of the 1980s. Any chance the Bucs can don the Creamsicle colored uniform with the Buccaneer Bruce logo on the side of their helmets? 

Anyhow, let's check out a deep cut from this ol' "rivalry." 

While the Bucs actually broke though and won two Super Bowls since that era, the Lions made only occasional postseason appearances. However, Detroit's win at home last week against the Los Angeles Rams has energized this Lions fan base in a way I haven't seen since a fan was artfully dodging Ford Field security when parading around a "Fire Millen" sign. 

The Lions actually have a legit home field advantage now, and I believe that will be the difference this game. 

Detroit 27 Tampa Bay 21

Kansas City Chiefs (+2-1/2) at Buffalo Bills: For the first time since he became the Chiefs starting quarterback in 2018, Patrick Mahomes will be participating in a road playoff contest. Mahomes has also never been ousted from the postseason before the AFC title game. 

After having their legitimate Super Bowl aspirations dashed by KC in 2 of the 3 previous playoff cycles, the Bills finally get KC in their house. This game is also a rematch of the bizarre Week 14 regular season matchup when the Chiefs appeared to have scored a game-winning touchdown late only to have it nullified by an offensive offsides. 

The Bills have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL of late, winning their final 5 regular season games as well as Monday's playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, KC's offense against Miami last weekend started to resemble the high powered unit which earned them two Super Bowl titles in the Mahomes era. 

The 2021 divisional round matchup between these two clubs is still talked about as one of the most exhilarating postseason games ever, with the Chiefs prevailing 42-36 in overtime. Trailing 36-33 with 13 seconds remaining in regulation and starting at their own 25-yard line, KC gained 44 yards in two plays to set up a game-tying field goal. They then won the overtime coin toss and drove the length of the field for a game-winning TD. If you recall, that was when OT rules dictated that each team should have one chance to possess the ball unless the team with the initial possession scores a touchdown. As such, Buffalo never saw the ball in overtime. 

I believe Kansas City will win this game, and I hope it occurs in this manner: 

WHAT IF:

The Chiefs and Bills game goes to overtime, the Bills score a TD on their first possession, but because the Bills petitioned for a new rule where both teams possess the ball in overtime, the Chiefs get the ball, score, and win the game with a 2 pt conversion.

Poetry.

— Josh Chavis (@JoshChavis65) January 16, 2024

I'm rollin' with it!

Kansas City 32 Buffalo 31

My 2023 postseason record:

Against the spread: 4-2

Straight up: 3-3

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

Lack of media curiosity killed the democracy

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been rolling with this odd tidbit which I first heard him convey last month. 

MN Gov. Tim Walz claimed on CNN last month that Republican states are banning the book "Charlotte's Web." pic.twitter.com/VHsZAyQynk

— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) January 9, 2024

Dunno who the CNN guy is that conducted the interview, but he offered no pushback on what was (to be charitable) a dubious claim. 

Walz appeared on CNN again the day before the GOP Iowa caucus to reiterate this claim. 

 

Minnesota Democrat Gov. Tim Walz, a top Biden surrogate, claims "they're trying to ban Charlotte's Web here in Iowa" (which is a complete lie) pic.twitter.com/nxcJCuXyKr

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 14, 2024

Once again, a CNN host allowed this to slide. 

My good friend (and occasional NARN fill-in) NASCAR Kelly Gunderson issued a challenge to Minnesota media. 

How many members of #MNmedia are going to ask @GovTimWalz for proof of his claim? My searches for evidence of his claim have come up empty. @esmemurphy @JohnCroman @thauserkstp @CaroRCummings @PioneerPress @StarTribune @FOX9 https://t.co/ggghx69LZm

— Kelly - NASCAR Fan (@talkette) January 15, 2024

When Donald Trump makes an occasional true claim, the media "fact checkers" will twist themselves into a pretzel to find a flaw in his statement. But when a Democrat makes a fantastical claim against Republicans, it's taken at 100% face value. For all the blubbering certain thumb-sucking media engage in over Trump being this "grand threat to democracy," they blissfully ignore their own role in that destruction by allowing leftist bull pucky to go unchallenged. Democracy dies in darkness, indeed. 

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

25 years ago today.......

If you're a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, you likely know exactly when this photo was taken: 

                                     Courtesy of Minneapolis Star Tribune

This was the demeanor of some fans upon conclusion of the 1998 NFC Championship game in which my 15-1 Vikings club lost 30-27 in overtime to the Atlanta Falcons. Many of my fellow Vikes fans agree with that this was the most gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, kick-in-the-groin loss in franchise history.

It is no exaggeration when I tell you that I checked out from sports talk radio, local news, ESPN, etc. for the next several months due to my not wanting to relive even one millisecond of that contest. In fact, if I so much as see a still photo from the on-field action I feel nauseous. 

That game also altered how I watch the Vikings. I rarely watch them live anymore given I get overcome with this sickening feeling that disaster is looming on almost every play. I guess it's fortuitous that I work Sundays during the NFL season since the Noon games are occurring while I'm either preparing for my radio show or am actually on air. As a result, I have been a benevolent dictator with every producer I've ever had in that they are banned from having the Vikings game on the big TV just outside the studio. I also warn against any spoilers. 

Look, I get it. It's just a game. How can I possibly get so worked up over a result that in the grand scheme of things has little to no meaningful impact on life? I guess if I knew the answer to that question, I'd be able to indulge in a Vikings game without my heart rate becoming severely altered. As such, it doesn't make much sense to partake in something that could adversely affect one's mental and physical health. I guess that's why when I do watch my favorite NFL squad live, I do so in the company of other fans since it actually helps me rein in my maniacal reactions.

In the end, I remain optimistic that my Vikings club will one day return to the Super Bowl and even break through with their first ever championship. I just hope I'm alive to see it. 

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

The GOP establishment rolls in Iowa

As expected, Donald Trump cruised to an easy victory in Monday's Iowa caucus. In case it wasn't clear before then, the national GOP is Trump's party. It's a party where there's no discernable agenda, rather the airing of grievances (i.e. the stolen 2020 election that wasn't actually stolen) and "owning the progs." Out are substantive campaigns on the issues, in are maniacal (and untruthful) social media posts, meme wars and boat parades. 

Perhaps the most galling moment of Monday night was that crazed loser had the audacity to call for "unity" since it's apparent his nomination is a fait accompli. This coming from the guy who savaged his former press secretary (and his admin's most ardent defender) Kayleigh McEnany  because she said last May Trump was leading the polls by "only" 25 points instead of 34. I know it shouldn't come as a shock that the guy has no shame, but somehow even he manages to find a new low. 

A few other thoughts: 

- Media outlets called this race literally as hundreds of people were still in line to vote. While I don't dispute that Trump would have won handily regardless, past protocol has always been for outlets to wait to make a call until polls close. I mean, can you imagine the fits of rage coming from Trumpkins had their guy's opponent been declared the winner early? Heck, it's not that much of a stretch. Just look back at the impotent rage when Fox News's Chris Stirewalt called Arizona for Joe Biden in the 2020 general election. 

- After finishing a distant fourth, Vivek Ramaswamy  dropped out of the race and immediately endorsed Trump. I never took Ramaswamy's candidacy seriously since it was apparent to me that he was little more than a Trump surrogate running for POTUS. Now he can put his full efforts into performatively humping Trump's leg. 

- And finally, this is how you know progs are full of crap when they claim to believe Donald Trump is uniquely dangerous and thus there should be bipartisan efforts to keep him from the White House. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, in Des Moines, argues there is no difference between Trump, Haley or DeSantis ahead of the Iowa caucuses:

"It’s simply a question of whether you like your MAGA Trump agenda wrapped in the original packaging or with high heels or with lifts in their boots."

— Tyler Pager (@tylerpager) January 15, 2024

The majority of Trump's campaign funds may be going to his legal bills, but he's lapping the field with these types of in-kind contributions. 

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

2023 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Monday games)

Pittsburgh Steelers (+9-1/2) at Buffalo Bills: This is a matchup of two teams who were basically left for dead in early December. The Steelers lost back-to-back games to the pitiful Cardinals and Patriots to fall to 7-6. Meanwhile, the Bills were in self destruct mode the first few months of the season, kicking away three (possibly four) winnable games to fall to 6-6. Amazingly, both clubs finished with double digit victories.  

Pittsburgh stayed afloat on the strength of a pretty good defense, but were recently dealt a significant blow when pass rusher extraordinaire T.J. Watt (19 sacks during the regular season) was ruled out for this game due to a knee injury. No other Steeler has more than seven sacks, so the pass rush will be nearly non-existent. 

On the Bills side of the ledger, they won their final five games of the season to finish 11-6 and capture their fourth consecutive AFC East title. QB Josh Allen, despite mind-numbing decisions resulting in turnovers, is beginning to look like the MVP candidate many projected him to be coming into this season. I expect him to dominate the Pittsburgh defense with his arm and legs. 

Buffalo 24 Pittsburgh 6

Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Even though the defending NFC Champion Eagles started the season 10-1, the general sense was they weren't as formidable as the previous year. Sure enough, Philly lost five of its final six games, resulting in them having to play on the road this week.

Tampa WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both amassed 1,000+ yards receiving in the regular season with their quarterback being.....Baker Mayfield?!?! Yes for the first time in his career, Mayfield threw for more than 4,000 yards in guiding the Bucs to the AFC South title. 

This game features two of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, so the potential for a shootout is definitely there. With Eagles QB Jalen Hurts nursing a dislocated finger on his throwing hand, his productivity looks to be severely limited. Not helping matters is he'll be without his top target in WR A.J. Brown, who will miss this game with a sprained knee. Whomever wins this game probably won't last past the divisional round anyways. 

Tampa Bay 28 Philadelphia 27

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/14/2024

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If we can get around it, I know that it's true...............

Well it took a while, but winter weather is officially upon us here in the Twin Cities. As such, you'll likely be indoors, so why not tune into the latest edition of my radio show The Closer? The 2-hour blitz gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour I'll weigh in on local issues, specifically a horrific shooting incident near Duluth which Gov. Tim Walz is already demagoguing. Also, Sen. Amy Klobuchar has yet to draw a GOP challenger for 2024. Is she really impossible to beat? 

Then in the second hour I'll weigh on aspects of the 2024 presidential race. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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2023 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Sunday games)

Green Bay Packers (+7) at Dallas Cowboys: After getting whipped at home in Week 8 against my Vikings, the Packers were 2-5 and a non-factor in the NFC North. In listening to the Packers postgame show on WTMJ that Sunday, the general sentiment among callers was to clean house and perhaps look to find a different QB because Jordan Love ain't it (to be fair, sports radio callers are not necessarily an accurate representation of an entire fan base). Turns out, this current collection of front office, coaches and players seem legit. While this was supposed to be a rebuilding year for GB with Love in his first season as a full time starter, the Pack showed some flashes in getting to 9-8 and earning a playoff berth. 

Green Bay's reward is to take on the most dominant home team in the NFL this season in the Dallas Cowboys. While QB Dak Prescott has been solid on the road, he's played at an MVP level at Jerry World AT&T Stadium. Dallas went 8-0 at home, winning by an average margin of close to 22 points per game. 

The combo of Prescott to WR CeeDee Lamb (135 catches, 1,749 yards and 12 TDs in the regular season) will be a tall order for the Packers pass defense to slow down. And given the Pack has a porous run defense, RB Tony Pollard has a chance to make some serious hay. I also expect the Cowboys' stud pass rusher Micah Parsons to become well acquainted with Love all game. 

The Packers are in a good position here, given they have a legit "no one expected us to be here" mindset. As such, they won't exactly be feeling immense pressure. I suspect they'll make it close for a while, particularly if they pound RB Aaron Jones against a mediocre Cowboys run defense. However, Dallas will pull away in the second half. 

Dallas 35 Green Bay 21

Los Angeles Rams (+3) at Detroit Lions: After having spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Lions, Matthew Stafford returns to Ford Field as quarterback of the Rams. 

L.A. stumbled into their bye week at 3-6, but ended the season winning seven of their final eight contests (the only blemish was an OT loss in Baltimore against the AFC's top seeded Ravens). When Stafford guided the Rams to a Super Bowl title in this first season with the club, many surmised he'd be content to ride off into the sunset. Ah, but Stafford's play this season suggests he'd like to solidify his Hall of Fame credentials by snagging a second championship ring. 

The Lions came into 2023 with actual expectations, a scenario that has rarely occurred over the past half century. But Detroit fulfilled those hopes with a 12-win season, the most victories they've had since that 1991 campaign when they last won a playoff game. In fact, that '91 postseason win was the only playoff game they've won over the past sixty five years.  

Jared Goff, the key piece in the Stafford trade three years ago, was thought to be a mere placeholder at QB for the Lions. But this year Goff threw for more than 4,500 yards this year as well as 30 TDs. While the Lions' passing game has been great, their pass D is near the bottom. That bodes well for both their current and former quarterbacks.

If you like offense, this game's for you.

Los Angeles 38 Detroit 35

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2023 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Saturday games)

Cleveland Browns (-2) at Houston Texans: The Browns have proven that an elite defense can indeed carry a team to double digit wins and a postseason berth. With QB Deshaun Watson and RB Nick Chubb out most of the year due to injuries, the Browns had to turn to the likes of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco (one of five QBs to start a game for Cleveland in '23) and running backs Jerome Ford & Kareem Hunt. No problem though, as Cleveland enters the postseason with the top ranked defense in terms of yards allowed. 

After winning only 3 games last season, the Texans used the #2 & #3 overall draft picks last April to attain their franchise QB in CJ Stroud as well as stud LB Will Anderson. Both had immediate impacts has Stroud threw for more than 4,000 yards while tossing only 5 interceptions, and Anderson recording 7 sacks. Also, new coach DeMeco Ryans helped elevate the Houston defense from 27th to 11th overall. 

In the end, I have a feeling that Cleveland All Pro DE Myles Garrett is going to be harassing Stroud all afternoon. 

Cleveland 28 Houston 20

Miami Dolphins (+4-1/2) at Kansas City Chiefs: This is a rematch of a Week 9 regular season game in Berlin, Germany in which KC prevailed, 21-14.

The Dolphins have suddenly been bit by the injury bug, particularly their top 10 defense. Starting LBs Bradley Chubb, Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel are all done for the season, while CB Xavien Howard is currently listed as "doubtful" to play in this game. On the offensive side of the ball, WRs Jaylen Waddle & Tyreek Hill are nicked up, as are RBs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane (all are listed as "questionable"). 

While the Chiefs offense hardly resembles the explosive unit that's propelled them to 3 of the 4 most recent Super Bowls, they're still in the top ten in points and yardage. However, it's been the KC defense which has been the story of this year's team, finishing second overall. If Patrick Mahomes and Co. finally flip that switch and become a semblance of what we've become accustom to seeing, then it's not a stretch to envision the reigning champions successfully defending their title. I believe they'll at least get off to a good start this week in a game which could reach record cold temperatures for an NFL postseason game. 

Kansas City 31 Miami 17

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Nothing matters.....still

With former New Jersey governor Chris Christie having officially departed the 2024 presidential race, that leaves Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley as the most viable candidates not named Donald Trump. 

While I didn't view it live, the one-on-one CNN debate between DeSantis and Haley was quite contentious with the Florida governor dominating the affair. But like in 2016, substance takes a backseat to buffoonery, which is why Trump continues to dominate even in spite of crap like this: 

I’m genuinely not trying to start a fight here but can any MAGA influencer truly explain this? pic.twitter.com/epizYyTdqx

— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) January 11, 2024

I recall becoming a prolific user of "#NothingMatters" in many of my 2016 Twitter posts when Trump suffered no polling repercussions despite saying things on a daily basis that would have resulted in presidential candidates of yesteryear being drummed out their races. Amazingly, we're at that point once again. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CCCXXXVII

 - A scary scene in northeast Minnesota on Monday evening. 

Three people were killed, including the suspected gunman, in a Monday evening shooting at a motel in the northeastern Minnesota city of Cloquet.

Authorities initially reported four fatalities overall but later revised the figure downward.

According to the Cloquet Police Department, an employee of the Super 8 motel called 911 around 6:30 p.m. to report that another motel employee had been apparently been attacked.

Police responded to the motel at 121 Big Lake Road and found a 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a Duluth hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

As officers investigated, they discovered a 35-year-old man in a vehicle in the motel’s parking lot. He had been fatally shot.

Officers later found a deceased 32-year-old man outside the motel. He appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a firearm was located next to his body.

Police reviewed surveillance video from the motel and confirmed that the 32-year-old man was indeed the suspect.

Turns out the suspect resided in my current home town of Ramsey. 

Interestingly, Gov. Tim "We don't hide behind thoughts and prayers" Walz had this reaction: 

I am praying for those killed in another senseless act of gun violence tonight in Cloquet.

To the law enforcement officers who responded, thank you.

The state stands ready to provide continued support to local authorities.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 9, 2024

Nebraska Fats was rejoicing just last week over the new gun laws which went into effect on January 1. With the next Minnesota Legislative session slated to begin next month, Walz's reaction to the Cloquet incident was his shot across the bow that more stringent "gun control" proposals will be forthcoming. 

- I was absolutely shocked when I read this news headline. 

Watchdog finds 81% of all political late night show jokes in 2023 targeted conservatives https://t.co/zHlQjG1YLr

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 6, 2024

Shocked that late night show hosts targeted cons??? Of course not. No, I'm more stunned that the number is less than 90%. 

- This seems.......unethical? 

 

Biden’s re-election campaign has begun organizing a series of off-the-record trips for top political reporters and editors to the team’s headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware and meet senior officials, including the campaign manager, deputies, and other high-ranking advisors for background briefings on campaign strategy.

They’re also using it as an opportunity to tell them what they’re getting wrong. Two people with knowledge of the situation told Semafor that during meetings with reporters from outlets like The New York Times, the Washington Post, and others, campaign officials have invoked a coverage spreadsheet laying out areas where the team believes their reporting has fallen short.

Yes, journalism has a tendency to be much more shoddy today than a half century ago. But if these current day reporters did their job properly, then it was their sacred duty to tell the Biden camp to whizz off. 

Instead......

A source familiar told Semafor that with the exception of its recent meeting with the Times, the campaign meetings had been “substantive” and “productive,” and that Biden staffers were scheduled to meet in the coming days with political reporting teams from ABC, NBC, The Wall Street Journal, Fox, NPR, Reuters, Bloomberg, and others in Wilmington.

What kind of alternate universe are we living in when the New York flippin' Times is the only publication to covey some semblance of scrupulous behavior? 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/7/2024

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You ain't crazy, I ain't gonna lie anymore...........

My first radio broadcast of 2024 will take place today as The Closer will air from 1-3 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, there will be a lotta gun talk. First off, Minnesota's new "red flag" law went into effect as of January 1. I'll also weigh in on the shooting at an Iowa school and why the normal demagoguery was short lived. And Wayne LaPierre resigns as CEO of the National Rifle Association. 

Then in the second hour, I'll discuss some of the latest happenings in the 2024 presidential race. 

At 2:15, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute Dr. Phillip Magness will join the broadcast to discuss his pivotal role in discovering plagiarism in the work of Harvard President Dr. Claudine Gay. 

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.....

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Team Biden gets the panics over Hispanics

What was once a reliable voter bloc for a Democrat candidate for President (to say nothing of an incumbent Dem) is far from a sure thing this cycle. 

President Joe Biden heads into the election year showing alarming weakness among stalwarts of the Democratic base, with Donald Trump leading among Hispanic voters and young people. One in 5 Black voters now say they'll support a third-party candidate in November.

In a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, Biden's failure to consolidate support in key parts of the coalition that elected him in 2020 has left him narrowly trailing Trump, the likely Republican nominee, 39%-37%; 17% support an unnamed third-party candidate.

When seven candidates are specified by name, Trump's lead inches up to 3 percentage points, 37%-34%, with independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the top of the third-party candidates at 10%.

You mean the progs' efforts to co-opt Hispanic identity with nonsensical "gender neutral" language like "Latinx" ain't lockin' 'em in?!?!?! Huh. Color me shocked. 

Erick Erickson lays out the crux of the matter. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Erick Erickson (@ewerickson)

Cue the left wing "think" pieces which will now dub certain Hispanics as the new brown faces of white supremacy. 

Of course, this does not assure Trump's victory given he himself has alienated a lot of reliable GOP voter demographics from elections past. If ever there was a season for a credible third party candidate, this would be it. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CCCXXXVI

 - With the 2024 Iowa caucuses looming, it's do or die for the most viable GOP presidential candidates not named Donald Trump. Heck, even if Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley emerge victorious in Iowa and Haley is competitive in New Hampshire, I'm inclined to believe that Trump will (much to my chagrin) be the nominee. 

Almost miraculously, Trump is polling better now in the general than he was in 2016, which tells us how deeply unpopular the walking cadaver in the White House is these days. But even Trump is elected President later this year, he could well be a lame duck the millisecond he assumes office on January 20, 2025, as opposed to a non-Trump GOP candidate winning. Erick Erickson explains.

...DeSantis or a Haley would both best Biden, too, according to the same polling, and would do so with a less resource-intensive effort. That means there’d be more money to secure the Senate and build a majority in the House. Trump will need lots of extra money that neither DeSantis nor Haley would need just because of Trump’s legal bills paid for by his campaign.

And if the GOP loses control of the House this cycle and doesn't wrest control of the Senate, the Dem majorities in both chambers will likely be increased in the 2026 midterms. As such, the Trump agenda (if there even is one) will never see the light of day the entire four years he'd be in office. In essence, if you support Trump, you're supporting a grifting operation (i.e. payment of his legal bills). Full stop.  

- After overwhelming evidence that Harvard President Claudine Gay engaged in multiple instances of plagiarism (and thus forced her to resign her post), you just knew this would be a sample of some of the reactions: 

Nightly reports on the right's coordinated campaign that helped engineer the departure of the head of the most influential university in the world 👇https://t.co/ZhoFLVjh51

— POLITICO (@politico) January 3, 2024

 

Al Sharpton: Harvard president's resignation is an 'attack' on 'every Black woman' in US https://t.co/8WI2SZA9NA

— NBC 15 News (@mynbc15) January 2, 2024

 

Harvard president's resignation highlights new conservative weapon against colleges: plagiarism https://t.co/GiVkT3LgUo

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 3, 2024

If we’re going to start scrutinizing every detail of college presidents’ past writings for technical attribution issues, then let’s do it. Let’s go look at everyone’s past writings, not just Claudine Gay at Harvard. Let’s put them all under a microscope and see how they hold up. pic.twitter.com/1T8OWVHbLV

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) January 2, 2024

As we're learning here, the real travesty isn't a college president (who happens to be a black female) being pressured to resign because she did something which would get any university official or student expelled. No, the actual problem is the wrong people noticed. 

- David Limbaugh, brother of  the late great Rush Limbaugh, is definitely on to something here. 

Maybe a big reason we can’t come together on the right is that too many of the thought leaders, hosts, podcasters and other influencers are just outright egomaniacal narcissists concerned more about self promotion than our beloved country? It makes me sick.

— David Limbaugh (@DavidLimbaugh) January 2, 2024

Part of the self-promotion includes participating in "grievance mongering," where these personalities will shriek that they're being "canceled," ostracized, persecuted, etc. because they dare speak "truth to power," or something (when in actuality they're feeding their followers b.s.). Yep, so many self-described "conservatives" chose to engage in leftist tactics in an effort to augment their brand. 

Sad!

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