Box Score of the Week

Kansas City Athletics at Chicago White Sox - September 28, 1958.

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At age 18 years and 348 days, Lou Klimchock hit a leadoff home run for the Athletics. To this day, he is the youngest major leaguer ever to do so. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 6/28/2026

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I'd listen to the words he'd say, but in his voice I heard decay.....

It's the last Sunday in June, which means 2026.....is half over?!?!?! WHAT?!?!?!

Regardless, a lot to get to on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour blitz will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the non-guest segments, I'll discuss the latest in the GOP battle for MN governor. Also, I'll address multiple complaints I received about last week's guest host Dave Osmek. 

At 1:15, geopolitical wonk Amanda Peterson will join the broadcast to weigh in on the latest with the Iran war as well as other foreign policy happenings. 

Finally at 2:30, newly crowned Miss Minnesota Anna Brennan will stop by to discuss her new title. 

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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Proud to be an American.....with conditions

Earlier this year when the Men's U.S. Olympic hockey team won the gold medal for the first time since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" squad, the excitement among Americans was palatable. Or at least it was among right-of-center politicos and those who are apolitical. Y'see political leftists, particularly over the past decade or two, have steadily lost pride in their country based largely upon the fact Donald J. Trump was elected President of the United States twice. As such, they couldn't even cheer on their fellow countrymen upon accomplishing something significant in the name of America. 

The World Cup is the latest thing. 

The triumph of the World Cup’s first two weeks — boosting the U.S.’s global reputation with sold-out stadiums and few logistical complications — has forced Democrats who had criticized President Donald Trump’s role in preparations to grudgingly reconsider.

“I think that there was a little bit of like liberal wishcasting that this would maybe be a disaster to sort of stick it to Trump,” said Rob Flaherty, the digital Democratic strategist and soccer fan who attended the U.S. group-stage match with Australia. “It hasn’t yet been.”

To be fair, there have been some Democrat officials who expressed delight with how the tournament has fared thus far. But a couple of big names just can't seem to put aside their disdain for Trump in order to give props. 

Though other prominent Democrats including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, along with (NYC Mayor Zohran) Mamdani and (New Jersey Governor Mikie) Sherrill, have all attended games, few among them have been willing to articulate anything that sounds like praise for the authorities putting on the event.

It's as if these thumb suckers believe that even tacit approval of the World Cup festivities is somehow tantamount to showing approval of Trump. What an absolute miserable existence. 

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Doesn't pass the sniff test

Hypothetical: Suppose you donated money to an individual running for political office and they took a significant percentage of those funds to line their own pockets. That would seem to be a blatant violation of basic campaign finance laws, right? Well, if the recipient looks to benefit personally from such donations (as opposed to utilizing funds directly for campaign activities like ads, literature, etc.), a quasi money laundering operation would certainly be more discrete. 

So, tell me. Do you believe I'm being hyperbolic in suggesting that mythical scenario draws parallels to a certain Minnesota gubernatorial campaign?

To put it lightly, Mike Lindell is a non-traditional candidate for governor. He has the unique backstory of going from a crack addict to the founder and CEO of one of Minnesota’s best-known companies. Now he also has an unusual method of campaigning. He’s giving away free pillows from My Pillow and copies of his autobiography.

“This is our little ‘Go Anywhere’ My Pillow,” he told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Tuesday while pulling one out from under his desk. “It’s like a mini-pillow. We’ve used it in promotions for a long, long time. I love doing parades.”

Video posted on social media shows Lindell and his campaign volunteers throwing the pillows to people along a parade route in Foley last week. There’s no question it’s clever campaigning, but there are questions about whether it’s legal under state campaign finance laws. Lindell says his lawyers say it is legal.

“These aren’t full-size pillows,” he says. “They’re little pillows just like if you gave away a hat or a shirt or anything. Our literature is inside it. We followed all the guidelines…”

Lindell sent 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS an invoice showing his campaign bought 2,500 pillows from My Pillow for $4.50 a piece, or a little over $13,275.94, including tax. Campaign finance reports from Lindell show he’s bought about $250,000 worth of his autobiography to give away instead of using campaign brochures.

So when Lindell sells merchandise, whether it be books or mini pillows, who benefits financially? I mean, it's possible he decided that his favorite charities, as opposed to himself, would be the recipient of funds derived from those specific items. But even then there are some grey areas as charitable contributions are tax deductible. He (or his business) still benefits. 

There have been some polls this past month which have shown Lindell leading the GOP field for Minnesota governor. If by some minor miracle he receives the nomination, his general election candidacy would be dead as a doornail even if he had a pristine background. But with questions regarding his handling of campaign funds looming over him, such a controversy would be amplified by orders of magnitude once he squares off with a well-funded Democrat like Amy Klobuchar. 

If there were no competitive statewide primaries on the DFL side, you can bet many Dem voters would take the liberty of crossing over to vote GOP in an attempt to elevate the most vulnerable general election Republicans. Thankfully, right-of-center voters have a golden opportunity in August to send Lindell packing. Our mission is clear. 

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Box Score of the Week

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox - June 26, 2024

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Danny Jansen was the starting catcher for the Blue Jays this game, which ended up being suspended after one inning. 

The game resumed (and was completed) two months later on August 26. About a month earlier, Jansen was traded to Boston for three minor leaguers, so he was available for the Red Sox to be inserted into this contest in the top of the second inning. 

In essence, Jansen played for both teams in the same game. 

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Calling on the NARN farm team

I am away on assignment, so longtime friend of the Northern Alliance Radio Network (and former President of the MN Senate) Dave Osmek will be taking the reins of today's broadcast. The show will air in its usual 1-3 PM Central Time slot. 

Via Dave, here's what he has planned: 

1p to 115p: Opening discussion

115p to 145p:  Michelle Tafoya

145p to 2p:  Various topics, State Convention, Endorsement, Polls

2p to 230p:  Lisa Demuth (or Ryan Wilson)

230p to 3p:  Jeff Kolb, state of the races, endorsement

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics Dave plans 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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Out of the office

Gone on vacation until June 25.

Talk to y'all when I return. 

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Box Score of the Week

Kansas City Royals at Milwaukee Brewers - June 12, 1977

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That time the Royals had to wear the Brewers' road uniforms. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 6/14/2026

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I don't need to be blinded by confusion......

Happy Flag Day and happy 80th birthday, President Trump!

It's Sunday, so that means another 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 discuss Minnesota politics, including an explosive new report of Gov. Tim Walz willfully turning a blind eye to the rampant fraud in the state. Also, a plea deal was reached in the homicide case of Mark and Melissa Hortman's assassin. 

In the second hour, Maine voters advance Graham Platner to the general election for U.S. Senate. In doing so, Democrats' objections over Trump's past indiscretions have been nullified. And finally, leftists covet Elon Musk's goods. 

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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Worthy to be celebrated

World history was made on Friday. 

Elon Musk is now the world’s first trillionaire, after his company SpaceX went public on Friday morning.

The 54-year-old businessman and investor founded SpaceX, a space exploration company, in 2002. SpaceX’s initial public offering was officially priced on Thursday at a valuation of $1.77 trillion, making it the highest-valued IPO in history.

Forbes estimates that Musk’s net worth now hovers around $1.1 trillion, thanks to his 38 percent stake in the company.

“It is certainly hard to believe that a little company that was started in a warehouse in El Segundo [California] is now going public with the largest IPO ever,” Musk said in the livestream of NASDAQ’s opening bell.

And in perhaps the least surprising development, secular progressives engage in their obligatory violations of the 10th Commandment. 

I really don’t understand true greed. If I was worth $1 trillion, you’d have to physically stop me from solving as many of the world’s problems as possible.

Everyone would have a home, food on the table, proper healthcare, happiness.

I just don’t get it.

— John Bourscheid 🇺🇸 🚀 (@bourscheid) June 12, 2026

Really hard to imagine becoming a trillionaire and not wanting to immediately liquidate enough assets to give at least a few hundred billion to organizations making the world a better place.

— Jason Kander (@JasonKander) June 12, 2026

Today, Elon Musk, a trillionaire, pays the same amount into Social Security as someone making $184,500.

If we end that absurdity and lift the cap on taxable income, we can make Social Security solvent for 75 years and expand benefits by $2,400. My Social Security bill does that.

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 12, 2026

Americans are struggling to pay for groceries and gas while Elon Musk becomes a TRILLIONAIRE.

When the federal government is for sale, the rich get richer and everyone else gets shafted.

The system is rigged.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 12, 2026

Elon Musk just became the world’s first trillionaire.

Let’s make sure he’s also the last.

— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) June 12, 2026

Elon Musk just became the world's first trillionaire.

The typical American household would have to work more than 11 MILLION years to make Elon Musk's level of wealth.

We need a wealth tax.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 12, 2026

After a presser to point out the utter outrage of one man amassing such spoils, Fauxcahontas Sen. Warren was then pressed on *her* wealth. Nor surprisingly, she didn't have much to say. 

 

Finally, National Review writer Charles C.W. Cooke says you can count him out when it comes to expressing envy or fury over someone's wealth. 

I suspect, at one level, Musk’s enemies believe the things he has achieved would magically have happened without him — that, somehow, they were foreordained to occur, and that he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. This is stupid and it is wrong. There are such things in history as great men, and Musk is one of them. Gavin Newsom, Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Graham Platner, by contrast, are not. If they got their way, the United States would become France. An interesting place, yes, but not one that ever does much of note.

So, yeah: If your reaction to this news was to cavil and whine and start looking lasciviously at Musk’s property, you can count me out. I want no part of it. Elon Musk is the world’s first trillionaire. Only in America.

A pretty awesome development ahead of America's 250th birthday!

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXIV

 - Perhaps we're beginning to see why Minnesota Democrats invoked a "nuclear option" to replace the current Governor with Amy Klobuchar. 

A Republican-led congressional oversight report alleges that senior Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., failed for years to act on warnings about fraud in the state’s social services programs, allowing hundreds of millions of dollars in confirmed or alleged losses and placing billions more at risk.

The Walz administration had the power to stop fraudulent payments to high-risk entities receiving federal nutrition and Medicaid funds, but the state "repeatedly failed to act" after officials raised concerns, according to a 205-page final staff report released by the House Oversight Committee on Monday.

Congressional investigators found that concerns about potential racial discrimination claims — rather than legal constraints — contributed to the Walz administration's decision to continue paying providers suspected of fraud. The committee also spoke to nearly 30 whistleblowers, some of whom accused the Walz administration of retaliation against state employees for sounding the alarm about potential fraud.

Hey, c'mon now. Isn't this kind of backdoor redistribution a show of neighborliness???? 

But seriously, it's not a stretch to believe Walz was willing to turn a blind eye when he's basically gone on national television touting his state as not so much fraud-ridden but rather "generous." 

The more that is being revealed about Minnesota's fraud problem, it's all the more incomprehensible the magnitude of Walz's arrogance regarding his initial intention to seek a third gubernatorial term. 

- Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is seeking the Democrat nomination to be the state's next U.S. Senator. I recently happened to see one of the TV ads put forth by a leftist PAC supporting Craig. In it, they touted her commitment to no longer fund I.C.E. So passionate was she over this stance, that Craig even got into a shouting match with fellow Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer on the House floor. 

Footage of that dustup was featured in the aforementioned TV ad. 

Knowing she has to get to the left of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in order to secure the Dem nomination this August, Craig is also attempting to disavow her "yes" vote on the Laken Riley Act. 

I ask you to keep all of the above information in mind as you read this post from Emmer: 

Always great to see my friend and fellow Minnesotan, Angie Craig, around the halls of Congress. She's one of the few Democrats who's willing to work across the aisle to get important legislation like the Laken Riley Act across the finish line!

We will miss you around here,… pic.twitter.com/NYWmA0NHCu

— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) June 10, 2026

I'm not a big fan of our elected officials' constant "trolling" of each other. I firmly believe it's beneath the office. But that said, even I have to concede that Emmer's work here is PhD level. 

- Despite donning a Nazi tattoo on his chest, being tagged with multiple allegations of domestic abuse and sexting women other than his wife, Graham Platner easily won the Democrat Senate primary in Maine on Tuesday night. 

The official statement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and DSCC chair Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. 

Keep in mind that it was Gillibrand who 8-1/2 years ago was on the forefront of efforts to oust then Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) after multiple women came forward with allegations of inappropriate touching. Fast forward to today when she's essentially welcoming with open arms a guy who's been alleged to have committed far more egregious offenses in an effort to unseat a sitting female U.S. Senator. 

Life comes at ya fast. 

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Box Score of the Week

Baltimore Orioles at Cleveland Indians - July 6, 1954.

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The 11 first inning runs scored by the Indians is an all-time MLB record for most runs in an opening inning which accounted for the only runs scored by the team. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 6/7/2026

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Give me one good reason why I should never make a change...............

It's been a while since I've been on the air in my usual Sunday slot, so it'll be good to be back! My radio show The Closer will air today, 1-3 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll discuss the fallout from last weekend's chaotic MNGOP state convention. 

At 1:30, MN State Senate candidate Julida Alter will drop by the Patriot bunker. She is vying to be the GOP candidate in Senate District 56, which covers Apple Valley, Rosemount and the southeastern portion of Eagan. 

In the 2:00 hour, I will weigh in on the national Democrats' continued extremism problem and how their laments over the behavior of Donald Trump now ring hollow. 

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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Gotta love Beast Mode

I've been in quite a funk the past two weeks, so it's nice to have a mindless diversion to give me a chuckle. 

This story from former Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch on the ending of his team's Super Bowl XLIX loss to the New England Patriots lives rent-free in my head. 

Just watch. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXIII

- After the absolute debacle that was the MNGOP convention this past weekend, the runner-up in the gubernatorial endorsement is taking it to the August primary. 

House Speaker Lisa Demuth will continue her campaign for Minnesota governor despite losing the state Republican endorsement to former healthcare executive Kendall Qualls at the state party convention in Duluth.

She and her running mate, attorney Ryan Wilson, announced their decision on Tuesday. Demuth will run in the GOP primary on Aug. 11 against Qualls and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, after this weekend’s convention failed to eliminate top Republican candidates in the races for governor and U.S. Senate.

Demuth had originally pledged to abide by the GOP’s endorsement before the convention, but left the door open after “unusual circumstances” with the balloting process on Saturday.

“We fully expected when we agreed to abide by the endorsement that that process would be fair,” Demuth said on the steps of the state Capitol after filing paperwork to run. “That was brought into question.”

Demuth had led on the first four ballots, increasing her percentage on each occasion. But then from ballots 4 to 5, the result went from Demuth leading Qualls 42.4% to 35.8% to her trailing 49.9% to 46%. And if that wasn't suspicious enough, the number of delegates casting votes dropped by nearly 400. It was when results were being tabulated for ballot #6 that it was ascertained there were technical issues involving the clickers being used to cast votes. A 15-minute recess to address the issue turned into multiple hours before voting resumed. Qualls would eventually reach the 60% threshold on the 10th ballot. 

Look, I'm not suggesting that Qualls' victory is illegitimate. However, given the flawed process, the state party was absolutely justified in allowing Demuth to rescind her pledge to abide by the endorsement if she so chose. 

Finally, friend of the NARN (and occasional guest host) Dave Osmek with perhaps the paramount reason why the endorsement process should be gassed altogether. 

Text from former GOP Senate Pres. Dave Osmek, who is very much not holding back right now: "Any convention that sees fit to have a Moment of Silence for Derek Chauvin should not be able to chose what flavor juice is in their sippy cup, much less the next Governor of Minnesota"

— Walker Orenstein (@walkerorenstein) June 2, 2026

If MNGOP activists indeed don't want the party to perpetually be in the minority, what would they be doing differently if they did? 

- Given it's the month of June, major organizations look to pander to the LGBTQIA2S+ community. And certain media outlets are witting accomplices in calling out those who refuse to do so.  

⚾ The Texas Rangers celebrate everything from Whataburger to Barbie nights, but one tradition remains absent from their schedule.

While every other MLB team is hosting an LGBTQ+ Pride Night in 2025, the Rangers are once again the league's lone holdout. Fans, advocates and… pic.twitter.com/4OpFxWoNcC

— Chron (@chron) June 2, 2026

Unless the Rangers are actively banning gays from participating in their various promotional nights, I'm not really seeing an issue here.  

- I wrote a few weeks ago that the national Democrat party has an extremism problem. 

A lot has been made of Graham Platner (or is it Grähäm Plätner?), the guy vying to be the Dem Senate candidate to oppose Susan Collins in Maine. Turns out the Nazi tattoo on his chest may, shockingly, be the least of his issues.  

But if you think that's jarring, get a load of the official Democrat candidate for Congress out of New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. 

New Jersey Democrats have nominated this man for US Congress. https://t.co/RCJeqVyJSF pic.twitter.com/2eoxvisHil

— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) June 3, 2026

I guess this all makes sense. For a solid decade now, progs have painted Donald Trump as evil and morally bankrupt. Turns out they were only doing so to justify the lunatics they're now regularly putting forth for political office.

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It's the month of June......

 ....which means..........

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Box Score of the Week

San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves - August 14, 2007. 

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Braves manager Bobby Cox was ejected this game for arguing a called third strike. It marked Cox's 122nd career ouster, surpassing John McGraw for the all-time lead. 

Cox retired after 2010 with 162 total ejections, a record that will likely never be broken. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist (Saturday edition) - 5/30/2026

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

It's been a few weeks since I've been in the Patriot bunker, so I'm looking forward to getting back into the routine. However, it won't be completely the same as my NARN colleague Mitch Berg and I will be switching broadcasts this weekend. As such, I will be on the air today, 1-3 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll be discussing a lot of Minnesota politics as both the GOP and DFL will be holding their state conventions this weekend. In fact, we're tentatively scheduled to be joined by former Minnesota State Sen. Dave Osmek and former Salem-Twin Cities Operations Manager Lee Michaels, who will provide live updates from the MNGOP convention in Duluth. 

At 2:30, I will be joined by Independent Institute Senior Fellow Ivan Eland regarding the U.S. conflict in Iran. Mr. Eland is of the mindset that the U.S. should cut its losses altogether and begin to implement an exit strategy. 

 

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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Ixnay on the iden-bay ecline-day overup-cay

Let's take a stroll down memory lane to the summer of 2024 where the only presidential debate of that cycle featured then President Joe Biden and challenger Donald Trump. 

Despite Biden's mental decline having been obvious since the 2020 campaign, millions of TV viewers finally realized how much Biden staffers, many elected Democrats and the press corps gaslit them by providing assurances he was sharp as a tack. 

Even though Biden had the predictably dreadful debate, Mrs. Biden insisted we not believe our lying eyes. 

Jill Biden was SO concerned her husband had a stroke during the debate she started a “4 more years” chant right after. What a power hungry sociopath. pic.twitter.com/kwpmnjVO3v

— Jimmy Failla (@jimmyfailla) May 27, 2026

Fast forward to this past week where Mrs. Biden now felt the need to come clean on what she really thought of her husband's performance on the debate stage. 

Jill Biden to CBS on the 2024 debate: “I was frightened because I had never seen Joe like that... I thought he was having a stroke."

Jill Biden immediately after the debate in 2024: "Joe, you did such a great job. You answered every question. You knew all the facts!" pic.twitter.com/9wVu1s3q6E

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 27, 2026

Given the Dems' coordinated coverup of Biden's degradation was a colossal failure in 2024, they'd just as soon act like they never participated in such a coup. However, Mrs. Biden bringing that saga back to the forefront isn't sitting well with the party. 

  

Leading Democrats say it’s an unnecessary distraction as they push to keep their party focused on a critical midterm — and what voters truly care about.

“We don’t need to be distracted by what the DNC says about the autopsy. I don’t need to be distracted about anyone’s book,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, told reporters on the sidelines of a Democratic National Committee meeting in Washington on Thursday. “What I need to do is to focus on making a difference in the lives of people. And that’s what I think they’re getting really frustrated about, is all this nonsense. I don’t think the average Democratic voter, honestly, particularly in New Mexico, gives a damn about that book or the debate anymore.”

Other prominent Dems aren't so sure that this is a complete nothingburger however. 

Meghan Hays, a former special assistant to Joe Biden in the White House who left before the 2024 reelection bid, cautioned that the timing and context of the former first lady’s memoir risks dealing Democrats a setback at a time when they’re on an electoral hot streak.

“I think that they need to sell books, and I think that Dr. Biden wants her story out there,” she said on C-SPAN’s “Ceasefire,” hosted by POLITICO’s Dasha Burns.

“It is not welcome from Democrats,” Hays said. “We have a lot of momentum in our favor … and when we get pulled back into conversations about age and the election in ‘24, it’s never gonna be a good place for Democrats. I think it’s a tough place to be.”

Hays wasn’t the only former Biden official who expressed frustration.

“My reaction was basically: ‘Welcome to the club.’ Every person across America and in your administration wondered the same thing, and instead of acknowledging that, we were told for days to ignore it — that it was just a bad night, just an anomaly,” said another former Biden White House staffer, granted anonymity to speak candidly.

In the end, I don't believe this will have a significant impact on the 2026 election cycle since 5+ months in a campaign season is a veritable eternity. Lots can (and likely will) happen before November. 

Regardless, it's always a good exercise to remind the American people how little progs and their media allies think of them. 

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

Continuing trend

Multiple Twin Cities news outlets reported on a development within the DFL battle for the U.S. Senate nomination. 

Rep. Angie Craig said she will forgo the DFL State Convention in her run for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat.

Her opponent, Lt. Governor Peggy Flaganagan (sic), claims this comes as Rep. Craig faces an "insurmountable lead" with DFL delegates.

Rep. Craig pointed to "hardworking DFLers who don’t have the financial resources or time to participate outside of the August primary" as part of her announcement to forgo the party's endorsement process.

She also shared the following remarks:

"I’m a proud DFLer. Every letter has meaning to me … But the DFL endorsement process just doesn’t reflect the full scope of the party that we are. And the purple state that we have become. This is no ordinary moment. Donald Trump and Republicans are attacking Democracy itself, gutting the voting rights act, gerrymandering and threatening to interfere with elections… But the truth is the only way to stop them is by winning elections. The only way we save democracy is through democracy — where every voice is heard, not just a few."

How important is the DFL endorsement? Why, just ask Gov. Erin Murphy and Attorney General Matt Pelikan. 

Oh wait. 

Yes, the fact of the matter is the DFL endorsement has hardly been a crowning moment for candidates whenever there have been open statewide races. In 2010, Margaret Anderson Kelliher was the endorsed candidate for governor, only to be bested by Mark Dayton in a primary. Then in 2018, endorsees Murphy and Pelikan fell short in their primary battles against Tim Walz and Keith Ellison, respectively. 

I don't really have a good feel how Craig will fare against Flanagan in this cycle's primary election, but the result will give us a good indication if Minnesota Democrat voters are indeed lurching more left than in previous years. 

Getcha popcorn!

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXII

 - New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart appeared at a rally for GOP Congressman Mike Lawler. His appearance culminated with introducing the keynote speaker for the evening - President Donald J. Trump. 

Upon learning of this interaction, Dart's teammate Abdul Carter expressed incredulity over Twitter. 

Naturally, Carter was roasted on Twitter for this take. 

The fact of the matter is NFL players who have been the most outspoken against Trump during his time in the White House have been given huge platforms within mainstream media. But even tacit support of Trump triggers some of the more visceral and unhinged reactions. 

Carter's response to the backlash over his tweet was stunning in its lack of self awareness. 

Uhhh....*our* narratives???? This would have been little more than a footnote were it not for Carter himself reacting to it in the manner he did. Clearly he was not pleased with his teammate associating with Trump, so I'm not really sure why he seems taken aback to the reactions. 

Realizing he was out of his depth, Carter ultimately deleted both tweets. 

Offseason workouts for the Giants are slated to resume on Wednesday. No doubt that new coach John Harbaugh will answer all the inevitable inquiries about this flap and then look to move on ASAP. 

- GOP Senate hopeful out of Minnesota (and my next door neighbor's cousin) Adam Schwarze recently gave an interview to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. 

The candidate himself seemed proud of this particular excerpt of the story. 

He is largely unknown to the general public. A February poll of Minnesota Republican primary voters released by the campaign arm of Senate Republicans found nearly 60% had never heard of him.

Yet he’s now a front-runner to win the Republican endorsement this weekend at the party’s convention in Duluth, a remarkable development for a candidate facing two rivals with wider name recognition.

Hmmm. This feels like an implementation of Mitch Berg's Eleventh Law of Inverse Viability, which states  "The conservative progressives “respect” for their “conservative principles” will the the one that has the least chance of ever getting elected."

The fact of the matter is the leading GOP candidate, Michele Tafoya, is a legit moderate who may have trouble locking in staunch right wingers but appeal to moderate Dems and Independents in a way no Minnesota Republican has since Gov. Tim Pawlenty. And who was the last GOP candidate to win a statewide race in Minnesota???? Why, that would be Pawlenty. 

As a staunch conservative myself, I would guess my ideological bent more closely aligns with Schwarze over Tafoya. But I would give far better odds to Tafoya to win a statewide race. And the Strib legitimately fears that as well, which is the answer to the question of why they would seemingly prop up a "Trump conservative" like Schwarze.

- Another incumbent GOP Senator loses his primary battle. Just over a week ago it was Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. On Tuesday, it was the senior Senator from Texas. 

BREAKING: Trump ally Ken Paxton defeats Sen. John Cornyn in Texas’ bitter Republican primary war.

Trump targeted Cornyn as "VERY disloyal" as he backed Paxton, a MAGA firebrand, in the final days of the runoff campaign.

Paxton now faces off against state Rep. James Talarico — a… pic.twitter.com/hEo4SJiEGY

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 27, 2026

The victory for Paxton may be red meat for MAGA-ites, but it puts the GOP Senate majority in more jeopardy than if Cornyn remained the candidate. The reason being is a significant number of MAGA members are low propensity voters, essentially only showing up when Trump is on the ballot. So while I believe Paxton likely prevails over the kooky Talarico, it's going to take a lot more financial resources for Republicans to defend this seat. And that means less cash to unseat incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) as well as make a play for open Dem seats in Minnesota and Michigan. Also, Republicans are playing defense in Maine (incumbent Susan Collins is in a tight race) and North Carolina (Democrat Roy Cooper, who was very popular two-term governor, is prime to flip this open seat), but, again, they may not be prioritized as a result. 

So for all you MAGA-ites celebrating these victories, I would advise you to keep that same energy through the general election. These primary election wins aren't a culmination but rather the very beginning. 

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Box Score of the Week

Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox - June 15, 1994. 

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

The Twins completed a three-game sweep of the BoSox this series. It would be the last time they'd sweep a series in Fenway Park until literally this past weekend. 

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On assignment.......still

Once again I will be off the air today for radio show The Closer. However, the show is in good hands as NASCAR Kelly Gunderson will be taking the reins of today's broadcast, 1-3 PM Central Time. 

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

 

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

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

Until then.....

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Box Score of the Week

Chicago White Sox at Washington Nationals - September 6, 1933.

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

At the age of 39 years and 161 days, Nationals pitcher Alex McColl became the oldest pitcher to have tossed his first career complete game, a record which still stands today.

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On assignment

I have obligations to fulfill for my day job, so former MN State Senator Dave Osmek has been called on to fill in on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour barn burner (how Osmek is promoting it) will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

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

 

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

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

Until then.....

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These aren't your grandparents' Dems (or even your parents')

Many Democrats of the Civil Rights era would stage sit-ins in areas where black people were not allowed to be present. Today's Dems (specifically elected Minnesota DFLers) also prefer to participate in such activities, but this time to *undermine* civil liberties. 

Minnesota Democrats continued to stage a sit-in on Friday in the House chamber to protest the lack of a vote on gun control measures.

On Thursday night, a procedural motion to force a vote on a gun control package passed by the state Senate earlier this month failed along party lines following hours of debate. Republican Speaker Lisa Demuth then adjourned the House until noon Saturday.

House Republican leaders called for Rep. Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, to be removed as the Democratic co-chair of the tax committee after a verbal altercation with Rep. Elliot Engen, R-Lino Lakes, that Republicans claim included threatening language.

Rep. Engen verified this via his Twitter account. 

 

Can confirm.

Didn’t have multiple Democrat colleagues yelling at me to “go f’ing shoot myself” on my bingo card… https://t.co/veol1CXzxT

— Elliott Engen (@elliottengenMN) May 15, 2026

In the aftermath of legislative colleagues Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman (as well as their spouses) being shot by a crazed gunman last year, Minnesota legislators of all stripes made a vow to be more unified and tamp down divisive rhetoric in the aftermath of such horrific incidents. Sadly, I wasn't terribly optimistic those sentiments would be sustained. And, as always, these people lived up to my low expectations. 

The 2026 session officially ends Sunday night, which isn't nearly soon enough. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXI

- It doesn't require keen insights to ascertain that Los Angeles, CA is becoming a hell hole. And the fact the city (and state where it's located) is run by vapid progressives played no small part in a once vibrant area essentially cratering. 

Spencer Pratt, whose family's home was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfires last year, is running a dynamic campaign to unseat incumbent L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. One of the visuals he's put forth is how he lives in an airstream trailer on the property where his house was located before it's fiery demise. But Pratt is taking on the Democrat machine, so it's obvious they're looking to undermine his story as well as destroy his credibility. And they sure thought they had him with this. 

😳 EXCLUSIVE: Spencer Pratt is staying at the Bel Air hotel, not his airstream trailer.

Details: https://t.co/aMYI685oaT pic.twitter.com/r8VXLhiG9F

— TMZ (@TMZ) May 13, 2026

Sooooo......why exactly is he living in a hotel (albeit a swanky establishment) as opposed to his home? Have these brilliant opposition researchers asked themselves that question? I'm guessing not, because if they had they would've realized this isn't quite the epic "gotcha" as they would seem to believe. 

Democrats will burn your house down with incompetence, not issue the permits to rebuild it, and raise your taxes in the meantime, while attacking you for having to go live in a hotel.

You can't imagine how depraved that is. pic.twitter.com/KxinQo4XuS

— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) May 13, 2026

Indeed.

 

- I'm obviously not on any of the dating apps, so I wouldn't have been able to advise this young lady as brilliantly as the gentleman who replied to her "wish." 

I dunno about her dating apps, but she at least followed this directive for her Instagram bio. 

- It isn't exactly a new development that elected Democrats are demonizing billionaires for merely existing. But do they realize that a few high profile ones have large platforms dedicated to helping them attain power? 

 

It never ceases to amaze how utterly awful today's Dems are at politics. 

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Box Score of the Week

St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves - May 25, 1967.

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Cardinals star Lou Brock became the first player in MLB history to record at least 10 home runs and 15 stolen bases before playing the 40th game of a season. Since then, Eric Davis (1987 season) and Oneil Cruz (2026) joined that exclusive club.

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The NARN Closer's playlist (Saturday edition) - 5/9/2026

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Too high or too low, there ain't no in-betweens................

My friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg and I are switching broadcasts this weekend, so I will be in the Patriot bunker today for the weekly airing of my radio show. The 2-hour blitz will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, we'll discuss the latest in the 2026 midterm election cycle, specifically how the Democrat party has an extremism problem. I will also weigh in on the DFL-controlled Minnesota State Senate passing a major gun control bill. Will it get through a tied House? 

At 2:00, Miss Twin Cities 2026/journalism student/activist Anna Brennan will join the broadcast to discuss her testimony before a MN Senate Committee on legislation addressing kids' social media usage. 

Finally at 2:30, longtime friend of the broadcast Sen. Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) will check in with an end of session update. She will also discuss her recently announced reelection campaign. 

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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Extremities

In midterm election cycles, trends typically favor the opposite party of the current U.S. President. And if said POTUS is in his second term, the wave can often resemble a proverbial tsunami. As I write this, President Donald Trump's approval ratings are cratering in almost every area, including what many deem his greatest strength -  border security (he's barely above water). 

All those factors would indicate that Democrats are a shoo-in to take control of the U.S. House (the Republicans have a razor-thin majority as it is) with a legit shot to seize the Senate (GOP has a 53-47 majority). With all those advantages, it would appear the Dems merely have to stay out of their own way the next six months for a "blue wave" to come to fruition. 

But as Josh Kraushaar notes, Democrats just may not be able to help themselves due to their extremism problem. 

Indeed, a new poll commissioned by The Argument magazine finds that the generic ballot shows Democrats have been stuck with a six-point lead for a while even as Trump’s job approval has declined precipitously in the last several months. They’re voting to put a check on the GOP’s dominance of Washington, without endorsing the direction of the Democratic party.

“Democrats still have tangible policy misalignments with many voters who dislike Trump,” The Argument concluded in its polling analysis.

All told, the question becomes: Will the anticipated Democratic wave closely resemble the Democrats’ version of the GOP Tea Party election of 2010? In that election, Republicans swept into power in the House but far-right and extreme Senate candidates in key races blew golden opportunities, costing Republicans the upper chamber.

That dynamic repeated itself in 2022, when many experts anticipated a Republican wave election, but the party’s nomination of hard-line MAGA candidates in battleground contests led to a marked underperformance.

The alternative outcome is that partisanship and tribalism now run so deeply that an individual candidate’s flaws — even seemingly disqualifying ones — don’t mean what they used to. Right now, Democratic primary voters look like they’re ignoring personal baggage in favor of candidates that are the most ideologically progressive, personally authentic and who are burning hot with rage against Trump and the leadership class.

Earlier this week, you had Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank (from his death bed) warning his fellow Democrats about the consequences of lurching too far left. 

Not to be outdone, leftist CNN commentator Van Jones lamented the continued efforts to put moderate Democrats out to pasture. 

Van Jones on Democrats not supporting John Fetterman being a "moderate"

“That should not be illegal in this party. My god you have to agree on 100% of 100% of the Berkeley California agenda to be a Democrat?”

“It just shows you how nutty things have gotten that someone who… pic.twitter.com/52YPAht2SA

— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) May 6, 2026

There is this old mantra that if your opponent is making a mistake, just get outta their way. However, even if Dems put forth extreme left wing candidates in a handful of these Congressional races, there's a nonzero chance they still win in the general election due to anti-Trump sentiment reaching a fever pitch. That and the fact too many Trump supporters typically don't vote when Trump himself is not on the ballot makes the environment ripe for leftist kooks in swings states (i.e. Maine, Michigan and Minnesota) to be elected to the Senate. 

This once again underscores the left's utter hypocrisy as well as complete lack of standards: they decry constantly that Trump is fascist in nature yet have no issue with advancing candidates who are, at best, sympathetic to such tendencies. 

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

Quick Hits: Volume CDX

- This kind of legislation will be ramped up if the DFL gets its trifecta back after the 2026 elections. 

The Democratic Farmer-Labor majority in the Minnesota Senate passed a gun control package Monday that includes a ban on so-called assault weapons and limits on magazine capacities.

Its passage comes after years of debate at the state Capitol and two high-profile tragedies last summer: the August shooting that left two dead at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and the shootings of two lawmakers and their spouses at their homes in June.

“Today the Senate has a choice to listen to students, to families, to communities across Minnesota, or continue the cycle of inaction,” said bill sponsor Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis. “Because honoring the lives we’ve lost means doing something different.”

For the first time, a bill to ban semi-automatic rifles with features like pistol grips and detachable magazines has passed a major floor vote in the state Legislature. But the prospects for any new gun control or school safety package remain as dim as ever in the closely-divided Capitol.

You'll notice the Senator quoted didn't indicate how this kind of legislation would have prevented the tragedy at Annunciation, or potentially any other spree killings. Merely that undermining gun rights is "honoring the lives we lost." And because the 67 GOP members of the House will likely stay unified and reject this legislation, it won't ever reach the desk of Gov. Tim Walz. 

The DFL is betting that "gun control" is a salient issue this cycle and thus will attempt to demagogue the Republicans' refusal to go along as proof they care more for guns than children's lives. As usual, it's all symbolism and no substance for the progs. 

- Just gonna leave this here. 

NYT's @NickKristof to fellow progressives: "A black kid in Mississippi is 2.5 times as likely to be proficient in math & reading by 4th grade as a black kid in Calif. Do we need to look a little bit less at what the Trump Admin is doing ... & look a little more in the mirror?" pic.twitter.com/I803loucRM

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) May 5, 2026

While I applaud Mr. Kristof's request that his fellow leftists remove the blinders, the fact of the matter is far too many of his ilk are flat out addicted to blaming President Trump for all their ills. Sadly, looking in the mirror requires a conscience. 

- I was heartened to see this. 

Former #Ravens All-Pro RB Ray Rice returned to Rutgers to earn his degree and has now officially graduated. 🎓

(📸 @RFootball) pic.twitter.com/Ukhos0zdSZ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 5, 2026

When you hear the name Ray Rice, your first thought is likely not the dynamic Baltimore Ravens running back who amassed more than 9,000 all purpose yards in six NFL seasons and was instrumental in helping the Ravens win Super Bowl 47. No, like you, I immediately recount that awful night in February 2014 where Rice and this then fiancée (now wife) Janay got into a heated argument which culminated with Rice knocking her out cold while in an elevator in Atlantic City. That incident essentially cost him his NFL career as he never played another down in the league. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of replies to that tweet reference that awful incident 12+ years ago. 

If you're interested in how Rice is faring today, I would encourage to watch a recent episode of the YouTube series Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman. While the host, a former Sports Illustrated writer, doesn't sugarcoat Rice's domestic abuse incident, he shares the latest accounts of the former running back's life and how redemption is indeed possible. 

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Box Score of the Week

Detroit Tigers at Washington Nationals - July 22, 1947. 

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

In this game, Detroit's Roy Cullenbine drew a walk for the 22nd consecutive game, which is an all-time MLB record. The Athletics' Nick Kurtz was threatening to break that record as he drew a walk in 20 straight games this season. However. Kurtz's streak came to an end this past Saturday. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 5/3/2026

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Detroit built brakes, so that they could make a Chevy slow down......

Welp....we're into the month of May already! It's a beautiful day in the Twin Cities today but, alas, I'll be in the Patriot bunker this afternoon for my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour festivities begin at 1:00 Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll recap much of the reaction to the latest assassination attempt of President Donald Trump. While progs believe "rightwing rhetoric" foments violence, they deflect instances where their allies actually carry out deadly attacks. 

In the 2:00 hour, I'll discuss the latest shakeup in the GOP race for MN governor. 

At 2:30, the VP of Legal Affairs for Landmark Legal Foundation Mike O'Neill will join us to discuss the dubious history of the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

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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Down to two

Minnesota State Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) is exiting the race for governor. 

I got into this race last August to defeat Tim Walz. Minnesota could not take four more years of fraud, tax increases, and out-of-control government spending. His radical woke agenda is hurting our kids and making our communities less safe. Because of my leadership on the Fraud Prevention Committee, and with the help of our friends and partners, we exposed billions in fraud and forced Tim Walz to step aside. As Minnesotans realized the staggering scope of the fraud and expressed their growing frustration, Democrat Party leaders knew Tim Walz was an embarrassment and unceremoniously replaced him with Amy Klobuchar.

My pledge to Minnesotans was that I would fight the fraud, stop the woke insanity that is hurting our kids and our communities, and make Minnesota prosper by getting our state budget under control and cutting taxes and regulations to attract talent and investment to our state.

But as I returned to St. Paul for the 2026 legislative session, I realized that this race was about much more than fighting fraud or economic policies. The foundational issue is whether we can stop Minnesota’s slide into socialism. When I first began saying this, people laughed a little nervously – but this is not hyperbole. Many of the Democrats who are making decisions in St. Paul are part of a growing Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) party that is gaining traction from New York City to California.

Minnesota Democrats have already adopted much of the Socialists’ platform – and are clearly doubling down on their agenda. Only a coalition of sensible Republicans, Independents, and Democrats can stop them. However, too many Democrats want the government to control more of our lives and more sectors of the economy, crowding out the private sector in healthcare, education, childcare, and employment decisions.

Democrats have passed a number of socialist policies already: letting criminals out of jail early and closing Stillwater prison as part of their effort to end mass incarceration; driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants; “free” college; and an overall increased dependency on state and federal programs instead of enabling people to develop skills and determine their own destiny.

These policies are not operating in a vacuum – they make Minnesota uncompetitive and are driving people and investment out of our state in droves.

Minnesota faces a choice: we can be the next state to fall to socialism, OR we can be the firewall that stops the spread of this ideology that has caused millions around the world to suffer in the name of “equality.” Socialism creates a bifurcated society that allows the powerful to live in luxury on the fruits of corruption, insulated from the effects of their policies that keep the masses trapped in government-run housing, education, and healthcare.

The American Dream, in contrast, gives equal opportunity for upward mobility based on hard work and skills. No other society has achieved the levels of success, innovation, wealth, and generosity enabled by free people and free markets. We cannot let the American Dream be turned into a socialist nightmare, and I will continue do all I can to ensure that Minnesota does not go down the path of New York or California.

But I will be engaged in this fight for Minnesota as a State Representative and, come 2027, as a private citizen.

After much thought and prayer, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Governor of Minnesota.

It has become apparent that the establishment political class, media, and donors have anointed Amy Klobuchar, despite her refusal to engage meaningfully on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.

Our state government and political system are broken, and after fighting for Minnesotans from the inside for the past eight years, I have determined that the best way for me to fight for the future of our state is from the outside. I believe more than ever that it’s going to take a grassroots coalition of common-sense Minnesotans to save our state. And that starts with our families, faith and communities, not government.

I am so grateful for the incredible opportunity I’ve had to go all around the state and meet so many amazing, inspiring, hard-working, patriotic Minnesotans. As a small-town girl from Crookston, I never dreamed I’d have the chance to run for the highest office in our beloved state. THANK YOU for sharing your dreams, frustrations, and hopes with me! Thank you for inspiring me to fight for greater freedom and opportunity for families, workers, students, and seniors, and to restore integrity in government and state programs.

It has been the honor of my life to fight alongside you and for you, and I will find new ways to stay engaged. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty – and it is up to all of us, not just those who hold public office, to stand watch.

My heart is filled with gratitude for the wonderful Minnesotans I have met and everyone who has supported me over the past 10 months. I am also incredibly thankful for the amazing team of professionals, friends, and family who have worked so hard to give me the opportunity to run.

I hope we have helped people see that we are facing a decisive choice in our state’s history: Do we want to follow the false promises of socialism, or recommit ourselves to freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all?

After spending 10 months driving all around our great state, I believe Minnesotans will make the right choice!

I look forward to continuing to serve the people of my wonderful House District 37A until January 2027, and I will continue to work hard for all of you every day. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to finding new ways to serve and build with all of you!

Robbins declined to endorse any of the remaining GOP candidates in the race, despite there being approximately 5 or 6 still officially campaigning. But let's face it: the only viable candidates left standing are Kendall Qualls and current House Speaker Lisa Demuth. And since both have pledged to abide by the Republican Party of MN endorsement, the GOP's candidate for governor will be officially decided at the state convention later this month. Given how a Klobee campaign is an absolute juggernaut, it would behoove Republicans to have their candidate in place well ahead of the August primary. 

I remain skeptical that anyone can slow down the Klobuchar runaway train, but if there's even a scintilla of a possibility then firmly deciding on a GOP candidate at this point is a good start. 

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

A tipping point?

In a warped way, I'm grateful the latest assassination attempt of President Donald Trump hasn't disappeared from the news cycle. I say that because we can never get to a place in our society where we become desensitized to such a thing. Heck, I remember the Butler, PA incident where Trump was actually nicked by a bullet. The press corps pretty much quit talking about it in literally less than a week. 

What is disheartening, however, is the political left's hesitance to point out the fact that political violence over the past decade or so in not a "both sides" issue. No, the fact of the matter is rather the majority of bullets have been flying from prog supporters/sympathizers. 

Quite frankly, the borderline rationalization of these events has disgusted me. Is the lust for power so addictive that leftists can't even disavow those who commit violence seemingly to benefit them politically? While I think that's a factor, there may be another component to leftist elected officials' reluctance to unconditionally condemn their violent supporters. 

Conservative commentator Erick Erickson breaks it down. 

The Democratic Party is having a Charlie Hebdo moment. pic.twitter.com/WjhwqLS0s7

— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) April 29, 2026

I get that elected Democrats and Republicans are more divided now than possibly at any time in American history. But if there's ever an occasion where they need to unify, it would be in the face of fearing violent retribution for merely calling a spade a spade. There's no way forward in a culture that is unwilling to offer significant push back here. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CDIX (WHCD aftermath edition)

 - With the release of the White House Correspondence Dinner's attempted assassin's manifesto, it's kinda difficult for progs to make this incident a "both sides" issue. As such, they choose to concern troll the intended targets, which were President Donald Trump and members of his administration. 

On Monday, the vile hags on ABC's The View had their usual deranged takes. 

Navarro is happy that Trump and his cabinet experienced the fear of a shooter coming for them because "now they know" what students go through in active shooter situations and "maybe now that they have felt the fear themselves they will do something on gun reform":

NAVARRO: But,… pic.twitter.com/EZRgNQSwXJ

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) April 27, 2026

The gal doing most of the speaking, Ana Navarro, seems woefully ignorant of recent history. In one breath, she cites the June 2017 incident where GOP Congressman were engaged in a baseball practice when a maniacal Bernie Sanders supporter opened fire, nearly killing Rep. Steve Scalise. Later, Navarro expresses how she was grateful some Republicans were at Saturday's White House Correspondence Dinner and had to hide under tables because "maybe now that they have felt the fear themselves they will do something on gun reform!"

Uhhh...hey, Ana? How many "gun reforms" did the Republicans advocate for in the aftermath of that 2017 shooting? Did you ever bother to ask them way they never brought any forth? Might be an enlightening topic on your lil' TV show if you and your fellow harpies ever wanna set foot outside your echo chamber some time. 

- Speaking of one having their head up one's derriere, former President Barack Obama has entered the chat.

Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night's shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy. It’s also a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice that U.S. Secret Service Agents show every day. I’m grateful to them – and thankful that the agent who was shot is going to be okay.

To fair, Obama posted this statement Sunday afternoon, prior to the shooter's manifesto being made public. But what was ascertained by that point was the shooter was a Kamala Harris supporter and, given his social media activity on the leftist cesspool that is Bluesky, an enthusiastic participant in leftist activities like the "No Kings" rallies. Connect the dots, Barry. 

Alas, this has been Obama's modus operandi since he was President. Remember the Pulse nightclub shooting in the summer of 2016? The gunman pledged allegiance to ISIS before slaughtering scores of people. Then *President* Obama's response? “(W)e have no definitive assessment on the motivation” of Omar Mateen but that “we know he was a person filled with hate.” 

Apparently abject denial is Barry's default sentiment when an emotionally charged incident runs afoul of his preferred narratives. 

- After Saturday's assassination attempt, some folks dug up some days old footage from Jimmy Kimmel Live! where Kimmel pretended to be the WHCD emcee/roaster. The joke which caught people's ire was where Kimmel said to First Lady Melania Trump that "you have a glow of an expectant widow." 

Uber podcaster (and longtime friend of Kimmel's) Adam Carolla shared his perspective. 

I largely agree with Carolla's perspective in that no one expressed a whole lotta outrage in the immediate aftermath of Kimmel's joke. As such, it can hardly be blamed for the actions of the gunman. And I also concede that this is a classic roast joke, one which would have been aimed at any octogenarian billionaire with a gorgeous wife several years younger than he. 

But here's the real test: what if a similar joke was aimed at Jill Biden while her feeble ol' husband Joe was POTUS? Would the same prevailing sentiment from leftists be "rElAx, SnOwFlAkEs. It'S jUsT a JoKe?" Let's just say I'm skeptical. 

In the end, was Kimmel's joke tasteless? Perhaps. Unfunny? Yup. But should the FCC be sticking it's beak in regarding ABC's broadcast license? Abso-freaking-lutely NOT!

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