She'll pass, but narrowly. She's personable and brilliant. But she can't quite explain her ideas because she's never had to do so: like many Ivy Leaguers, she thinks saying the right words makes it so.
Let me be more specific: she is telling the Senate she's against judicial activism, even that she's an "originalist," and yet she can't bring herself to define the word "woman" or to tell us how many unenumerated rights might yet be found to exist that aren't in the text.
The child porn stuff is toxic to Republicans and will guarantee there isn't much of a crossover. The question isn't whether she's right about the need for more lenient or flexible sentences for sex offenders -- that's a policy debate (the kind of debate she says she doesn't want to have on other topics, as a judge). The problem is that the public was told that Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) was lying. It turns out he was telling the truth about her record, and the only defense the Democrats have is to claim that she's right on the substance of the issue. Yes, Hawley is making them die, proverbially, on the hill of child pornography. (Normally Republicans aren't quite that clever or adept -- so, well played.)
She'll be a reliable liberal vote on the Court, and will not have much of an impact, except perhaps as a role model, for which purpose we are to be reminded that she is a certain kind of "woman," whatever that outdated term might mean.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call in: 866-957-2874
