As I write this, Donald Trump is at 51% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses, with almost all of the precincts reporting. Trump hit his majority and won with a record margin -- for Iowa, for any contested primary. Yes, he's the presumptive nominee. But it's more than that.
First: the voters have sent a message to Democrats that none of the stuff they have tried against Trump has worked. He is bigger than ever before, and it's not because of some "cult"; it's because the Democrats suck at governing, and now they're behaving like tyrants.
Second: the voters have sent a message to the judiciary. Judge Chutkan in DC made the point that Trump can't evade "justice" just because he's running for president. But now he's not just a candidate; he has massive support. Can you jail that man for trifles?
Third: this is a message for Trump. He lost Iowa in 2016; he won in 2024 by big margins. What changed? History, yes, but also -- Trump didn't do too much stupid stuff this rime.. He didn't snub voters or tweet nonsense. He was disciplined. He shook hands. He rallied.
If Trump can carry that discipline with him through the rest of the campaign, then he will be our president-elect, this time next year. Because nothing they have thrown at him has worked. Or will work. He is his own worst enemy and best opponent. Good luck to him.
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
