I've been to many Republican conventions, but this is the first one at which it feels that victory is likely. It's an unusual feeling and worth savoring, because it is rare. In fact, I'm not sure we'll ever see a political week like this ever again.
Take the following recent sequence of events:
- Biden's debate collapse
- Calls by Democrats for Biden to drop out
- Trump survives attempted assassination after being shot
- Federal judge dismisses documents case against Trump
- Polls in swing states, and even some blue states, favor Trump
- Biden, trying to show stamina, comes down with COVID (I wish him well)
There is a profound sense of optimism in Milwaukee, as well as a feeling that the party is becoming more diverse while also coming together. And the theme of faith has also been consistent throughout the convention.
It feels like victory.
Highlights from the stage thus far: undoubtedly the Gold Star families of the 13 service members killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal; Peter Navarro, right out of prison, defiant against "lawfare"; Amber Rose on her political conversion; the Jewish religious student and the parents of an American-Israeli hostage.
JD Vance was solid, and took an interesting line: America is not just an "idea," as President Joe Biden likes to say; it is also a nation, a land, a people. I think that is the essence of "America First" populism, and it was refreshing to hear. His wife, Usha, is impressive, charming, authentic, and appropriately demure.
And President Donald Trump has yet to address the gathering. Tonight. Wow.
This is my first broadcast from the new office and studio in Washington, DC, where I'll be for a couple of years my neighborhood back in L.A. cleans up -- and as we follow the Trump administration from a little closer up than usual.
Topics:
- The anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump
- The escalating tariff battle with various different trading partners
- The future of the Middle East peace talks, and ongoing antisemitism
- The Jeffrey Epstein files and whether they mean anything at all
- The continued crisis of the Texas floods, and stories of heroism and survival
And more!
Special guests:
- James Rosen - Newsmax chief Washington correspondent
- Bob Price - Breitbart News Texas reporter, on the ongoing floods
- Robert Cahill - Trafalgar Polling, on a new alliance of reliable pollsters
- Rabbi Yaakov Menken - Coalition for Jewish Values - on Israel & antisemitism
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
This week’s portion tells the grand story of the prophet who tried to curse people of Israel and instead ended up blessing them.
I am reminded that these portions continue to be relevant anew, as this particular reading lent the title for Israel’s recent 12 Day War against Iran, “Operation Rising Lion.”
This week's portion includes the commandment of the red heifer -- one of the classic "irrational" commandments whose fulfillment is an expression of faith. It also includes the regrettable episode in which Moses strikes the rock.
I referred to this story in a wedding speech last night. Why was Moses punished for striking the rock in Numbers, when he struck the rock without incident in Exodus -- both for the purpose of providing water to the people?
The answer is that in the interim, the Jewish people had received the Torah, which is like the marriage contract between the people of Israel and God. In a marriage, you do not resolve things by breaking boundaries, but through love.
The additional reading, from Judges Chapter 11, is the story of Jephthah (Yiftach), a man whom the leaders spurn, but to whom they must turn to save the nation. The parallels to our present political circumstances are striking.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Fourth of July!
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