This is probably the biggest week of the election. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will face off in the first (and probably the only) presidential debate of 2024. It's also one of Harris's few unscripted appearances, raising the stakes.
What do I think will happen? I've been saying the debate doesn't matter -- that Harris's supporters will simply see the debate they want to see, and will focus on male/female dynamics. Trump supporters, too, will overlook any of his mistakes.
But Harris has a lot at stake. If she comes across in a presidential manner, she could shore up what looks (at the moment) to be slightly sagging support. If she fails, she will likely boost Trump's momentum. There won't be second chances.
Based on past debates, I think she will do fine. She has considerable presence onstage, and will come across as officious and dignified. She has no doubt been practicing her talking points and will deliver them. So I don't foresee collapse.
However, I have not been particularly impressed by anything she's done so far this election cycle, and her few unscripted moments -- such as the one CNN interview with Tim Walz -- have been rather uninspiring, to say the least.
But we'll see.
We will also look at the Middle East -- as Israel reaches the seven-month mark in its war against Hamas. A week of protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fizzled -- but the major challenges remain.
Special guests:
Curtis Houck - managing editor of NewsBusters, Media Review Center
Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi (Res.) - founder and director of IDSF
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Call in: 866-957-2874
President Donald Trump is on his way to the Middle East for a triumphant reception in Israel after concluding a hostage deal many thought impossible. We'll discuss the deal and some of the potential pitfalls still ahead.
And, of course, the government shutdown grinds on. Who would have thought? (I did -- I predicted, and still believe, that it won't end until the first week of November, after the off-year elections, because that's what this is about.)
We'll also talk about cultural issues, and America's sudden apparent turn to religion. It's a good thing, right? Yes, with a few caveats. Charles Murray, never one to shy away from controversy, will join us to share his thoughts on faith.
Special guests:
Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
Jacki Alexander - CEO of HonestReporting, on Israel and war coverage
Charles Murray - author of "Taking Religion Seriously," on Americans' faith.
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call ...
This week's Torah reading is a special one for the Sabbath that occurs in the middle of the holiday of Sukkot. The intermediate days of the holiday are not as holy as the first and last, but the Sabbath has its own special splendor.
This week's reading is about the reconciliation of God and the Jewish people after the sin of the Golden Calf. Moses intercedes on the Israelites' behalf, and God rewards him with a new set of tablets -- and a renewed connection.
In the same way, the ceasefire deal that went into effect Friday, October 10 -- ending the war and heralding the return of the remaining Israeli hostages -- marks a renewal of the relationship between the Jewish people and God.
The October 7, 2023, terror attack took place on the last day of Sukkot -- which was also a Sabbath that year, and which is celebrated in Israel as Simchat Torah, typically one of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar.
The terror attack turned happiness to shock and despair. But the subsequent victory, won by...
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
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