Before the debate on Tuesday, I was asked by Rebel News in Canada what I would tell each side to do.
I started with Democrat Tim Walz. I said I would tell him to cut out the weird mannerisms that are off-putting to voters, and to be more like the deadpan congressional candidate who debated in 2006 (look it up on C-SPAN).
As for Republican JD Vance, I said he had to empathize. Democrats and the media had spun him as cruel or arrogant, based on his "childless cat ladies" remark (from before he held public office).
These recommendations reflect my theory, which I've explored here before, that it doesn't matter who "wins" a debate, since we live in separate media universes that tell their respective audiences what they want to hear. Rather, debates are just opportunities to get a message out to your voters and potential voters.
Vance did that. He expressed empathy for women who have abortions. He was civil to Walz. And in one notable moment, he expressed sympathy to Walz over the revelation that his son had been near a shooting in a community center.
Walz kept some of the gesticulations under control, but he frowned a lot. He also looked nervous and unstable. That is why Democrats are upset and why Republicans are happy.
It may not matter much but it boosts confidence in the Trump camp.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion describes the parting of the Red Sea and the initial trials of the Israelites in the desert, when they complained about the lack of water and food. God provides the manna from Heaven to feed them, but we see a deeper spiritual crisis among liberated slaves who yearn for slavery again.
Two interesting points. The first verse mentions that the Israelites avoided leaving via the direct route, which would have taken them toward the land of the Philistines, an ancient civilization at war with the Israelite kingdoms for many centuries before being overcome themselves by the Babylonians.
(The area of the Philistines was controlled by the later Israelite kingdoms.)
In addition, the portion describes the battle between Amalek and the Israelites. Amalek takes advantage of the vulnerability of the newly-freed slaves and attacks them. This is the essential evil of Amalek -- and the reason for the commandment never to forget what Amalek did, and to eliminate it.
The essence of ...
I have launched a new podcast (finally) at the suggestion of two neighbors who lost their homes in the Palisades Fire. It's called "Three Homeless Guys," and it will share information and inspiration about the rebuilding effort.
Check it out!
https://rss.com/podcasts/three-homeless-guys-the-palisades-fire/
What an incredible week we have coming. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is here; confirmation fights continue; a trade war looms; the fire fallout goes on; plus, the Grammys and the insane Lakers/Luka trade.
Special guests:
- John Carney, financial editor, Breitbart News, on the tariff/trade war
- John Hayward, foreign policy reporter, Breitbart News, on hostages
- Matt Boyle, political editor, Breitbart News, on confirmation fights
- Jerome Hudson, entertainment editor, Breitbart News, on the Grammys
- Dylan Gwinn, sports editor, Breitbart News, on the Lakers/Luka trade
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 PT
Call: 866-957-2874
