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.
Back in DC, and while summer is slowing down, we are picking up the pace!
We'll start by speaking to Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow about his new book, "Breaking the Law," documenting the Democrats' lawfare system.
Next, we'll talk about the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, and the forthcoming meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska -- what might its prospects be?
We'll talk about the gerrymandering fight; the NFL/ESPN deal; and the return to campus, plus the ongoing effort to demonize Israel for having the chutzpah to fight terrorists who continue to hold Israeli hostages and plan attacks.
With:
Alex Marlow -- Breitbart News editor-in-chief, author of "Breaking the Law"
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign policy editor, on Azerbaijan-Armenia
John Hayward -- Breitbart News foreign correspondent, on Russia talks
Dylan Gwinn -- Breitbart News sports editor, on NFL/ESPN deal
Hans von Spakovsky -- election expert, on ...
This week's portion coincides with Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, the Jewish version of "Valentine's Day." Traditionally, any unmarried men and women who wanted to find a partner would go outside the city and dance in separate circles until they had caught the eye of someone with whom they wanted to connect.
Fittingly, the Torah portion contains the central prayer of the Jewish faith -- the Shema, which is followed by the commandment to love the Lord (6: 4-5)
The additional reading, from Isaiah 40, begins: "Be comforted, be comforted, my people." It inaugurates seven weeks of such readings of comfort, leading up to the Jewish New Year. The message: this week is all about reconnecting.
I should have noted in my message about the weekly Torah portion that this week is Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of Vision. We are about to mourn -- but see through that pain to something better that lies beyond, on the other side.
Wishing you the best vision -- and an incredible reality to follow. It happens!
