I recall a story about a football coach -- I think it was Alabama legend Nick Saban -- who won a national championship and then came into work the next day to study game films and prepare for the next season.
That's how Republicans have to be. On the one hand, you have to act quickly, because it's a strong possibility Democrats will pick up seats in the 2026 midterm elections, as opposition parties do, despite the current left-wing disarray.
On the other hand, you want to govern so successfully that voters reward you with continued governing power. This is, in fact, possible -- not just because the Democrats are going to have trouble regrouping, but because Republicans can achieve wins.
Republicans face a challenge, in that Trump -- unexpectedly -- outperformed the Republican ticket in general. He won't be on the ballot in 2026 (or 2028), so the wins are going to have to be especially salient for Republicans to do well.
The top priorities must be:
- Closing the border
- Resolving wars in Europe and the Middle East
- Lowering inflation and improving economic optimism
These are all doable. There are many, many other things that Trump should do, but these are the priorities for voters who came to Trump from nontraditional backgrounds (disaffected whites, former Democrats, minorities).
What you don't want Democrats to be able to say is that the Republicans took the votes of these people for granted and then did what old-fashioned GOP elites had always wanted to do. Delivery has to be on everyone's mind.
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
