The Middle American

The 5th GOP Presidential debate is tonight and the first caucus/primary of the 2024 Election is next Monday in Iowa.  I preview both.  I also discuss Mark Harris, a pastor running for Congress in the 8th District of NC who blames Democrats for "stealing" his election bid in 2018 - one where his own operative was charged with fraud for harvesting ballots.  And finally I dive into the underage sex-fueled cesspool that is the Jeffrey Epstein saga and the names of prominent elected officials who were unredacted this week in court documents.  

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  Unless you live in Colorado and are a Trump supporter, as his name may not be on the ballot for the upcoming primary thanks to the state's Supreme Court decision in Anderson v. Griswold.   The effort to keep Trump off of both the primary and general election ballots is currently being fought in state and federal courts across the country - an all are based upon Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.  Unsure as to why or how this works or what will happen if and when it gets to the United States Supreme Court?  I've got you covered.  Tune in for the topic that will dominate the headlines in early 2024 - as the issue is not as clear cut as you think regardless if you love or despise Trump.  

The House voted to open an Inquiry to impeach President Biden.  Based on what?  This episode gives an overview of the impeachment process, the context of the history between President Biden, his son Hunter, and foreign business deals that allegedly enriched the "Biden Brand."  And how one phone call to Ukraine seeking to start an investigation led to the impeachment of Trump while another phone call to Ukraine seeking to end an investigation could lead to the impeachment of Biden.  

In the midst of celebrating Hanukkah, America is grappling with increasing anti-Semitism - most notably on display on Capitol Hill where three presidents from Harvard, MIT and Penn could not answer a simple question as to whether a threat of genocide of the Jews would violate its universities' codes of conduct.  "RINO" Senator Thom Tillis opted to endorse Bill Graham over Mark Robinson in the NC gubernatorial race.  And SNL once again reveals its political bias in a tone-deaf cold open that received a cold reception from its audience.  

The Final Four.  DeSantis, Haley, Ramaswamy and Christie all took the stage in Alabama to debate why they should be the Republican nominee.  Donald Trump again did not.  Did any of the four actually set themselves apart from the others?  Did anyone set their sights on taking down Trump?  Yes and no.  As to the latter, it is becomingly increasingly clear that nobody wants to actually take the nomination away from Trump in fear of losing his base.  

Democrats have ignited the "Trump will be a dictator" tactic to coincide with the "end of democracy" tactic employed in the 2022 midterms.  It worked then, will it work again in 2024?  North Carolina has expanded Medicaid to roughly 600,000 residents through bipartisan agreement.  And Florida State gets left out of the playoffs based on bad lobbying efforts by Ron DeSantis - at least according to Trump.  

An ongoing pause in the Israeli-Hamas conflict is resulting in one hostage released for every three prisoners.  Is that an ideal deal?  And what about all the Americans who remain captive?  A lawsuit filed Monday is seeking to negate the lines recently drawn for the 2024 election.  And fake articles written by fake authors at Sports Illustrated.  

This week there is an age theme.  POTUS just turned 81 and the electorate is increasingly demanding someone younger, a youthful 23-year-old just one a national championship coaching at a premier college program, and kids go viral in their support for Bin Laden and his views on America.  

We've had another candidate drop out of the Republican Presidential race.  How does that impact the race going forward?  The Lieutenant Governor in North Carolina is visiting Israel.  Will that sway Jewish voters?  And the mob is out to cancel Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh.  Is that a good thing (for non-Buckeye fans) or is it a microcosm of a bigger issue in our society?

Missed the 3rd GOP Presidential Debate?  I've got you covered.  In the most substantive of the three debates so far, I'll go over all of the topics addressed by the remaining five candidates, DeSantis, Haley, Scott, Ramaswamy and Christie.   I'll also give my view on each topic and how still none of these five have sufficiently gone after the man who remains conspicuously absent, former President Trump.  Can the GOP bounce back from what was yet another disappointing election night, prompting Vivek to call the GOP the "party of losers"?  

Election Day 2023 is here.  I discuss a new poll out from the New York Times a year away from the 2024 election that shows a rather significant lead for Trump in 5 of 6 swing states.  But is there more behind the numbers?  There are notable influences with the economy and a certain independent candidate.  For North Carolinians, voter ID is required at the polls in a dry run for next year's cycle.  Here is a quick refresher and for a more in-depth discussion, feel free to listen to the Voter ID episode from April of this year.  Go Vote!

Back to our regular format, I discuss the growing divide amongst the Republican Party as evidenced by the 3-week Speaker nomination fiasco, the adoption of a new legislative district map in North Carolina, and the untimely passing of everyone's Friend, Matthew Perry.  

Staci obtained a variety of degrees and developed a diverse professional background while living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  But the pandemic caused her to start looking south to a more affordable and warmer area to live.  She landed in Holly Springs and is now seeking a seat on Town Council.  Listen to her vision for the town.   

Annie has a background in engineering while also working with non-profits since moving to Holly Springs.  She has also been on her HOA Board.  Now, she's decided to dedicate her energy towards improving not just her neighborhood, but her town.  Hear her discuss her vision for the Holly Springs Town Council.  

Brian is a pastor who arrived in Holly Springs in 2013.  Now he is looking to lead an electorate over a congregation.  Hear him discuss his values and how they impact his vision for Holly Springs and his run for Town Council.  

Danielle is the only candidate who is currently on Town Council.  Previously, she worked on the Hear her discuss her experience on the Council, the issues she has already addressed, and why she is seeking a second term.  

Chris is currently the Chair of the Planning Board in Holly Springs where he has dealt first-hand with the growth being experienced in the area.  But he also has coached many kids in town on the baseball field and believes that both experiences can translate into a successful run for the Town Council.  Hear him discuss his vision for the town and the issues he would address if elected.  

Brian Dennis has his mother to thank for pushing him towards getting involved in public life.  He felt that pull earlier this year and has acted on it by throwing his hat into the ring for the Town Council race.  Hear him discuss how his business-based background in finances and sales has shaped him for public office and his vision for Holly Springs.  

Google Jack Turwald's name and the controversy surrounding the Holly Springs Town Council's refusal to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance fills the initial results.  But Jack's campaign for Town Council goes far beyond an ordinance.   Our conversation focuses largely on a five-pronged platform and Jack's vision for Holly Springs - ranging from housing affordability to equity to government transparency.  

Travis Groo is the Chair of the Wake Libertarian Party and a recent resident of Holly Springs.  He believes that all politics is local and abides by the Non-Aggression Principle in both his personal and public life.  Hear how his experience and fresh look at the growing community translates to a run for Town Council