Hello, readers.
First off, I must apologize. I intended to discuss my “new favorite conspiracy theory” today, but I’ll have to push that to Monday due to time constraints. I know, I’m sorry about that!
I’d give it the attention it deserves, but between moving homes and today’s graduation of the spring class at the National Journalism Center—yes, juggling multiple jobs and kids, what fun!—I just don’t have the time I hoped for.
Watch Out for Ram
Some might think Newsom has everything figured out, but I have my doubts.
After the midterm elections, I expect a number of prominent Democrats to step up for the 2028 race. Hochul, Whitmer, former operatives like Slotkin and Spanberger; on the men’s side, there’s Booker, Moore, Buttigieg, and Beshear.
But I’m cautious when it comes to Ram.
I’m not necessarily suggesting he’ll bolt, though that could be an option. Just saying, “Keep your eyes on him.”
Rahm Emanuel has been making the rounds, albeit in a somewhat scattered fashion. He’s not everywhere, but when he does pop up, it’s noteworthy.
In a recent podcast, he said, “We lost the plot.” He pointed out that Democrats, as a whole, are on the losing side of multiple culture wars—from issues with Latinos to policing, claiming everything is racist and dragging these battles into schools.
Instead of worrying about locker room access, why not focus on educational excellence? Half our kids can’t read at grade level!
With reading and math scores at 30-year lows, it’s puzzling that no one seems alarmed. It feels like we’ve lost our way as a party. The principles that once grounded us have been set aside.
Emanuel argues this is what Republicans have been highlighting for the last decade. He says that Democrats have allowed culture war issues to infiltrate various segments of American life, from corporate board meetings to flight training and beyond.
“The most successful elected officials,” he noted, “are always anchored in middle-class values—values that resonate, at least here.”
There’s a lot to unpack here. Admittedly, he was Obama’s “enforcer,” and Obama initiated much of this current climate.
Emanuel stepped back in 2010, but real strides in racial equality didn’t take off until later. What else is there to discuss?
He oversaw Chicago during its peak in violence, where dashcam footage showing the fatal shooting of a Black man was buried.
But that narrative doesn’t hold up entirely. Have you heard of Brandon Johnson? His absurd administration in Chicago filled with regressive claims about race will likely shield Emanuel from critical scrutiny.
To be fair, many criticisms against him—whether they’re about Chicago or immigration—have been tackled more effectively by subsequent liberal leaders.
Still, I wouldn’t say he’s likely to make a run. Honestly, I doubt he will.
The party seems to be crafting plans around a perspective many recognize won’t succeed. This is the same viewpoint Emanuel has critiqued in his sporadic appearances.
So, at this juncture, it’s less about whether he’ll enter the fray.
It’s more a matter of watching his moves. Emanuel’s capacity to influence and his blunt nature could work in his favor. Will he back Mark Kelly’s campaign, perhaps?
Unlike many Democrats experimenting with soft approaches, Rahm has a reputation for being direct to the point of offense, and it’s clear he stands by this.
I think he’s hinting at a plan to help steer the party in a new direction.
Republicans should take note.
Other links
Generous landlord: No good deed goes unpunished
You can’t win with these folks.
Luke: Lindsey Graham plays both sides.
(No comments on that.)
Major companies appear to overlook the MAHA method, shifting two common food items
We’re supposed to head in a different direction.
