BIDEN EXITS, ANGEL ROCKS

Nikki Haley (2nd from right) and MAGA World’s convention buzz was quickly undone by the grace and excellence of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and WNBA star Angel Reese. (Photos credit Getty, X, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated)

A weekend potpourri

You did good, President Joe Biden. Late, yet, inadvertently splendid timing. Totally ruined Republican post-convention momentum. If MAGA Rep. Jim Jordan subpoenas you - claiming you hid your unfitness to serve - use your presidential immunity and say, “screw you little man.” (Oh, wait, Marco Rubio already claimed the nickname “Little”).

While we are talking about Biden, how fortuitous was it that his team pushed for the early debate, instead of waiting until September, per usual? If Biden’s disastrous debate performance happened in late-September, Democrats would have been stuck with Biden, i.e., trapped like mice. So, flowers to whoever came up with the brilliant idea to have an early debate.

Democratic National Committee, where are the ads? Time is wasting! No matter who is nominated the contest hasn’t changed. It’s democracy vs. fascism. It’s the Constitution vs. Project 2025. It’s rule-of-law abiders vs. felons. Ads should already be blanketing the airwaves and social media. Momentum can be elusive. Don’t squander the jolt of positive energy you just received!

If Kamala’s the one, so be it. Pick a VP and let’s go! Urgently, let’s GO!

Dems, focus on, and tie Trump/Vance/Republicans to three overarching themes: democracy vs. fascism; the Constitution vs. Project 2025; and Trump’s criminality (and Vance/Republican support of Trump’s criminality). Rinse and repeat: democracy vs. fascism; the Constitution vs. Project 2025; Trump’s criminality. Employ concise, easy-to-absorb breakthrough messaging for an electorate that is bombarded daily with messages about all sorts of things. And do not let up. Do not play nice. Play to win!

We already knew this, and it was on full display at the Republican National Convention; The GOP is overstocked with spineless, obedient fools.

Among the biggest MAGA fools is Nikki Haley. She cemented her legacy as a pathetic, malleable bootlicker with her speech at the RNC. Not long ago calling Trump “unhinged” and “unqualified,” Haley opened her convention speech by compliantly proclaiming, “I strongly support Trump” as she sought approval from a racist misogynist who could care less about her. Someone should tell Nikki Haley that, despite what the conservative “tradwife” movement says, we long ago evolved from the 1950s-era when a woman brought a man his pipe and slippers.

Did you notice broadcasters did not show alleged pedophile Rep. Matt Gaetz’s reaction when Trump’s 17-year-old granddaughter was speaking at the RNC? Just sayin’.

Shifting gears, the WNBA All-Star game Saturday night, pitting the U.S. women’s Olympic team (made up of WNBA players) against the WNBA All-Star team, was outstanding. The women of the WNBA delivered a competitive basketball game rather than the lame sideshow all-star game the NBA puts out. It was exciting, top-notch hoops with a spectacular performance by game MVP Arike Ogunbowale, who scored a record 34 points (all in the 2nd half). Ogunbowale was also game MVP in 2021 and has now twice led the WNBA All-Stars to wins over the U.S. women’s Olympic team. How is it that Ogunbowale will not represent the USA in Paris?

WNBA rookie Angel Reese, playing for the WNBA All-Stars, was also par excellence while recording another double-double peppered with spectacular plays. Reese, a national champion while playing at LSU, is what’s known in sports as a winner. Her on-court and on-set interviews after the game revealed a smart, funny, energetic young woman. If, after Saturday night, you are still hatin’ on Reese look in the mirror because you are the problem not Angel Reese. Many in the media owe Reese an apology for creating the unfounded, false impression that she is a rotten apple.

In closing, Tiger Woods please follow Biden’s lead and move on. Please, Tiger, just go away.

Douglas FreelandJuly 22, 2024