Jim Kenney
Jim Kenney could re-elect Donald J. Trump. That seems incredibly far-fetched, but some Democrats think it is possible, even while violently hating the idea. Here’s how the theory goes: Pennsylvania is a purple state, largely conservative except for Greater Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College. To win, a statewide candidate
Uncategorized
A presidential political campaign that began in January 2019 with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement of candidacy, and attracted enough candidates to fill a Septa subway car, ended Thursday with the acceptance of nomination by former Vice President Joe Biden. Ironically, the party that fetishizes diversity and accuses everyone else
Uncategorized
The third night of the Democratic National Convention was planned as Ladies Night, but the trophy was taken by a man, former President Barack Obama. If that sounds sexist, so be it. Like he did when we first saw him on the national stage at the 2004 DNC, Obama lit
Uncategorized
The Democrats rolled out the second night of their unconventional convention, and — Spoiler Alert! — Joe Biden received the nomination for president. That came during the roll call of states — you know, that cornball process where someone from the state, usually in a dumb hat or dress, gets up to bellow
Uncategorized
I settle in my armchair, notepad at my side, expecting two things from the first night of the Democratic National Convention. First, a shower of oatmeal around the personalities of Joe Biden and his historic pick for VP, Kamala Harris. Second, a hose of vinegar aimed at the incumbent president,
Police
A tipster tells me when the city begins negotiations with the police department, one wish list item is removing commanders from the FOP bargaining unit. By “commanders,” they mean ranks starting with captain, FOP President John McNesby tells me. About 120 people are in that group. That’s a “divide
Uncategorized
Not so long ago, in a city very near, I contemplated doing 50 years at the Philadelphia Daily News, and then retiring. Why do 50 years? Because I could. I got to 47. Not to brag, I never took a sick day. That’s mostly luck, the blessing of good
Israel
Score one for President Donald J. Trump. The historic agreement by the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations with Israel is, as Joe Biden said in a different context, a Big f’n deal. It is the first Israeli/Arab diplomatic handshake since Jordan recognized Israel in 1994, following Egypt
Uncategorized
There is an old joke, either created by Frank Rizzo or at least constantly repeated by him: A conservative is a liberal who got mugged. The joke came to mind as I read a recent column by Solomon Jones, who contributes columns to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which means he is
Cancel Culture
We have a monumental problem, one that is statuesque, too — monuments and statues falling victim to vigilantes of the cancel culture. It’s happening across America, but I will focus on Philadelphia, the Birthplace of America, a land designed by and for the rule of law, or so we thought.
Freedom of Speech
In the 21st Century, America’s 18th Century foundational freedom of expression is under attack, usually from those who see themselves as progressive, caring, inclusive, and stuffed with Political Correctness. On college campuses, the incubator of tender feelings and future leaders, 1 out of 5 believe in prohibitions on free
Uncategorized
When I read that the genius Mayor Bill de Blasio is setting up checkpoints at Noo Yawk tunnels, bridges, and airports today, it reminded me of the “old” days when traveling in Western Europe required travelers to stop and identify themselves at the frontier. The “papers, please” stops, let’s