In the hubris following Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, given the indisputable public mandate he enjoyed on November 5, 2024, it is understandable why Republican victories previously thought unattainable are now conceivable without the reproach, the reality back then in the hotel You are already at the airport and getting on the plane. One such possibility is the California governorship, which will be voted on next in 2026 when Gavin Newsom leaves office. No, really.
Although it is still a distant dream, it is not impossible to imagine that the office once held by Ronald Reagan will once again be in the hands of the Republicans. People, regardless of race or gender, vote with their wallets. Should the economy outside of California respond positively because of Trump’s policies, while the not-so-golden state sabotages its chance to enjoy its share of this financial renaissance because its response to Trump’s election is that the Gavin Newsom-led effort to do so Aim to cut him off If the right candidate delivers his message directly and powerfully to the people, he has a legitimate shot at Sacramento in 2026 as several Democrats jockey for position to stab each other in the back in an attempt to defeat Newsom substitute.
Also coming into play is leading contestants’ penchant for misinterpreting the title of Guns N’ Roses’ debut album and believing that an appetite for self-destruction is the key to success. As Bob Hoge and Sister Toldjah have reported here, Vice President Kamala Harris’ astonishing November 26, 2024 video appears to be more of a crude, blatant attempt to end Harris’ political career forever than an attempt to rally the troops.
Vice President @KamalaHarris‘ Message to supporters. pic.twitter.com/x5xMUGTtkz
– The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) November 26, 2024
Here is a transcript for those who don’t want to listen to the clip.
I just have to remind you…never let anyone take away your power. You have the same power as before November 5th, you have the same purpose as before November 5th, and you have the same ability to engage and inspire. So never let anyone or circumstances take away your power.
Um… wow.
Harris’ name has been mentioned along with House Speaker Katie Porter as possible candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race in California. Porter, whose shortcomings have been detailed here (Bonchie did a great job summarizing several of her foibles in September 2023), has found herself in the headlines again for all the wrong reasons, as she recently filed a restraining order against her ex. Friend. The details are not pleasant.
On Tuesday afternoon, a judge approved an order requiring Willis (Porter’s former boyfriend of several years, Julian) to have no contact with and stay away from Porter and her children until the next hearing in mid-December, according to court documents reviewed by POLITICO. He also granted her request that Willis not contact her current or former employees or colleagues about her. The judge denied Porter’s request for restraining orders for adults she doesn’t live with, including her mother, noting that they would have to apply for their own restraining orders.
The letters detailed in the filing include threats to call Child Protective Services to remove her children from care, attempts to extort thousands of dollars from her, and “defamatory” false accusations, including that she had genital herpes. (Porter provided test results to the court to prove she does not have this sexually transmitted disease.)
Porter said in her statement that Willis has struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues that have resulted in Willis undergoing two involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations since 2022.
Yes, this is a mess.
There is a spiritual aspect to consider. One of the hallmarks of Christianity is the adoption of the dictum of of uncertain origin but firmly rooted in the truth: “There I go, if it were not for the grace of God.” The believer takes no joy in the misfortune of others, not even of his most determined opponents. Instead, he or she sees it as an opportunity to share the gospel with people in obvious need, knowing that God’s grace alone will save them from similar misfortunes. The Scriptures are full of examples of humanity at its most profound, resurrected to serve Almighty God and to share in Jesus’ promise that those who believe and repent will have eternal life with him. From Rahab the prostitute, to the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus during his crucifixion, to Saul (later Paul), who persecuted Christians until he had them killed until Jesus revealed himself to him on the road to Damascus, Let’s see God uses the worst to make the best of people helping others by doing his work.
While it is impossible to condone sin, whether our own or the sin of others – Harris and Porter’s unyielding approval of abortion on demand is unreasonable – it is equally impossible not to extend the same hand of grace to all that Jesus has offered us grace to reach. Admittedly it is a challenge; One can only imagine Harris and Porter’s immediate reaction if a (yuck!) conservative came up to them and started spreading the good news. Yet we must share it because that is our commandment: to love one another as Christ loved us and gave his life for us. This also includes Democrats. And who knows? We serve an all-powerful God whose word is more powerful than any argument against man can muster. As we read Hebrews:
For the Word of God is living and dynamic. It is sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Even the fiercest enemy can be led to the path of justice if he or she embraces the nail-marked hands. It’s worth a try. As is the formation of a single forceful Republican candidate for governor of California in 2026.
