Thoughts on Bruce Springsteen's Endorsement of El-Sayed

 

On Monday, the day before midterm elections, Bruce Springsteen took to social media to endorse Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed:

Dr. El-Sayed is a fighter for our American Constitution, he’s a fighter for our American Democracy, and he’s a fighter against the corrupt, lawless, and anti-American leadership currently in the White House. That’s why I’m in his corner 100%.

Needless to say, when I think of El-Sayed, defender of the U.S. Constitution and democracy do not come to mind let alone being a bulwark against President Trump. When considering the latter, El-Sayed supported the Uncommitted movement which resulted in Trump winning Michigan in 2024.

Nevertheless, considering that Springsteen usually lends his name to Democratic presidential candidates, it is a noteworthy endorsement. Whether this will matter much in tomorrow's election remains to be seen whatever the outcome. But if El-Sayed does prevail then The Boss will have jumped on the bandwagon.

Whatever his reasons, I am profoundly disappointed. It makes me wonder what Springsteen thinks of Jews and Israel. Maybe I don't want to know.

Should El-Sayed win tomorrow, he will be elevated into a presidential candidate even before he is sworn into the Senate. Perhaps he will be a one term Senator before setting his sights on the White House in 2032 regardless of who is in the White House. Yet given the speed at which things move these days, it wouldn't shock me if he were to become a presidential contender in 2028 with a Senate seat being little more than a steppingstone.

With all that said, the votes have not been cast much less counted. It is still possible El-Sayed could find himself on the losing end of this race having alienated a sufficient number of Jewish and African American voters in Michigan. No endorsement of El-Sayed, not even one from Bruce Springsteen, would be sufficient to alleviate the alienation.

My Thoughts on Karl Bushby & The Longest Walk

(YouTube screenshot of Karl Bushby reuniting with his mother, Angela, in Kington-Upon-Hull, U.K. for the first time since 1998)

I must admit that until a few days ago, I was not aware of Karl Bushby's near three-decade mission to walk the Earth as part of his Goliath Expedition.

Today, Bushby returned to his Kingston-Upon-Hull home where he saw his mother for the first time since 1998.

He started this journey when he was 29. He is now 57. This walk took nearly half his lifetime.

His journey home started from the southernmost point in Chile making his way north up South America into Central America, North America, Russia, Central Asia, Europe and finally back to the U.K. 

Bushby expected to have completed this journey in half the time, but well walking the Earth isn't so easy. Some of the obstacles Bushby ran into were lack of funds, not having the proper visas necessary to travel on his route, being arrested and detained and then throw in a global pandemic into the mix. This doesn't include having to navigate rough terrain, inclement weather, isolation, scarcity of food and medicine and heaven forbid you get sick or injured. 

In Bushby's case, his military experience as a paratrooper sure came in handy. If nothing else, one learns to be resourceful with very little at hand. But even the heartiest among us have their limits.

While one has to admire Bushby's spirit, I cannot help but think of his mother who hadn't seen him for all these years. She must have wondered almost every day if she would ever see him again. While I am sure that he kept in touch with her by phone, email and regular mail, I think you can make the case that she had a more arduous journey than he did.

I can only hope that Bushby spends some quality time with his mother not to mention the son he scarcely knows and a 12-year-old granddaughter he only met today. Bushby will be embarking upon a speaking tour around the U.K. later this month. One would hope his family will be welcome to join him on this journey.

Given that Bushby has spent nearly half his life as a wayfaring vagabond, I cannot help but wonder how long it will be before he decides to embark upon another mission. If he does, I suspect that it will likely be the last time he ever sees his family.

Thoughts on Haley Stevens' Endorsement of Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

(YouTube screenshot of Mike Rogers & Haley Stevens on November 1, 2026)

Only 48 hours before Michigan voters go to the polls, Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens shocked the world by publicly endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers.

Back in August, Stevens narrowly lost the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed but had committed to supporting him. In fact, Stevens was set to campaign with El-Sayed today but El-Sayed demanded Stevens stay away from the "unity rally" when she criticized the presence of Tucker Carlson in one of his campaign ads and his less than forceful condemnation of an anti-Semitic third-party made in support of his candidacy. 

Well, Stevens took his advice to stay away and decided to endorse Rogers, something her fiancé Jason Turkish publicly did last week. 

Good for her.

In the grand scheme of things, Stevens would have been better off not making any commitment to endorse El-Sayed and tried to make him earn her support. Had he failed to do so, Stevens could have endorsed Rogers earlier in the campaign and say that El-Sayed had failed to take her concerns seriously. 

Of course, I say this knowing full well that any decision by Stevens to support Rogers would have been met with recriminations. As it stands, much of Stevens' staff has tendered their resignations with the chair of the Michigan Democratic Party announcing she had been expelled from the party despite the fact that she intends to vote for other Democrats on the ballot. Presumably this would include such as Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson who is running against Republican Congressman John James. 

As you can imagine, the Democratic Party podcastverse is absolutely aghast. While I think Pod Save America, The Bulwark and James Carville are absolutely right that Stevens has ended her political career as a Democrat, I think they are worried that Rogers is going to win. 

What Stevens' late hour endorsement of Rogers does is give Jews and African Americans who normally vote Democrat a permission structure to vote for Rogers. It might not be a majority of Jewish and African American voters, but it could be enough for Rogers to defeat El-Sayed. 

This is why Democrats are so angry with Stevens. If Stevens' endorsement of Rogers was of no consequence and El-Sayed had a guaranteed path towards victory, Democrats would not have such a visceral reaction.

It isn't to say that Stevens' endorsement of Rogers guarantees him victory either. But Rogers certainly has a better chance today than he did 24 hours ago.

Jerry Koosman Was The Greatest Left-Handed Pitcher in Mets History

Former MLB pitcher Jerry Koosman, who spent the bulk of his career with the New York Mets, passed away today at the age of 83.

A native of Minnesota, Koosman was signed by the Mets in 1964 while pitching for the Army at Fort Bliss. His catcher was John Luchese whose father worked as an usher at Shea Stadium and alerted his father of his Army buddy's talent.

Koosman would make his MLB debut with the Mets during the 1967 season pitching in 9 games. But his breakthrough would come the following year when Koosman finished up runner up in NL Rookie of the Year balloting to Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench. Koosman went 19-12 with a 2.08 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 263.2 innings pitched in 35 appearances (34 of them starts along with 17 complete games including 7 shutouts) earning a NL All-Star Game selection.

The Mets now had a one-two punch at the top of their starting rotation with Koosman being a strong number two starter to their ace Tom Seaver and things would only get better in 1969. Of course, 1969 was the year of the Amazin' Mets going all the way to win the World Series. That season, Koosman went 17-9 with a 2.28 ERA with 180 strikeouts in 241 innings pitched over 32 starts with 16 complete games including 6 shutouts and a second consecutive NL All-Star Team appearance. Koosman was the winning pitcher in both Game 2 and the clinching Game 5 of the World Series against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles.

Koosman was also a critical member of the 1973 "Ya Gotta Believe" Mets who managed to go from last place to first place in the NL East in the final month of the season. From there, they upset the heavily favored Big Red Machine in the NLCS before taking the defending World Series champion Oakland A's to 7 games. Although Koosman had a losing 14-15 record during the '73 season, his ERA was a sterling 2.84. Koosman would earn a complete game win in Game 3 of the '73 NLCS and would also combine with Tug McGraw on a 3-hit shutout in Game 5 of the World Series.

In 1976, Koosman would have his finest individual season in a Mets uniform when he earned a career high 21 wins with a 2.69 ERA, matched his career high of 17 complete games and a career best 200 strikeouts. Koosman would finish runner up to San Diego Padres ace Randy Jones in NL Cy Young balloting that season.

But how fortunes can fall. In 1977, Koosman went from being a 20-game winner to a 20-game loser. In a season which saw Tom Seaver traded to the Reds, Koosman went 8-20 albeit with a decent 3.49 ERA. Still, he tied with future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro for the most losses in the NL that season. Things didn't get better in 1978 as he fell to 3-15. While his 3.75 ERA wasn't bad, Koosman would be sent to the bullpen late that season for the first time in his career.

Koosman needed a change of scenery and threatened to retire unless he was traded to the Minnesota Twins. As it turned out, home cooking was exactly what the doctor ordered. In 1979, a rejuvenated Koosman went 20-13 with a 3.38 in 37 appearances (36 starts with 10 complete games and a pair of shutouts). Koosman finished sixth in AL Cy Young balloting. He would follow that up with a 16-win campaign in 1980.

By 1981, Koosman would have a falling out with the Twins as he was the team's player rep during that year's players' strike. After the strike ended, Twins owner Calvin Griffith traded Koosman to the Chicago White Sox for virtually nothing in return. Koosman's 13 losses were enough to be AL leader in that unfortunate category.

The trade which saw Koosman go to Minnesota would have long term implications for the Mets as one of the players acquired in that deal was a young Jesse Orosco who nearly 8 years later would be on the mound to get the final out for the 1986 World Series championship team. Orosco would have a distinguished 24-year MLB career and leads pitchers in all-time appearances with 1252.

Koosman would spend 1982 and 1983 as Tony LaRussa's swing man for the Chisox. He would taste post-season glory for the last time in 1983 when the White Sox won the AL West. Unfortunately, in his only appearance in Game 3 of the ALCS he would give up two runs in only a third of an inning against the eventual World Series champion Baltimore Orioles.

Koosman's final big-league stop was with the Philadelphia Phillies where he pitched in 1984 and 1985. Although now over 40, Koosman had a serviceable season in 1984 going 14-15 with a 3.25 ERA logging 224 innings in 36 appearances (including 34 starts and even managed 3 complete games). 

In 19 MLB seasons, Koosman went 222-209 with a 3.36 ERA in 612 appearances (including 527 starts). In 3839.1 innings pitched, Koosman struck out 2556 batters, recorded 140 complete games with 33 of them resulting in shutouts. 

Koosman is the greatest left-handed pitcher in New York Mets history. His 140 wins in a Mets uniform is still 3rd best in franchise history behind only Dwight Gooden (157) and Tom Seaver (198). Koosman is also 3rd in strikeouts in Mets history with 1799 behind both Gooden (1875) and Seaver (2541). Koosman's 26 shutouts with the Mets are tied for second with Jon Matlack with Seaver on top with 44.

Koosman is also among the greatest southpaws in MLB history. His 222 wins is 19th in MLB history, one behind future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. Koosman's 2556 career strikeouts ranks him 12th among lefty pitchers. 

Unfortunately, Koosman would get on the wrong side of the law when he spent time in federal prison for tax evasion in 2009 and 2010. He would admit that he was "suckered" in by anti-tax rhetoric and would pay the price for it.

However, one bad act does not negate a good career and an otherwise good life. Jerry Koosman will forever be part of New York Mets lore. R.I.P.

Far Left Mayoral Contender in Berlin Fears For Her Safety For Being Critical of Hamas

In September, Die Linke (a.k.a. Far Left Party) gained the most seats in municipal elections in Berlin.

Its leader, Elif Eralp, who has been described as Germany's Zohran Mamdani, is very likely to become the city's next mayor.

Well, Eralp now finds herself under police protection due to fear of Hamas sympathizers.

In an interview with Der Spiegel, Eralp was asked about anti-Semitic incidents concerning her party and acknowledged an incident where Ibrahim Ibrahim, a Hamas sympathizer who publicly praised the late Yahya Sinwar as a "hero" and a "martyr." Sinwar is considered the architect of the October 7th attacks.

However, Eralp did not want this information published for fear for her safety. If Eralp cannot publicly acknowledge anti-Semitism within her own party out of fear for her life, then who is running the show in Berlin? In other words, Eralp takes her marching orders not from the people of Berlin but from Hamas sympathizers. 

Not only is Eralp unfit for office and her party unfit to govern, but Hamas cannot wield such influence and power in German society. A real mayor, a real leader would at the very least shun Hamas and, if they engaged in violence, use the full force of the law against them.

The White House Will Become The Haunted House If Trump Never Leaves

 

With today being Halloween, I cannot help but think of the White House.

As it is, the White House is a spooky place with President Trump and his acolytes occupying it and sullying it with their presence

Yet with the demolition and desecration of the East Wing to ostensibly build a new ballroom, I believe the White House may become forever haunted.

One does not make an addition to the White House larger than the White House itself if the current occupant intends to leave on January 20, 2029.

This doesn't necessarily mean that Trump will create a constitutional crisis and run for a third term. He will simply never leave and declare the extension to be his territory.

Should we elect a Republican successor come 2028 be it JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth or anyone else then will be more than happy to let Trump remain as a President Emeritus. In which case while Vance, Rubio or Hegseth might ostensibly be President of the United States, it will still be Trump running the show.

And if we elect a Democrat in 2028, then what better place to stage a palace coup than from within the White House?

If Trump remains in the White House after January 20, 2029, and ultimately dies there, his ghost may very well haunt it for all eternity.

El-Sayed is Fine With Tucker Carlson But Deems Haley Stevens Persona Non Grata

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is having a hissy fit and is demanding that his one-time Democratic rival Haley Stevens stay away from his campaign events in the closing days of the midterms.

Stevens was set to have made a joint campaign appearance with El-Sayed. However, El-Sayed was not pleased that Stevens demanded that he take down an ad featuring a campaign ad with right-wing white supremacist Tucker Carlson and condemn a third-party ad made on his behalf blaming Israel for rising grocery prices.

Instead of showing humility or a smidgen of shame, El-Sayed dismissed Stevens concerns as "relitigating" their primary contest. No doubt El-Sayed is miffed with Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, for showing up to a Republican Jewish Coalition event a few days ago to announce his support for Michigan GOP candidate Mike Rogers. That Stevens herself has publicly endorsed El-Sayed is apparently insufficient. El-Sayed wants complete and total submission from Stevens. Well, too damn bad.

Well, what does one expect of El-Sayed who once claimed, "Israel is the reason Michigan cannot afford schools, health care, and child care,"?

No wonder El-Sayed is fine with Tucker Carlson, but not fine with Haley Stevens.

That being the case, come Tuesday, Stevens might end up with the last laugh.