Trump Announcing End of Israeli Military Assistance Won't Mollify Anti-Semites Like Congresswoman-Elect Chevalier

Yesterday, as Americans were voting in the midterms, President Trump blurted out that the United States would cease sending military aid to Israel at the end of the year.

Trump claimed this was mutually agreed to decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Whether it is or it isn't, one of Trump's rationales simply doesn't hold water.

Trump argues that ending military aid to Israel will end "a bad talking point."

It will do no such thing.

On the contrary, anti-Semites now smell blood in the water.

Case in point is New York Congresswoman-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier.

Ending military aid is not enough.

We need to end US taxpayer funding for Israel’s war crimes, a full arms embargo, and the Palestinian right of return.

In other words, Chevalier is seeking to bring Israel to an end, a violent end if necessary.

Let us remember the day after October 7th, Chevalier attended a pro-Hamas celebration of the massacre in Times Square sponsored by the DSA. Her attendance at this event was praised by none other than NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. 

Trump is a fool if he thinks ending aid to Israel is going to end anti-Israel and anti-Semitic hate.

It is one thing if Israeli civil society were to be broadly in favor of ending U.S. military aid for the sake of greater autonomy in military affairs. It is another if the policy is implemented to mollify anti-Semites. 

Those who espouse the hatred of anti-Semitism such as Congresswoman-elect Chevalier, Mayor Mamdani and, for that matter, Senator-elect El-Sayed cannot be mollified nor are they amenable to moderation or reason. 

After 30 Years in The Senate, Collins Concedes to Jackson in Maine

Holy poop on a stick!!!

After 30 years in the Senate, Susan Collins will soon be out of office as she has conceded to Democrat Troy Jackson. 

With just over 72% of the vote counted, Collins trails Jackson by more than 6 points.

Still, I am a little surprised Collins conceded. Maybe she just doesn't want to continue with her party now in the minority.

As of this writing, Democrats have gained 7 Senate seats - North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, Iowa and now Maine. They only needed to gain four seats and not lose any of their incumbents. 

Well, I think it's time for me to go to bed.

Iowa Voters Do The Democrat Daily Double Electing Turek to Senate & Sand as Governor

(Senator-elect Josh Turek and Governor-elect Rob Sand)

On Tuesday evening, we saw both Ohio and Texas flip both their gubernatorial and Senate seats from Republican to Democrat.

Voters in Iowa also did the Democrat daily double electing Josh Turek to the Senate and Rob Sand as Governor. 

With 96.6% of the vote counted, Turek, an Iowa State Rep. and former Paralympian, defeated Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson winning 50.5% of the vote compared to 46.4%.

Meanwhile, Sand won his race even more decisively winning 56.1% of the vote versus 43.9% for Republican Zach Lahn with just over 94% of the vote counted. 

Turek becomes the first Democrat elected to the Senate in Iowa since Tom Harkin won his fifth and final term in 2008 while Sand is the first Democrat elected Governor in Iowa since Chet Culver in 2006. 

Considering that President Trump carried Iowa by 13 points only two years this is a reversal of fortune every bit as remarkable as Ohio and Texas.

Adam Hamilton Becomes 1st Democrat Kansas Voters Have Elected to The Senate Since 1932

 

With 93% of the vote counted, Kansas voters have elected Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton to the Senate ousting Republican incumbent Roger Marshall. 

While Kansas voters will elect Democratic voters, it marks the first time a Democrat has been elected to the Senate in Kansas since 1932.

Marshall, an OBGYN, became notorious for suing his patients resulting in some of them being jailed and reveled in it.

It could literally be said that Hamilton was on a mission from G-d as he is the leader of the largest Methodist congregation in the country. 

This is an astonishing night for Democrats and it is not yet over.

A Blue Wave in Texas - Talarico Beats Paxton for Senate While Hinojosa Ousts Abbott as Governor

 

Texas has truly undergone a Blue Wave.

As widely expected, Texas voters elected Democrat James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton. With 68.2% of the vote counted, Talarico has trounced Paxton by nearly 20 points. 

What was not so widely expected was Democrat Gina Hinojosa trounce three term Republican Governor Greg Abbott. With just under 70% of the vote in, Hinojosa has earned 56.7% of the vote versus 42% of for Abbott. Texas Democrats have been coveting a Blue Wave from the likes of Wendy Davis, Beto O'Rourke to Collin Allred for quite some time.

Of course, it was Trump who insisted that Republican nominate Paxton over four term Senator John Cornyn. But the fact that Abbott got ousted as well demonstrates tonight's results goes beyond Trump. 

Talarico is the first Democrat elected to the Senate since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988 while Hinojosa is the first Democratic Governor since Ann Richards in 1990.

Ohio Voters Elect Democrat Amy Acton as Governor & Return Sherrod Brown to Senate

With 87% of the vote counted, Ohio voters have elected Amy Acton to be their next Governor. Acton earned 50.9% of the vote compared to 45.7% for Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. 

It is the first time Ohio voters have elected a Democratic Governor since Ted Strickland in 2006. For the context of this race, Ramaswamy went out of his way to display his indecency as compared to Acton's commitment to public service during the COVID pandemic. 

Ohio voters have also returned Sherrod Brown to the Senate. Brown lost his Senate seat to Republican Bernie Moreno in 2024. With 87.3% of the vote counted, Brown earned 48.6% versus 46.5% of the vote of Jon Husted who succeeded now Vice-President JD Vance in the Senate.

In recent years, Ohio had become a reliable red state. At least for the moment, Buckeye voters have told Republicans to buck off.

South Carolina Voters Elect Democrat Annie Andrews to Senate

 

South Carolina voters have elected Democrat Annie Andrews to the U.S. Senate. Andrews defeated Darline Graham, the sister of the late Lindsey Graham.

With 93% of the vote counted, Andrews earned 50.6% of the vote versus 47.2% for Graham.

Following Graham's sudden death in July, South Carolina Republicans nominated his sister over Republican Congressman Ralph Norman mainly at the behest of President Trump.

Graham simply did not have her brother's political talents and didn't help her cause when she said, "National security is not my thing."  The younger Graham also came across as sullen and abrasive while Andrews, a pediatrician, came across as competent, prepared and reasonable. 

As with Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, Andrews is the first Democrat to be elected to the U.S. Senate since 1998 back in the days of Fritz Hollings.

As of this writing, Democrats have flipped North Carolina and South Carolina and only need to flip two more seats (assuming they don't lose any seats) to gain control of the U.S. Senate.

In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First African American Woman Elected Governor in U.S. History

While most voters in Georgia are focused on Jon Ossoff's re-election to the Senate given the perception of him as a Democratic presidential candidate, history has been made in its gubernatorial race with the election of former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms the state's next Governor. With just under 80% of the vote reporting, Bottoms has earned 54.5% of the vote versus 45.5% for Republican Rick Jackson.

After 250 plus years, a U.S. state has elected an African American woman to govern them. 

This is absolutely remarkable and absolutely long overdue. 

I have admired Bottoms from afar and during the brief time I lived in the city. Hell, I remember when I wanted Joe Biden to pick her as his running mate.

Of course, Stacy Abrams laid the groundwork for Bottoms' rise to the top this evening back in 2018 and in 2022. But Bottoms brings plenty to the table in her own right. Let us also keep in mind this is the first time Georgia voters have elected a Democratic Governor since 1998.

We are going to hear a lot more from Keisha Lance Bottoms for many years to come.

Mariners Take Chance on Kanzler as New Manager

The Seattle Mariners have hired Jason Kanzler to be their new manager. 

This is the first time Kanzler has managed at any level other than at the high school level. Kanzler, 36, spent the past three seasons as the Director of the Player Development for the Chicago Cubs.

Prior to joining the Cubs, Kanzler had spent five seasons with the Houston Astros organization including two seasons as part of the big-league coaching staff under the tutelage of Dusty Baker. Kanzler would earn a World Series ring while with the Astros in 2022. He beat out Joe Espada, who was Baker's successor in Houston despite reaching the post-season with a .500 club.

Of further note, Kanzler also spent three seasons as a minor league outfielder with the Minnesota Twins organization. 

Kanzler succeeds Dan Wilson who was let go at the end of the season when he could not lead the team to replicate its success in 2025 when they went to the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Can the Mariners rebound under a fresh face in 2027 in a relatively weak AL West? Or will Kanzler be expected to lead a rebuild of the team?

As with most first time MLB managers, Kanzler is an unknown quantity. But this is especially true in Kanzler who has never previously managed at the professional level. In some ways, Kanzler is as risky a hire as the San Francisco Giants hiring collegiate coach Tony Vitello. Thus far, Buster Posey's hire hasn't paid dividends, but next season need not be this season.

Unlike Vitello, Kanzler has spent time in a big-league dugout and knows the thrill of a World Series triumph. In which case, let's keep our minds open.

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.

Cambridge City Council Rejects Israel Boycott But Supports Divestment Measure

Last week, I wrote about my public testimony against the latest effort to persuade Cambridge City Council to support BDS measures against Israel. 

Yesterday, Cambridge City Council convened to determine a course of action. 

The result was a split decision. There were two separate resolutions - one was for the city's pension fund to divest from “companies with severe and consistent involvement directly contributing to genocide, apartheid, and occupation of Palestinians" with the other for the city boycott companies which do business with Israel. 

Cambridge City Council defeated the boycott measure but passed the divestment measure.

Yes, the outcome could have been worse, but the passage of the divestment measure is not a good thing. It singles out Israel for genocidal behavior while ignoring countries which actually commit genocide. It is only a matter of time before the pro-Hamas mob persuades Cambridge City Council to take up the boycott measure. 

All of which means that the anti-Semitic hatred in this city will continue to fester until there is bloodshed and violence.

Trump Still Wants to Rig The Alaska Senate Election Regardless of Democratic Shenanigans

(From left to right: "Independent" Dan Sullivan, Republican Dan Sullivan, President Trump & Mary Peltola)

Last week, I wrote about President Trump's efforts to rig Alaska's Senate election after he got the DOJ involved.

The objection was confusion over the presence of two Dan Sullivans on the ballot - the incumbent Republican Senator and an independent.

It now appears via the New York Times that Alaska Democrats were responsible for placing this second Dan Sullivan on the ballot and that Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola had knowledge of the plot despite her denials. 

This changes things.

At the same time, it doesn't change things.

It changes things to the degree that Peltola and Alaska Democrats have given Trump a gift. It has given the DOJ the opportunity to issues subpoenas as well as an opportunity for Alaska's Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy to launch his own probe.

But nothing has changed in that Trump was happy to use to the DOJ to prevent a Peltola win regardless of whether Democrats were involved with the independent candidacy of Dan Sullivan. Trump doesn't want a Peltola victory under any circumstances and is willing to use the DOJ for his own personal aims.

Simply put, Alaskans will have to decide if they are more offended with Trump interfering with their election or if they are more offended by Democratic shenanigans with the other Dan Sullivan.

In a better world, Alaskans would have a better set of choices to make. But we don't live in that world.

Patrick Stewart Made It So

 

Late this afternoon, I read of the passing of actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation. 

Stewart died following what his spokesperson described as “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.” He was 86.

This has been a sad week for Star Trek fans as Stewart's passing comes only 72 hours after the death of Walter Koenig, who portrayed Ensign Chekov on Star Trek. 

I must admit it took me a while to accept and appreciate Stewart as the Captain of the USS Enterprise. Then again, it took Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry some time to be sold on the idea of having an otherwise obscure bald middle-aged British Shakespearean actor be at the helm of the Enterprise. 

Patrick Stewart was not William Shatner. While I personally prefer Captain Kirk over Captain Picard, Kirk's successor had to be distinct and display his own kind of strength. Stewart's voice could recite a technical manual and make it sound like a sonnet.

In other words, he made it so. R.I.P.

Brewers Win 1st World Series Title; Best Rays in Five Games

(A screenshot of the Milwaukee Brewers after winning the 2026 World Series featuring World Series MVP William Contreras, October 28, 2026)

The Milwaukee Brewers have won their first World Series title in franchise history beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 to win the Fall Classic in five games.

Their franchise began in the Pacific Northwest as the Seattle Pilots in 1969 but would move to the Midwest the following season. Originally a Junior Circuit team, the Brewers did win an AL pennant in 1982 under manager Harvey Kuenn. Harvey's Wallbangers featured the likes of Hall of Famers Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Ted Simmons and Rollie Fingers along with AL Cy Young Award winner Pete Vukovich, Cecil Cooper, Jim Gantner, Ben Ogilive, Gorman Thomas and Charlie Moore (who sadly passed away earlier this year). Alas, they would fall just short losing in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Some very lean years would follow. The Brewers moved to the NL in 1998 and would not return to the post-season until 2008 and again in 2011. Since 2018, the Brew Crew have made post-season appearances in 8 out of the last 9 seasons including 6 NL Central titles including four in a row. For the past three seasons, the Brewers have been managed by Pat Murphy.

This year following a 13-13 start, the Brewers went 90-46 the rest of the way. Despite winning 2 out of every 3 games since late April their longest winning streak this season was 5 games. They did that four times this season including twice in September. Steady but unspectacular got them to 103 wins and an 11-2 record during this post-season dispatching with the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS and now the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series.

The Brewers won Game 1 & Game 2 by the scores of 3-2 and 5-4 in front of the hometown crowd in Milwaukee. As it turned out, the hometown crowd followed them to Florida as flights & tickets were cheaper in St. Petersburg than in Milwaukee. 

Those who followed the Brewers to Milwaukee South were rewarded with a 10-1 blow out in Game 3. The Rays would deny the Brewers a sweep in Game 4 with a 12-inning 4-3 victory. The Tampa Bay Rays are a great team. It's too bad their fans don't seem to want to show it. Maybe the Rays should just move to Montreal. 

Brewers catcher William Contreras was named World Series MVP. Contreras went 9 for 21 (.429) with 4 RBI. This is Contreras' second World Series ring earning one previously with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 during his rookie season. 

A parade is in the works for the people of Milwaukee. While Milwaukee did have a parade when the Bucks won the NBA Title in 2021, this will mark the first time a baseball championship parade has convened since 1957 when the Milwaukee Braves beat the New York Yankees in that year's World Series. It proved to be Hank Aaron's only World Series ring.

Whatever else they from this day forward, the likes of Contreras, Jake Bauers, Brice Turang, Cooper Pratt, David Hamilton, Jackson Chourios, Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, Christian Yelich, Jacob Misiorowski, Trevor Megill, Aaron Ashby and DL Hall will be part of Milwaukee lore. 

The only sad note to all of this is that Bob Uecker didn't live quite long enough to see the Brewers finally win the big one. Then again maybe he did and we just didn't notice.

Congratulations to the Brewers. The next few days in Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin are bound to be as good as it gets.

NY Governor Hochul is Wrong: Her Job Won't Get Easier if Netanyahu Loses

In an interview with Politico, New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul was asked if her job would get easier if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses his country's elections which took place yesterday:

A lot easier. And here’s the challenge: I represent the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel. And I know they’re suffering. A lot of people are anxious about antisemitism, which is sky-high right now. And I take that personally, because I represent everyone. I went to Israel right after Oct. 7. I saw a lot of pain there. But I actually cautioned the government there, in private conversations, not to overreach. The world is with you when it comes to the brutal assault by a terrorist organization known as Hamas on innocent Israeli people. An overreach could change that dynamic, and that’s what’s happened. We have to have leadership there that understands the security of Israel is paramount — critically important to me, but also the world — but to have a safe Palestinian state as well, which has been talked about my entire life. I still believe that this can happen. I believe we have to get people of goodwill who can make this happen, and as long as Netanyahu is sitting there, that is not in his interest to do that. It’s just not, and it won’t happen.

Hochul is simply wrong.

For starters, it is not for her to say who should win Israel's elections any more than it is for President Trump who recently endorsed Netanyahu. 

Who forms Israel's next government is up to Israelis and only Israelis.

But let's say that opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot becomes Israel's next Prime Minister. 

How that make her job any easier?

Does Hochul think NYC Mayor Mamdani will suddenly stop singling out Israel because Eisenkot becomes Prime Minister?

Does Hochul think Eisenkot becoming Prime Minister will ease the dogma of the pro-Nakba crowd at Columbia University?

Does Hochul think that anti-Semitic attacks in and around NYC synagogues will suddenly cease because Netanyahu is suddenly no longer Prime Minister?

If antipathy towards Israel didn't cease during the 18 months Netanyahu was out of office when the Arab List's Mansour Abbas held the balance of power between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid then why would the antipathy cease if he leaves office once more?

Hochul says she supports a two-state solution and chides Bibi for not wanting one. With whom should Israel negotiate this two-state solution? Hamas? Or Mahmoud Abbas who cancelled Palestinian elections yet again?

Frankly, Hochul should be more concerned about her re-election campaign even if she is leading Republican Bruce Blakeman by 14 points. The polls can always be wrong.

Susan Saint James Was The Name of The Game

 

(Screenshot of Susan Saint James from The Name of the Game)

I was saddened to hear of the passing of actress Susan Saint James. She died of pancreatic cancer yesterday at the age of 80.

Saint James has been out of the public limelight for many years having last acted in 2011 on an episode of Suits. But there was a time when Saint James was a fixture on television. Her first notable role was as Peggy Maxwell on the NBC TV series The Name of the Game co-starring with Gene Barry, Robert Stack and Anthony Franciosa between 1968 to 1971. She would win her lone Emmy for this role. 

Saint James would then co-star with Rock Hudson in the NBC Murder Mystery TV series McMillan and Wife from 1971 to 1976 before finding success once more with the CBS TV sitcom Katie and Allie with Jane Curtin from 1984 to 1989. 

It wasn't until about 2013 that I saw The Name of the Game when it aired on COZI TV. Saint James was the thread that kept the show running as the three male leads would alternate episodes. There was an energy and exuberance to her performance which served as a counterbalance to her older male co-stars. Her portrayal of Peggy Maxwell exemplified a good-hearted idealism which could occasionally get her in hot water. Barry, Stack and Franciosa didn't try to stamp out Peggy's idealism but helped fine tune it by subtlety pointing her in a better direction. The Name of the Game is a vastly underrated TV show with a groovy opening theme composed by Dave Grusin.

In thinking about Susan Saint James, she shares one harrowing thing in common with Walter Koenig who passed the day before she did. Both of them had children predecease them. Koenig's son Andrew took his own life in his 40s in 2010 while Saint James' son Teddy Ebersol was killed in a plane crash at the age of 14 in 2004. 

The crash also injured his father Dick Ebersol and older brother Charlie Ebersol while killing the pilot and crew. The younger Ebersol was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, and several baseball fields were constructed along the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge in his memory.

One can only imagine the grief she endured losing her youngest child. Yet upon her passing, her family marveled how she composed herself with remarkable reserve and strength stating, "Even in the deepest grief of her life, she put everyone else first."  

Susan Saint James found her own way to carry on. That was her name of the game. R.I.P.

Thoughts on The Anti-Semitic Incident at The St. Louis Blues Game Last Week

(Screenshot from Facebook)

Anti-Semites have become emboldened when it comes to demonstrating their hatred of Jews.

This ugliness would rear its head last Thursday at an NHL game in St. Louis. During the match between the St. Louis Blues and the Vegas Golden Knights, two banners were unveiled. One read, "Israel Kills" with images of blood accompanying a crossed-out Star of David with the other read "Free America from Israel" with imagery of the Statue of Liberty.

Blues owner Tom Stillman issued the following statement this morning:

The St. Louis Blues organization — and I personally — condemn antisemitic rhetoric in all forms. The vile messages of hate briefly displayed at our game last Thursday were unfortunate and unforgivable, and not remotely representative of our fans or our hometown. Our arena staff and local law enforcement responded immediately to confiscate the prohibited banners and eject the offending individuals. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we will never allow it in our building.

Frankly, I cringe when I hear or read the statement "anti-Semitism has no place in our community" because it is usually little more than a platitude. However, Stillman gave the statement teeth when he added that "we will never allow it on our building" and backed up their words with action.

Freedom Convoy USA, the organization responsible for this garbage, had no shame:

We spent multiple hours talking with the good people of St. Louis outside and inside the arena. And an overwhelming majority agreed: they don’t want their tax dollars funding Israel’s genocidal military while they struggle to afford food, housing, healthcare, their children’s education and the basic necessities of life.

Blues fans have every right to ask why their tax dollars help fund Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people -- while their own communities struggle. In a city at the heart of America’s defense industry, those questions hit close to home. They deserve answers, not smears.

Criticizing Israel is in no way, shape or form antisemitic. Tom treating the two as interchangeable actually holds Jewish people collectively responsible for a state’s actions, and that’s incredibly antisemitic. Tom Stillman should know better than to silence legitimate criticism by branding it hate.

For starters, I think the last thing most people attending a hockey game want to talk about is politics. Going to a sporting event is about enjoyment and to be away from miserable people who suck the fun out of life.

Nothing is more anti-Semitic than claiming that Israel is sole reason Americans struggle to afford food, housing, healthcare, education and the necessities of life. They might as well as utter the statement in the original German.

Aside from repeating the "Israel is committing genocide" lie, Freedom Convoy USA has some chutzpah in claiming Stillman is anti-Semitic. They claim to decry holding Jewish people collectively responsible for Israel actions and yet take a look at their mission statement:

The 2026 Freedom Convoy is a grassroots, cross-country journey bringing Americans together to learn, connect and have honest conversations about Israel and Zionist influence in the U.S., U.S. foreign policy, American priorities, and the impact of our government's decisions on hardworking Americans.

Zionist influence?

When they say "Zionist influence" they mean Jews. Let us not pretend otherwise. 

If the phrase "Zionist influence" isn't about putting a target on the back of Jews, then nothing is.

For bad measure there is also the demand to "put American families and children first".

This is anti-Semitism 101 straight out the KKK/Aryan Nations playbook.  

While it is unfortunate that this disgraceful act occurred, I am heartened that the St. Louis Blues organization put a bodycheck on anti-Semitism.

Walter Koenig Was Far More Than Chekov

 

(YouTube screenshot of Walter Koenig from a 1994 interview with Paul Rosa)

This afternoon, I learned that actor and writer Walter Koenig had passed away at the age of 90 via a message on BlueSky by his friend and Star Trek co-star George Takei. 

Koenig is, of course, best remembered for his portrayal of Ensign Pavel Chekov in the second and third seasons of Star Trek appearing in 36 of 69 episodes and subsequently reprising the role in seven Star Trek motion pictures between 1979 and 1994. 

Last month, around the time of his 90th birthday, I came across a series of YouTube shorts of an interview Koenig did in 1994 with Paul Rosa. It is an extraordinary interview on both ends. Sadly, Rosa passed away less than a year ago in November 2025. 

One need only hear a minute to recognize that Walter Koenig was so much more than Chekov. I am grateful that Rosa took the time to delve into this most fascinating man. 

Although Koenig was certainly not dismissive of his association with Star Trek, he questioned if he deserved all the attention he received as he believed Chekov to be "an expository character" who was often little more than furniture in a given scene. Although I have no doubt Koenig would have been pleased the last time he portrayed Chekov in the Star Trek: Renegades TV series a decade ago who by that time had become an Admiral. At the time of the interview, he would have been happy if mention had been made that Chekov had become a Captain.

In the grand scheme of things, Koenig took more pride in the theatre whether as an actor or as a director and in writing whether for TV, comic books and novels. At the time of the interview, Koenig had also begun to portray the villainous Psi Cop in the syndicated sci-fi TV series Babylon 5. He was also two years removed from having received quadruple bypass surgery and was looking to make the most of the time he had left which turned out to be another three plus decades.

In 2010, Koenig experienced every parent's worst nightmare when his son Andrew (also an actor) took his own life at the age of 41. Koenig had to grieve in front of the whole world in real time while finding the strength to urge others going through the same ordeal to reach out and talk to someone, anyone because there are always people who care. In 2022, Judy Levitt, Koenig's wife of 57 years passed away. A loss like that makes it very difficult to carry on even with a strong support network.

While Walter Koenig was more than the sum of his association with Star Trek, he will be forever linked to the show through space and time. With Koenig's passing, there remain two original cast members - William Shatner and George Takei, who are 95 and 89, respectively. 

Sadly, there is no love lost between the two. However, in view of the circumstances, one would hope the two would bury the hatchet even if it is just between the two of them. But sometimes there are galactic sized chasms that are too big to overcome. In which case, perhaps the best one can hope for is for Shatner and Takei to raise a glass to the stars and bid their friend and colleague a peaceful voyage. R.I.P.

Down With Liberty Biberty & Other Light & Transient Causes

 

This afternoon, I attended a most unusual protest. 

The target of the protest was Liberty Biberty, one of the mascots in various Liberty Mutual ads. The gathering took place in front of Liberty Mutual's world headquarters in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. Excluding curious onlookers like myself, I would estimate approximately 50 protesters showed up.

The protest was organized by a YouTuber named DimesAreTasty. Aside from the relatively close proximity of the gathering, I have to admit the Liberty Biberty Muppet is kind of annoying in comparison to Limu Emu and Doug and the struggling actor in front of the Statue of Liberty who uttered Liberty Biberty as a nonsense line.

What also drew me to the protest was its relatively humorous nature. As a fellow I met following the protest named Stephen told me, "It could be worse. They could be burning down buildings like they are in France." All things considered, there is room in the world for spending time on light and transient causes.

DimesAreTasty held a livecast during the protest interviewing people who showed up with signs and chanting, "What do we want? Liberty Biberty? How do we want him? Dead!!!" 

The protest took a turn when a pro-Liberty Biberty protester dresssed up as Liberty Biberty burst upon the proceedings accompanied by his girlfriend who was dressed up Doug. He decried the body shaming of Liberty Biberty and demanded DimesAreTasty eat dimes but he didn't give a dime.

It was all pretty amusing although the line between humor and hatred was a thin one when one of the protesters grabbed the pro-Liberty Biberty protester's sign and tore it to shreds. But things did not get out of hand. The confrontation made the protest that much better.

A passerby saw the spectacle and said there were more worthy things to protest. Yet I think this was the point of the protest. While there is some genuine annoyance with Liberty Biberty, I see today's gathering as a protest of protests. If nothing else, this protest had a touch of wit attached to it. 

Thoughts on B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan's Graceless Remarks

About 12 hours ago, I wrote about the B.C. Conservatives' election victory and complimented the Premier-elect Lorne Doerksen for sounding forward-thinking, measured and reasonable.

His remarks stood in stark contrast with those of B.C. Green Party leader Emily Lowan, who won a seat in the legislature on Vancouver Island making her one of two Greens elected last night.

It is well worth noting that Doerksen made a point of praising Lowan:

I also want to recognize Emily Lohan and congratulate her on an incredible campaign. British Columbians can be grateful for her passion, (and) all that she's done to inspire thousands of young British Columbians to get involved. So, thank you, Emily.

Suffice it to say, Lowan did not reciprocate stating, "We are the only party who is equipped to stand against the Conservatives and their existence." She could not bring herself to congratulate Doerksen and acknowledge the choice B.C. voters had made.

It didn't get much better from there. I should note that Lowan read from prepared remarks and was at times halting, hesitant and possibly on the verge of tears.

While I agree with Lowan when she says, "government is supposed to make people's lives better", I have my doubts as to her and her party's part in that endeavor. 

We're holding the weight of both the joy of this victory and what comes tomorrow. And I'm going to be honest, I'm scared. I'm scared for what's to come.

Frankly, we know what's coming: cuts to health care, child care, (and) public services that people count on; attacks to the rights of trans people, Indigenous communities and immigrants; and a government that will put fossil fuel profits ahead of our fture and billionaires ahead of workers. 

When I heard Lorne Doerksen speak tonight, I thought one thing: the Conservatives are promising everything that they're going to abandon....correction, give away!

No, watch the next years. As housing cuts continue, housing bills, our rent continues to rise, grocery bills (go) through the roof, and our hard-earned money that will continue to line the pockets of foreign multinationals.

This isn't to say that the incoming Conservative government in B.C. won't implement policies that aren't in the best interest of the province and they ought to be taken to task for doing so. But predictably Lowan is short on solutions and substance.  

I was watching the B.C. election coverage online via Global News and they cut away from her speech. Had they decided Lowan's remarks weren't too depressing they would have seen she has every bit as harsh on outgoing B.C. NDP Premier David Eby:

And I think we have to take a moment to remember how Eby's tenure started. He stole power from social movements and who revitalized their party. He used an expensive witch hunt to oust a popular, Anjail Appadurai, to ascend the throne.

Unelected, he took control of the party and he turned his back on the social movements that created the B.C. NDP.

He took labour unions for granted and he did everything that big industry told him to do.

Lowan still wasn't done going scorched Earth on Eby:

Eby is part of a trend around the world where corporate liberals, with all of their tepid tinkering, create the desperate conditions for working people to ask for their oppressors to save them. We saw it in the U.S. in 2016, and again in 2024, and we're seeing it here because the establishment parties are not learning their lessons. That is why I got into politics. We are facing the death rattle of the old world. We are facing it.

I should mention that Lowan is all of 26. While it is remarkable that she is leading a political party at that age, I think her lack of maturity is on display for all the world to see.

Lowan could have congratulated Doerksen and the Conservatives acknowledging the will of the voters. She could have also pledged to hold them account if they saw fit to cut public services or attacked the rights of trans and Indigenous peoples. Simple, direct and to the point. 

There is a time and a place for criticism and there is a time and a place for graciousness. 

I can only hope Lowan will evolve when it comes to the latter. Unfortunately, I think Lowan is so wrapped in dogma that it might impede her maturity - political and otherwise.

B.C. Voters Oust NDP in Favor of Conservatives

 

(B.C. Premier-elect Lorne Doerksen during his acceptance speech following the Conservative election victory on October 24, 2026)

On Saturday, voters in British Columbia ousted the NDP government which had been in power since 2017 in favor of the Conservative Party led by Lorne Doerksen.

As of this writing, the Conservatives are leading and elected in 62 seats with the NDP reduced to 29 seats with 2 seats for the Green Party including for leader Emily Lowan. This marks the first time a Conservative Party has been elected in B.C. since 1933.

It is a remarkable reversal of fortune for the B.C. Conservatives which had been in the death throes under both John Rustad and later Kerry-Lynne Findlay as recently as 7 weeks ago. Soon to be former NDP Premier David Eby figured it was the time to strike while the Conservatives were down, but his call was seen as self-serving. With tonight's outcome, the only NDP government remaining is in Manitoba under Wab Kinew. Eby gambled big and lost big. He has now tendered his resignation as B.C. NDP leader.

I am listening to Doerksen and he sounds forward-thinking, measured and reasonable. He was gracious with Eby and praised Lowan's hard work. This isn't a Maple MAGA. 

But given the chaos which beset the Conservatives under Rustad and Findlay, I do wonder if the knives will eventually come for him. Doerksen will soon have the power the people gave him - for now.

Billie Jean King Took The Ball & Ran With It

 

This evening I took in a screening of the Billie Jean King documentary Give Me the Ball! at the Brattle Theatre as part of the GlobeDocs Film Festival sponsored by the Boston Globe.

Before I get into the film, there were a few logistical snafus. For starters, I tried to get ticket on the GlobeDocs website but could not buy a ticket for the film. I had to buy the whole package. 

So, I decided to buy directly from the Brattle box office just before the show. But I was told I couldn't buy a ticket directly from the box office. Fortunately, there was a rep for the festival there and it was determined that I could in fact buy a ticket directly from the box office.

However, for reasons I could not fathom, I was charged for two tickets. The Globe Docs people didn't know what to do with it. From there, I met the Brattle's creative director, Ned Hinkle, who gave me two passes to use at a future show. I told Ned that I am big fan of the Marx Brothers Marathon. In any case, I have a year to use the passes.

After seeing the film, Give Me the Ball! is an apt title because even in her early eighties (she turns 83 next month), Billie Jean King's drive and determination is a force with which to be reckoned. 

King was drawn to sports at a early age much to the consternation of her mother who wanted her to be more ladylike. Her father and younger brother Randy, by contrast, were in her corner from the get-go with Randy often playing by her side. 

Soon, Billie Jean was introduced to tennis and the by the age of 12 decided she wanted to be the number one female tennis player in the world. Not longer after that Randy decided he wanted to pitch in the major leagues. Both siblings would achieve their dreams.

By 1961, Billie Jean would win her first Wimbledon doubles championship with Karen Susman. Five years later, Billie Jean would her first Wimbledon singles title. But at the time there was no prize money. By the time prize money was introduced in 1968, women were paid a fraction of what their male counterparts received despite often being the bigger draw among tennis fans.

Billie Jean channeled her outrage into action by helping to establish the Viriginia Slims tennis tour and then founding the Women's Tennis Association turning the sport into a lucrative business for female tennis players. Yes, she needed Phillip Morris' cigarette money and Bristol Meyers pharmaceutical money to get it going but she got it done even over the objections of her male counterparts including Arthur Ashe which is something of a surprise given him being a champion of racial equality.

Much of this was done in collaboration with her husband Larry King who managed the business and financial side of the enterprise. Ultimately, their marriage would be strained by not wanting children up to including an abortion pre-Roe v. Wade as well as Billie Jean's coming to terms with the fact she had feelings for women resulting in a toxic relationship with a woman which would end in blackmail. All of this complicated by an eating disorder that took years to properly address.

Oh yes, she had to deal with Bobby Riggs. While much of Riggs' misogyny was showmanship and playing the heel, he ended up believing his own hype. After Riggs lost to Billie Jean in the Battle of the Sexes, he whispered to her, "I underestimated you."

I think underestimating someone who won six Wimbledon titles, four U.S. Open titles plus an Australian and French Open title not to mention revolutionizing her sport is a mistake.

In time, Billie Jean's personal life found equanimity. She has been with fellow tennis player Ilana Kloss for over 45 years marrying in 2018 while her husband remarried, became a father and named Billie Jean and Ilana as their godmothers. 

Following the screening, there was a brief Q&A with Chris James, one of the documentary's co-producers. Billie Jean's younger brother Randy Moffitt, who pitched for 12 seasons in MLB with the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays, was sporadically mentioned during the film. 

I asked James about Billie Jean's commentary and his level of support for her when her sexual orientation was made public. James indicated that the two were very close until his passing last year. His team very much wanted to interview him but that he was simply too ill to participate. I wish Moffitt had been able to participate because it would have been nice to hear more about their relationship and his insight on her success as well as his own.

Well, if I ever get the opportunity to meet Billie Jean King, I will ask her myself. That is provided that I can keep up with her.