Yes, there will be a presidential debate tonight. We're probably not going to learn a whole lot.
As I often say, this may be political, but it is not about elections.
Eric Sammons, editor-in-chief of Crisis Magazine tweeted earlier today, "I honestly don't understand people whose voting decision will be impacted by the debate."
At first glance, I agreed with him.
I thought about it a little bit, however, then replied, "I’d guess most of the 'deciding' will be between either candidate and not voting at all. I may cut them a break, particularly Democrats who don’t end up voting Harris. If it becomes an exercise for picking a candidate, those people are insane." This is the proper analysis.
[I'm @BrianDOLeary on 𝕏-Twitter if you ever want to play in my sandbox.]
Now, Trump is not well-liked by roughly half of the electorate. We already know that a good many folks are committed to NOT vote for the former president. If he completely disgraces himself tonight, some of those who may have thought about "holding their nose" and voting for Trump may hold back their vote altogether.
My prediction is that tonight Trump, at times, will be funny but will also use the better part of the evening to wipe the floor with Harris, pointing out many, if not all, of the current vice president's giant inadequacies as a candidate, politician, and human being.
If Trump fails—perhaps if he's not light-hearted enough in his annihilation of the VP—that could turn the on-the-fence Trump voter away.
Nothing Harris can do, however, will ingratiate her to that voter. See, nobody is really "switching sides" here tonight.
Harris is a known quantity, and it's not as if she is generally disliked—at least not to the degree that Trump is.
She's just dumb. And she's your prototypical social climber, which is entirely unbecoming.
Kamala Harris also holds views about America and its people that will destroy the country as we once knew it. We're going to be in rough shape if her ticket wins. The decline will be rapid.
Trump, on the other hand, is nowhere near a perfect candidate, but his election does not portend a disintegration of the social and moral fabric of our country (and perhaps our physical world), no matter what the institutional left and its lackeys in the media have to say about it.
Furthermore, those who intend to vote Harris-Walz tend to ignore how monumentally stupid and evil their candidates are, and the only thing they typically care to recognize is the (D) after their names.
I guess ignorance is bliss for some. But, in reality, ignorance is really a burden.
Education—real learning—therefore, is the antidote to ignorance.
Sure we can take classes, read books, listen to podcasts, and all that stuff, but it is important that we are taking action. Passively consuming media only goes so far. It becomes our own responsibility to take action and solve for any gaps in our knowledge.
A lifetime of learning. Days full of effort and action.
We don't hear a whole lot about workshops lately. Events where we can put education into action.
Yet, my pal John DeRosa, who was part of my Inner Sphere program's Thursday night junta over the summer, has done exactly that.
Not only does John produce regular shows as the host of the Classical Theism Podcast, he has a full-time job teaching high school mathematics, is a devoted husband and father, and has just started a series of workshops that will help you better defend your Catholic or Christian faith.
His next one will be the Bible Objection Workshop for Parents, Teachers, and Catechists on Thursday, September 19.
Some of the most vitriolic objections to Catholicism—or Christianity in general—come from those ignorant of the Bible. It's like these people don't read.
While there aren't many arguments coming from their side, many of us are woefully unprepared for their attacks.
John not only is providing a space to work through the attacks, he literally has a PLAYBOOK for you.
Plus, DeRosa will prepare you to face the objections you will undoubtedly encounter if and when you defend the Bible, as one should. It's a one night workshop.
DeRosa says all he needs from you are 70 minutes of your time.
Right now, John is giving you an early bird discount of $25 if you sign up today. (Plus, one of his bonuses only available for Early Bird Registrants is for exclusive access to an extra 20-minute live Q&A session.)
If you use the following link, you'll also get an extra 20% off his Bible Objection Workshop.
There are more bonuses to unlock when you get to the page and register. Keep in mind that it is a live workshop, but if you can't make it to the live session, it will be recorded and you can watch or rewatch the workshop on your own time.
Get the early bird pricing of $50 today (plus another 20% if you use the link). On September 14, the price goes up to $75 and I'll have to see what I can do to shake another discount out of DeRosa's pockets.
As always,
Brian
