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Now, let’s get to your questions (and my answers):

I listened to your commentary. I would like to know if you believe that these hearings would have had more credibility if they were truly bipartisan and Kevin McCarthy allowed to choose which Republicans would be on the committee. Why was no security provided to the capitol and if security was provided would not the electoral vote counting have continued with the distinct possibility that certification in enough key states would not have occurred. What about the reprehensible and unconstitutional way hundreds of Trump supporters have been treated? What about the fact that 1/6 has become a pretext for the accelerated weaponization of the federal government to target US citizens on the political right? — Fred N.

In my last column, I noted that it would be better if there were cross-examination at the hearings. Perhaps you missed that. I noted that the hearings, coming in an election year, had political overtones; that Democrats were trying to divert attention from nearly 9 percent inflation and over $5 a gallon gasoline. Perhaps you missed that too. Besides,  John Daly recently wrote a piece that includes detail on how Kevin McCarthy was given the opportunity for a truly bipartisan committee, and he rejected it. Donald Trump himself even recently criticized McCarthy for passing on the opportunity.

What troubles me about your comment is that you say absolutely nothing about Donald Trump’s reprehensible behavior on and before Jan. 6. You say nothing about how he incited the riot that day. Is there anything that man can do that would cross a bright line for you?

Is Jane’s Revenge the next Antifa, and can we expect another George Floyd-like summer of violence from these leftist thugs? — Steve R.

The Trump knuckleheads who stormed the Capitol have been called insurrectionists. Sounds like the thugs who are part of Jane’s Revenge, if they incite violence against the Supreme Court, will be insurrectionists too. Trump’s crew attacked one branch of government, Jane’s Revenge has another branch in its crosshairs.

Bernie, I am going to make two predictions, one Trump will run for President in 2024, and two, if Ron DeSantis runs he will beat Donald Trump in the Republican primary. Here is why, Trump will never let go of 2020 and if we keep heading off the cliff Biden is taking us, no one, not even diehard Trumpsters will want to hear about 2020 and unprovable accusations of election fraud. Ron will be able to speak to the issues that impact the voters, Don will only speak about the issue that impacts him. What do you think? — Joe M.

I hope you’re right, that Trump is defeated in the GOP primaries if he runs. I could support DeSantis — and a few other Republicans. I could never support Donald Trump.

If Trump did decide to quit with whiney talk and came out with a more straightforward “I lost, but let’s move on” message, anyway you can see him getting back on the good side of middle of the road liberals, such as yourself? I’m pretty sure how you’re going to answer, but I put it out there anyway. — Rodney A.

First, Rodney, I’m not sure why you think I’m a liberal, middle of the road or otherwise. Maybe you think anyone who isn’t a hard-core right-winger is a liberal. I don’t know. To your question: Trump will never say, “I lost, but let’s move on” —  NEVER!  So I can’t make believe he could. I’m still amazed by how many people don’t understand the man — and his illness.  He’s a clinical narcissist and a sociopath.

Bernie thanks for writing [Monday’s] article. I think that I realize Trump lost the election. But I also know that Molly Hemingway wrote a great book called “ Rigged” and I found it compelling. The movie 2000 Mules was well done also. So yes Trump lost. But there are 75 million Americans waiting to vote for Trump again with all his warts. Even Bill Barr says he will vote for the Republican nominee vs anyone the democrats could come up with. So continue to find fault with those of us who can decide for ourselves who is going to do what is best for me and my family. All I can hope is that in 2024 Molly Hemingway will be able to write about an election that was not rigged. — Denis M.

I understand why some people voted for Donald Trump and I said as much in my column. Funny how people read and absorb only what they want. Do what you want, Denis. Vote for him if you want. You may think he’s better than the alternative. I get it. But while I won’t vote for a Democrat, neither will I vote for Donald Trump, a truly despicable human being.

Hemingway’s book is largely about Mark Zuckerberg’s funding for get-out-the-vote efforts (which were perfectly legal, though she basically portrays them as corrupt and evil), and Dinesh D’Souza’s “2000 Mules” (which suggests massive voter fraud) has been widely dismantled.

Your good friend Bill O’Reilly would disagree with you on some of your points such as Trump inciting riot. He clearly stated that the group should be “peaceful.” O’Reilly continually points to that fact. You should as well. I don’t want to do the dance with you again Bernie, I just want to point to the fact that a smart guy like O’Reilly sees things a little differently. Is he one of the blind acolytes as well? I live in Portland, Oregon and I experienced supposed “peaceful” protests firsthand. The hypocrisy from the Left is stupefying as usual. — Thomas C.

Bill disagrees with me on some points — and I disagree with him on some points. I once told my friend Bill that a journalist can’t cover a friend. It’s too difficult. I was right then and I’m still right today.

Bernie, I understand your issue with Donald Trump, but can you name one person who you think would do a better job at fixing America’s economic, foreign relation, and immigration problems? — Michael B.

Yes.  I can name a bunch of people — and none of them have Trump’s dishonesty to drag around with them. I’d rather see Liz Cheney in the Oval Office than Donald Trump … or Mitt Romney … or Chris Christie … or Ron DeSantis … or Nikki Haley. Or a few others. It wasn’t Trump’s policies I objected to, it was Trump himself.

Dear Bernie, with mass shootings and Covid seemingly on the rise, should I wear a mask or bullet proof vest to the beach this summer? I want to have a fun time but also a safe one. –2 Pfizers + 2 Moderna Chasers 

Just make sure you put on plenty of sunscreen.

How can you two gentlemen take seriously a kangaroo court run by a committee that disallowed two Republicans nominated by the House minority leader, and which presents only one side of the events of January 6? –dmckinleyp 

Have you listened to the testimony? Do you understand that it’s Republicans who are burying Donald Trump. That it’s conservatives who supported him who have the courage to say he tried to overturn the election, that he tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power?

Where and who are the rich, greedy, racist conservatives that are regularly presented to us as an existential threat to democracy? The left has Soros who puts Boudin, Gascon and many others into power positions, a non-event for news. All social media billionaires block anything non-liberal and promote only websites and news by liberals, we’re told this is acceptable. There’s the print media controlled and owned by leftists like Bezos (even some liberals are now questioning). Is this why the media focuses so much on Trump? There’s nobody else because they’ve all been limited in speech and cancelled and their twitter accounts frozen? — DonEstif

Yes, the media deck is stack in the left’s favor, you’re right about that. And they focus on Trump because they know their audience hates the man. But, come on, Don, Trump is newsworthy. He tried to overthrow the election. That’s big news. Do liberals play down stories that make their team look bad. Yes to that too. Is it wrong? Yes it is. But that doesn’t make Donald Trump anything even vaguely resembling a good guy, or a decent human being for that matter.

Bernie, I have two simple questions. One do you think some of Trump’s supporters are watching the hearings? Two do you think the overwhelming facts and inside information will change any Trump supporters’ minds? This level of insight behind the scenes is powerful. Trump really did try to steal the election. — Douglas S.

I’m sure there’s not a 100 percent boycott of the hearings by Trump supporters, but many, I assume, would rather watch something else. As for the hard-core, dedicated supporters … no, I don’t think facts will change their minds. Such is their devotion to a man who, as you say, really did try to steal the election.

I thought Tuesday’s January 6 hearing was possibly the most riveting yet, with pro-Trump Republican election officials describing just how much pressure Trump, his lawyers, and Republican congressmen were placing on them to break the law to reverse the election. Maybe equally riveting were their, and that mother/daughter election-worker team’s, telling of how many vile threats have been made against them and their families for just doing their jobs in 2020. However I saw people complaining online that Adam Schiff being their questioner hurt their testimony, being that he’s such a hack. I don’t like Schiff either, but his questions seemed fair to me. What do you think? — Ben G.

I’m no fan of Adam Schiff, either. And maybe the fact that he was asking the questions detracted, for some, from the testimony. But … I’m with you, Ben, in that his questions were fair and the answers to those questions were devastating to Trump.

I don’t know, Bernie. I’m a Republican, voted for Trump, but would like, as I’m sure many others would, to move on from Trump. We know how you feel about him. Why keep talking and writing about him? I know you have subscribers who love the guy but you’re never going to convince them that he’s all about himself and wasn’t cheated in the 2020 election. To me, the best way to be rid of Trump is for those who don’t blindly follow him to just ignore him and those that support his falsehoods. He revels in recognition and controversy. You’re a good journalist and commentator. Don’t waste your time with The Donald. — Bob K.

I know what you mean, Bob. But the House hearings are big news. I could look the other way, but I feel a need to write about them. And since Trump is the center of attraction, I have to write about him too. I’ve got another column on the subject coming up on Monday. Be assured, I wish he’d just go away and leave us all alone.

Bill Cosby was successfully sued recently over an alleged incident that occurred at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 involving a couple of underage girls. So, supposedly in the elite liberal Hollywood circles of yesteryear, Cosby had a reputation for such deviant behavior that was well known by the liberal elites of the industry, yet they all looked the other way for many years. Even back then, I would think that a black man molesting white women would not have gone over very well in public, so no matter how rich and famous he was, I think he still could have gotten in big trouble back then. So what changed? Did his words demanding that African Americans hold themselves accountable for their situations and quit blaming white people for their own failures at the infamous NAACP Awards embarrass Julian Bond so badly that The Illuminati decided that “America’s Dad” must be taken down? Your thoughts? — “Step Off The Liberal Plantation & Get Buried With Old Dirt” regards from The Emperor

I think what changed, Your Worship, was that things that used to be tolerated no longer are. I think that’s a bigger factor than Cosby’s NAACP speech, which, by the way, was a much needed gem. And I’m not sure “molesting” is anywhere near the right word. What were a couple of underage girls doing at the Playboy Mansion in the first place? You might know the answer because my sources tell me some guy calling himself “The Emperor” was a regular at the place.

Mr. G., I totally get your Off The Cuff take this week, FDT I say; but at the same time why do other people keep voting for more crime, loss of savings, higher cost of living, increased illegal immigration, nutty woke social policies, increased homelessness and unsafe mass transit, a weaker America, and generally being worse off than you were before?

Ah never mind, I know there’s no good answer here. Just venting I guess. So what are you going to do with your 18cents per gallon of gas savings this summer? For me that’s about $43. We have that to look forward to I guess. 🙄 –ScottyG

Venting is OK, my friend. They’re voting for all that garbage because they’re Democrats who apparently would rather put up with all of it rather than leave their comfort zone and vote Republican. I know, crazy! As for the gas tax savings: I plan to buy a house in the south of France with my 18 cents per gallon gift. You’re welcome to visit. One more thing: I had to look up FDT. Play nice, Scotty.

Bernie, Over the last few months we’ve learned that Georgia U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker has lied about being a high school valedictorian, lied about owning multiple companies (that never existed), lied about graduating from college (and doing so in the top 1%), lied about being a police officer, lied about being an FBI agent, and even lied about how many children he’s fathered. At this point, I’m second-guessing whether he even played football!

That said, don’t you agree that these revelations make him an early favorite to become president in 2024? — John D.

So he told a few lies. Big deal. It’s not that important. You’re making a mountain out of a mole hill. And if you don’t believe me just ask the guy who’s endorsing him, Donald J. Trump.

Thanks, everyone! You can send me questions for next week using the form below! You can also read previous Q&A sessions by clicking here.

Welcome to this week’s Premium Q&A session for Premium Interactive members. I appreciate you all signing up and joining me. Thank you.

Editor’s note: If you enjoy these sessions (along with the weekly columns and audio commentaries), please use the Facebook and Twitter buttons to share this page with your friends and family. Thank you! 

Personal note: A lot of the questions I’ve been getting lately have been very long, which has been irritating to other members. Rather than me or an editor shortening the questions ourselves (as we’ve felt inclined to do at times, including this week), I’d prefer that those asking the questions try and limit them to a reasonable length. Thank you.

Now, let’s get to your questions (and my answers):

With most of what the left puts out there, I support their basic propositions, but they take things way too far. A perfect example is gay rights during Pride Month. I am absolutely for the basic rights, dignity, and love of ALL people, a basic American bedrock principal. But then the left wants to indoctrinate and mutilate young children into this trendy transgender/non-binary nonsense. If you speak up with common sense objections and caution, the leftist mob wants to cancel and censor all speeches, books and publications that challenge their precious orthodoxy. Even their acronym is a microcosm of taking things too far. Just a few years ago it was LGB, now it’s LGBTQIA+ (I might have missed a couple of letters that were recently added). I will stand with anyone for basic human rights and freedoms. I am quite against child abuse and First Amendment abuse. Where do you stand on issues of Pride Month? — Steve R.

I’m big on civil rights, so that naturally includes gay and transgender rights. But I don’t think the left IN GENERAL is guilty of what you’re worried about. It’s a leftist fringe that wants to cancel ideas they don’t agree with. It’s the fringe that thinks men can get pregnant. They take themselves seriously but — for now anyway — we shouldn’t.

In your early writings I believe you stated that the MSM in most cases doesn’t purposely slant news, it’s relative to their political viewpoint. Forgive me if I may not be quoting you accurately. But in today’s news, do you believe that they have moved on from ignorance to outright political activism? And have journalism schools changed in your viewpoint from when you attended? — Tim H.

You have it right, Tim. In my early writings I said there was no conspiracy to get Republicans and conservatives; no conspiracy to slant the news. Bias was the product of groupthink. Put too many liberals in a newsroom and you’ll wind up with liberal bias– even if they don’t realize it, thinking their views are simply … reasonable. That was then. Now, thanks mainly (but not entirely) to cable news, too much journalism has moved to outright activism. They’re simply giving the audience what it wants — and that is biased news coverage … as long as it’s biased in their direction. I don’t have any hard evidence about changes in journalism school education, but if we connect the dots, these new activist journalists were being indoctrinated somewhere, right?

Rather than using income for determining eligibility [for student loan forgiveness], they should use vehicle value. If the borrower is driving a vehicle or vehicles whose payments exceed their student debt payment, they don’t qualify! If their cars are debt free and exceed $25,000 per car, no debt forgiveness. — Douglas C.

I’m okay with that, Douglas, but I’m not okay with forgiving any student debt. As I said in the headline over Monday’s column: If I pay your student loans will you pay my mortgage?

I completely disagree that Democrats give more largess to their supporters than Republicans. Rs love to cut taxes for their guys and only worry about the deficit when the Ds are in power. I do agree this student loan forgiveness trial balloon is a bad idea, but it also seems to have more lead than helium in the reaction to it. Still the Ds need something for November, so I think they’ll keep trying. I think it needs to be something non-means tested, like opening the National Parks for free for a week or taking marijuana off the same penalties as harder drugs (federally). It has to be something done by executive order since Congress will give Biden nothing. Still the Biden administration has to take attention off the higher gas prices (especially) and overall inflation stories. — John R.

Yes, the president “has to take attention off the higher gas prices (especially) and overall inflation stories,” as you correctly point out. As I said in my recent edition of Off the Cuff, guns and abortion may be pluses for the Democrats. But it’ll take a lot to avoid that red wave that is heading the Democrats’ way.

Bernie, what are you thoughts on Fox News being the only major network not covering Thursday’s prime-time January 6 committee hearing? Their plan is to move Bret Baier over to Fox Business to cover it, while Tucker and the regular Fox prime-time gang presumably use their shows to argue that the whole thing is illegitimate. — Ben G.

As Capt. Renault said at Rick’s Case in Casablanca, “I’m shocked!” Fox figures it’ll get more viewers if they air Carlson than if they air a hearing that will make Donald Trump and his cronies look bad. I’m surprised they’re letting Bret Baier cover it on Fox Business.

We’ve all heard about Lincoln’s cabinet termed the Team of Rivals. Andrew Jackson had his Kitchen Cabinet. FDR’s had his Brain Trust and JFK’s had the Best and Brightest. I was wondering what you’d call the Biden’s cabinet? I guess you can start with the VP in Harris, who had to hire child actors to get excited to see craters in the moon. What about Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on not getting it right on inflation? How about Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his handling of Ukraine and Russia? Then there’s Merrick Garland at Justice and his lack of interest in Hunter Biden. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his handling of high gas prices and airlines canceling flights all the time. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm telling folks to buy electric cars. The list goes on with lack of baby formula being a big one, too. What are your thoughts on how these people have done in service to our country? — Warren

What should we call the Biden team? How about NOT the best and brightest? I assume they mean well, but good intentions aren’t enough when you’re playing in the big leagues. Let’s just say, like you Warren, I’m not impressed.

Mr. G., Why can’t the idiotic GOP concede that allowing untrained and unsupervised 18 year olds (also idiots for a few more years) to purchase firearms and body armor is just plain moronic. Don’t they realize the points they would make with the majority of American voters if they would move off this stupid 2A excuse a little? Screw the manufacturers, they’ll survive. Who the hell needs body armor anyway unless your looking to get shot… Why are we all being such idiots? — Scotty G.

I’m with you, Scotty. I heard two GOP members of Congress on TV the other night — giving reasons for why 18 year olds should be allowed to buy semi automatic weapons. It was pathetic. That kind of thinking may go over in their particular congressional district, but the gun issue is one that could hurt — hurt, not sink — Republicans in the fall.

I spent a number of years heavily involved in electoral politics albeit at the local level, back home in Pennsylvania. While it’s true that DRT upset the applecart on my political instincts, I believe I’ve adjusted and cannot help but have those instincts kick in as another electoral season approaches. Since off year elections have become nationalized to a high degree it seems like a national strategy should be in the best interests of the combatants. My center-right side has been severely compromised by nationalistic Trumpism. I might rather say poisoned by it. Entrenched voters are a matter of turnout, not persuasion. The persuadables will turn the needle blue or red depending on the messaging/positioning in the campaigns. Most Americans are NOT radical. Never have been, never will be. My question is this, looking at the success of Glen Youngkin in Virginia, wouldn’t it be in Republicans’ best interest to take away these two hot button issues [of abortion and guns] by slight compromises to get something “done”? Wouldn’t it be in their best interests to stop sounding like invaders from the Planet Inbred and actually sound like normal humans? I can see defeat snatched out of the jaws of victory so very easily. The media is what it is. Who will be smart enough to play them? — Jesse B.

I think Democrats are in trouble come November, even with guns and abortion as issues. But I think, as you do, that Republicans might want to give a little on guns or risk looking like the uncompromising hardliners their critics say they are. As for abortion: My concern for the GOP is that they stay clear of talk about a complete ban on abortion, and even contraceptives. That’s not where most Americans are.

It’s Pride Month. I’m for the gay community celebrating all they want, but I have to draw the line at some recent events. In Dallas, parents brought young children to a gay club sponsoring  a “family friendly” daytime event called Drag The Kids To Pride. Boys (maybe girls too) came onstage to stuff dollar bills down the “costumes” of the drag queens, and also learn dance moves. When word got out, concerned parent groups protested outside the club, and it was eventually stopped. This caused a backlash in other cities and similar events were cancelled. This brought the typical accusations of homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry. I’d like your thoughts on a few things:

1. Why are some parents encouraging these events, when tolerance of gays can be taught to kids in age-appropriate ways?
2. Why does the gay community think these events help their cause, when they just reinforce conservatives’ fears that gays are trying to groom young children?
3. What would feminists say if traditional “Gentlemen’s Clubs” had events like “Jeffrey Epstein Pride Day” that encouraged dads to bring their young sons to get lap dances and stuff dollar bills down the G-Strings of the stripper girls, as well as invite young girls onstage to strut their stuff and get dollar bills from grown men and their sons stuffed down THEIR clothes ?

–“Shameful Behavior During Pride Month” regards from The Emperor

Hey, Your Highness. Let’s not pin the crazy stuff on the gay community in general. I’m pretty sure a lot of gay folks were as appalled as you about the drag queen event. Maybe parents didn’t know what “Drag the kids to pride” meant. But once they found out they should have all walked out. The crazies, as with everything else, put entire groups and communities in the crosshairs — needlessly.

Michael Avenatti was just sentenced to 4 years in prison for stealing $300k from Stormy Daniels, the porn-star Trump slept with and then paid to be quiet. Do you think a TV-movie will be made about these three some day? — Alex D.

Not a bad idea, Alex. They could even run it on CNN where Avenatti could play himself — he was once big on CNN, right?

The left has made clear (in my view) that they are not interested in compromising on abortion and guns. GOP leaders need to frame and crystallize these issues as follows:

On abortion, state that modern medicine has made huge strides and thus fetus viability is now much earlier during gestation, thus laws like Mississippi (15 weeks) should be the focal point, and make the Democrats’ position on partial birth abortion clear for all to see (the point here is to take the issue off the table, and this position is what a clear majority of Americans want).

Regarding guns, concede certain easy issues like mental illness, and define what mental illness actually means. Then, make it clear what the left really wants is full confiscation, and pound on the fact that they do little to remove guns from “sane” people in large blue cities who illegally own AND USE guns on a regular basis.

The elections this year and in 2024 will show whether traditional American values and attitudes about government and freedom will survive, or whether we will go down the Western European (and Canadian) road. — Mike F.

Since you didn’t have a question, I don’t have an answer. But I will say this: You say the left isn’t interested in comprising. I’m not at all sure the right is either. If banning the sale of semi-automatic weapons to teenagers is a bridge too far for the gun lobby … if a federal red flag law is seen by the gun lobby a an infringement on civil liberties … then gun people are as set in their ways as the anti gun people.

Bernie, I would vote for anyone, even AOC, if they proposed a constitutional amendment to limit all federal law & regs to a length not to exceed the U.S. Constitution + the Bill of Rights (i.e., 4,543 + 649 words, respectively). – I’m trying to report a simple capital gain & I’m now on my 8th IRS publication of different code sections and still clueless how. Today we are required to comply with laws, like the 20,000-page Obamacare (363,086 words) & others, that are onerously convoluted. We know about Nancy, but how can politicians pass something they can’t possibly have read & almost assuredly can’t fully understand? Yet they unfairly demand compliance by citizens. Harrumph!! — DonEstif

I am totally with you, my friend. Each year I sign my tax return … AND DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HELL I’M SIGNING. I don’t understand any of it. And, Don, they pass laws all the time they don’t fully understand. And we pay their salary, right? 

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) is currently under investigation by Colorado’s Attorney General, Department of Revenue, and Department of Labor and Employment over alleged fraud related to her 2020 congressional run. She apparently wrote herself two checks, using campaign funds, totaling more than $22,000 in driving-mileage reimbursement. When calculated against the price of gas at the time, that dollar amount equates to her having driven around the ENTIRE PLANET roughly one and a half times.

Critics are framing what she did as outrageously corrupt, but shouldn’t we be fair and consider that Boebert’s car might just get really bad gas-mileage? I mean, it’s not like her to just make stuff up. — John D.

How do we know that she didn’t drive her car around the ENTIRE PLANET roughly one and a half times. She may have made a wrong turn at Boulder and wound up in Calcutta. It’s possible.

Thanks, everyone! You can send me questions for next week using the form below! You can also read previous Q&A sessions by clicking here.

Welcome to this week’s Premium Q&A session for Premium Interactive members. I appreciate you all signing up and joining me. Thank you.

Editor’s note: If you enjoy these sessions (along with the weekly columns and audio commentaries), please use the Facebook and Twitter buttons to share this page with your friends and family. Thank you! 

Now, let’s get to your questions (and my answers):

Mr. G., Is John Durham in charge of the Supreme Court RvsW leak? How long can it possibly take to find out which clerk leaked either a hard or soft copy of a the draft? Why do I think I’ll be asking this same question until at least Nov 8th? –ScottyG

Durham has no role in uncovering the leak, Scotty. That said, I’ve been wondering the same thing as you: What’s taking so long? The list of potential suspects is pretty small. Let’s hope they get to the bottom of this soon, long before Nov. 8. Here’s a headline over a CNN story from this week: “Exclusive: Supreme Court leak investigation heats up as clerks are asked for phone records in unprecedented move.”

I thought it was great that Beto O’Rourke had the courage and conviction to crash a press conference to state the bleeding obvious to a bunch of cynical and callously indifferent people, who don’t give a damn about implementing even basic measures to address gun violence and mass murder by teenagers.

Fox News is complicit in framing him as some skateboarding goofball awhile back, but now we know he was right unless you think the Ulveda and Buffalo body count were somehow worth it. — 2 Pfizers + 2 Moderna Chasers

Nothing I can say here, my friend, is going to change your mind. So I’ll limit my comments to this: It was a cheap political stunt on O’Rourke’s part, a transparent attempt to kick start his campaign for governor. I’m for laws regarding the sale of guns to teenagers too … but to say people who disagree with you somehow think the body counts are “somehow worth it” is needlessly over the top. I understand that the subject generates a lot of passion. Like most Americans I think what’s been happening is reprehensible and that offering “thoughts and prayers” are getting old. But if you want to persuade others, let me respectfully suggest you tone it down a bit.

I wish that in your Q&A page, the questions would be much shorter in length. I read [the Q&A] for your thoughts, not someone else’s. And I wish your answers would be a little heftier. — Clark F.

I”m with you on shorter questions. As for “heftier” answers, I can’t spend hours researching every subject. So I do my best which sometimes is good enough and sometimes, I guess, falls short.

Bernie: We had another national anthem incident last week when Gabe Kapler, the San Francisco Giants manager, announced he would remain in the dugout during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner until he felt better about the direction of the country. This was in immediate response to the Uvalde, TX mass shooting. We are witnessing another example of what your friend Dennis Prager refers to with the differences between left and right. In survey after survey, conservatives remain steadfast in their love of country, while the left vacillates depending on who is president and if public policy and culture are going in their direction. When they don’t, they turn their back on the symbols of America in a statement of political immediacy. I hate all this kneeling, ignoring and parsing of the Star Spangled Banner. We even water it down by referring to “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the Black National Anthem. So we now have segregated national anthems and call it progress? In my world, everyone would stand for the national anthem – all races, genders, backgrounds, nationalities, etc. – in a statement that we all love our country, want what is best for it, and will take different and varying approaches to achieve progress. Of course, this assumes that we all love our country, which may be a false assumption. If you truly love someone or something, you would not want to “fundamentally change” it. Your thoughts? — Steve R.

I’m pretty much with you Steve, with this proviso: As long as Kapler, or anyone else, is not disrupting the anthem, I say, let it go, let’s move on … not everybody would respond the way we would. I understand how Kapler’s action might offend, how they can be seen as disrespectful. But I personally choose not to make a big deal out of it.

Regarding your comment [in last week’s Q&A] that Jimmy Carter was a “nice, decent” man. First, I can’t remember a single President who could be characterized as “nice.” As for “decent,” that’s quite a stretch for a man who has perpetuated the blatant, antiSemitic lie that Israel is an “apartheid” state. — David B.

I disagree with Carter about Israel. Strongly disagree! But does that make him less than decent in an of itself? He’s helping build houses for poor people. I’m not. I’m guessing you’re not either, David. So I don’t feel like casting stones at a guy who has done a lot of good — despite his stance on Israel, which again, I vehemently disagree with. As for me calling him “nice.” Relax, my friend. Even if presidents aren’t nice, former presidents might be, right?

It seems like everyone but me had an interest in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. I didn’t watch three seconds of it. How about you? — Ben G.

Just between us, Ben, and you have to promise not to tell anybody: I watched a little. And I had a good reason. I needed a break from the non-stop barrage of bad news. I know it’s not important. I know it’s tabloid stuff. But I needed to get my mind off BAD NEWS. Remember: Don’t tell anybody.

Sir Bernie, I see that Michael Sussman was acquitted by a pro-Clinton jury — it’s been reported that some of the jurors had donated to the Hilary Clinton campaign. How they managed to be selected is beyond me, but I digress. Do you think that anyone else could be brought to trial for illegal shenanigans in trying to make Americans falsely believe the lie that Trump colluded with Russia? Your thoughts are appreciated. –“OJ Is Innocent TOO!” regards from The Emperor

If I were a Democrat who supported Hillary Clinton, and was tried for some federal crime, I’d want to be tried in D.C. too. What a joke! He lied to the FBI but the FBI knew he was lying so … that’s not a crime? You try it sometime, Emperor and then you can submit your questions from prison. There’s another trial (about the Steele dossier) coming up soon. If the testimony is anti-Trump enough, we might get another acquittal. And the left says conservatives are a threat to democracy.

I still think Joe Biden could run again in 2024, but resign in 2025 thus making Kamala Harris President. That’s the ONLY path I see open for Harris to become President. If Republicans do take Congress in the mid-terms this November, do you think Congress would do anything to resurrect the Keystone pipeline? This is something Biden killed when he walked in the door, but with sky high energy prices and a desire to get more oil to Europe, it seems like a great opportunity to start getting more oil out of Canada instead of Russia. — John R.

I don’t see Biden running in 2024 so the rest of your scenario doesn’t play out in my head. But it would take something extraordinary, like Biden’s incapacitation sometime in the next 2 years, for Harris to ever become president. She’ll never be elected..  If the GOP takes over Congress they’d still have a Biden veto in the way of resurrecting Keystone.

Another [No BS Zone] good discussion. Now, predictions:

1. DeSantis wins again in ’22 and then passes on the presidential nomination (for ’24) by simply declaring that he ‘will support the party nominee’. Why? He’s smart enough to realize that Trump is driven to get the nomination again and will rubbish anyone who gets in his way.
2. Winsome Sears wins election as Virginia Governor in ’25 and emerges as a true rising star for Reps.
3. DeSantis runs a third time in ’26, wins, and holds his ground proving his political gravitas. This leaves the ’28 Reps with a winning ticket of Sears/DeSantis…..and it will be the lady at the top of the ticket.

Thanks again, — Andrew M. 

I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow … so I have no idea about anything in 2025, 2026, or 2028. But I don’t think Sears can be president; she was born in Jamaica.

Bernie, My Pillow Guy Mike Lindell claims to have spent $30 Million of his own money investigating the 2020 Election. If true…

1. Do you think he got his money’s worth?

2. How many people are buying this guy’s pillows that he’s able to throw that kind of money at such things?

3. Will he become president in 2024?

Thanks. — John D.

How many pillows did he have to sell to have $30 million laying around to flush down the toilet? A lot, right?

You probably don’t know this but if Mike Lindell is elected president he would be only the second person to run a pillow company and be elected President of the United States.

Who was the first? I ain’t saying.

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[From Monday’s column]: “I’m no fan of Tucker Carlson or his wild theories. I think he’s often irresponsible in what he says on Fox. Last year, he said, for example, that liberals are ‘trying to replace the current electorate with new, more obedient voters from the Third World.'”

Bernie, perhaps “replace” is the wrong word but “supplement” certainly applies with what is happening on our southern borders. This shameful situation is a recruitment plan and simple as I see it. — Thomas C.

Got it, Thomas. No question, the southern border is a mess and we can thank the current president for that.

Everyone outside of the US is thinking why is the Ulveda, TX massacre an acceptable outcome? How long is this going to be permitted to occur? Or is it the price of “freedom”? At a bare minimum, the age of gun ownership should be lifted to 21. You can’t buy a beer at 18 but you can buy an AR-15 legally, and wipe out an entire classroom. Steve Kerr’s pre-game conference summed up the public sentiment perfectly. Something is seriously wrong in the USA. — 2 Pfizers + Moderna Chaser 

I’d be for raising the age of gun ownership to 21. That won’t stop thugs in gangs who use handguns to settle scores. But it might affect teenagers with mental problems. As for Steve Kerr: It would be nice if he showed the same righteous indignation for kids who are killed on a regular basis in places like Chicago. But that I suspect would make him uncomfortable — given who those kids are and who the people who killed them are.

President Biden lurches ineptly from one issue to another, solving nothing. He is floundering badly in the most polls, I was wondering if you could put him in some perspective. His accomplishments in his long career have been sparse to be kind. Many seen to compare this administration to Jimmy Carter for poor performance. I was wondering if you thought Biden is approaching Herbert Hoover territory? — Warren

The reason he lurches from one issue to another is because he needs something that will resonate with the electorate — and he can’t seem to find it. Nothing works so he keeps … lurching. Jimmy Carter was a nice, decent man. I don’t see Biden the same way, despite what I keep hearing from his pals in the media. As for Herbert Hoover: I hope he doesn’t get anywhere near him.

It’s been 21 years since your book came out, but did you think that the bias you exposed would get as bad as it is now? When Trump was in, the media pounded on every issue they could find, and even helped invent a few (big ones). But with Biden, it’s the opposite with ignoring and intentionally not reporting things (big ones).

This weekend Jake Tapper had Brian Deese, Dir. of the National Economic Council, who said about inflation “As you know, this all emanates from Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine which took Russian oil off the market.” Tapper replied “not all of it,” (a feeble challenge), and then Deese said the last $1.50 has been due to Putin and the removal of Russian oil. WHAT A LIE!

As per the US Energy Info. Agency, in 1/21 the retail (all grades) gas price was $2.42, a year later before Putin began even moving troops to Ukraine the price was $3.413, a rise of almost $1 or 41.2%, and thru 4/22 it has risen $4.213, $1.793 or 74.1%. It wasn’t all due to Putin, it wasn’t $1.50, Russian oil didn’t immediately come off the market, and while the $0.80 rise had an escalation element by Putin, the trend in prices was well established before Vlad got itchy.

The fact that the Biden Adm. pushes this lie says that they think Americans are gullible at a minimum (and they more likely think we’re stupid), and the bleeding media gets a big assist in lying to Americans (Jake Tapper excepted). Where is the damn media? — DonEstif

Hey Don: As to your first question — did I think the bias I exposed would get as bad as it is now? NO. It’s gotten a lot worse. They don’t even try to hide their biases now. Cable is a major villain.

As for “Where is the damn media’? — They’re playing deep left field and trying their best, as you point out, to cover for Biden … though they won’t go over the cliff for him and squander what little credibility they still have.

Guys, another fine [No BS Zone] segment. Possible discussion point for next week: maybe discuss one good thing going on in our country for the citizens since January 2021. Maybe there’s a bright spot somewhere I’m missing. –ScottyG

Not a bad idea, Scotty … but not sure what that good news is right now. I’ll keep looking.

Plaid John? Seriously?? LOL!!

Great show to you both. Dripping with truth and common sense. — Titaniumman11

John tells me that “plaid is rad.”

And many thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. Tell your friends about the No BS Zone.

Indeed The NO BS ZONE for 95% of the content. The 5% that unfortunately slid into The BS ZONE was the Tucker Carlson pushing the “replacement theory conspiracy. “I watched his show. Carlson merely replayed instances of the Democrats alluding to that demographic strategy. As Carlson said, “…. because THEY said it”. “They” being Democrats of course. And that’s NO BS. — James T.

It was more than that, James. Here are a couple of examples: one and two. But again, to be clear, I’m not blaming Carlson for influencing the Buffalo shooter.

Bernie, George P. Bush suffered a devastating loss in his run for Texas AG. I’m not sure if this marks the end of the Bush family’s political influence but I do think the Republican base has gotten a lot more angry over the years and the Bush family struggled to understand and relate to that anger. Do you think the Bush family will make a comeback or are they a relic of a bygone era in the Republican Party? — Joe M.

I don’t know about George P … but the “major” Bushes, I think, are done with politics. They had their day. Nothing lasts forever.

Bernie, what are your thoughts on “red flag laws” as a measure to at least partially address mass shootings? For those not familiar with them, they allow police or family members to petition a state court to order the temporary confiscation of firearms from a person who is believed (by the police of family members) to be a danger to themselves or others. It could possibly be a slippery slope, but I can see it being effective without the imposition of gun restrictions on stable, law-biding citizens.  — Ben G.

I’m all for red flag laws. And yes, there could be problems — but judges would make the final call and we’ve got to trust somebody.

No question in my mind Hillary knew the Russia stuff about Trump was garbage. Kind of interesting that it all might have originated with her. I think you are completely right that this false story hobbled the Trump administration, especially in its attempt to form a different relationship with Russia that maybe, just maybe, might have prevented the war in Ukraine. — John R.

Unless her campaign manager lied under oath, Hillary agreed to pass the Russia BS to a friendly reporter. I doubt she’ll pay a price. Dirty tricks are all too common in politics.

Sir Bernie—I see that the Archbishop of San Francisco plans to excommunicate Nancy Pelosi because of her public stance on abortion. Some progressive leftists claim that the Archbishops should also excommunicate Republican Catholic politicians who support the death penalty since that is “not pro-life” and thus in opposition to Catholic Canon Law. What are your thoughts on Pelosi’s impending excommunication and possible Republican Catholics getting excommunicated for supporting the death penalty? “Ecclesiastical Judgment” regards from The Emperor

I’m not on that team so I hesitate to weigh in. My preference is that voters “excommunicate” her in November. But to the heart of your question, Emperor: If Catholics believe abortion is a sin … AND that the death penalty is also a sin … then excommunicating for one and not the other looks like it might be a political as well as religious act. I’ll leave the rest to those with more insight into the teachings of the faith. As I say, I play for a different team.

The other day, gubernatorial Democratic nominee Beto O’Rourke crashed a press briefing on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. He stood up from the seats and shouted over the speakers on stage, which included current governor Greg Abbott and Uvalde’s mayor, Don McLaughlin. He was soon escorted out by police. It was very clearly a self-serving political stunt, and a particularly disgraceful one given the situation.

This brings me to my question: Do you think Beto has any redeeming qualities beyond the ability to climb on top of tables, eat magic dirt, and reach things on high shelves because he’s pretty tall? — John D.

No, I don’t. Next question.

Thanks, everyone! You can send me questions for next week using the form below! You can also read previous Q&A sessions by clicking here.

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Now, let’s get to your questions (and my answers):

Bernie: Multi-layered question regarding the Supreme Court leak: Who do you think leaked Alito’s brief? Why do you think they leaked? Will they get caught under this investigation by Roberts? If caught, what should be the punishment? Will they be punished by Democrats if found to be on the left, or by Republicans if found to be on the right? Finally, how will this change how the court operates and/or vets clerks and other aids? — Steve R.

I’m thinking the leak came from a liberal inside the Supreme Court … because they were outraged with the apparent decision … and wanted to put pressure on the conservative justices to change their opinion. Will the leaker get caught? Yes. There aren’t that many possible suspects. The leaker will be punished whether he or she is a liberal or a conservative. The leak was a gigantic breach of trust, both sides agree on that. Not sure how it would change the way the court operates — because the breach, so far, is unique. So not sure the current checks and balances won’t work going forward. But some tweaks probably will come about.

Lately I’m hearing progressive left wing pundits angrily lamenting the fact that after Roe v. Wade was established by the Supreme Court, that the Democrat Presidents (specifically Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama) did not codify Roe v. Wade, even when they had the political ability to do so, which begs the question: why didn’t they? Why do you think they didn’t when they likely could have? Your thoughts are appreciated. — “Woulda’ Coulda’ Shoulda’” regards from The Emperor

Maybe they didn’t want to stir up a hot issue that might very well have hurt them more than it would help. And it would be wise if Republicans, should they take control of Congress, not go down that road, either. Let the state’s decide. If voters don’t like what’s going on where they live, they can at least try to vote out of office the officials who came down on the “wrong” side of the issue.

Mr. G., Can you shed a little on how DNC & RNC “Talking Points” are crafted & distributed each day? How broad are they shared? Are they also released daily officially or unofficially to News media and to TV and Radio show opinion hosts to help drive bias? It’s amazing to me how consistent the daily parade of BS talking points is. The Left top to bottom in the lineup leads the league in pushing talking points. –ScottyG

I’ve never been a Washington reporter (by choice) so I was always out of the loop on talking points — and glad of it. But they are shared with opinion (and other) news people, mainly I suspect on cable TV where opinion is king. I assume it’s put out on the letter head of the DNC or the RNC but as I say, I’ve (happily) never been on either side’s mailing list. The reason that the Left leads the league is because there are more liberal news organizations out there in the so-called mainstream media than the other way around.

Solid [Monday] piece, per usual. But no mention of the abortion question now being returned to the states as a new factor in the ’22 midterms. Was this intentional?

Realize…the Dem’s, running on this abortion question, may now have a lane to press their case with the voters: The privacy argument used to justify abortion also roots other issues to the Dem’s advantage; notably gay marriage and inter-racial marriage. Would not any ‘threat’ to these settled questions likely antagonize voters, currently focused on Penn’s ‘fear index’, to step back and rethink how they vote?

Consider how Mississippi Governor (Reeves?) fumbled when recently asked if any reconsideration of the ‘privacy rights’ in the Constitution could cause a review of access to birth control?

Any thoughts? — Andrew M.

I have an entire column on the abortion issue coming on on Monday; that’s the reason I didn’t get into it in last Monday’s column. But it’s a fair question that you ask. Regarding the argument that overturning Roe would lead to other rights being overturned … that’s a big part of my new column … but yes, that fear — real or otherwise — understandably would energize Democratic voters, along with moderate swing voters in battleground states, a crucial bloc. As for the Mississippi governor: I’m sure a lot of Republicans wish he had waited at least until after the midterms to take his case to the Supreme Court. Check out my column on Monday. Thanks.

Bernie, Mark Esper is the latest Trump official to release a book detailing a lot of crazy stuff that went on behind the scenes at the Trump white house. This time, we learned that Trump wanted to fire missiles into Mexico and shoot George Floyd protesters in the legs. What are your thoughts on people like Esper keeping such information under wraps until they can profit off of it in a book? Do you think they have a duty to the country to come forward earlier when such things happen, or do you think they shouldn’t say anything at all unless the president followed through with something really bad? — Ben G.

Good question, Ben. If I were in the Trump Administration and he talked about firing missiles into Mexico and shooting protestors in the legs, I would have said, Adios — I’m out of here. But he says he chose to stay on to make sure someone didn’t come in who would actually go along with that kind of whacko stuff. I’ll go this far: It looks just as you suggest it looks … that he kept the information under wraps to sell a book. And that’s not a good look.

Bernie, just a quick thought and a request. When I hear you discuss the shenanigans of the Democrats, I never hear you say or infer that there are basically no tactics that are off the table for them. The latest leak from the SCOTUS is the latest example. I agree that Trump’s lawyers could have been far better in their approach to their assertions vis a vis the 2020 election; however look at the corruption they had to overcome to even present their case. They were formidable. Just wondering if you have seen Dinesh Desousa’s new film 2000 Mules? It is an excellent expose of some of the “irregularities” that occurred. Moreover, why is nobody on the right even talking about the film? For those of us who believe the election was stolen, we ponder as to what will stop the powers that be from doing this again? I think we have established the fact that there is little that they wouldn’t do to retain or gain control. Desousa’s film is pretty compelling. What am I missing Bernie? — Thomas C.

I didn’t see the film. If it had truly blockbuster stuff in it, it would be all over Fox and right wing websites. As you know Thomas I’m no fan of the left; I don’t make excuses for their tactics. But you’re stuck on the idea that “the election was stolen.” I’m no longer going to argue with you about that. I won’t waste my time. But that belief must leave you unhappy — how could they steal the election and get away with it. The only problem is they didn’t. Believe whatever you want. You seem like a good guy. But please, try to move on to other stuff.

What was hinted [in this week’s No BS Zone], but unanswered, is why the extreme elements of both political parties are now so influential, unlike the past? Has gerrymandering making safe political seats meant only the primary matters, so candidates pander to the more extreme elements? Or have more Americans themselves become more extreme — at both ends of the political spectrum? In the end it’s government OF THE PEOPLE by the people for the people. — John R.

I don’t think more Americans have become more extreme, though I guess that’s possible. I think that there are significant megaphones that amplify what the extremes have to say. Cable News for example. As for their influence: No one wants to get “primaries” — something we didn’t hear about a while back. And if they don’t cater to the extremists, they likely will get a primary opponent. And in primaries, the extremes turn out in big numbers, generally. Hope I threw out some possible answers to your question, John.

Elon Musk says when he assumes ownership of Twitter – he will rescind its ban on Trump, who has already said he doesn’t plan to return. However, if Trump were to regain the 83 million followers he lost on Twitter when his account was terminated – is this a good thing for the GOP – in relation to the mid-terms AND 2024? Because as you say, the Dems continue to want to drag Trump into the conversation. They hate him but desperately need him – to help them slow the bleeding. Because I bet every time Trump tweets something, he will be giving exactly what the Dems want – blared repeatedly by a sympathetic media intoning about a second apocalypse should he ponder a run in 2024 – a media that has tanked in ratings and circulation – since Twitter pulled the plug on a former President’s voice – while letting hard core activists and heads of states abroad run wild with their own brand of hate – which in most cases, makes DJT’s former blatherings seem like kindergarten.

I’m not sure about the upside of DJT returning to Twitter other than bolstering his own base who will never abandon him – while roiling and reminding independents why they voted against him in 2020 but voted strong for the GOP in the down ballot races. — David K.

Good analysis, David. First, I know he says he won’t return to Twitter but I think he will. He’s not likely to turn down a very big audience. But then you hit the nail on the head: He’ll tweet all sorts of BS and give the Dems and their media allies just what they want. If you want Republicans to win in 2022 and beyond, pray that he stays off Twitter.

Rolling Stone is reporting that while in office, Donald Trump had serious concerns that China could create literal hurricanes with a secret weapon, and hurl them toward the United States. Rolling Stone has certainly had some credibility problems in the past, but if what they’re saying is true, it would at least explain separate reports from a couple years ago that Trump had inquired about the possibility of the U.S. stopping incoming hurricanes by firing nuclear weapons at them.

Bernie, you’ve reported on hurricane damage in the past, and as I recall, your own home suffered significant hurricane damage several years ago. Does it bother you that past U.S. presidents were too cowardly to even consider nuking hurricanes, and do you think that if there’s major hurricane devastation in the U.S. sometime in the next two years, Trump will retake the presidency by arguing that it would have never happened on his watch, because he’s tough on China and hurricanes? — John D.

Why in the world should we take the Rolling Stones seriously when they opine about hurricanes and nuclear bombs. I like their music but who thinks they’re expert in weather or weapons? I don’t. OH WAIT. You said ROLLING STONE … the magazine … not ROLLING STONES … the rock group. As Emily Litella might say: NEVER MIND.

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