Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had a day for the history books on Thursday against the Miami Marlins, batting a remarkable 6-for-6 and becoming the first player in the majors to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Ohtani’s perfect batting performance began with an RBI single in the first inning and a two-RBI double in the 3rd. Ohtani only got better as the game progressed, hitting three home runs in his next three at-bats. The Japanese-born Dodger added two stolen bases in the game, pushing him into a club no MLB player has ever reached — 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. Dodgers play-by-play broadcaster Joe Davis was on the call when Ohtani crushed his second homer of the game, which set the MLB record. “One-of-a-kind player! One-of-a-kind season! Shohei Ohtani starts the 50/50 club!” said Davis as Ohtani’s ball flew past the left-field wall WATCH: “Triple for the cycle, homer for history. On a 1-2, Ohtani… SENDS ONE IN THE AIR, THE OTHER WAY, BACK IT GOES, GOOOOOONNNEEE! ONE OF A KIND PLAYER! ONE OF A KIND SEASON! SHOHEI OHTANI STARTS THE 50/50 CLUB!” – Joe Davis on the historic call⚾️?️? pic.twitter.com/JxDyNUfzTD — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 19, 2024 Ohtani wasn’t finished after setting the record as he crushed his 51st home run of the season in the 9th inning, helping the Dodgers dismantle the Marlins in a 20-4 victory. “Oh my gosh! Shohei Ohtani! The greatest day in baseball history!” Davis said after Ohtani blasted another homer. “This is not real life. He is not human.” “There’s the cliché that you never know what you’re gonna see when you go to the park. You gotta change that cliché from now on. There’s one thing you know you’ll never see- what you saw today,” Davis added. “OH MY GOSH! SHOHEI OHTANI! THE GREATEST DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY!” “There’s the cliché that you never know what you’re gonna see when you go to the park. You gotta change that cliché from now on. There’s one thing you know you’ll never see- what you saw today.” – Joe Davis ⚾️?️ https://t.co/XHue8pgMmU pic.twitter.com/TuFiFXIXi2 — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 19, 2024 Ohtani finished the game batting 6-for-6 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. Only two other players in the history of the sport that dates back to 1876 recorded six hits, three homers, and 10 RBIs in a game — Cincinnati Reds catcher Walker Cooper in 1949 and Anthony Rendon of the Washington Nationals in 2017, The Wall Street Journal reported. The 30-year-old phenom also set a new Dodgers record on Thursday for the most home runs in a single season, passing Shawn Green’s 49 homers in 2022. Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! “To be honest, I’m the one probably most surprised. I have no idea where this came from but I’m glad that I performed well today,” Ohtani said. The Dodgers have clinched a playoff spot and stand at 91-62 on the season, which currently ties them with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the majors.

Let’s face it. As much as we might deny it, we love celebrities. Even a hardcore conservative might pester Biden booster Tom Hanks for a selfie if they met in a coffee shop. We love their best movies and TV shows. They make our days brighter in the darkest of times. Stars, in turn, have leveraged that bond by pushing their political views on unsuspecting fans. Case in point: Every presidential election in recent memory. That part of the American-celebrity relationship may be waning. Or, at the very least, the presumed power a celebrity endorsement brings with it.  The proof? The biggest celebrity on planet Earth’s stamp of approval may have backfired. “Bigly,” as a certain real estate mogul might say. Democratic pundits have been praying for two items all year long: One, that they could hide President Joe Biden’s obvious, age-related decline until Election Day. Two, that pop superstar Taylor Swift would endorse the elderly leader.  Her massive appeal and vitality could be what the octogenarian needed to drag himself across the finish line. The Donkey Party went 0-2. Democrats infamously turned their attention to Kamala Harris after Biden stepped aside. Would Swift throw her support behind a female presidential candidate, one afraid of an actual journalist? The singer didn’t join the Joy Brigade™ right away, but during the September 10 presidential debate she finally made it official. She’s on Team Single Cat Lady, er rather Team Harris. Matt Cardy/Getty Images A post-endorsement survey, however, suggests that long-awaited endorsement might have been for naught. A YouGov poll found that more than twice as many respondents were turned off by the endorsement as were more open to voting for Harris. Another poll found Swift’s endorsement may have hurt her brand. Nothing is settled science, and other polls may find a net positive for the Swift/Harris connection. Still, it’s hardly the political slam dunk many expected from a Swiftian embrace. The reliably liberal UK paper The Guardian similarly threw quick caution behind the Swift endorsement: But ultimately, celebrities are not campaign or policy specialists, and a reliance on them can preclude straightforward engagement on issues.  The author cited the Left’s pro-Palestinian wing to support her case. Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! Celebrities are undoubtedly key for drumming up political enthusiasm, but over-reliance on their reach can quickly become a double-edged sword. The curious results didn’t happen in a vacuum. Weeks earlier, a major Hollywood magazine suggested a star-studded DNC event could backfire on Team Harris. “Political Insiders on How Harris Campaign Is Cautiously Deploying Celebrities,” read The Hollywood Reporter account. You don’t want to overdo the California, you don’t want to overdo the Hollywood when you’re painting a broad brush with the country. But anything that can get earned media in a positive way will be embraced,” says L.A.-area major fundraiser Jon Vein. Liberal actor Zach Galifianakis of “The Hangover” fame agrees. He told the press Democrats should tone down the A-list accouterment when it comes to the Harris campaign. The actor cited his small-town roots for his rationale. It works to a point, but they have to win over rural America … Hollywood thinks it’s so important and that’s a problem. Actors are people too, and they’re citizens too, but I’m more on the small-town side of that than I am on the Hollywood side of that. That’s just me. Monica Schipper/Getty Images for IMDb Perhaps he saw the most tone-deaf celebrity video of the modern era? Remember Gal Gadot and friends warbling, “Imagine” from their million-dollar homes while Americans were locked down during the early days of the pandemic? Or, the actor realized inflation hits everyday Americans the hardest and A-list stars far less so. Self-awareness isn’t Tinsel Town’s strong suit. Could that be changing? What might happen next? In the short term, things won’t look much different. The stars will continue to align for the Harris/Walz ticket, no doubt. We’ve already seen enough cringe-worthy examples – White Dudes for Harris, anyone? – to support that thesis. We might even get a few more celebrity videos where makeup-free actors repeat their progressive mantras in the hopes of going viral. And, of course, changing hearts and minds. Hollywood is incredibly slow to pick up on social cues. Remember when one anti-war film after another flopped during the Bush years? It took a half dozen or more duds (“Redacted,” “Grace Is Gone,” “Lions for Lambs”) for industry suits to say, “Hey, maybe the average consumer doesn’t want to see American soldiers denigrated on the big screen…” And, mercifully, studios shut off the anti-war movie spigot. WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘AM I RACIST?’ — A MATT WALSH COMEDY ON DEI More recently, the industry began to understand the “Get woke, go broke” mantra has teeth. This past summer’s biggest films were woke-free, from “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” to “Inside Out 2.” We recently learned the latter wrestled behind the scenes to ensure the finished film didn’t push Disney’s “not-so-secret gay agenda” as usual. Hollywood learns like an easily distracted toddler – slowly and with plenty of exasperating lessons. The same may hold true on the political front. It might take another full election cycle, sadly, before we see that reality sink in. * * * Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of HollywoodInToto.com. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at @HollywoodInToto. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

New York Magazine has placed star journalist Olivia Nuzzi on leave, claiming she “had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign.” According to Status, New York Magazine had learned that “the star journalist had allegedly engaged in a romantic relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.” “Recently our Washington Correspondent Olivia Nuzzi acknowledged to the magazine’s editors that she had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on the campaign, a violation of the magazine’s standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures,” New York Magazine wrote in a note to its readers. “Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign. An internal review of her published work has found no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias. She is currently on leave from the magazine, and the magazine is conducting a more thorough third-party review. We regret this violation of our readers’ trust.” A spokesman for Kennedy told Status, “Mr. Kennedy only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece.” The impact of RFK Jr.’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump has caused great concern among Democrats, so much so that efforts to keep him on the ballot and thus hinder Kennedy’s efforts to transfer his voters to Trump have been mounted in swing states such as Michigan and North Carolina. Nuzzi told The New York Times that “some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal” earlier in 2024, adding, “During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source. The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I’ve disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.” In March, Nuzzi wrote a profile of RFK Jr. in which she quoted him saying, “I don’t hear Democrats ever say that we should vote for President Biden because he inspires them, or because he’s run the country with the kind of vigor or energy that we need in times of crisis. I hear them say that you should vote for Biden because you should be scared of Trump.” Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! “Since announcing in October that he would end his campaign for the Democratic nomination to officially become a problem for both major parties as an independent, fear — and denial — is what Kennedy seems to inspire among the staid Washington Establishment supporting the incumbent president and the gangland anti-Establishment Establishment supporting the former president,” she wrote. “Officials from both party apparatuses are certainly looking at metrics that confirm Kennedy is turning the presidential election upside down.” “To weaken Biden ahead of the general election, his enemies would need a candidate more likely to generate the kind of spectacle and outrage that tends to draw eyeballs,” she continued. “A candidate with qualities that were more, well, Trumpian. They found their answer in the biggest brand name in American politics since Roosevelt. As a bonus, the candidate held a set of idiosyncratic populist beliefs that would challenge Biden from the dovish left and from the libertarian right. In the primary, Kennedy was a nuisance solely for Biden. Which made him a blessing for Trump.” In addition to New York Magazine, Nuzzi has reported for GQ, Esquire, The Daily Beast, Glamour, The Washington Post, and POLITICO.

In a recent episode of The Bauer and Rose Podcast, hosts Gary Bauer and Tom Rose discussed a troubling trend in American media, accusing outlets like CNN and The New York Times of radicalizing the public to accept violence against political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump. The duo framed the issue as part of a broader attack on conservative values, suggesting that the mainstream media is no longer just biased but actively promoting a narrative that incites hostility toward Trump supporters and conservatives in general. Bauer and Rose argue that the current media climate is reminiscent of the early days following 9/11, where fear and hysteria dominated the national conversation. However, in today's political landscape, they claim the media's focus is on demonizing figures like Trump, casting him as a villain to such an extent that violence against him is normalized. This, according to the hosts, leads to dangerous consequences, as evidenced by the recent assassination attempts against Trump​. 2.5 minutes of Democrats explicitly calling for using political violence. They own this. pic.twitter.com/cHYdDvqqxS — Charlie (@MAGACharlie2024) September 16, 2024 They also criticized the broader political establishment, including the Democratic National Committee, for stoking tensions by perpetuating false narratives, such as the Trump-Russia collusion story. According to Bauer, the left-leaning media continues to push divisive rhetoric, which encourages unrest and political violence, all while sidelining traditional American values like free speech and civil discourse​. The episode delved into the implications of this media-driven radicalization, noting that it not only affects domestic politics but also has a ripple effect on international issues, including America's weakened global standing. Bauer and Rose pointed out that the Biden administration's foreign policy blunders, particularly in Ukraine, have emboldened adversaries like Russia and China, all while the media remains largely silent on these failures. Instead, they argue, the media's selective outrage is focused on trivial matters while neglecting stories that truly impact national security. Whatever you do, you must not make jokes about political violence. Right MAGA? pic.twitter.com/JYWld9ZXn5 — Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) September 15, 2024 Bauer and Rose are not alone in their concerns. Several conservative commentators have echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the media for its role in heightening political divisions. The hosts emphasize that this media bias is not just an issue of unfair reporting but a concerted effort to undermine conservative movements, delegitimize Trump’s leadership, and destabilize American democracy. One of the most alarming aspects discussed in the episode is the media's role in desensitizing the public to political violence. The repeated portrayal of Trump and his supporters as enemies of democracy creates an environment where violence against them is seen as justified. This, according to Bauer and Rose, sets a dangerous precedent, making political violence a new norm in American society). The hosts concluded by calling for a return to core American principles—freedom of speech, respect for differing opinions, and the need for strong leadership. They urged listeners to remain vigilant against the media's efforts to shape public opinion through fear and misinformation. For Bauer and Rose, this battle is not just about Trump or conservatism, but about preserving the values that have long underpinned American democracy​. As the 2024 elections approach, the concern is that this radicalization will only intensify. With the media continuing to push divisive narratives, Bauer and Rose warn that the stakes have never been higher for the future of the country. The episode serves as both a critique of the media's role in the current political climate and a call to action for conservatives to push back against what they see as a dangerous trend of misinformation and political violence. The post How the Media is Radicalizing the Public to Accept Political Violence appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

A disturbing new poll by the University of Chicago reveals that approximately 26 million Americans believe political violence is justified under certain circumstances. This alarming figure reflects the growing polarization and radicalization of political beliefs across the United States. The data comes in the wake of a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, further heightening fears about the nation's future. The survey, conducted by the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, highlights that this violent rhetoric is no longer confined to fringe groups but has entered mainstream discourse. According to the poll, 8.5% of Americans feel that violence is acceptable to prevent the "theft" of the 2024 election, while over 12% agree that force is justified to restore Trump to the presidency. These sentiments cut across both political parties, although a stronger concentration is found among Republicans, particularly those who feel alienated by the current administration. 2.5 minutes of Democrats explicitly calling for using political violence. They own this. pic.twitter.com/cHYdDvqqxS — Charlie (@MAGACharlie2024) September 16, 2024 Experts warn that this is symptomatic of an “age of rage” that permeates political and social life. Noted legal scholar Jonathan Turley, discussing these findings, pointed out that this rising acceptance of violence is a direct result of extreme partisan rhetoric. Both sides of the political spectrum contribute to this dangerous environment. President Biden and Vice President Harris's warnings that American democracy is on the brink of collapse may have unintentionally fueled the flames by intensifying the sense of urgency felt by some. The implications of this poll go far beyond mere numbers. It reflects a shift in how Americans perceive their political system and their willingness to act against perceived threats, including using force. Political violence is increasingly seen as a legitimate tool by a significant portion of the population—a troubling trend that could lead to more instability in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. Over the past decade, political violence has surged, with threats against members of Congress multiplying tenfold. Incidents like the assault on Paul Pelosi and the foiled assassination attempts against Trump are just the tip of the iceberg​. “Let me just say, there is no — and I mean this from the bottom of my heart… there is no place for political violence in America. None, zero, never.” President Biden speaks about apparent Trump assassination attempt. pic.twitter.com/VbIizKzNVE — MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 16, 2024 This rise in violent ideology is not new but has gained momentum since 2016. Since the Black Lives Matter protests and violent clashes with groups like Antifa, there has been a growing tolerance for extreme actions on both the left and right. Analysts point to the normalization of radical language and actions in higher education, media, and politics. For example, some academic figures have come under fire for inciting or defending violence, while radical groups like Antifa have openly supported aggressive actions under the guise of protecting democracy​. Conservative commentators, such as those from HotAir, argue that the media and liberal political leaders share responsibility for creating a charged atmosphere. The constant warnings of democracy's imminent collapse and vilification of political opponents have pushed some Americans to believe that extreme measures are justified. This sentiment is further exacerbated by conservative figures, who believe they are under siege from left-wing policies and rhetoric​. Turley warns that the potential for political violence in the upcoming election is real and growing. The U.S. is at a critical juncture, with both sides of the political aisle increasingly willing to justify violence as a means to an end. The poll's results serve as a stark reminder that America is grappling with an escalating crisis of political legitimacy. If left unchecked, these beliefs could manifest into more frequent and deadly conflicts​. As the nation heads toward 2024, the debate over political violence will likely intensify. The challenge will be finding ways to de-escalate the heated rhetoric and address the grievances fueling these dangerous beliefs before the situation spirals further out of control. The post Poll Finds 26 Million Americans Justify Political Violence appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The things that we wrestle against, doubts, discouragements, the brokenness, and the trials of our world have a spiritual component.

A post shared on Facebook claims U.S. Marines have purportedly confirmed animal mutilations are occurring in Springfield, Ohio. Verdict: False The claim is false and originally stems from a Sept. 16 article published on the satire site “Real Raw News.” Fact Check: Former President Donald Trump is set to visit Springfield, Ohio “soon,” according to […]

Cynically running out the clock has been the overarching principle of the entire abbreviated 105-day presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris — ever since President Joe Biden, at the 11th-hour, dropped out in July. Harris seems unwilling or unable to answer any impromptu question that she has not been previously prepped for. Her answers […]