As we approach the 4th of July, it is time once again to weigh in on matters large and small.

First, am I the only one who, while watching the Kim/Trump duet, thought it was a preview of a future “Dancing with the Stars” couple?  Our President has given Kim legitimacy and made it possible for all of our former allies in restraining North Korea (read China and Russia), now acting like the North Korean leader is actually a civilized leader.  Thanks a bunch.

I pointed out several weeks ago that the end of the Chinese trade war would result in Trump retreating and claiming victory.  Guess what happened.  It is going as well as the de-nuclearization of North Korea. Oh, and now we see his cartoonish foreign policy team trip all over themselves and the President.  Let me assure you that this group of not-ready-for-prime-time players is viewed by our allies with a mixture of fear and disgust.  And these are our friends.

On to the Democrats.

The debates were illuminating in several ways.  All of the concerns about Biden were on display. Now, one debate a campaign doesn’t define, but a few more performances like this and he runs the risk of being gone after Iowa.  My candidate is Mayor Pete, who did fine.  He has to deal with the race issue and, what I liked the most, he admitted his failure to solve the problem without blaming someone else.  Doesn’t exactly remind you of Hillary or the current President does it?  Meanwhile, Kamila Harris showed her chops and it appears that she will be around for a while.  Beto needs something – and quickly.  Fortunately, Elizabeth Warren is pushing Bernie off to the crankiest left part of the stage.  She could be very strong and has surprised me with her very well thought out campaign.

Well, gentle readers, enjoy the 4th and don’t watch the President.  He will give a partisan speech, have tanks on parade, and the Air Force overhead.  Kind of reminds me more and more of the old Politburo guys from the USSR on May Day or perhaps Castro giving a three-hour speech.  Who knows, maybe this is what Mitch McConnell wanted in a President all along.