Friendships over politics.
From the News...
Former Georgia Governor and Senator Zell Miller died this week. You might remember him from the time he challenged Chris Matthews to a duel. Miller was a Democrat who introduced James Carville and Paul Begala to a young, aspiring presidential candidate named Bill Clinton.
In 2004, Miller broke with the Democratic Party and spoke at the Republican National Convention in support of President George W. Bush's re-election. (Can you imagine a sitting Senator from one party speaking at the other's convention today? If you think Infinity War is an ambitious crossover event...)
Stung by the defection, Begala considered a blistering public rebuke of his old friend and mentor - until someone convinced him the disagreement wasn't worth burning bidges. Take a few minutes and read this interesting story about how Hillary Clinton advised Paul Begala to choose friendship over politics.
Last Week on Matt Lewis and the News...
Last week, Matt Lewis & The News interviewed Jordan Peterson, the University of Toronto Psychology Professor turned conservative internet sensation. Peterson talks a lot about the culture wars but hasn't commented much on American politics, so I asked him about the 2016 elections. "Americans decided they liked the unscripted, impulsive lies of Trump better than the scripted, conniving lies of Clinton," he concluded.
You can also read my Daily Beast column, titled: "Yes, Jordan Peterson Really Is That Smart."
Also, don't miss the Weekly Standard's Alice Lloyd on the catastrophic success of the #MeToo movement or Andrew Sullivan talking about his New York Times Magazine piece, "The World Is Better Than Ever. Why Are We Miserable?"
Subscribe to Matt Lewis and the News on iTunes or Stitcher.
Unlike any episode of Behind the Music ever made
One-hit-wonders and original 90s "boy band" Hanson didn't get as famous as they might have, but they also didn't spiral into addiction and bankruptcy. By choosing to do it their own way, they found contentment and long-term success. And they're still making a living playing music. Don't miss "Hanson Beat The System" from the Edge of Fame podcast.
Worth the price of a ticket
I recommend the film "7 Days In Entebbe," which is out now. It tells the story of how an Air France flight was hijacked in 1976, and taken to Uganda. When the terrorists separated Israelis from the other passengers, Israel decided to send in a special forces team led by Yonatan Netanyahu (brother to Bibi) to rescue them. It's an amazing story.
Upcoming News
Starting in May, I will be participating in a fellowship for the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics. This week, I will be traveling to The Windy City for my orientation.
I'm also slated to appear on CNN Tonight with Don Lemon on Friday. Stay tuned to my Twitter feed @mattklewis as times and dates often change.
The Orioles season starts Thursday. With the signing of Alex Cobb, I think the Orioles have a shot in the AL East. Whether you agree or disagree, connect with me on Facebook or Twitter and we can enjoy a civil, friendly discussion.