OMG! Look Who's Cheering For President Trump!

BREAKING: Chiefs Quarterback Pat Mahomes' mom Randi releases video in support of Trump on Election Day eve. 🔥pic.twitter.com/cCNywnENho

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 5, 2024

BREAKING: Chiefs Quarterback Pat Mahomes' mom Randi releases video in support of Trump on Election Day eve.

McCaskill On IRS Scandal: 'This Infuriates Me'

Andy Williams, Beloved Entertainer Dead At 84

Andy Wiliams, one of America's most beloved entertainers, has passed on at age 84.
Andy Williams began his amazing career in his hometown of Wall Lake, Iowa.  It was there he began singing with his three brothers in a local Presbyterian church choir that was established by his parents.  At the tender age of 8, Andy made his professional singing debut as part of the Williams Brothers Quartet.  The brothers became regulars on radio station WHO’s “Iowa’s Barn Dance Show” in Des Moines, Iowa.  From there, the brothers continued their radio days being prominently featured on national stations like WLS in Chicago and WLW in Cincinnati.
The widespread radio exposure brought the boys a considerable following which eventually caught the attention of Bing Crosby.  With Crosby, Andy and his brothers made their first professional recording, “Swinging on a Star” which became a tremendous hit in 1944.
In 1947, Andy and his brothers teamed up with comedienne Kay Thompson ( who also wrote the popular children’s book series “Eloise”) for a successful, trend setting nightclub act.  Thompson and the brothers spend the next few years performing all over the United States and in London.  But it all came to an end in 1951 as the group disbanded and each brother went their own way.  Andy chose to move to New York and continued to pursue his vocal career.
While in New York, Andy became a regular performer on Steve Allen’s “Tonight Show”.  For 2 ½ years he appeared on the “Tonight Show” which led to his first recording contract with Cadence Records.​
It wasn’t long before Andy had his first top 10 hit with “Canadian Sunset”.  What followed was a string of hits that included “Butterfly”, “Lonely Street”, “The Village of St. Bernadette”, and “The Hawaiian Wedding Song” for which he received the first of his five Grammy Awards nominations.
His work in television continued during this time period with regular guest appearances on the Dinah Shore and Perry Como Shows and in 1958, for 13 weeks he presented “The Chevy Showroom with Andy Williams”.  In the summer of 1959, Andy was chosen by CBS to host a variety program that was to replace “The Gary Moore Show” for a 13 week period.  When this series of shows concluded Andy began to concentrate on one-hour television specials.  The first, “Music from Schubert Alley”, was presented by NBC on November 13, 1959.
The first event that kicked Andy’s career into high gear was the change of recording labels.  In 1962, he began his 25 year association with Columbia Records.  Almost immediately he scored his first Top 10 hit for Columbia, “Can’t Get Used to Losing You”.  Many more hits were to follow, but none would become more associated with Andy Williams than “Moon River”, the Oscar winning song from the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.  This song quickly became his theme song and propelled his album, “Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes”, to the top of the charts.  The following year Andy released the album, “Days of Wine and Roses” which spent an incredible 16 weeks at #1 and stayed on the chart for over 100 weeks.  His subsequent recordings were best sellers and resulted in his receiving 18 gold and 3 platinum certified albums. 
The second event that helped make Andy a superstar was the debut of his weekly television series, “The Andy Williams Show”.  Debuting on September 16, 1962, Andy premiered his new variety show on NBC that would eventually last for nine years and would win three Emmy Awards for Best Musical / Variety Series (1966, 1967 and 1969).  It was one of NBC’s top rated programs.  From this series Andy began his classic Christmas specials that featured the entire Williams family.
Live performances were still a big part of Andy’s career and in 1966, he opened Caesar’s Palace and subsequently headlined at the famed Las Vegas hotel for the next 20 years.
By the time “The Andy Williams Show” ended in 1972, Andy had become a true international superstar.  With tremendous world wide record sales and global distribution of his television show, he was just as popular in other countries as he was right her in the U.S.  This recognition prompted several tours of England, Europe, Australia, Japan and Asia, breaking attendance records wherever he appeared.
At this point in his career, most performers would have opted to sit back, relax and just make minimal concert and television appearance.  However, Andy chose another path; one that has put him in the international spotlight once again.
In 1991, Andy took a trip to Branson, Missouri to see his friend Ray Stevens who had just opened a theatre in the growing country music town and tourist destination.  Andy was so taken with the town, the people and the amazing talent the town featured that he began to make his own plans for becoming a part of the small Ozark community.
His plans to build a $12 million state of the art theatre came to fruition as the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre opened it doors on May 1, 1992.  Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson.  And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme show began to move in to the tiny town that would soon be know as the live music capital of the world.
The Moon River Theatre’s design reflects the beauty and environmental integrity for the surrounding Ozark Mountains.  The 48,000 square foot structure is set among 16 acres landscaped with foliage, rock formation, waterfalls and a rippling stream.  It won the 1992 Conservation Award for Developed Land Use from the State of Missouri and is the only theatre ever to be featured in Architectural Digest.
For the interior, it was Andy’s idea to create a beautiful auditorium for live performances along with a lobby area that had a museum-like atmosphere so that he could display pieces of art from his personal collection.
Andy and his wife, Debbie, have resided in Branson just a few miles from the Theatre.  Their beautiful Country French home that they built is located on a golf course in a private local community.  The house overlooks the gorgeous Lake Taneycomo which is famous for its cool waters and trout fishing.
In the spring of 1999, Andy found himself back on the record charts once again.  In England, a commercial for the Fiat Automobile Company featured Andy’s version of “Music to Watch Girls By” which was a minor record hit for him in 1967.  The ad became so popular that the record company re-released the song as a single and this time around it was a Top 10 hit.  Because of the renewed interest in his music, Andy made his first trip to Europe in a decade touring throughout England, Ireland and Scotland.  The response from crowds of all ages was incredible.  Every theatre sold out in hours after tickets went on sale.  He is now more popular than ever and is known throughout the U.K. as the “Emperor of Cool”.
At his Moon River Theatre, Andy shared the stage with various guest stars such as Glen Campbell, Ann-Margret, Petula Clark, and Charo.  Andy’s electrifying performances with his guests blend music and comedy into spectacular shows that are one of Branson’s most popular attractions.  The 2008-2010 fall presentations of The Andy Williams All-Star Variety Show were very reminiscent of his television show, and he felt these were the best shows he had done since he has been in Branson.
In November and December, The Andy Williams Christmas Show packed the 2000 seat Theatre with a show that recalled his classic television Christmas specials.
In addition to performing at his Theatre, Andy also kept busy on other projects.  In 2007 he opened his one-of-a-kind restaurant called the Moon River Grill, which features a lot of his mother’s favorite recipes and has many works from his collection of pop art.  Andy’s autobiography titled “Moon River and Me,” published by Viking Press, was released in October, 2009.  It soon rose to #10 on the L.A. Times Best Seller List.

New Dem Pastime: Bailing Out On Obama

“Last month, President Obama’s fellow Democrats deserted his shameful attacks on free enterprise. Now, with the President doubling down on his misleading attacks, even more Democrats are jumping ship – this time from the President’s own Democratic convention. As president, Mitt Romney will unite all Americans around pro-growth policies that will jumpstart our economy.” 

–Andrea Saul, Romney Campaign Spokesperson

Yesterday, Four Prominent Democrats Deserted President Obama’s 2012 Democratic Convention:

“Claire McCaskill Will Not Be Attending The Democratic National Convention In Charlotte…” “Claire McCaskill will not be attending the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, a McCaskill aide confirmed to TPM Tuesday.” (Pema Levy, “Claire McCaskill Will Not Attend Democratic National Convention,” Talking Points Memo, 6/26/12)

Four Years Ago, Senator McCaskill Was One Of The First Senators To Endorse President Obama’s Presidential Campaign. 

“One of President Barack Obama's biggest supporters will not be attending this summer's Democratic National Convention. … McCaskill endorsed then Sen. Barack Obama in January, 2008, becoming one of the first senators to back Obama, who was locked in a marathon battle with then Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.” (Paul Steinhauser and Ted Barrett, “McCaskill To Skip Democratic Convention,” CNN, 6/26/12)

Representative John Barrow (D-GA) Announced He Will Skip The Democratic National Convention. 

“Augusta U.S. Rep. John Barrow will skip the Democratic National Convention in September, adding to a growing list of Democrats distancing themselves from the national party's major quadrennial get-together.” (Daniel Malloy, “Barrow To Skip Democratic National Convention,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 6/26/12)

Arizona Senate Candidate Richard Carmona Announced He Would Not Attend The Democratic National Convention. 

“Heitkamp joins a growing list of Democratic Senate candidates opting out of Charlotte, including Arizona Senate candidate Richard Carmona, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.” (Julie Sobel, “Heitkamp Skipping Dem Convention,” National Journal, 6/26/12)

FLASHBACK: President Obama Personally Lobbied Carmona To Enter The Senate Race. “President Barack Obama called former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona last month to urge him to run for Senate in Arizona, two Democratic sources told POLITICO. The call signals that Obama is engaged in recruiting a strong Senate candidate in a state Democrats have eyed as a presidential battleground.” (Alexander Burns, “Obama Courts Arizona Senate Candidate, May Contest State 'Heavily',” Politico, 10/6/11)

“North Dakota Senate Candidate Heidi Heitkamp Will Skip The Democratic National Convention In Charlotte This September.” (Julie Sobel, “Heitkamp Skipping Dem Convention,” National Journal, 6/26/12)

Yesterday’s Defectors Are The Latest Democrats Who Are Backing Away From President Obama:

“West Virginia’s Top Three Democrats,” Senator Joe Manchin, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, And Representative Nick Rahall Announced They Would Not Attend The Convention. 

“West Virginia’s top three Democrats will not attend their party’s national convention in September, the West Virginia Democratic Party said Monday. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall do not plan to help pick President Barack Obama as their party’s nominee.” (Ry Rivard, “Manchin, Tomblin, Rahall Not Going To Democratic National Convention,” Charleston Daily Mail, 6/18/12)

Representative Mark Critz (D-PA) Announced He Would Not Attend President Obama’s DNC Convention. “U.S. Rep. Mark Critz said on Tuesday he will skip the Democratic National Convention in favor of campaigning in Pennsylvania, much like top elected Democrats in neighboring West Virginia who are disgruntled with President Obama.” (Selena Zito, “Rep. Mark Critz, Other Dems, To Skip Convention In Favor Of Campaigning In Pennsylvania,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 6/20/12)

New York Democrat Representatives Kathy Hochul And Bill Owens Announced Last Week They Will Not Attend The Democratic Convention. 

“At least half a dozen Democratic officials have said in recent days that they won't attend the Democratic National Convention this September in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the president will formally receive the party's nomination for a second term. The latest: New York Democratic Reps. Bill Owens and Kathy Hochul, both of whom won special elections in recent years – in 2009 and 2011, respectively – that were heralded by party leaders.” (Dan Hirschhorn, “Bucking Convention,” The Daily, 6/20/12)

“Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) Will Skip The Democratic National Convention, Making Him The Latest In A String Of Conservative Democrats To Take A Pass On The Party Confab.” (Cameron Joseph, “Dem Rep. Matheson Will Skip Democratic National Convention,”The Hill, 6/21/12)

Montana Senator Jon Tester Is Skipping The Democratic National Convention. 

“Tester’s campaign quickly followed suit to say they would skip the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., which is the week after the GOP gathering.” (Cameron Joseph And David Kaner, “Montana Senate Candidates Will Skip Parties' Conventions,” The Hill, 6/25/12)

Former Senator Bond Endorses Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Missouri Senator Kit Bond.
“I’m very thankful for Senator Bond’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “Kit has been a distinguished public servant and voice for limited government for many years. In the coming months, I look forward to his counsel so that I may bring a message of a smaller, simpler, and smarter federal government to all Missourians.”
“I’ve been listening intently to all the candidates in recent months and have come to the conclusion that there is only one who can defeat President Obama, restore conservative principles to the White House, and provide the leadership our country needs,” said former Senator Kit Bond. “That candidate is Mitt Romney and I am proud to support him. Time and again throughout his career, he has shown he can turn troubled enterprises around. That is precisely what we need right now. Unemployment is unacceptably high, home prices have fallen, and the American dream seems to be slipping away. I urge all those who are concerned about the future of this country to stand with me in supporting Mitt Romney.”
Background on Kit Bond
Kit Bond served in the U.S. Senate from 1987 until 2011. For six years, Bond served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee On Small Business and Entrepreneurship. He served previously as Governor of Missouri from 1973 to 1977 and 1981 to 1987. Bond was also the Missouri State Auditor.

Democrats Now Distance Themselves From 'The One'

Missouri's Claire McCaskill has long been a liberal, remains a liberal Democrat and will continue to embrace such views.

But these days, she's trying to put a bit of distance between herself and the anointed secular God of Liberalism, Barack Obama. That's because McCaskill is facing re-election next year and Missouri is now tough turf for Democrats. Indeed, many in the "show me" state feel Obama, McCaskill & Co. haven't shown them a damned thing except fewer jobs, a worse economy and more hard times.

Is it any wonder that McCaskill is now spinning out of sight when Obama comes her way?

Here's an excerpt from Reuters:

Four years ago, Senator Claire McCaskill was one of Barack Obama's biggest boosters in his presidential campaign. But when he recently visited her state of Missouri, she did not have time to join him.
Many of McCaskill's fellow Democrats in Congress may also decide they are too busy to be with Obama, whose approval rating of about 40 percent as the economy struggles threatens to be a drag on their own reelection chances next year.
"You may see a number of Democrats say 'Sorry, I have a scheduling conflict,'" said a senior Democratic lawmaker.

Click here to read the full story.
And watch closely, everybody. Watch as the DemocRATS start to scamper.

McCaskill Owed Back Taxes On Plane

Missouri's Democrat Senator Claire McCaskill is facing one helluva fight for re-election next year.
And now she's handed her opponent a potent issue.
All this is quite typical of liberals (especially those high-flying liberals who have $$$ to burn). They want to raise your taxes but they don't necessarily want to pay their own, if they can avoid it.
Anyway, here an excerpt from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill's airplane has caused her more political turbulence, as she acknowledged she may owe more than $287,000 in back taxes on the private aircraft.
McCaskill has already written an $88,000 personal check to the U.S. Treasury Department to reimburse money from her Senate office account used to fly the plane around Missouri, including one flight that was political in nature.
On Monday, she arranged a conference call with reporters to announce that her personal liability may be even greater. McCaskill said she had sent a check to the St. Louis County Department of Revenue for $287,273 to cover four years' worth of personal property taxes, plus interest and penalties.
"This was a mistake," McCaskill said. "It should have been reported in Missouri. It should have been paid in Missouri."

Click here for more on this story.

Try Vacationing With The 'Real America'

While Michelle Obama hobknobs with Kings and Queens in Europe we're here in the heart of the USA vacationing with the "Real America."
And you can't get much more American than Branson, Missouri.
This holiday boom town nestled in the Ozarks is a big draw for typical American families who want to catch some fun times but don't have a lot of dough.
Branson boasts fresh, clean and economical lodging, natural attractions and tons of great shows featuring entertainment for the whole family.
Branson has more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, an historic downtown district, a whole new lakefront mecca, shopping galore and a full range of dining options.
And here's the best thing about the many live shows: Tickets range from about $20 to $50 per person and children are admitted free to many of the shows. Plus, if you have children, there is not a show in Branson that is inappropriate for them.
Last night we took in the Shoji Tabuchi Show and it was absolutely dazzling.
Shoji Tabuchi was born April 16, 1944 in Daishoji, Japan. When young Tabuchi turned 7 years of age, his mother encouraged him to learn how to play the violin under the Suzuki Method. Shoji Tabuchi always loved American country music and promised that one day he would make it to America.
When Roy Acuff, of the Grand Ole Opry, took his act to Japan, Tabuchi attended his concert then met him after the show. Acuff told Tabuchi that if he was ever in Nashville to look him up. Shoji eventually traveled to America with his violin and $500. After spending some time in San Francisco, Kansas City, and Louisiana for 11 years, he eventually made it to Nashville to meet Acuff. Acuff was true to his word and arranged an appearance for the young Japanese fiddler on the Grand Ole Opry radio variety show. Tabuchi later made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry.
Around 1980 Tabuchi arrived in Branson, Missouri and after performing successfully for a few years he took a gamble and built one of the most elaborate theaters in Branson. Tabuchi has never produced a recording on a major label, but Japanese-born fiddler Shoji Tabuchi ranks as among the most popular musicians in the United States creating a multi-million dollar entertainment empire. He employs about 200 people at his elaborate 2,000 seat theater in Branson, Missouri, where he performs two shows daily during most of the year, often selling out the shows.
We're looking forward to enjoying lots more of Branson and environs this week and we'll be reporting to you as we move along.
So, let Barack and/or Michelle hop around Marbella, Mahhthahh's Vineyard, the chic side of Chicago and other so-called "swanky" spots.
We'll enjoy ourselves at a fraction of the cost and with no expense to the taxpayers.
BTW: Last night's show ended with a star-spangled salute to America, complete with pyrotechnics. Isn't that what summer is really all about?

Nearly A Century Later, The Great War Still Matters

Wars always seem to be fought in the name of peace.
World War I was no different.
And America's entry into the "war to end all wars" would be justified to "make the world safe for democracy."
World War I was such a momentous event that the history of the conflict and its continuing ramifications are likely to be studied forever. This was the first great industrial war. This was the war that redrew the map of Europe. This was the war that vanquished empires and monarchies. This was the war that gave birth to new revolutions and new political extremes. This was the war that failed to end ethnic rivalries. This was the war that forced America onto the world stage and helped make The US a great world power.
Very few people are alive today who even remember the great war.
That's why the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City provides such an invaluable and such an extraordinary experience.
This state-of-the-art Museum (which we visited yesterday) gives you the chance to explore and discover the nation’s most extensive assembly of artifacts, photography, art and narratives of the Great War ever presented in a single collection. The Museum introduces the war in unprecedented ways – through visual and audio sensory stimulation to mold an unforgettable experience in the minds of all visitors – young and old.
This is an all-encompassing experience that is overwhelming in its scope and depth.
The memorial and the museum inspire thought, dialogue, and learning to make the experiences of the World War I era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations.
The site for the Liberty Memorial was dedicated on November 1, 1921. On this day, the supreme Allied commanders spoke to a crowd of more than 100,000 people. It was the only time in history these leaders were together in one place. In attendance were Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium; General Armando Diaz of Italy; Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France; General John J. Pershing of the United States; and Admiral David Beatty of Great Britain.
After three years of construction, the Liberty Memorial was completed (except for the north frieze wall, dedicated in 1935). President Calvin Coolidge delivered the dedication speech to a crowd of 150,000 people.
Over time the physical structure of the Liberty Memorial deteriorated, and in 1994 it was closed due to safety concerns. In 1998 the public voiced its support for the Liberty Memorial once again by passing a half-cent sales tax for 18 months to support the restoration. While revitalizing the Liberty Memorial, plans took shape for expanding the site by building a museum in the space under the memorial.
It was an ambitious and audacious undertaking.
In 2004 the Museum was designated by Congress as the United States’ official World War I Museum, opening to the public on December 2, 2006, as the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.
The result is nothing less than breathtaking.
The Museum presents a comprehensive interpretation of World War I (1914-1919) and its lasting consequences, providing a vivid and memorable experience for all.
This is surely one of the most worthwhile museum experiences of its type in the world.
Don't miss it!

The Lessons Of Harry Truman's Enduring Legacy

Truman home in Independence, Missouri, yesterday.

My mother often spoke of the day President Roosevelt died.
It was a day she never forgot.
She was hanging curtains with my aunt in a small row home in Camden, New Jersey when the news came over the radio that FDR has suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in Warms Springs, Georgia. My mother was on a stepstool and she had to steady herself.
"What are we gonna do, now?" she thought.
The man who was deified by many Americans was mortal after all.
And his death left a great void.
FDR was the Sun King. And many people thought the sun would never set.
The new President, Harry Truman was virtually unknown to the vast majority of Americans.
Truman was not a man of great stature. He wasn't particularly compelling. He wasn't a great speaker. And he certainly wasn't what we think of today when we talk about "charisma." In 1945 he had little or no public persona.
In the months immediately following FDR's death this one-time Missouri farmer and haberdasher who never attended college had to face some of the most momentous events of the 20th century and make some of the toughest decisions of any President ever.
Truman accepted the burden.
He never flinched.
He made the decisions; made the tough calls.
He didn't carp, he didn't complain, he didn't blame his problems on anyone else.
Truman was accustomed to being underestimated or dismissed by intellectuals or mocked by elites.
But he knew who he was.
He had the common sense of a farmer, the discretion of a good poker player, the shrewd, inquiring mind of a voracious reader, the instincts of a cat and the unquestioned love of country that characterizes a soldier who has seen war and terror, life and death close up.
Though he was only elected President once (in an upset in 1948) Truman effectively served two terms in office.
The fall of Hitler. The atomic bomb. The fall of Japan. The rebuilding of Europe. The Berlin airlift. The rise of Communism. Recognition of the State of Israel. The Cold War. McCarthyism. The emergence of America's new consumer economy. The development of NATO. The Korean War.
All these and more marked Truman's time in office.
The crises of the times and the burdens of the office took their toll.
When he left the Presidency in 1953 polls pegged Truman's popularity at less than 30 percent.
Succeeded in office by a charismatic, certified American hero, Truman quietly returned to his home in Independence, Missouri.
There, Harry and Bess Truman lived out the rest of their lives in a white clapboard house on the corner of a tree-lined street. Up the road, Truman maintained an office at the Truman Library and Museum where he often greeted visitors -- both famous and not-so-famous.
Today, historians routinely rank Harry Truman among our top five or ten Presidents.
Harry Truman's modest midwest upbringing pre-dated the Age of Ego. Nonetheless, Truman confided to friends that he worked hard not to let the trappings of Washington and the presidency go to his head.
He remained grounded in and guided by the small town values of Independence which he often called "the greatest town anywhere."
If he cared about his legacy or his ranking, Truman certainly didn't show it.
"All I want from history," he said "is the truth."
Photo copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci.