Friday, December 31, 2021

THE LIST! 22 People To Watch In 2022


Out with the old, in with the new.
But we'll be the first tom admit that some of the people on our watch list aren't exactly new. Some of them are, however -- and all of them are interesting. Well, interesting to us -- and we hope to you. I n any event, we think these 22, give or take a few ( and in no particular order) are people you oughta keep your eyes on in the year ahead because they have the potential to do Big Things!
So, here goes:

Glenn Youngkin and Winsome Sears
The new Governor and Lieutenant Governor of of Virginia are certifiable American Originals. They a Dream Team and they  give us great hope for the future. Rising stars!

Ed Durr
New Jersey's redoubtable Giant Killer tell us: "I don't believe 'it is what it is' because I believe you can make it what it is." We like that. Now it's time for this Senator-elect to show us what he's got.

Steve Kush and Jacci Vigilante
The two masterminds behind Durr's upset victory over Steve Sweeney. What do they have up their sleeves next?

Jesse Kelly
One of the most exciting new radio talkers on the horizon and a likely heir to the Rush Limbaugh legacy. 

Tom Kean
He's taking another shot at that gettable New Jersey congressional seat and this time we think he's on the verge of flipping it. GoGoGo!

Senator John  Kennedy
We like his homespun homilies and his quotable Louisiana one-liners. A true rugged individualist among pitiful poseurs, he reminds us of -- well, nobody. He's unique and that's why he's a national treasure.

Nikki Haley
Does she have what it takes to make a real difference on the national stage for the GOP? We're about to find out.

Michael Nutter
We liked the way he spoke up about Kenney and Krasner and a city he loves. We miss you, Mayor Nutter. We want you back!

Mike Testa
This South Jersey state senator is the single most intriguing public official on the horizon in New Jersey right now. He manages to be charismatic without being enigmatic. He's authentic, accessible, smart and daring. In our book, he's tops!

Rebecca Rhynhart
Philly's City Comptroller is widely touted as a future mayor. If she's serious about it, she'll have to start making her moves now. Stay tuned!

Ron DeSantis
The hugely-appealing Governor of  Florida is poised to win re-election in a landslide. Not only is he right out of central casting but, substantively, he's head and shoulders among many other leaders -- so much so that that he's destined to be a presidential contender. We like that!

Nick Covington and Kyle Rittenhouse
Young and with bright futures ahead of them, they both beat the odds and slayed the dragons. That alone puts them on the list and we hope this is just the beginning. The sky's the limit!

Lin Manuel Miranda
Is there ever a reason not to watch this guy? He's so classy. creative, constructive and productive that almost anything he touches is instantly impressive and worthy of our attention. 

Kristi Noem
The Governor of South Dakota has had a few missteps of late but she's still compelling and is destined to be formidable going forward. Pay attention to her!

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster
The two megawatt co-stars of Broadway's long-awaited revival of The Music Man have the opportunity to single-handedly revive Broadway and save the Great American Musical in the post-Sondheim era. Don't bet against them.

Bill McSwain
This former Marine and fearless prosecutor wants to be the next Governor of Pennsylvania. He's a straight arrow. But can he show the sort of down home authenticity and connection with small town folk that can put him over the finish line? Keep watching!

Brandon Umba
An upset victor and future Assemblyman in a key New Jersey district gives fresh hope to the GOP in the Garden State. Now it's time for him to take the momentum of his big win and make it mean something for the rest of us. Let's go Brandon!

David Oh and Alan Domb
Two Philadelphia City Council members who emerge as sensible voices among far too many senseless ones. Maybe one of them (or maybe both) will run for mayor. We hope so!

Matt Mowers
He's worked in New Jersey politics since he was a teenager but has now made his home in New Hampshire where he's seeking a congressional seat. The New Hampshire GOP is so high on this young turk that they're even talking about him for the US Senate. We're high on him too!

Billy Prempeh
A true disruptor out of Paterson in New Jersey's Passaic County, he seems ready to once again try to unseat weary old veteran Congressman Bill Pascrell. That's a tall order. But Prempah is feisty, stubborn and nobody owns him. Can you tell that we love disruptors?

Enes Kanter Freedom (pictured, above)
He's defied the NBA, China, Nike, the cancel culture, Big Media, the woke mob and corporate lockstep to emerge as one of the most intriguing figures in professional sports. This newly-naturalized American citizen makes us proud and could turn us into rabid Boston Celtics fans. There, we said it! 

Senator Marsha Blackburn
Hey, we admit it. We're partial. We adore Tennessee! And we could listen to Marsha Blackburn for hours. Not only does she seem to always make sense but she does it in a way that is engaging, entertaining and easy-to-grasp. In short, she relates. You go, girl!

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