Tuesday’s election, Biden’s polls, and my presidential prediction

We’re a year out from the 2024 presidential election, yet I’m ready to pick a winner. My prediction might surprise you. But first, some thoughts on Tuesday’s election:

DES MOINES. Some say voters rejected the message of progressive candidates for Mayor and City Council. I don’t see it that way. Candidates’ messages were fine, for the most part. But it’s hard to beat an incumbent. Between name recognition and the big money it often attracts (it did), incumbents and defacto incumbents won all five races.

Speaking of being outspent, I hadn’t intended to be the only public voice opposed to spending $350 million to expand the airport. It turns out I was. I spent $0. Airport proponents spent at least $30,000. My side lost 80%-20%. Ouch.

The biggest news locally was the suburban school board elections. The candidates supported by a far-right “Christian” organization lost. All of them. Yup. The radical religious right got its clock cleaned and its Bible thumped. Good to know that Iowans aren’t inclined to live in a theocracy. Continue Reading →

Marianne Williamson opposes eminent domain for CO2 pipelines

Dear Friends, LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM (and click here to share my blog) (01:44) An interview with Marianne Williamson (26:22) A new call to abolish nuclear weapons, with Kathleen McQuillen Continue Reading →

Dems should be in panic mode at Biden’s poll numbers

Democrats should be in panic mode about Biden’s poll numbers. The way things are going, Joe Biden is going to lose to Donald Trump in November, 2024. You probably don’t want to hear that, and I hate to say it, but I believe it’s true and a reality that needs to be confronted.

A May 7 Washington Post-ABC News poll confirms my fear. That poll found that 44% said they’d either definitely or probably vote for Trump in 2024, while 38% picked Biden. The poll also had DeSantis beating Biden, 48-41%.

Democrats ignore these numbers at their peril. But wait, it gets worse. A question on page 18 of a February, 2023, Harris Poll reads: “Is Joe Biden mentally fit to serve as President of the United States or do you have doubts about his fitness for office?”

A whopping 57% of respondents had doubts about Biden’s mental fitness, and 63% said he’s too old to be president. Sure, the same questions could be — and should be — asked about Donald Trump. Regardless, the reality is voters have reservations about Biden’s mental well being, and those reservations aren’t going away. Continue Reading →

Charles: Why I’m a vegan. Ed: Why I’m not.

Are you tired of being hit up for money by politicians? Me too. Sure, a handful of candidates are worth supporting. But 3 or 4 times a week? That’s beyond asking for support. That’s groveling.

Once a year, you’ll get an appeal from me asking you to donate to the Fallon Forum. Our team works hard to analyze and expose important stories the Mainstream Media miss, and we hold politicians across the spectrum accountable.

So, I hope you’ll take a couple minutes to donate $25, $50, $100, or more if possible, either online or by check. We can’t do this without you and our small business and non-profit sponsors. Continue Reading →

Joe Biden and the Oligarchy

It’s not that hard to understand why Biden will lose. In 21st century presidential elections, perceived outsider beats perceived insider. Every. Single. Time. The principle’s results are consistent. Al Gore. John Kerry. John McCain. Mitt Romney. Hillary Clinton. Perceived (or actual) insider has lost every presidential election since 2000. Continue Reading →

Mingling with Trumpers

Kathy the Fierce hoisted a “Climate is a Crisis” sign while I kept a wary eye for anyone inclined to get physical. Kathy’s sign immediately attracted a slew of disapproving stares. A man in overalls sporting a red “Keep America Great” hat warned that the Secret Service would evict us. Continue Reading →

Climate Crisis Parade Could be Huge

The Climate Crisis Parade planned for February 1st in Des Moines is shaping up to be a major event. As of today, a coalition of 55 organizations has signed on as co-sponsors. The primary focus of the multi-faceted event is to challenge the media to do a better job covering the worsening climate crisis.

Every four years, Des Moines is “media central” during the days leading up to the Iowa Caucuses. To act on this unprecedented opportunity for national and international coverage, the coalition is inviting participants to meet at Cowles Commons to hear influential climate voices make the climate connections the media is ignoring. Continue Reading →

A Conversation with Marianne Williamson

Williamson is a different kind of presidential candidate. Yeah, I know, so is Donald Trump. But think of everything you don’t like about Trump (sure, long list) and Williamson is pretty much the opposite. Continue Reading →

Packing dirt around glaciers to slow climate change?

Dear Friends, Bold Iowa’s effort to bird-dog presidential candidates on climate change is going well. What’s missing is more people doing it. SIGN UP TO BIRD-DOG PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ON CLIMATE Continue Reading →