Tag: prayer

Prayer: Taking Authority

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Using Our God-Given Authority

Yesterday, I shared some thoughts regarding spiritual warfare. While we are not to become distracted or preoccupied with satan or his demons, they do exist and must be resisted at times. The Bible tells us that:

  • We are in a very real spiritual war (see 2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:18).
  • We are soldiers in this war (see Ps. 110:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:3-4). 
  • We are to “wrestle” against all levels of the kingdom of darkness (see Ephesians 6:12).
  • We are to “resist the devil” (which would in most situations be his demons) and he will flee from us (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).
  • We are to “tread” on satan and his demons (i.e., exercise authority over them—see Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20).
  • We are to cast out demons (see Mark 16:17).
  • We have the authority to “bind” (forbid) and “loose” (permit) when dealing with the agents and gates of hell (see Matthew 16:19).
  • We have powerful weapons designed to overcome the kingdom of darkness (see 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10-20).

Regarding binding and loosing, the book I mentioned yesterday by Jack Hayford, Prayer Is Invading the Impossible, gives an enlightening amplification of Matthew 16:18-19, based on the technical aspects of the Greek wording. Dr. Hayford’s translation makes clear that WE must go on the offense:

“Whatever you may at any time encounter (of hell’s counsels which I’m declaring my church shall prevail against), you will then face a decision as to whether you will or won’t bind it. What transpires will be conditional upon your response. If you do personally and consciously involve yourself in the act of binding the issue on earth, you will discover that at that future moment when you do, that it has already been bound in heaven!”(1)

Wow!

The words bind and loose could be translated as “forbid” and “release.” The Greek words are actually legal terms, as in legally binding, or the opposite – being released from that which legally binds. The Lord is saying He has given us legal authority, spiritually speaking, to stop satan’s attacks and release individuals from his control. God doesn’t give us detailed formulas for doing so. He is not into formulas in any area of biblical truth. He prioritizes relationship, and gives us principles to apply as the Holy Spirit leads us. He alone knows exactly what is needed in each situation. Sometimes we simply give biblical commands, releasing the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17); other times we are led to worship (2 Chronicles 20:1-30), fast (Mark 9:29), or even clap and shout (Psalms 47:1). 

In spiritual warfare, the point is not so much how we wrestle, but that we wrestle – bind, loose, and/or wield the sword – and do so as Holy Spirit leads us. We must go on the offensive and aggressively deal with the forces of darkness whenever necessary. The word “against” is used five times in Ephesians 6 to describe our spiritual warfare. The Greek word is pros, which is a strengthened form of pro. We get the English word “pro/professional” from it. These Greek words mean “in front of,”(2) or “superior to.” We use the concept when referring to professional athletes. A pro athlete is one who is “in front of” or “superior to” others. The words also have the connotation of stepping forward and facing toward something or someone.(3) Paul is using the symbolism in this Ephesians passage of a wrestler stepping forward and facing his opponent. God is saying to us in these verses, “Step forward and face the kingdom of darkness. Wear the armor I have provided and overcome them.”

The following remarkable story tells of two powerful intercessors stepping forward to face demonic powers. John G. Lake, a missionary to South Africa in the first half of the 20th century, relates the story of a fever epidemic that struck a portion of South Africa in a single night. The devastation was such that in one month, a fourth of the entire population of that region died. There were not enough caskets to meet the need, and people were being buried in blankets, so great was the devastation.

Lake tells of a powerful intercessor who began to pray. For days— all day long and into the night—he stationed himself under a tree and prayed against the plague. Several times, Lake asked the man, “Are you getting through?”

He would reply, “Not yet.” But one day he said to Lake, “I feel today that if I had just a little help in faith, my spirit would go through.” Lake got on his knees and joined the man in prayer. What happened next is amazing. Here it is in Lake’s own words:

“As we prayed, the Spirit of the Lord overwhelmed our souls, and presently I found myself, not kneeling under the tree, but moving gradually away from the tree….My eyes gradually opened, and I witnessed such a scene as I never witnessed before – a multitude of demons like a flock of sheep! The Spirit had come upon the other man also, and he rushed ahead of me, rebuking that army of demons, and they were driven back to hell, or the place from whence they came. Beloved, the next morning when I awoke, that epidemic of fever was gone.(4)

We have authority; we must learn to use it!

I shared this from “Give Him 15” by Dutch Sheets. Powerful and anointed teaching about praying and taking authority over our enemy. You have legal authority to bind and lose over your situation, community, church, and nation. Prayer moves mountains. Let’s pray! Rh

Pray Engage Impact

Effective Fervent Prayer Avails Much: James 5:16 

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

From William Bradford and the Pilgrims to the Founding Fathers, greatness was understood in the context of the blessing of God; our founding documents reflect this.

Can America recover? If our only hope is in cultural reclamation through the political process, our chances are nil. Our national sickness goes much deeper than politics; our problem is spiritual and the only true solution is also spiritual. The People of God must see through our enemy’s curtain and recognize Satan’s ability to work through mortals to achieve his sinister goals. After all, he is the Father of Lies and the Great Deceiver and can distract people with decoys, and counterfeits as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We must grasp the nature of our enemy and pray accordingly, not being distracted by illusions and paper tigers. Now is not the time to self-censor and cower to the cultural elites, hoping for better days ahead. We are in a spiritual battle and must see ourselves as the Resistance of our day. We adopt no exit plan. We recognize our enemy’s tactics, expose his lies, and proclaim truth. Although Satan masquerades as an angel of light, once exposed, he runs for cover. Truth sets us free so we run toward the battle and not away from it.

Like the Founding Fathers, the People of God must care enough about their homeland to take action. Prayer is our greatest weapon but only effective when it’s utilized. America will outlast all the great civilizations of the past when she falls to her knees in humility and prayer. These are the tactics that will restore our greatness and bring revival.    Author Unknown

Many times I get deep into the weeds (obsessed) with the state of the world and culture. I am a current events guy, but always with a Biblical context. Today is a most important post. James 5:16-17 gives us a prescription for the chaos and unbelief and outright demonic hatred of the world of today. Sincere fervent prayer! God is still in charge, we do not understand, but He is. We though do have a part to play. WE pray, We intercede and declare the Word of God. That is our job. I cannot change any dirty politician’s vote, but God can. I cannot change our culture. But God can. But what I can do is pray. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man or woman avails much.

The world is ripe for destruction, but also for revival. People are fearful. Many have no clue what will happen next, but Jesus Christ give me peace regardless. We can make a difference. God has moved on me to pray more this year, and I am. We have access into the very throne room of Almighty God, let’s use that privilege. Hebrew 4:16.

Pray, Engage, and Impact

War Updates: Time is Short for Iran

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President Trump:

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran! Posted on Trump’s “Truth Social”

BREAKING NEWS:

Attacks on Kharg Island: The US military attacked bunkers, radar positions, and ammunition depots, According to Fox News, bunkers and ammunition depots were also attacked on Kharg Island.

(Fox News)

Be much in prayer for the next 24 hours, it seems the Iranian leadership is destined for the 72 virgins, without a deal this may be the most deadly part of the war. I expect to see sine ground troop operations, always difficult and dangerous even in the best of conditions. God’s protection over our troops. 🙏🙏🇺🇸🇮🇱

After another bizarre episode of Tucker Carlson’s podcast in which he attacked the president for allegedly desecrating Easter – Trump responds in a conversation with the New York Post: “He calls me all the time; I don’t answer his calls. I don’t deal with him. I like to deal with smart people, not with fools.”

America Is Divided By Sin Not Politics

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The devil saw my head down and he thought he won, until I said Amen!

There is division in America.  That is a fact, no one can doubt that premise.  However it is not by politics, but by sin. The division comes from two opposing world views.  One is a Biblical worldview and the other is a secular humanist worldview.  That is the  red line in the sand.  Neither side will give in.  I will never compromise my Biblical Moral Worldview.  

 America has a rich tradition of being a nation built on traditional family values, Judeo-Christian values.  God ordained us to spread the Gospel around the world and we did that by sending missionaries to far off distant counties.  Our mandate came through a prophecy by  Vicar Robert Hunt (1586-1608) the first Anglican chaplain of the Jamestown expedition and is renowned for a 1607 prayer and prophecy dedicating the new American land to God. Upon landing at Cape Henry, Hunt planted a seven-foot cross and “declared a covenant in the Gospel would go forth from that shore to the entire world”.  Furthermore he stated “we should focus on the mandate to raise up Godly generations after us”.

I will say,  we tried.  The United States experienced three or four Great Spiritual Awakenings:

First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s): Led by figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, this period focused on personal conviction, redemption, and a shift away from traditional, formal religion.

Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s): Characterized by camp meetings and the rise of itinerant preachers like Charles Finney, it resulted in significant church growth and reform movements.

Third Great Awakening (1857–1859): Often called the “Businessmen’s Revival,” this movement began with prayer meetings in New York City during a financial crisis and spread nationwide.

Fourth Great Awakening (Late 1960s–early 1970s): Debated by some, this wave is often linked to the “Jesus Movement” and rapid growth in conservative denominations

What America needs is not a new or reformed political party, but another great Spiritual awakening.  Our government as it is now is a corrupt “ruling class” entity that does whatever it desires.  Two passages in the Bible give us an insight into how the Almighty looks at us.  It’s not a pretty sight.  One thing I know is that God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow.

1 Timothy1:9-10

“knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,”

Take a look again at some phrases:

  • murders; abortion and rage of violence 
  • fornicators; our sex craved society
  • sodomites; the entire gender mafia
  • kidnappers; sex slaves
  • liars; our government hides and lies constantly
  • perjurers; truth has fallen in the street

Read Isaiah 59:1-10: hands defiled with blood, feet that run to evil, no justice, lack of truth, and our thoughts are continually on evil and iniquities. 

We need an awakening, repentance and a turning from the evil that permeates our society.  The division is caused not by political, but spiritual warfare that divides us more than even a civilian war based on political ideology.  We need intercessors more than candidates.  We need hungry hearts and souls that long after the Lord.  Humility filled with a desire for the things of God.  Turning from evil and pushing into the holy place where God resides.

Unfortunately the majority of the American church is living in a daze of the prosperity gospel, feeling they have need of nothing.  Bills are paid, money in the bank, but all the while Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts desiring a deeper relationship with His church.

We need the Ekklesia to become the remnant that pursues the holiness of God more than the pleasures of the world.  Jesus is the only solution for a deprived world.  He is our only hope.  The world is on a downward path, the Bible tells us for a fact that a spirit of anti-christ will invade the last days.  We are there now.

Let me be clear, I am not saying we shouldn’t be involved with politics.  We most definitely should.  We as Christian Conservatives vote our Biblical values.  It is our duty and I believe a mandate from the Lord.  Look through the slick commercials and line up your candidate with the Word of God.  What I am saying is this…we need a “Great Awakening” to save this country.  

Spiritual warfare is real and we must win the spiritual war first and then the awakening will come.  Lord Jesus raise up holy intercessors in this time..  You were born for such a time as this.  

Pray * Engage * Impact Rh

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Iran

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Rubio was on Fox talking about NATO, state of the war and mostly Iran.

“This is a regime led by people who believe it is their calling and their purpose in life to usher in the end of the world.

Araghchi is a liar.

This guy was on television… denying that Iran had any missiles beyond a certain range — and then they fired two of them.

They were aiming to become the next North Korea — not a North Korea run by a regime that is troublesome and hard to understand, but an Iran run by radical Shia clerics with intercontinental missiles.

We can see the finish line. It’s not today or tomorrow, but it’s coming”.

This is interesting and a conversation worth having.

Secretary Rubio says “since NATO isn’t allowing the U.S. to use their bases then we have to ask, “Why are we in NATO?”

Rubio says the U.S. is “going to have to reexamine the value of NATO and that alliance for our country.”

IMO the elites thought they were on their way to a new world order just a couple of years ago.  Not sure this is what they had in mind.  Europe devastated and worthless, Europe-lite (Canada) worthless and a new Middle East without Iran as the bully with no teeth.  Rubio is the rock star of this administration, and worthy of my apologies over concern about him.  After living in Florida for 10 years, I never thought thought he was like this.  Some people rise to the occasion, Rubio is acting Presidential, with strength but with some tact which is much needed in the White House.  At the present time he is my pick and favorite to continue the freedom march the U.S. has begun under Trump.  America is back, baby!  Rh

Commentary below on what Trump might say tonight in his speech from the White House. From Amit Sega’s newsletter “It’s Noon In Israel”.  Highly recommend you check him out, great updates from inside Israel.

Tonight at 9 p.m. ET, Donald Trump is set to deliver an “important update on Iran.” At 4 a.m. Israel time, most Israelis, including the leadership, will be away from their phones, either asleep or still celebrating the first night of Passover. When they eventually wake or finish the Passover meal and check their updates, I am certain they will not be blindsided by the announcement.

Most likely, Trump announces that despite the great victories already achieved, more is required to finish off the Islamic Republic. He confirms that he is still open to a diplomatic settlement, but nothing has manifested so far, and critical infrastructure remains a target. If so, that would suggest he is sticking to the original plan: another two to three weeks of strikes before transitioning to the protest phase.

Least likely, he announces a unilateral end to the war. The uranium is yet to be retrieved or more deeply buried beneath Isfahan; Kharg is still in Iranian hands, and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Any one of these facts would cast a shadow on Trump’s declaration of victory; all three make victory difficult to make out. Yet even if Trump chooses to declare victory regardless, Israel more broadly would be surprised, but the leadership would not. As a senior intelligence source told me last week, Israel is prepared for this outcome and still believes it can pull out a win if U.S. forces remain in the region during the protest phase.

Part of his speech will certainly be devoted to calming oil markets. Trump’s rhetoric may have a chaotic tone, but there is a clear rhythm to his comments, balancing between explosive threats and assurances that the war is almost over. So far, he has succeeded. If I had asked an expert at the outset of the war what prices would look like if barely any oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz for almost a month, $100 would be far from the estimate. Since markets are open for two more days, I would imagine Trump’s dovish side will be present tonight.

After 33 days of the closest cooperation in the histories of both countries, I think we can say with confidence that no matter how the media reacts to Trump’s comments tonight, Israel will not be surprised.

Bridge To Ezekiel 38 War

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

The military action we see now in the Middle East is not leading to the Ezekiel 38 war.  That war is with Russia, Turkey, and Iran with  other Muslim nations forming a coalition to attack Israel at a time of relative peace and security.  This war is doing something no other military war or action has done.  Realignment in the Gulf region.

Deterrents and consolidations.  The US, along with Israel is taking its rightful place as the moral force to deter forces of evil.  Iran has raged a proxy war on Israel for years, and on America for 47 years ever since the taking of the Embassy in Tehran.  The radical Ayatollahs have spewed hatred and death to Israel and the US.  Calling us both tools of Satan.  That is the pot calling the kettle black

A shift is happening, MBS (Muhammad Bin Salim) Saudi  Arabia’s crown prince has publicly called for Trump to not stop until Iran is defeated. UAE has espoused similar assertions.  Terror proxies  have been deterred, new alliances have been made and old partners are showing their cowardness.  NATO may well be finished as Trump declares he is watching and taking notes. Trump made the statement recently that one European PM told him “this is not our war”, to which Trump replied “neither is Ukraine our war”.  Point counter point.  Russia is lurking.

War is chaotic and causes confusion, but it ultimately brings peace and realignment.  Arab neighbors are forgetting old tribal grudges and looking toward a new stability and prosperity in the Gulf region.  Netanyahu has been pushing the idea of a pipeline from Saudi Arabia across Israel to export oil, making piracy and closure of the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz a mute point.  Seems MBS may be ready to explore that plan.  Funny how the enemy of your enemy becomes your friend.  Arabs are finding out Israel is not the problem. With new alliances, comes new prosperity and that is good for the entire region.  

Sometimes it takes a war to clear out the rats as they scurry to find protection.  War is chaos.  The military is designed to bring fury on the enemy, but the aftermath could, hopefully bring old combatants together. Let’s pray for that.  God is able to bring change and new directions out of the fog of war aftermath.  After all He created the world out of emptiness, nothing is impossible.  Could this conflict bring about the peace and security that Israel craves and set the stage for Ezekiel 38??  

IMO the next war in the Middle East will likely be the Ezekiel 38 war.  The Russia, Turkey & Iran coalition will attempt to move on Israel as the world looks on and hopes for diplomatic means to end the next crisis in the Middle East.  But this time it isn’t a nation, but Almighty God who crushes the Gog and Magog alliance with large hailstones from heaven!  It all makes sense to me. Prophecy given, prophecy fulfilled.  This conflict isn’t the big one, but most likely the next one will be Ezekiel 38.  

Look up your redemption draws near.  Maranatha! Rh

*Update* Spain, Italy, UK, France and Poland have told the US they will not be a part of any help when it comes to the conflict in Iran.  Including the strait of Hormuz.  NATO is falling apart right before our eyes.  They seem very cocky for a bunch of cowards who run to America for help every time Putin sneezes in their direction.  Rh

Boot Prints on Kharg Island??

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To the casual observer of the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran it seems we are on the verge of destroying Iran and declaring total victory.  In one sense that is a factual statement.  On the other hand there are still outstanding objectives.  

This is the third time I have seen a major escalation of the military in the Middle East.  I remember Bush Sr. stopping troops on their way to Baghdad.  Bush Jr. wanted to spread democracy in the Middle East.  Air superiority is wonderful, but to really conquer a country in today’s stealth environment of terror proxies, it will probably take boots on the ground.

After being of draft age during Viet Nam, that statement of ground troops is chilling to me.  Limited in and out scenarios work best for the American people, and let’s be real, all war and actions militarily need the support of the citizens back home.  Every politician looks at polls and the ever changing attitudes of the American people.

With that being said I fully expect troops to be deployed over Kharg Island, and also possible in Isfahan where the supposed nuclear material was secretly stashed by Iran.  Some at 60% enrichment, far above any civilian use. When you throw in the Strait of Hormuz, vitally important, these are the choke points that cause Iran to think they can hold out.  remember as Trump has said, “they are great negotiators”.  Their great negotiation positions come from not caring about their people and the willingness to sacrifice everything to hang on to power. Plus they lie and stall while waiting out their adversaries.

With all that said, we must finish the job or this happens again.  Do what it takes to effect regime change and give the Iranians a chance at a real life.  Ground troops are all that I foresee to be the answer.  Holding Kharg Island and clearing the Strait, makes Iran’s ability to hang on dissipate quickly.

One final note: expect to see something dramatic, (ground troops?) after the present halt for negotiations.  We aren’t ready yet to go in, but to me, knowing I am not a military expert or one who served, but one that follows the experts who analyze, it seems to be the likely scenario.

My prayer is that this can be done without boots on the ground and that negotiations would cause Iran to give up.  Well the devil never gives up, neither does his allies.  Iran is noted for their lying and the ability to camouflage their intentions.  They are master negotiators only because the western mind doesn’t understand their tribal religious mindset.  Western governments have aided and abetted Iran too long, including our previous Presidents.  Obama and Biden left a total mess for Trump.  Probably their intention.  

We are at a tipping point.  America’s future and the future of regional geopolitics in the Middle East rely on what happens next. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out. What a time to be alive.  

We are “Living in Prophetic Times”.  Pray for our troops and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Maranatha!  Rh

Trump Statement

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President Trump:

I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East. Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

President Donald J. Trump

Interesting, who blinks first?  Obviously Iran needs a deal regardless of what they may put out for public consumption.  Trump has declared to destroy oil infrastructure soon.  Don’t think Trump is bluffing, but obviously complete and total surrender with the US getting all the processed uranium out of Iran might just stop this war.  America has to make sure Iran is defeated and can not develop more nuclear material or work on ballistic missiles.  That should be a given.

Following Trump’s announcement of talks, markets reacted immediately. Oil prices dropped by 8%, but futures rose by 2-3%.

The back and forth continues. Please Trump don’t stop until you have all the objectives accomplished,  Don’t Bush this wart, by stopping too soon and have issues in the future!

  • Fars News Agency quotes an Iranian source: “There are no direct or indirect negotiations with Trump. He backed down after hearing our threats.”  Not sure if true or not, but Iran is notorious for lying about talks and negotiations.  So take it for what it is.
  • Reuters: Washington updated Israel on its talks with Tehran, and Israel is likely expected to follow the US and suspend any attacks on power plants and energy infrastructure in Iran.

Trump on Iran

  • “Well, they’re gonna have to get themselves better public relations people. We’ve had very strong talks. Mr Witkoff and Kushner had them. They went perfectly.” – Trump on Iran denying that any talks happened.
  • Trump: “If we have a deal with Iran, we will go down to the nuclear facilities and take the uranium ourselves”. 
  • We want no enrichment, and we also want the enriched uranium.
  • If this happens, it is a great start for Iran to build itself back.
  • We want the nuclear dust. We’re going to want that, and I think we’re going to get that. 
  • We’ve agreed to that—yeah, we’re going to; we’ve agreed to that.

Well there you have, it if Trump is telling the truth he just doubled down on his requirements to end the war.  I have no reason to doubt him, but….remember Iran is a bunch of lying extremists.  Their religion allows them to lie for the greater good of Islam.  Stay tuned.  Rh

Updates and Analysis: MAGA – Iran- Hormuz

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Below are a couple of posts of interest to me at least, hope you enjoy them. Both are accredited, and also a repost from Amir Tsarfati. Hormuz must be stabilized to keep the objectives of this military action on track. Extremely high gas prices are most likely the only thing that will derail final and completed objectives. The MIddle East is changing and so also the world pecking order. America is back in dominance, as it should be. God Bless America, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Living in truly “Prophetic Times”. Rh

Tucker Carlson’s Failure — Trump’s Knockout

Various interesting polls point to a clear trend:

A. There is no “split” within the MAGA camp — on the contrary, there is an almost Soviet-level consensus around Trump and his decision to strike Iran.

B. The war in Iran is not hurting Republicans ahead of the midterm elections — it is actually strengthening them.

Here are the data (to be detailed in follow-up posts):

1. NBC poll: One hundred percent support among MAGA supporters for Trump. Yes — 100%. This figure was also echoed by CNN.

In other words, two networks highly hostile to Trump present a president who has complete control over his base.

The share of people identifying with MAGA has also grown since the election.

2. Republican poll (New York Post): Who do you identify with — Trump or Carlson and Megyn Kelly?

The result is decisive: Trump 84%, Carlson and Kelly 6%.

It turns out that clicks and Spotify listens do not necessarily translate into real influence among the public.

Ironically, a phenomenon similar to traditional media in recent years is emerging: a loud and vocal minority holds the microphone and claims to speak for a silent majority that actually rejects it.

This frustration is causing Tucker and his circle to lose composure and drift away from the MAGA “mothership” toward the more fringe territories of the far left and pro-jihadist narratives.

The current investigation into Kent’s leaks to Carlson may become the official break between Carlson and the Republican Party.

3. YouGov–Economist poll on the November midterms (the most important issue in U.S. politics):

Since the start of the war, Republicans have narrowed the gap with Democrats in the race for control of the House — from a 7-point Democratic lead in mid-February to just 2 points in mid-March.

Earlier this month, I referenced a Harvard/Harris poll conducted before the war that showed a tie.

Democrats still lead in betting markets and most polls, but the trend is favorable for Republicans.

As noted recently, Republicans have only upside potential — historically, since World War II, only once has a second-term president managed to keep his party’s majority in the House (Clinton and the Democrats in 1998).

If Trump becomes the second, it would be a phenomenal achievement for him and the Republican Party.

4. Finally (not a poll): The major unknown is Vice President J.D. Vance, who is closely tied to Carlson and issued a very lukewarm statement regarding Kent’s resignation.

His public profile during the current war with Iran has been relatively low, and it is not at all certain that he supports the campaign.

Recently, he has lost some ground in the (so far quiet) race between him and Marco Rubio to become Trump’s successor for 2028.

It is far too early to write off Vance’s chances of becoming the Republican nominee in two and a half years, but his political trajectory will likely indicate the direction the Republican Party will take in the coming years.

(Gilad Zwick on X)

Vance is the big loser for now, I just don’t trust him. He came late to the MAGA party. First time he voted republican was for himself in the Ohio senate race. Seems to be a carpetbagger and far too close to the woke right and the Anti-Israel sentiment. Rh

American retaliation – strategic shift

Financial Times reports a major U.S. pivot:

• Air-defense systems and ammunition redirected from Europe to the Middle East

• Focus shifting fully toward confrontation with Iran

On the ground

• Deliveries to Europe – especially Patriot interceptors – expected to be delayed

• Systems already moved from Europe to protect U.S. forces and allies in the region

• U.S. deprioritizing Russia–Ukraine track – signaling full attention on Iran

Europe reacts

• Anger and concern – described as a “disaster”

• Accelerating independence from U.S. arms supply

• France taking its own path – deploying forces to the region

Middle East implications

• Stronger U.S. deterrence posture

• Shortages creating competition for air-defense systems

• Rising risk of escalation with Iran

• Gulf states reassessing alliances

Bottom line

• The Middle East is now Washington’s top priority

• Europe is sidelined

• The global balance is shifting

(Nziv .net)

Final thought, Europe may be the big loser, not supporting the US when they are far more dependent on oil than us. Typical, we save them and they turn their backs on us. Open borders and government overreach has defeated the once great British Empire, they should change their symbol from the lion to a kitty. France is just France, as long as they have their mistresses and their over priced wine, they are good. Rh