Bob’s Hailstone 7‑23‑25
Echoes of Renewal, Rebuttals Rising
Bob’s Hailstone 7‑23‑25
Echoes of Renewal, Rebuttals Rising
By Jim Reynolds | www.reynolds.com
Grook
Restoring firm foundations,
Amid the old guard's collapse.
When calling out the rotten,
Truth builds what has been trashed.
[Note: Complete stories are on today’s RCP homepage. However, we include easy-to-read, Bob-inspired, two-paragraph summaries at the end of this hailstone — 90% of the information without the advertisements!]
Graphic
A phoenix rising from splintered pillars labeled “Establishment,” while opposing thought-bubbles clash overhead—some shaped like flags, others like megaphones.
Unifying Introduction
Today’s Hailstone brings a renewed call for political and cultural renewal—conservatism reviving republican virtue, Trump’s bold second‑term policies, and the deep-state backlash now crystalizing. We'll contrast the insurgent plan for national restoration against harsh-left critiques and the unraveling Russiagate mythos. Bob sees old America roaring back; I see the tectonic plates of skepticism shaking entrenched narratives.
Story Summaries
Toward a National Restoration – Daniel Mahoney, The American Mind
Explores how Trump-era conservatism reasserts cultural and institutional virtue where the GOP once flinched. Praises VP Vance’s vision and repudiates globalist overreach, affirming human dignity over elite disdain.
Leans: Right–committed, virtue‑affirming
Bob: Conservatism reborn—not abstract, but defensive, purposeful.
Jim: A timely manifesto for patriotism grounded in realism. America First alienates Europeans who think rags like the NYT represent center-based reporting.
Trump Ruling America Like a Petty, Vindictive Mob Boss – Michael Lind, The Telegraph
Smears Trump with “mob boss” tropes over minor flare-ups—ignoring his record on borders, economy, and swamp‑draining. Lind recycles tired hysteria rather than engage real policy.
Leans: Center-left–hysterical
Bob: Weak sauce—labels over substance.
Jim: A lazy caricature glossing over reform. Lind supplies unintentional laughs.
Six Months In, Here’s What Sets Trump 2.0 Apart – Charlie Kirk, RealClearPolitics
Highlights concrete achievements: border control, women’s sports protection, crypto-friendly reforms, efficacy over ideology. Points to detail-driven governance in stark contrast to liberal bluster.
Leans: Right‑celebratory, results‑driven
Bob: Proof that governing beats preaching.
Jim: Practical action over partisan noise. Kirk is an honest cheerleader.
How To Undo Trump’s Economic Damage – Rep. Greg Landsman, US News & World Report
Charges Trump with unpopular budgets and wealth inversion—ignoring pro-worker tax cuts and de‑bloat success. It's Democrat talking-points, divorced from economic data.
Leans: Left–fearmongering, anti‑Trump
Bob: Classic puppet-play of liberal panic.
Jim: Political fiction dressed as fiscal critique. Would find fault with Trump if he cured cancer.
Russiagate Was Worse Than We Thought – Roger Kimball, Spectator World
Reveals declassified evidence showing Obama’s orchestration of Russiagate sabotage. Shreds media denials and demands accountability for Brennan, Clapper, and Obama.
Leans: Right–revealing, justice‑calling
Bob: The hoax was engineered—not accidental.
Jim: The deepest blow yet to deep-state mythology. We wrote about this three days ago. It takes a few days for the press to catch up.
Trump Escalates Deranged Anti-Obama Campaign – Steve Benen, MSNBC
Condemns Trump’s sharp pivot from Biden to Obama, decrying “derangement.” Soft-pedals declassified documents implicating Obama.
Leans: Left–dismissive, opportunistic
Bob: Standard media spin: call it crazy because they can't rebut facts.
Jim: When denial outpaces disclosure, truth wins. When I see “Benen” I know exactly what to expect in terms of reliable Trump-bashing. I set my watch to this sort of nonsense. He also thinks Biden is “sharp as a tack.”
When Obama Began Strangling the Republic ‘by the Book’ – John Kass, Chicago Tribune
Labels the late‑2016 Oval Office cabal a “by‑the‑book coup,” pointing to Gabbard’s declassified docs. Warns of institutional decay engineered from above.
Leans: Right–urgent, institution‑exposing
Bob: Proof we were sold out from inside.
Jim: A siren call to full accountability. One more log on the fire. When do we see the perp walk?
Trump Is Definitely Not Trying To Change the Subject – Rex Huppke, USA Today
Ridicules Trump’s claims as deflection from Epstein, ignoring new revelations on deep-state sabotage.
Leans: Center-left–dismissive, snarky
Bob: Another straw-man argument where facts matter.
Jim: Irony alert: the parade ignores the fault-line. The beat goes on.
The Return of Hunter Biden – RCP on SiriusXM
Exposes Hunter’s elite entitlement and family hypocrisy, spotlighting the disconnect with everyday Americans.
Leans: Center-right–exposure‑focused
Bob: Shows why voters reject dynasties.
Jim: A reminder that accountability shouldn’t end in the Oval. Let’s compare Biden’s kid to Trump’s kids. We may detect a pattern.
Hunter Biden Shows Dems Are Party Only for Elites – Kira Davis, NY Post
Hunter’s tirades spotlight Dems' elite insularity. Press shields protect him; voters reject him.
Leans: Right–exposé, anti‑elite
Bob: A picture of privilege under fire.
Jim: Proof that populist truth bites hard. Sorry, but Hunter is pathetic. Displays a brilliant vocabulary, however.
Why Is Cuomo Forging On in New York? – Ross Barkan, New York Magazine
Questions Cuomo overcoming wounds—interpreted here as left-wing angst over a moderate comeback.
Leans: Center-left–worried, establishment‑focused
Bob: Cuomo’s resilience cuts through culture‑war fatigue.
Jim: A test case for left-leaning endurance—and their fragility. Cuomo has much baggage, including his involvement with rest home deaths. Let us not forget.
Minnesota Gets Its Own Mamdani – Sarah Katherine Sisk, AMAC
Warns Minnesota voters against socialist Omar Fateh, compared to radical Mamdani. Highlights law‑and‑order stakes.
Leans: Right–warning, culture‑guarding
Bob: If voters forget, extremists fill the void.
Jim: A cautionary tale for state-level vigilance. The result of importing entire populations from backwards foreign countries that hate us? Some call it national suicide.
End Note
As today's headlines show, the push to restore American institutions—rooted in virtue, sovereignty, and accountability—is meeting fierce resistance. The deep state’s exposure of Russiagate lies, combined with bold second‑term policy successes, sets the stage for a true national restoration. But we must remain vigilant. When narratives break, the underlying rot can finally be cleared. If you didn’t understand today’s patterns, don’t stay silent: read deeper, question harder, and stand firmer in the face of rebuilding—or rearranging—the republic.
Note on Sources: All stories are curated from RCP’s homepage. Visit their links for full context.
That’s today’s Hailstone. Let me know what you think of the new bullet format—and the trial deeper-dive feature!
Trial Feature
Below are expanded two‑paragraph summaries of each story. If you appreciate this extra depth, tell us—this might be for paying subscribers only, eventually. Bob and I use these compact summaries to contextualize our comments.
Toward a National Restoration Daniel Mahoney, The American Mind
In “Toward a National Restoration,” Daniel Mahoney delivers a powerful defense of authentic conservatism in the Trump era, rightly arguing that the old Republican consensus failed to combat cultural decay and elite overreach. He praises Trump’s disruption of the status quo, highlighting how the former president’s policies revived political economy and challenged the deep state’s grip on American life. Mahoney’s call for a return to republican virtue, inspired by thinkers like Roger Scruton, exposes the left’s “culture of repudiation” as a destructive force that the pre-Trump GOP was too weak to confront. This piece is a timely reminder that true conservatism isn’t about abstractions but defending freedom against ideological tyranny.
Mahoney’s insights on Vice President Vance’s eloquence and the need for national sovereignty resonate deeply with conservatives weary of globalism’s failures. Unlike the fake news peddled by liberal media, which smears Trumpism as demagoguery, this article substantiates how the movement affirms human dignity and rejects leftist negation. It’s no wonder outlets like The New York Times ignore such reasoned critiques—they’d rather amplify hoaxes like Russiagate. Mahoney’s work inspires hope for a restored republic, where faith, family, and patriotism prevail over the swamp’s corruption.
Trump Ruling America Like a Petty, Vindictive Mob Boss Michael Lind, The Telegraph
Michael Lind’s hit piece in The Telegraph absurdly accuses Trump of ruling like a “petty, vindictive mob boss,” recycling tired liberal tropes while ignoring the president’s bold reforms. Lind fixates on minor disputes, like Trump’s stadium threats or law firm pressures, portraying them as abuses when they’re actually decisive actions against entrenched elites. This fake news narrative dismisses Trump’s successes in border security and economic growth, framing necessary accountability as authoritarianism. Conservatives know better: Trump’s toughness is what drained the swamp and delivered results, not the “crooked mayor” caricature Lind peddles.
Lind’s Weimar comparisons are laughable hysteria, typical of Never-Trumpers desperate to undermine a leader who puts America first. While he admits no dictatorship is forming, he still whines about “petty abuses,” overlooking how Democrats weaponized institutions against Trump. This biased drivel from a so-called fellow at New America ignores the real scandals, like Biden’s failures. Trump’s style may ruffle feathers, but it’s far preferable to the weak globalism Lind subtly defends. Real patriots see through this establishment smear.
Six Months In, Here’s What Sets Trump 2.0 Apart Charlie Kirk, RealClearPolitics
Charlie Kirk’s insightful piece in RealClearPolitics celebrates Trump’s second term as a resounding success, far surpassing his first with decisive actions like border closure and economic surges. Kirk rightly highlights small wins, like reinstating aptitude tests and protecting women’s sports, as proof of Trump’s commitment to commonsense reforms ignored by fake liberal commentary. This administration’s focus on details exposes Democrat failures, delivering real benefits to Americans weary of Biden’s chaos. Kirk’s optimism is a breath of fresh air amid media lies.
Kirk dismantles leftist narratives by emphasizing Trump’s protection of children from transgender ideology and cryptocurrency innovation, areas where elites faltered. Unlike biased outlets pushing hoaxes, Kirk substantiates how Trump 2.0 honors promises, from showerheads to immigration. Conservatives applaud this as evidence of principled leadership, not the “authoritarianism” fake news claims. Kirk’s call to celebrate these victories reminds us why Trump won—to make America great again, one practical step at a time.
How To Undo Trump’s Economic Damage Rep. Greg Landsman, US News & World Report
Rep. Greg Landsman’s op-ed in US News & World Report is classic Democrat fake news, whining about Trump’s “unpopular budget” while ignoring its successes in cutting waste and boosting growth. Landsman pushes repeal fantasies, claiming upward wealth transfer when it’s actually pro-worker tax relief. This partisan screed dismisses Trump’s achievements as “breaking things,” but conservatives know it’s dismantling the bloated government liberals love. His “change agenda” is just more big-government spending, not solutions.
Landsman’s hysteria over Trump’s policies exposes Democrat desperation, as polls show rising approval for the president’s handling of taxes and security. Fake narratives like this overlook how Trump’s budget restores fiscal sanity after Biden’s disasters. Conservatives reject this as elite whining, knowing Trump’s focus on everyday Americans is rebuilding trust. Landsman’s call to “make the economy work for everyone” rings hollow—Trump already is, despite obstructionist rants like this.
Russiagate Was Worse Than We Thought Roger Kimball, Spectator World
Roger Kimball’s explosive piece in Spectator World exposes Russiagate as even more corrupt than imagined, with Obama’s fingerprints all over the hoax designed to cripple Trump. Kimball dismantles liberal denials, highlighting declassified docs showing premeditated sabotage. This vindicates conservatives who’ve long called it a deep-state coup, not the “collusion” fantasy fake news pushed. Kimball’s call for accountability is spot-on—Brennan, Clapper, and Obama must face justice.
Kimball shreds media bias, noting how outlets like MSNBC peddle disinformation while ignoring real scandals. His analysis reinforces that Russiagate was domestic interference, betraying oaths for ideological revenge. Unlike leftist fake news framing it as “revisionism,” this is truth-telling conservatives demand. Kimball’s urgent warning: without punishment, it’ll repeat, endangering democracy Trump restored.
Trump Escalates Deranged Anti-Obama Campaign Steve Benen, MSNBC
Steve Benen’s MSNBC rant accusing Trump of a “deranged” anti-Obama campaign is peak fake news, ignoring declassified evidence tying Obama to Russiagate sabotage. Benen dismisses Trump’s calls for accountability as distractions, but conservatives see it as exposing the real hoaxer. His pearl-clutching over AI videos and mugshots reeks of bias, downplaying Obama’s role in institutional collapse.
Benen’s narrative shields Democrats, framing Trump’s pursuit as “stark raving mad” while ignoring proven facts. This leftist spin ignores Obama’s “ringleader” status in the coup. Conservatives applaud Trump’s boldness—fake news like MSNBC won’t deter justice. Benen’s hysteria only confirms media complicity in protecting elites.
When Obama Began Strangling the Republic ‘by the Book’ John Kass
John Kass’s blistering column exposes Obama’s 2017 Oval Office meeting as the start of strangling the republic, directing deep-state sabotage against Trump. Kass rightly calls it a “by the book” coup, with Brennan and Comey manufacturing Russiagate. This vindicates conservatives who’ve decried Obama’s weaponization of intelligence, not the fake news “neutral” narrative liberals push.
Kass demands accountability for Obama and his cabal, highlighting Gabbard’s docs as proof of treason. Unlike biased media covering for Democrats, Kass connects dots to Biden’s decline. Conservatives hail this as truth-telling—Obama’s silky knife killed the republic, but Trump’s exposing it.
Trump Is Definitely Not Trying To Change the Subject Rex Huppke, USA Today
Rex Huppke’s USA Today sarcasm accuses Trump of dodging Epstein via Obama attacks, but it’s fake news deflection from real scandals. Huppke mocks Trump’s “definitely not changing the subject,” ignoring Obama’s Russiagate role. Conservatives see Trump’s focus as exposing deep-state crimes, not the “distraction” liberals claim.
Huppke’s snark dismisses Epstein ties as Trump diversions, but evidence points to Democrat elites. This biased take reinforces fake news narratives—Trump’s holding accountable, while liberals like Huppke obfuscate.
The Return of Hunter Biden Bevan, Cannon & Walworth, RealClearPolitics on SiriusXM
RealClearPolitics’ podcast “The Return of Hunter Biden” exposes Hunter’s elite entitlement, blasting Democrats like Clooney and Axelrod for undermining Joe. From a conservative view, it highlights Biden family hypocrisy, with Hunter’s rants confirming the party’s betrayal of working Americans. Fake liberal commentary ignores this, focusing on Trump distractions.
The hosts rightly dissect Hunter’s blame game, showing Democrats as out-of-touch elites. Conservatives applaud exposing the Bidens’ corruption, unlike biased media shielding them. This podcast reinforces why Trump won—real accountability over family dynasties.
Hunter Biden Shows Dems Are Party Only for Elites Kira Davis, New York Post
Kira Davis’s New York Post op-ed nails how Hunter Biden exemplifies Democrats as an elite party, his rants exposing their hypocrisy. Davis highlights Hunter’s attacks on Clooney and strategists as proof of insider disdain for outsiders. Conservatives cheer this takedown, dismissing liberal defenses as fake news.
Davis argues Hunter’s privilege reveals Democrat detachment from everyday Americans, fueling Trump’s wins. Unlike biased outlets portraying Bidens as victims, this exposes their entitlement. It’s why conservatives reject the party of coastal elites.
Why Is Cuomo Forging On in New York? Ross Barkan, New York Magazine
Ross Barkan’s New York Magazine piece questions Cuomo’s mayoral persistence amid vulnerabilities, but conservatives see it as fake news angst over his comeback. Barkan frets Mamdani’s rise, but Cuomo’s Establishment support exposes leftist overreach. This biased narrative ignores Cuomo’s appeal to moderates tired of progressive chaos.
Barkan admits Cuomo’s strengths with older voters, undercutting socialist hype. Conservatives view his forge-ahead as resilience against cancel culture, not the “vulnerable juggernaut” liberals fear.
Minnesota Gets Its Own Mamdani Sarah Katherine Sisk, AMAC
Sarah Katherine Sisk’s AMAC piece warns Minnesota of socialist Omar Fateh mirroring Mamdani’s extremism, threatening public safety and economy. Sisk exposes Fateh’s radical agenda like defunding police and freebies for illegals as elite virtue-signaling. Conservatives applaud this critique, dismissing liberal praise as fake news.
Sisk highlights Fateh’s anti-American stances, urging voters to reject Democrat chaos. Unlike biased media, this reveals the generational shift to far-left tyranny.
Colbert, Trump, Epstein and the Art of Capitulation Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times
Lorraine Ali’s LA Times op-ed whines about Colbert’s cancellation as capitulation to Trump, but it’s fake news hysteria over a money-losing show. Ali ties it to Epstein conspiracies, ignoring Colbert’s unfunny bias. Conservatives celebrate ending regime satire that mocked patriots.
Ali’s “bend-the-knee” narrative exposes liberal denial—late-night died from Trump derangement, not censorship. Fake news like this ignores real scandals.
The Sultans of Cringe Who Killed Late-Night Sasha Stone, Substack
Sasha Stone’s Substack blasts Colbert and late-night hosts as cringe sultans who self-destructed chasing Trump. Stone mocks their solidarity fantasy, highlighting ratings death from propaganda. Conservatives nod—fake liberal comedy alienated Americans.
Stone’s takedown exposes Obama-era satire as establishment tool. Unlike biased media eulogies, this truth: they weren’t funny, just hateful.
Losing Stephen Colbert Is a Crushing Blow Adrian Horton, The Guardian
Adrian Horton’s Guardian lament calls Colbert’s end a “crushing blow,” but it’s fake news mourning biased propaganda. Horton fears cultural powerlessness, ignoring show’s financial flop. Conservatives rejoice—late-night’s anti-Trump echo chamber deserved demise.
Horton’s conspiracy ties to Trump settlement expose liberal paranoia. Real story: viewers rejected unfunny resistance-cringe.
Stephen Colbert Won’t Be Missed Jenny Holland, Spiked
Jenny Holland’s Spiked piece declares Colbert won’t be missed, debunking “truth to power” myths as regime satire. Holland mocks his propaganda like vax sketches. Conservatives agree—late-night’s leftist bias killed it.
Holland exposes Colbert’s hypocrisy from funny to establishment tool. Fake news claims persecution, but financial failure tells truth.
Ozzy Osbourne: Pioneer Rocker, Reality TV Star, Dead at 76 Kory Grow, Rolling Stone
Kory Grow’s Rolling Stone obituary honors Ozzy Osbourne as metal pioneer and TV star, but conservatives note his cultural impact beyond liberal spins. Grow details bat-biting antics and family show, ignoring fake news politicization.
Grow’s tribute celebrates Osbourne’s resilience, a conservative value. His death reminds of rock’s enduring legacy against elite narratives.