In Washington, those of us who either serve as political consultants or members of the media know a secret many Americans outside the beltway don't: Most days, "47" doesn't show up in the West Wing before 1pm. Probably because he spent the prior night incessantly posting on his ironically named social media platform. Once his sundowning subsides, he wakes up, watches television, conducts meandering phone interviews, and eats McDonald's -- all from the comfort of his bed.

As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, our "unequivocally" selfless Commander-in-Chief couldn't think of a more 'fabulous' way to celebrate his birthday, which coincides with Pride Month, than by having a bunch of sweaty, well sculpted, muscle men rolling around on the south lawn of the White House.

Former state legislator J. Basil Dannebohm provides an in-depth look at how demagogues leverage anti-intellectualism to erode democracy.

Whether or not Saturday's incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner was real or an elaborate orchestration is frankly irrelevant. The fat-cat demand, "change for me, but not for thee" should outrage all of us.

Like the “OBBB," Trump's 2027 was written in large part by White House budget director Russell Vought, one of the principal architects of Project 2025. While some Americans might indeed dodge the collateral damage of the “OBBB,” odds are you’re going to feel some impact of the budget if passed in its present form. Granted, budgets rarely pass as written, but given rampant Congressional kow-towing the possibility still stands.

President Trump is not without bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for the attack on Iran. Don’t be confused. The conflict in Iran is not about peace or security. It’s about Israel padding political pocketbooks.

While I’m honored to be considered a trailblazer who paid a price, nothing would please me more than to see my former Republican colleagues exhibit the same courage as their Commander-in-Chief by standing alongside Rep. Carr and supporting common sense cannabis legislation.

Former Legislator J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "For me, Reverend Jackson’s death was personally devastating. Like Jesse, I devoted much of my career to both ministry and public service. We likewise shared some very similar neurological issues. But the connection didn’t stop there."

Last week, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made more than $600 million in cuts to public health grants in Minnesota, California, Illinois, and Colorado. Meanwhile, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz pleaded with the American public to get vaccinated against the measles. It’s not rocket science. In fact, it doesn't take a fourth-grade education to know that if you're sick, stay home.

Like many other grifters, Minaj hopped on the Trump bandwagon, riding tall in the saddle and making rounds on the Conservative circuit.

There's an old saying among public figures: "Sometimes ya just gotta give the people what they want." J. Basil Dannebohm disagrees. The former legislator writes, "While some people are inebriated by hyperpartisan Kool-Aid, I've heard carefully scripted, albeit tired arguments from both sides and will continue to approach my consulting, columns, and life from the middle. Like roughly 45% of Americans (an increase of 2% from 2024), I am an Independent."

J. Basil Dannebohm offers a cogent analysis of the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good and ICE operations from an independent perspective.

J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "True to my word, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Donald Trump for delivering on his promise. Though many Republicans across the country, including state attorneys general and legislators, law enforcement, and members of Congress urged him not to reclassify marijuana, he did it anyway."

J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "Even though most hometown newspapers face shrinking resources and fewer reporters, they are still capable of serving as the last bastion of local accountability."

The redemptive message of the Prince of Peace never involved force, division, narcissism, showmanship, or cruelty. He was, in His own words, “gentle and humble in heart.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

The 47th President has never issued a holiday message aimed at unity or even remotely befitting of the season. The man is utterly incapable of speaking kind words, performing selfless acts, or composing a tweet that doesn’t read like it was written by a fifth grader.

"Over the last couple of weeks, I sat down to write my Thanksgiving message several times, only to scrap every draft. Try as I may, I find myself incapable of penning some sappy tribute to the season. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I am ungrateful for the abundance of blessings in my life. I just find it difficult to celebrate when so many people are living in fear and experiencing unspeakable cruelty," writes J. Basil Dannebohm.

"While traditional media is an evolving industry, traditional journalism should be timeless. A journalist, even when penning an opinion piece, ought to hold accuracy in high regard," writes J. Basil Dannebohm.

J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "The only non-repackaged success Mr. Trump has achieved thus far has been to roll a turd in powdered sugar and convince his followers that it’s a jelly donut as they mindlessly grin, consuming every bite."

Former Legislator J. Basil Dannebohm cautions Democrats that while November 4th was a touchdown in the first round, but it’s not even halftime. Liberals haven’t won the game just yet.