The great John McLaughlin, who ran “The McLaughlin Group” television show for 34 years, died this year. He left a huge gap in television commentary. My favorite part of this series was the show that he called “The McLaughlin Year End Awards.” He would do one show around Christmas and another around New Years. In tribute to McLaughlin, I present my choices for these awards. Today, I present Part 2 of the awards. You can find Part 1 in my archives.
Destined for Political Stardom
Ted Cruz, who garnered so much support in his failed presidential campaign, that the Senate cannot ignore him anymore. Expect him to make another try for the presidency.
Destined for Political Oblivion
Hillary Clinton. Ding dong, the witch is dead (figuratively).
Best Political Theater
The several humorous campaign ads that Ted Cruz published.
Worst Political Theater
Any Donald Trump speech in which he insulted someone.
Worst Political Scandal
The Justice Department choosing not to indict obviously guilty people who are on Obama’s side politically. Hillary Clinton, Lois Lerner, and the Fast and Furious gun runners are just a few examples.
Most Under-reported Story
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia leads a majority of the court to rule against the EPA’s efforts to end coal based energy. A few days later, he is dead. No autopsy. Even Prince got an autopsy.
Most Over-reported Story
Whenever a news agency reports shootings between police officers and blacks. Some organizations report that a police officer died and do not mention the blacks. Other organizations report that a black died and do not mention the police. No organization reports the whole story. With every news agency, half of the story is over-reported and the other half is under-reported.
Biggest Government Waste
The “corporate welfare” spent on companies that give generous campaign contributions. There is enough to balance the budget here.
Best Government Dollars Spent
The salaries of the FBI agents who stood up to Director James Comey and forced him to reopen the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s emails. They probably caused the defeat of Hillary Clinton and changed history.
Boldest Political Tactic
Several attorneys general from liberal states colluding to accuse global warming sceptics of racketeering for merely expressing their opinions.
Best Idea
Donald Trump, noticing that his campaign is not running efficiently, is willing to fire people at the top. First Lewandowski, later Manafort.
Worst Idea
Barack Obama visiting Cuba. This sends the message that Cubans waiting for Raul Castro to die of old age so that they can take back their country will not have US support. They may as well give up now and stay under communist oppression.
Sorry to See You Go
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Honorable Mention
John McLaughlin, of course.
15 Minutes of Fame
Former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields, who charged Trump Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski with simple battery for allegedly shoving her aside when she was trying to question the presidential candidate, who did not want to be bothered. Welcome to politics, Miss Fields. Your 15 minutes are over.
Best Spin
Attorney General Loretta Lynch saying that she referred to FBI Director James Comey’s recommendation not to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her many crimes. By getting Comey to recommend against prosecuting Hillary, Lynch easily avoided taking heat for not doing her job.
Most Overrated
Donald Trump’s ability to make deals. His rough edges preclude making deals.
Most Underrated
The desire to change the way Washington does business, manifesting itself in a fervor for outsider Donald Trump and even socialist Bernie Sanders.
Most Honest Person
Ted Cruz, who was willing to campaign in Iowa saying that he wanted to get rid of ethanol subsidies, even though the Iowans make a lot of money from them.
Predictions
Barack Obama will make frequent comments to the press, like someone desperately seeking 15 minutes of fame.
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