You Aren't Entitled to My Vote, but You Will Hear My Opinion
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🗳️ 48 Days Out: The Real Undecided Voter Dilemma
Every election cycle, the media fixates on the “undecided voter,” trying to decode their elusive motivations. But let’s be real: in our increasingly divisive political landscape, the idea of a truly undecided voter is practically extinct. Most people aren’t agonizing over which candidate to choose; they’re more likely contemplating whether to even get off the couch to vote. The so-called undecided voters you see on mainstream media? They’re just folks weighing whether to back their previous choices, often swayed by recent events like debates. And surprise, surprise—the media seems particularly focused on former Trump supporters who are now having second thoughts.
But here’s the real story that’s being overlooked: I’m the undecided voter the media won’t touch. I’d support Kamala Harris in a heartbeat if she actually committed to the progressive policies the Democratic Party pretends to champion.
What’s alarming is that Democrats still don’t seem to grasp what their base wants. Take Michigan, for example—latest polls show Harris leading by a mere 1.8%. That should be a landslide! Yet her lackluster response to the Israel-Gaza conflict has alienated a significant number of young and Muslim voters, many of whom could be her strongest allies. This isn’t just about winning a state; it’s about mobilizing an electorate.
And it’s not just Michigan. With the election this close, young voters hold immense sway. Both Trump and Harris are ramping up their campaigns to court them, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. Trump is aiming for the “bro” vote with podcast appearances and UFC events, while Kamala is banking on young women and progressives, especially in light of the GOP’s relentless assault on abortion rights.
Yet despite some uptick in youth enthusiasm for Kamala, she’s still missing the mark with progressive voters like me. Her responses on the Gaza situation and immigration have been downright cringe-worthy. Take her recent NABJ appearance in Philadelphia, where she floundered when asked about these issues, clearly struggling to reconcile her talking points with real concerns. She’s hesitant to advocate for immigrants or denounce Israel’s actions because she fears stepping on party toes, even though her constituents want her to.
The contrast is stark: while Kamala has policy ideas, they lack coherence, and Trump just rambles incoherently through town halls. He might dodge specifics, but at least he’s consistent in his chaos.
With less than 50 days to go, the state of the race is dire. It’s too close to call, and neither candidate is stepping up to win over those crucial voters on the margins.
🪕 Maybe Jolene was Right to Take Dolly’s Man
In a recent chat with Variety, Dolly Parton addressed the controversy surrounding Beyoncé’s complete shutout at this year’s Country Music Association Awards (CMAs), despite Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter being one of the top country releases of the year. While it wasn’t surprising that Beyoncé was overlooked—given her own comments about feeling unwelcome in the genre—Dolly’s take on the situation left much to be desired.
Dolly commented, “So I don’t think it was a matter of shutting out, like doing that on purpose. I think it was just more of what the country charts and the country artists were doing, that do that all the time, not just a specialty album.”
Really? Is it now a prerequisite to have dedicated your entire life to country music just to snag a nomination? If that were the case, then why did the CMAs nominate artists who’ve only recently dipped their toes into the genre, like Post Malone, who scored four nominations this year despite it being his first country project? Dolly’s response feels like a letdown, especially for fans like me.
As a Black boy growing up in the South listening to country music, Dolly Parton was a rare beacon of inclusivity, making me feel welcome in a genre where I often felt like an outsider. Her comments now seem to echo the exclusionary rhetoric that has long kept Black artists at bay in country music. I’m not accusing Dolly of racism, but her statement lacks the warmth and understanding we’ve come to expect from the Dolly we know and love.
🏕️ Worth the Journey: In Honor of Camp Friendships
This newsletter is a little late, and that’s partly due to an injury (not the most glamorous) and partly because I was out of town celebrating a friend’s wedding. Now, I don’t always leap at the chance to attend weddings—especially when they require travel—this was one I couldn’t miss.
I've only ventured to Indiana a handful of times in my life, and two of those were thanks to my amazing camp friend. When she invited me to tie on my dancing shoes for her big day, I couldn’t resist! There’s something truly magical about camp friendships. Those summer nights, with no distractions, create bonds that feel timeless. Even if we go ages without catching up, the moment we reconnect, it’s like no time has passed at all.
This is just me taking a break from the politics and cultural conversations to express how much I appreciate my camp friends and to wish for everyone to have friends like that.
⛓️ Sean Combs Behind Bars: Diddy Do It? Yes.
The long-awaited day has arrived: Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, has been arrested and is now facing serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. For years, whispers about Combs’s disturbing activities—ranging from abuse of his partners to orchestrating his infamous "freak offs"—have circulated. These weren't just idle rumors—video footage from May revealed Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2016, confirming the darkest suspicions.
But the abuse didn’t stop at physical violence. Combs allegedly used recordings of these “freak offs” to blackmail his victims and attendees. During a recent search, authorities discovered an astonishing over 1,000 bottles of lube and baby oil and other “freak off supplies” at his properties—clearly no ordinary stash.
Thankfully, the judge has denied him bail, keeping him in jail until his trial. While this is no laughing matter, I can’t help but think Wendy Williams is somewhere feeling vindicated right now.
👺 Behind the Mask
Watching: Chef. I’ve really been need of a feel-good flick, and what’s better than a movie dedicated to my ultimate sandwich obsession? Jon Favreau’s Chef is a top-tier comfort film, blending love, self-discovery, and, of course, mouthwatering food. Seriously, I dare you to watch it without craving a Cubano!
Anticipating: Survivor 47. Tonight marks the triumphant return of Survivor, the greatest show to ever grace our screens! I’ve watched every season—nearly all more than once, some more than twice. The strategy, the challenges, the starving on an island—it’s a wild ride that keeps me hook. Plus, this season’s cast features some familiar faces, like Crooked Media’s own Jon Lovett. Let the games begin!
Reading: Marvel’s Blood Hunt. Finally diving back into Blood Hunt, the Marvel comic series I started earlier this year but set aside thanks to life getting in the way. It’s a delightful mix of vampires, fan-favorite heroes, and enough mystery and action to keep me flipping pages. If you love thrills with a supernatural twist, this one’s for you!
Doing: Crafting mashups with the Magic iPod. Nostalgia has taken the wheel, and I’m cruising back to the early 2000s! With the Magic iPod, I’m creating mashups of iconic hits that have me dancing around and ready to add to my gym playlist. Trust me, if you give it a shot, kick things off with “99 Problems x All Star”—it’s a combo that won’t disappoint!