NEWS AND OPINION:
The Republican National Convention looms on the horizon, to be followed by drama, acrimony, sanctioned debates, fever-pitch campaigns, and finally, election day - now just 16 weeks off. Weary already? Dreaming of the next vacation - let’s say one in February? If that’s the case, here is a Caribbean cruise that conservatives will indeed favor. The ever-vigilant Media Research Center has organized a one-week journey aboard a luxury ship where the folks will talk of liberal bias in the media, the culture wars, porous borders, a weakened military, the 2016 election and other pertinent subjects while the sun shines and the ocean sparkles. And yes, all the other cruise staples like music, much food, and shows are part of the package. The press watchdog plans to be a most attentive host.
Departing February 19, 2017 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida aboard the Celebrity Silhouette, the itinerary includes stops in the Bahamas, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Among the dozen conservative luminaries on board to have their say in a most convivial way: Media Research founder and president Brent Bozell, presidential historian and best selling author Craig Shirley, national defense maven Allen B. West, culture expert Dan Gainor, research analyst Tim Graham, columnist Terence Jeffrey, Parents Television Council president Tim Winter and global terrorism expert Brigitte Gabriel.
“This is not your typical cruise. Guests will enjoy informative seminars and extensive interaction with our speakers; numerous social events; dining with like minded fellow cruisers as well as speakers; and a wonderful sense of sharing and camaraderie,” the organizers note.
“Let me assure you, we will provide ample opportunity for you to engage with our guest speakers and your fellow cruisers,” advises Mr. Bozell to prospective passengers. Find it all here.
JUST A THOUGHT FROM MR. TRUMP
“Bernie Sanders endorsing Crooked Hillary Clinton is like Occupy Wall Street endorsing Goldman Sachs.”
- Likely Republican nominee Donald Trump in a tweet Tuesday.
REPUBLICAN PARTY TENDS TO THE PRESS
There may be protests, discord and political spectacle at the upcoming Republican National Convention. But at least the press will be happy. The 15,000 credentialed journalists who will be attending this jumbo event in Cleveland will have the spiffiest place of all. They’ve got a new-fangled “Media Row” waiting for them, created from a former garage area and described by the creators as “a creative space for members of the media and Republican messengers.” Anyone can deliver their message 24-hours a day in a state-of-the-art space that accommodates radio, TV, social media and digital forms – all meant to get the GOP message out as soon and as efficiently as possible.
“Every inch of Media Row is camera ready at any moment. Windows have been replaced to allow more natural light, carpet has been laid, light fixtures have been replaced, and paneling has been customized to fit the theme of ’RNC in CLE’. This around-the-clock space has been built and designed for maximum convention coverage for surrogates and media who operate 24/7,” the Republican organizers advise.
“This is the only space of its kind in 2016 and we are very proud to share our message with national, regional, local, and social media outlets around the clock during the week of convention,” says convention spokesman Kirsten Kukowski. “Beginning July 17, RNC in CLE will be available everywhere.”
BEACH READING
Out on Wednesday: “Ghost Sniper” by Scott McEwen, coauthor of Chris Kyle’s No. 1 New York Times bestseller, “American Sniper,” and a consultant to the blockbuster film of the same name. This is the fourth in a series of episodic books by the author who adapts real stories of the nation’s most heroic soldiers. Two of Mr. McEwen’s previous books has just been optioned for a film deal with Sony Pictures.
His new work is a chronicle of “the Mexican narco wars,” notes publisher Touchstone Books. ”Much of the story takes place in Mexico and deals directly with the political corruption and drug wars south of the border.”
FOXIFIED
The Fox News Channel continues to dominate the cable realm, according to new ratings numbers from Nielsen Media Research. For the fifth week in a row, Fox News is No. 1 in primetime across basic cable, besting ESPN and other powerhouse networks. CNN ranks 11th on the list, MSNBC 13th.
Fox News also claimed eight of the top 10 cable telecasts of the week with “The O’Reilly Factor” at No. 1, with 4.2 million viewers, outpacing the Euro cup final on ESPN Sunday which drew 4.1 million viewers.
But there is some ironic news about former host Gretchen Carlson, who left the network in June after 11 years as both a morning and afternoon host. She is currently involved in a legal wrangle with Fox News, filing a recent lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court that alleges sexual harassment, among other other claims.
During the week of July 4, “The Real Story” without Ms. Carlson as host had its highest-rated week ever, with 1.7 million viewers. The show was up 18 percent in total viewers compared to the 2016 average.
POLL DU JOUR
66 percent of Americans disapprove of the idea of the federal government “forcing organizations to open showers, changing facilities, locker rooms and bathrooms designated for women and girls to biological males, and vice versa.”
84 percent of Republicans, 46 percent of Democrats, and 64 percent of independents also disapprove.
66 percent of men and 65 percent of women disapprove.
28 percent of Americans overall approve of the idea of the federal government forcing organizations to open bathrooms and other facilities.
13 percent of Republicans, 45 percent of Democrats, and 29 percent of independents also approve.
25 percent of men and 30 percent of women approve.
Source: A Family Research Council Action/WPA Opinion Research poll of 1,012 U.S. adults conducted July 12
Commentary and complaints to Jharper@washingtontimes.com
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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