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So, Does It Matter? is your guide to California policy and politics — sharp, candid, conservative, and refreshingly independent from any pressure to write a particular story or a particular way. Whether it’s breaking news, deep analysis, or behind-the-scenes perspective, I cut through the noise to flag what matters, and why.
While I have a clear point of view, I’m not beholden to any party, politician, or power structure. I call it like I see it — and let the chips fall where they may.
I am a constitutional conservative, but my personal ideology does not get in my way of calling balls and strikes.
Thousands of New Readers - On the Substack “Leader Board” for U.S. Politics
Since launching in May, thousands of readers have joined with free subscriptions. Starting in August we created a paid tier of subscriber - and the response has been really awesome.
While Substack pros said I should be pricing my content at $12/month or $120 a year — I set my rate at $7/month or $70/year. AND NOW WE ARE HAVING THIS SPECIAL HALLOWEEN SALE! So it’s even cheaper — $5/month or $50/year!
👋 Who’s Behind This?
I’m Jon Fleischman, and I’ve spent over 35 years in the trenches of California politics. I’ve worked at every level of government, advised hundreds of campaigns, and written more than 2,500 political columns.
You may have seen me on Fox News, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC or election night coverage in California. My work or my analysis has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Politico, New York Times, and virtually every major California newspaper and tv stations in every market. You can read more about me here [ [link removed] ].
What readers say they appreciate most is this:
✅ Candor.
✅ Clarity.
✅ Consistent insight you can’t get anywhere else.
✅ I don’t pretend to be neutral. I promise to be honest.
🎯 What’s the Mission?
So, Does It Matter? is for people who care about what’s happening — not just what happened, but what it means.
This isn’t punditry from the sidelines. It’s an inside perspective on how policy gets made, how the politics happens, who’s pulling the levers, and what’s coming next.
🆓 What Free Subscribers Get
You don’t need to pay a dime to get value. Free subscribers receive:
✅ Daily weekday morning column (in your inbox before you wake up)
🎥 Weekly video commentary or interview
🗞 “ICYMI” news round-up each weekend
📬 Occasional free access to afternoon posts
🚨 Breaking news alerts (further analysis is behind the pay wall)
💰 What Paid Subscribers Unlock
The price? $7/month or $70/year (but if you sign up before the stroke of midnight on Halloween - you can get 28% off — $5/month or $50/year).
(For the amount of content I provide, with my level of expertise, Substack suggested I charge $10-$12 a month! - No way!)
If you want more depth, more frequency, and more access — this is the tier for you.
In addition to everything you get for free, you also get…
✅ All weekday afternoon columns
📎 What Jon Is Reading – curated stories and insights every Saturday
🌙 Evening posts as warranted, and analysis
💬 Ability to comment and join the discussion
🔎 Full breakdowns when I deliver breaking news — not just the hard news, but what it means
There are two higher tiers of membership with MORE benefits. Info is on the About [ [link removed] ] page…
📌 Final Word
California shapes the future of American politics. What happens here matters everywhere.
So, Does It Matter? is for readers who want to understand the why behind the headlines — from someone who’s worked behind the scenes, followed the money, and knows where the pressure points are.
Whether you’re here for the free posts, full subscriber access, or as a top-tier supporter.
Thanks for being here. I’m all in on making it worth your time.
NOW IS THE TIME TO UPGRADE BEFORE THE SALE ENDS!
— Jon

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