This Sunday ICYMI edition is always free for all subscribers and visitors to this Substack page! Thanks for being a part of this look at CA politics!
Yesterday, my good, longtime friend, conservative Congressman Doug LaMalfa was laid to rest. I found great coverage of the funeral posted by CRA3 television. So I have posted up four videos. Immediately below is the eulogy from House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson. And further down, you will find remarks from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Doug’s Chief of Staff, Mark Spannagel. We will all miss Doug LaMalfa, who was larger than life. He loves his family, his community, his north state, and his country… Please join me in praying for Doug’s family during this difficult time… Rest In Peace…
Top Ten Winners & Losers In California Politics For The Week Ending 1/16/26 - Bonta, Caruso, Wiener, Mahan, Bass, Newsom, CAGOP, and more… |
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Below is our Top Ten List of Winners and Losers for the Week. This feature is available to all of our subscribers, free and paid. Under the paywall, however, is our “Worst Week In California” special feature. It's me, in rare form, on video, going on why someone’s week sucked. Pithy? You bet! I strafe two runner-ups along the way in the video. |
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On January 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy held the first live televised presidential press conference, a moment that fundamentally changed the relationship between the presidency, the press, and the public.
Just days after taking office, Kennedy invited television cameras into the White House and answered reporters’ questions in real time. What had once been a largely print-focused and tightly managed interaction became a national political event. Americans could now judge not only a president’s words, but his confidence, command of facts, and ability to perform under pressure.
The shift was consequential. Kennedy’s ease on camera reinforced the idea that modern presidents must be effective communicators as well as policymakers. Televised press conferences raised expectations of openness, but also encouraged message control, political theater, and image management.
This moment marked the beginning of the modern media presidency. Television did not simply report on presidential power — it reshaped it, setting the stage for today’s nonstop coverage, soundbites, and personality-driven politics.
Thank you for being a part of the So, Does It Matter? Family!
Jon
