Established in 2014, Tampa Bay Rants and Raves is a weekly airing of local and national news, sports and memories from a politically incorrect viewpoint.

First thing on our mind:

We’re midway through the year and just about midway through the 11 federal holidays we now observe. We are approaching the time when workers will remain at home more often than the time they spend at the office.

Leading off: Time to call it quits

“There is a growing sense among concerned Democrats that the party has trapped itself in a bad situation with no clear solution, caught in a primary process set up to protect Biden.” Those were the words of the left leaning Associated Press last week. Meanwhile, liberal outlets from the New York Times all the way south to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are asking Joe Biden to step aside. Will he, no, not with his massive ego and that of Dr. Jill. The Democrats are in a quandary, their presumptive candidate suffers from dementia or worse, but they are working with an extremely short bench. It seems impossible, but Joe’s VP has lower ratings than her boss. Between now and the convention in August is going to be an interesting time.

Tampa Bay, politics and notes:

Donald Trump is not the only person who should be breathing easier after last week’s SCOTUS decision regarding presidential immunity. The ruling will allow Joe Biden to dodge a few incoming bullets as well.

Several liberal news outlets report “some Democrats are calling for Kamala Harris to run for president.” Yes, and even more Republicans.

Las Vegas odds on the GOP VP pick are all over the board with the convention days away. Two names show well in every poll – Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota.

Joe conducts extensive post-debate interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. In a related note, Aaron Judge will be allowed to hit off a tee in next week’s All-Star game.

Add John Deere to the growing number of American companies who are moving production and jobs to Mexico.

Clearwater’s city council is expected to approve a massive $44 million renovation of the city marina next week even though the proposed re-do is missing a critical piece – a parking garage.

We tip our cap to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law a bill prohibiting intentional release of balloons, a large hazard to Florida’s wildlife.

Will the next senior staff member of Mayor Jane Castor’s administration please lock the door on the way out? Over a half dozen senior staffers have departed Tampa in the past three months.

It’s the last call to buy Forever stamps at the old rate of 68 cents. They jump to 73 cents on July 14.

This week in 1965 (7/10) the song which urban legend says was written in the pre-cult Fort Harrison Hotel, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, hits number one and stays there for a month.

Sports, media and other notes:

Political/Sports item from the 5:05 Newsletter: I agree that illegal immigration into this country needs to be stopped. But as long as they are here, it would seem to me like we could at least sift out 12 soccer players who will win the Copa America for us?

It’s like Mickey Mantle walking away from the Yanks or Terry Bradshaw from the Steelers. After 16 years, Steven Stamkos is no longer part of the Bolts.

This week’s political tune of the week: Paul Simon’s Slip Slidin’ Away.

MSNBC’s Biden apologist, Joe Scarborough, has acquired a new nickname, “Baghdad Bob,” after the clownish Information Minister under Saddam Hussein.

Last week, former Rays and current Braves pitcher Charlie Morton became the fifth active pitcher to have wins against all 30 MLB teams as he defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, another former team. He joins Gerrit Cole, Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer and Jason Verlander in that elite group.

Atlanta’s annual Peachtree Race was cancelled mid-race last week due to extreme heat. Perhaps they should channel our area and run a turkey trot.

Some folks we’ve always wanted to meet: Channel 13’s Russell Rhodes, baseball analyst Joe Simpson, entertainer Jane Lynch and that really cute girl in our college business law class…oh wait.

One last thing: Excellence is spelled Tomlin

Just a few weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers wisely signed head coach Mike Tomlin to a three year extension. This will guarantee his services for an unheard of twenty years in the Steel City. And it means this rock solid franchise will have employed just three (Tomlin, Bill Cowher and Chuck Noll) head coaches over the past 55 years. It’s often forgotten that Tomlin began his pro coaching career here in Tampa Bay. If there is a word to describe this one of a kind coach, it may be steady. No super highs or lows, just a calm demeanor that has generated 17 straight .500 or better seasons. With a whole new quarterback contingent and Tomlin continuing at the helm, the Steelers are going to be an interesting team this year.

UP NEXT: HBPs; Channel 10; A morning on the internet

070724/600

Sorry, time does not permit replies to comments.