Tampa Bay Rants and Raves is a weekly airing of national and local politics, sports, lifestyles and historical notes from a very politically incorrect viewpoint. As always, beware - some of what is printed here should not be taken literally.

First thing on our mind:

One of the coolest things in life is to catch a foul ball at a major league game – and give it to a kid.

Leading off: The early Demo odds:

The major party primaries are almost three years away and it may be premature to make forecasts, but some things are shaping up. It’s probably a given that California governor Gavin Newsom will officially announce for President within the next year. Not to be overlooked is former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel who is currently doing all the things a prospective candidate does. Last year’s Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is a long shot at best. Surprisingly, the second choice in the Vegas odds is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, just behind Newsom. And for what it’s worth, the overall top pick in Vegas is Republican VP JD Vance. As a “public service,” we will update these odds at year’s end.

Tampa Bay, politics and notes:

We would laugh if it weren’t so sick – Federal Judge Indira Talwani’s ruling against Congress’ stripping Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood. The Obama appointee argued that the law violated Planned Parenthood members' "equal protection rights" under the U.S. Constitution'sFifth Amendment. An appeal is a certainty.

Scientology which purchased several one and two star motels on North Fort Harrison Avenue years ago is now spreading their wings with similar purchases on US 19.

Wow, 25 paragraphs in the “heralded” New York Times over a book autographed for Jeffrey Epstein by Donald Trump. Now, we ask you, might not you have a book or two in your library autographed by famous people? Does that constitute an endorsement of their lifestyle?

Is it time to call a halt to federal wind and solar energy subsidies? Probably yes. 

Long time Clearwater veterinarian, Dr. Richard Brutus passed away last week. Dr. Brutus, who operated his clinic on Belcher Road, just north of Gulf to Bay, was 95 years old.

This week in 1861 (8/5) President Abraham Lincoln imposes the first federal income tax.

Sports, media and other notes:

Beltway item from the 5:05 Newsletter: In what is being referred to in the media as “AnkleGate”, journalists, who for years were unable to identify any symptoms of cognitive decline in a president who could not speak and shook hands with ghosts, are calling for  President Trump’s removal from office due to mild swelling in his ankles. 

Factoid: at one time in America there were over 4000 drive-in theaters, including Clearwater’s Gulf to Bay and Largo’s Thunderbird. Today there are 285 remaining active drive-in theaters, including four in Florida, the closest being in Ruskin.

A tip of our cap to FSU alum Lottie Woad who won last week’s Women’s Scottish Open in her pro debut.

A fond spring memory was being introduced to a very young Ryne Sandberg by Phil’s PR guru Larry Shenk who told us, “This guy’s the real deal.” Unfortunately, Larry wasn’t the club GM who traded the future Hall of Famer for some immediate help several months later. The Cubs legend (and later Phils’ manager) passed away last week at age 65.

You can’t help but compare Atlanta superstar Ronald Acuna, Jr. to Angels’ star Mike Trout. Both are super talented, but have trouble staying on the field.

We hit 3 for 5 in our trade deadline predictions with reliever David Bednar and third baseman Ryan McMahon going to the Yanks and the Padres scooping up ace reliever Mason Miller. The Rays closer Pete Fairbanks and White Sox center fielder Luis Robert stayed put. So, we’re not quite ready for that GM slot.

You’ve lived in the bay area a long time if you spent your 6 o’clock hour with Bob Hite and Gayle Sierens.

One last thing: Mount Rushmore VII

We continue our series of Mount Rushmores with a salute to the broadcasters who have made sports come alive over the years on the radio and TV. For many years, it wasn’t Saturday unless you heard the great voice of Keith Jackson, particularly from the gridiron, along with a “Whoa, Nellie,” although he also did the Olympics, baseball and The Wide World of Sports. Dick Vitale is a one sport guy, but what enthusiasm he brings to that sport. His love of the hoop game just pours out in his voice. He is indeed a “PT Player, Baby!” In baseball particularly, it’s usually your hometown guys – for us the Atlanta foursome of Pete Van Wieren, Skip Caray, Don Sutton and Joe Simpson, but on a national level, it’s hard to beat the late Vin Scully and the Giant’s Jon Miller - a lot of great voices, a lot of great memories. Next month, our Focus Group creates their Mount Rushmore of TV shows, past or present.

NEXT WEEK: Airport advice; Warranties no longer valid; Scalpers

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