Strangely, it’s a big week for Al Jolson in the conservative media world. Jolson was born in the mid-1880s (the year is unsure). He died in 1950. At Commentary, John Podhoretz had a post, saying,

The point Trump’s opposition fails to grasp is this: By imitating Trump, you are doing exactly what you fear the media are doing. You are normalizing him. You are making this kind of conduct the political baseline for both parties and both ideological tendencies. And let’s face it: You’re just not going to do it as well as Trump does. It’s like trying to follow in the footsteps of Al Jolson, a huge star who was also insufferable and immensely annoying. Nobody did Jolson like Jolson — but who would want to?

In my new Jaywalking, I cite Al Jolson — or rather, I play him, singing “California, Here I Come.” He sings it in a honking New York accent. (“That’s why I can hahdly wait.”) The song comes from a 1921 Broadway show, Bombo. Have you ever heard the verse? Well, Jolson sings it.

In this Jaywalking, I talk about California (of course), conservatism, a “responsibility culture,” and trade. In addition to Jolson, I call on Ella Fitzgerald and Bryn Terfel. Do you know the song “Trade Winds,” by the English composer Frederick Keel (not to be confused with the singer-actor Howard)? You’ll love it. It sets a Masefield poem.