(DCNF)—Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong admitted Monday that his outlet erred by endorsing Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during the 2022 election.
The Los Angeles Times backed Bass in May 2022 and she won the November election that year against real estate developer and former Republican Rick Caruso. Soon-Shiong, who purchased the Los Angeles Times in 2018, suggested on “The Morning Meeting” that Bass is incompetent, echoing a viral post X post he made Thursday, in which he argued that the California wildfires may have highlighted the importance of choosing leaders based on “competence” rather than political affiliation.
“Well, first of all, we’ll accept some blame, right? So at the LA Times, we endorsed Karen Bass. I think, right now, up front, that’s a mistake, and we admit that. So, I thought it was very important early on for me to come out, and I think we were one of the few to say competence matters,” Soon-Shiong said. “Got like maybe 20-23 million views to show how that was really due to the heart of most people, whether you’re right or left. And it’s an interesting thing is that maybe we should think about how we elect people on the basis of, did they actually run a job? Did they actually make a payroll?”
“Do they understand what it is, and rather than having professional politicians whose only job is really to run for office? I’m not trying to be disparaging, but I think we’re at the stage now, of the nation and the world … that you really need people to understand how it affects a man in the street, how it affects the working type of person,” he continued. “And I think President Trump, in this election, has understood that … So competence absolutely matters, and I’m glad that that’s been taken up as almost a meme now — that competence matters.”
Bass said at the beginning of her mayoral campaign in 2021 that she would not travel overseas while in office, but she traveled to Ghana to attend the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as flames and high winds devastated Los Angeles.
Californians have become enraged by Bass’ travel during the fires, which have thus far caused at least 24 deaths and the destruction of an estimated 12,000 homes, businesses and schools. Bass appeared to stare blankly at a wall and stayed silent as Sky News reporter David Blevins questioned her about whether she owes her constituents an apology for being absent as the wildfires commenced.
EATON FIRE: This is the current state for some homeowners right now who aren’t even that far up the mountain in #Altadena @DailyCaller #Pasadena | #California pic.twitter.com/4Il84D14JD
— Hailey Grace Gomez (@haileyggomez) January 8, 2025
The Los Angeles Times did not endorse a 2024 presidential candidate for the first time in two decades at the direction of Soon-Shiong, according to Semafor.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
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The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
