10 most significant stories of 2022: Steve Deace



On the final episode of 2022, "The Steve Deace Show" covered the ten most significant stories of 2022.

Listen to the full episode here.

10. Canadian Trucker Convoy


Truckers from across Canada protested vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions with a "Freedom Convoy" that began in British Columbia and made its way to the nation's capital with tens of thousands of supporters.

9. Selling Out


The House of Representatives on Friday passed the "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022," a bill that would ban various semi-automatic guns, though the measure would grandfather in firearms that people already own.

"It shall be unlawful for a person to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, a semiautomatic assault weapon," the text of the bill states. "Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the possession, sale, or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon otherwise lawfully possessed under Federal law on the date of enactment of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022."

Republican Reps. Chris Jacobs of New York and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania joined most Democrats in voting for the bill, but Democratic Reps. Kurt Schrader of Oregon, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, Ron Kind of Wisconsin, and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas voted against the bill. Read more.

8. Ukraine


The U.S. has sent nearly $20 billion in first-world weaponry to Ukraine since its invasion by Russia. House Republicans, poised to take control of Congress in January, are now pressuring the Biden administration for greater accountability and transparency about these weapons transfers as well about other aid packages sent to the embattled Slavic nation.

The push for greater oversight comes after it was revealed that there have only been two in-person weapons inspections conducted by U.S. monitors since February.Read more.

7. Inflation


Tiffany Wilding, an economist who works for investment management giant PIMCO, explained on CNBC's "Squawk Box" that the report is deceiving because certain measurements skew the data.

"There is a little bit of noise that you have to take into account because inventories and trade numbers can obviously be very volatile. If you dig into the details of the quarter three GDP numbers, what you find is when you exclude those more volatile categories, growth was pretty subpar," she said.

"For the year as a whole — excluding those categories, we call that 'final domestic demand' — growth is sub-1%," she explained, noting that 2021 saw "robust" growth of 5%. Read more.

6. Groomers


U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, a Democrat who lists the gender pronouns "She/Her" in her Twitter biography, is publicly praising Drag Queen Story Hour, a program that features cross-dressers reading books to children.

"Across the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation’s youth. But thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC’s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity," Maloney tweeted on Monday. Read more.

5. Ron DeSantis


Florida law requires that elected officials tender an irrevocable resignation if they seek another office the term of which would overlap with the term of their current office.

"No person may qualify as a candidate for more than one public office, whether federal, state, district, county, or municipal, if the terms or any part thereof run concurrently with each other," the law explains. "No officer may qualify as a candidate for another state, district, county, or municipal public office if the terms or any part thereof run concurrently with each other without resigning from the office he or she presently holds." Read more.

4. Elon Musk Buys Twitter


Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk reportedly fired four top executives from the leadership of Twitter on Thursday after completing a deal to buy the company.

Musk reportedly fired Twitter chief executive officer Parag Agrawal, chief financial officer Ned Segal, top legal and policy executive Vijaya Gadde, and general counsel Sean Edgett, according to a report from the New York Times that cited confidential sources.

The report said at least one executive was escorted out of the offices after he was fired.

Earlier on Thursday, Musk outlined why he was buying the popular platform. Read more.

3. Depopulation


One may have thought that Bill Nye’s new Netflix show had reached its lowest point with a crude and anti-science song about genitals and gender theory, but beyond the nonsense, the former children’s show star is also floating the theory that bringing children into this world ought to come with government-imposed penalties because of climate change.

On the season finale of “Bill Nye Saves the World,” entitled “Earth’s People Problem,” the former children's show star turned panderer to millennial nostalgia and hype theory discusses overpopulation, asking a panel whether or not “we should have policies that penalize people for having extra kids in the developed world?" Read more.

2. The Red Wave That Wasn't


Imagine how amazing things could have been had we woken up last Wednesday morning with Republicans winning 54 seats in the Senate and 250 seats in the House. We’d be off to the promised land, right? Wrong! Actually, from a policy perspective, we’d be in the same place we are today, sans the much-needed introspection that is taking place deep in the souls of conservative politicos — an introspection we’ve needed for decades. It’s not about Trump per se, and not even so much about McConnell and McCarthy. It’s that we are the true RINOs — Republicans in name only — in a party that has never shared our values for most of its history. Read More.

1. Roe Overturned


The Supreme Court of the United States officially overturned Roe v. Wade, and the debate over abortion rights has been given back to the states. On this historic day, BlazeTV hosts celebrate the Supreme Court's incredible decision and take a look at some of the insane reactions as the left comes completely undone.Read more.

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Rep. Jerry Nadler beats Rep. Carolyn Maloney in New York Democratic primary



Rep. Jerry Nadler decisively defeated Rep. Carolyn Maloney in a New York Democratic primary that the two long-serving liberal lawmakers had been battling to win.

The two legislators ended up running against each other due to redistricting.

"Well New York…we did it! I'm so deeply grateful for your continued support and trust—I promise to keep on fighting for New Yorkers in Congress. Onwards!" Nadler tweeted on Tuesday night.

\u201cWell New York\u2026we did it!\n\nI\u2019m so deeply grateful for your continued support and trust\u2014I promise to keep on fighting for New Yorkers in Congress. Onwards!\u201d
— Jerry Nadler (@Jerry Nadler) 1661308167

Republican Michael Zumbluskas will be competing against Nadler during the general election later this year.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York had endorsed Nadler earlier this month.

"New York has a lot of outstanding leaders but few of them lead with the courage, conviction, and brilliant legislative effectiveness of my friend, Jerry Nadler. Having worked alongside Jerry for years, I've watched as time after time, Jerry —a critical partner of mine in the House — was right on the issues years before so many others," Schumer said in a statement.

\u201c\u201cAs Judiciary Chair, Jerry has waged the fight to protect our democracy from Trump\u2019s abuses, worked to defend voting rights and restore abortion access,\u201d @chuckschumer says in endorsing @JerryNadler\u201d
— Emily Ngo (@Emily Ngo) 1660590561

The New York Times reported that Schumer spokesperson Angelo Roefaro noted that the senator had "deep respect for Carolyn Maloney's significant accomplishments in Congress."

Maloney's loss means that the congresswoman will depart from Congress at the end of her current term after having served 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Maloney has been openly supportive of Drag Queen Story Hour, which involves cross dressers reading books to children.

"I had the honor of assisting with a Drag Queen Story Hour in New York in April," Maloney tweeted in June. In April, the congresswoman declared in a tweet that because of the New York Public Library "and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC's next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity."

\u201cAcross the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation\u2019s youth. \n\nBut thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC\u2019s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity. \n\n@YuhuaHamasaki\u201d
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@Carolyn B. Maloney) 1649709775

NYC Mayor Eric Adams says 'Drag storytellers' are promoting 'love of diversity, personal expression, and literacy'



New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is openly supporting the practice of having drag queen events at schools and libraries, claiming that they foster literacy.

"Drag storytellers, and the libraries and schools that support them, are advancing a love of diversity, personal expression, and literacy that is core to what our city embraces," a tweet on the @NYCMayor Twitter account declares. "At a time when our LGBTQ+ communities are under increased attack across this country, we must use our education system to educate. The goal is not only for our children to be academically smart, but also emotionally intelligent," another tweet states.

\u201cDrag storytellers, and the libraries and schools that support them, are advancing a love of diversity, personal expression, and literacy that is core to what our city embraces.\u201d
— Mayor Eric Adams (@Mayor Eric Adams) 1655422119

Drag Queen Story Hour events involve drag queens reading books to children — many people consider the concept to be highly inappropriate.

In response to the mayor's endorsement of the practice, Sara Gonzales, host of BlazeTV's "The News & Why It Matters," tweeted, "Holy crap. Democrats, please keep doing this."

"Yes, Democrats, this is the hill you should die on. Bring this all the way to the midterms. Great political strategy," Matt Walsh tweeted.

"'Drag queens for the children' is one hell of a 2022 slogan," Ben Shapiro tweeted.

"They really are gonna fully embrace being the groomer party," tweeted Steve Deace, host of BlazeTV's "Steve Deace Show."

"The USA's Democratic Party has completely lost the plot. Including the so called 'moderates'. I am not American but I hope they get absolutely rekt in the next election," ZUBY tweeted.

Democratic Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York has previously praised Drag Queen Story Hour. "I had the honor of assisting with a Drag Queen Story Hour in New York in April," Maloney tweeted last week. In April, she tweeted, "thanks to [New York Public Library] and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC’s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity."

\u201cAcross the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation\u2019s youth. \n\nBut thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC\u2019s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity. \n\n@YuhuaHamasaki\u201d
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@Carolyn B. Maloney) 1649709775

Drag Queen Story Hour executive director Jonathan Hamilt has contended that there is a world of difference between adult drag shows and Drag Queen Story Hour events for kids.

"Someone who is bigoted or doesn't want to do the research, they're not going to understand that an adult drag show at an adult bar, in the evening, with alcohol, is different from a Drag Queen Story Hour nonprofit event at 11am at a public library," Hamilt said, according to the Independent.

"Obviously, all adults act differently when they're around children and when they're not. Every schoolteacher has a private life outside of working with children, and you act appropriately around children. That's just a normal thing that all adults do, no matter who you are – gay or straight, drag queen or not," Hamilt said, according to the outlet.

Drag queen authors children's books that replace well-known lyrics with drag-related themes



A drag queen known as "Lil Miss Hot Mess" has authored two children's books that swap the lyrics of well-known songs for words that focus on drag.

A book released last month titled, "If You're a Drag Queen and You Know It," replaces the standard lyrics of the familiar tune "If You're Happy and You Know It" with material such as "If You're A Drag Queen And You Know It, Blow A Kiss!" and "If You're A Drag Queen And You Know It, Strike A Pose!"

\u201cIf You're A Drag Queen and You Know It is officially out today! Huge thanks to the entire team at @RP_Kids, @olgadedios, and @LindsayEdgecom1 at @LGRLiterary for making this magic with me! \u2b50\ud83d\udc83\u2728\u201d
— Lil Miss Hot Mess (@Lil Miss Hot Mess) 1652808932

The book follows the 2020 release of a similar book titled "The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish," which replaces the lyrics of "The Wheels on the Bus." A book description says that the "playful picture book offers a quirky twist on a classic nursery rhyme by illustrating all of the ways to 'work it'."

The concept of introducing children to drag remains very controversial.

While many individuals have been disturbed by the Drag Queen Story Hour movement which involves drag performers reading books to children, others, including Democratic Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, have expressed their support for the events.

"I had the honor of assisting with a Drag Queen Story Hour in New York in April," Maloney tweeted on Thursday. In April, Maloney said in a tweet that "thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC’s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity."

\u201cAcross the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation\u2019s youth. \n\nBut thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC\u2019s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity. \n\n@YuhuaHamasaki\u201d
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@Carolyn B. Maloney) 1649709775

Lil Miss Hot Mess has claimed that "In story hour events, drag is mobilized in age-appropriate ways to encourage kids and families to explore curiosities about culture and history, learn about the diversities in their communities, and stand up for what they believe in." The drag queen continued, "Events are inclusive and insightful: from the moment they begin, children's attentions are transfixed by the multi-sensory experience of drag, and they come away not only with a love of reading but with the confidence to be their boldest selves."

The Libs of TikTok Twitter account recently got slapped down by the social media giant for a tweet regarding a "MEGA DRAG THREAD" that includes examples of various drag events related to kids — "Last night, I received a notice that I was locked out of my account for 'abuse and harassment' and Twitter demanded I delete my mega drag thread post," Libs of TikTok noted Thursday evening in a post on libsoftiktok.com.

"I'm back! Apparently posting videos and flyers of drag events is abusive but the actual events are just 'innocent family friendly entertainment,'" Libs of TikTok tweeted on Thursday when returning to Twitter.

\u201cI\u2019m back! Apparently posting videos and flyers of drag events is abusive but the actual events are just \u201cinnocent family friendly entertainment\u201d\u201d
— Libs of TikTok (@Libs of TikTok) 1654810634

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will make appearance on show about drag queens ... again



House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be making another appearance on a show that is about cross dressing.

Pelosi will appear on a new season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" — she previously appeared on the program several years ago as well.

"Can I get an amen?" Pelosi can be seen saying in a clip advertising the show's upcoming season.

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 Exclusive First Look! youtu.be

In 2018, the Hollywood Reporter posed the question to Pelosi: "What could politicians learn from drag queens?"

"Authenticity," Pelosi answered. "Taking pride in who you are. Knowing your power — that’s what I talk about on my brief segment on the show. This idea of people believing in themselves, being themselves, taking pride in themselves, is not just a lesson for politicians but for everyone in the country. And that’s why I was so excited and couldn’t resist being on the show."

During that interview, the outlet also asked the lawmaker whether she had ever considered what her drag name would be, but Pelosi said that she had not.

The California Democrat has served in Congress for more than three decades and holds the distinction of being the first and only woman ever to serve as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney recently tweeted support for Drag Queen Story Hour, a program that involves cross dressers reading books to children.

"Across the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation’s youth. But thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC’s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity," Maloney tweeted.

Critics pounced on the congresswoman's post, but she remained unfazed, declaring that "the bigots are at it again in the comments."

Looks like the bigots are at it again in the comments.\n\nYour hate didn\u2019t stop me when I introduced the first domestic partnership legislation in NYS history when I was on the @NYCCouncil, and it won\u2019t stop me now.https://twitter.com/RepMaloney/status/1513618619233718277\u00a0\u2026
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@Carolyn B. Maloney) 1649880799

US Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney praises Drag Queen Story Hour for helping kids get 'a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity'



U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, a Democrat who lists the gender pronouns "She/Her" in her Twitter biography, is publicly praising Drag Queen Story Hour, a program that features cross-dressers reading books to children.

"Across the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation’s youth. But thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC’s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity," Maloney tweeted on Monday.

BlazeTV host Elijah Schaffer of "Slightly Offens*ve," responded by tweeting the word "GROOMER" in all caps, along with an emoji pointing toward the congresswoman's tweet.

"Found another groomer outing themselves," tweeted Steve Deace, of BlazeTV's "Steve Deace Show."

Jim Hanson used the hashtag "#OKGroomer," and commented that, "Anyone who thinks Drag Queen Story Hour is a good idea for young kids Has no business being in charge of kids."

While critics pounced on the congresswoman's tweet, she fired back on Wednesday claiming that "the bigots are at it again in the comments."

Looks like the bigots are at it again in the comments.\n\nYour hate didn\u2019t stop me when I introduced the first domestic partnership legislation in NYS history when I was on the @NYCCouncil, and it won\u2019t stop me now.https://twitter.com/RepMaloney/status/1513618619233718277\u00a0\u2026
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@Carolyn B. Maloney) 1649880799

Many parents believe that children's innocence should be preserved at all costs, a principle that leaves no room for introducing kids to cross dressers.

Drag Story Hour NYC, a member of the Drag Queen Story Hour global network, "produces storytelling and creative arts programs for children and teens, presented by local drag artists, in libraries, schools, and other community spaces in all five boroughs of New York City, and virtually," according to dshnyc.org. "Through fun and fabulous educational experiences, our programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable."

"In our original 45-minute Drag Story Hour (DSH) program designed for children ages 3-8, local drag performers trained by children’s librarians read picture books that touch on themes of diversity and difference, sing songs, and do craft activities. In learning about drag as a form of dress-up and play, children learn to see beyond the pink and blue gender binary and celebrate difference in themselves and others," the website notes.