Jeff Pearlman, a celebrated sportswriter known for his engaging articles and best-selling books, has shifted his focus to Orange County politics through his new platform, The Truth OC. His commentary is sharp and reminiscent of his sports writing, often targeting local conservatives and political figures with biting remarks. Despite the unexpected career shift, Pearlman's work addresses the political landscape of Orange County, an influential region with declining press coverage. His investigative reporting, including exposing racist behavior among trustees, emphasizes the need for critical media voices in the area.
As a faithful reader and lifelong Orange Countian, I immediately signed up for his website, The Truth OC. There, on a near daily basis, Pearlman uses the same puerile-yet-potent invective against local conservatives and President Trump that he once reserved for sports fools.
Pearlman already scored a scoop by unearthing a video that went viral of Capo Valley trustee Judy Bullockus using the N-word during a board meeting. While I was pleasantly shocked by Pearlman's pivot, he's a much-needed chronicler for a region of 3.2 million that has served as a political bellwether for decades yet has a much smaller press corps than before.
Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns? He's 'Bull Connor meets Bobby Knight meets Officer Krupke.' Laguna Woods Republican Club president Pat Micone? Belongs to the 'genre of person who needs to be told, repeatedly, not to answer her cell unless she recognizes the number.'
Still, Pearlman writing about O.C. politics seems a little like Gustavo Dudamel quitting the L.A. Philharmonic to moonlight as a drummer at the Dresden Room.
#jeff-pearlman #orange-county-politics #sportswriting #political-commentary #investigative-journalism
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