Abe Lincoln's Top Hat

Ben and Travis discuss Red Flag laws, the Jeffrey Epstein case and Alex Acosta's resignation. If you need life insurance but you just don’t want to deal with all the legwork, head to http://Policygenius.com Loopster, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss Trump's "Salute to America", a potential 2020 census citizenship question, and Kamala Harris's plan to close the racial homeownership gap. To get $100 off the Eero base unit and 2 beacons package and 1 year of Eero Plus, visit http://eero.com/tophat and at checkout enter code tophat. For $80 off your first month of HelloFresh, go to http://HelloFresh.com/tophat80 and enter code tophat80. BossaBossa, Local Forecast, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Marcus and Ben discuss the democratic debates, Oregon Republican walkout over carbon bill and San Francisco’s e-cigarette ban. Go to http://Scentbird.com/TOPHAT and use my code TOPHAT for 50% off your first month. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to http://getquip.com/TOPHAT right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. Right now, Boosted is offering our listeners $75 off the purchase of an electric vehicle when you go to http://boostedboards.com and use the code TOPHAT at checkout. Hep Cats, Rollin at 5, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Marcus report from down under and discuss Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea, protests in Hong Kong and child porn found in Alex Jone's legal files. http://policygenius.com Nobody wants to shop for life insurance. That’s why we made it easy. Upbeat Forever, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss new, stricter regulations for LGBTQ+ foster parents and prosecutors dropping criminal charges in Flint water scandal. Go to http://stamps.com and use code TOPHAT to claim your special offer! For $100 off the eero base unit and 2 beacons package, and 1 year of eero Plus, visit http://eero.com/tophat and enter promo code: tophat Arroz Con Pollo, Cheery Monday, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis are joined by journalist Saman Arbabi. For $75 off your first order visit http://molekule.com and enter code: tophat Get 50% off your first month at http://scentbird.com/tophat Awesome Call, Cumbia No Frills Faster, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis recap this week in news: public schools slated to get facial recognition technology, horrific conditions at the southern border and Trump's high approval ratings. Go to http://boostedboards.com and use the code TOPHAT at checkout to get $75 off your vehicle. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Glitter Bomb, Too Cool, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss a Trump bailout to aid farmers hurt by the trade war, the importance of African American teachers and Chinese surveillance camera company Hikvision. Get $5 off their first order of $15 or more when you download the DoorDash app and enter promo code: TOP Protect your online activity TODAY and find out how you can get 3 months free at http://expressvpn.com/tophat Cold Funk, Funkorama, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss the wave of anti-abortion laws, economic segregation in education and Conrad Black's presidential pardon. Get any premium Indochino suit for $379 at http://indochino.com with promo code: TOPHAT Visit Policy http://policygenius.com Apero Hour, Bossa Antigua, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis discuss Trump's finances, the controversial Georgia abortion law and interview Ken Bone on social media negativity bleeding into politics, his experience with becoming a meme and who he's eyeing for 2020. Get $5 off their first order of $15 or more when you download the DoorDash app and enter promo code: Top. Start your 4-week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: TOPHAT Acid Jazz, Nowhere Land, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creative-commons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss the NRA, the rural broadband initiative and the rising number of seniors with student debt. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Get $100 off the Eero base unit and 2 beacons package at http://eero.com/tophat Deuces, Cold Funk, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss felon voting rights, a pharmaceutical distributor indicted on federal charges related to the opioid crisis and Biden announcing his bid for president. Robinhood is giving listeners a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Protect your online activity TODAY and find out how you can get 3 months free at http://expressvpn.com/tophat Samba Isobel, Carefree, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis summarize the Mueller report, discuss Trump's veto of a Yemen resolution and the profits state-by-state from marijuana legalization. Get $80 off your first month at http://hellofresh.com/tophat80 and enter promo code: tophat80 Get any premium Indochino suit for $379 at http://indochino.com/tophat Local Forecast-Elevator, Sunshine, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis are joined by Brooke Rogers to discuss Julian Assange's arrest, the "Taxpayer First Act" and an ACLU tarot card case. Download the DoorDash app and use promo code: TOP for $5 off your first order. Surf Shimmy, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis read your comments on the electoral college and discuss the red flag gun bill. Then Ben is joined by Meaghan Ybos to discuss how law enforcement mishandles sexual assault cases and the misnomer of rape kit "backlogs" Learn more about P.E.R.L. - https://www.enforcerapelaws.org/ Start your 4-week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: TOPHAT Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Honey Bee, Apero Hour, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

3 cities, 3 shows, one great guy! Get tickets for the Jason Saenz Benefit Extravaganza: NYC - http://bit.ly/2HKdFts LA - SaenzBenefitLA.com DC - http://bit.ly/2U5HwTN GoFundMe - http://bit.ly/2OxQ93p Ben and Travis discuss the connection between Russian, the NRA and the Republican party, the Christchurch Massacre and Peter Buttigieg's campaign. Robinhood is giving listeners a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Devil May Cry 5 now available on XBOX One. Protect your online activity TODAY and find out how you can get 3 months free at http://expressvpn.com/tophat Acid Jazz, Hitman, Private Eye, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben is joined by Travis Irvine to discuss Roger Stone, corporate influence in city and state governments and Travis's experience running for office in Ohio. Get 50% off any premium Indochino suit at http://indochino.com/ with promo code: TOPHAT Samba Isobel, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss the college admission cheating scandal, Paul Manofort's newest indictment and do a deep dive into the private prison system.

Ben and Travis discuss Ilhan Omar's controversial comments on Israel, Donald Trump's missing high school records and an update to Alex Acosta's Epstein plea deal scandal. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Hep Cats, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--

Ben and Travis discuss Michael Cohen's testimony and the North Korean summit and they are then are joined by entrepreneur and 2020 candidate Andrew Yang to discuss health care, universal basic income and a mindset of scarcity in the American people. Start your 4-week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: TOPHAT Robinhood is giving listeners a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Whiskey on the Mississippi, ZigZag, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis update you on Roger Stone, Bernie Sanders and a fake university sting set up by I.C.E. Policygenius. The easy way to compare and buy life insurance at http://policygenius.com Funkorama, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis discuss Trump's declaration of a national emergency, child sexual abuse legislation and Amazon withdrawing from planned NYC headquarters.

Ben is joined by Jehmu Greene to discuss the State of the Union address, twin scandals unfolding in Virginia and the continuation of the women's wave. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat If you're interested in resources for women running for political office, check out voterunlead.org. Awesome Call, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis discuss "Progressive Prosecutor" Kamala Harris, Roger Stone's indictment and then they are joined by comedian Mohanad Elshieky to discuss his experience of being pulled off a bus and asked to present his papers by immigration officials. Robinhood is giving listeners a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Mining by Moonlight, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben is joined by filmmaker Astra Taylor ("What is Democracy") and they discuss corporations fueling automation, digital media as the people's platform, and binary choices in American politics. Start your 4-week trial at http://stamps.com + promo code: TOPHAT https://www.gofundme.com/f/birdluger Casa Bossa Nova, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week we discuss Steve King's racist remarks, Trump's AG nominee William Barr and we are joined by attorney Rabia Chaudry (author of "Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth & Justice After Serial" and host of "Undisclosed") to discuss criminal justice reform, privatization of incarceration and immigration law. Batty McFaddin, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We discuss the ongoing consequences of the government shutdown and we are joined by immigration attorney Lance Curtright to discuss unpacking disinformation, "Blame the Immigrant" rhetoric and what the future has in store. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Funkorama, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We're back from the break to discuss the government shutdown, newly implemented state laws, and issues with the for-profit college system. Robinhood is giving listeners a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Backbay Lounge, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week we discuss the potential government shutdown, new Russian sanctions and the removal of US troops from Syria. Get a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Get a $500 credit towards your Roofstock marketplace fee at http://roofstock.com/tophat ZigZag, Mining by Moonlight, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week on Top Hat we discuss new blood in the democratic party, Pelosi's meeting with Trump and the power grab by the Wisconsin Republican party. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Start your 4-week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: tophat Feelin Good, Lobby Time, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Travis discuss Attorney General nominee William Barr, updates to the Special Counsel investigation and the connection between Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Ben and Travis discuss the National Climate Assessment, the use of tear gas at the border and The Proud Boys. Ben is then joined by writer Rachel Monroe to discuss her upcoming book and her profile on Damien Echols in the New York Times. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Get a $500 credit towards your Roofstock marketplace fee this month only at http://roofstock.com/tophat Casa Bossa Nova, Hep Cats, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben recaps the week in news and focuses on the First Step Act, the spat between the medical community and the N.R.A. and is joined by Joe Toscano to discuss his book "Automating Humanity" and they discuss universal basic income and the questions politicians aren't (but should be) asking tech companies. Start your 4-week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: tophat Get a free stock at http://tophat.robinhood.com Visit Joe's non-profit DesignGood.tech to learn more about better business practices on the internet. Backbay Lounge, Nowhere Land, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben reports from the road and covers the midterm results, Jeff Sessions' resignation, and delves into the background of Sessions' replacement, Matt Whitaker. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Apero Hour, Local Forecast-Elevator, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben is joined by Travis Morningstar to discuss pipe bomb suspect Cesar Sayoc, the fall of Gab, and the rise of anti-semitic extremism in the United States and then Ben interviews Dr. Bob Fitrakis (The Strip and Flip Selection of 2016) on the vulnerabilities of voting machines. Thanks to Dr. Bob Fitrakis for joining us! For more information visit http://fitrakis.org

Ben and Marcus discuss the bombing scare, the migrant caravan and Trump's personal cell phone use. Robinhood is giving you a free stock to build your portfolio. Sign up at http://tophat.com/robinhood End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Too Cool, Cold Funk, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss undocumented workers, the alleged murder of Jamal Khashoggi and Ben breaks down the toss-up districts in the House of Representatives elections. Get free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: TOPHAT The Show Must Be Go, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss the Washington Post's Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance in Saudi Arabia, Nikki Haley's resignation and Ben gives you a breakdown of the upcoming Senate elections. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Clarifications: Jamal Khashoggi is a resident of the United States, not a citizen. Kanye West and Kid Rock were at the White House to celebrate the signing of "The Music Modernization Act". Hard Boiled, Hep Cats Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss Kavanaugh's successful confirmation, the Trump tax scandal, and the "Grievance Studies" hoax.

Ben and Marcus discuss Trump's UN press conference, Rod Rosenstein's tumultuous week and Dr. Ford and Brett Kavanaugh's testimonies before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Audio courtesy of the Curtis and Cosby show, 77 WABC Radio Lobby Time, Off to Osaka, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben discusses the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh and the vulnerability of voting machines to hacking. Sign up at http://stamps.com/tophat for a 4 week trial with promo code tophat. Bossa Antigua Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben is joined by the president of Diligence LLC and former CIA covert operations officer Mike Baker to discuss the NYTimes Op-Ed, lack of nuclear weapons at the North Korean military parade, and the future of cyber warfare. Start protecting your internet experience today with 66% off a 2 year plan by using code “TOPHAT” at http://NordVPN.com/tophat Acid Jazz Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearing, Roy Moore and Michael Cohen's GoFundMe campaigns and guess at who could be behind the anonymous NY Times op-ed "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration". Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Riptide, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss the passing of John McCain, the Arizona and Florida primaries and Alex Jones. Ben is then joined by journalist Mark Jacobson to discuss his prolific career, the shifting public perception of the FBI & NSA and his book "Pale Horse Rider: William Cooper, the Rise of Conspiracy, and the Fall of Trust in America".

Ben and Marcus discuss the Cohen and Manafort verdicts, the ongoing prison strike and Trump's interview on Fox News. End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Get up to $55 Free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial at http://stamps.com with promo code: tophat Awesome Call, Cold Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss the Omarosa tape, John Brennan's rescinded security clearance, and Sacha Baron Cohen's "Who Is America". *Correction: The lethal injection execution with Fentanyl was in Nebraska, not North Carolina Get your first Quip refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat Funkorama, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss Space Force, the politics of Kanye West and catch you up to speed on the unfolding Manafort Trial.

Ben is joined by writer Ben Westhoff to discuss his upcoming book "Fentanyl Inc.", and the fascinatingly terrifying corporate underbelly of the opioid epidemic End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Get your first order free by visiting http://filtereasy.com and enter code: TOPHAT Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat BossaBossa, Open Those Bright Eyes, ZigZag, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and super producer Travis Morningstar discuss the Cohen tapes, the proposed impeachment of Rod Rosenstein and the ramifications of Trump's trade policy. Get up to $55 free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial at http://stamps.com and enter promo code: TOPHAT Acid Jazz, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ben and Marcus discuss the Helsinki summit between Trump and Putin, alleged NRA affiliated Russian spy Maria Butina and Stormy Daniel's arrest. Hurry to http://stitchfix.com/tophat to get started NOW! Keep all 5 items in your box and you’ll get 25% off your entire purchase! Bossa Antigua, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/