
Plain Talk
969 episodes — Page 17 of 20

Ep. 126: Sen. Cramer talks baseball, impeachment, water rules, and 2020 goals
"The power belongs to the people," Senator Kevin Cramer said on this episode of Plain Talk during a discussion about the on-going impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. "It's being denied them in this instance." Cramer also talks about the rollback of Obama-era water rules, what it feels like to be in an election year without a campaign to run after moving from the House to the Senate, and his goals for 2020. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 125: Debating NDSU's "Junk Mail" Birth Control Program
North Dakota State University has begun a program they call "Junk Mail" which sends birth control and other sexual aids and information to students with the hope of preventing disease and unwanted pregnancies. Socially conservative columnist Roxanne Salonen disagrees with the program, and Rob disagrees with Roxane. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 01-20-20
Rob and Jay talk about crazy social media posts from local politicians, pay-at-the-pump problems, and sex education.

Ep. 124: Rep. Armstrong On Trade, China, Impeachment, Facial Recognitionand the Astros
Congressman Kelly Armstrong talks to Rob about impeachment, the passage of the USMCA and our on-going trade negotiations with China, the threat to privacy of technology like facial recognition, and the Astros cheating scandal. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 01-13-20
Jay and Rob talk about the impact of the online sales tax on local retail and the recent NDSU Bison championship.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 01-07-20
Jay gets an update from Rob on the North Dakota online court records story.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 01-06-20
Jay and Rob discuss the new North Dakota court records system, which has published some personal data such as Rob's social security number, but also information like murder scene photos which some may not know are public record.

Ep. 123: Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken
As the debate over refugee resettlement in Burleigh County continues, City of Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken weighs in.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 11-11-19
Rob and Jay talk about the school lunch debt issue.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 11/04/19
Rob and Jay discuss Rob's column about North Dakota cops violating the 4th amendment. A caller describes his experience being pulled over and searched.

Ep. 122: The politician who actually lowered insurance rates
North Dakotans who get their insurance through the individual market place will enjoy premiums next year which are, on average, about 20 percent lower. That's thanks in no small part to Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread. He talks about his campaign for re-election, and what he'd like to accomplish next in his office. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 121: Auditor says things "cordial" with Governor Burgum
North Dakota Auditor Josh Gallion announced his re-election plans and says things are "cordial" with his fellow Republican, Governor Doug Burgum, despite the latter snubbing the former's campaign announcement. This episode is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 10-14-19 Do We Need Cops In Schools?
Rob and Jay discuss a recent ACLU report suggesting we need fewer cops in schools and more counselors.

Ep. 120: North Dakota ACLU Talks Cash Bail, Cops In School
Dane DeKrey of the North Dakota ACLU talks about his group's desire to see cash bail ended in the state. He also talks about the group's recent report on the use of cops in schools. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 119: Prosperity has left us feeling empty
Americans at living at historically high levels of prosperity, but we also see increasing rates of problems with things like anxiety. Why? Clay Routledge, a professor of psychology and behavioral science researcher from North Dakota State University, discusses ahead of an October 14 presentation he'll be making at the Cato Institute. Details: https://www.cato.org/events/search-for-meaning-in-age-of-abundance This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 10-07-19
Rob and Jay talk about Trump's polling in North Dakota, the upcoming Yankees/Twins game, and why Americans are so sad amid so much prosperity.

Ep. 118: "We'll be a mining superpower"
Steven More, economic advisor to President Donald Trump, says on this episode that we need to let the American mining sector compete better globally. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 09-30-19
Rob and Jay talk about how Rob makes everybody mad.

Ep. 117: Armstrong says impeach push is "wasted time"
"I can't tell you how much time we've wasted on this," Congressman Kelly Armstrong says of the latest push from Democrats to impeach President Donald Trump. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 09-23-19
Rob, the glinty-eyed capitalist, and Jay talk about the controversy over a company buying up mobile home parks. Also, as the cost of the farmer bailouts surpass the cost of the auto bailouts, were they worth it?

Ep. 116: Senator Cramer says he believes Iran was behind Saudi attack
Senator Kevin Cramer talks about how the world better weathered the attacks on Saudi oil production thanks to America's energy renaissance. He also says he believes Iran was behind the attacks, but the question of how the U.S. should respond doesn't have an easy answer. This episode of Plain Talk brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of ND.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 09-09-19
Can the North Dakota Ethics Commission regulate the speech of elected officials? Rob and Jay Thomas discuss.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 09-03-19
Rob joins Jay Thomas on WDAY AM970 to talk about Walmart's changing gun policies.

Ep. 115: Senator Cramer says border wall has made life easier for customs agents
Senator Kevin Cramer takes questions from listeners and talks about his recent visit to the southern border with Mexico. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 114: CEO Says Oil Refinery Will Put Out Less Pollution Than National Park
Bill Prentice is the CEO of Meridian Energy, the company behind the construction of the Davis Refinery in western North Dakota. He says the new refinery will be so clean it will put out less pollution than the cars visiting nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. He talks about the political and legal struggle to build the refinery. This episode of Plain Talk brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 08-26-19
Rob and Jay discuss the cost to taxpayers and students of North Dakota State University Athletics. Also, lawmakers want ideas on how to spend the state's Legacy Funds, what would be the best way?

Ep. 113: Cramer Decries "Pervasive Antisemitism" In Democratic Party
Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions, and discusses what he sees as antisemitism among Democrats, the economy, and the budget. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 08-12-19
Audio from the Jay Thomas Show, with Jay and Rob discussing Jeffrey Epstein, mass shootings, gun control, and red flag legislation.

Ep. 112: Burgum pollster talks 2020, new ND ACLU director talks outreach
Dane DeKrey, the new leader of the ACLU in North Dakota, says he'd like to see if he can find some common ground with conservatives. Also Chip Englander, pollster for Governor Doug Burgum's campaign, talks about the 2020 race. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 111: Democrats hate what North Dakota does
How can Democrats ever hope to win over rural, red state America when their supposedly moderate presidential front runner says he wants to eliminate fossil fuels? Which are important in all kinds of ways for both North Dakota, specifically, and rural American generally? Also Jodi Beauchene's friend was murdered in Fargo recently. Charges are pending in the case, but while they do she says some changes need to be made to North Dakota's domestic violence laws. This episode is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 110: Expanding the Dakota Access Pipeline
Glenn Emery, a Vice President with Energy Transfer Partners, talks about his company's plan to increase capacity in their controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. Also, what can we really do to prevent mass shootings? This episode is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofND.com.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 08-05-19
Rob and Jay talk about the shootings in Ohio and Texas.

Ep. 109: Racist against North Dakotans?
Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions on this episode, and all of the questions had to do with his recent comments about discrimination against North Dakotans. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Bonus Audio: Guest Hosting WDAY 07/26/19
Rob guests hosts for Mike Kapel on WDAY AM970. Topics were the death penalty, Alerus Center finances, and Congressman Kelly Armstrong took listener questions.

Bonus Audio: Guest Hosting WDAY 07/25/19
Rob guest hosts for Mike Kapel on WDAY AM970.

Ep. 108: Nobody is fiscally conservative any more?
Rush Limbaugh says fiscal conservatism is old and busted, and nobody ever really cared. If that's true, what does it mean to be a conservative? Is it all just cultural now? Also, Senator Kevin Cramer takes questions on the Mueller hearing, marijuana, the border wall, and other topics. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 107: North Dakotans are too cynical about economic mobility
North Dakotans came in almost last in the nation in a Harvard Study when it comes to optimism about economic mobility (the ability of people to become wealthier over their lifetimes). But, the study also shows that North Dakota was first in the nation when it comes to economic mobility. Why the disconnect between perception and reality? Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong answers listener questions. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 106: Are you surprised Trump cares so much about #TheSquad?
"I'm surprised President Trump cares so much about these congresswomen," Senator Kevin Cramer said on this episode of Plain Talk, referring to the President's feud with "the squad." Cramer also takes listener questions. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 105: Over 175,000 could qualify for marijuana pardons
"We could be looking at upward of 175 to 179 thousand who have this issue," Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said of new, streamlined process that will allow those with minor marijuana-related convictions to apply for pardons. Also, the Legislature will allow local governments to double their traffic fines. Is that constitutional? And is it a big deal that state lawmakers get paid for absences? This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 07-15-19
Audio from the Jay Thomas Show, 07-15-19, talking about President Trump's recent comments about a group of female Democratic congresswomen among other topics.

Ep. 104: It's Trump's comments about free speech which are dangerous
President Donald Trump said media speech he doesn't agree with is not free speech because it's dangerous. But isn't the President of the United States saying something like that what's really dangerous? Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 103: Cramer defends support for HB1044
Senator Kevin Cramer defended his support for eliminating per-country caps on visas for high-skilled workers in response to listener questions. "I not only supported it I championed it," he said. Also, what happens when it's the news media sowing controversy and division in our country? This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Ep. 102: Should ND legalize sex work?
A sex worker masquerading as a massage therapist got busted in Minot. Massage therapists want a crack down to protect their industry, but would a better route be to legalize and license sex work? Also, ND University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott talks about his view for how to better manage the finances of the state's public institutions of higher education. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 07-08-19
Audio from the Jay Thomas Show, with Jay and Rob discussing the citizenship question on the U.S. Census.

Ep. 101: "Democrats are finally acknowledging there's a crisis"
"I think we should all be happy that Democrats are finally acknowledging there's a crisis at the border," Congressman Kelly Armstrong says on this episode of Plain Talk. He also talks about the 4th of July holiday and the upcoming Mueller testimony before Congress. Also, the President of El Salvador blames conditions in his own country for the crisis at America's border. He's right. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 100: The new effort to legalize marijuana in North Dakota
David Owen of Legalize ND talks about his group's new proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota. Also state lawmakers now say they'll abide by a legal opinion from Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem which found their law limiting the powers of the state Auditor was unconstitutional. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 07-01-19
Talking baseball, the field of Democratic 2020 presidential candidates, and legalizing marijuana.

Ep. 99: "Everything is not fine" at the border
Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions on the border, abortion, and the Democratic presidential candidate debate. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 98: Cramer says Biden is "greatest threat" to Trump re-election
Who does Senator Kevin Cramer think could be the toughest challenger to President Donald Trump? Former Vice President Joe Biden he says on this episode of Plain Talk. He also talks about the war over bias in the tech industry and the battle over border funding. Also the Red River Valley Democratic Socialists of America have formed a softball team, and say young people are attracted to socialism because who even remembers what East Germany was like any more? This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Ep. 97: UND economist talks about Facebook's new currency
Facebook has joined with a coalition of financial industry giants to issue its new currency. UND monetary economist David Flynn talks about what it all means. Also, Senator Bernie Sanders has announced a plan to pay off everyone's student loan debt. Is it really a free lunch? This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.