The Politics Guys

It's big week for due process. Mike and Jay talk about the Justice Department's decision to drop the case against Michael Flynn, FBI abuses, and Mike makes a pitch for an Independent Justice Department. Then they discuss the new Department of Education rules guaranteeing rights to the accused in school sexual harassment and assault cases. Then it gets sort of weird. The full text of the DOJ filing to dismiss charges against Michael Flynn Mike's YouTube page Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with A’shanti Gholar, creator and host of The Brown Girls Guide to Politics podcast. Topics they discuss include: COVID-19’s disproportionate effects on minorities whether President Trump is racist, and if it matters demographic representation in Congress why the Democratic Party is so much more diverse than the GOP what Republicans can to do attract more minorities, without abandoning their core principles & beliefs Joe Biden’s potential VP choices what women & minorities can reasonably expect from a Biden administration what four more years of a Trump administration might mean for women & minorities what white males most often misunderstand about women & minorities in politics The Brown Girls Guide to Politics on Twitter White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Robin DiAngelo Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken start the show talking Biden's response to sexual assault allegation from Tara Reade. Next the pair move to discussing COVID, but primarily focusing on the armed protests in Michigan. Trey & Ken close the show discussing the entrance into the presidential race of newly minted Libertarian Amash and potential Green Party candidate Ventura. This Week's Recommendations Trey suggests you check out Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime. Ken is reading The New York Review of Books. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Mike and Kristin take on more COVID-19 related stories and policy issues, including the most recent aid package, President Trump’s immigration proclamation, and state “exit strategies” for lockdown and plans to reopen economies. Mike and Kristin also discuss the complex, recently-decided Supreme Court case of County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund. They also share their recommendations for some non-COVID related entertainment. Mike’s Weekly RecommendationOpen Psychometrics ‘Which Character Are You?’ QuizThe Reluctant Detective (Mike’s P.I. book in progress) Kristin’s Weekly RecommendationImagineering in a Box (Disney & Khan Academy) Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike & Jay open the show with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of federalism in light of President Trump’s claim of ‘total authority’ and his suggestion that Democratic governors were like mutinous sailors. Following that, they grade the preparation and response of both the administration and Congress to the pandemic. They close by talking about whether or not the WHO was too credulous or complicit in supporting China’s erroneous early reports about COVID-19. This Week’s RecommendationsMike suggests you check out (and even comment on) The Reluctant Detective, his book in progress. He also recommends the TV show I’m Sorry. Although Jay was driven from their dorm room on Mike’s ‘country music nights’, he’s found the Ken Burns documentary Country Music very enjoyable. What You Love (and hate) About The Politics Guys Hosts (our Reddit BipartisanPolitics Group) Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Ken open the show discussing the suspension of Sanders' campaign. The pair talk about what it means for democratic socialism and the Democratic Party more widely. Trey sees this as the broader failure of ideologies of class and Ken sees it as the beginning of a potential turn for democratic socialism. Next, in a bit of disagreement, Trey and Ken spar over the Supreme Court's ruling concerning the Wisconsin primary. While both agree that the fault primarily lies with the state, they disagree over what role the Supreme Court should have played. They also disagree with over the power states should have to conduct their elections without interference, even when there is partisan influence. Finally, the pair close talking about the removal of Michael Atkinson and Glenn Fine. The two agree that the removals are wrong, but Trey specifically worries that it is the continued sign of congressional deference to Presidential power in times of crisis. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike and Kristin talk about all things COVID-19. The bigger issues involve President Trump’s extended stay-at-home guidelines, the cultural impact of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, and some encouraging statistics. They also discuss the reality of economic issues we face, jobless numbers, the SBA loan program rolled out this week, states haggling over resources, and changing information about wearing face masks to reduce the virus spread. This Week’s RecommendationsMike suggests you check out (and even comment on) The Reluctant Detective, his book in progress. He also recommends the Hulu show Puppy Prep and the rationally optimistic blog post, “No, You Didn’t Just Lose Half of your Retirement Savings.” Kristin recommends Erik Larson’s Dead Wake, about the Lusitania disaster during WWI and the events and tension leading up to it - and after. She also recommends the documentary Antarctica: A Year on Ice, a cool take on what it’s like to live and work in the isolated environment of Antarctica. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Jay, and Trey open the show with a discussion of the federal government’s economic response to the coronavirus pandemic - both the $2 trillion legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump as well as the Federal Reserve’s multi-trillion dollar promise to do whatever it takes to keep the economy functioning. After that, they discuss President Trump’s recent invocation of the Defense Production Act, focusing on how it may help areas most affected by coronavirus. Then they debate whether it’s too soon to restart the economy, if President Trump is being irresponsible and ignoring his public health experts, and the often agonizing tradeoffs that have to be made in crises. RecommendationsMike suggests you check out (and comment on) The Reluctant Detective, his book in progress. He also recommends the shows Derry Girls and Brockmire. Jay recommends Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods as well as this documentary on jazz great Miles Davis. Trey’s recommendation is the book Davinci in Love. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Mike and Trey suggest reasons to feel at least potentially optimistic about the coronavirus pandemic. Their reasons for optimism cover likely outcomes, government response, and longer term ramifications. They also share some things they’ve found useful in coping with the crisis. (Such as Mike’s recommendation to fellow liberals to check out moderate-right news sources like The Bulwark and National Review.) Today’s SponsorThe sponsor for today’s show is Coronavirus Daily Briefing. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode Trey and Ken are joined by Mike. They begin the show discussing the California lockdown, the first of its kind in the country, and the Senate Republican direct payment relief plan. Next the trio talk about the Democratic primary, focused primarily on the primary that wasn't in Ohio. They finish the show discussing social media in an emergency and their respective weekly recommendations. Recommendations Mike's Recommendation is his own, ongoing creation: The Reluctant Detective. Mike also recommends two books, both by Pema Chordon: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times and Living Beautifully With Uncertainty and Change. Trey recommends CBS All Access's Star Trek Picard. Ken recommends the music of Paul Kopasz (aka Paul K). Today’s Sponsor is Coronavirus Daily Briefing. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Thomas Philippon, a Professor of Finance at the Stern School of Business at New York University. Professor Philippon is a member of the Monetary Policy Advisory Panel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the author of the recently released book, The Great Reversal: How America Gave Up On Free Markets, which they discuss on this episode. Topics discussed include: the many benefits of competition how and why the US became much less competitive over the last two decades how, in many ways, Europe is actually much more competitive than the US how lobbying and campaign finance contribute to the problem the ‘revolving door’ between government and the private sector the decline of competition in finance, health care, and the tech sector what can be done to increase competition Thomas Philippon on Twitter Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Kristin discuss the many political and policy implications of the Coronavirus pandemic. They begin with a synopsis of the past week and a review of Trump’s address and press conference, the takeaways, the stock market rebound, and their thoughts. Then, they weigh some of the deeper policy issues that this crisis has dredged up - public health funding, emergency preparedness, paid sick leave, and government embracing big tech. They also discuss how moments like this often have lasting effects on culture, and vice versa. Finally, Mike and Kristin turn to the Democratic Primary and have a conversation about Biden and whether he is a “moderate” or a “progressive”. Nick Shabazz (the YouTube knife guy Mike recommended) Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup (Kristin’s book recommendation) Today’s SponsorEmpower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay discuss the state of the Democratic primary in the aftermath of a Biden resurgence. Mike Bloomberg makes us wonder whether anyone can,in fact, buy an election and Mike and Jay give their takes on Elizabeth Warren's "sexism" comments. Then the discussion turns to the political and economic impact of the coronavirus and whether the crisis highlights Trump's incompetence or confirms validity of some of his platform points. Finally, Mike and Jay recommend some stuff to read that is older than the remaining presidential candidates. Jay & Mike’s Recommended Reading- Ohio 1912 State Constitution Debates - Discourses & Handbook of Epictetus Today’s SponsorsEmpower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguysThe Democracy Group. For more info visit: democracygroup.org Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Trey is joined by Ken. The two start the show by discussing what it means for a presidential candidate to be electable. Given the focus on Sanders post Nevada the pair focus specifically on how him in a general election against President Trump. Trey and Ken explore what historically drives candidates to be viable outside of the horse race narrative. Trey's interest in the Democratic primary makes him particularly concerned for a candidate that can beat Trump. He believes that voters will more generally punish Sanders for his socialist policies, but that the recent market correction will aid him. Ken agrees that Sanders has a liability in his socialist title, he thinks it is a smaller problem and can be fixed with proper messaging. Next the pair turn to the issue of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This agency, created via Dodd Frank, is at the center of an unusual controversy over the relationship between the President and Congress. The Supreme Court took the case this week. The key controversy surrounds presidential appointment: can president's be restricted by Congress in their removal power? Trey recounts the history of the removal power and the facts of the case, Ken explores the likely Supreme Court outcome. Finally Trey and Ken turn to the recent case of Patterson v. Walgreen. This case, which the Supreme Court declined to hear this week, more narrowly defines religious exemptions for employees. Specifically, as outlined by Trey, Patterson was fired for not coming to work on a Saturday due to his Seventh Day Adventist practices. The lower courts ruled that Walmart did have the power to fire him. Ken believes the lower courts were wrong, but he surprises Trey by suggesting that he disagrees with religious exemptions for generally applicable laws. Today’s Sponsors The Democracy Group. For more info visit: democracygroup.org Empower. For more info about Empower, visit:empower.me/politicsguys Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike and Kristin first take on the issue of pardoning. They discuss Trump’s most recent 11 pardons and commutations. Mike’s concern is rooted in who President Trump has pardoned - largely his political friends and allies. Kristin brings up historical pardoning to these ends, as well as the First Step Act in relation to Mike’s point that Trump could be doing much more for overlooked nonviolent offenders. On a broad scale, they also discuss the Founding Fathers’ original intentions when creating the power of pardoning and whether this deserves a second look, as we seem to have drifted from these intentions over time. Next, Mike and Kristin give their impressions of the Democratic Debate that took place in Nevada (ahead of the Nevada Caucuses) this past week. Mike elaborated on his impressions as a Democratic voter, the factors he feels are most important for voters to consider, and the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. Kristin also gave her impressions about candidate strategy. In the end, Mike said that he wasn’t sure who he’d cast his primary vote for, but that he’d let the audience know soon. Today’s SponsorEmpower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a big announcement about some significant changes to the podcast, Mike and Jay turn to a discussion of the independence and integrity of the Justice Department and its leader, Attorney General William Barr. Mike attempts to understand Barr based on his views of executive authority, which Mike believes are wrongheaded. Jay, on the other hand, thinks that Barr is absolutely right about sweeping executive authority. One thing Mike and Jay agree on is that President Trump’s tweets about ongoing Justice Department cases make it very difficult for Barr to convince people that the department is acting with integrity. After that, they turn to the New Hampshire primary and the state of the Democratic race. Mike argues that it’s far too soon for anyone to panic, though Jay thinks that some panic might be appropriate for Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren. With Bernie Sanders emerging as an early frontrunner, the Guys next discuss what a Sanders presidency might look like, and whether or not Democratic Socialism is something to be applauded or shunned. Today’s SponsorEmpower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | PocketCasts | Overcast | Stitcher | RSS Trey talks with Allan Lichtman, a Distinguished Professor of History at American University and author of many books including on impeaching Trump and on the keys to the White House. In this episode they discuss Allan's latest book Repeal the Second Amendment: The Case for a Safer America Topics Trey and Allan Discuss include: What compelled him to write such a provocative book (and provocative title) What the framers actually meant by the second amendment The likelihood of truly repealing the second amendment The usefulness of repeal in making actual gun policy The power of the NRA over gun policy The shift in the meaning of the second amendment An open invitation to debate the NRA on the second amendment Data on gun violence and gun control What kind of gun control may help society Allan Lichtman on Twitter Today’s Sponsors Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Trey and Ken are joined by Mike and the three begin the show by discussing the final impeachment vote. Ken notes the historic nature of Romney as the first to ever cross party lines for an impeachment vote. Trey argues that Romney is the consistent conservative and both the Republicans and Democratic parties have shifted around him. Mike and Ken counter that Republicans are the party that has far more profoundly shifted. Ken is not surprised, but disappointed, that President Trump was not found guilty. Mike, although he believes President Trump to be guilty, does not agree the President should have been found guilty. For Mike the penalty did not fit the crime. Next the trio turn to Iowa and the procedural mess that resulted from the use of a new app. All three agree that it might mean the end of Iowa as the first in the nation status. While there are downsides to that, all agree this is generally a positive development if it occurs. The three also address what, if anything, the results mean to an ultimate winner. Ken sticks by his assessment earlier last year that Joe Biden would fade early and never recover. Mike continues to disagree and argues that, while Biden will fade, he has enough momentum to win the nomination. Then the three turn their attention to Attorney General Barr's three page memo outlining new rules for investigations of political figures. Specifically the memo gives the Attorney General the power to determine which, if any, political investigations can be undertaken. Ken and Mike generally agree this is evidence of further corruption on the part of the Trump administration. Trey counters that it is perfectly consistent with presidential power to make the determination political and that Ken and Mike would not find it an abuse of power if it was someone other that Barr at the helm. Finally the trio discuss the State of the Union Address. Here the focus is on the images of the handshake denied and Pelosi's ripping up of the address itself. Trey worries that these "memeable" moments are all that matters. Further that political communication is primarily about effectively creating such images. Mike agrees to a degree, but Ken doesn't think such discourse ultimately effects real political outcomes. Today’s Sponsors Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike & Kristin address listener questions on: the ramifications of President Trump's acquittal in the Senate how those who abused the FISA warrant process should be held to account prospects and strategies for progressives our dominant political principles why many evangelical Christians are enthusiastic Trump supporters what our main political news sources are, and why we've chosen them Today’s Sponsors Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys SaneBox. Email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and a $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike and Kristin cover the latest news regarding the impeachment trial. In an effort to cover different items and fuel different discussions than those all over mainstream news , they both lay out their personal highlights of the week. Mike brings up Alan Dershowitz’s odd defense of the President and the backlash he faced, while Kristin discusses some of the procedural shortcomings of Democratic lawmakers. They agree that the President will likely be acquitted on Wednesday, on the true nature of “impeachment” as laid out by the Founding Fathers, and that it’s apparent that both sides seem to have surrendered to partisan pandering. Mike and Kristin also discuss the Iowa Caucuses, which are just days away. Mike weighs in on the “Stop Bernie” movement, saying that he doesn’t think it has risen to the level of a “movement” yet. He also predicts that Sanders and Biden will emerge the frontrunners in Iowa, but that there is growing doubt, once again, that Sanders would be a formidable opponent to Trump in November – an argument he deems valid. Kristin agrees, and makes the point that the Iowa Caucuses are more about momentum than anything else, which Sanders has. They also discuss the low likelihood that “purple” states and swing states would move to support a Sanders nomination and how this could impact other elections later this year. Today’s Sponsors Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys SaneBox. Email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and a $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Check out the full version of The Politics Guys theme, ‘Love the Government’, by Ill Papa Giraffe, on the Free Music Archive. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike & Jay respond to listener comments on: political purity tests fear of socialism supporting the troops fixing polarization grading public education problems with political parties Bernie debating Trump the power of the judiciary Today’s SponsorsEmpower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys SaneBox. Email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and a $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. The Politics Guys theme is ‘Rollin at 5’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s show opens with Mike & Jay discussing the Senate trial of President Trump. They both agree that the president did something, but while Mike thinks that something is criminal activity worthy of impeachment and removal, Jay doesn’t believe it rises to that level. Along the way, Mike suggests that President Trump is like a monkey in a museum and Mitch McConnell is the Senate’s Bill Belichick. Next, the Guys look at Montana v Espinoza, a case the Supreme Court heard this week involving an indirect state subsidy to religious schools. They agree that Montana’s Supreme Court overreached in invalidating the program, a program that Jay feels is good public policy and that Mike thinks hurts public schools. After that is the issue of faithless electors, which the Supreme Court will be ruling on prior to the 2020 presidential election. The issue is whether or not states can bind their electors to vote a certain way. Both Mike and Jay argue that electors are free to vote as they wish. Mike goes further and makes a case for replacing electors with either a national popular vote (his ideal) or a system of split electoral votes like Maine and Nebraska currently employ. Today’s SponsorsPawnee Public Forum: A Podcast about Parks & Recreation Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys SaneBox: Email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and a $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. The Politics Guys theme is ‘Rollin at 5’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Bryan Caplan, a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and a blogger for EconLog. Professor Caplan is the author of multiple books, including two he and I have previously discussed on the show - The Myth of the Rational Voter, and The Case Against Education. On this episode, they discussing Bryan’s latest book, Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration. Topics Mike & Bryan discuss include: ‘a world of global apartheid’ immigration and economic inequality the moral presumption in favor of immigration why Nobel Laureate Milton Freedom was wrong about immigration how open borders could easily double world GDP the cultural effects of open borders immigration, crime, and terrorism the partisan political calculus of immigration policy open borders and global brain drain a Burkean approach to immigration and lots more! Bryan Caplan on Twitter Today's show is sponsored by SaneBox - email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. The Politics Guys theme is ‘Rollin at 5’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Trey and Ken start by tackling the weeks biggest issue: the Senate trial of President Donald Trump. The biggest focus for the hosts is the ongoing question concerning witnesses. Ken is reluctant to make a prediction, but Trey suggests there will be witnesses. This leads the pair to Lev Parnas and the peculiar nature of Trump witnesses. It also leads to speculation on Ken's part about the differences between a political trial and a civil trial. Specifically how in a political trial witnesses do not have to necessarily be relevant. After this Trey brings up the quick passage of the USMCA and reminds Ken this is one of the few times he was wrong. The trade deal passed with bipartisan support. The pair discuss the few holdouts, most specifically Senator Sanders. His refusal to support the deal was a weakness in Trey's view. The topic of Sanders led to the next item: the Democratic debates. Here the topic of the issue of sexism between Sanders and Warren was discussed. Trey also suggested Sanders is not the best representation of his party. Finally Trey and Ken tackled the new push for backdoors in cellphones, specifically the iPhone from Attorney General Barr and President Trump. Today's show is sponsored by SaneBox - email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Free Music Archive Love the Government. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Richard Robb, a professor of professional practice in international and public affairs at Columbia University and CEO of the investment firm Christofferson, Robb & Company, which he co-founded in 2001. They discuss his recent book Willful: How We Choose What We Do. After the interview, Kristin joins Mike for a conservative perspective. Topics Richard and Mike cover include: the rational choice paradigm behavioral economics purposeful, ‘for itself’ action how and why we pick beliefs that appeal to us the four-step process of belief formulation Pareto efficiency and public policy if policymakers have enough skin in the game choosing over time the critical need for authentic challenges with real stakes and uncertain outcomes Today's show is sponsored by SaneBox - email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike and Kristin take on the confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, discuss what our clear policy goals should be regarding Iran, and whether those goals are feasible. Both agree that heading into a full-fledged war is a terrible idea, but while Mike argues that Trump’s pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal was disastrous, Kristin brings up that nothing before or since Trump has worked to create a stable Iran without nuclear capability and that the process needs to be rethought entirely. Mike also unpacks the House vote to force the President to come to Congress for authorization for future military action, and Kristin weighs in on Rep. Matt Gaetz’s point that Congress should have “skin in the game” when it comes to conflict and war. Next, Kristin and Mike discuss the latest in the Senate impeachment trial saga. For just over three weeks, the Articles of Impeachment have been stalled. Mike gives Speaker Nancy Pelosi credit for her “gamesmanship”, arguing that this was a strategy to compile more witnesses, obtain more documents, and so on. They disagree on whether potential testimony from Joe Biden was a factor in Speaker Pelosi’s delay. Kristin believes that the maneuver was more political than strategic, but agrees with Mike that a fast timeline or a quick motion to dismiss aren’t in good form – on principle and in terms of politics. Finally, Mike reminisces over the past three years since Trump’s inauguration – what he’s learned, what has changed for him, and he presents some interesting ideas that are in line with a desire to curb executive power. Kristin and Mike discuss whether political bias plays a role in this desire to curb executive power (spoiler alert: they agree that it definitely does). Today's show is sponsored by SaneBox - email management for any inbox. For a free two-week trial and $25 credit, go to sanebox.com/politicsguys. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Binyamin Appelbaum, who writes about economics and business for the editorial page of the New York Times. From 2010 - 2019 he was a Washington correspondent for the Times, covering economic policy in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis. They discuss his recently released book: The Economists' Hour. After the interview, Jay joins Mike to provide a conservative perspective. Topics Mike & Binyamin discuss include: why markets are wonderful Keynesianism, monetarism, and supply side economics the massive influence of Milton Friedman fine-tuning the economic machine balancing unemployment and inflation the shifting value of a human life why we shouldn’t reinstate 20th century financial regulations President Trump’s ‘turtle shell nationalism’ defending Alan Greenspan and lots more! Binyamin Appelbaum’s NYT Columns Binyamin Appelbaum on Twitter Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike & Jay open the show with a discussion of the escalating tensions between Iran, Iraq, and the United States in the aftermath of the U.S. killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Quasem Soleimani. Jay thinks that the Trump administration may have made the right move, but Mike is concerned that the blowback could be worse than any benefits from Soleimani’s death. Next is a look at the Democratic presidential race, including Julian Castro’s exit from the race, whether Iowa and New Hampshire should be the first two contests, and the nearly $200 million that Michael Bloomberg has spent. After that, Mike & Jay talk about their hopes and predictions for 2020, focusing on President Trump’s Senate trial, the Durham Report, China, Iran, and the 2020 elections. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump has been impeached but the odds are strongly against him being removed from office. Mike & Jay open the show talking about the impeachment vote, what happens next, and the potential electoral consequences. After that, they discuss the aftermath of Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s findings on the FBI’s conduct of the ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ investigation, including Horowitz’s Senate testimony and the FISA court ordering the FBI to clean up its act. Then it’s a look at the $1.4 trillion 2020 budget, which has something for everyone but which neither Mike nor Jay are entirely happy with, followed by the House of Representatives’ approval of the USMCA trade agreement (or, as Mike likes to call it ‘CAMUS’). Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Mila Atmos, host of the Future Hindsight podcast. They discuss rights and responsibilities in a democracy, cynicism, adopting a cause, the 2020 Democratic presidential field, Joe Biden as the DNC’s chosen candidate, the impeachment of President Trump, how to make a difference, why Mila is hopeful, and lots more. After the interview, Trey joins Mike to provide a conservative perspective. Update: Mila checked in after the episode dropped, and confessed to also being a Cory Booker fan. When she was in Iowa in November, a voter asked her who he should caucus for, and she emphatically replied, “Booker!” Future Hindsight on Twitter Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Trey is joined by Ken and they begin the show by exploring the Justice Department's inspector general, Michael Horowitz's, report into the potentiality of a political bias by the FBI. Next the pair turn to the House Judiciary Committee's party-line vote to move forward two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the full house floor. Trey and Ken then discuss the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA) which may replace NAFTA -- both its provisions and the likelihood of passage. After that the pair turns to President Trump's recent executive order attempting to crack down on discrimination against Jewish individuals, specifically on college campuses. Finally, as is their custom, Trey and Ken cross the pond and talk Boris Johnson's big Conservative victory in the British Parliament. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Yale political scientist Jacob Hacker about the newly revised version of his book The Great Risk Shift. After the discussion, Jay joins Mike for a discussion of Hacker’s key ideas. In this interview, we discuss the rise in economic insecurity, declining social mobility in the US, the ‘old contract’ versus the ‘new contract’ between employers and workers, technological change & globalization, the waves and the tides of the economy, Medicare for all, reasons to be hopeful, and lots more. Here’s Mike’s previous discussion with Dr. Hacker, on his book American Amnesia. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jay and Mike talk impeachment and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. For the fourth time in history the House is drafting articles of impeachment. But are the Democrats moving too quickly and does that make impeachment a tougher sell for the voting public? Then the Guys talk about the state of the race for the Democratic nomination in the wake of Kamala Harris's departure from the race. Also, is a "No Malarkey" tour a stroke of marketing genius or terrible branding? Finally, Jay plays Scrooge while Mike plays Santa in discussing proposed changes in the SNAP program and work requirements. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special crossover show, Mike talks with Andrew Heaton, host of The Political Orphanage podcast. They cover a lot of ground in a conversation that (very) loosely revolves around presidential power. Along the way, they discuss Caddyshack, Edmund Burke, impeachment, anonymous Senate conviction votes, a constitutional convention, Thomas Paine, why a Stormy Daniels based case would have been the most fitting impeachment for President Trump, national emergency powers, splitting up the presidency, expanding the Supreme Court, 'These United States' vs 'The United States', politics as the new religion, and lots more. Andrew Heaton on Twitter Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Kristin start off talking about President Trump’s Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan. The President served surprised service men and women Thanksgiving dinner at Bagram Air Force Base and made a rousing speech where he said that the U.S. and the Taliban have been involved in peace talks, which prompted discussions about whether the U.S. should remain in the region. Next, Mike and Kristin discussed President Trump’s signing of two bills aimed at supporting the protestors in Hong Kong. The first enforces sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials who commit abuses of human rights and would subject Hong Kong to an annual review. The second prohibits exporting nonlethal munitions to the Hong Kong police. Of course, China is not happy about any of this and some critics say that this could damage ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and China. The next topic involves the aftermath of the Gallagher court martialing, pardoning, and the Navy’s decision to not allow him to retain his SEAL status. The firing of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer made headlines this week. President Trump said that the decision was about Spencer’s leadership, and that it was a long time coming. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told reporters that Spencer had gone behind his and others’ backs to broker a deal, displaying insubordination. Spencer hit back with a fiery op-ed in the Washington Post. Finally, with all of the interest in CBD products lately, it’s no wonder that the FDA made some headlines this week with its warnings about CBD. The FDA has decided to crack down on some companies selling the products, which brings about questions for Mike and Kristin regarding overreach, regulation in general, and the necessity to protect the public from false claims. Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Chris Beem and Michael Berkman from Penn State's McCourtney Institute for Democracy about their Democracy Works podcast and a whole bunch of other things including: the fact that two of our last four, and three of our last nine presidents have gone through impeachment the ‘best case’ outcome from this impeachment process the potential fallout from straight party line impeachment voting if Donald Trump is a unique case or a portent of presidents to come strengthening our political institutions whether we’re optimistic or pessimistic about the future of liberal democracy in the United States and lots more! The McCourtney Institute on Twitter Be part of the discussion on the Politics Guys ‘BipartisanPolitics’ community on Reddit. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Trey and Ken start the show by jumping back into the ongoing topic of impeachment. Specifically the pair parse Fiona Hill and David Holmes’ testimony in light of President Trump’s Friday morning conversation on Fox & Friends. Ken thinks that, not only is impeachment the right thing to do, but that it will be an electoral winner for the Democratic Party. Trey argues that impeachment, when the Senate inevitably fails to convict, may result in better polling results for Trump. Ken deeply disagrees and thinks a trial in the Senate benefits Democrats, even if they ultimately lose, due to additional witnesses. Both agree that an impeachment will happen during the first week in December. Next the pair turn to the Democratic Debates. Both Trey and Ken agree debate fatigue is settling in, in large part due to the format of the debate. Trey argues that little electorally meaningful comes from the debates at this point, accept for the perception of candidates afterwards. On this front he sees Biden as the big loser of the debate. Ken worries that too much time is spent on issues such as universal healthcare when this isn’t a true power of the president. Trey and Ken then move to talk about the additional 60 day funding of government signed by President Trump after a last minute passage in the Senate. Ken argues that, baring a veto, government will only be funded in short term continuing resolutions, unless Trump vetos. Trey argues that there would be Republican votes to overcome a Trump veto to keep government open. Meanwhile both agree Democrats are unwilling to either fund additional border security or shut down government, thus continuing the need for short term spending resolutions. Next the pair turn to Trump’s recent military pardons of Army 1st Lt. Clint Lorance, Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn, and Special Warfare Operator Chief Edward Gallagher. Both are deeply disturbed by the pardons. Trey specifically, who has moral issues with the nature of much military power, worries that by pardoning individuals from the military it expands military power. Finally Trey and Ken hit a continuing topic outside the united states: Israeli politics. Specifically the indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The pair discuss the historical ramifications of the indictment, the similarities to the impeachment of Trump, and finish the discussion on what happens next. Black Friday Deal! Patreon supporters who either support The Politics Guys at the $5 per month level, or supporters who increase their monthly support to $5 will get their choice of either a Politics Guys mug or tote bag. These tote bags and mugs normally require a $10 a month support, but for this limited time only Black Friday deal (Nov 23 - 30) get it at the lower $5 per month level. Support now and secure your mug or tote! Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike and Jay respond to listener questions on the following topics: Social Security strategic voting in primary elections Hunter Biden, Michael Cohen, and ‘soft corruption’ expertise in cabinet positions Donald Trump and fiscal conservatives Jay’s nightmare scenario - ‘President Pelosi’ bipartisan blame for the financial crisis the value of Elizabeth Warren’s conservative past a depressing present and hope for the future Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Jay, and Kristin open the show with a discussion of the first week of open hearings on the impeachment of President Trump. Mike argues that it’s clear that Trump ‘did it’ (or at least clear enough to require a vote for impeachment) but that it could be argued that what he did is not cause for removal. Jay and Kristin are less convinced by the evidence presented to this point. They all believe that the most likely outcome is straight party-line votes to impeach and convict, resulting in the acquittal of the president. Mike wishes it would be possible to hear from those closest to the president on this issue, specifically Mulvaney, Bolton, and Giuliani, but he doesn’t think that’s likely. Kristin and Jay would also like to hear from them, but even if they testified that the president attempted bribery, they’re not sure that would justify his removal from office. Next, they discuss the entry of former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick into the Democratic presidential nomination race, bringing the total number of candidates to 18. Everyone agrees that this is due to Joe Biden’s perceived weakness and the lack of a popular center-left candidate with strong minority support. Patrick faces daunting challenges, but he may be in a position to pick up significant black support should Biden’s campaign implode. Mike half wishes that Barack Obama had endorsed a candidate, but Jay points out that that would be very much going against past precedent, at least in cases where a vice-president isn’t immediately running to succeed the president, as would have happened had Biden run in 2016. Finally, it’s a look at the Supreme Court’s decision to not take up a ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court that allows families of the Sandy Hook mass shooting to sue the gunmaker who sold the weapon used in the massacre. While they all more or less agree that Supreme Court non-intervention was the right call, Mike goes further and argues against the special carve-out in federal law to protect gunmakers from lawsuits - at least until some counter-arguments from Jay make Mike waver a bit in his commitment to that position. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Lawrence Lessig, the Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership at Harvard Law School. Professor Lessig co-founded Creative Commons in 2001 and is the author of numerous books, including Republic, Lost: Version 2.0 which he and Mike talked about on the podcast a few years ago (here’s a link to that interview). In this episode, they discuss about his recent book America, Compromised. Topics covered include: why the Mafia isn’t corrupt, but Congress is raising the cost of corrupting Congress giving American citizens Democracy Vouchers why we should pay members of Congress a lot more good people in the bad institution of Congress corruption in the financial industry why no financial institution heads were prosecuted in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis corruption in political media and lots more! Lawrence Lessig on Twitter Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having heard from our listeners, this week we have a special three-person edition of The Politics Guys with Will Miller, Michael Baranowski, and Jay Carson. The Guys start off the show with a lengthy discussion around current developments in the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Much of the discussion focuses on the application of process and differences between an investigation and an impeachment inquiry. Mike posits that he believes what Trump has been accused of merits an impeachment inquiry and will merit removal from office if proven true beyond a reasonable doubt. Will and Jay both agree—in theory—that the allegations merit some form of investigation but are concerned about the rush to impeachment as opposed to formally looking into the allegations in a public venue first. Given all of the unusual variables in this case—the use of a personal attorney and having it all based on a whistleblower—it is even more difficult to determine what could happen next. All three note the need to have a process that can be trusted in place. Will continues to worry about what Jay terms a permanent impeachment campaign becoming a way of life in American politics while Mike argues that if the president isn’t behaving like Trump that shouldn’t be a future problem. Next, the Guys turn to discussing Tuesday’s election results. Jay begins by pointing out that he has difficulty in putting much stock in the results of off-year elections with historically lower turnout. Will points to the statewide results in Virginia as continuing evidence of a shift of Democrats to affluent suburbs that can change elections—especially, as Jay notes, in new districts. Mike echoes this and rightly suggests the 2020 race may come down to whether Trump can turnout rural voters at a higher rate than Democrats can these new suburban voters. The Guys discuss Bevin’s loss in Kentucky but also acknowledge that for such a poor candidate, not even Trump’s support was likely to resonate, which is evidenced by Republican performance down-ballot. And even though the Republican was only able to carry Mississippi by 6 points (compared to 17 for Trump), it was one of the strongest Democratic challengers that could have been brought forward. Lastly, Mike, Will and Jay discuss the state of the Democrats heading into 2020. First, Mike explains how Elizabeth Warren’s Medicare for all plan is a political document that even Democrats acknowledge has no chance of being enacted. He also questions the impact this has since it will be easy for Trump to denounce the plan in a general election if her own party is doing so already. Further, Mike pushes for Democrats to adopt a more centrist pitch that focuses on opportunity and growth. Will and Jay point out that despite progressives clamoring that they are so large in number, that Joe Biden—as a centrist candidate—is out-performing both Warren and Sanders in polls versus Trump in key battleground states. Will believes if progressives continue to speak louder than their numbers can support, they will only help Trump gain a second term. Lastly, Jay wonders about whose votes Michael Bloomberg might take when he enters the race while Mike points to the strangeness that the general election could be between two New York-based, party-switching, billionaires in their 70s with a history of sexual harassment allegations. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, one of the most popular comic strips of all time. In recent years, Adams has become an important part of the political conversation through his commentary on Donald Trump as well as the bestselling book Win Bigly. He's got a new book out called Loserthink: How Untrained Brains Are Ruining America, which he and Mike discuss on the show. Topics Mike & Scott discuss include: Donald Trump as the ‘most psychologically capable leader we’ve ever had’ why people think like losers the value of mockery the loserthink surrounding climate science why Adams watches both Fox and CNN (as painful as that may sound) how and why to think like an engineer the use of hyperbole and thinking like a leader the ‘48 hour rule’ the ‘20 year rule’ and the ‘magic question’ Scott Adams on Twitter Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The show kicks off with Mike & Jay discussing the House resolution on the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. Jay says that it partly addresses procedural fairness issues many Republicans have been raising, but that it’s still not fair enough to the president. Mike disagrees, arguing that the president will get every procedural protection he should - and then some - during a Senate trial. Things get a bit heated as Mike and Jay discuss whether there’s sufficient evidence to impeach the president and they come to differing conclusions as to what constitutes ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’. Next, the Guys turn to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a U.S. special forces raid. Jay loved the president’s comments about the raid, which he felt made for great political theater. Mike points out that the raid was made possible by intelligence help from the Kurds, and argues that we need a continued presence in the region to make these critical relationships possible. They both agree that this is good news for the fight against radical Islamic terrorism. Then it’s a turn to some contradictory economic news - another good jobs report, wages exceeding inflation, and a record-setting economic expansion, but with overall growth down and businesses reluctant to spend. Both Mike and Jay believe the slowdown is due in no small part to President Trump’s trade war with China. Mike makes a case that the president might actually be working against his short term electoral interest by pushing the trade war, though Jay points out that that’s likely why Trump is pushing so hard for Fed rate cuts. The show closes with a discussion of some important developments in the Democratic presidential nomination race - Beto O’Rourke pulling out, Kamala Harris cutting staff and going all-in on Iowa, and Elizabeth Warren releasing details on how she’d pay for her Medicare for All plan. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Lawrence Jackson, an official White House Photographer in the Obama administration. He's just released a beautiful book of photographs and stories about his time with the Obamas called Yes We Did: Photos and Behind-the-Scenes Stories Celebrating Our First African American President Topics Mike & Lawrence discuss include: what the Obamas are really like being behind the scenes in the White House the ultra-competitive nature of President Obama the toll that being president takes on a person the survey Jackson took of 300 former White House staffers and lots more Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Ken host this episode of the Politics Guys. The duo begins by talking about the increasing U.S. deficit. Trey explains the what the deficit and the national debt are. Then Trey gives some historic context before asking Ken his opinion on the rising deficit under President Trump. Ken argues that Democrats, as Keynesians, would better manage the budget without Republicans. His basic argument is that Republicans never pay for needed spending. Trey pushes back and asks, if that is the case, why Democrats have never stopped deficit spending when they held office. Trey suggests that the problem lies with Democrats spending policy and Republicans tax policy. He sees the compromises of the Clinton era as the solution forward. Next they turn to the ongoing impeachment investigation and, more specifically, the recent subpoenas of high ranking Trump officials. They pair also discuss Lindsey Graham’s weak measure to ensure the House’s impeachment inquiry. They also get into the polling data on impeachment. Ken predicts that the House will vote on articles of impeachment by December. They then discuss Trump’s relatively underreported sixth veto. Trump was once again forced to veto the House and the Senate ending his emergency declaration for the southern border. The pair speculate on what this means for Trump’s policy. Trey probs more deeply into the political communication side of the question and asks how it is Trump in some areas is able to stay quiet. Is this an indication of a more powerful media strategy? Finally Trey and Ken talk Tulsi Gabbard and Hilary Clinton. In addition to discussing the current spat between the two Democrats, they ask what might have motivated Clinton’s comments. Unlike many Trey and Ken agree Clinton is not preparing to enter the race. Ken hypothesizes that Clinton sees Gabbard as another Jill Stein. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Rep. Thomas Massie, who represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. Massie attended MIT, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to serving in Congress, he was an inventor, an entrepreneur, and Judge Executive of Lewis County, Kentucky. In Congress, he serves on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and the Committee on Oversight and Reform. Topics Mike & Rep. Massie discuss include: how members of Congress have to ‘buy’ seats on committees why the minority party in the House is irrelevant Congress’ abdication of responsibility the political pressure to weaken Congress’ ability to do its job why Rep. Massie would be in favor of repealing the 17th Amendment what Rep. Massie would change about the House and the Senate and lots more! Follow Rep. Massie on Twitter Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s show starts with a short tribute to U. S. Congressman Elijah Cummings, who died this week. Both Mike and Jay have positive things to say about Cummings, who was a great fighter for important causes. Next, they turn to Turkey’s invasion of Syria and the cease fire deal in which Turkey got more or less everything they hoped for in exchange for token concessions. Mike believes this showed horrible judgement on the part of President Trump and that it makes the United States look weak and untrustworthy. Jay mostly agrees, but advances an argument that, if not supporting Trump’s actions, tries to put them in a different and more nuanced context- something he feels has been lacking in many media reports. After that it’s an update on the impeachment inquiry. Mike defends the process and argues that Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney flat out admitted a political quid pro quo with Ukraine (just not the Biden / Burisma quid pro quo). Jay contends that while corrupt things may have happened, what Mulvaney admitted wasn’t technically a quid pro quo. He also argues that even if House investigators have good reason for closed-door hearings, this makes the investigation appear less legitimate to the public. Then it’s a look at the state of the Democratic presidential contest after the recent Ohio debate. Mike & Jay agree that Warren looks like a frontrunner right now (despite Biden still leading her in most polls), with Mike arguing that Pete Buttigieg is well positioned to break out of the pack and move into the top tier currently occupied by Biden, Warren, and Sanders. The show closes with discussion of the Senate’s failure to override President Trump’s veto of legislation that would have nullified the president’s national emergency at the border with Mexico. This is the second time the Senate has failed to override the president’s veto of this measure, but this time there were 11 Republicans (19 percent of all Senate Republicans) who joined with Democrats in voting against President Trump. Jay thinks that there may be growing GOP congressional opposition to Trump, which comes at the worst possible time, given the ongoing impeachment inquiry. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will talks with Tom LoBianco, author of Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House. Topics Will and Mr. LoBianco discuss include: The role of Mike Pence's faith in his politics The process that led to Pence landing the Vice Presidency The impact of Pence's wife Karen on his political career The difficulties in transitioning from a news reporter to writing a biography Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will and Brian begin by discussing President Trump’s decision to pull troops for Northern Syria and its potential impact on the Middle East and America’s battle with ISIS. Will points out that even Trump’s typical allies are openly questioning this decision—including Graham, McConnell, Netanyahu, and Saudi Arabia. Brian is concerned with the impact this could have on the Kurds—even projecting that ethnic cleansing could be the ultimate result of this decision. Will and Brian both posit that this could have electoral impacts—possibly even swaying some on their feelings toward the impeachment inquiry. Next, the Guys turn to examining the current state of the impeachment inquiry. Will notes that there still doesn’t seem to be a smoking gun that makes it likely to him that Trump is removed from office. Brian agrees, noting that while he finds plenty of things Trump has done to be impeachable they read like an anthology. Will continues to question why if the Russia investigation was such a smoking gun for Democrats that they have completely abandoned that narrative in exchange for the Ukraine. He further wonders why Democrats aren’t focusing their energies more toward the 2020 election. Brian also argues that awakening the Trump base and relying on polls today is problematic for Democrats. Brian and Will then turn to discussing the free speech and trade implications of the current National Basketball Association-China feud. Both believe the Rockets General Manager was well within his rights to tweet support for Hong Kong but should have realized it could lead to significant backlash. Given the current NBA revenue coming from Chinese partnerships, Will wonders how league owners will ultimately respond. Both Guys believe the NBA was wrong to not unequivocally back the right of the individual to send the tweet in the first place and wonder how the timing of this event will impact ongoing U.S.-China trade talks. Lastly, the Guys talk about the upcoming Supreme Court term. They focus on the Louisiana abortion case in this episode. Brian is concerned about diminishing rights for women. Will argues that regardless of what one feels about the issue of abortion, using assumptions of risk to justify limiting abortion is not a data-informed argument to make today. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey talks with Nick Tomboulides, an Executive Director of U.S. Term Limits. Under his leadership, USTL launched the Term Limits Convention, a campaign to obtain a congressional term limits amendment via the state-directed convention. Nick also serves as a policy advisor with a national think tank and is on the board of directors for a local political caucus in Florida. Topics Trey and Mr. Tomboulisdes discuss include: Why should Americans want term limits? Why should citizens want a national convention as opposed to more traditional Constitutional amendment processes? Should we be worried about a runaway convention? Why not bypass state legislatures? State term limits and their shortcomings What to do if you want term limits Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-politics-guys/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices