The Politics Guys

The Politics Guys analyze the U.S. Constitution. In this episode, they focus on: Article I, Section 8 Necessary and Proper Clause United States' National Bank Controversy ⁠Read Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers⁠⁠ The Politics Guys on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Check out the excellent ⁠⁠Sustainable Planet⁠⁠ podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠⁠ or⁠⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠⁠ The Democracy Group⁠⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this supporter’s exclusive midweek show, Trey and Mike open with a discussion of the U.S.-India trade deal. The discussion focuses on the relationship to the potential deal and its effects on Russia. Trey argues that current fiscal policy is well outside the empirical truth understood by the most recent scholarship, and Mike wonders if a deal will ever occur. Next, they discuss the unusual Trump vs. Trump case where Trump is suing the IRS for $ 10 billion. Trey argues that if Trump was serious about the injury, he would have sued for just $1. Mike tries to come at it from the point of view of MAGA and argues that many would rather see President Trump with $10 billion rather than the state. They close the show discussing the way in which the EPA is shifting from using a calculation of the value of human life. Trey argues the measure isn’t perfect, but it helps us understand and quantify the effects. Mike largely agrees, but understands the fuzzy nature of the metric currently used. ⁠Read Trey’s Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers⁠ The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Check out the excellent ⁠Sustainable Planet⁠ podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend episode, Trey and Mike discuss the recent government shutdown and budget negotiations, focusing on the implications of Democratic proposals regarding ICE and law enforcement. Mike argues that Democrats have a fine opening bid, but their list is not going to get met. Trey agrees, but they disagree deeply over what ought to be implemented. Trey is firmly for the unmasking of ICE agents along with true warrants. Mike believes the dangers to ICE agents outweigh libertarian and liberal ideals. Next, they dive into so-called midterm election integrity with a focus on the Save America Act and the Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act. Here, Trey is more sympathetic to compromise and the need for ID’s in elections, but Mike worries that ICE agents even being threatened will decrease voter turnout. Trey counters that if that is the case, then it is time to push for more ICE reform. They end the show discussing the Epstein-related document dump, the remaining redactions, and the fundamental problem of elite accountability. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second episode of The Politics Guys Present, Trey and Ken tackle the Preamble to the U.S Constitution, plus dive into Article I, Section 1, 2 and 3. Topics include: The purposes of the Constitution An overview of the U.S. House An overview of the U.S. Senate ⁠Read Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers⁠ The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Check out the excellent ⁠Sustainable Planet⁠ podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Trey, and Russ open with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos speech arguing that the rules-based international order has ruptured and that middle powers should loosen their reliance on U.S. hegemony. Mike frames the debate around the long-term benefits versus short-term costs of American dominance, Trey agrees with Carney’s realist diagnosis but rejects his prescription to abandon liberal institutions, and Russ emphasizes the symbolic importance of a Western leader openly challenging U.S. power even if the material constraints make real independence unlikely. Next, the guys turn to the Trump administration’s plans to use AI in government, from Google’s Gemini drafting DOT regulations to the Pentagon exploring AI-assisted battlefield decision-making. Mike distinguishes between limited gains from AI-generated draft rules and much deeper risks from long-term dependence on private AI models, Trey focuses on the danger of outsourcing judgment rather than using AI as a narrow tool, and Russ argues that autonomous decision-making represents a disturbing further distancing of humans from moral responsibility, especially in warfare. Canadian PM Mark Carney’s Davos Speech (video and transcript) The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Trey, and new-to-the-show cohost Russ Gifford open with the January 27 assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar at a Minneapolis town hall. Trey frames the incident as crossing a line but notes it was closer to an “enhanced protest” than a lethal attack, stressing that it could have been far worse. Russ draws a parallel to symbolic political assaults like the shoe thrown at George W. Bush, while Mike emphasizes that President Trump’s response—suggesting Omar staged the attack—says more about the coarsening of political norms than about the physical harm involved. Next, the guys turn to the escalating ICE controversy in Minneapolis following the killing of Alex Pretti, with video evidence undermining the official account and intensifying public backlash. Trey argues that the administration’s actions have perversely handed Democrats a political win, while underscoring due-process concerns and warning against shifting legal standards based on a suspect’s past behavior. Russ criticizes both federal and local leadership, portraying the administration’s approach as driven by spectacle rather than policy coherence, while Mike focuses on structural issues—especially the use of administrative warrants and the Fourth Amendment implications — suggesting that any de-escalation will hinge on whether Congress meaningfully reins in ICE authority. They close with a look at President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to chair the Federal Reserve. Trey contends Warsh is a serious, experienced figure rather than a crank, though the politics of confirmation remain fraught. Mike highlights the tension between Warsh’s past inflation hawkishness and his current openness to rate cuts. Both agree that Trump’s broader economic agenda—especially tariffs—sits uneasily with calls for lower rates and risks undermining institutional credibility. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of The Politics Guys Present, Trey and Ken introduce the U.S. Constitution. Topics include: The American historic context of the U.S. Constitution The Articles of Confederation Federalists and Anti-Federalists The conservatism of the U.S. Constitution Read Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin continue their series on political ideologies, this week with anarchism. Topics covered include: What is an anarchist? What does it mean to reject the state? Anarchism and human nature The positive vision of life after the state The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Trey and Justin open the show by announcing The Politics Guys Presents: The U.S. Constitution. This is a new drop coming on Wednesdays, open to all listeners, to get a detailed understanding of the U.S. Constitution! After that, the pair move to Trump’s seeming U-Turn on Greenland. Trey argues that the goal isn’t Greenland necessarily, but rather to change the relationship with our former allies. He connects it to the United States exiting the World Health Organization. Justin argues Trump was trying to project strength and did not realize the extent of opposition he would face from Europe. Next, the pair moves to the Board of Peace, President Trump’s pet project. Justin sees the entire organization as a joke, but Trey tends to see it more seriously, arguing that it lays out the underlying Trumpian vision: himself in total control. They also discuss its empirically unique status and the weirdness of having a subscription model for an international organization. They also discuss the Board’s first deliverable: Jared Kushner’s 100-Day Gaza Plan. Then the guys move to the House budget bills. Here, they both largely agree that the defection of Republicans on spending items is due to the upcoming midterm elections and the realization that DOGE-like cuts cannot, and will not, solve the budget deficit. The guys close with a discussion of the new warrant policy with ICE and the decision to begin arresting children. The pair agree the tactics are designed to illicit fear, even among legal immigrants. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Michael open with a deep dive into the Supreme Court cases involving Idaho and West Virginia bans on transgender girls participating in girls’ sports, unpacking why the Court is likely to uphold the laws while sharply distinguishing between what may be legally permissible and what constitutes sound or humane policy. Mike emphasizes administratability, original legislative meaning in Title IX, and the unavoidable reality that someone loses under any legal rule, while Michael argues the Court is ducking meaningful scrutiny, endorsing blanket exclusions, and turning vulnerable kids into symbolic casualties of a broader culture war. Next, the guys turn to housing affordability and the Trump administration’s proposals, including banning institutional investors from buying single-family homes and pushing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy massive amounts of mortgage bonds. Mike argues that both ideas ultimately protect current homeowners while leaving prices high, while Michael situates the moves in Trump’s broader pattern of populist gimmicks that acknowledge real problems but avoid the politically painful solution of dramatically expanding housing supply. After that, they revisit the “Don’t Obey Unlawful Orders” video fallout, focusing on the administration’s actions against Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Slotkin. Michael frames the investigations as straightforward weaponization of government, where the process itself becomes punishment, while Mike stresses the long-term danger of normalizing this logic, warning that even conservatives should fear the precedent it sets for democratic stability and the rule of law. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Michael open with an update on events in Minneapolis in the wake of the killing of Renee Good. Michael emphasizes how polling shows broad public skepticism and frames the situation as a legitimacy crisis for ICE, while Mike argues the administration’s response reflects an entrenched us-versus-them mentality that treats protesters as enemies rather than citizens. Next, the guys pivot to the clash between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the Fed’s headquarters renovation and the resulting DOJ investigation. Michael lays out the cost overruns, subpoenas, and Republican unease about Fed independence, while Mike argues the overruns are routine for large infrastructure projects and sees the investigation as an unforced, politically motivated error that risks undermining monetary policy credibility. The guys close with a discussion of Iran’s nationwide protests and the Trump administration’s evolving response. Michael stresses the uncertainty of regime change and the risks of U.S. involvement appearing as external manipulation, while Mike argues that sanctions and kinetic pressure may have weakened the regime enough to make meaningful change more plausible, even as both acknowledge the danger of unintended consequences. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this midweek show, Trey and Mike look to the expanding international vision from Trumpworld as it relates primarily to Greenland. Mike argues that Greenland is just saber rattling, but Trey argues that it is more. Further, he argues that MAGA does not see common ground with other democracies, especially in Europe. Next, they discuss the economic policies of exiting the global tax agreements. Mike believes it was the best move in the case of the U.S. Trey goes into the details of how Europe has targeted the U.S. in terms of taxes. They close the show with their rants and recommendations. Mike’s rant is that One Battle After Another is nothing but a leftist fantasy. Trey’s rant is anti-immigration Christians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike joins Trey to open the show with a deep dive into the ICE killing of Renee Good. Mike focuses on the language used by administrative officials and its militant attack on Good. Trey highlights that, even if Good was engaged in illegal activity, there is a level of due process. He also argues that federalism better handles police situations because they are inherently a part of those communities. Next, the guys turn to a deeper dive into Operation Absolute Resolve or the attack on Venezuela. While last week the guys got a quick first take, this week Trey and Mike were able to dive deeper. The pair are in large agreement, but while Trey focuses on the aspects of international law, Mike argues that even pragmatically it makes little sense. They close the show looking at the suspension of TANF funds to Democratic states. Trey argues that the current block grant format of federal government spending largely means that states are not concerned with waste and fraud. Mike suggests that Congress would be better off legislating new rules for fraud, but that the current mode simply seems to be punishing states who disagree with Trump. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Michael open with CBS News pulling a 60 Minutes investigation into alleged abuse of Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador, focusing less on the prison itself than on what the decision signals about media independence. Mike argues that conditioning broadcast on administration participation amounts to false balance and effectively hands officials a veto over investigative journalism, while Michael stresses that the move breaks with 60 Minutes’ role as a mass-audience accountability institution rather than a niche outlet. Next, the guys step back and treat Trump’s first year as a scorecard exercise, weighing major 2024 campaign promises against outcomes across inflation, Ukraine, taxes, tariffs, immigration, and “draining the swamp.” Michael frames the segment as a reality check on which promises were structurally impossible, which were substantively kept, and which were kept only by expanding executive power, while Mike emphasizes that Trump largely delivered where he could, but at the cost of higher prices, degraded state capacity, and long-run institutional risks that are likely to matter more politically than symbolic wins. They close with Trump’s move to put his name on the Kennedy Center, debating whether it represents routine branding or an abuse of power that politicizes a national memorial. Michael highlights the legal vulnerabilities and cultural backlash already hurting the institution, while Mike sees the episode as emblematic of Trump’s show-business instincts and insecurity, warning that spectacle-driven politics may be crowding out restraint as the country looks ahead to 2028. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Michael open with the breaking news that the Trump administration launched military strikes against Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro, debating whether the operation violates international law and risks plunging Venezuela into deeper instability. Michael stresses the fog of war, unresolved legal authority, and the danger posed by entrenched militias and fractured institutions, while Mike argues that even removing a brutal strongman sets a dangerous precedent when done outside the UN framework and without clear congressional authorization. Next, the guys turn to domestic executive power in Trump v. Illinois, analyzing the Supreme Court’s refusal to lift an injunction blocking the federalization of the National Guard and Trump’s subsequent decision to stand down, at least for now. Michael defends the Court’s insistence on a clear statutory basis and warns that Justice Alito’s dissent reflects an overly expansive view of presidential power, while Mike criticizes the majority’s strained reading of the statute, siding more with Alito’s interpretation but still opposing the administration’s policy as reckless and destabilizing. Finally, the conversation becomes more personal as Michael presses Mike on his recent decision to stop identifying as a Democrat and what that means philosophically and politically. Mike explains his Humean conservatism, rooted in epistemic humility and institutional fragility, argues that modern politics punishes restraint and caution, and concludes that while he is politically homeless, his commitment to rule of law means he will continue voting Democratic as long as Trumpism dominates the Republican Party. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Mike join in this holiday-sized show! The pair start with a look into the Pentagon’s investigation into Senator Kelly over his video of illegal orders. Mike outlines the contours of the military code of justice. Trey argues for the need for members of the Senate (and House) to have the ability to speak freely. Next, they move to the ongoing feud between Candace Owens and Erica Kirk over TPUSA and the killing of Charlie Kirk. Trey argues that the future of the political right is who wins in this battle. Mike argues Owens is simply a grifter, but Trey argues that today’s media environment creates unintended consequences for the consumers of a grifter’s product. After that, it is a Politics Guys tradition: making predictions on 2026! Listen for both hosts’ 2026 predictions! The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Mike start with a focus on economic affordability, inflation rates, and the implications of Trump's economic policies. Trey outlines the historic economic conditions between Trump and Biden, noting that the economic conditions under Trump were better than under Biden. Mike argues that you can’t look at the total average under Biden because of COVID. Next, they discuss Trump's pardon of Tina Peters, exploring the limits of presidential power and the role of norms in governance. Mike argues that, from a textualist viewpoint, the U.S. Constitution is consistent with a unitary theory of the presidency. Trey disagrees sharply, arguing that no matter the framework of constitutional interpretation, you can’t get to a unitary vision of the presidency. The show ends on an extended debate between Trey and Mike over the need for more than paper barriers in political systems. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with a deep dive into the emerging battle over Warner Bros. Discovery, weighing Netflix’s proposed mega-merger against Paramount Skydance’s rival bid and asking whether antitrust law still has teeth in a streaming world defined by consolidation. Mike stresses market definition, consumer harm, and the risk of enshittification when dominant platforms get complacent, while Joey argues consolidation raises prices and erodes both competition and the marketplace of ideas Next, they turn to the idea of “objective” or traditional news, debating David Ellison’s claim that CNN and CBS could rebuild a fact-driven, ideologically broad audience. Joey defends the possibility and sees value in restoring credibility and competition in media, while Mike remains skeptical that mass audiences in 2025 want anything other than affirmation and outrage, even if he’d personally welcome the experiment After that, the conversation shifts to the Minnesota COVID-era fraud scandal, where more than a billion dollars meant for vulnerable populations was allegedly stolen. Mike frames it as a structural failure driven by weak oversight, rushed emergency funding, and overreliance on nonprofits, while Joey emphasizes the brazen nature of the fraud and warns against the weaponization of racism accusations to shut down scrutiny Then they tackle harder cultural questions around assimilation, balkanization, and how identity politics complicates governance and accountability. Mike argues these are permanent tensions between competing values that require constant management rather than simple fixes, while Joey worries that avoidance of honest discussion creates openings for corruption and social decay Finally, the guys close with listener questions on evidence-based policy, tariffs, deficits, and accusations of authoritarianism in the Trump era. Mike concedes the right often diagnoses problems with big government more accurately but rejects its preferred cures, while Joey defends tariffs as pragmatic fair-trade tools and dismisses claims of rising authoritarianism as rhetorical overreach fueled by fundraising incentives on both sides The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with a look at U.S. missile strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats and the seizure of an oil tanker, debating whether Article II authority is enough or whether Congress should have a say. Mike presses on limiting principles, civilian deaths, and why Coast Guard interdiction might achieve the same ends with fewer moral costs, while Joey argues the strikes fit long-standing counterterror logic and reflect the president’s duty to act decisively against narco-terror networks Next, they pivot to Trump v. Slaughter and the fate of Humphrey’s Executor, unpacking what presidential removal power means for “independent” agencies. Joey leans toward a unitary executive reading that restores democratic accountability, while Mike agrees the precedent is weak but worries that blowing it up without Congress rebuilding its own capacity could turbocharge executive whiplash and regulatory chaos After that, the discussion widens into the administrative state itself, with both circling the same problem from different angles: Congress has offloaded too much responsibility, leaving courts and agencies to fill the void. Mike stresses the need for narrow, well-defined lanes where experts handle technical matters but elected officials own big policy choices, while Joey pushes the idea that forcing Congress back into the driver’s seat may be the only way to fix the incentive rot The guys close with a sober reflection on stability versus accountability, warning that unchecked executive swings risk long-term incoherence at home and weakness abroad. Despite sharp disagreements, they converge on a rare point of unity: the system’s dysfunction is less about any one president and more about a legislature that has forgotten how to govern The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Justin continue their dive into contemporary political ideologies. This week they dive into Marxism. Topics covered include: Marxism’s underlying structure in Hegel’s writings Historical Determinism Democracy and Marxism Lenin’s “fix” to Marxism with imperialism Critiques of Marxism and Neo-Marxism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin start the show discussing last week’s tragic incident involving the National Guard in Washington DC. Here, both Trey and Justin agree on the terrible nature of the attack. Trey highlights the emotionally charged nature such an episode will have on immigration conversations. Specifically, Trey discusses how media frames impact policy. Justin highlights that the White House is simply using the incident to crackdown further on immigration. The pair both agree that Afghans who assisted the U.S. were due help and that an individualized tragic incident does not change the need for a robust asylum policy. Next, the guys talk about Secretary Hegseth. Here, the conversation focuses primarily on the strikes on the narco-boats, but briefly includes a conversation about the findings in Hegseth’s Signal chat. There is large agreement between Trey and Justin that international law and American Rules of Engagement specifically state that shipwrecked individuals are no longer combatants. Trey suggests that the entire incident is about a larger policy from Hegseth to get back to a “warrior culture.” After that, the guys turn to Alina Habba and what her disqualification means for the power between the branches of government. A lack of Senate confirmation and a loss of the ruling means the issue heads to the Supreme Court, yet there appears to be no indication that the White House or the Department of Justice are changing policy in light of the court ruling. Trey says his faith in the Supreme Court will be shaken if they allow Habba to continue. Then the pair turn to the takeaways from the Tennessee Special Election. Trey highlights the unique nature of special elections and doesn’t think it offers much, although he does question the choice of Democratic candidates to be more competitive. Justin discusses that it might be a warning light for Republicans. They close by discussing the controversial academic assignment at the University of Oklahoma and the ramifications for academic freedom and standards in higher education. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with the “Deciding to Win” memo and the broader question of how Democrats can reconnect with working-class voters while staying true to core values. Mike argues that Democrats already face structural disadvantages and will lose even more elections if they treat politics as a mass pedagogy project instead of meeting voters where they are with authentic, non-condescending economic populism. Tim contends that Democrats are ripping themselves apart over issues like trans rights, women’s sports, and abortion limits, and that these fissures are driving away Hispanics and moderates in a way no amount of polling or data can paper over. Michael embraces the memo’s focus on bread-and-butter economics but insists Democrats cannot simply bury generational fights over climate and trans rights, warning that throwing vulnerable groups under the bus for short-term wins risks both moral failure and long-term political costs. Next, the guys tackle the explosion of legal sports betting after Murphy v. NCAA, weighing the tax revenue and entertainment value against addiction, integrity scandals, and the corrosive rise of in-game micro-bets. Mike stresses that problem gamblers provide a huge share of industry revenue and that once you factor in social services, law enforcement, and economic substitution, every state gambling dollar likely costs several more dollars in external damage, all while leagues gorge on betting-related income. Tim frames gambling as a perennial human impulse that should be managed rather than banned, suggesting a middle ground that allows traditional game-outcome betting but sharply restricts corruption-prone prop bets instead of pretending the state can save people from every self-destructive choice. Michael admits to enjoying small, controlled wagers but argues today’s always-on apps and prop-bet interfaces amount to “addiction by algorithm,” fueling both personal ruin and match-fixing risks in lower-tier sports, even as states and leagues grow dependent on the cash. Take advantage of our Small Business Saturday Weeklong Sale by getting an additional 10% off of annual support at the Insider and Sustainer levels by using code EF0C7 at checkout. New monthly supporters can get 90% off their first month with code 21FDF. To redeem either of these offers, go to patreon.com/politicsguys. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with Trump’s 28-point Ukraine peace plan, built on Russian terms that demand territorial concessions, a NATO ban, limits on Ukraine’s army, and sweeping amnesty. Tim focuses on trading some Ukrainian territory for ironclad security guarantees, including foreign troops on the ground as real deterrence. Mike argues the U.S. should massively ramp up weapons and capabilities for Kyiv, rejecting escalation fears and warning that half-measures only reward aggression and embolden China over Taiwan. Michael sees the plan as politically and militarily a nonstarter, doubts any near-term peace is possible, and warns that Zelensky is trapped between unrealistic war aims and rising domestic disillusionment. Next, the guys dig into the dismissal of criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James after a judge ruled prosecutor Lindsay Halligan’s appointment violated federal law and the Appointments Clause. Michael says DOJ’s handling looks amateurish, highlights Halligan’s lack of prosecutorial experience, and argues the underlying Comey case is legally flimsy at best. Tim thinks it still helps Trump politically, since it looks like unpopular figures “beat the rap” on a technicality and feeds a narrative of lawfare gone soft on the powerful. Mike frames the prosecutions as part of Trump’s broader strategy to intimidate critics like a political mob boss, stressing the danger of normalizing legally thin cases even against people he personally dislikes. After that, the guys turn to the Democratic veterans’ video reminding troops to refuse illegal orders and the revelations about “no survivors” strike instructions in the Venezuela boat attacks. Michael sees a collision between basic military law and hyper-polarized politics, worries about pressure to treat oaths as loyalty to Trump rather than the Constitution, and questions labeling Venezuela a full narco-terrorist state as a pretext for undeclared war. Tim dismisses the video as a political stunt, defends aggressive action against Venezuela’s regime as morally justified and broadly popular, and argues U.S. power can legitimately push the constitutional envelope without breaking it. Mike likes the stunt precisely because it exposes Trump’s appetite for a loyal praetorian-style military, opposes any invasion of Venezuela given America’s dismal nation-building record, and rejects the idea that good ends can justify shredding constitutional constraints. Tim’s dataset on US troop deployments (and Tim’s Substack) Take advantage of our Small Business Saturday Weeklong Sale by getting an additional 10% off of annual support at the Insider and Sustainer levels by using code EF0C7 at checkout. New monthly supporters can get 90% off their first month with code 21FDF. To redeem either of these offers, go to patreon.com/politicsguys The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with the spiraling Comey prosecution, where a Trump-aligned U.S. attorney faces judicial scorn for alleged grand-jury missteps that could collapse the case. Mike argues the real play is intimidation and precedent-setting revenge politics rather than a credible legal charge. Joey counters that Comey was central to what he considers the most serious political scandal in decades and sees the prosecution as predictable fallout, while defending Halligan against “rookie mistake” criticisms. Next, they roll into the looming ACA subsidy cliff and the GOP’s strategic paralysis: extend subsidies, rebrand them through Trump-style direct payments, or let the system go over the edge. Mike frames the issue as evidence of a party without a health-care philosophy and warns that voters will torch anyone who lets premiums double. Joey situates himself in the reform-and-replace camp, arguing for a freer-market architecture and suggesting Trump’s instincts align with bottom-up consumer control. After that, they follow the thread into Trump’s governing style, debating whether he represents bold, necessary disruption or impulsive hyper-personalized rule. Mike sees a president driven more by grievance than strategy, surrounded by sycophants who shield him from hard truths. Joey insists Trump’s instincts, energy, and willingness to ditch elite orthodoxies are precisely what makes big-ticket change possible, arguing that populist policy—not personality—is what matters. Then, they take a listener question on executive power and enforcement discretion, especially around immigration raids. Mike presses the boundary between legitimate law enforcement and coercive overreach. Joey stresses constitutional guardrails, arguing that immigration enforcement is squarely federal turf and that the real structural rot is legislative dysfunction, not executive authoritarianism. The guys close with rants and recommendations: Mike honors recently deceased singer-songwriter Todd Snider, playing a clip from one of his signature political tracks. Joey recommends that Steelers fans quit fantasizing about firing Mike Tomlin, praising Tomlin’s consistency and warning that “be careful what you wish for” applies as much to NFL coaching as politics. Mike responds with a full-throated, exasperated Steelers fan rant about Tomlin’s fear-driven conservatism and Pittsburgh’s quarterback purgatory. Conservative Christian, Right Wing, Republican, Straight, White, American Males - Todd Snider (YouTube) The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with the blowback to Joey’s claim that “the hubris of the left” is the biggest obstacle to national unity . Mike frames Trump’s behavior as the more obvious example of hubris, while Joey argues that Trump’s personality is massive but incidental and that the real divide is between people focused on ideas and people hung up on identity. Joey sees Trump as a magnanimous, big-ideas president undermined by small-minded opponents, while Mike counters that Trump’s “magnanimity” looks more like dominance dressed up as charm. Next, they dig into Congress’s overwhelming vote to release the Epstein files and Trump’s reversal from calling it a “Democrat hoax” to signing the legislation. Mike sees the release as driven by conspiratorial right-wing pressure and fundamentally a distraction, while Joey argues the real fallout will be inside the Democratic Party as younger progressives weaponize the material against older establishment figures. Joey claims transparency is good but predicts an unwieldy political circus; Mike frames the whole thing as shallow opposition research dressed up as reform. After that, they turn to Trump’s meeting with MBS, Saudi investment pledges, and the F-35/tank purchases. Joey casts Trump as structurally reversing American decline through aggressive foreign investment recruitment and realist deal-making. Mike says the strategy makes sense in AI geopolitics — cheap energy, fast authorit­arian permitting — but finds Trump’s moral indifference toward MBS (e.g., Khashoggi) disturbing. Joey describes Trump as historically consequential; Mike worries the price of these “structural wins” is accelerated presidential authoritarianism. The guys close with California’s new ban on masked law-enforcement officers, particularly ICE, and whether states can dictate federal operational rules . Mike argues the law violates the Supremacy Clause and that mask bans and ID rules materially impede federal safety, while also warning that ICE impersonators and unidentifiable agents are democratic-norm problems. Joey sees the law as unconstitutional commandeering and says masked ICE agents are now necessary because doxxing threats have escalated. Mike pushes for bodycams, higher pay, and stricter standards as a more rational reform path; Joey says data-driven paralysis lets crises fester and that Democrats won’t accept enforcement even when voters do. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis talks with Dr. Michael Cohen, author of Modern Political Campaigns, and Julie Sweet, author of the American Association of Political Consultants’ Deepfake Law Compliance Guide for Political Campaigns, about the role of artificial intelligence in political campaigns. Topics Travis, Julie, and Michael cover include: How campaigns are using AI and how they can be compliant with state laws and regulations What the use of AI will mean for the future of the campaign workforce The current state of and future prospects for academic research on AI in campaigns and elections Follow Michael Cohen on LinkedIn. Follow Julie Sweet on LinkedIn. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken begin a new supporter's series on The Federalist Papers. This week's episode includes an overview of The Federalist Papers themselves and introduces Federalist Paper No. 1. Topics covered include: The history behind writing the original essays The attack on the Constitution by Anti-Federalists How Hamilton and Madison became the principal authors The controversy over who wrote each essay Follow along with Trey & Ken by following Trey's New Substack. Each episode has a Substack article for more detailed information on each Federalist Paper! Subscribe now! The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Trey and Ken discuss the recent end of the US government shutdown, including the implications for both parties, with a focus on the ACA subsidies. Trey argues that he was ultimately correct, and the shutdown did not benefit Democrats nor lasted into December. While Ken concedes that the shutdown didn’t last as long as he anticipated, it was still the longest in history, and importantly, it taught Democrats how to fight. He sees it as a net positive for Democrats moving into the midterm. Next, they turn to the political fallout from the release of the Epstein documents from House Democrats and the now-concluded discharge petition. Trey suggests that the full release is important but will do little to settle the question of President Trump’s (or anybody’s) involvement. Ken believes that this is an issue that can break through the MAGA bubble and help people realize the unfit nature of President Trump. The guys close by examining the controversy surrounding Tucker Carlson’s interview of Nick Fuentes and the backlash to Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts’s support of Carlson’s weak approach to Fuentes in conservative circles. Check out Trey's New Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with David Obst, a former journalist, publisher, screenwriter, and film producer. He’s also the author of a new book on the automotive industry called Saving Ourselves from Big Car, which is the focus of their conversation. Topics Mike & David cover include: How “Big Car” became a self-perpetuating system The deadly legacy of leaded gasoline Corporate cover-ups and government complicity Racial injustice in the building of highways Planned obsolescence and car addiction The invention of jaywalking Big Car’s influence on media and politics Cities breaking free from car dependence Alternatives to a car-centric future Check out David's latest project, UniversitiesSpeak The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Justin continue their dive into contemporary political ideologies. This week, they dive into conservatism. Topics covered include: The underlying principles of conservatism, including tradition and gradual change The relationship between tradition and conservatism The relationship between religion and conservatism The differences between the Republican Party and conservatives Critiques of the status quo nature of conservatism Check out Trey's New Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin open the show by bypassing the shutdown, at least for a moment, and starting with the 2025 elections. Trey argues that the results are a victory for Democrats, but must be contextualized. His key point is that the economy is becoming an issue for Republicans. Both hosts outline what off-year elections such as this can and don’t mean more generally and how the Democratic Party still faces structural issues facing the midterms. Next, the guys turn to the issue of the government shutdown, which is now the longest in history. Trey asks Justin where he sits on the length and duration of the shutdown. Justin believes Democrats to be in a relatively strong position, but Trey counters that the Democrats lose even if they win. Trey especially argues that the data is not as clear for a Democratic mandate. The guys close the show by discussing the likelihood of ending the Senate’s filibuster (zero) and the legacy of Nancy Pelosi as she announces she will not run for reelection. Check out Trey's New Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with New York Times bestselling author, historian, and journalist Colin Woodard. His latest book is Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America, which they discuss on this episode. Topics Mike & Colin discuss include: America as a federation of rival regional cultures How early settlers shaped lasting political divides Culture’s role in red and blue state patterns Communitarian vs. individualist visions of freedom Why internal migration reinforces cultural divides The roots of American ethno-nationalism Shared civic ideals in the Declaration of Independence Regional culture’s effect on health and longevity The South’s authoritarian legacy and modern politics Rebuilding a unifying national story for America The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Michael, and Tim open with a discussion of the missing economic data and what that means for understanding the current economy. Tim explains that while unemployment remains low and markets are strong, uncertainty looms because key government reports haven’t been released. Mike argues that the apparent strength is concentrated almost entirely in AI and tech stocks, raising fears of an unsustainable bubble. Michael agrees the boom feels narrow and risky, warning that layoffs and overinvestment could lead to a painful reckoning. Tim counters that disruptive innovation has always produced temporary upheaval before lasting growth, while Mike remains unconvinced, seeing both short- and long-term dangers in overreliance on speculative AI promises. Next, the guys turn to presidential pardons and the controversy over Biden’s use of an autopen. Michael denounces Trump’s mass pardons and commutations—including for January 6 participants, George Santos, and crypto billionaire Changpeng Zhao—as blatant corruption and transactional politics. Tim replies that excessive pardons are less worrisome than politically motivated prosecutions, blasting the “lawfare” against Trump and the intelligence community’s role in the Russia investigations. Michael pushes back, saying Russian interference was real and arguing that unchecked pardons—by any president—undermine accountability. Mike joins in, condemning Trump’s self-enrichment through crypto ventures and suggesting the pardon power should be subject to congressional override. The three clash sharply over Trump’s motives, Biden’s anticipatory pardons, and how to restore consistent standards of justice. After that, the hosts debate Biden’s cognitive decline, Kamala Harris’s rise, and the “No Kings” protests. Tim says Harris’s nomination lacked democratic legitimacy and that Democrats missed an opportunity for a real contest. Michael sees the protests as expressions of democratic frustration and solidarity, while Mike jokes that the entire argument over who “loves America” most is meaningless posturing. The exchange veers into civics, cynicism, and gallows humor about patriotism and protest culture. The guys close with rants and recommendations. Mike praises the Netflix series Boots for its realistic portrayal of Marine Corps boot camp and reflects on how the Corps reshaped his life. Tim jokes about Christmas decorations crowding out Thanksgiving, then earnestly recommends military service as a transformative experience. Michael laments the commercialization of college sports, calling for football and basketball programs to become separate for-profit entities and preserve academic integrity. The discussion ends with friendly sports talk, optimism, and weary affection for the teams that keep letting them down. Check out Tim’s Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with the fifth week of the government shutdown, now poised to become the longest ever. Tim argues that while the disruption is real, the economic impact will be minor and short-lived, suggesting resolution will come after the elections. Michael delivers a fiery critique, calling the shutdown political theater that hurts ordinary people and decrying Republican fiscal hypocrisy. Mike underscores the tangible harm to citizens, emphasizing that the ACA subsidy fight shows how deeply broken the system is. Next, the guys turn to President Trump’s Asia tour — a mix of spectacle and deal-making. Michael frames it as an ego-driven “performance arc” aimed at power consolidation rather than strategy. Tim sees the trip as a qualified success, strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea and signaling the need for supply-chain diversification away from China. Mike argues that Trump’s trade policy reflects crony capitalism more than economic strategy, with questionable legality. After that, they debate Trump’s foreign policy more broadly — from China to the Middle East and North Korea. Tim contends Trump deserves serious credit for hostage negotiations and for pursuing peace on the Korean Peninsula, even suggesting Nobel Peace Prize consideration. Michael and Mike counter that Trump’s erratic style and self-interest undermine any sustainable progress, calling him a great self-promoter but poor negotiator. The guys close with the administration’s effective shutdown of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Mike details how nearly all CFPB functions have been halted despite the agency’s legal mandate, and Michael condemns what he sees as rule-of-law erosion and dismantling of the federal government by decree. Tim responds that the CFPB is redundant and a waste of taxpayer dollars, arguing the country needs spending cuts and less bureaucracy, not more agencies. Mike and Michael push back, stressing that strong consumer protection remains vital in a system tilted toward corporate power. Check out Tim’s Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with former Democratic activist Lisa Ekman, whose recently released book is titled Deprogramming Democrats & unEducating the Elites: How I Escaped the Progressive Cult. Topics Mike & Lisa discuss include: Ekman’s background in Democratic politics government and expert failure during COVID the tension between public health policy and liberty the problem with replacing equality with equity communist thinking in classrooms returning power to the states and the people Lisa Ekman on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode marks the finale in Trey and Ken’s three-year journey through the U.S. Constitution! In this final episode of the Constitution series, Trey and Ken discuss the 26th and 27th Amendments, exploring their historical significance and political implications. They also look at the journey of the Equal Rights Amendment and its “almost” status as a 28th Amendment. The hosts close by discussing the possibility of amending the U.S. Constitution in the future. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Ken start by letting Ken weigh in on the government shutdown. Ken argues that the Democrats are winning and are doing the right thing. Trey disagrees and sees Democrats as eventually the party that will back down and let people get paid. Ken doubles down by saying the shutdown will last until December when Republicans will then back down. Next, the guys overview the demolition of the White House’s East Wing. Trey is concerned about the larger issue of buying favor with the government for those who help fund it. Ken, meanwhile, thinks strong language is needed and suggests that what Osama bin Laden failed to do, President Trump did: level part of the White House. After that, it is a look into the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling on the National Guard in Portland. Ken convinces Trey that Trump won the battle, but that it is merely a technicality. The court will eventually change because it currently is not ruling on the full facts. Then they discuss the suit against Speaker Mike Johnson to seat the newly elected member from Arizona. Neither host thinks Speaker Johnson is wrong, but they both point out that when she is seated, it will mean the discharge petition on Epstein will move forward. The guys close with a discussion of what The Atlantic called the Group Chat Presidency. What is the future of politics in an era of the group chat? The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with John L. Campbell, the Class of 1925 Professor and Professor of Sociology Emeritus at Dartmouth College. He’s the author of the recently released book, Pay Up! Conservative Myths About Tax Cuts for the Rich, which they discuss on this episode. Topics Mike & John cover include: the main conservative tax cut myths the Laffer Curve and “self-funding” tax cuts neoliberalism - intellectual movement or marketing strategy? when are tax rates too high? US taxes in international perspective government vs market inefficiency social programs and dependency The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with the Supreme Court’s unusual re-argument in Louisiana v. Calais, a case that could reshape Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Joey outlines the tangled history of Louisiana’s redistricting and argues that race-based districts may themselves violate equal-protection principles. Mike predicts Justice Kavanaugh will be the key vote to end broad race-based redistricting, though he worries about dismantling long-standing anti-discrimination tools. Next, the guys turn to what Mike calls the “weaponization” of Trump’s Department of Justice. Mike sees politically motivated prosecutions of Trump critics like John Bolton and Letitia James as evidence that Trump’s promised deweaponization of DOJ has been just the opposite. Joey counters that the prosecutions reflect needed accountability for past abuses, not revenge, though he agrees that unchecked prosecutorial discretion is dangerous. After that, they debate whether the Attorney General should be independently elected and if the traditional wall between the White House and DOJ still makes sense. Mike argues separation preserves public trust; Joey insists a vigorous, unified executive better ensures accountability and national security. After answering several listener questions, the guys close with their revived “Rants & Recommendations” segment. Mike vents about mowing his Ohio lawn in October, while Joey rails against the avalanche of Amazon boxes modern “convenience” creates. Mike turns the gripe into a win by praising the joys of “processing cardboard” with his ever-growing pocket-knife collection. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with the continuing government shutdown and whether blame is shifting. Mike criticizes Republicans for spreading false claims about Democrats’ immigration spending demands. Joey maintains that Democrats are increasingly seen as the problem, adding that media silence signals their growing liability. Next, the guys debate Trump’s firing of federal workers during the shutdown. Mike condemns the administration’s disregard for legal procedures, framing it as part of a broader “rule of law” problem. Joey defends the firings as legitimate executive discretion, comparing them to Clinton-era downsizing and insisting the Trump team operates within the law’s intent, if not always its letter. After that, Mike and Joey turn to Trump’s landmark Middle East peace deal. Mike doubts it will last but concedes that if it does, Trump would deserve a Nobel Peace Prize. Joey praises Trump’s unconventional diplomacy and credits his team for reshaping the region’s alliances, calling the deal potentially one of America’s greatest foreign policy achievements. The conversation then shifts to Portland, where Mike offers the left’s view of federal crackdowns on protesters as disproportionate and authoritarian. Joey responds that Trump is lawfully enforcing immigration policy and that claims of authoritarianism ignore left-wing obstruction and violence. Mike argues that Trump’s tactics lack prudence and escalate conflict; Joey counters that he’s confronting lawlessness that previous leaders tolerated. The guys close with a reflection on polarization and unity. Mike blames Trump’s divisiveness and thirst for vengeance; Joey blames what he calls “the hubris of the left” for refusing to compromise. Despite their disagreements, both end on a rare note of optimism that America’s democratic debate—and perhaps Trump’s Middle East peace—can still point toward a better future. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Paul Starr, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University and the author of multiple books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Social Transformation of American Medicine. His latest book is American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now, which they discuss in this episode Topics Mike & Paul cover include: Trumpism as ‘total revenge’ why American politics is a ‘tie game Democrats have been losing’ America as a new people in an old nation the illusion of past consensus the rise of conservative counter-institutions the Democrats ‘demographics is destiny’ myth immigration, identity, and the limits of tolerance The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin continue their series on contemporary political ideologies by examining liberalism. They explore its historical roots, key thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, and the evolution of liberal thought through figures such as Mill and Rawls. The discussion highlights the differences between classical and social liberalism, the implications of social contract theory, and the critique of liberalism by communitarians. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of liberalism and its relevance in modern politics. Major topics discussed include Liberalism’s roots in the Enlightenment and emphasizes individual liberty Social contract theory Hobbes and Locke provide contrasting views on human nature The connections between the Declaration of Independence and Locke Mill’s expansion of the concept of liberty Adam Smith's economic theories and their alignment with classical liberalism Social liberalisms desire to ensure meaningful choices for all individuals John Rawls and the concept of the veil of ignorance to discuss justice Check out Tim’s Substack⁠ The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Check out the excellent ⁠Sustainable Planet⁠ podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Politics Guys, Trey and Justin discuss what they call an episode on the unilateral presidency and nihilism. The show kicks off the ongoing budget standoff and government shutdown, including Trey’s overarching point that the imperial presidency comes to us one small move at a time and is not limited to President Trump. Next, they turn to the recent Gaza ceasefire brokered by President Trump. Trey argues that the president deserves credit for pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu, while Justin sees no good future scenarios. Neither host hazards a guess as to the future but are encouraged by the peace. After that is a discussion of the complexities of Trump calling for the jailing of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The rhetoric of President Trump is concerning and Trey argues there are certain things that never should be said, even in a “Trumpian” fashion. Both agree that there are issues occurring in Portland, but the question is the power of the President to send in the National Guard. They also discuss the likelihood of the Supreme Court to intervene, but they both believe the court will allow the National Guard deployment to happen. They finish the show by quickly discussing Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent Senate hearing. Check out Tim’s Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis talks with entrepreneur and trade industry leader Dan Varroney about his new book, Rethinking Economic Growth: How Small Businesses Can Help Consistently Grow the Economy, in which he writes about some of the biggest challenges facing small business owners and how American policymakers can support these businesses. Topics Travis and Dan cover include: The critical role that small businesses play in the American economy Some of the major challenges small businesses face from government How politicians and bureaucrats can be mindful of small businesses and promote public policy that helps small business—and thus the U.S. economy—thrive Follow Dan Varroney on LinkedIn. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Joey, and Tim open with President Trump’s ambitious 20-point Gaza peace plan, which envisions Hamas disarming, hostages released, and rebuilding of the region. Mike sees a potential Nobel moment—if it works—but doubts it will; Tim strongly defends Israel and distrusts Hamas, while Joey is cautiously hopeful that Trump’s unconventional style and regional economic incentives could actually shift the paradigm. Next, they turn to Trump’s Pfizer deal and the claim that drug prices will drop “1600 percent.” Mike calls that mathematically absurd but sees political upside. Tim thinks it’s clever optics with little real-world effect given America’s broken healthcare structure. Joey praises the move as politically deft, showing Trump’s ability to outmaneuver Democrats on a populist issue even if the policy impact is small. After that, the guys dig into Trump’s push for interest rate cuts and his new $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Tim lays out the macro picture—low unemployment, steady inflation, and a strong GDP—and warns that rate cuts could spark another inflationary wave. Joey argues for what he calls “muscular growth,” crediting Trump’s industrial policies for rebuilding America’s productive base. Mike cautions that unpredictable tariffs could undercut that growth by creating instability. Finally, the conversation shifts to immigration and assimilation. Tim praises legal immigrants’ patriotism and sees the H-1B reforms as a step toward order, not restriction. Joey stresses that America still needs blue-collar immigrants who embody its work ethic, while Mike agrees the nation benefits most when it attracts both talent and grit. The guys close reflecting that, despite their disagreements, growth, order, and opportunity remain the shared goals that define America. Check out Tim’s Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Tim, and Joey open with the ongoing government shutdown. Joey argues Democrats will be blamed because their messaging is fractured and influenced by the left wing of the party. Tim highlights ballooning deficits and sees rebellious Republicans forcing fiscal discipline. Mike concedes Democrats bear responsibility but stresses that Democrats have a good issue in the extension of ACA subsidies. Next, the guys turn to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Trump’s speeches to assembled generals. Tim admires Hegseth’s emphasis on ending “mission creep,” higher standards, and unity over DEI. Mike agrees with the focus on people and culture but criticizes the rhetoric as performative and partisan, noting that the broken windows analogy is outdated. Joey supports the speeches as effective in re-centering the military on warfighting and Western values. After that, the discussion shifts to Portland, where federal facilities have faced months of, at times, violent protests. Mike opposes violence but warns against overstating Antifa as an “organization” and sees the administration’s moves as smart but authoritarian politics. Tim stresses that crime and disorder resonate broadly with Americans, making this a political winner for Republicans. Joey frames Antifa as part of a historic leftist destabilizing strategy and argues Trump’s firm stance protects America’s institutions and values. The guys close with reflections on federalism, public perceptions of crime, and the risks of normalizing federal troop deployments in cities. Mike worries about selective enforcement and First Amendment issues, while Tim and Joey emphasize the political gains Republicans are likely to reap from crime as a national issue. Check out Tim’s Substack The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Bruce Schneier, an internationally renowned security technologist, a lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School, and the New York Times bestselling author of 14 books. They focus on his latest book, co-authored with Nathan Sanders: Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship. Topics Mike & Bruce discuss include: Democracy as an information system and what that means for governance. How AI differs from past technologies in shaping politics. Government adoption of AI worldwide, from pilots to legislation drafting. The risks of hallucinations, deepfakes, and overconfidence in AI systems. Transparency, explainability, and legitimacy concerns around AI use. The promise of public AI versus corporate-controlled systems. AI’s role in legislation, lobbying, and citizen participation. Potential for AI to make bureaucracies more efficient without replacing humans. The dangers and opportunities of AI for authoritarian regimes. Why regulation of human use of AI—not just AI itself—is essential. Bruce Schneier on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this supporter show, Trey and Justin start a new topic: ideologies. The pair dive into the definition of political ideologies, historical context, and the complexities that arise from the interplay between empirical observations and abstract ideas. They discuss the significance of understanding the distinction between 'is' and 'ought' in political science, the relationship between ideologies and political parties, and the philosophical foundations that shape ideological beliefs. The conversation also touches on how different ideologies divide within themselves. Join Trey and Justin as they help listeners understand and clarify their own political beliefs and misconceptions about contemporary ideologies! The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Politics Guys, Trey and Justin discuss the recent indictment of James Comey by the DOJ, analyzing its unusual nature and the implications of President Trump's public statements regarding the legal proceedings. This includes questions about the motivations of the DOJ’s motives and the highly unusual nature of the indictment itself. Next is a discussion of President Trump and RFK Jr’s press conference on Tylenol and autism. Trey outlines the most recent research on the potential connections between the two, with a focus on the nature of correlation studies, and refutes claims that Amish people do not have any rates of autism. Justin brings even more detail into the nature of double-blind studies. Then the pair turn to Trump's UN speech. Here, Trey outlines President Trump’s bold claims about international relations, immigration, and his role as a peacemaker. The pair also discuss their agreement with Trump on the flaws of the UN and, notably, deep agreement that India and the EU supplying Russia with money via oil allows Russia to pursue its military goals. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Jason Pack, host of the Disorder podcast, in this crossover episode. In addition to hosting the Disorder podcast, Jason is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a Senior Analyst for Emerging Challenges at the NATO Defense College Foundation, and the author of Libya & the Global Enduring Disorder. Topics Mike & Jason discuss include: What “global enduring disorder” means. Why Cold War unity faded. Power: hard, soft, cultural & convening. Neopopulism’s fake solutions. U.S. blunders in Iraq & Afghanistan. Why Ukraine is different. Trump, Israel & the Middle East. Reasons for optimism amid disorder. The Disorder Podcast on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices