The Politics Guys

Mike & May open with a discussion of the escalating pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. May things other schools can learn from Florida’s handling of protests at state institutions. Mike wonders if ‘outside agitators’ are necessarily a bad thing, and if we should be glad that so many people are in a position to protest what they view as significant injustice. Next is a look at the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which passed the House with strong bipartisan support. May thinks it’s largely fine, whereas Mike believes it’s too restrictive of legitimate expression. They close with the proposed rescheduling of marijuana by the Biden administration. Mike thinks it’s long overdue and should lead to more and better research on the effects of marijuana. May believes it won’t do all that much, and is another example of the Biden administration of attempting to energize the youth vote ahead of the 2024 elections. Listen to Future Hindsight, and check out Mike’s other podcast, Sustainable Planet. 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

As a cross-interview with Sustainable Planet, Kimberly Weir, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Kentucky University and co-host of Sustainable Planet talks with Akshat Rathi, award-winning senior reporter for Bloomberg News and the host of Zero, a climate-solutions podcast for Bloomberg Green and author of Climate Capitalism: Winning the Race to Zero Emissions and Solving the Crisis of Our Age. Topics Kimberly & Akshat discuss include: How a misinformed campaign marketing slogan about ‘clean coal’ led Akshat into the year-long pursuit of uncovering the truth about climate technology Why economists feel the way to address climate change is to put a price on carbon How to achieve negative carbon emissions since zero emissions alone isn’t enough Why, when it comes to electric cars, you’ve never heard of Wan Gang, though Elon Musk is a household name Why the very industries that created lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, and carbon capture and storage are so resistant to employing that technology How private capital from billionaires like Bill Gates and anyone with a 401K plan is a key part of pursuing climate technology That climate justice is both ethically the right path but also reaps global economic benefits The need to shift from ‘shareholder’ to ‘stakeholder’ if we’re going to meet the less-ambitious Paris Conference climate change goals Akshat Rathi on X Listen to Part 2 of the interview on Sustainable Planet. 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 Jay open the preview of this supporters’ exclusive episode with a discussion of oral arguments in Grants Pass v. Johnson, where the Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of a local ordinance that bans sleeping outdoors. Mike has more of a problem with the ordinance than does Jay, and they agree that the Court is likely to issue an opinion that gives cities clearer guidance. They also discuss the underlying issue – the growing homelessness problem in the United States. After that, they turn to oral arguments in Trump v. United States, where the Court is taking up the issue of post-presidential criminal immunity for official acts. Mike doesn’t think there should be any immunity for illegal acts, while Jay argues that it’s not always entirely clear where that line is. They close with a look at the FTC’s new rule banning noncompete agreements. Mike argues that it’s a good idea that is in keeping with market principles, though he doesn’t think the FTC has the legal authority to make the rule. Jay agrees with the lack of authority, and questions whether a ban is all that good of an idea in any case. Check out Mike’s other podcast, Sustainable Planet. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some brief comments on the ongoing criminal trial of Donald Trump, Mike and Jay discuss the Ukraine aid package, considering how it got to the floor, what it says about the Republican Party, and the arguments against extending more aid to Ukraine. Next, they turn to the recently passed TikTok ban, which would require parent company ByteDance to either sell the company to an approved buyer within a year or no longer be able to do business in the United States. Both Mike and Jay are skeptical of the constitutional arguments against the ban and think there are solid national security reasons for the legislation. They close with a look at the growing pro-Palestine demonstrations on college campuses across the country. Mike is more sympathetic to the protestors' viewpoint than Jay is, but they both support reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on students’ (and non-student protestors) exercise of speech. Check out Mike’s other podcast, Sustainable Planet as well as TPG’s fellow Democracy Network show, The Bully Pulpit. 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 welcomes back to the show Bryan Caplan, a Professor of Economics at George Mason University, prolific author, and blogger at Bet on It. They discuss his latest essay collection, You Will Not Stampede Me: Essays on Non-Conformism. Topics Mike and Bryan Discuss Include - disobedience to authority - why the world is wrong and the weird is right - herding and hysteria - the ubiquity (and danger) of crusades - what the world got wrong about COVID - combining cynicism and idealism Bryan Caplan on X 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

Trey and Ken dive into the Sixth Amendment and the unique protections it provides defendants. Topics of conversation include: The advent of professional police and prosecutors The modern plea bargaining system The right to a prosecutor The ability to produce evidence in your defense The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike and Kimberly's new show splanetpod.com 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 Ken open with breaking news on Israel’s attack on Iran and Syria. They discuss the appropriateness of the response, the likely message behind the response, and the political implications for U.S. politics. They also briefly consider the timing of the U.S.’s blocking of Palestinian United Nations membership in the Security Council. Next, they move to Congress and the ongoing debate inside the Republican Party over foreign aid. Trey believes Speaker Johnson has a deal already struck with Democrats, which also allows some Democrats to vote no on Israeli aid, while Ken thinks if there is a deal it is more comprehensive for Democrats. After that, they discuss the suspension and ultimate resignation of Uri Berliner from his role at NPR. Here the hosts take very different views. Ken views Uri as striking a Trumpian tone and is rightfully criticized and ousted. Trey disagrees, arguing that divergent viewpoints help media be thoughtful in the ways that frame, prime, and agenda setting. Objectivity is not impossible, but it doesn’t mean that viewpoint diversity is a bad thing. They close with a look at the newest Supreme Court decision in the case of Mckesson v Doe, the case determining if the organizer of an event can be held liable for activity he did not directly cause or promote. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike and Kimberly's new show splanetpod.com 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 talks with author Sasha Issenberg about his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age, in which he talks about the left's campaign strategies to combat "disinformation" and "misinformation." Topics Trey and Sasha Cover Include - why the left is primarily interested in disinformation - the campaign strategies of Democrats online - the focus on engagement in political persuasion - how overseas democracies have faced similar disinformation strategies - Brazilian cautions for some leftwing approaches to disinformation Follow Sasha on X, and check out The Lie Detectives 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 Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of the Biden administration’s move to close the ‘gun show loophole’. Mike argues that it’s a good move and, to his surprise, Jay doesn’t really disagree. From there they move on to a more contentious regulatory issue – whether the government should require all new table saws to have a finger-sensing blade brake. Mike thinks the benefits outweigh the costs, but Jay isn’t too sure that’s the case. Following that, they consider whether the country is as divided as many people believe, in light of a recent AP/NORC poll that suggests most Americans agree on fundamental issues. Jay thinks the devil (and division) is in the details, while Mike points out some fairly significant differences between Democrats and Republicans. They close by responding to a listener's question about extremists in their respective parties. (Giving Jay the opportunity to break out the very William F. Buckley-ish word apotheosis.) Check out Mike’s new podcast, Sustainable Planet. 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 Jay open with a look at the ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court upholding a near-total ban on abortions passed in 1864. They consider the legal reasoning behind the decision, what’s likely to happen next, and how they see it playing out politically, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s recent announcement that he believed abortion rights should be left up to the states. Next, they discuss the latest Biden administration efforts to forgive student loan debt. Mike and Jay disagree as to whether the moves are legally and constitutionally permissible, but they do agree that the current system of higher education funding needs major reform – though they favor very different paths for that reform. They close by discussing the many delays in legal proceedings involving Donald Trump, the seriousness of the cases against him, political bias, and what the voters should know before they vote in November. 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 talks with historical anthropologist Nicholas Dirks, Chancellor of UC Berkeley from 2013-2017, about his book City of Intellect: The Uses and Abuses of the University. Topics Include: - the public’s decline of faith in higher education - if higher ed is focused on the right kind of diversity - free speech as privileging dominant views - what elite institutions are doing with their massive endowments - rising education costs and administrative bloat at universities - if public universities should take positions on political issues 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

Trey & Ken discuss the five major elements of the 5th Amendment: Grand Juries Double Jeopardy Self-Incrimination Due Process Takings 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

Trey & Ken start the episode with a deep dive into Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria. This leads to a discussion of the differences between the northern conflict and the Gaza conflict. Next, the discussion moves to Biden’s newest demands of Israel and how Israel has responded. This also includes a discussion of shifting American attitudes on supporting Israel. After that, the duo look at the 6/15 week abortion ban in Florida. They discuss the Florida Supreme Court’s legal ruling, but also the political ramifications for both parties in terms of the November election. They close with a discussion of the valuation of Trump Media & Technology. 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, Jay, and Justin open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of NBC’s decision to hire, and then quickly fire, former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. Was it a bad business decision poorly implemented, an example of anti-Trump bias, or something more than that? Next, they consider whether Truth Social’s IPO makes any sense. Probably not from a strictly business sense, but as Mike points out, owning a share of DJT is likely to be more than a dollars and cents calculation to the MAGA faithful. They close with a look at RFK Jr’s campaign and running mate, as well as Chris Christie’s rejection of No Labels and a broader discussion of third parties in the American political system. 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, Jay, and Justin open with a look at the life and legacy of the recently deceased Joe Lieberman, agreeing that the Democrat turned independent is the sort of solutions-oriented moderate we don’t see much of in national politics anymore. Next is a discussion of oral arguments before the Supreme Court concerning access to the abortion drug mifepristone. It seems like a stretch to argue that those challenging the FDA even have standing, but there is a case to be made that mailing any drug to end a pregnancy is a violation of the 1873 Comstock Act. They close with a debate over whether attorney John Eastman should be disbarred for his efforts assisting Donald Trump in his attempt to stay in office following the 2020 presidential election. Jay argues that Eastman may have had bad arguments, but he shouldn’t be disbarred for making them. Mike points out that there is a line between pushing bad arguments and telling a client to break the law, though he ultimately agrees with Jay. Justin isn’t so sure that either Jay or Mike have it right in this instance. 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

Trey talks with constitutional law professor Maxwell Stearns about his new book Parliamentary America which argues the U.S. needs to adapt the U.S. House to include proportional representation. Topics Trey and Max Cover Include - how the median voter theory is inaccurate - why American parties are tending in extreme directions - proposals to double the size of the House of Representatives - proposals to transform the selection of president and vice president - proposals to change how to remove a president - the historic necessity of convincing relevant actors to agree to these changes. Follow Max on X, and check out Parliamentary America 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of Texas’ SB 4, which allows state judges to deport migrants. Mike argues that it’s plainly unconstitutional and Jay largely agrees, though he makes the case that legislation should be given a presumption of constitutionality. They also discuss how this has moved through the federal court system and the slowdown at the Fifth Circuit. Following that they take a look at the latest presidential fundraising numbers (one area where Biden is beating Trump), consider Washington State’s new alternative to the bar exam, and address some listener questions. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of bipartisan agreement on a budget that averted a partial government shutdown. Jay thinks it’s good politics, emphasizing once again that Republicans don’t win government shutdowns, and pointing out that Speaker Johnson has a tiny majority to work with. Mike notes that Republicans got a number of things they should like, though he expects that we’ll be in a similar place in just over six months, when the deadline for passing next year’s budget comes up. Next, they discuss the lawsuit against Apple filed by the Department of Justice and 15 states. Neither Mike nor Jay thinks the government has a particularly strong case, but Mike argues that government pressure on big companies like Apple can serve as a useful check on corporate power. They close with what starts as a discussion of the Ohio Republican Senate primary, and ends up as a much broader discussion of Donald Trump, the Republican Party, and the media. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with George Laws Garcia, a former acting director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council. Topics Mike and George Cover Include: - how Puerto Ricans aresecond-class US citizens - Puerto Rico and federal income taxes - independence as opposed to statehood - how Puerto Ricans feel about statehood - US domestic political considerations - what making Puerto Rico a state might cost - short and medium-term prospects for statehood Follow George on X, and check out Puerto Rico 51st 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken continue through the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights by diving into the 3rd and 4th Amendments. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken start the episode with a deep dive into Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Senate speech on Israel, Hamas, and Benjamin Netanyahu. This includes a discussion of the norm breaking nature of calling for a vote on a democratically elected leader, if the Biden administration is giving in to more leftist voices, and the extent to which the U.S. may change its behavior in relationship to Israel. Next is a conversation on a series of orders from Judge McAfee on Trump’s cases, including throwing out six charges, and the requirement that Nathan Wade step down (which is now official). Finally the pair close the show with a discussion of the recent firings and memos out of the RNC. Ken believes the restructure will take money away from Republican candidates and help Democrats, Trey thinks it is unwise to underestimate Trump’s ability to effectively campaign. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly talks with Mary Chung Hayashi, national healthcare advocate, former California State Assembly member, Principal of Public Policy & Advocacy Solutions, and author of Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation. Topics Kimberly & Mary discuss include: Why we’re still having the same discussions about increasing the number of women in politics, even though not only women—but Americans as a whole—benefit from having women in elected government positions Why women shouldn’t focus on what they’re lacking, but instead focus on what they can ‘bring to the table’ How Mary’s personal experience as an immigrant woman of Asian descent has brought her face-to-face with the plethora of challenges all women face running for—and serving in—public office, and strategies to overcome these barriers The often-invisible biases against women of color running for office Why it’s important for women with political ambitions to cultivate the support of men The many ways in which men seeking or in political office benefit from a societal double standard for men and women Why women should be encouraged, regardless of their political affiliation, to participate in politics The importance of breaking down the imagination barrier to encourage both men and women to rethink their own preconceived notions about women’s roles While money matters, and men almost always have more financial support, deep pockets aren’t necessarily the only way to win an election 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of Speech First, Inc. v Sands, a Supreme Court case in which Jay submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Court. They get into whether the Court was right to dismiss the case as moot (Mike says yes while Jay has his doubts) as well as the underlying issue of whether bias response teams on college campuses necessarily chill speech (Jay says yes while Mike thinks possibly, but not necessarily). After that, they respond to a bunch of listener questions: politicians in the opposite party they respect, the politician they’d most like to have a beer with and what they’d ask them, Jay’s best argument to Republicans for Biden and Mike’s best argument to Democrats for Trump. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike & Jay open the episode with a look at the results of the most uncompetitive Super Tuesday ever, considering Nikki Haley’s position and whether the 2024 Presidential race is Donald Trump’s to lose at this point. They also discuss Senator Mitch McConnell’s endorsement of Trump in the context of McConnell’s remarks concerning Trump in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot. Following that they consider the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling that states can’t remove Donald Trump from the ballot for being an insurrectionist. Both Mike and Jay agree with the decision. Mike argues that the Court’s three liberals and Justice Barrett were right in arguing that the opinion was too broad, a position with which Jay disagrees. They close by discussing President Biden’s State of the Union address, both on policy and whether or not it demonstrated that Biden may be up for the rigors of a presidential campaign. That leads to a broader discussion of campaigning, communicating, and governing. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly Weir, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Kentucky University talks with Martin Daunton, Professor Emeritus of Economic History at the University of Cambridge. Professor Daunton is a former president of the Royal Historical Society and author of The Economic Government of the World From 1933-2023. Topics Kimberly & Martin discuss include: Why considering the economic events of 1933 is necessary for understanding the multilateral policies and institutions that emerged out of World War II That food and labor security—not economic policies—were much more immediate concerns for policymakers in the first international conferences at the end of World War II How domestic considerations are imperative to successfully coordinate international economic policies Dealing with autocratic governments and increased populism when pursuing global economic governance How global institutions (particularly the IMF, World Bank, FAO, and WHO) can aid developing countries, rather than just perpetuate a global economic divide advantaging developed countries How China and Russia, along with the BRIICS bloc, impact global economic governance How resolving countries’ debt is unquestionably tied to tackling climate change 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Jay, and Justin open the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of the maneuvering over the schedule for Donald Trump’s documents trial. Jay argues that Trump’s actions aren’t all that unreasonable, a position with which Mike and Justin don’t agree, with Mike arguing that removing or destroying documents is never a legally justifiable response to a document subpoena. Next, they consider the recent southern border visits by President Biden and Donald Trump. None of them sees this as a good issue for Biden, with Trey writing in to argue that focusing on the border in any way can only weaken Biden. Mike suggests that the only thing Biden could do to turn the issue around would be to take the sort of dramatic action he has previously shown a willingness to do on student loan debt, but that he’s been unwilling to take on immigration. After that is a look at Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell’s career in the wake of his announcement that he’ll be stepping down as Republican leader after the November elections. They close the episode by responding to a supporter’s question concerning whether Jay moderates his comments on Trump out of concern for partisan blowback as well as the larger issue of Republicans who may be afraid to speak their minds about Donald Trump. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Jay, and University of Northern Iowa political scientist Justin Holmes open the episode with a discussion of the Supreme Court’s decision to hear Donald Trump’s ex-presidential immunity case. While they all agree it’s an important issue that needs to be ruled on by the Court, Mike and Justin are more concerned about the Court’s schedule than Jay is. Next, they consider the results of the Michigan primary elections and what they might suggest about the near-inevitable Biden-Trump rematch. Mike argues that the seemingly large number of ‘uncommitted’ Democratic votes isn’t as big of a deal as many have made it out to be. Justin makes the case that the results point to issues for both Biden and Trump. Jay thinks most Democratic and Republican voters will ‘come home’ in the end. They close with an examination of the recent short-term continuing resolutions to avert a government shutdown. Jay once again makes the point that Republicans almost always suffer politically when they shut down the government. Justin says government funding by continuing resolution is both common these days and not at all desirable, while Mike wonders about what this all says about Speaker Mike Johnson and his promise to return to a ‘normal’ budget process. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and May open the preview of this midweek supporters' episode with a discussion of why Nikki Haley is staying in a presidential primary race she has almost no chance of winning, as well as considering who Donald Trump might choose as his running mate. Following that, they address a question from a listener who asks if May denies the existence of trans people, getting into a larger discussion of gender-affirming care both for minors and adults. Next is their take on the most recent Presidential Greatness Survey, which has Abe Lincoln at the very top and Donald Trump in the basement, as well as their thoughts on ideal presidential candidates not named Biden or Trump. As Kids, They Thought They Were Trans. They No Longer Do. Pamela Paul (New York Times, 2/2/24) 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and May open with a discussion of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the latest US sanctions as the war reaches the two-year mark. May is unclear as to the US's goals and argues that this is reflected in declining public support for Ukraine. Mike believes the lack of support breaks down more along partisan lines, with Democrats more supportive than Republicans, and that the US goal is clear - to prevent Russia from overrunning Ukraine and to send a strong message to our allies and adversaries around the world. Next is a look at the Biden administration's latest student loan debt forgiveness. Neither Mike nor May feel this is the best policy, but Mike sees it as one of the few economic relief levers the administration can pull without getting buy-in from congressional Republicans. They also consider student loan debt forgiveness in light of more fundamental problems with higher education costs. Following that they get into the ruling by Alabama's supreme court that a wrongful death suit can go forward against a person accused of destroying frozen embryos at an IVF facility. They agree that the court made the right call based on Alabama's constitution and the state's Wrongful Death of a Minor statute, and debate the larger implications of this ruling as well as what legislative action they expect to see in response. They close by considering why the US Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal to an equal protection challenge to a Virginia high school's admissions program, as well as how schools across the country can factor diversity into their admission decisions without having their programs invalidated by courts. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Alexander Ward, a national security reporter at Politico and anchor of National Security Daily. He’s the author of the recently released book, The Internationalists: The Fight to Restore American Foreign Policy After Trump, which they discuss on this episode. Topics Mike and Alexander Cover Include: - why post-Trump foreign policy needed restoration - comparing Biden and Trump’s Secretaries of State - Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan - meeting the rising threat from China - Russia and the war in Ukraine - Middle East policy - North Korea - climate change 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken continue through the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights by diving into the 2nd Amendment. They cover the history of the right, how it was a compromise between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and the current jurisprudence of the 2nd Amendment. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this packed episode, Trey and Ken start by discussing the breaking news of Donald Trump’s civil judgment of $354.9 million in a New York court. Ken believes it will be difficult for the case to be overturned on appeal due to the need for a bond and because of the nature of the defense. Following that they move to the next breaking story: the death of Alexei Navalny in a Russian prison. Trey and Ken both agree there is no good response because in large part the normal responses are already engaged. Ken hopes this might push Republicans toward supporting a Ukraine aid package. Next, the pair turn to Trump’s NATO remarks over the weekend. Trey argues that the comments are terrible, in part because they burn down reasonable arguments over NATO. Ken argues that even if the U.S. had to foot the bill entirely it would be in its best interests to do so. After that, they turn to a constellation of issues regarding Israel, including the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu. Trey sees the increasingly hostile relationship as a combination of factors, including Israel’s move to eliminate Hamas in its entirety and domestic pressure on Biden’s left. Ken somewhat optimistically believes that Biden can help broker a more lasting peace while looking forward to a two-state solution. They close with a look at the flipped Santos seat for the Democrats and what that means for Speaker Johnson and the Senate funding bills for Ukraine and Israel. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of why the Senate’s bipartisan immigration proposal failed. Mike argues that the GOP is more interested in keeping the issue than improving things at the border, and Jay’s previous legislative optimism has now all but vanished. They go on to discuss prospects for standalone funding for Ukraine and Israel, followed by a look at Nevada’s presidential primaries and GOP caucus. They close by addressing listener questions, including one on whether the hottest year on record has changed Jay’s view on climate change. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on President Biden’s handling of classified documents. Mike argues that Hur should have been more neutral in his wording, while Jay doesn’t see any significant problems with how Hur presented his findings. They also consider the broader issues of memory, verbal gaffes, and cognitive fitness. Following that, they consider the oral arguments before the Supreme Court concerning Donald Trump’s eligibility to run for president. They expect either a unanimous or 8-1 decision allowing Trump to run and discuss the multiple reasons why this is the right call. They close with a look at the D.C. Circuit’s ruling that Donald Trump isn’t immune from prosecution for any actions he took as President. Mike characterizes the argument by Trump as a long-shot aimed at delaying a potential guilty verdict until after the 2024 election. Jay doesn’t disagree and predicts the Supreme Court will hear an inevitable appeal from Trump. Mike hopes the high court doesn’t hear the case at all, letting the D.C. Circuit’s decision stand, and allowing Trump’s trial to move forward as expeditiously as possible. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Ken open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a detailed look at why conservative former federal judge Michael Luttig believes Donald Trump is ineligible to run for president. They discuss both Luttig’s arguments against the Court ducking the issue and his substantive case against Trump as an insurrectionist. Following that, they discuss why MAGA world is so unhappy with Taylor Swift and consider the present state and near-future prospects for the Democratic Party. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Ken open the episode with a discussion of the move by House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. They examine the articles of impeachment and agree that they’re not very convincing, and consider how the Senate might proceed if the House votes to impeach Mayorkas. Next, they turn to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearings on online harm to children. While there’s a bipartisan consensus that more should be done to keep kids safe online, Ken points out the problems with simply eliminating legal protections for social media companies. Mike contends that much of the harm done to kids online is unlikely to be addressable through legislation. After that is a discussion of capital punishment in the wake of Alabama’s first-in-the-nation use of the nitrogen hypoxia execution method, followed by a discussion of whether it’s time for the Senate to speed up judicial confirmations by ending the “Blue Slip” home-state Senator veto for district court judge nominations. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with David Stockman, a legendary figure in Republican circles. Mr. Stockman has served as a member of the House of Representatives, budget director in the Reagan White House, and partner in the private equity company Blackstone. He’s the author of many books, the latest of which is Trump’s War on Capitalism, which they discuss in this episode. Topics Discussed Include: - why Donald Trump has “all the right enemies” - Trump’s “hopelessly wrong” economic policies - how the financial crisis of 2008-09 never really ended - Trump’s immigration and trade policies - the COVID response under Trump - the big Trump tax cut - why a Trump loss would be good for the GOP 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's special bonus show is our right-wing hosts: Trey and Jay! They start the show with a few items from last week: Peter Navarro's Sentencing and the new secret data courts formed by executive order. Jay is pretty firm that Navarro is a political prosecution. Where Trey and Jay do agree is that Trump will have a hard time continuing to find real staff as he steps back from those who supported him when it becomes convenient. Next, they discuss the new court designed to allow Europeans to protect their privacy in the United States. But the court's docket is unknown, if they take cases are unknown, and even the process for EU citizens is not clear. This leads Trey to question what the real intention of this court is and to a conversation about the importance of data privacy. Finally, Trey and Jay give their take on the past, present and future of the Republican Party. They have large agreement on its origins and transformation. But where Trey despairs that the party is not only no longer what it once was, nor a place he finds a home, Jay believes that after short-term pain there is a future for conservatives. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Jay open a special right-wing look at the week's politics! Next week the left takes over with Mike and Ken. Trey and Jay open the episode diving deeply into New Hampshire's Republican primary. This includes a look at the voter turnout, demographic shifts, delegate count, and what the exit of DeSantis means for the race. Trey is hopeful of a Haley victory and sees her easily defeating Biden on the most recent polling data. Jay is like sure and more sure that the race is effectively over. They also discuss the influence the civil ruling against Trump in the amount of $83.3 million Next, they discuss Texas Governor Abbott's recent order declaring an invasion and therefore the "right" of Texas to ignore the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal law. Jay and Trey agree that there is no historical nor constitutional basis to the order, but Jay argues the use of the term invasion is a good one in a cultural context. Trey deeply disagrees and the two have a deep debate over the merits of different immigration policies. Trey believes in the easier free movement of people without much benefit to deep border policies, Jay sees the need for tougher regulation to crack down on fentanyl and crime. They close the show with an update on the possibility of an immigration bill paired with Ukraine / Israel funding. Jay believes it is likely and that House Republicans will take a win if they can get it. Trey believes McConnell that Republicans don't want a win until Trump is in office and that some House Republicans are no votes without question. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and May open the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of a bipartisan deal to raise the child tax credit and reinstate some business tax breaks. Both Mike and May think it’s a good deal as there’s something for Democrats (the child tax credits) and something for the Republicans (those business tax credits) though Mike in particular expresses skepticism that it will end up becoming law any time soon. Next, they consider the Supreme Court declining to review a case involving bathroom access for an Indiana transgender student, which leads them into a deeper discussion of the law and transgender rights. They close the show by considering whether the Supreme Court will end its “Chevron Deference” doctrine, in which courts defer to any reasonable administrative interpretation of ambiguous legislation. Mike thinks overturning Chevron entirely is a mistake, whereas May believes it’s the right thing to do. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and May open the episode with a look at Donald Trump’s decisive victory in Iowa and what may lie ahead for Trump, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire. Mike seems to be holding out some hope that Haley can mount a long-shot challenge to Trump, but May believes the race is all but over at this point. Next, they welcome political scientist Kimberly Weir for a discussion of the US response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Kimberly discusses the factors influencing the Houthi’s actions, May evaluates the US response, and Mike offers his thoughts on the military difficulties facing the US in responding to Houthi attacks. Following that, Mike and May turn to the continuing resolution the averted a government shutdown. Mike believes that Speaker Mike Johnson bowed to the political and numerical realities of the situation in passing the CR despite the opposition of nearly half of his caucus. They close by evaluating the chances for legislation on immigration and Ukraine aid in 2024, which neither of them believes to be too likely. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Juliet Hooker, the Royce Family Professor of Teaching Excellence in Political Science at Brown University. Professor Hooker is a political theorist specializing in racial justice and has authored multiple books, the latest of which is Black Grief/White Grievance: The Politics of Loss, which is the topic of their discussion. Topics Mike and Juliet Cover Include: - the meaning of Black grief and white grievance - justified and unjustified political loss - why the context of a loss is important - differing responses to political loss - the baseline entitlement assumptions of whites in America - the politics of refusal - racism and the narrowing of the political imagination - the ‘dominant official romantic narrative’ of the civil rights movement - repairing vs salvaging American democracy - reasons for optimism 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken continue through the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights by diving into the 1st Amendment’s Free Assembly and Petition Clauses. This ends their discussion of the 1st Amendment. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special bonus segment, Mike is joined by political scientist and international relations expert Kimberly Weir (who also happens to be married to Mike) for a discussion of whether or not Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and why South Africa brought their genocide claim before the International Court of Justice. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Ken open the show by outlining the strange disappearance of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Both Trey and Ken agree that deep mistakes were made by Austin, but Trey thinks Biden should have noted publicly that it was a mistake. Ken thinks that Republicans have created an environment where Democrats cannot apologize. Next is a discussion of both the Federal District Court Case against President Biden for failing to prevent genocide in Gaza and the ICJ case from South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. Ken argues that the legal definition of genocide has not been met by any stretch. Trey argues that the American left may not have an ethic of a just war anymore and that, as a result, many Democrats are wrongly critical of Israel. Then they turn to Hunter Biden's appearance at the House Oversight Committee before pleading not guilty to three felonies and six misdemeanors. Trey saw the whole thing as a made-for-TV moment, but one that will ultimately hurt President Biden. Especially because he thinks it is likely Hunter will be found guilty on a few of the charges. Ken thinks it is the right move for Hunter and is less convinced of guilty charges. They end the show discussing the strange closing arguments for Trump in civil court. They also make conflicting predictions. Trey believes that the Court couldn't behave in a normal manner with Trump and therefore that there will be no lasting rulings against him, Ken continues to believe he will be held accountable. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Michael Gerhardt, a professor of jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina Law School and a long-time student of presidential impeachment. He’s the author of the just-released book, The Law of Presidential Impeachment: A Guide for the Engaged Citizen, which is the topic of their discussion. Topics Discussed Include: - why impeachment is in the Constitution - if impeachment has been underutilized - the threat of impeachment as a check on abuse of power - the misconception that impeachment is a political process - presidential due-process rights in an impeachment - Senators breaking their oaths during impeachment trials - the five presidential impeachments - if impeachment can be made less partisan 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of Nippon Steel’s planned purchase of US Steel. While the pending acquisition has drawn some bipartisan opposition, both Mike and Jay think it’s a good deal for nearly everyone. Next is a look at the New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement. Jay points out that this is almost entirely new territory, with Mike commenting that once again, technology is moving faster than our legal system. Following this are conversations about the shrinking GOP House majority, Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert changing congressional districts and a more general discussion of qualifications for office, and Chief Justice John Roberts’ thoughts on A.I. in the federal court system. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open with a look at the Supreme Court’s decision to rule on whether or not Donald Trump can appeal on the presidential ballot in Colorado. They both predict that the Court will rule for Trump, with Mike thinking that there’s a greater chance of a near-unanimous decision than Jay foresees. Next is a discussion of President Biden’s unofficial 2024 reelection campaign speech near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They agree with Biden’s factual accounting of Donald Trump’s actions (and inactions), but Jay argues that Biden’s choice of words was inflammatory and disingenuous. Mike responds that there’s good reason to fear serious consequences for America if Trump wins in 2024. Then they turn to the resignation of Harvard president Claudine Gay and how racial animus played into it, followed by more charges being leveled against Senator Robert Menendez, and ending with a discussion of whether or not the Border Patrol should be allowed to remove razor-wire put in place by the state of Texas to deter migrant crossings. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Seth Kaplan, a Professorial Lecturer at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Professor Kaplan has published widely in the area of development, including two books on fragile states, and has served as a consultant to organizations including the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the OECD. He’s the author of multiple books, the most recent of which is Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time, which they discuss on this episode. Topics Mike and Seth Discuss Include: - what it means for a neighborhood to be fragile - the distinction between economic and social poverty - key factors driving the increase in social poverty - top-down vs ‘sideways’ approaches to helping fragile neighborhoods - programs that have made a real difference - if we need to rethink the American Dream 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of the controversy surrounding Harvard President Claudine Gay. Jay thinks Gay should step down or resign, while Mike questions a system that promoted Gay given her sparse publication record, but argues that you don’t have to be a great academic to be a great university president. Next, they discuss a new AP/NORC poll on the state of democracy (it’s not good) and how well they feel democracy in America is working out these days, followed by a look back at their predictions for 2023 and some new predictions for 2024. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices