Y'all-itics

Texans are one signature away from being able to carry their handguns in public without a permit. And many members of law enforcement say permitless carry will make their jobs far more dangerous… and the consequences are coming. The President of the Dallas Police Association says many officers are asking how they’ll even know the difference between the good guy and the bad guy. And Michael Mata tells the Jasons he fully expects the number of violent confrontations between business owners and customers to grow as a result of the legislation. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are also joined by Frederick Frazier, a McKinney City Council member and a longtime lobbyist for law enforcement issues who says no training plus no background check equals a recipe for disaster. But what if you’re not a cop? What should you expect? Longer holds on 911 and slower response times are just the start of it. HB 1927: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for HB 1927 Guests: Michael Mata, Dallas Police Association President Dallas PA Frederick Frazier, McKinney City Council Council Members | McKinney, TX - Official Website (mckinneytexas.org)

Whether you’re building or buying, it’s a brutal housing market in Texas. And it’s about to get even tougher as we enter the summer season, when people really start looking for a new home. Texas leads the country, by far, in new housing permits. But demand is outpacing supply by a Texas mile. Hang around any construction type and you'll hear the phrase "I've never seen anything like this before.” In fact, in this episode the Jasons are hearing that from Ted Wilson, one of the foremost residential construction experts in the state. Ted even talks about how it’s now difficult to find vacant lots. In other words, Texas is even running out of dirt to build a home on. The Jasons also talk to a Dallas resident about the many difficulties he’s faced while trying to build a home, from the permit process to surging prices. And if you’re about to do the same, he has some advice you’ll want to hear. Can anything slow down this runaway train? You’ll learn that in this episode as well. Residential Strategies Inc – New Home Market Research & Consulting

Following the catastrophic power failure in February, Texans heard all sorts of promises from lawmakers and other state leaders. They’ll fix this mess, they told us, so it never happens again. Another legislative session has nearly come and gone, and lawmakers have yet to pass any energy reform bills (anybody remember 2011?). Lawmakers are close. But can they get anything across the finish line during the final week of the session? The consumer rights advocacy group Public Citizen tells the Jasons that even if lawmakers pass the legislation, it falls far short of what’s needed to protect Texans from the next big storm. And the CEO of Texas’ largest generator of energy says lawmakers better act or the state’s economy will pay the price. In this episode of Y’all-itics, he explains why inaction could freeze business expansion in Texas. SB 3: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for SB 3 Guests: Curtis “Curt” Morgan, Vistra Corp. CEO Home - Vistra Corp. Adrian Shelley, Public Citizen Public Citizen - Protecting Health, Safety, and Democracy

By now you’ve likely heard the news, legendary WFAA sportscaster Dale Hansen is retiring. But we’re pretty sure you haven’t heard the stories that Dale shares on this special episode of Y’all-itics. Exactly 24-hours after the announcement, Dale cracked open a beer with the Jasons for a look back at his 50-years in broadcasting, the well-known statewide politician he was recruited to run against a few years ago, the unbelievable way he got a job in Dallas, and how he handles haters – who really get under his skin. The Jasons raise a toast to Dale and share a lot of laughs. This episode really is Dale unplugged. Dale’s “Celebrating Our Differences” Unplugged More of Dale “Unplugged”

A new study says re-opening schools in Texas led to an additional 43,000+ cases and 800+ deaths across the state. In fact, one of the lead researchers says it was a stronger connection than they would have guessed. What isn’t clear, is exactly how many of those were teachers. That researcher tells the Jasons why that is and why he hopes the study becomes part of the discussion before any concrete decisions are made for schools in the fall. The Texas Education Agency tells us they stand by their decisions and pointed us towards criticism of this study. But many teachers and other school workers wouldn’t be surprised by the results. They predicted, some right here on Y’all-itics, they would lose co-workers to the disease before they even returned to classrooms. But nobody knows the exact number of teachers who’ve died of COVID during this school year… because the state isn’t tracking those statistics. So WFAA reporter Teresa Woodard did just that. And she also joins the Jasons to talk about her investigation in this episode of Y’all-itics. WATCH Teresa Woodard’s investigation on WFAA and wfaa.com on Tuesday, May 18 at 10pm NBER Study: School Reopenings, Mobility, and COVID-19 Spread: Evidence from Texas | NBER

A record number of women are currently serving in the United States Congress, but to many, it’s just a mirage. And they say true parity remains distant, especially here in Texas. A few years ago, two women launched the Lone Star Parity Project to not only get a better idea of the number of women running for office in Texas, but also which positions they filed for and how many were actually elected. A couple of reports later, the numbers remain stark. Out of 254 counties in Texas, their new study says only nine of them are at parity, where women hold 50% of all elected offices. And they discovered many women say no several times before actually choosing to run for office. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons sit down with the founders of the Lone Star Parity Project to find out what their numbers mean and how they can be used to help future generations of women find success in politics. Watch this episode on YouTube Lone Star Parity Project:

If so many Texans are angry over their property tax appraisals, has anybody ever considered scrapping the entire system? A lawmaker from East Texas has. He even has such a bill in Austin to do just that. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons find out how it would all work. HB 3770: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for HB 3770

It’s “the season” again… that magical time of year when Texans walk to the mailbox with a mix of resentment and trepidation, take a deep breath, and then dare to look at their property appraisal. Even if you have no plans to move, the red-hot housing market in Texas may cause your appraisal (and later your property taxes) to rise significantly. But you don’t just have to accept what the appraisal district has written on that piece of paper. You can protest. And one of the foremost experts on how to do it tells the Jasons that you should protest your appraisal… every year. Realtor Chandler Crouch has become a viral sensation for his “how-to” videos. He even got the attention of Texas lawmakers who sought his expertise and recently invited him to testify in Austin about some ways to potentially fix the Texas property tax system. He has also been helping thousands of property owners in Tarrant County contest their appraisals… for FREE. Chandler Crouch’s Protest Website: FreeTaxProtest.com Ben Lauer’s Protest Website: Dallas Tax Dispute: Ben Lauer Real Estate Group

The conversation in this episode was real, raw and recorded live as the verdict in the Derek Chauvin came down on Tuesday afternoon. In this emergency release of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined once again by the politician and the educator, both fathers, who first joined the podcast after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Podcast host Cydney Walker, a mother who’s been following the trial gavel to gavel, also joins this important conversation. As the country watched this defining moment, these three Black leaders in Texas watched history unfold together. This is their reaction.

HB 6. SB 7. That simple combination of four letters and two numbers could have a profound impact on Texas for years to come. Those are bills that lawmakers are debating in Austin that could change Texas voting laws. A recent report by The Perryman Group, led by a respected Texas economist, predicts if those bills are passed, Texas would lose billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs… in the next four years alone. What’s more, the Perryman Group says that doesn’t even include the potential loss of tourism and other economic drivers such as professional sports and conventions. This potential impact on the bottom line is why you’re hearing some companies come out against the legislation. But boycotts can work both ways, which is also weighing heavily on the minds of some business leaders. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons speak with Dr. Ray Perryman about the potential impact of this legislation, the CEO of a national business group who talks about what to expect out of big business over the next few weeks, and the Speaker of the Texas House who says he’s reached out to some CEOs in Texas but hasn’t heard a word back from any of them. Perryman Group report: The Potential Economic Impact of Legislation Restricting Voter Access on Business Activity in Texas | The Perryman Group Follow HB 6: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for HB 6 Follow SB 7: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for SB 7

Ready for a change? A growing number of Americans are exchanging four walls for four wheels. The fast-growing subculture is full of folks looking to redefine the American dream while living exclusively in their RVs, vans and campers. And one of the oldest and largest groups of digital nomads has an “address” right here in Texas, some 75-miles north of Houston. Members “live” in that city even though they may never visit. And that means they can get a Texas driver’s license, register their vehicle and not have to worry about a state income tax. What’s more, they can vote. And as the Jasons learned in this episode of Y’all-itics, with such a large group, they can influence some elections. The question now is how all of those election bills being considered in Austin might change things. Chris & Cristi Moody (@lifeoptedout) • Instagram photos and videos Read "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Living Nowhere"

Race, violence and medicine. Those three words intersect in Dr. Brian Williams’ emergency room. Gun violence is more than a headline or political talking point for him. Dr. Williams sees the aftermath of it every day. What’s most concerning, he says, is the disparities in gun violence. Young black men are half of all gunshot victims. Dr. Williams has set out to change that. He wants to start a conversation about the larger societal issues, and he has the credentials to do it. Dr. Williams, a Black man, was the surgeon on duty at Parkland Hospital on July 7, 2016 when police officers were shot and killed in downtown Dallas. In this episode, he tells the Jasons how that night changed him, and how Race, Violence and Medicine – the title of his own podcast – intersect every day. Listen to Dr. Williams Podcast here

It is a seller’s market on steroids right now in Texas. Healthy housing inventory is typically six months. But some cities in Texas are down to days. If you’re a seller, you’re likely receiving multiple offers, some significantly above asking. If you’re a buyer, good luck. It could take you a while. Some buyers are even resorting to entering contracts without a guaranteed final sales price. And at the end of the day, all homeowners in Texas will pay for the housing frenzy through higher property taxes. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons discuss tips for buyers and sellers. And the experts tell them to buckle up, because we’re not living in a bubble. They say there is no end in sight. And if that wasn’t enough, learn how the big, stuck boat in Egypt is likely to impact Texas real estate, even though it’s now free. Todd Tramonte Home Selling Team Anne Lakusta - Designated Broker - GO Management Real Estate

Election security? Or voter suppression? The rhetoric is heating up in Texas as the battle over election reform begins in earnest this week. While there is a spate of bills lawmakers will consider, Senate Bill 7 is the granddaddy of them all. Among other things, it would eliminate drive-thru voting, limit voting hours, make it much harder to vote by mail. In this week’s episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by the Executive Director of Progress Texas, an organization that amplifies progressive causes. Edward Espinoza says if election uniformity is the true goal, why not expand access for voters, instead of making it harder for some to participate. And the Jasons speak to Republican state Senator Paul Bettencourt, who calls the proposals common sense reform, not some grandiose scheme to turn back what was very successful election… for Republicans. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: https://bit.ly/3qPjJDO

A Republican leader along the Texas-Mexico border calls the latest migrant surge a repetition of a crisis, the result of “duct tape immigration policy.” The Democrat leading the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the U.S. calls it “Biden’s political pinata,” as the 2021 surge includes thousands of unaccompanied minors. And experts on both sides of the political aisle believe the situation is about to get much, much worse. The Jasons drill down into what’s driving this latest surge and what the Biden administration should be doing in this episode of Y’all-itics and learn why it could start with waves of social workers. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: https://bit.ly/3qPjJDO

On the day Texas returned to 100% occupancy and eliminated the mask mandate, Dr. Anthony Fauci sat down with WFAA reporter William Joy to provide his report card for the state. And William joined a Jason for this bonus podcast to discuss that discussion. The nation’s leading infectious disease expert warns that getting back to “normal” isn’t like turning a switch on and off. And he says Texas is taking a risk. But in this episode, Dr. Fauci will also tell you why Texans shouldn’t be discouraged and when we can head back to a game or eat inside a restaurant without worry.

Fatigue from COVID-19 and last month’s polar vortex are expected to drive millions of people to Texas beaches as spring break begins this week. Even though Governor Abbott is lifting the mask mandate and allowing businesses to return to 100-percent capacity, many businesses are still adhering to CDC health safety guidelines and still expecting huge crowds. The Jasons called up a couple of Texans along the coast to see what to expect before they put their feet in the sand. Along part of the Texas coast, they also learned to be on the lookout for fainting sea turtles. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take our survey. Cheers!

Call it the Texas restaurant massacre. The industry has taken a beating during our year of pandemic lockdown. In human terms, it amounts to 150,000 Texans who have lost their jobs. And those restaurants that did survive took another hit during the historic winter weather and power catastrophe. That event wiped out the often-lucrative Valentine’s Day dining. If this sounds like a horror story… it is. So why then does the president of the Texas Restaurant Association think this story will have a happy ending? For one, Texans apparently miss their restaurants more than anything else during the lockdown. And she talks about the dramatic changes born out of the pandemic that will help the industry thrive on the other side. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: https://bit.ly/3qPjJDO Cheers!

In our last episode, a former state lawmaker told the Jasons that Texas missed a golden opportunity six years ago to start planning for extreme weather events. Current Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson explained how he thinks his bill would have helped prevent the near failure of the Texas electric grid but was killed in the final moments. One of Johnson’s friends, a former state lawmaker himself on the other side of the aisle, says he remembers the episode too, but with a few different details. Ron Simmons says while the legislation wouldn’t have hurt, it likely wouldn’t have helped either. And the Republican says lawmakers likely could have done more all along the way. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take our survey. Cheers!

Texas lawmakers are meeting on Thursday in Austin – pledging to get to the bottom of the massive statewide power outages last week. But a former state lawmaker tells the Jasons that Texas missed an opportunity six years ago to start planning for something like this. Eric Johnson, the current Mayor of Dallas, was a state representative in 2015 and introduced a bill that might have helped prevent the near-failure of the Texas electric grid last week. Johnson explained what his bill would have done and how it was killed in the final moments before it was to have been passed. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: Cheers! As promised, here’s how to find out who represents you. https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

ERCOT called the Jasons super early on Tuesday to offer the first interview with CEO Bill Magness. He’s probably the most sought after newsmaker of the week in our state. Magness manages ERCOT, which is the Texas power grid. And millions of Texans are in the dark right now in below freezing temperatures. We asked Magness many of the same questions you’ve been asking us. When will this be over? Will it get worse before it gets better? Come to find out, Magness’ wife and his child are among the millions of Texans without electricity. Here’s our uncut interview with him.

We knew what was coming, so why were Texas electric utilities not ready for the severe winter weather? The widespread electric outages did not surprise energy experts in the state. In fact, history is repeating itself here. The issue that caused the widespread electric outages this week was the same thing that caused a similar failure in 2011. And one before that in 1989. A state lawmaker also told the Jasons that Texans deserve answers.

It’s hard to believe hair remains an excuse for discrimination in 2021, much of it rooted in racism. Do a quick internet search and it won’t be hard for you to find the stories. And this isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem as you can find victims all across the spectrum, from women in the workplace to teenage boys in High School. In this episode of Y’all-itics, we join the project “Rooted” being shared across Tegna Texas that explores black hair in America. The Jasons are joined by WFAA anchor Tashara Parker whose commentary helped sparked a movement of natural hair and KVUE anchor Ashley Goudeau who speaks to a woman’s basic right to natural hair and being one’s true self in the workplace. We also explore the politics as Texas lawmakers are considering several versions of the CROWN Act that would ban discrimination based on hair. More on “Rooted” project: 'Rooted': The natural hair movement, hair discrimination and The Crown Act | wfaa.com

It’s one of the most diverse counties in Texas. So, why then did it take 150 years for Fort Bend County to elect its second Black sheriff? And as Texas lawmakers begin to debate police reform, Sheriff Eric Fagan has his own ideas for it and wants the public to hear his perspective. Just don’t use the word “defund” around him. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the man making – and following – history in Fort Bend County answers the call from the Jasons and discusses everything from the pressure and pride that comes from his position, to his own experience dealing with racial profiling and how that shapes his view of law enforcement. Oh, and let’s not forget that time he was protecting that king…

Contact Tracing. The very phrase has been somewhat poisoned in the United States, where many of us tend to think of “big brother,” that the government is watching. A company out of New Zealand says we have it all wrong and we should instead consider it to be contact “logging.” That company helped New Zealand essentially eliminate the virus. And now, SaferMe has set up shop in Austin, Texas. Does that mean we’re now well on our way to eliminating it here in the Lone Star State? SaferMe’s CEO tells the Jasons it all depends on the politics. But businesses are sure ready and if you tell folks we might be able to re-open the entire economy much quicker, well then, you have their attention. And what attracted SaferMe to Texas? Think farms and barbeque. The Award-Winning Contact Tracing System For Business (safer.me)

There are nearly 29-million Texans. But as of January 25, 2021, after a month of distribution, fewer than 1.5 Million of those Texans have received a single dose of the vaccine. Only 266,000 Texans have received both doses. At that rate, it would take nearly two years for Texans just to get one dose and nearly five years for all Texans to be fully vaccinated. If the vaccine was developed in record time, one Texas lawmaker wants to know why the state’s distribution plan wasn’t ready. And he tells the Jasons why he thinks we’re out of time. But in the middle of a situation that is only seemingly getting worse, there is some hope… a bright spot in the Texas panhandle after a call that surprised the Jasons.

**WARNING: THIS PODCAST CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE Let the warning above be your preview as to what the Lincoln Project now thinks about Senator Ted Cruz. In this episode of Y’all-itics, co-founder Rick Wilson joins the Jasons to talk about how the group is now actively working against the Texas Republican. The group says Sen. Cruz is part of the “sedition caucus” and his words and actions helped contribute to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. And Wilson thinks a third party will be born out of the schism inside the GOP. If you normally listen to our podcast with your children, we warn again, there are R-rated words. **Sen. Ted Cruz declined to join this episode of Y’all-itics but has a standing invitation to respond

Even though this will be the pandemic session, other business will be on the table during the 87th Texas Legislature. And is there a bigger complaint here in Texas than ridiculously high property taxes? But what if we told you there might be a way to cut those bills in half? Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley says it’s not going to be easy, but it can be done if lawmakers have the will. In this episode of Y’all-itics, he presents his plan to the Jasons, who were certainly left smiling, thinking about the possibilities. And state Senator Nathan Johnson talks about the other legislative priorities over the next 140-days. But about those property taxes… Who Represents me?

That escalated quickly. Following the insurrection at the Capitol, calls are growing for President Trump to possibly be removed from office by the 25th Amendment, an action unthinkable as recently as 48-hours ago. But what is the 25th and how does it work? In this emergency episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons go to law school with Stephen Vladeck from the University of Texas School of Law, a nationally recognized expert on constitutional law. And as it turns out, the 25th isn’t the only mechanism lawmakers could use to remove a sitting President. Steve Vladeck Bio: Stephen I Vladeck | Faculty | Texas Law (utexas.edu)

On January 6, 2021, members of the Senate and House will meet to formally count the Electoral College votes for President. While there have been some objections in years past, 2021 will be different. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, wants an independent commission appointed to audit the results of the election. The political gambit by some Republican Senators and Representatives to object to the certification of Biden’s win has further divided the GOP. One of the Republican Party’s most prolific fundraisers says it all makes her want to just crawl into a hole. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons talk to Nancy Bocskor who’s been called a “Democracy Coach” around the world and has fundraising figures with many, many zeroes for Republicans over the years. And James Dickey, the former Chair of the Republican Party of Texas, explains why he thinks the GOP will thrive in the future. The Nancy Bocskor Company

Coming from a family that is one of the most well-known real estate developers in the state, Trammell S. Crow set out to build something of his own. Crow founded EarthX which the organization bills as “The largest annual exposition and forum showcasing initiatives, research, innovations, policies and corporate practices serving the environment”. Crow has been labeled a “Green Republican” for his advocacy for environmental and conservation causes. And he is not shy about chiding and cajoling members of his political party when their positions on environmental and conservation issues don’t align with his. Crow joins the Jasons for a candid conversation about the intersection of the environment and politics…and his unvarnished message to his party. EarthX

The statistic was startling. Twenty percent of all banks in Dallas County exclude all or parts of Southern Dallas. That means mortgages, business loans and access remain out of reach for many families and businesses south of Interstate 30. Problem is, this simply perpetuates the racial wealth gap. In this episode, the Jasons speak with two of the WFAA journalists who worked on this investigation and get a U.S. congressman on the line to explain what he thinks Washington needs to do next. Watch Banking Below 30

The long, dark COVID winter experts have warned about is upon us. But there’s also some light at the end of the tunnel, albeit faint and distant. One drug manufacturer has already applied to the FDA for approval for its COVID-19 vaccine. Another company is close behind. And the U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary says both could be available to some Americans before Christmas. That got the Jasons thinking… can your boss force you to get a COVID-19 Vaccine? So they turned to Sarah Mitchell Montgomery, a partner at Jackson Walker law firm who specializes in employment law. She says there’s a short answer, with some caveats. And she’ll tell you why she foresees a coming spike in COVID-related litigation. Sarah Mitchell Montgomery

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? An executive in shipping says he and his family are done because he’s worried the supply chain is too stressed and some gifts simply might not make it to you in time if you don’t buy soon. But the stressed supply chain is creating opportunity for thousands of Texans. Insiders give the Jasons a revealing look at how this already unusual year continues to live up to its reputation.

As Y’all-itics prepares to celebrate its one-year anniversary, the Jasons go back to the beginning in an effort to see what a Biden-Harris administration might mean for the black community. In our 3rd episode, we asked the founder and CEO of Black Women’s PAC why politicians ignore black women. Now, one-year and 61 episodes later, Tracy Scott is back, and she says she’s more determined than ever. Black women helped put the Biden-Harris Ticket over-the-top. But now, they’re expecting results. The Jasons are also joined by WFAA Political Producer Berna Dean Steptoe. And both guests say the black community in general, and black women in particular, will not be ignored any more. Editor’s Note: ZIP code 76104 near downtown Fort Worth is an historically Black area where life expectancy is 66.7 years – 12 years below the national average — not 55 years as stated in this episode

Two out of three Latinos voted for Joe Biden last week. But counties along the Texas-Mexico border exposed a growing weakness for Democrats. Biden did not win as many votes there as Hillary Clinton did four years earlier. Just two years ago, Beto O’Rourke had trouble earning support in the Rio Grande Valley. Joining the Jasons this week are political scientists James McCann from Purdue University and Michael Jones-Correa from the University of Pennsylvania discussing the emerging Latino vote and their book Holding Fast: Resilience and Civic Engagement Among Latino Immigrants. Plus, Antonio Arellano, the Interim Executive Director of Jolt Initiative, tells the Jasons where work remains for Democrats and opportunities potentially lie for Republicans.

Now that the dust has mostly settled in Texas, it’s time for the soul-searching. Democrats thought they were in strong position to finally win a statewide office, even possibly taking the Texas House. Not only did that not happen, in most races it wasn’t even close. While they still see progress, party leaders are already trying to map out a new game plan for 2022. At the same time, Republicans also turned out en masse, keeping Texas solidly red. And they think their strong ground game and face-to-face contact worked beautifully. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons perform a post-election autopsy on politics in Texas.

Just like everything else in 2020, the political landscape in Texas has turned upside down. And many national election experts say forget states like Florida and Pennsylvania, the national bellwether this year could actually be Texas. And that’s why the Lone Star State has become a national obsession. But those same expert are also warning everyone to proceed with caution with any predictions before the final numbers are counted because of our “unstable” political world. In this edition of Y’all-itics, the Jasons not only take a 30,000-foot view of the election, but they also break down specific races that could not only have a big impact in Texas, but also across the nation.

The lines have snaked through parking lots, around buildings, and don the block. Texans (and Americans generally) are voting…possibly in numbers never before seen. But participation isn’t just limited to casting ballots. Millions of dollars have been wagered on this presidential contest. Oddschecker.com and PredictIt.org show how much money is being wagered on this election and who bettors are picking. On top of that, companies are capitalizing on an engaged, politicized electorate—creating products with election or campaign branding for citizens who are willing to part with some Washingtons and even Benjamins to show their support for Trump or Biden. More Info https://www.electionvodka.com/ (Election Vodka) Must be 21 to enter https://www.jonessoda.com/ Jones Soda Co. https://www.oddschecker.com/us/insight/specials/politics/20201028-us-presidential-election-odds-$260m-staked-on-trump-vs-biden-as-us-election-becomes-most-wagered-on-event-in-betting-history https://www.predictit.org/markets/13/Prez-Election

Guns are on back-order. Ammo is sold out. What are so many Texans preparing for? This run on guns started during some of the protests that swept the state and the country this summer. But it hasn’t slowed down since and continues to build as we approach the election. A gun store owner and a firearms trainersay what makes this year different is the fact that the surge is being driven by first-time gun buyers. They told the Jasons why ammo is in such short supply, why people who have never owned a gun before are changing their minds and what next week’s election has to do with it all.

You’ve seen their commercials. They are brutal. And effective. If you needed more proof Texas is a battleground state, The Lincoln Project is ready to spend millions of dollars here during the final days of the campaign. Imagine that for a moment. A group of Republicans trying to defeat a Republican incumbent in a deeply red state. And not only that, but The Lincoln Project is also expecting some support from what a co-founder calls “deep MAGA country.” In this episode of Y’all-itics, Mike Madrid talks about their strategy in Texas, whether he thinks there is a permanent split in the Republican party and how they make those commercials so darn fast.

Perhaps nowhere in the country symbolizes voter enthusiasm more than Harris County, Texas. 100,000+ voters in one day for four straight days. Up to 9,000 votes an hour on average. Records there are falling left and right. And the blistering pace shows no sign of letting up. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins. He talks about what might be behind this surge of voters, why lines are moving faster than expected, what happens if there are symptoms at a site. Lessons learned there can even help at your polling location. And if you haven’t cast your ballot yet, listen to this episode while heading to vote!

Many artists say they’re ready to get back to work but can’t without an audience. In many cases, their backup jobs have been eliminated as well. And that’s why some say voters should view the arts not only as a battle for the soul of our nation, but also as an integral part of the economic recovery. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by a two-time Grammy and Tony award winner as well as the man who’s thinking about the arts for the Joe Biden campaign. And after all this time, the Jasons finally get their first “y’all.”

He coins phrases like no one else and has covered politics and elections for 70 years. Native Texan and former network newsman Dan Rather shares concerns about the 2020 election, talks about the serious challenges facing current-day media, and explains his latest passion project: Offering a $10,000 prize for the best idea to improve public education in Texas. Dan Rather is not done. Approaching his 89th birthday later this month, the longtime newsman and former anchor of the CBS Evening News, is still active on TV, radio, social media, and podcasts. He joins the Jasons on the Y’all-itics podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. Rather says he is long past missing the anchor chair but admits he does still pine for that hot seat on election nights. He is not in the main chair these days, but he does plan to still be working on the airwaves on the night of November 3rd. Rather talks about what concerns him the most in the lead-up to this historic race. He also talks about regrets from his own broadcasting career and his real worries that constant deadlines are speeding up the news cycle and degrading the quality of reporting at many news outlets these days. Rather also brings his grandson Martin Rather into the conversation. Since 2015, the two have collaborated on the “Rather Prize”: A $10,000 annual award for the best innovative idea to improve public education in the state of Texas. They are accepting submissions now for the next prize, which will be awarded in Spring 2021. So much has changed with education during the pandemic, so this year’s crop of innovative ideas may be more extraordinary than ever before. Like a close election, the contest for this Rather Prize could end up being hotter than a Laredo parking lot in the summer…or perhaps you could say the race for this prize will be as tight as a too-small bathing suit on a too-hot car ride back from the beach. Both of those memorable lines were coined by Rather during ad-lib-a-thons on previous election nights…so yes, the Jasons had to ask how he has come up with all those “Ratherisms” over the years. His answer about that is fascinating. https://ratherprize.org/ https://danratherjournalist.org/about-dan/biography https://twitter.com/danrather https://twitter.com/martinrather?lang=en

It is the political story in Texas right now. And talk about an October surprise: Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton accused of bribery, abuse of office and other potential crimes. And the allegations are coming from fellow Republicans within the AG’s office. In a statement, Paxton called them “rogue employees” and said he will not be resigning. But is the damage already done, if not to the AG, then how about the party? In this edition of Y’all-itics, the Jasons speak to Scott Braddock, the editor of Quorum Report, to take a deep dive into the allegations. And then they talk to Matt Mackowiak and Konni Burton, about whether Paxton – and the party – can survive the serious allegations.

You’ve heard on Y’all-itics recently that the Holy Trinity for Democrats in Texas this election will be winning President, U.S. Senate and flipping the Texas House. On this episode, the Executive Director of the Texas Democratic Party says while all three are realistic, only one is their strategic imperative. Manny Garcia also discusses the numerous election lawsuits still unfolding in courts a mere five weeks from the election. Confused about them? He shares some knowledge. And like many of our other guests, Garcia says Texas is definitely the biggest battleground state in the country. So why should voters be prepared to be annoyed?!?

Wait, what just happened in D.C.? Democrats and Republicans completely swapped sides on a major contentious issue – whether the U.S. Senate should vote on a Supreme Court nominee this close to a presidential election. Four years ago, under Obama, Republicans didn’t want to consider a judicial nominee and Democrats did. Today, under President Trump, it’s exactly the opposite. Hypocrisy? Senator Ted Cruz says it’s just politics. He joins the Jasons for this early release of Y’all-itics. Plus, six weeks away from the election, Cruz also told us that “Texas is a battleground.”

Hard to imagine that both political parties can find any common ground these days but reforming criminal justice reform is shared by Republicans and Democrats. Thirty years ago with rising crime across this state and the country, there was a general sense that offenders should be locked up and the key thrown away. Three strikes, you’re out. Remember that? Today, 30 years later, both parties are working to reform what is seen as a broken criminal justice system – from bail reform to offenders returning to society. Next week, Unlocking Doors, a Texas-based reentry program for ex-offenders, hosts its annual symposium with lawmakers, offenders, and criminal justice experts. On this episode, Christina Melton Crain from Unlocking Doors discusses her legislative wish list and filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell speaks about a documentary she produced with 64-women inmates incarcerated at the Dallas County Jail. The film will be previewed in the virtual symposium. MORE: https://www.unlockingdoors.org/

The chairman of the Texas Republican Party joins the Jasons on this week’s Y’all-itics and he didn’t hold back. The conservative firebrand wants the party to win suburban women and black voters in November and he has a plan to do it. But he also made clear he isn’t happy with how the republican Governor of Texas has handled the state’s coronavirus response calling Greg Abbott’s response heavy-handed.

The Jasons have a candid conversation with Beto O’Rourke as he looks back on his career and ahead at his own political future. Democrats have three main goals in Texas in November and O’Rourke talks about which one is most realistic. Plus, he shares the one thing he stopped doing in the last six months and the one thing he still hasn’t given up. More about the Texas Tribune Festival