James and Al game out Trump’s prosecution, reluctantly give credit to Speaker Johnson, and castigate the SCOTUS, before welcoming retired General John Allen to discuss our place in world affairs.  They look at the effects of the foreign aid package, how to continue to support our allies, and the next phase of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.  Their analysis also dives into the evolving duties of the Marine Corps, how warfare is waged on the information battlefield, the challenges that define our relationship with China, and the role of risk and vulnerability in successful di ..read more

James and Al dive into Congress’ handling of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and analyze the politically transformative effects of Dobbs on the Republican party.  Then they welcome legal expert Fred Wertheimer to discuss the progression of Trump’s first criminal trial, how the charges can be proven, and developments in the other legal challenges confronting him.  They also are joined by political strategist Billy Ray to explore how identity politics have moved Democrats away from effective messaging, the changes the party needs to make, and why appealing to the center w ..read more

James and Al decry Islamophobia and welcome MN Senator Tina Smith to discuss foreign relations and the Dobbs decision’s role in our politics.  Following anti-abortion revanchism under the Comstock Act and extreme restrictions in red states, they analyze how to fight back by enacting legislation to secure women’s rights, the policies that will energize young voters, and what it will take to win state and national elections.  They also strategize about how to overcome pro-Putin Republicans in the House to get support to Ukraine, secure an Israel-Hamas cease fire, and deliver humanitari ..read more

James and Al critique coastal elitism, explore how the Israel-Gaza war ends, and welcome Justice Breyer to discuss the role of the Supreme Court and its judges.  They compare textualism and pragmatism using Justice Scalia as a foil, weigh the factors that go into reading the Constitution, debate politics’ place on the bench, review the ethics governing the court, and look at why public approval of the judicial branch is plummeting.  In their conversation they also break down the language of the 2nd Amendment, explain how history is the ultimate arbiter of past decisions, and call on ..read more

James and Al take Rep. Jim Jordan to task for continuing to spew lies about the 2020 election and review the status of Trump’s many trials, their possible outcomes, and their effect on the race.  They also debate what NBC’s firing of Ronna McDaniel says about the state of network journalism, and weigh how RFK Jr. affects the election after his vice presidential pick.  Author and sports journalist John Feinstein joins them to discuss March Madness, the business of sports, Pete Rose’s fall from grace, all time sports greats, the best city for sports, and more.  Short note on audi ..read more

James and Al tear into the Orban government and analyze Trump’s influence on the Ohio Senate race before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis to discuss the global military landscape.  They explore strategies for success in the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts, game out an effective response to threats against Taiwan, and look at how war fighting will evolve in the future.  Then, they are joined by Dr. Cornelia Griggs for a reflection on the state of our healthcare system, current pandemic preparedness, and the COVID response on its 4th anniversary. Email your questions to Jam ..read more

James and Al tear into the Orban government and analyze Trump’s influence on the Ohio Senate race before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis to discuss the global military landscape.  They explore strategies for success in the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts, game out an effective response to threats against Taiwan, and look at how war fighting will evolve in the future.  Then, they are joined by Dr. Cornelia Griggs for a reflection on the state of our healthcare system, current pandemic preparedness, and the COVID response on its 4th anniversary. Email your questions to Jam ..read more

James and Al destroy the RNC and Senator Katie Britt’s SOTU response, before welcoming authors of “White Rural Rage” Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman for a demographic deep dive.  They expose the disproportionate influence of rural White voters, analyze the factors driving their regional decline, and explain how Republicans have leveraged their grievances to win a larger share of their vote.  Then, they prove that rhetoric has not translated into results on issues like coal mining expansion and rural broadband access, arguing that Democrats are actually the better choice. Email your qu ..read more

James and Al give their take on Super Tuesday and the impact of a Trump conviction, before welcoming journalist Evan Osnos.  They analyze Biden’s electoral prospects and the validity of the polls, looking at how his personality has changed, whether he is fit to serve, and how to win over the doubters.  Then, they preview the potential and peril of the upcoming SOTU and evaluate the arguments driving his campaign strategy, including how to speak effectively about the increase in the cost of living, his policy successes, and the threat Trump poses to democracy.    Email your ..read more

James and Al expose the hypocrisy of Jim Jordan and Matt Schlapp and welcome PA Senator Bob Casey.  They discuss the role of President Biden in down ballot elections, what it will take to win in PA, and the issues most important to voters.  They cover how Republican obstruction is exacerbating the border crisis and undermining national security, laying out how support for Ukraine and Israel makes us safer and boosts domestic manufacturing.  They also dive into Senator Casey’s work on the fentanyl crisis and how to win on economic issues by focusing on the effect that shrinkflati ..read more