The Politics Guys

Mike and Trey are joined by a new co-host, Tim King, a Professor of Economics at the University of Austin. The guys start off with a discussion of the civil unrest in Los Angeles. Tim argues that Democrats are hurting themselves politically by appearing to side with violent protesters. Trey points out that the administration’s legal justification for deploying troops is on shaky ground. Mike highlights that while the president receives broad deference on these matters, the failure to follow proper legal procedures is a real problem. From there, they move to the parade in honor of the Army’s 250th birthday and the ‘No Kings’ counterprogramming scheduled for the same day in multiple locations across the country. Tim sees the parade as a positive show of support for the military, but doubts protests will change anything. Trey views these events as more about organizing and building activist networks than immediate impact. Mike warns that counterprotests like these risk alienating voters and undermining the cause they hope to advance. They close by considering HHS Secretary RFK Jr firing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices and quickly naming eight replacements, just weeks before the committee’s next meeting. Tim downplays the impact, suggesting public trust in government health advice was already damaged during COVID. Trey stresses that the advisory board’s decisions have real consequences for vaccine access. Mike finds RFK’s claims of conflicts of interest unconvincing, seeing little justification for such a sweeping shake-up. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out Tim on Substack and X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Get 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code POLITICSGUYS50 at https://www.magicmind.com/politicsguys50 #magicmind #mentalperformance 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

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Trey and Justin begin the show by discussing two Supreme Court cases. The first case resulted in a unanimous decision against Mexico’s lawsuit against gun manufacturers. The case sparked a discussion between the hosts about their own positions on gun rights and the merits of the case. Trey viewed it as a pointless case. Next, the hosts addressed the split decision to allow DOGE access to social security information. While acknowledging the problematic nature of the institutional presidency, the hosts agree that DOGE, despite its policy issues, should be granted access to the data. This led to an extended conversation about the evolution of the presidency and the concept of the imperial presidency. The show concludes with a discussion about the possible  party realignment occurring in the United States, focused on the departure of former President Biden’s press secretary from the Democratic Party.  The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Trey and Justin join forces for the first time in this week's episode! The pair begin with a discussion of Trump's new travel ban and its relationship to the attack in Boulder. Then they discuss both the social media battle between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump and whether this is the last gasp for economic conservatives in the Republican Party. They close the show discussing the impact of Ukraine's drone strikes and how it borders, as close as one can, to the workings of a James Bond-like movie. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Mike talks with Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, an organization that represents people who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. Topics Mike & Lura discuss include: how Lura went from a marketing professor to running the Independent Center true independents vs learners if there are enough independents to make a real difference whether partisan politics is such a bad thing the two-party stranglehold on political power how the Independent Center hopes to change things Check out Lura's podcast: We Made This Political The Independent Center on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

Mike, Justin, and Sam open with the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump’s shifting tone toward Putin. Sam calls Putin “crazy like a fox” and blames Biden’s weak deterrence, arguing Ukraine will ultimately have to concede territory. Mike notes that while Congress is pushing for more sanctions, “if you give Putin an inch, he’ll take three and a half miles.” Justin worries that conceding ground may only encourage further Russian aggression and doubts anyone has real leverage to end the stalemate. Next, the hosts discuss Elon Musk’s exit from his government role. Sam says Musk’s departure was legally inevitable and credits him with shaking things up, though he sees missed opportunities. Mike frames Musk’s tenure as a classic story of a corporate titan facing the reality of government, describing Musk as both brilliant and clueless. Justin argues Musk overpromised and underdelivered, leaving behind a mess and ongoing conflict-of-interest questions. The conversation closes with Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms and the politicization of legal representation. Sam claims big law has been “weaponized” against conservatives but admits the orders were drafted too broadly. Mike finds the summary judgment against Trump unsurprising and warns that crackdowns on law firms threaten the free market. Justin sees the rulings as a win for free speech and says if lawyers can’t find a firm, they can start their own, adding that Trump’s style is a big part of the backlash.  The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

This week, Mike and Justin welcome conservative attorney Sam Dewey to the podcast. They start with a discussion of the big rulings this week on President Trump’s tariffs. Sam says the real issue is Congress giving too much tariff power to the president. Justin sees a troubling pattern of executive overreach. Mike highlights the irony that conservative legal doctrines may now limit Trump’s power. Next, they turn to the latest bunch of clemency actions from President Trump. Sam defends the pardons as a response to “weaponized” prosecutions. Justin argues the beneficiaries are mostly Trump’s allies, not everyday people. Mike notes Trump’s deeply personal approach to justice.   The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Mike talks with Eric Heinze, professor at Queen Mary University of London and author of Coming Clean: The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left.  Topics Mike and Eric discuss include: why critical theory resists a single definition the Radical Critique of Western Liberal Democracythe left’s greatest legacy: redefining history as collective self-scrutiny the left’s big blind spot prospects for change Eric Heinze on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Justin and Ken kick things off by diving into the recent wave of controversy at university graduation ceremonies, focusing on student protests, administrative discipline, and the fallout from pro-Palestinian activism. Ken highlights how some universities have responded with severe penalties, while Justin points out the broader context of political pressure from the Trump administration. Next, they discuss the Trump administration’s escalating battles with Harvard, Columbia, and other top universities, especially over international student visas and federal research funding. Justin notes the chilling effect on university recruitment and reputation, while Ken explains how the courts have quickly intervened to halt what he sees as flagrant violations of basic administrative law. The conversation zooms out to examine the post-WWII origins of government-funded research at American universities and why those dollars are vital to national leadership in science and technology. Ken gives a primer on the policy rationale and the global “soft power” benefits, while Justin reflects on the risk of brain drain as talented researchers leave for more stable opportunities. Wrapping up, the hosts cover the recent White House visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, exploring Trump’s rhetoric around “white genocide” and the realpolitik behind the meeting. Justin observes how Ramaphosa skillfully held his ground with Trump, while Ken unpacks the interplay between Trump, Elon Musk, and domestic politics, seeing little actual policy at stake. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

Justin and Ken start by digging into the passage of the so-called “big, beautiful budget bill”—a sweeping House measure with far-reaching fiscal and policy implications. Justin highlights the political maneuvering and procedural oddities that defined the bill’s passage, while Ken offers a critical breakdown of its contents, deficit impact, and the dramatic tradeoffs between tax cuts and program cuts. Both note the bill’s likely downstream effects on Medicaid recipients, rural healthcare, SNAP benefits, and America’s clean energy future, with Ken emphasizing the unprecedented deficit expansion and Justin focusing on the political optics and the challenge for Democrats to frame the debate.   Next, the hosts turn to a landmark—and controversial—Supreme Court shadow docket decision, which summarily overturned decades of precedent on the independence of federal agencies. Ken explains the legal mechanics and historical context behind the decision, warning that the Court’s use of emergency orders for major constitutional shifts undermines process and stability. Justin, meanwhile, explores the practical consequences, especially the tactic of disabling regulatory agencies by denying them a quorum, and what this might signal for the future balance of power in government. The episode closes with an examination of the highly publicized arrest of Newark mayor Ras Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver at an ICE protest. Justin and Ken both condemn the actions as heavy-handed and chilling, discussing how federal overreach in this context threatens principles of federalism, separation of powers, and civil dissent. Ken draws a line to broader Department of Justice trends, while Justin stresses the real personal and financial costs inflicted on those targeted by such arrests. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Mike talks with Eva Posner, founder and CEO of Evinco Strategies, a political consulting firm specializing in first-time candidates from diverse backgrounds who face barriers in traditional campaigns.  Topics Mike & Eva discuss include: why you have to be weird to run for office the importance of ‘Rolodexing’ the power of relatability the value of ‘hard asks’ challenges first-time candidates face the importance of call time getting potential donors to open their wallets Eva Posner on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Mike and Justin open this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of oral arguments at the Supreme Court in the birthright citizenship case. The Court is considering not the merits of the President’s order putting constraints on birthright citizenship, but rather if district court judges have exceeded their authority by issuing universal injunctions against the order.  Next is a look at President Trump’s executive order on lowering drug prices. Neither Justin nor Mike sees much in the order that will make a difference. Still, they’re both fans of the idea of lower drug prices for Americans - an idea that polls extremely well across ideological lines, but smacks of price controls, which are anathema to free-market conservatives. They close by considering whether states were doing the right thing in allowing online sports betting in the wake of a 2018 Supreme Court decision allowing them to do so. They consider rising gambling addiction and the strong pull of the online betting apps to be a serious problem for which states have yet to find an acceptable answer. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Mike and Justin open with a discussion of the 90-day pause in the tariff war between the United States and China. Markets loved the move, and Mike makes the case that this may have been the Trump plan all along, and that at this point, he seems to be getting significant concessions. However, Americans have yet to feel the impact of the tariffs — something that will change before long. Next, they turn to President Trump’s Middle East trip. Mike thinks he sees a fairly coherent strategy that he sort of likes, with a few (large) caveats. Justin points out the administration’s seeming complete lack of concern with human rights abuses in the Middle East, with Trump putting ‘making deals’ above human rights issues. They close with a discussion of the jet Qatar has offered as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, as well as President Trump’s crypto business. Both Mike and Justin think there’s massive potential for corruption here, with Mike wondering if we’re at a point where the public (at least a large portion of it) has been almost inured to claims of corruption when they involve Donald Trump.. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

Mike talks with David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America. Topics Mike and David discuss include: - what makes Project 2025 different from previous policy blueprints - how closely connected President Trump is to Project 2025 - personnel policies in Project 2025 - Project 2025 and the Unitary Executive theory - how Christian Nationalism ties in to Project 2025 - implementation of Project 2025- best and worst case scenarios David Graham on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Mike and Ken open with a look back at the legacy of former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who died on May 8. Souter, who was named to the Court by Republican President George H.W. Bush, was a big disappointment to many on the right, which Ken argues was in part by design, due to the complications of abortion politics in the post-Roe, pre-Dobbs era. Next, they discuss a divided Supreme Court allowing the Department of Defense’s ban on transgender troops to go forward while a challenge to the ban is being considered by lower courts. They close by looking at President Trump’s Executive Order banning federal funding of NPR and PBS, considering whether it’s within the president’s power to end the funding, and even if it is, whether that’s a good idea.   The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Mike and Ken open with a discussion of something lapsed-Catholic Mike thought he’d never see - an American Pope. While Pope Leo is unlikely to be as progressive as his predecessor, he’s no ultra-conservative who has said some critical things about Vice President Vance in the past. Then they turn to tariffs: the just-announced agreement between the US and the UK, if and when more agreements may be forthcoming, the economic damage that’s almost certain even if deals start pouring in, and a strange proposal for a 100% tariff on movies made in ‘foreign lands’. Next is a look at the Trump administration’s plan to pay undocumented migrants $1,000 to self-deport. Both Mike and Ken are skeptical that anyone will end up getting paid to leave the country, and Ken questions the President’s legal authority for the policy. They close with a discussion of the lawsuit challenging major cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services brought by 19 states and the District of Columbia.  The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Mike talks with attorney, former law school dean, and current Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. In 2022, Secretary Benson was recognized for her refusal to back down in the face of threats and harassment in the wake of the 2020 presidential election with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. She’s running for governor of Michigan in 2026 and is the author of the recently released book The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What’s Right When the Stakes Are High. Topics Mike & Secretary Benson discuss include: - why Donald Trump called Secretary Benson a ‘rogue secretary of state’ - why we need more warriors in our already-contentious politics - how politics awards risk-averse behavior - why more Republicans in Congress aren’t challenging President Trump - if states should roll back their COVID-era election changes - the importance of fixing things that aren’t broken (yet) Jocelyn Benson on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

In this Constitution show Trey and Ken tackle two amendments: the 20th and the 22nd. The 20th changes when and how Congress and the President take office. The 22nd formalizes the precedent of President Washington’s two term limit. The pair delve into the history, ratification, and implementation of the 20th and 22nd amendment! The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Trey and Ken open with a detailed look into Trump’s first 100 days in office. This includes a conversation as to why we rate presidents’ first 100 days along with detailed discussions of Trump’s handling of both economic policy and foreign policy. Imbedded in this conversation is a look at the U.S. / Ukrainian resources deal and what that means for the future of the war and an extended conversation on Mike Pence leaving as National Security Advisor and his chances to make it past the Senate to be the new ambassador to the United Nations. Next, they turn to a detailed examination of Judge Fernando Rodriguez’s ruling against the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). Included here is a conversation about how sympathetic Judge Rodriguez’s is and yet his ruling putting a halt to the Trump administration’s deportation plans. They close the show with a look at Trump’s breaking budget on Friday. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Mike talks with Mike Nellis, former Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris and Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Authentic, a digital marketing agency that’s raised over a billion dollars for campaigns and had a 77% client win rate in 2024.  Topics Mike & Mike discuss include: - the evolution of political fundraising - how AI is being used in political marketing - White Dudes for Harris - what went wrong for Democrats in 2024 - the authenticity of Donald Trump - working class voters and the Diploma Divide - The Rock for President - Pete Buttegieg - the best Democratic communicator? Mike Nellis on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Mike and Justin open with a look at President Trump’s executive orders concerning higher education: one on accreditation, another on reporting foreign funding, and a third concerning historically Black colleges and universities. Following that they turn to Trump’s actions on K-12 education, one focusing on artificial intelligence and the other on discipline in schools. They close with a discussion of oral arguments before the Supreme Court on a case involving parents who want to opt out their children from readings that include LGTQ+ themes. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Mike and Justin open with a discussion of yet another wild week for the world economy, largely due to instability caused by President Trump’s changing positions on trade and the economy. He hates the Fed Chair he appointed but won’t fire him (even though he claims he can), says the US is talking with China, which China denies, and is now dealing with multiple lawsuits challenging his authority to impose broad-based sanctions using emergency powers. Next they turn to what appears to be Elon Musk’s coming departure from DOGE. They look at how DOGE’s work has affected Musk, how much DOGE has actually saved, and whether it was ever about efficiency, as opposed to control. They close with a look at the latest Ukraine peace deal, which seems more like a demand that Ukraine surrender more than anything else. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Mike talks with Adam Swart, the founder of Crowds on Demand, the original paid protesting firm, and a leading expert on protests, political optics, and narrative strategy. A lifelong liberal, Adam now finds himself increasingly "not liberal enough" for many in the modern Left. Topics Mike and Adam discuss include: - the false dichotomy between ‘real’ and ‘fake’ protests - why every significant protest is a paid protest - the left’s protest advantage over the right - throwing tantrums vs getting things done - the importance of barking up the right tree - making geeky issues exciting - if short-sellers could have been behind the Tesla protests Adam Swart on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Mike and Trey open with a look at a recent Trump Executive Order intended to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Mike is generally in favor, though he doesn’t see it as having a huge impact. He also points to the absurdity of importing prescription drugs from Canada, arguing that it’s a sign of a fundamentally broken system. Trey makes the case that even if this EO results in savings, it doesn’t come close to offsetting the additional healthcare costs imposed on many Americans by Trump administration policies. Next, they turn to tax policy and IRS cutbacks. Mike points out that eviscerating IRS enforcement makes no sense if the government really cares about efficiency or enforcing the law. Mike and Trey also get into tariffs (essentially a regressive consumption tax), tax burden, tax complexity, and ways the tax code might (but probably won’t) be improved. They close by considering the historic number of executive actions taken by Donald Trump over the first three months of his second term, as well as the equally historic record of non-accomplishment when it comes to passing laws. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Mike and Trey open by considering the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. They consider how both the left and right see Abrego Garcia, the legal battles surrounding his illegal deportation and possible return (don’t hold your breath), and if we’re near a point at which the Trump administration openly defies the courts. Next is a discussion of the Trump administration’s attempts to bring Harvard University to heel, and Harvard’s resistance. They consider both the legal questions raised as well as how all this might play out at a time when trust in higher education is at a historic low. They close with a look at the Iran nuclear talks. Trey thinks this could end up being a win for Trump, and while Mike doesn’t necessarily disagree, he argues that the first Trump administration largely created the situation he’s now trying to fix. Please consider supporting Homes of Hope The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Travis talks with political scientist, Johns Hopkins professor, and CEO of Cohen Research Group, Dr. Michael Cohen about his new book, Modern Political Campaigns: How Professionalism, Technology, and Speed Have Revolutionized Elections, in which he provides insight into the practical nature of managing political campaigns and an insider’s advice on breaking into careers in the field of political consulting.  Topics Travis and Michael cover include: Why professionalism, technology, and speed are the hallmark features of modern political campaigns The role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigning and the ethical considerations campaign managers must make when using AI What the permanent campaign is and its impact on American democracy and representation  Follow Dr. Michael Cohen on LinkedIn.   The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of the Trump administration’s attempts to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members by invoking the Alien Enemies Act. Mike argues that the Act doesn’t apply in this instance, while Jay points out that the Supreme Court is right to insist on due process for potential deportees, even if they can be legally removed via the Alien Enemies Act. Next, they discuss the administration’s aggressive push to get universities to stop DEI programs by suspending federal funding. Mike believes that this sort of ‘guilty until proven innocent’ approach is fundamentally wrong and violates existing regulations. Jay has less of a problem with it, contending that universities don’t have a right to federal funding and if they’re violating civil rights, it may be permissible to suspend funding even before a final determination has been made. They close by considering how historian Heather Cox Richardson defines liberalism, the left, and the right - what they think about her definition, how theirs differs, and how slippery these terms can be in real life. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of the ever-changing tariff landscape. Mike argues that President Trump’s tariffs may not even be legal – on multiple grounds, and that even if they are upheld, trade policy by presidential fiat is a horrible idea. Jay agrees, though both he and Mike are at least somewhat sympathetic toward actions taken in response to China’s massive IP theft and significant non-tariff barriers to US goods. Next is a discussion of four energy-related actions taken by President Trump, focusing mainly on coal. Jay feels that less regulation on a still important energy source is a good thing, whereas Mike argues that coal is both much dirtier and more expensive than alternatives like renewables and nuclear, which is what the administration should be promoting. They close with Jay responding to a listener question concerning why Jay isn’t a big fan of Black History or Women’s History Month. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Trey and Ken continue their journey through the U.S. Constitution by discussing the 19th Amendment: women's suffrage. They discuss the founding contradiction, including details from the life of Abigail Adams. They also focus on the history and implementation of the 19th Amendment, along with a brief commentary on some fringe groups calling for its end. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Trey and Ken begin with a discussion of the so-called American Liberation Day. Trey attacks Trump’s tariffs from a libertarian view, but sees connections to authoritarianism in their implementation. Ken is more sympathetic to tariffs, but does not believe the current tariff policy would achieve his desired ends of protected key industries. Next is a discussion of the firing of both NSC and NSA officials and its connection to Laura Loomer. Here there is a detailed discussion of Trump’s circle of influence. Neither Ken nor Trey sees positives in these moves, but it confuses Ken. Trey explains the differences between Trump populists and former Republican conservatives and neo-conservatives. Then, it is a discussion of Cory Booker and his record-breaking Senate speech. Both Trey and Ken see this as the launching of Booker’s campaign, but Trey also sees it as an effective position-taking strategy, one that Democrats have sorely lacked in the wake of Trump’s election. They close the show with a discussion of the Wisconsin and Florida special elections and what, if any, clues they have to President Trump’s support. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Mike talks with Adam Chandler, a former staff writer at The Atlantic whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and a bunch of other places. They discuss his recently released book, 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life. Topics Mike & Adam discuss include: - the “American Abracadabra” - Columbus, the Puritans, and Ben Franklin - if the United States is still the “Land of Opportunity” - the downside of hustle culture - universal basic income - how workplace culture has changed over time - what we might learn from the French about work - the economic costs of a more laid-back approach to work - work and a New Patriotism Adam Chandler on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Mike and Jay open this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of nationwide injunctions by federal district court judges. Neither of them likes the practice, and they consider three ways that the practice might be curtailed or ended entirely. Next, it’s a look at President Trump’s memorandum ostensibly on preventing abuses of the legal system, as well as his various Executive Orders targeting big DC law firms that have gone up against him. Mike is very concerned about this, and while Jay isn’t as worried, it’s not because he thinks what Trump is doing is at all okay - Jay believes that this will all be rejected by federal courts, while Mike is less optimistic about that, especially when it comes to revocation of security clearances. Following that, they review the Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing the ATF to regulate so-called ‘ghost guns’, and Jay discusses whether he now regrets having supported Donald Trump. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of ‘Signalgate’, the text chain with top Trump administration officials on the Signal app in which Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffery Goldberg was inexplicably included. Jay has big concerns about the competence of the administration as well as the overall tone of the Signal communication. Both Mike and Jay agree with the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board that the Trump administration can’t bully its way through everything crying Fake News and that at times like this the best thing to do is admit a screwup, fire those responsible, and move on – not that any of that is remotely likely to happen in an administration known for doubling down, not backing down. Next is a look at the most recent development in President Trump’s new tariff regime: 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. Not surprisingly, neither Jay nor Mike sees this as a good idea. Mike makes an argument for restoring more control over tariffs to Congress, and significantly curtailing presidential ‘emergency’ tariff powers. Then, they consider President Trump’s Executive Order on federal elections. Mike doesn’t think what Trump is doing is constitutional, and Jay largely agrees, seeing this EO more as politics than serious policy. Mike adds that the penalty for states that don’t comply – potential loss of federal election assistance funds – isn’t all that significant. They close by wondering why Donald Trump is so obsessed with Greenland and how his ham-handed efforts to ‘get’ it may end up backfiring. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

Jay and Justin open this supporters’ midweek episode with a look at the Department of Defense's efforts to remove DEI-tagged historical content from its websites, sparking backlash and broader questions about how diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are defined and implemented. They discuss whether this was merely an administrative blunder or a deliberate action, exploring the nuances and potential political motivations behind this move. Jay argues for a conservative redefinition of DEI—celebrating individual achievement rather than group identities—while Justin highlights the complexities and misunderstandings surrounding DEI initiatives across institutions. In the second half of the episode, Jay and Justin shift gears to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, examining former President Trump's recent attempts at negotiating a partial ceasefire. They unpack the complications of the "mostly peaceful" ceasefire and express skepticism about the sincerity and effectiveness of such agreements given continued aggression. They contemplate the broader geopolitical implications, considering how the international community, especially China, may interpret these developments. Both Jay and Justin acknowledge the war's eventual resolution will likely require uncomfortable compromises, but doubt remains over how quickly—or effectively—these negotiations will proceed.   The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Mike talks about the The World with Marco Werman. For our listeners interested in global events, join the other 2.5 million listeners who tune into The World every week. I hope you will enjoy this excellent show as much as we do.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Jay and Justin open the episode with a discussion of President Trump’s Executive Order to Abolish the Department of Education. Is this legally possible, or just symbolic politics? Jay and Justin dig into the history, constitutional limits, and practical implications—especially regarding federal funding, student aid, special education, and K–12 policy. They also weigh in on whether educational standards have actually changed since the Department’s inception. Next, they consider Chuck Schumer’s bad week. From accusations of weak leadership to talk of a primary challenge by AOC and grumbling within his own caucus, the Guys assess Schumer’s standing, the Democrats’ strategic missteps, and what the Senate minority leader could—and maybe should—do next. They close with a look at Trump, the Courts, and Chief Justice Roberts. With Trump seemingly defying court orders, calling for judges’ impeachment, and stirring constitutional anxieties, Jay and Justin assess whether we’re creeping toward a genuine constitutional crisis—or just playing political Calvinball with separation of powers. Bonus: Roberts finally speaks, and it’s… measured. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

Mike talks with Monica Hopkins, the executive director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia. Given all of the legal challenges to Trump administration actions, this seemed like an ideal time for a discussion with someone on the front lines. Topics Mike and Monica discuss include: - if the ACLU is a progressive-left organization - Trump, DOGE, and threats to federal employees - deportation of undocumented immigrants - ending birthright citizenship - DC statehood ACLU DC on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

Mike and Ken open this preview of the midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of the administration’s actions against DC law firms that have opposed President Trump. They both find this to be deeply disturbing, especially as legal action is about the only resource Democrats have until they’re able to win enough seats to control the House or Senate. Then they look at the budgetary effects of mass firings. Mike wonders what will happen to the money freed up from the firings, and predicts that much of it will end up going back to the Treasury at the end of the fiscal year. Ken argues that many of the firings will be successfully challenged in court, meaning that there won’t be much (if any) money to go back. They also discuss whether or not President Trump will try to throw Elon Musk under the bus if DOGE continues to grow in unpopularity. Next is a conversation about Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Mike sees Barrett as a big disappointment to MAGA, as she’s not a perfectly reliable pro-Trump vote. Ken agrees, suggesting that Barrett was influenced by Justice Antonin Scalia to develop a judicial philosophy that, while flawed (to Ken’s way of looking at it, at least) gives her a certain commendable integrity. They close by considering what sort of a presidential nominee Gavin Newsome might be and consider the alternatives, including Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, Andy Beshear, John Fetterman, and Mark Cuban. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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. T 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

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Mike and Ken open with a discussion of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. Passage of the bill wouldn’t have been possible without the support of some Senate Democrats, which has caused consternation with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Mike and Ken both think this was a tough call, though Ken would have sided with the “no” voters while Mike would have voted “yes” to keep the government open. Next, they consider the terms of the Ukraine ceasefire. Neither of them feels that Russian dictator Putin has much incentive to accept a ceasefire at this point, and they conclude that we’re unlikely to see the shooting stop as long as Russia is still making battlefield gains. From there, it’s a look at the attempted deportation of Mahmoud Khalil. Mike wonders why the Trump administration so obviously violated the due process rights of Khalil when they could have done things by the book and likely have gotten Khalil deported. Ken responds that the legal argument for deporting Khalil isn’t very good, which may be why the Trump administration chose the approach it did. They close by addressing a listener question concerning Trump’s win in November and what can be done to most effectively resist Trumpist policies prior to the midterm elections. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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. ThePolitics 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

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

Mike talks with Jason Read, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern Maine, about his book The Double Shift: Spinoza and Marx on the Politics of Work. Topics Mike & Jason discuss include: - work as a source of meaning and identity - what Spinoza adds to Marx’s views on work - what Fight Club, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul can tell us about work - Gen X and the death of slacker culture - why ‘selling out’ isn’t seen as such a bad thing anymore - mythocracy and negative solidarity The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Mike and Jay open this midweek supporters’ episode with a look at the Supreme Court’s decision to not vacate a temporary restraining order (TRO) that requires the government to pay USAID contractors $2 billion for services provided. Jay focuses on the legal arguments and at least partially convinces Mike that the TRO was problematic, though on the larger issue of the government paying contractors, Mike and Jay agree that the US should pay up for services rendered. Next is an in-depth discussion of the fate of Ukraine and US foreign policy, in the wake of a number of troubling signs for supporters of Ukraine. They close by considering the Supreme Court’s decision to not hear a case concerning university bias response teams (BRTs). Jay thinks that BRTs are a horrible idea, and Mike is no big fan of them either, but thinks in some circumstances they could play a role. What surprises Mike is that the decision to not hear the case was 7-2, meaning that four of the Court’s six conservatives voted against granting cert. Jay suggests some reasons why this may have happened, but Mike is still a bit mystified. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Mike and Jay open with a look at the latest in the “Will he or won’t he?” saga of President Trump’s tariffs, They agree that this sort of uncertainty is bad for markets, and Mike points out that tariffs are not just a tax, but a regressive tax. Jay observes that the US used to derive nearly all of its income through tariffs, but that was a very different time. They also look at the legal justification for the tariffs, which they both agree is at least somewhat shaky. Next is a discussion of the big Trump rally that was his address to a joint session of Congress. There wasn’t much substance, but plenty of lies and people behaving badly. They close by considering a UK listener's view that under President Trump, the United States is no longer either strong or right, but that American under Trump is weak and venal. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

Trey talks with Katherine Stewart author of the new book: Money, Lies and God. Katherine is a journalist and author whose work focuses on intersection of religion, politics and policy, and the threat the intersection of religion and politics has on democratic institutions. Topics Trey and Katherine discuss include: - the origins of Christian Nationalism - why abortion became a rightwing position - the various groups that have become the Christian right - why school issues have become a key cultural issue in the U.S. Katherine Stewart 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

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

In this U.S. Constitution episode, Trey and Ken look at the ties between prohibition and women's suffrage, the unique policy nature of the 18th Amendment, and the unusual path to ratification in Ohio. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X  Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Trey and Ken open the episode with the breaking chaos between President Zelenskyy, President Trump, and Vice-President Vance. Trey opened the segment by stating that his assumption of a foreign policy difference between Putin and President Trump was flawed. The hosts agreed that the moment was a turning point in the break between the U.S. and Europe.  Next, they moved to the House's budget bill. Ken was surprised that only Representative Massie defected. Trey believes Democrats will end up taking the blame if they shut the government down. Ken agrees historically but believes some specifics make Democrats' strategy different in this budget cycle.  They close with a look at DOGE and Musk's demand that all federal employees report the five things they did in the last week. Ken takes a deep legal look at worker protection, and Trey argues that it gives true efforts to reign in government a bad name. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X  Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of the Trump administration’s attempt to fire Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger. So far, the courts have sided with Dellinger against the administration, but Jay thinks there’s a reasonable chance that the Supreme Court might end up giving the administration what it wants, and further advancing the “Unitary Executive” view of the presidency. Mike agrees that Jay may be right as a matter of law, but feels that the Trump administration continues to push executive power to dangerous levels. Next they take a look at DOGE. While it sure seems like Elon Musk is in charge of it, the White House says Musk isn’t even a DOGE employee. What’s going on here, and can Musk legally do what he’s doing without Senate confirmation? Mike thinks not, while Jay believes that Musk is simply a presidential advisor, not someone in a top policy position who would require Senate confirmation. They close with a look back at the first 10 years of The Politics Guys. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

Mike and Jay open this 10th Anniversary episode of The Politics Guys with a discussion of the Trump administration’s seeming turn toward Russia and away from Ukraine. They discuss Trump’s many lies about the war, including that Ukraine started it (which Trump later walked back), that Zelensky is a dictator with a four percent approval rating, the amount of money the US has given to Ukraine, and more. They also consider the larger foreign policy and global order implications of the deals Trump is hoping to make with Ukraine and with Russia. In the end, both Mike and Jay are horribly disappointed by this turn of events. Then they turn to the domestic scene – a Trump executive order intended to give the president more control over so-called independent agencies. Mike is no fan, but Jay argues that as the president, Donald Trump has the right to do more or less what he wants with executive branch agencies, including firing “independent” agency heads because they disagree with him on policy. 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

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Mike welcomes back George Mason University economist Bryan Caplan to talk about his latest collection, Self Help is Like a Vaccine: Essays on Living Better. Topics Mike & Bryan discuss include: - obese people and anti-vaxxers - Bryan’s life of appeasement - the value of betting on politics - poverty and substance abuse - reasons to spend more time in a bubble - quality vs quantity in converts Bryan’s Substack: Bet on It 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

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

Mike and Jay open this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of President Trump’s call with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and plans to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Mike points out that Trump, supposedly a master negotiator, seems to have made concessions to Putin even before negotiations have begun. Both Jay and Mike are concerned about how any capitulation to Russia’s unprovoked aggression might encourage China’s dictator regarding Taiwan. Following that, they consider the House Republican budget blueprint which, while decrying huge deficits, would add trillions in debt. They close by addressing listener questions concerning whether Jay thinks Trump is still just a passing phenomenon, and if Mike believes that Democrats are doing enough to counter the president. 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

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Mike and Jay open with a look at the various efforts by the Trump administration to pull back on political prosecutions or political figures, including the very controversial decision to not pursue charges (for now) against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Neither Mike nor Jay agree with the Adams decision, but Jay is more willing to consider a political motive by the Biden DOJ for bringing the charges in the first place. They also discuss the wider implications of Trump’s actions. Mike’s main concern is that it will result in more public corruption, though he agrees with Jay that there’s something to be said for not unduly constraining American businesses in international competition. Then they turn to the issue of constitutional crises – what the term means, if we’re in (or near) one, and the last time we’ve seen an unquestionable constitutional crisis. They close with a discussion of the latest Trump cabinet confirmations: Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, and RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Mike’s New (free) Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2025

Trey and Ken continue working through the U.S. Constitution with the 16th Amendment. Why and how did we allow direct taxes? What was the reason for not having direct taxes in the original constitution? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025