Category: Podcast

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Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding.”  Mike and Jay talk about masks, character, and who’s hiding what in the Georgia- Atlanta spat, CDC guidance, and Trump’s approach to facial coverings. Then the first federal execution in 17 years opens up a discussion about the death penalty, if and how it should be applied, and who should decide those questions.  And Trump once again proves himself to the George Steinbrenner of politics by replacing another campaign manager.  Does this signal a change in direction, or just Trump being Trump?

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation
Andrew Sullivan’s Final NY Magazine Column
The Weekly Dish

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This week, Mike & Jay discuss the commutation of Roger Stone’s sentence by President Trump, the Trump administration’s push to open up schools this fall, international student visas, and big Supreme Court rulings on the release of Donald Trump’s financial records and whether presidential electors can be punished or replaced for being “faithless”.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation
Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist 

Jay’s Weekly Recommendation
The First Salute. Barbara Tuchman

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On this week’s show, Mike and Kristin kick things off by discussing some of the recent developments in COVID-19 news and the differences in how governors and the President have handled mask-wearing. They also talk about allegations of Russian bounties on US troops  as well as two recent SCOTUS decisions handed down this week, one involving abortion rights (June Medical Services v. Russo) and one involving religious freedom (Espinoza v. Montana), as well as related issues of activist judges and precedent in similar cases.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation
1776 (musical)
John Adams: A Life, by John Ferling
John Adams (two volumes), by Page Smith

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation
Floor is Lava (Netflix)
Home Before Dark, by Riley Sager

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Mike & Jay start off by discussing the House and Senate versions of legislation intended to address systemic problems with policing in the United States. They agree that neither side has much reason to compromise in the run-up to the 2020 elections, but they feel that there’s actually a good amount of ground on which a compromise could be possible.

After that, they take up the firing of US Attorney Geoffrey Berman. Mike argues that the whole thing was handled incompetently, and Jay feels that it’s yet another example of the GOP not being all that adept at “inside baseball”.

Then it’s a look at the DC Circuit’s 2-1 ruling ordering that the charges against Michael Flynn be dismissed. Mike argues that this is extreme judicial activism, and Jay doesn’t disagree, though he sees it as less extreme than Mike does. In the end though, Jay believes that the majority make the right call in a tough case, whereas Mike thinks it’s a clearly wrong decision that should be reversed by the DC Circuit as a whole.

Next is President Trump’s immigration order which further restricts entry to various classes of immigrants. The administration argues that this is necessary to protect US workers during the economic crisis stemming from COVID-19, but neither Jay nor Mike buys this argument.

Finally, Mike & Jay discuss the significant increase in coronavirus cases as well as the increase in the percentage of positive tests. They both feel that President Trump could show better leadership on the mask issue, but Jay is generally opposed to mandatory mask orders, feeling that societal pressure to wear masks is likely to be more effective.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation
The Goldman Sans font

Jay’s Weekly Recommendation
The Revolution Comforts the Comfortable. Kevin Williamson

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On today’s show, Trey and Ken discuss Bostock v. Clayton County and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The discussion leads them to discuss the implications of various methods the court uses, or ought to use, in interpreting law.

Trey and Ken also talk DACA and the downfall of the Trump administration’s use of illegality to try to end DACA. The two speculate as to why this was the method used and what it means for Dreamers in the future.

Finally Trey and Ken discuss Bolton’s upcoming book The Room Where it Happened. The pair touch on both the civil litigation from the Justice Department to attempt to stop publication and the content details leaked thus far, including whether Bolton should have been willing to testify during the impeachment investigation or trial.

This Week’s Recommendations
Trey suggests you check out Political instability by Peter Turchin. See the full article here.

Ken recommends you watch Inspector Lewis.

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On today’s show, Mike and Kristin begin by discussing several developments in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, including some of the legislation put forth or discussed by Republicans and Democrats recently, aimed at eliminating police violence. They also bring up the issue of police culture, as well as the argument for reforming and changing police culture – as opposed to defunding the police.

Mike and Kristin also touch on some of the big problems that occurred on Tuesday, June 9th, as primary voters in five states went to the polls. Issues with voting machines, understaffing, and lack of training in Georgia, as well as COVID-19 issues, could play significant roles in the upcoming November elections.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation
– a lacrosse ball
– The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, Clair & Amber Davies

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation
– Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann

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Mike & Jay start off the show with an extended discussion of the nationwide protest that continue in the wake of the death of George Floyd. They start with policy, finding a surprising amount of agreement on things that can be done on the national, state, and local levels to improve policing. Then it’s a look at President Trump’s response to the violence that accompanied many protests, and presidential detractors like former Trump Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Next they discuss the shockingly good jobs report. While it’s not the unalloyed wonderful news President Trump portrayed it as on Twitter, it’s undeniably a good thing. Mike and Jay discuss if the good jobs news is likely to continue and what it means for future coronavirus stimulus measures.

The show closes with a look at former Deputy Attorney general Rod Rosenstein’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Mike and Jay agree that Rosenstein’s comments demonstrate that the intelligence and federal law enforcement system is in need of major change. Jay wonders whether Rosenstein was being willfully ignorant of what his subordinates were up to, a theory Mike feels makes a lot of sense, given the ramifications of such an unprecedented investigation.

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This week Trey is joined by Ken and the pair begin the show discussing the evolving situation over the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. This includes discussion of the protests, the recent charges of third degree murder, and the long-term ramifications for the African American community.

Next the Trey & Ken discuss President Trump’s executive order on Preventing Online Censorship. Ken thinks there is no real substantive meaning to it, rather it is simply bluster. Trey wonders if the order is designed to allow a civil suit against Twitter by President Trump.

This Week’s Recommendations
Trey suggests you check out Desert Solitaire” A Season in the Wilderness

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