How Political Protests Happen

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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

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Abrego Garcia, Trump v Harvard, Iran Nuclear Talks

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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.

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Modern Political Campaigns

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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

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Tariffs, Trump and Fossil Fuels

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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.

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American “Liberation” Day, Laura Loomer, Cory Booker, Special Elections

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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.

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99% Perspiration: Adam Chandler on Americans and Work

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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

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Signalgate, Tariffs, Election EO, Greenland

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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.

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Dismantling Ed, Democratic Drift, Trump vs. the Judiciary

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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.

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Talking Trump and DOGE with the ACLU

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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

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Budget, Ukraine Ceasefire, Mahmoud Khalil, Resisting Trump

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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.

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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.