In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael examine political behavior through coalition dynamics rather than broad public opinion, using Fenno’s framework of multiple constituencies to show why smaller, more engaged groups—especially base voters, donors, and close advisors—often exert disproportionate influence. The discussion explores how electoral incentives like primaries, safe seats, turnout differences, and…

Mike and Jay open with the Iran conflict, debating whether the U.S.-Israel war achieved meaningful strategic gains or left America in a weaker position. Mike argues the ceasefire looks like a premature declaration of victory that strengthened Iran’s leverage, while Jay contends degrading Iran’s military and leadership are meaningful steps toward long-term goals like regime…

In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and they conclude their exploration of the classic political ideologies with a deep dive into Fascism. On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss: Fascism’s rejection of reason and its rejection of Enlightenment rationality. The centrality of violence and struggle as an enduring premise of…

On this Good Friday edition of the Politics Guys, Trey is joined by Justin, and the duo dives into a chaotic week of personnel changes at the Justice Department and Pentagon, significant Supreme Court rulings, and the President’s personal appearance at the high court. First, the guys open with the sudden firing of Attorney General…

Trey and Ken transition from the writings of John Jay to Alexander Hamilton in this week’s midweek Federalist Papers show. Topics discussed include: Hamilton’s deeply pessimistic view of human conduct and his response to the idea that democracies or commercial republics are inherently peaceful.  A deep dive into the four specific triggers Hamilton believed would…

On this week’s show, Trey and Ken discuss why the Senate funded the TSA while excluding ICE, along with the legality of President Trump’s plan to pay workers using a slush fund from last year’s tax bill.  Next, they move to Iran’s rejection of the U.S.’s 15-point peace plan and the administration’s controversial preventative self-defense…

In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael discuss the first New Rule of Politics (which is also an old rule of politics): follow the money. Mike contends that money is the most visible and measurable driver of political incentives, arguing that while it rarely buys votes outright, it is essential for viability and…

Mike and Russ open with a discussion of the ongoing U.S.–Israel war with Iran, focusing on rising costs, limited military capacity, and unclear strategic objectives. Mike frames the conflict as a mix of presidential preference for displays of strength and structural constraints, while Russ argues the war exposes a disconnect between public opinion and foreign…

Trey and Ken unlock John Jay’s Federalist Papers’ No 2 – 5.  In this episode, the pair examine how Jay envisioned a unified nation’s path to peace, strength, and global influence. Topics include Jay’s Hobbesian vision and perspective of a war where decentralized American states invite chaos, while a united America deters foreign aggressors from…

In this episode, Trey and Ken delve into Iran’s leadership transition and the strategic impact of recent U.S. and Israeli military actions. They explore the internal dynamics of Iran’s regime and the role of Jared Kushner’s shadow diplomacy in escalating tensions, potentially sparking new conflicts with Cuba. The discussion shifts to domestic terrorism, examining links…